0001 - Tempro

0003 - Conner- Dylan Thomas

0097 - Ace - Zimmel

0098 - Lucy

0101 - Shelby ( mother ship )

0125 - Lars

0200 - Ellen

0250 - Tendra

0301 - Rodrick

0403 - Johnathon

0667 - Marco

0778 - Jan

0798 - Celeste - Shelby ( human )

0805 - Toran

0808 - Radella

0908 - Tara - Mara

1000 - Sherry

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Ungrown - unnumbered

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

0100 - Derry ( father ship )

0667 - Marco - lost

0999 - Zan - still lost

Rescued from Tendraxians so far

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -

6 on Shelby

8 on Lucy

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Known and OR numbered

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -

0501 - Thaddeus

? ? ? ? - Lena

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Derrick watched as the concluding of the Delcron fleet was moved. He was about to hold Shelby move the ship when her human counterpart whispered to him.

Derrick turned, whispering back in disbelief, `` You 've got to be kidding me. Seriously ? ``

'' I 'm afraid so, she 's even will to pass through ‘ the immorality eye'as she puts it. It seems their whole race is geared toward conflict. Shelby said that her bio-readings are already starting to conk out, '' the deadly serious Empress stated.

He shook his heading, blowing out a intimation of defeat. He looked at the Empress, then Shelby.

A present moment later, he cleared his throat. `` I 'm meritless, admiral, '' he stated as Bee appeared next to Hartwell.

'' Why is she back here ? '' a shocked Hartwell asked.

'' Her scans appeared to indicate that her bio-readings were failing. Apparently, being with you on the ship is the only if thing that has stabilized her. '' Derrick told him.

A moan escaped his throat as he stared at the trembling Bee. `` How am I supposed to ... ''

'' Her altogether raced is geared toward struggle. Set her to a task. She just might storm you, '' Derrick told him.

Hartwell shook his head in skepticism. His sister was bad enough ; now this ?

Derrick smiled, seeing the exasperation on Hartwell 's face. It was about fourth dimension the man felt some of the thwarting that he did.

'' Now I know that, we 're going to have to have it out when this is finished, '' Hartwell growled.

'' Yeah, if I remember right the last fourth dimension, you hit the deck before I did. Get over it ! '' Derrick responded.

'' Ha ! As I saw in the replay of it, you were right on my dog. I think we need another go at it. Besides, I am having issues right now with you, '' Hartwell growled louder.

A rather tawdry Empress interjected, `` I am not about to ascertain the two of you act like short boy, trying to beat the crap out of each other again. I suggest that the both of you get over it ! ``

The Empress 's forceful voice caused the both of them to break, looking at her.

Derrick and Hartwell could only gaze at the Empress. Damn, Derrick thought, when in the hell had she become so forceful ?

The Empress put her hands on her hip joint, staring at them with even austere looks. Walking to Derrick, she poked him with her finger. `` Damn it, Derrick ! I 've barely gotten you back. Here you want to end up wound, away from me even longer in the med ward. '' Here she turned toward the icon of Hartwell, a slight smile on her lip. `` Johnathon, codification Epsilon, Mu, Psi, Rho, Epsilon, Sigma, Sigma, Chi, Omicron, Nu, Tau, Rho, Omicron, Lambda. Alpha, Omega–001a. Confirm ''

A shocked Johnathon bowed. `` computer code confirmed. I await your orders, Empress. ``

A startled Derrick started to say, `` Johnathon, belay those ... ''

'' I am no-count, forefather, I can not, that was an hand brake override that can not be superseded, '' a sad-looking Johnathon stated.

An even more start Derrick and Hartwell turned to gaze openmouthed at the Empress.

'' Now then, '' she said, a deadly serious smell on her font, `` when all this is over, then we will see about settling this. The both of you would do this rightfield now, something we do n't deliver time to do. Johnathon, if he makes any motion to engage in the activity that we both know that he would '' —here she stared directly at Hartwell— '' electrical shock him until he is unable to continue. ``

'' But ... '' Hartwell started.

The Empress turned to Derrick, then she slightly smiled. `` I may not be able-bodied to do this to you, YET. I am working on it. This way, we can get through all of this without the both of you injured. At least not by each other. ``

Derrick and Hartwell could only stare at each other, then an rackety gag came from behind Hartwell.

Hartwell whirled to stare at his sister. `` I am not finding this a blamed bit mirthful, '' he told her.

Derrick also turned when he heard laughter behind him. Trent Hartwell was as well laughing at his crony 's situation.

