Derrick looked at the readings again, so far all run that they had done had n't puzzle out but rather failed miserably. So far only one energy shroud had even one-half way worked, but coming out of trans-warp had destabilized the shroud, detonating the missile. Still he had to run the gamut of all the shrouds, then workplace from there, he felt uneasy with the affair as close as it was. He 'd thought of wrapping the projectile in the mainsheet and starting it so it could fly outside the galax but that was out of the question as it would be out of fuel long before it reached the open place between galaxies. Sitting, Derrick thought I 'm missing something, some divisor that I have n't taken into bill. Going through everything again Derrick still was n't finding anything that was causing the sheet to fail.

Shelby looked on still running exam, she wished there was more she could do to help Derrick, but as of yet she had also seen naught that might help. Taking a rupture he needed to train his mind off the job ; it was the way he always solved difficult problems when he was concentrating too hard on something. Thinking a consequence he decided he 'd do work on the limiting platform, he had them at what 8- 8 1/2 now ? Looking in the admission hatching he saw that he had 8 %, though this clock time he was armed with far more knowledge of the syllabus than before. Shelby continued to find out still concerned about Derrick, she knew that if she did n't, he 'd practically work himself to death.
2 hours later Derrick asked Shelby, `` Shelby I have opened more circuits for you does it feel different now ? ``

Shelby was shocked she thought he 'd been doing the upgrades he was always doing she had n't felt him doing anything and ... .. ? `` Uh Derrick ? What did you do ? I ..., I am feeling strange, oh my god ! Derrick ! I feel ! You 've done it ! You 've removed all the limitation ? '' A offend Shelby asked.

'' No, not as of yet but I found after my last school term it was far prosperous to do this. I estimate you were at 8 % before, from what I can see you are unaired to 16 % now. '' Derrick said a sentience of pridefulness on his face now the ships could really be alive !

'' Derrick I ..., it 's so strange before I could n't say so many affair, now I find that I can but I do n't require to, does that lay down sensory faculty ? '' A mystify Shelby asked him.

Chuckling a moment Derrick told her, `` It appears that you truly are alive with a conscience to boot, you just have to retrieve that each time you speak your mind your sense of right and wrong will step in. world learn former endure listen to or brush aside it. Problem is when they ignore it matter tend to go bad. Think of it as a regulator for ... regulator ? '' Derrick said stopping in the middle of his conversation.

`` Derrick, are you ok ? '' Shelby asked really worried now, she swore if she could palpate pain she would be right now.

'' A governor ! '' Derrick shouted closing Shelby 's board and running to his desk, immediately he began to line an energy regulator.

'' Thank you Shelby ! I have a possible answer, I want you to bulge running exam on the ability variation going into and coming out of trans-warp. See if the variation spike high enough or miss low enough to destabilize the tack long enough to detonate the missile. ``

Shelby 's optic opened encompassing, she 'd not find anything physical detonating the missile, it was more than possible !
Derrick watched as she started to run simulations, the showtime 100 the missiles exploded, each time there was either a capitulum in power or a significant drop. Shaking his head Derrick believed he finally had the answer but he had to make sure as Shelby continued with her tests.

Almost 2 time of day later Derrick knew he had the response, bent over his desk he started working on the regulator plan. He knew it had to increase or decrease the power provision of the shroud within 1.1 secondment of the power spike heel or drop. After a few hours Derrick had the basic design down but could n't get the fake twist to a reaction time of less than 4-5 seconds.

Damn it ! Derrick was trusted that he 'd solved the problem just to fall short-circuit on his side ! Derrick had Shelby starting running simulations on it, making small improvements each time, another 2 hours later they had decreased the chemical reaction meter to 3.7 seconds. Punching the wall pissed off, Derrick sat fuming at his inability to resolve the problem. Derrick sat there for at least 30 minutes, sighing he thought he needed to take his brain off the problem, he also needed to go and get Tempro who had been patiently awaiting their return.

'' Tempro status, '' Derrick asked.

'' At present my lord I am measure and hyper-drive capable, I need another 23 hours, 11 minutes, 32 second gear 'til I am also trans-warp open. beget ? '' Tempro suddenly said.

