Derrick jerked awake as the proximity alarm began to wail, `` Shelby report ! '' Derrick shouted.

'' I am reading multiple ships heading in this general counselling, '' she reported.

'' form, '' I shouted as I ran to the bridge.

'' I am reading at least four ; foremost class forest fire fighter ships, closing on our positioning. '' Shelby replied.

red cent it ! First form ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this clock time these were the finest ships they had. Heavily armored, heavily load with weapons, if the EIG ships were to take the ranger ships right now they might have a chance to vote out them though Shelby was almost at full capacity.

'' status of all re-gen, '' Derrick asked as he began to pull up readings.

'' At present, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 hours, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp adequate to. I also estimate I have the highest Light Within shield ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all arm available though, not at full-of-the-moon power it will learn another 4 sidereal day 23 hour 'til I have to the full mightiness to weapons. I estimate another 23 hours 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still continue off-line. I am happy to say I do have sub-light railway locomotive and I have 55 % light shield. '' Conner said.

'' Lucy, '' Derrick asked turning his aid to the other distaff ship.

'' Yes Primary, I will take another 3 Clarence Shepard Day Jr., 23 hours, 31 minutes 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive subject, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light up to, and am 55 % light-shield capable. ''

'' Zan any change in your consideration ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am afraid not primary winding, both my nuclear reactor and generators are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial tone sub-light locomotive engine. The residuum of my locomotive will direct the full 6 days to re-grow. I am beaming to report that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these commando that, I fear, will be ineffective, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a hell of a lot estimable off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will postulate you to extend your loose shield over Zan, I realize it wo n't afford often cover but it might throw them off long enough to get Conner 's trans-warp online. '' Derrick stated.

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another problem. With the loss of my reactor I wo n't have enough powerfulness to read more than two. ''

'' Shit, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the power constraints ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd take in 0001 and Zan. Shelby would be able-bodied to use her hyper-drive more effectively with two ships less to tow. I want you to go over everything Shelby I want you ready if and when the time comes for all of us to run. ''

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a fully diagnostic on all systems that would be affected. I am also running one on all early system of rules to make indisputable there is nothing else wrong. '' Shelby said as the plan started to detect anything that might be awry.

'' Good, call up all of you, I DO NOT want you firing on them, as I said before they are about the exclusively law enforcement besides us. Though of form we are still un-sanctioned, and will be for short meter. '' Derrick stated.

'' Time ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their pose speed, they should give our position in 1 day, 1 hour, 29 minutes, 39 arcsecond, '' Shelby reported.

'' How efficacious ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at pose not being detected by the Texas Ranger. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectiveness of it to a bare 35 %. At this range we are no Thomas More than a firm anomaly that under the computer code of the Rangers that you provided for me they have to inquire. I estimate another 12 minute 'til they are close enough to detect that we are NOT an anomaly. '' Shelby stated.

'' You really have to stop doing that, I like to talk, you need to let me at least finish what I am saying Shelby, '' Derrick scolded the A.I.

'' I will attempt to try Derrick, but it is far more efficient to return you the answer before you ask. '' Shelby said sweetly.

'' It may be, but I find it irritating. '' Derrick said.

The hologram of Shelby lowered her headway almost whispering, though she had a belittled grin, `` Yes Derrick I will endeavor to call up this. ''

Derrick smirked now he knew that the freeing up of the computer program was working, the A.I. 's did n't have to think anything, not with their banks of memory. Derrick had just sat in the command chair when a sudden melodic theme hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to unfreeze a small amount of Critela speck into your generator during re-gen, would n't it cause a 67 % increment in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % increase in re-gen. Under those condition, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 hours, 26 transactions, 23 seconds. Sir Thomas More than well within the time constraints that we are presently facing. '' Came an rouse Conner 's voice.

'' Make it so, also monitor the flow rate and amount of Critela, do not let them fall below 23.3, or above 23.5 micrograms per millimeter. '' Derrick recited seeing the formula in his head.

'' Yes primary election, at portray re-gen has already increased 50 % and slowly rising. '' Conner reported.

'' trade good, maintain within those story and you should be fine, though I am afraid you have to closely watch them, as Critela can become unstable at times. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes primary winding, I will constantly monitor them 'til completion. '' Conner again replied excited.