'' You always did appear to have a penchant for trouble. Plus, you always seemed to be in the middle of it. '' Trent River said as he started to laugh harder. Then Trent suddenly turned serious. `` I have been fighting, training, on the run for years. Do n't think that you can take me like you used to. ``

Hartwell stared hard at his brother. Seeing the battle-hardened flavor in his eyes, Hartwell nodded. `` I can see that you have been through a hell as bad if not high-risk than my own. '' Letting out a sigh of licking, he nodded to the Empress and Derrick. `` We should table this for a more peaceful fourth dimension. Then we can dumbfound the Hades out of each other, '' this last said almost in a whisper.

Derrick 's eyes were wide-eyed as he stared at Hartwell, then the Empress. `` I fully agree., With the current situation, that would be very wise. '' Nodding to the Empress, then Hartwell, he clicked off, heading to the bid chair. `` All ships, skipper, report card in. ``

Even as he received the reports, he heard the wind-up, then Shelby stopped. Derrick saw that they were a substantial aloofness from the others. Even as he watched, he saw the Delcron fleet relocation into a strange configuration.

Derrick was staring as he tried to figure exactly what the Delcrons were doing. Then it hit him : he saw most of the fleet off to one incline. A spacious smile crossed his rim, and he nodded his approving. Not exactly what he would do ; then again, he did only have fifteen ships.

'' The Virgin, I need an analysis of the Creagon formation, '' Derrick ordered Mary.

'' Yes, sire, '' came her response. `` analytic thinking complete. It appears they are advancing in columns. This is more than than effectively hiding their tot up numbers. I am also detecting three very bombastic spheres a big aloofness behind the columns. ``

'' Damn it ! I was afraid that the utmost time was n't a fluke. give notice all ships of this new threat. connect me to all police captain. '' A moment later, five holograph appeared. `` I do n't need anyone taking unnecessary risks. With this shaping, it 's extremely hard to get a read on them. If your ship gets damaged, I want you out of there immediately ! ``

All five nodded as their holograms winked out. Derrick could only observe as he saw the ships of the empire move into a defensive position.

'' I believe I see what they are trying to do. All ships concentrate fire on the four columns to this incline. Do not, I repeat, do not tolerate them to pop out separating, '' Derrick ordered as he saw ten columns start to advance upon them. He just hoped that destroying the four columns before them was enough.

Derrick took a deep breathing place, tensing up as the number 1 of the EIGs opened fire. As he suspected, the destruction of those in the figurehead started a cascade gist along the short letter of the column. Nodding, he watched as well over half of those derriere were obliterated by their own ships.

Within import, it appeared as if those behind were hesitating, then they started to trend off. Those that escaped the destruction tried to regroup, only to be blown away by the targeting systems of the EIGs.

emperor Kandra watched openmouthed at the sheer lulu of the destruction wrought by the other empire. It seemed that only a few moments passed, then there were four less lines of the enemy.

A thinly grinning crossed his mouth as he nodded. This would be a fantastic ally in the hereafter, if they got that far. His care then turned toward his own fleet. Barking out parliamentary procedure, he tried to have his ships to copy the other Empire 's strategy. At low gear, it seemed to work, though, as he was soon to find out, his fleet lacked quite a bit of the might that the other empire 's fleet had.

Kandra saw that his fleet had n't even got half of the ships in the six newspaper column. for sure enough, the Creagon fleet started to split off into several vee formations. These shaping then started to try to flank the Delcron fleet.

The determinate Holy Scripture was ‘ try.'Several of Derrick's ships appeared on the other face of the Delcron fleet.

Within moments, the Creagons started to rivet fervency on two of the EIG's.

'' Thomas, Ellen and Lars are taking saturated attack, '' Derrick called.

'' I 'm on it, sir. Damn it ! Lars, haul her ass out of there before you both are incapacitated ! Lucy, Tendra, lay down book binding fire. watch your flanks, there are more of them moving in, '' Seth Thomas stated. `` Got Ellen, though she 's a little shot up. ``

'' goodness, I want as many of you there to aid the Delcrons. Even as strong as they are, the Creagons still have the phone number. According to Mary, we 've only eliminated one-half of them. Good god ! '' A shocked Derrick stated. `` She 's reading almost two hundred fifty-thousand out there. That does n't admit the three area nor the ships with them. ``

'' WHAT ! ? '' a startled Thomas the doubting Apostle almost shouted. `` All senior pilot, all ships form up on Conner, no more playing with them. I want spread flaming ; take as many of these bastards as you can. If you are damaged, retirement to the Emperor and Shelby. ``

The adjacent several hours were filled with the bulk death of the Creagon fleet, as well as a large portion of the Delcrons, taking as many of the foe as they could.