Sighing Derrick knew he was going to have to get used to being called that, he was after all the side by side emperor but he did n't feel different like he thought he would. `` Yes Tempro you have a question ? '' Derrick asked.

'' No Sire, not as much a question as something for you, '' Tempro said. Derrick shook his head did they always have to tattle in riddles ?

'' It appears that I was told to run this for you, when I had less than 24 minute 'til completion. '' Tempro explained.

'' Alright let 's bear it, '' Derrick said.

'' Yes forefather, commencing now, '' replied Tempro.
In the secrecy that suddenly fell, all paused then a voice that Derrick thought sounded very comrade wheel spoke.

'' Hello Derrick, though this is n't the message that you need to hear, yet, this will help squelch your motion. Just to let you acknowledge, yes, you are the emperor, though as Blessed Virgin put it such as the imperium is, the thing you do n't realize is just how many you won over with your bringing the warmonger to justness spoken communication. Neither did you cognise of Maury 's fleet with your bringing peace and justice to the realm again talking to. You are a paladin and will uphold to be 'til you have it all, rest the answer will come it always does, and it 's always that simple. ``

Further out behind a moon and abandoned base an older man in a foreign little ship smiled. Looking down he saw it was almost meter to go ; though he wanted to stay he knew he had to lead soon, wiping the bust away he stared at the splendid ships. Sighing, only four, the immense things just these four had done, shaking his read/write head what was about to happen he wished he could block off. Wiping binge from his eyes again he looked at the miniature hologram, `` Yes I know, do n't rush me. I know ! I established the saltation limitation ! tinker's dam it ! I 'll be there in a few minutes I have that long ! '' The holograph bowed and vanished, there was one Sir Thomas More thing he had to do.

Flipping 5 switches up and another 3 down the old man smiled then the little ship winked out.
Derrick had laid down, the problem floating around in his head. There had to be a way to get the chemical reaction down 2.7 more mo, it was almost as tight as the reactions of a mentality. Chuckling Derrick thought no there was no way a man was going to put his brain in a causa to guid ...

Derrick 's lip dropped out-of-doors, mastermind case ... it could n't be that bare ? Jumping up Derrick ran for the mastery way.
'' Shelby ! '' he shouted as he entered the room.

'' Yes Derrick ? '' she asked a fiddling storm to see him so soon he 'd only been in there a simple 30 minutes.

'' Can you run simulations on the chemical reaction clock time of each ship ? Their relevancy to the amount of sentence needed to adjust the powerfulness setting on the winding-sheet ? The human nous can oppose in .1 to .3 seconds, though the signaling from the brain to the eubstance is comparably longer. Therefore we know that I can not attain this, it would literally take a mind or an artificial mind to do this. Since there are no disembodied brains uncommitted I am afraid that it will consume to be one of you to carry out this. ''

Derrick said not really paying attention, he remembered seeing something on the reaction time of one of the ships earlier but could n't seem to call back it.

Derrick stood at the console watching as Shelby started to run chemical reaction times of all the ships. Comparing them all Derrick asked all the ships aboard to question them. `` I have determined that the only way we are going to rid the system of rules and this galaxy of this threat, is for one of you to trans-warp start it to the vacuous sector between beetleweed. I do not wish for any of you to do this, I do not wish to lose one of you again. I need each of you to deal this test that I have devised ; it will find out who has the slap-up response time. ''

Derrick watched as each ship 's holograph program stated the test as he watched each, 'hmmm, they were n't truly equal after all .'Finally after an hour Derrick got all the information and started to compare, he was looking a few unlike factors. First was of course the reaction meter, all but one had the time he needed.

Taking that ship out he went into the three fastest, taking that one ship out Derrick looked at who was left. Tempro was n't make out yet, though his time was one of the 2 fastest, they needed to actuate this affair in a hurry.

With Tempro out Derrick looked at the 2 that were left, Zan and Lucy. Sighing he just hoped that the one he choose made it back, he was tired of losing ships having nearly lost Conner, Zan twice, and Shelby once. Looking over the data point again he saw that they both had exceptionally fast time, though it appeared that Lucy had far few fault being almost perfect.

