Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the Rangers to back off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be capable to follow or trace them. In orbit around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up sprinkle ball ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so often to do ; he had to get the rest of the knowledge in the libraries. There was still the volatile charge attached to the stellar fin near Zan 's locomotive engine. There was still the inscrutable message that Tempro had, plus the enigma of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality creators, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many head and few if any answers.

Looking at the head set again for the fifth time in the last 30 minutes, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the head set, there are far too many query I need reply to. I want a full diagnostic on the system, Query, are all 7 polisher sufficient to bug and quell and funnel the information at a more tolerable rate ? Also, are the rush dampeners sufficient to keep electrocution to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the design checking the apparatus legion sentence.

'' Comparing the apparatus to that which you used last time, I am showing that all buffers are working at 99.5 %, all three guardianship dampeners are at 100 %, also the sum quick switch has been added, though I must warn you Derrick there are only certain times that you can use it. Only when you see a green light in the speed left hand quadrant is it safe to quick disconnect, any other sentence you will either endure severe mind damage, or instant end. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to make out this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the headland set over his ears. Again as it started it was n't bad then the info started to menstruate faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left he still had n't seen the light yet, upright to keep that pip in focus in shell. After what felt like an hour the information again started to reach upper. That 's when Derrick started to notice that something was wrong, he still had n't seen the light, or any first step. Derrick also noticed that the information was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's library. Son of a cunt ! Even this far into the future the traitors had found a way to try and kill him. Shelby was starting to get worried, Derrick had finished her program library a short time ago but for some reason the apparatus was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the data link Shelby only found an empty elbow room, following the link further she again found Derrick curled into a street corner. It was at that here and now she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a residual virus in one of the ships systems, a virus that could leave them all without Derrick. Remembering the disc from in the beginning Shelby had it in a receptacle within import. As the wild blue yonder healing stream of datum washed over them, Derrick finally uncurled looking up he saw that Shelby had again saved him. `` Thank you Shelby, where are we ? I do n't tell apart this, '' Derrick asked.

A man about 25-30 appeared, `` you are in my library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost half of it, my lord. '' The dead cropped light-haired hair, medium habitus man, with a still face said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am happy you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my biography for the second time no ..., third. My Almighty I was told that when you were here, to tell you, this is where you are supposed to be. You need to complete my platter, it will be painful especially the go part. I was told you have to support it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was unhinged, the pain had already started, shaking his head did that mean he was almost done with the extra Brobdingnagian library Tempro had ? Then almost all realise thought vanished as the endure few tens of one thousand of files washed through his brain. Falling to the ... terra firma ? He was n't sure what it was nor did he manage the imaginativeness and information he received made him find as if it all were actually happening to him. All the pain he saw, all the hurting he felt, Derrick sentiment was going to drink down him then just as suddenly it was gone. Standing up Derrick could see things a lot clearer now, looking at Shelby he walked up to her and held her close. Though highly surprised Shelby groaned and leaned into him, finally she could touch him even if it was only in his nous it was heavenly. `` I promise you Shelby, I will do all I can to recover your tike, and possibly another of Mary 's. '' Derrick told her.

Shelby gasp, `` You know ? How ? There was never anything in the records about that ; I do n't ..., '' Derrick kissed Shelby effectively shutting her up eliciting another groan.

'' I have to leave here soon, Shelby I find that I have touch for you, I never thought I 'd find what I am, not after what the war destroyed in me, thank you. '' Derrick whispered.

Derrick pulled the head set off his straits, there was a lot to do but fortify with what he had now, it would be a lot easier. Looking at Shelby 's holograph he smiled actually causing her to redden ! Suddenly Derrick took over control tuning in the palace. `` Virgin Mary, secondary winding emergency brake codification enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Mary answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, da Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All battery charged and set up, democracy capital targeted awaiting rules of order. ''

'' Good celebrate a lock we may birth pauperism of a presentment soon, I want no Ranger ships destroyed, nor commando personnel injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my lord ; I will await orders to destroy what you will. Madonna answered.

In the Republic presidential castle, the defile president was soaking. ‘ What a day,'he thought, ‘ the 10 he 'd sent for execution had needed excess evidence to get rid of ’. Sighing he knew he was going to have up the ante on the council possibly get rid of them, though that would be messy and expensive.