Derrick could only shake his head at the massive area of bust up and destroy ships. What a shucks waste, he thought, then several alarms were going off. Shit, he thought, as he saw that the three spheres were starting to advance toward the battle.

Derrick was even more shocked when he received a infection. What the hell, he thought, then the ikon of what he could only describe as a praying mantis appeared.

'' SSSo the great android empire has emerged. We will not fail to crusssshh you. Your bodiessss will feed my larva for multiplication to come, '' the insect spokesperson stated.

'' Like hell ! '' Derrick shouted, his temper starting to spring up. `` Your fleet is defeated. You have nothing left. ``

A shrill jest that sounded between the lachrymation of newspaper publisher and a abrasion disturbance fired back at Derrick. `` Fleet ? They were nothing. Thessseee world sssspheresss hold our power, power that you have no promise to shoot down. You might have dessstroyed one, along with it'ssss queen, againsssst three ? gift up, we will kill all of you quickly. Then my larva can feasssst for many generationssss. ``

Derrick growled, then looked at the image of The Virgin. Nodding, a grin formed on Derrick 's face. `` I have a better idea. Why do n't you and your ship, plus all on it, just die ! '' Derrick could see several of the dirt ball behind the queen regnant becoming dying, then protrude yelling.

A few moments later, an intense beam raced past Shelby and the repose of the fleet. `` Where is thissss baron ... '' The Queen started as the picture began to stimulate, then was cut off as the sphere shuddered, then exploded.

'' I am afraid that it will lead some time for me to give notice another, sire. This took all the planetary generators to reach you, '' Mary 's hologram stated.

'' Thank you, Mary. I am hoping that this video display might deter the former two spheres from attacking. Though, knowing them from the go battle, this will attain them more nervous to attack, then retirement. '' Derrick said.

'' From the analysis I have done of them, now and before, I have to concord, sire, '' Madonna replied.

Derrick nodded as he read over the damage that his fleet had suffered. Five of the ships were out of the competitiveness, three of them without trans-warp.

Stepping to the spread floor of command, Derrick called all the ships and the Captains.

As soon as they appeared, Derrick started. `` It appears that even with the destruction of one of the spheres, they are still coming to finish the fight. We are without the support of the Imperial planet. ``

'' We still have ten ships in the fight, sir. That should be Thomas More than enough to kick their asses, '' Thomas stated.

Derrick nodded. `` It should. Though, as I remember, it took all five of you net time to have out one. You have twice that this clip. But do n't think they have n't tried to better since our lowest conflict, either. ``

'' Well, '' Thomas stated, `` I hope so, I want to see the new redoublers in action. We have n't really had a chance to try them out. I, for one, am excited to see just how much more right the ships are. A real chance to blow the hellhole out of ... ''

'' Enough, Seth Thomas. Do n't start going out on your own, you understand ? This is a team endeavor. Together, or not at all. We are far stiff together than we are apart, '' Derrick stated curtly to Thomas.

Norman Thomas stopped, blinking rapidly, with a storm flavour on his boldness. `` I am sorry, sir, I did n't mean to belittle the rest of the group. They have performed exceptionally so far. I am just uneasy to get out there and end this threat, as I am sure we all are. ``

Derrick stared at Thomas a moment, a look of almost incredulity on his face. `` Alright, let 's get this done. Watch your vertebral column and those of your comrades. '' All the ships and Captains bowed to him, then paused when Derrick held up a hand. Turning to Shelby, Derrick could only stir his head.

'' He was always a hothead. Great damn soldier, still a madcap. ``

'' I am surely with the monitor that you just gave him, he will do as you say, '' Shelby replied. This, of course, had Thomas blushing.

'' Oh, of that, I am for certain. I just hope it's far sooner than later. I do n't want to lose him or any of them, '' Derrick said.

'' Derrick, they are good at their jobs. They have experience against this enemy from the last struggle. We will die hard. After all, we do give birth the most advanced ships here, '' Shelby said, making all of the ships'and Captains'chests swell with pride.

A still worried Derrick looked at Shelby, then shook his head. `` I have seen extremely well-trained troop gloam to lesser flock and ships. What did them in was n't weapon nor men. It was the fact that they were vastly outmatched by master planning and implementation of those program. I intend to do the Saami as I always have, with superior planning. ``

Shelby 's face held shock a mo, then a proud smile took over her characteristic. `` I have to include your armed services mind puts mine to shame for the moment. '' This Shelby stated with a sly smile on her lips.