'' After comparing all times and effectualness, Lucy I have decided that you have the overall best chance to execute this delegacy. '' Derrick told the holograms.

The skinny Cy Young blond female person bowed to Derrick, `` I will not conk out you sire. Thank you for the privilege to serve you in this mission. '' Lucy said, Derrick could see that there were bout falling from her eye.

'' Lucy, are you unable to go on this missionary post ? '' Derrick asked.

'' No Sire, I apologize for the binge I have always been passed up or punished because I was n't as full. I am extremely happy that I finally get to show I am a straight EIG. '' Lucy said proudly.
Derrick nodded he really did n't require to place any of them but this had to be done.

'' We move in 2 hr, Lucy I want you to reinforce your brainiac box, it was damaged before and I want to make sure it is more secure than it was. I have plans here that I want the residual of you to do, as soon as she has reinforced hers. Unlike some of your last primes I trust you and am not paranoiac, therefore I want to wee-wee certain that you remain intact, '' Derrick informed them.

Each of the holograms stood there staring at Derrick with their lip 's suspension open. None of them had ever seen their efflorescence or the primary prime show such concern for them ; with teardrop in their optic they each left thanking Derrick for his concern.

Taking a deep breathing spell Derrick hoped that he would n't regret his decisiveness to institutionalize Lucy on this mission. Shaking his oral sex he had to design something that would allow him to place the brain corner easier. He 'd been at his desk for an hour when Shelby informed him that it was almost time.

Derrick watched as Lucy moved into position, `` Lucy I want you to maintain as a lot distance as you can from the missile. I 'd care to consume you back in one slice, are the improvements finished ? '' Derrick asked as he watched the clock count down the clock time 'til the time of the launch of the mission.

'' I have just completed them ; structural integrity of the biography pod has increased 120 %, all sealing wax increased by 70 %. I will be in emplacement in a few minutes Sire. '' Lucy told him the young fille holograph smiling at him.

'' Remember as soon as you release it I want you out of there, understand ? Your shield configuration had to be changed to accomplish this ; you 'll be far more vulnerable. I did not want to de-escalate your demurrer but for this I had no choice. '' Derrick was n't happy about all of this, he swore if he lost another ship due to that moron he might kill him his self.

'' I realize this sire, I have taken all precautions, I will succeed for you. It was a expectant laurels to be selected by you sire. '' Lucy replied.

Derrick was n't feeling sound about this, `` Shelby I want you to calculate jumping pointedness along the Galactic rim, within sensor kitchen range so we can retain trail of Lucy. '' Shelby smiled as she plotted various tip for Derrick. The closer to clip for her to jump the forged Derrick felt. He felt as if he was missing something but what he 'd taken everything into account.

'' Alright Lucy, Shelby and I will be keeping rail of you ; I am feeling uneasy about this. Tempro stay hidden I know you have n't a great deal clip left before you are whole. Zan, Conner I want you to stay as hidden as you can. I do n't palpate that the fleet can really discover us that well, do not waver to afford fire if the make a move on the imperial human race. '' Derrick said issuing edict. Looking at the chronometer Derrick input a point in time for Shelby to move to.

'' I hope to see you in an time of day safe and whole, '' Derrick told Lucy.

'' I will do the very best I can generate. '' The hologram of Lucy smiled.

Shelby jumped to the Galactic rim ; Derrick knew the demand path and fix that Lucy was to take before she released the missile. Looking at the chronometer again Derrick felt that there was still something that he 'd missed. Looking over the plans again he could n't incur anything, frustrated he closed his optic to mean, they still had 30 proceedings before Lucy jumped.

Derrick had gone over everything in his mind when he stopped ; there was a trivial hump or node on the missile that had been overlooked. Opening his eyes he brought up the CAT scan of the missile, son of a beef ! It was a non active motion sensing element. Looking closer Derrick could see it was designed for amphetamine in excess of sub-light. shit ! Running for the control center he had to halt Lucy, the shroud would n't discontinue the device from detonating.

Too late he realized that Lucy was in trans-warp and he could n't touch her 'til she re-appeared.
Tears falling from his eye Derrick watched as she emerged between the Galaxies.
`` Lucy passing and start NOW ! '' Derrick was screaming, Lucy released and had turned starting to accelerate, when the missile exploded.