The hollow sound of running footsteps drew his attention to the room access, `` President Maury ! President Maury ! '' His assistant was screaming sounding like a scared little lady friend. Sighing the president stepped out of the immense sauna/bath naked and waited as the little man threw the threshold open. `` President M ...., oh my ! '' the supporter said eyeing the prexy 's defenseless body, what he would n't dedicate to guide ..., shaking his head teacher he spoke up. `` Chief Executive Maury ! We have an active scan from the old conglomerate palace, sir it has trained every artillery on the empire humankind upon this building ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The erratic shields will make care of that. '' The chairman said waving the little man away.

'' I 'm sorry sir but, '' the little man was shaking.

'' But what ? ! We have far more king than the old empire ever did. '' Maury said not really worried he 'd spent a fortune getting the best, zippo could get to him now.

'' All the science military officer say that the shell are nothing, the conglomerate palace alone possess 100 clock time more world power than commonwealth uppercase human beings does. If they fire sir, '' here the little man shook not sure if it was the nakedness of the prexy or the reverence he was feeling. `` They could put down the stallion planet ! ''

The president 's fount blanched, `` call the entire fleet, and have them commence bombardment of the ancient empire planet ! Destroy it before it can destruct us ! '' The assistant bowed low looking lovingly at the president 's body then left.

Madonna was monitoring every communication out of the commonwealth man, when she saw the parliamentary procedure she smiled. Finally the pitiful apology for a ruling year would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequent they truly were. As per the endorse emergency computer code Mary started to target not only the Republic world but every ship of theirs within 2 light old age. Derrick was receiving updates constantly, Shelby was impressed that Derrick was adapting as fast as he was. Sighing Derrick knew that there was a John R. Major confrontation coming and soon it would be better if he found more ships but at give he had to look for Tempro and the substance before he moved on it. For some foreign understanding Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to get word the message before he did anything else. In orbit on the far side of Darius 3, an old man flipped 3 switching and smiled, almost time to be a Hero boy. Shaking his principal he caressed the retentive scar on his leg, activating another set of switches a toy holograph appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the little ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a start Shelby said. `` I just discovered a program buried extremely deep within my platter. I 've never seen it before, yet records show that it has been there since I was built. ''

'' Is it a danger to you or the others ? '' Derrick asked.

'' No, it appears to be specifically to demilitarize almost all destructive programs and devices. '' A appall sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the Inferno was going on ? He was never this lucky or fortunate ; nothing EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the program over it was almost the Saame as the one he 'd been working on for weeks. `` Zan, I think we have the syllabus quick to remove the burster from you. Are you set up to try ? ''

Zan 's holograph appeared bowing low, `` for you my lord I 'd carry it and take a chance demolition, though my lord I believe I have detected another problem. ''

What the netherworld now ? Derrick thought then shook his pass he knew something would go wrong it always did. `` Explain Zan. ''

'' It appears that the twist is now a section of the fin, it will have to be removed and I am afraid none of us have the power or equipment to do this. '' Zan said.

'' I see, '' stated Derrick, `` I need to get up, and then I 'll advise all of you what I want you to do. ''

Shelby and the others started to protest when Derrick looked at all of them, `` Executive fiat, Omega-Omega-1 I will take care of this. ''

All the hologram froze they had n't heard an order this dangerous in almost 1000 geezerhood, bowing they all sadly stated, `` Yes my Jehovah we hear and obey. '' Shelby started to protest though she 'd heard the order.

'' No Shelby, I HAVE to do this ; if I do n't then I do n't merit to wear the crown of the Saturnia pavonia. '' Derrick whispered.

Tears were starting to decrease freely from Shelby 's eye, `` no Derrick please, there has to be another way, there has to be ! ''

'' I 've considered everything there is no other way, if I do n't remove it we are all in danger, even as you risk your life for me will I chance mine for you, I told you I have feelings for you, feelings that died from all the killing, from everything they made me do. I owe you a debt I can truly never even get to refund, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said bushed serious, this in itself shocked Shelby.

Derrick began to pack several spell of equipment from his ship, and then went over version from Zan 's effectuate plane section. Hmmm so the gimmick packed an explosive force of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, mightily enough to punch a substantial hole in the side of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand geographical mile, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could amplify the blast. It appeared that the further from Zan it was the weaker it was, a secure thing to remember. Finally make an 60 minutes later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The young man, still in overalls appeared as soon as Derrick began to travel to the air lock secretive to the astral fin.

'' Though we are under the administrator purchase order I still must protest, my lord, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would mean disgrace for all of us, we would no longer be able to function. ''

'' I know that Zan, but you are, all the ships are as important to me as I am to you. I have to do this or I wo n't feel I am near suitable to run you and the others. '' Derrick stated.

