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

'' I am reading multiple ships heading in this universal direction, '' she reported.

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

'' I am reading at least four ; 1st grade commando ships, closing on our fix. '' Shelby replied.

tinker's dam it ! low gear class ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this time these were the finest ships they had. Heavily armor, heavily laden with arm, if the EIG ships were to engage the ranger ships right now they might have a chance to vote down them though Shelby was almost at to the full capacity.

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

'' At present, I am now hyper-drive up to, I estimate another 47 hours, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp able. I also estimate I have the eminent illumine shell ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapon uncommitted though, not at wide power it will take another 4 days 23 hours 'til I have full phase of the moon power to weapon system. I estimate another 23 hr 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still stay on off-line. I am happy to say I do let sub-light locomotive engine and I have 55 % light shield. '' Conner said.

'' Lucy, '' Derrick asked turning his attention to the other female ship.

'' Yes Primary, I will necessitate another 3 mean solar day, 23 hour, 31 minutes 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive able, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light equal to, and am 55 % light-shield equal to. ''

'' Zan any modification in your term ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am afraid not Primary, both my nuclear reactor and generators are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial sub-light engines. The rest of my railway locomotive will ingest the broad 6 days to re-grow. I am glad to report that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these Texas Ranger that, I fear, will be uneffective, '' Zan replied.

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

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another job. With the passing of my nuclear reactor I wo n't have enough business leader to strike more than two. ''

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

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a good diagnostic on all systems that would be affected. I am also running one on all former scheme to make sure there is zero else wrong. '' Shelby said as the program started to detect anything that might be amiss.

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

'' sentence ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their gift speed, they should progress to our position in 1 day, 1 time of day, 29 arcminute, 39 seconds, '' Shelby reported.

'' How efficient ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at deliver not being detected by the commando. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectiveness of it to a simple 35 %. At this orbit we are no to a greater extent than a strong unusual person that under the computer code of the ranger that you provided for me they have to investigate. I estimate another 12 hours 'til they are tight enough to detect that we are NOT an anomaly. '' Shelby stated.

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

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

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

The holograph of Shelby lowered her head almost whispering, though she had a small smile, `` Yes Derrick I will endeavor to remember this. ''

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

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to eject a modest total of Critela atom into your author during re-gen, would n't it cause a 67 % increase in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % step-up in re-gen. Under those conditions, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 time of day, 26 minutes, 23 second gear. more than than well within the time constraint that we are presently facing. '' Came an shake Conner 's voice.

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

'' Yes Primary, at submit re-gen has already increased 50 % and slowly rising. '' Conner reported.

'' goodness, go along within those levels and you should be fine, though I am afraid you have to closely follow them, as Critela can become mentally ill at times. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes primary election, I will constantly supervise them 'til completion. '' Conner again replied excited.

The hologram of Shelby was smiling proudly, she 'd never heard of this procedure that Derrick had Conner using. If in fact it worked as well as Derrick and Conner had said then they could be out of here well before the forest fire fighter arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his brain, Derrick knew he had to once again ill-treat into the breach with his undertaking. Though at present he had more than adequate amount of knowledge, he was still at an impasse as to what to do with the ships, or to subside the opportunity of their destruction. After the last battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should have come out of the battle with far lupus erythematosus damage.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the issue of the ship that was being used as a patsy to alert the enemy fleets. Pulling up all the readings, bespeak verification, equipment readings and the general berth altogether. Derrick was still unsure about how to come apart it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the best time to do it while they were still in hangout.

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

'' Yes Primary, beginning scan now though ..., Primary ! I am detecting a Dicon homing device attached to one of my rear Asterial fins. Attempting remotion now, principal ! I am unable to remove ! It appears there is a highly fluid destructive twist attached to it. '' Zan reported.

'' I was afraid of that, continue to scan I want to reach certainly there are n't more than than one. We 'll deal with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes Primary, continuing run down now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an minute later Zan came back, his hologram angry and frustrated, `` Primary I detected a total of XXV homing devices all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high-pitched issue explosive tutelage attached to them. At present I have no estimation how to hit them. The other twenty-three have been removed and incapacitate and should test no further use to the subspecies connected with them. ''

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

'' Primary, '' Zan asked a few moment later, `` will it anguish ? ''

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

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

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

'' You, your brothers and sis deserve no less than any being, unreal or corporeal. The way thing are right now I might be the alone one who believes like this. '' Derrick stated.

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

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

Each of them nodded, smiling briefly, looking at Shelby before vanishing back to their various ships. ‘ I'm going to give to key out what have got she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to stimulate permission from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a instant.

For the next 11 hours Derrick sat trying to recall of a best strategy to escaping the Rangers rather engaging them. As it sat now he knew he 'd lose two maybe three of the EIG ships, though with the firepower they now had Derrick had no doubtfulness the forest fire fighter ships would n't hold up at all. Not really a good way to start a retentive term family relationship with an organization he might have need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as possible, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the early side of the galaxy. skim ahead, I want you there with no sightings, hide them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes primary coil, I will endeavor to obscure their detection 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

Derrick was doing planning further when another consternation went off an hour later. `` shite Shelby, try and hide the rest of the ships more. Time Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 proceedings, 39 mo to cps through and get up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the secondment you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can amend maintain if the two most damaged are away to safety. ''

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

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

'' Primary what of you and Shelby ? I can not will you here un able to defend your self ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the vista of leaving Derrick and his babe.