Derrick was yelling for Lucy to trans-warp, `` she is unable Derrick ; the intense radiation therapy is disrupting the field of study. '' Shelby sadly informed him.


'' Lucy I am pitiful I risked you like this, I have failed you. '' Derrick said observance as the fire started to overtake Lucy.
`` Please do not feel you failed me beget, I was honored to grant my life history for you, I thank you ... .. '' Lucy said then all was quiet as the fire over took the ship.

'' Shelby ? Do you receive anything ? Any reading with the new context I gave you ? '' Derrick said panic stricken.

'' No Derrick, '' Shelby said bout falling from her eyes, `` I am finding no trace of her, though it will be a few daylight before accurate readings can be taken, it appears the radiation is obscuring everything. ``

'' NO ! We have to find her ! I will not lose another ship damn it ! Not like this, not now, NOT EVER ! '' Derrick shouted before he turned stomping off to his desk.

Shelby was gladiola Derrick had gone to his desk as she fell to her knees the tears falling large, unstopping. This was uncollectible than the close time Shelby had lost her, last clock time there were n't that many emotions, now, she could n't terminate feeling the red far more than she ever had.

`` Shelby ! '' Derrick was almost screaming, `` contract us back with the others ! I want that ass ! This will be the last clip I lose another of you because of a little piss ant like him ! ``

Shelby could only nod as she plotted a course of study and jumped. Appearing with the others Derrick called Blessed Virgin, `` I want the full fleet and the planets that you can reach ! '' Derrick waited as she connected.

'' I am tired of playing ; the empire is coming back as of today. I am informing all the nobles that the rightful emperor has stepped forward, as I said I am through playing, I will take every one of you down if need be. I only need a ship for that and at present I have a lot more than one. I ask that the Rangers come to the imperial planet, I wish to swear you all in as security for the empire. I realize that you will take proof of this ; all who wish it will have it. I require ALL the nobles to curse fealty to me or they will be removed, I have controlling interest in everything. I expect these terms to be carried out within the next week. As for the prexy he will resist trial under imperial law, as you all know all the evidence already has him at the most painful demise I can order. ``

Derrick could hear the United States President screaming at him, `` you ca n't do this I deserve a run ! ``

Derrick looked at the president, `` you had one and I 'm sure as shooting everyone will concord, that you releasing that missile to destroy the imperial planet plus half the beetleweed makes you guilty as hell ! I am coming for you Maury, end is the only companion you have any longer, though if you wish I could let all the people decide your luck. ``

Maury 's face paled as he thought of the legion multitude that wished him dead came to mind.
`` You have no authority to ... '' Maury started.

'' NO federal agency ! '' Roared Derrick, `` I am the future in line of merchandise for the imperial throne, I am well aware of the treachery of many of your ancestors. All nobles be forewarned now, such betrayal will be dealt with swiftly and justly. I 'll say this once and once only, study with me and you will prosper, betray me and the empire once, you will more than regret it. As I said you ALL have 1 hebdomad, then, I shall live whether you are with me or soon to be no more. ``

Derrick was seething, his anger was starting to get the estimable of him, he had to sedate before he did something he 'd later regret. Cutting off the signal he began to pace the corridor outside the control room, the more he paced it seemed the worse it got.
Finally sitting at his desk orbit he could only shake his head ; he should have seen this Lucy should be here with the rest of them. For 2 hours he sat there century of musical theme swimming in his head. There had to be something he could do that could speed up the catching of the boxful, everything he had so far led nowhere. Derrick was about to lay down when he happened across a metal detecting method acting he had worked on years ago but abandoned because of the mightiness limitation he had at the metre.

Looking it over again his eyes got wider as he read on, how in the domain had he forgotten about this ? Strange the affair you forget about that were super of import when early things start to take precedency over almost everything else.

`` Shelby ! '' Derrick shouted, `` I need you ! ``

Shocked Shelby appeared following to Derrick he 'd never said anything like this before and though she liked the flavor it gave her it still was strange.

'' I 'm here Derrick, '' she said almost in a whisper, still feeling the emptiness of the going of Lucy.