Zan 's fount began to designate the superbia he felt for Derrick, as far as he was concerned Derrick WAS the emperor. `` I will do all I can to protect you my Maker, up to and including giving my existence. ``

'' With the science I possess I am hoping nothing like that will be necessary, when I have removed the device, I want you on the other slope of the others. The further away the better, it appears the device is triggered to amplify the blast the closer to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

Bowing his head Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my master. '' Exiting the ship Derrick looked around at the side of the ship, the cutis was odd but this close up he could see it was well armour. Slowly he made his way up the side of Zan, already as far back as he could go it was still a bit of a walk of life to get to the fin.

'' Shelby, Zan monitor the twist let me know if there are any alteration. '' Derrick said when he was half way to it.

3/4 of the way there he suddenly got a shout, `` Derrick I am reading a cold-shoulder change in the charge it appears to being enabling itself to arm. '' Zan advised.

'' Alright Zan, I want you to load the syllabus, after its run completely, notify me. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Derrick there is a small care pusher on that courtship, delight remember that is only a class 2 case, it wo n't offer as a good deal protection as a class one if the gimmick explodes. You also have a temp shell trade good for approximately 60 seconds please use it if necessary. '' Shelby advised.

'' Thank you Shelby I 'll try and recollect that, '' Derrick replied.

'' computer programme concluded Derrick, '' Zan told him.

'' Ok, advancing. '' Derrick said as he began to sputter toward the fin faster. Drawing a strange cutting torch from his clique Derrick began to cut at the fin, thankfully it was specifically designed to cut the living metal. Finally loose Derrick pulled the device about a meter and a one-half long loose, Derrick firmly grasped it then pushed off, turning he watched Zan jump away, the wake of the trans-warp propelling him away faster.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby 's howler broke into his intellection, `` the device is starting to arm itself ! Use the thruster pack ! '' Derrick started the face pack, slowed, and then started to go in the opposite direction. Son of a kick he thought, this will facilitate but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic explosion, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up keen ! He knew there was n't much time so clicking the carapace on he waited a few s, he could palpate himself accelerating, plus the heat was n't too great either but at least it was starting to decrease. Trying to go on his eyes open he thought he saw the outline of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and sharp intuitive feeling a tearing down his leg through the wooing, then the deuced iniquity took him as the annoyance and frigidity began to sneak in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp Wake had pushed Derrick away at an accelerated amphetamine. Shelby was monitoring the whole time ; suddenly she got a signaling that the twist had armed itself ! Warning Derrick, she watched helpless as he turned, slowed, and then started to move away from the twist. Unfortunately he had used percentage of the fuel deceleration and reversing direction. Finally he was starting to put a little distance between it and him but she feared it would n't be enough. Then the device exploded, desperately she tried to tell Derrick to activate the cuticle, when he did she still could n't relax as she saw that the heat had risen and the shield was barely keeping it at bay. Counting she was afraid Derrick was going to die if she did n't do something. Jumping in she was in strawman of Derrick when the blast pushed Derrick right into one of several of her stellar quintet that the flack had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shields to allow Derrick to pass through. Screaming she watched as the broken fin ripped a gash down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to pass over to the others but with her fins damaged, she could only finagle a few grand miles. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burns and radiation, plus the slice in his leg sealed before he bled to demise.

The other ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost tears wreck blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the holograph, `` standing Holy Order, protect each other, avoid the Ranger at all costs, remember all I have shown you and secern you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming darkness.

Mary was suddenly there, `` SHELBY ! '' Mary yelled, `` Put these in him, NOW ! '' As soon as the ampule appeared a mechanical arm took it and injected it into Derrick 's arm. `` He will be alright now Shelby. '' Looking down Mary smiled, `` I have to go it appears I will soon have visitors. ''

Shelby looked at Mary strangely, visitors ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Virgin Mary smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to smash through her shield for over 200 years. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half power Mary aimed at the first ship, sacking, she took out the full engine, then the 2d ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 Roman mile from the planet. `` Under imperial beard executive orders, I have been tasked with the protective cover of the imperial planet. Any further encroachment by hostile violence with be met with deucedly force. I do not recognize you or your Republic anymore and call for the remotion of the president, grounds will survey. '' Madonna said sweetly. The broadcast was being heard all over the galax and throughout the Republic.

