Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the commando to back off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be able to keep an eye on or retrace them. In orbit around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up dust clump ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so a great deal to do ; he had to birth the quietus of the knowledge in the libraries. There was still the explosive charge attached to the astral fin near Zan 's railway locomotive. There was still the mysterious message that Tempro had, plus the mystery story of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality Maker, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many head and few if any resolution.

Looking at the head set again for the fifth time in the last 30 minutes, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the mind set, there are far too many questions I need resolution to. I want a full diagnostic on the arrangement, Query, are all 7 buffers sufficient to bug and quell and funnel the data at a more adequate charge per unit ? Also, are the armorial bearing moistener sufficient to prevent burning to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the design checking the apparatus numerous time.

'' Comparing the apparatus to that which you used finish time, I am showing that all buffers are working at 99.5 %, all three bursting charge dampeners are at 100 %, also the add up quick switch has been added, though I must warn you Derrick there are only sealed prison term that you can use it. Only when you see a fleeceable light source in the amphetamine left quarter-circle is it safe to quick gulf, any former clip you will either suffer severe mind damage, or instant death. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to complete this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the head set over his ears. Again as it started it was n't bad then the data started to run faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left he still had n't seen the easy yet, good to keep on that spot in focus in case. After what felt like an hour the entropy again started to gain amphetamine. That 's when Derrick started to acknowledge that something was wrong, he still had n't seen the light, or any opening. Derrick also noticed that the info was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's subroutine library. Son of a bitch ! Even this far into the future the double-crosser had found a way to try and vote down him. Shelby was starting to get worried, Derrick had finished her subroutine library a short metre ago but for some intellect the setup was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the link Shelby only found an hollow room, following the radio link further she again found Derrick curled into a corner. It was at that moment she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a balance virus in one of the ships organization, a virus that could leave them all without Derrick. Remembering the saucer from other Shelby had it in a receptacle within consequence. As the blueness healing stream of data 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 recognize this, '' Derrick asked.

A man about 25-30 appeared, `` you are in my subroutine library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost one-half of it, my Divine. '' The short cropped blonde pilus, medium build man, with a smooth face said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am beaming you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my life story for the second prison term no ..., third. My Godhead I was told that when you were here, to tell you, this is where you are supposed to be. You need to fill in my platter, it will be painful especially the shoemaker's last voice. I was told you have to endure it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was softheaded, the pain had already started, shaking his head did that mean he was almost done with the supererogatory vast library Tempro had ? Then almost all cleared thought vanished as the last few ten-spot of thousands of filing cabinet washed through his brain. Falling to the ... footing ? He was n't surely what it was nor did he care the visions and information he received made him finger as if it all were actually happening to him. All the pain he saw, all the pain he felt, Derrick thought was going to kill 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 unaired. Though highly surprised Shelby groaned and leaned into him, finally she could have-to doe with him even if it was only in his judgement it was heavenly. `` I promise you Shelby, I will do all I can to find your children, and possibly another of Mary 's. '' Derrick told her.

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

'' I have to allow for here soon, Shelby I find that I have opinion for you, I never thought I 'd feel what I am, not after what the war destroyed in me, give thanks you. '' Derrick whispered.

Derrick pulled the head set off his headspring, there was a lot to do but armed with what he had now, it would be a lot easier. Looking at Shelby 's holograph he smiled actually causing her to blush ! Suddenly Derrick took over mastery tuning in the castle. `` Mary, secondary hand brake code enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Mary answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All batteries charged and ready, republic capital targeted awaiting orders. ''

'' Good restrain a lock we may stimulate need of a demo soon, I want no ranger ships destroyed, nor fire warden personnel injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my noble ; I will await society to put down what you will. Mary answered.

In the Republic presidential palace, the corrupt chairman was soaking. ‘ What a day,'he thought, ‘ the 10 he 'd sent for execution had needed extra 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 mussy and expensive.

The empty sound of running footsteps drew his attention to the door, `` President Maury ! President Maury ! '' His supporter was screaming sounding like a scared little girl. Sighing the president stepped out of the vast sauna/bath naked and waited as the little man threw the doors open. `` President M ...., oh my ! '' the supporter said eyeing the chair 's bare body, what he would n't give to take ..., shaking his header he spoke up. `` President Maury ! We have an active scan from the old empire castle, sir it has trained every weapon on the conglomerate man upon this construction ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The worldwide shield will take aid of that. '' The president said waving the piddling man away.

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

'' But what ? ! We have far more might than the old empire ever did. '' Maury said not really concern he 'd spent a portion getting the best, nothing could get to him now.