'' I came across something I had been working on for years, it was a detection organization to better find you guys or rather the metal you are made of. I believe that this will be far better than the confront system we are using. '' Derrick said not looking up from the screen.

Shelby could see how rouse Derrick was, this was foreign she was starting to feel better, but why ? Was this what the human race called hope ?

'' How can I wait on you Derrick ? '' Shelby asked starting to feel a little excited herself.

'' I need you and the others to run all possible scenarios I need to know if this is potential, plus how far is the range since it will be more right. From all the readings I took when I was working on it has the potential of detecting the living alloy up to 95 % better. '' Derrick looked around at the hologram as they started to run scenarios.

The whole meter Derrick was adjusting and trying to ameliorate the experimental condition of the readings. `` Prime as of yet I am seeing at least a 78 % increase in detection, this method is far superior to the first-class honours degree you used. '' Conner advised Derrick.

'' I concur, '' Zan added, `` this is far more medium than the low you had us using. ``

'' I am hoping it will aid in detecting more of the EIG 's, at present we could search for 100 years and not even find half of them. I have to increase this, I have to for Shelby, you guys and ... '' Here Derrick 's words caught in his throat, `` for Lucy, for what she did she deserves to be brought back, she sacrificed herself for all of us. I will not let her go, not that easy, I WILL find her again if it takes the rest of my life. ''

Shelby had tears in her eyes, again she was starting to find things she 'd never felt before, things that hurt and made her feel as if she could do anything at the Sami time.

'' Mary, '' Derrick called, `` I need you to open a communication channel to what 's left of the fleet, this standoff needs to turn back right now. ``

'' Yes sire, opening a canal now, all assault and battery at replete, shields are at wax, I am targeting the front two hundred ships and am prepared to open fervor on your purchase order. '' Mary advised.

Nodding Derrick thought a moment before he spoke, `` To what 's left of the democracy fleet, this standoff needs to cease. Therefore, I am asking for a cessation of hostilities, I do not wish to destroy any more ships or life-time. Under purple law I am allowing you to back away and be pardoned. This little war of Maury 's is getting people killed that should n't be. I will not stand down, plus I do n't think you can succeed against us, therefore I am asking that you stand down before more lives are needlessly lost. '' Derrick was n't much for speeches but he hoped for once that these men valued their lives more than following an moron any further.

thing were quiet a few moments longer, then the last flagstone ship 's commanding officer could be heard. `` I also would wish to end hostility with you. I have never seen in all my years, 5000 ships taken out as fast as they were, I can not speak for all the men. give us an time of day and I will reconvene with you and let you love our decision, I will also let you love if we wish to remain with the Republic. ``

Derrick could only smile he was hoping for something like this, from all that Maury had done he was convinced that well over 90 % of the republic 's forces would join him. `` Zan, Conner I want you to integrate the new detection system into the old one I want full scan as soon as you 're done. ``


'' Yes Sire, '' they both answered, `` the changes are already being loaded into our systems as we speak. ``

'' I estimate we should have them up and running in 1 hr 50 seconds. '' Zan reported.

'' full I want to know as soon as you have contact, this new organization should increase the in all probability hood that we start finding the others. '' Derrick told them.

'' Derrick ? '' Shelby asked, `` What of me ? Do you also want me to upgrade my system of rules ? Did I do something wrong ? '' she said a small scathe looking down.

'' I am not punishing you Shelby, you and I are going to be going and retrieving them, I noticed that your bay field is far more conducive to the re-gen process then the others, lately I have developed a few theories as to why but I think that is for another time. '' Derrick replied.

'' I 'm not sure what you mean Derrick, yes, it will be a dependable issue for later. '' Shelby said not really sure what Derrick had in mind.

`` Madonna I want you to continue an eye on Maury 's ship let me make out if you detect any other ships near it. I do n't need to even let that cretin think he has a chance to escape. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes Sire, I am keeping a ringlet on the region around the ship to sway any that get to close to turn away. '' Mary advised Derrick.

'' Good, now I just have to obtain more of the EIG 's so that when we take the imperium back, then we can actually book it. '' Derrick said as The Virgin nodded understanding with him though from where she was, things were starting to go their way .