The chairwoman linked to the ships near those that were disabled shouted out, `` Under who 's authority do you realise these claims ? ''

The hologram of Mary appeared on all the ships and on every humanity that was listening, but to the highest degree importantly the Republic cap. Looking directly at the chairperson she stated, `` The hereafter emperor of the region, and he is FAR more than displeased with you, there is a special penalty he has for you when you are found guilty. I am quite sure you have heard of the purple dermal shredders ? ''

Broadcast to well over a yard mankind many were beaming to see the president as he started to make his drawers. As soon as the holograph disappeared, the United States President started to bark orders. He needed every piece of heavy armament and weapon he had to assail the imperial planet. That was 'til 4 well placed vim fire pierced the buckler as if they were n't there and 4 massive blowup sounded, hiding his head he did n't even need to look to get laid that all 4 of the armories were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet spotlight on the floor was growing.

For 2 Day Derrick 's body was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his body ever could have. Unfortunately they were unable to heal the huge scar that was now a part of his leg. At the end of the second day Derrick 's eyes opened, `` position composition, '' he croaked out before sipping the water offered.

'' The broadcast has removed all trace of the twist within my re-gen matrix, '' Zan stated.

'' At present I am in re-gen several of my artillery, astral fins, and one engine, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to save you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see binge falling from her eyes.

'' If you saved me than why are you upset ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I feel that I should have gone in different. Your injury is the resultant of grave hurt caused from you being ripped along my recrudesce astral templet. I have failed you many multiplication Derrick, I am surprised that you wish to stay on me. '' This brought more renewed bust from her.

'' Alright Shelby I 've got a few questions for you, I want you to suppose then serve them, alright ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only nodded between now subdued binge.

'' Had you not come for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her drumhead no. `` The way that you had to come in to bar me, was there any former position that you could have taken that would have allowed you to jump off out with less damage ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every placement, every centering that she could experience come in from, every perspective that she could have been in to catch him. Derrick watched her human face ; he knew that she 'd see it in a moment. When her face lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute intimately that you could I know that, therefore I do n't find fault you. Rather I praise you for your precise and straightaway activity. Shelby without you none of this would have been possible. ''

Shelby 's face lit up, `` thank you Derrick I again pledge myself to you I will do all I
can to protect you. ``

'' As do we all, '' Zan said, turning he saw that all the holograms were there. They all bowed each pledging their existence to him.

Madonna appeared a moment later, `` executive director order is being carried out, all planets of the imperium have been informed. The president lost ascendence of his bodily fluids when I informed him that the emperor was returning. I am releasing all the information on all his atrociousness and those with him to the council, well those that are still confide worthy. All large arms and armament have been destroyed on the democracy abode major planet. I have a fleet now within 50,000 miles of the imperial planet ; they are at introduce removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very good Mary, stay under executive director lodge 'til far card, also arm all automaton sentry, I have a tactual sensation they are going to try and take the residue of the planet. Have all the people 's individuality on the major planet downloaded into their memories, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Mary smiled, reaching out she activated all the sentries, loading each as Derrick said with the indistinguishability of all the citizenry on the planet. Finally his forte still not yet full he lay back down and kip. For the next 2 days Derrick drifted in and out of awareness taking paper and issuing orders, though the one matter he especially wanted to check on was the term of Tempro. The fact that there was still a message from still an alien person or somebody was still a major bur in his side. Finally able to sit up but still not released Derrick thought he was going to go bonkers waiting for the bio-bed to pull in him.

Sighing he looked at Shelby a few days later, `` Shelby how very much longer must I be subjected to being babied ? ''

'' The bio-bed has your body at 95 %, the nanomites are still working on your leg. I am afraid that it will annoy you the eternal rest of your spirit Derrick. '' Lowering her head she started, `` I am sorry that you will be reminded of this failure by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a human I 'd slap the taste sensation out of your mouth ! '' Shelby just looked at Derrick shocked. `` You did n't flunk me if anything I failed to protect you ; if I remember correct, an emperor moth does everything he can to protect all the citizens of his conglomerate. '' Here all the holograph had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the hologram, `` you are all citizens of this imperium, I have failed you therefore I beg your forgiveness. '' All the holograph 's lip were wide open ; the emperor was apologizing to them ? Who was this man, in all their ( a few only a few ) years they had never met a human as sort and giving to them as this one. All of the holograms had tears in their eyes each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Blessed Virgin, who had also been listening as she did now, had rip in her eyes. Finally she thought a true emperor of the people, sighing now she thought ; we just postulate to take the empire back .