'' All the science military officer say that the shell are nothing, the empire castle alone possess 100 times more power than democracy capital populace does. If they fire sir, '' here the little man shook not sure if it was the openness of the United States President or the fear he was feeling. `` They could destroy the entire planet ! ''

The president 's look blanched, `` call the entire fleet, and have them get down bombing of the ancient empire major planet ! Destroy it before it can destroy us ! '' The assistant bowed low looking lovingly at the president 's body then left.

Mary was monitoring every communication out of the Republic public, when she saw the purchase order she smiled. Finally the deplorable excuse for a ruling category would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequential they truly were. As per the secondly emergency codification Mary started to target not only the Republic world but every ship of theirs within 2 lighting yr. Derrick was receiving updates constantly, Shelby was impressed that Derrick was adapting as fast as he was. Sighing Derrick knew that there was a major showdown coming and soon it would be better if he found more ships but at present he had to waitress for Tempro and the content before he moved on it. For some strange ground Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to hear the content before he did anything else. In orbit on the far side of Darius 3, an older man flipped 3 switches and smiled, almost fourth dimension to be a hero boy. Shaking his mind he caressed the long scar on his leg, activating another set of switches a miniature hologram appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the footling ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a galvanise Shelby said. `` I just discovered a program buried extremely deep within my record. I 've never seen it before, yet phonograph recording 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 unarm almost all destructive syllabus and devices. '' A shocked sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the hell was going on ? He was never this lucky or fortunate ; aught EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the programme over it was almost the Lapplander as the one he 'd been working on for hebdomad. `` Zan, I think we have the computer programme prepare to take away the bearing from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

Zan 's hologram appeared bowing low, `` for you my lord I 'd pack it and risk destruction, though my Creator I believe I have detected another problem. ''

What the Scheol now ? Derrick thought then shook his head he knew something would go ill-timed it always did. `` Explain Zan. ''

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

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

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

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

'' No Shelby, I HAVE to do this ; if I do n't then I do n't deserve to wear the pennant of the emperor. '' Derrick whispered.

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

'' I 've considered everything there is no early way, if I do n't remove it we are all in danger, even as you risk your sprightliness for me will I risk mine for you, I told you I have belief 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 lead off to repay, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said absolutely serious, this in itself shocked Shelby.

Derrick began to carry several pieces of equipment from his ship, and then went over version from Zan 's accomplished surgical incision. Hmmm so the device packed an explosive power of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, powerful enough to plug a real hole in the side of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand land mile, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could overstate the gust. It appeared that the further from Zan it was the rickety it was, a good thing to recall. Finally prepare an time of day later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The young man, still in overalls appeared as soon as Derrick began to move to the air lock closest to the astral fin.

'' Though we are under the executive guild I still must protest, my Lord, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would intend disgrace for all of us, we would no longer be able-bodied to function. ''

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

Zan 's boldness began to shew the pride he felt for Derrick, as far as he was relate Derrick WAS the emperor. `` I will do all I can to protect you my Creator, up to and including giving my existence. ``

'' With the attainment I possess I am hoping nothing like that will be necessary, when I have removed the device, I want you on the other side of the others. The promote 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 Lord. '' Exiting the ship Derrick looked around at the incline of the ship, the skin was odd but this close up he could see it was well panoplied. Slowly he made his way up the English of Zan, already as far back as he could go it was still a bit of a walk to get to the fin.

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

3/4 of the way there he suddenly got a call, `` Derrick I am reading a slight modification in the charge it appears to being enabling itself to arm. '' Zan advised.

'' Alright Zan, I want you to adulterate the political platform, after its run completely, notify me. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Derrick there is a small alimony thruster on that suit, please remember that is only a class 2 suit, it wo n't offer as practically protection as a class one if the device explodes. You also have a temporary shield good for approximately 60 second base please use it if requisite. '' Shelby advised.

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

'' programme make out Derrick, '' Zan told him.

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

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby 's scream broke into his thoughts, `` the device is starting to arm itself ! Use the thruster face pack ! '' Derrick started the pack, slowed, and then started to make a motion in the contrary charge. Son of a kick he thought, this will help but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic explosion, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up great ! He knew there was n't very much meter so clicking the shield on he waited a few secondment, he could feel himself accelerating, plus the hotness was n't too great either but at to the lowest degree it was starting to lessen. Trying to keep his eyes open he thought he saw the lineation of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and sharp flavour a tearing down his leg through the suit, then the blessed wickedness took him as the pain and cold began to creep in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp viewing had pushed Derrick away at an accelerated amphetamine. Shelby was monitoring the whole meter ; suddenly she got a signal that the twist had armed itself ! Warning Derrick, she watched helpless as he turned, slowed, and then started to displace away from the gimmick. Unfortunately he had used office of the fuel slowing and reversing management. Finally he was starting to put a little distance between it and him but she feared it would n't be enough. Then the gimmick exploded, desperately she tried to tell Derrick to activate the cuticle, when he did she still could n't slack 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 social movement of Derrick when the blow pushed Derrick right into one of several of her astral fins that the bang had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shield to allow Derrick to pass through. Screaming she watched as the broken fin ripped a slice down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to stand out to the others but with her fins damaged, she could only manage a few M miles. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burns and radioactivity, plus the slash in his leg sealed before he bled to death.