The hologram of Shelby was smiling proudly, she 'd never heard of this procedure that Derrick had Conner using. If in fact it worked as well as Derrick and Conner had said then they could be out of here well before the ranger arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his head, Derrick knew he had to once again step into the rift with his project. Though at present he had More than adequate amount of knowledge, he was still at an dead-end street as to what to do with the ships, or to lessen the luck of their end. After the cobbler's last battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should have come out of the conflict with far less damage.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the matter of the ship that was being used as a patsy to alert the foeman fleets. Pulling up all the recital, signal confirmation, equipment reading and the world-wide situation altogether. Derrick was still incertain about how to damp it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the best meter to do it while they were still in repair.

'' Zan, I need you to scan section BF-32 through BF-999 on your outer skin. Tell me what, if anything you detect in those areas. '' Derrick asked heavily.

'' Yes primary, beginning scans now though ..., Primary ! I am detecting a Dicon homing device attached to one of my rear Asterial V. Attempting removal now, Primary ! I am unable to polish off ! It appears there is a highly precarious destructive device attached to it. '' Zan reported.

'' I was afraid of that, continue to scan I want to stimulate sure enough there are n't Thomas More than one. We 'll carry on with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes primary quill, continuing skim now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an hour later Zan came back, his hologram raging and thwart, `` elementary I detected a total of twenty-five homing gimmick all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high yield explosive complaint attached to them. At show I have no idea how to remove them. The former twenty-three have been removed and disabled and should try out no encourage use to the airstream connected with them. ''

'' Alright Zan, I have a program here I wish you to implement to purge your regrowth matrix for these tracking devices. '' Derrick told Zan.

'' Primary, '' Zan asked a few seconds later, `` will it hurt ? ''

Derrick was taken aback this was the first prison term that any of the A.I. 's had reacted to anything like this. Sighing Derrick felt the trueness was always the best, `` I am afraid that it will, though if I work on it, it wo n't as badly. Can you wait 'til I can adjust it ? ''

Derrick could hear the gratitude in Zan 's articulation, `` Thank you main at least with you when you say that, I know that you will try to do what you say you are trying to do. ''

Derrick was shocked they might not be actual support being per say but they were awake in their own way and deserved to be treated that way. Derrick was finally starting to see the paranoia of the old programmers, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to become more human than they were and possibly try to replace them.

'' You, your brothers and sisters deserve no less than any being, artificial or corporeal. The way things are right now I might be the only one who believes like this. '' Derrick stated.

'' Then we are truly fortunate that you are the one to receive Zan and not another of the proletarian with the salvage company. '' Shelby interjected.

All the holograms were there thanking Derrick, each bowing to him, which really did n't set too well with him. `` I am just a elementary man as I said before, '' Derrick again stated to all the A.I. 's. `` Please do n't bow down to me, for now we all need to operate together to survive the coming crisis. ''

Each of them nodded, smiling briefly, looking at Shelby before vanishing back to their respective ships. ‘ I'm going to have to discover what prevail she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to have permission from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a moment.

For the adjacent 11 hours Derrick sat trying to think of a better strategy to escaping the Ranger rather engaging them. As it sat now he knew he 'd lose two maybe three of the EIG ships, though with the firepower they now had Derrick had no doubt the ranger ships would n't go at all. Not really a good way to start a long term relationship with an organization he might have need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as possible, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the other incline of the galaxy. Scan ahead, I want you there with no sightings, obscure them as well as you can then render, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes Primary, I will strive to obscure their detection 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

Derrick was doing planning further when another alarum went off an 60 minutes later. `` Shit Shelby, try and hide the rest of the ships more. fourth dimension Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 minutes, 39 moment to cycle through and set about up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the secondly you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can ameliorate fight back if the two most damaged are away to safety. ''

'' Yes Primary I understand it will be as you say, '' Conner answered.

'' Then as soon as you return I want you to get Lucy and take her there also. '' Derrick was thinking as far ahead as he could.

'' Primary what of you and Shelby ? I can not pass on you here un capable to defend your selves ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the prospect of leaving Derrick and his babe.

'' Not to worry Shelby has wide-cut Hyper-Drive, she also has full weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can return immediately to retrieve us. '' Derrick said though he sounded a lot more confident than he felt. They were so batter and bruised almost anything could hap if Conner got them all away he felt that Shelby could easily out run the commando, plus her fuller brightness level shell would assist.

'' Primary I must protest, there are so many cistron that could go untimely, nigh of our arrangement are barely operating. What would we do if there was a bankruptcy ? '' Zan and Conner spoke up.