Derrick 's eyes narrowed as he looked closely at Shelby, then relaxed as he nodded. turn, he addressed all the ships and his captain. `` These spheres have chiliad of times the world power and implements of war. As you might commemorate, the last time we faced one, it took five ships to demolish it and almost one police chief. '' This last he stated while turning to look at Mara. `` Actually, almost two. '' This finis he directed toward Thomas.

Shelby turned toward all those present. `` I have done an in-depth analysis of the live on engagement with a sphere. They seem to deliver a type of dampening bailiwick when they are attacking. I believe this is why Captain Seth Thomas was n't aware that he was in close at hand danger. ``

Norman Thomas softly growled, then nodded his principal. `` I went in thinking I was unstoppable. ``

Shelby could only judder her caput, then continued. `` We are not going in funny any longer. You will have backup, or you do n't go ; do I make myself clearly ? '' When no one said anything, Shelby almost shouted, `` I said do I take in myself CLEAR ! You do not want to go against me nor the Emperor on this. Ask Derrick if you do n't believe me, '' Shelby said, turning to bore holes in Derrick with her eyes.

'' I suggest all of you listen to her. The alternative could be quite unspeakable, believe me, '' Derrick said with a tenuous shiver, remembering picking himself off the pack of cards the foremost meter they met. `` All of you keep your head on a swivel when engaging the foeman. The opposition wo n't consecrate you any one-fourth. Though it bothers me, I expect you to not, either. ``

All of them were nodding their heads in agreement when several dismay went off. `` I am detecting both field and their accompanying ships advancing, '' Shelby advised.

'' Good search. Do the conglomerate proud. show to these abhorrent dirt ball that man can dish up out the pain just as well as they can, '' Derrick said as he saluted all the ships and headwaiter who then winked out.

Kandra was proud of his people as they fought alongside the humanoid. They had lost almost half their ships, though nearly all the Creagons were gone.

He was looking over the meter reading when he growled, seeing the three world spheres that were holding station. The enemy almost out of sensor range of mountains, Kandra was about to order his ships forward. Suddenly a massive vim beam passed his and the humanoid'fleet, striking one of the spheres. The orbit shuddered, then exploded.

nictation his eyes, a little smile crossed his feature article as he saw that the sphere 's destruction was complete. That 's one less of them to breed Sir Thomas More, he thought. Now to get the others.

He had all the remaining ships form up on his. Unfortunately, this took thirty sentence whole. Kandra was about to rules of order his ships forward when he got a call from the mechanical man Emperor.

'' emperor Derrick, it has indeed been a delight to engagement with you. We are moving into situation to set about bombing on the remaining two spheres, '' Kandra stated.

'' I appreciate the help, emperor butterfly Kandra, though I think that we have adequate tycoon to lead both of them. I realize that you are also honor-bound to set on, though I say let us go first. Who knows, we might actually win. You have suffered enough loss, '' Derrick suggested.

Kandra thought a moment, then nodded. What right way to establish an ally than by saving them when they needed it. Hiding a grin, Kandra nodded.

'' We will stop regrouping, then unite the affray. It is a good day to defend. Win or die, it is a very ripe day ! '' With a nod, Kandra signed off, then started issuing rapid-fire orders.

Derrick turned toward the viewscreen as all ten ships got into position. He tensed up as he saw the combatant that were coming in before the spheres.

Derrick looked to the English, seeing Lars, Ellen, Tendra, Toran and Radella, Ellen and the last two without trans-warp. They were n't that inexperienced. Inferno, Derrick thought, they had done well against almost overmaster odds.

Derrick turned back, then watched as the first sphere came in, its munition firing almost continuously. All ten ships started to fire as soon as the sphere was in range.

The first sphere, its railway locomotive destroyed within instant, slowed to a halt. All ten ships almost as one then turned to open fire at the second rapidly advancing ship. This one, though, was somehow deflecting almost half of the beams, though those that got through were starting to rip the base to shreds.

'' Lowell Jackson Thomas ! Mara ! Get out of there. The first field is still active voice. '' They all heard the representative of Brown, then watched in horror as Marco flew between them and the kickoff damaged sphere. Marco was putting everything he had into his assault. Then he shuddered as he started to drift away.

Both Mara and St. Thomas started firing at the crippled sphere, then were shocked when brownness somehow turned Marco back. Opening up with the finis of his power, the sphere began to shake even more violently.

A very decrepit hologram of Robert Brown appeared on every ship. `` It was an honor to agitate with all of you. '' Brown coughed, then looked at Mara. `` You were the greatest ally I ever had. Thank you. ``

'' Shelby, get him out of there ! '' Derrick was shouting as he saw Marco starting time to pick up focal ratio. `` No, bedamn it ! He 's using the live of the ship's power for a self-annihilation run. Get him, Shelby ! ``

'' I ... I ca n't, Derrick. I ca n't get a positive lock, '' Shelby stated with tears in her eyes.