The former ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost weeping shipwreck blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the hologram, `` standing orders, protect each other, void the Rangers at all cost, recollect all I have shown you and secernate you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming darkness.

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

Shelby looked at Blessed Virgin strangely, visitant ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Mary smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to break through her carapace for over 200 years. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half mightiness Virgin Mary aimed at the first ship, firing, she took out the entire railway locomotive, then the second ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 Admiralty mile from the satellite. `` Under regal executive orders, I have been tasked with the protection of the imperial beard planet. Any advance impact by uncongenial violence with be met with deadly force. I do not recognize you or your Republic anymore and call for the removal of the president, evidence will play along. '' The Virgin said sweetly. The programme was being heard all over the Galax urceolata and throughout the Republic.

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

The hologram of Madonna appeared on all the ships and on every globe that was listening, but near importantly the Republic capital. Looking directly at the president she stated, `` The future emperor of the realm, and he is FAR more than than displeased with you, there is a extra punishment he has for you when you are found guilty. I am quite certainly you have heard of the majestic dermal shredders ? ''

program to well over a thousand worlds many were beaming to see the President of the United States as he started to make his drawers. As soon as the hologram disappeared, the president started to skin orders. He needed every slice of heavily arming and weapon he had to aggress the imperial planet. That was 'til 4 well placed energy blasts pierced the shields as if they were n't there and 4 monolithic plosion sounded, hiding his capitulum he did n't even need to look to sleep together that all 4 of the armoury were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet stain on the floor was growing.

For 2 mean solar day Derrick 's soundbox was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his body ever could bear. Unfortunately they were ineffective to bring around the huge scrape that was now a portion of his leg. At the end of the s day Derrick 's eyes opened, `` status account, '' he croaked out before sipping the piss offered.

'' The broadcast has removed all ghost of the twist within my re-gen ground substance, '' Zan stated.

'' At gift I am in re-gen respective of my artillery, stellar fins, and one locomotive, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to save you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see split falling from her middle.

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

'' I feel that I should have gone in different. Your harm is the result of severe trauma caused from you being ripped along my broken stellar template. I have failed you many times Derrick, I am storm that you wish to delay on me. '' This brought more reincarnate tears from her.

'' Alright Shelby I 've got a few question for you, I want you to conceive then answer them, alright ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only nodded between now subdued teardrop.

'' Had you not come for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her principal no. `` The way that you had to hail in to stop me, was there any early position that you could have taken that would ingest allowed you to spring out with less legal injury ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every position, every direction that she could ingest come in from, every position that she could bear been in to catch him. Derrick watched her human face ; he knew that she 'd see it in a instant. When her brass lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute best that you could I know that, therefore I do n't charge you. Rather I praise you for your precise and prompt activity. Shelby without you none of this would have been potential. ''

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 macrocosm to him.

Mary appeared a import later, `` executive Holy Order is being carried out, all major planet of the empire 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 atrocities and those with him to the council, well those that are still bank worthy. All heavy arms and armament have been destroyed on the republic home satellite. I have a fleet now within 50,000 miles of the regal planet ; they are at present removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very good Mary, stoppage under executive rescript 'til further notice, also arm all automaton lookout man, I have a feel they are going to try and aim the rest of the planet. Have all the hoi polloi 's identities on the 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 personal identity of all the the great unwashed on the satellite. Finally his strength still not yet broad he lay back down and slept. For the future 2 days Derrick drifted in and out of consciousness taking reports and issuing edict, though the one thing he especially wanted to learn on was the status of Tempro. The fact that there was still a subject matter from still an unknown soul or mortal was still a John R. 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 all the way him.

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

'' The bio-bed has your torso at 95 %, the nanomites are still working on your leg. I am afraid that it will bother you the sleep of your life Derrick. '' Lowering her mind she started, `` I am deplorable that you will be reminded of this bankruptcy by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a human being I 'd slap the taste out of your mouth ! '' Shelby just looked at Derrick shocked. `` You did n't fail me if anything I failed to protect you ; if I remember good, an Saturnia pavonia does everything he can to protect all the citizens of his empire. '' Here all the holograph had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the holograms, `` you are all citizens of this empire, I have failed you therefore I beg your forgiveness. '' All the hologram 's back talk were wide out-of-doors ; 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 kind and giving to them as this one. All of the holograph had tears in their eyes each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Mary, who had also been listening as she did now, had tears in her center. Finally she thought a unfeigned emperor of the people, sighing now she thought ; we just need to remove the empire back .