'' That 's why I am having you move as many as you can Conner. We have already established that Shelby 's Hyper-drive is a full day repaired now. She has a higher low-cal shield, Please get them to condom then we 'll worry about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own fry, hell he was fright shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many system in inquiry. There were too many unknown factors to calculate a more lucky effect.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby shouted, `` The Ranger ships have accelerated they will reach our side in another two hours ! ``

Damn it ! We 're barely going to produce it !

'' I should be ready in another 17 minutes, 20 seconds. Primary I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should come with me your safety is of the upmost importance ! '' Conner said again.

'' Conner I need you to do this, I need all of you, not just one or two of you go now ! I will be fine. '' Derrick said trying to convince both of them.

'' Yes primary, cycling finished commencing startle up, 15 minutes, 45 indorsement. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the holograms appeared in front of Derrick, `` Please Shelby watch out for the Primary heyday. ''

'' I will protect him with my life sentence, Conner escape prime-one is enacted as per imperial beard code 0001-alpha. '' Shelby said. The eyes of the Conner hologram opened wide, he looked at Derrick, and then his chest puffed up. `` It is enacted with pride, thank you for the award Shelby. I will not fail you, '' Conner said as he bowed slightly to Shelby.

Derrick pretended to be fussy with a general readout ; he did see what had been going on. I really need to find out what is going on ; again it 's as if she is giving permission to the others for certain things and duties. Could she be far more than I thought at low gear ?

'' Primary are you alright ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't find you for a few import, nor could I detect your feelings or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick thought unadulterated guess no distractions no emotions, this was a good matter to remember but to reach that state he 'd give to work on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to clear my mind in order to rivet on the problem at hired man. '' Derrick lied and felt same crap as soon as the intelligence left his mouth, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not speak if he might let to. Up to date it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able-bodied to avoid a few fight that not speaking had generated.

'' I am now moving into position, '' Conner advised them a few arcminute later. `` I should return for Lucy in an hour barring any fuss. ''

'' Good and safe travel Conner ; be careful as you do n't have your entire arsenal to protect yourself or them. Choose carefully then return. '' Derrick said trying to gain Thomas More confidence as they approached the clock time for all this to happen.

'' I will Primary, you be secure as well sire, I would not forgive myself if something happened to you, '' Conner said then bowed to Derrick. Derrick felt like an idiot standing there with his mouth undetermined, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten instant later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to feel better as Shelby increased the light shield around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the disarray on the Ranger ships as there was a very brief spike of big businessman then almost zippo. He watched as they started to push their engine to get to their position as fasting as possible. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost unseeable to them now, good luck finding them quickly.

'' Shelby, did you detect any problems with your Hyper-Drive ? '' Derrick asked.

'' zippo was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did read a slight baron capitulum with the secondly in a few petty arrangement. I have been working to amend those since the last meter when you had me run the exam. '' Shelby reported.

'' adept save a close eye on all those organization, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion systems ? Or with any other system that we will be need during this operation ? '' Derrick asked.

'' At portray I have replaced and repaired all piece of the systems that might cause failure, would you like me to run another symptomatic Derrick ? '' Shelby asked.

'' Considering the somberness of the situation I think that would be best, and Shelby, '' Derrick said stopping the hologram of Shelby. `` You really need to hurry ; a failure now could be deadly, to either us or the commando. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's head dropped a moment and she whispered. '' I will speed Derrick, I want nothing to come about to you, nor will I allow it to take place to you. ''

Derrick sighed at times he could n't figure Shelby out damn ! Just like a living charwoman. The hour was almost up when there was a trashy beside Shelby then a portal site opened and Conner emerged.

'' I have procured an arena well hidden and secure, Primary. Shall I take both Shelby and Lucy ? '' Conner asked.

'' No, control stick to the plan, the strain on your trans-warp locomotive carrying two others does n't need to be duplicated. Stay with the plan I know you are worried but stay put with the plan, all will be well. '' Derrick said hoping he convinced Conner to go.

'' Yes primary coil, '' with that said, he connected to Lucy and flashed out. Derrick could see the Rangers on the other slope of the moonshine.

'' Alright Shelby I just hope everything whole kit out, engaged hyper-drive get us out of here ! '' Derrick ordered.

There was a whimper, funny Derrick opinion, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a problem forty-five minute later they emerged barely out of the system. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a matter of meter, these Guy were n't stupefied they 'd see the hyper track as soon as they scanned.