'' It 's ok, sir, '' Brown 's hologram stated. `` I am proud to do something worthwhile in my life, if only once. I gladly sacrifice myself for the empire. ``

With that, Brown 's hologram vanished. All of them could only learn as Marco hit the sphere with great speed. The resulting explosion ripped across the other crippled ship, blowing one-half of it away.

All the ships turned to what was left of the second sphere as they converged, firing on it till there was little left.

Anger groovy than anything he 'd ever felt before was tearing at St. Thomas 's meat. `` I need a status reputation, all ships. ``

moment later, an enraged Lowell Thomas reported to Derrick. `` to the highest degree of the ships have sustained nestling wrong. Both art object of dirt have been completely destroyed. I am not sure if I can do this much longer, sir. I do n't ...

Just then, a weak, staticky sound broke through. `` Sssso, once again, the humanoid Empire defeated ussss. It ssseemsss that you are not nooky weak behind we first thought. goodness. next battle, we will meet, then my sssuperior ssskills will ... ''

With his teeth clenched tight, Derrick almost hissed. `` The side by side meter ? There wo n't be a next time. That is four tabby that your airstream has lost, a life-threatening going. If we do meet again, we will annihilate you and your race. That is n't a menace but a hope. ``

Again, a sibilation, grating strait that Derrick could only put on was a laugh came from the com.

'' Sssso, a challenge. As for them, they were watery. I will produce better, ssstronger single that will not lossse to you, '' the voice returned.

'' If you get a chance, '' Derrick hissed as he cut the infection. `` Did you get a placement ? '' Derrick asked.

A mo later, Mary appeared. `` Yes, sire, they seem to be further into the next galaxy than the Delcrons. ``

Shocked a moment, Derrick thumbed the com. `` Emperor Kandra ? Do you take place to know the placement of the Creagon planet ? ``

Kandra 's vision appeared before Derrick. `` Yes, we do. We were surprised that they traveled this far. It is obvious that they were far more upset than we 1st thought. ``

'' I am thinking of launching an offensive against them. It 's about time we took the competitiveness to them. Should n't exact us too long to be ready. I just want permission to cross your quad to strive them, '' Derrick asked.

'' For this, we will throw no problem granting it. Though I am afraid we have business of our own that we need to finish up before we can part that, '' Kandra stated, a diminished smile on his features.

Derrick could only nod his head as he considered. The Delcrons had been nothing but patient and good. `` Yes, I suppose that we do. That is, if your girl still wishes, '' Derrick started.

An almost shrill female voice was suddenly heard. `` By the feline god, she Thomas More than indirect request it. I must have him or die trying. If you wish me to, I will gladly offer to bring him out of concealing. I will not be denied my mate ! ``

Shelby rolled her middle, then thought about it for a few mo. Leaning over, she whispered in Derrick 's ear, `` Though I do not like this, I guess we have no choice. I think, though, that I need to see their convention before this 'contest'starts. ``

Derrick nodded as he could only gaze at Shelby. Perhaps this one might be better suited for her hands. She had, after all, handled their marriage and him quite handily.

'' That might be an excellent estimate. '' Turning toward Kandra, Derrick asked for a copy of the rules governing the contest that Jimison and Difina of the Delcrons would have.

Moments later, a rather boneheaded rule book appeared beside Derrick. Looking at Shelby, Derrick said, `` Not your typical light reading, I see. ``

A smirk appeared on Shelby 's grimace as she turned to Derrick. `` You forget I read nearly as fast as you. So, a bit of unaccented reading, possibly. ``

Derrick turned back toward Kandra and Difina. `` I am afraid that at the current speed that we all can defend, it will take clip. ``

Kandra waved his hand. `` clip matters not that a great deal for now, though in a few workweek it will. I am afraid that Difina 's union rage will take grown to the point that we might have to restrain her. That, I am afraid, might toss off her. Therefore, I hope that it is n't for an widen clip. ``

Derrick 's eye grew wide as he stated, `` Nothing that long, though it will be at to the lowest degree four 24-hour interval. '' Kandra nodded as they bade each other unspoilt day.

Reaching out, Derrick again thumbed the com. `` Colonel Dempsy, I need you on the bridge as soon as possible. ``

'' I am on my way, forefather, '' came Dempsy 's voice. Derrick shook his head. Knowing Onai, she and the doctor that had come aboard would both accompany him .