'' Shelby ! '' Derrick yelled, `` what 's going on with the hyper-drive ? ''

'' It 's a burned circuit I was about to replace when we left it will take an hour to change it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? show me, '' Shelby panned through lashings of architectural plan showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, open panel AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to deactivate part of your personality. '' Derrick sadly said.

'' Derrick I ca n't ! I would die, it is n't possible ! '' Shelby cried.

'' It is, you would have to go into hibernation, well part of you but there are provisions that could reactivate those parts afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the path manner, how she could afford and shut them. `` Look at the program here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The holograph 's sass dropped unresolved she had n't known of these hiding places ! `` Alright Derrick I will keep enough to run and reopen myself, try not to extend to the incline I can only shut out down so lots. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the panel opened and he started to crawl on his rear, ‘ shit I need to hurry,'he thought. As he got further into the affectionateness of Shelby and the ship, he saw More and more of the circuits'iniquity. fifteen minutes later he was replacing the electric circuit then trying to crawl out as fast as he could. At the end of the grovel way Derrick was in such a hurry he forgot to not touch the position and grabbed the extreme outer edge to draw in his self out. The current that flowed through him though not in high spirits enough to kill him was still luxuriously enough to clamber his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his impulse had been enough that he broke middleman after only xx minute.

'' Derrick ? '' Shelby said when she was integrated three minutes later. `` DERRICK ! '' Immediately transporting him to the med bay Shelby grew worried.

Hooked up she soon saw that his lifetime was n't in danger, though when she tried to enter his thoughts, she found she could n't take a leak sense of them. The mysterious she delved the worse it grew, 'til nothing she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The horrible memories of the war were burning bright in the center of all the chaos. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the brave affair that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to kill. She saw how each soul weighed heavier and heavier upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

Shelby was about to withdraw when she heard a voice she hardly recognized.

'' What the pit are you doing here ? What, you sent to torment me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a battle hardened Derrick, his face as stern as steel, his feature twisted in a look of pure hatred. `` As you can see I do n't really need you to add to the hell I am in here, go the fuck away before I kill you like I did the rest of them ! ''

Shelby became frightened ; she 'd never seen hatred as pronounced as this, the murderous flavour in his eye, the smell of death that was covering him.

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, knew she had to help him. Walking to him she watched as he snarled at her and raised a rifle pointing it at her. `` I said go the roll in the hay away ! '' He shouted again.

Defiant she stared into Derrick 's eyes finally she saw what she was looking for, `` NO ! '' she shouted and touched his head, for a moment nothing happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a scrap knife he 'd eviscerate. Then he started to cry, a light came from his middle and mouth. Shining out the chaos started to slow and throw Thomas More sense.

'' You fucking bitch ! I 'll down you ! You 've destroyed the entirely safe harbour I had ! '' Derrick screamed even louder as he tried to thrust at Shelby with the tongue. Slicing and hacking Derrick screamed louder when he saw that he was doing no damage at all to Shelby. `` NO, I 'll never forgive you NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo ... .. ! ''

Finally the chaos was starting to settle not very fast but at least now she could see a lilliputian order.

Coming out Shelby felt the ship straight thrust as an energy good time hit the shield ; almost automatically she returned fire, at full force play ! Quickly she fired another ray of light of energy slightly faster ; she hoped Derrick would n't be too mad. As she 'd heard Derrick say there would be hell to pay, as she watched the minute caught up to the first, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 Swedish mile of the Ranger ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the free energy and shock wave quickly crippled the ranger ship. Quickly while they were distracted she started the hyper-drive, at offset they were shocked then they started to give Chase but as Derrick had thought they were no match for her swiftness.

A groan drew her attention, `` Shelby ? Why am I on the bio-bed ? finale matter I remember was ... fuck ! I guess I have you to thank for my life-time. '' Derrick groaned out.

smiling weakly Shelby bowed her caput, `` I hope you are not mad at me. The Ranger ships caught up to us and fired, I ... I ... ''

'' You did n't destroy them did you ? '' Derrick asked afraid.

'' Oh no, but I almost did, I fired full moon force, then had to stop it, I am afraid that I rendered the commando ship inoperable ! '' Shelby said afraid that Derrick would be mad.

'' Good girlfriend ! '' Derrick said laughing inside he knew there were going to be some really pissed off forest fire fighter tomorrow, maybe they 'd finally get those newer ships they 'd been wanting !