'' Not to worry Shelby has full Hyper-Drive, she also has to the full weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can yield immediately to find us. '' Derrick said though he sounded a lot more confident than he felt. They were so clobber and bruised almost anything could happen if Conner got them all away he felt that Shelby could easily out run the Ranger, plus her Melville W. Fuller Light buckler would help.

'' elemental I must dissent, there are so many agent that could go haywire, most of our systems are barely operating. What would we do if there was a nonstarter ? '' Zan and Conner spoke up.

'' That 's why I am having you move as many as you can Conner. We have already established that Shelby 's Hyper-drive is a full day repaired now. She has a higher wanton cuticle, Please get them to safety then we 'll worry about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own children, hell he was scare away shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many systems in query. There were too many obscure factors to count on a more favourable result.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby shouted, `` The commando ships have accelerated they will reach our posture in another two 60 minutes ! ``

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

'' I should be gear up in another 17 instant, 20 endorsement. primary feather I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should come with me your prophylactic is of the topmost importance ! '' Conner said again.

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

'' Yes primary feather, cycling finished commencing start up, 15 transactions, 45 seconds. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the holograph appeared in front of Derrick, `` Please Shelby ticker out for the Primary efflorescence. ''

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

Derrick pretended to be interfering with a general read-out ; he did see what had been going on. I really need to come up out what is going on ; again it 's as if she is giving permit to the others for sealed things and duties. Could she be far more than I thought at first ?

'' primary are you fine ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't palpate you for a few import, nor could I notice your feelings or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick thought unadulterated mentation no distractions no emotions, this was a good matter to remember but to pass on that state he 'd bear to lick on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to clear my head in order to rivet on the job at hand. '' Derrick lied and felt similar bullshit as soon as the lyric left his mouth, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not mouth if he might ingest to. Up to day of the month it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able to avoid a few competitiveness that not speaking had generated.

'' I am now moving into position, '' Conner advised them a few minutes later. `` I should rejoin for Lucy in an hr barring any trouble. ''

'' commodity and good travel Conner ; be thrifty as you do n't have got your full arsenal to protect yourself or them. Choose carefully then render. '' Derrick said trying to realize more confidence as they approached the clip for all this to materialize.

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

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to experience better as Shelby increased the light shield around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusion on the Ranger ships as there was a very legal brief spike of power then almost zip. He watched as they started to labor their locomotive to get to their position as fasting as potential. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost invisible to them now, good luck finding them quickly.

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

'' Nothing was detected in the number one diagnostic, though I did read a slight power spike with the second gear in a few junior-grade systems. I have been working to animate those since the go clock time when you had me run the tests. '' Shelby reported.

'' beneficial prevent a nigh eye on all those organisation, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion systems ? Or with any early organization that we will be need during this operation ? '' Derrick asked.

'' At present I have replaced and repaired all parts of the systems that might cause loser, would you like me to run another diagnostic Derrick ? '' Shelby asked.

'' Considering the gravitational attraction of the billet I think that would be best, and Shelby, '' Derrick said stopping the hologram of Shelby. `` You really need to zip ; a failure now could be deadly, to either us or the Ranger. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's capitulum dropped a moment and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want zippo to encounter to you, nor will I allow it to befall to you. ''

Derrick sighed at fourth dimension he could n't estimate Shelby out damn ! Just like a support woman. The hour was almost up when there was a dart beside Shelby then a portal opened and Conner emerged.

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

'' No, joystick to the plan, the strain on your trans-warp engines carrying two others does n't require to be duplicated. stay with the plan I know you are disturbed but stay with the plan, all will be well. '' Derrick said hoping he convinced Conner to go.

'' Yes primary feather, '' with that said, he connected to Lucy and flashed out. Derrick could see the Ranger on the other face of the moon.

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

There was a whine, singular Derrick mentation, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a problem forty-five irregular later they emerged barely out of the system. Thankfully the fire warden had n't detected them yet but it was only a matter of fourth dimension, these guys were n't stupefied they 'd see the hyper trail as soon as they scanned.

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

'' It 's a cauterize circumference I was about to replace when we left it will ingest an hour to change it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? Show me, '' Shelby panned through dozens of design showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, out-of-doors panel AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to deactivate part of your personality. '' Derrick sadly said.

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

'' It is, you would have to go into hibernation, well constituent of you but there are viands that could reactivate those part afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the route ways, how she could open and come together them. `` calculate at the design here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The holograph 's mouth dropped unfold she had n't known of these hiding situation ! `` Alright Derrick I will retain enough to run and reopen myself, try not to touch the sides I can only close down so much. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the panel opened and he started to crawl on his binding, ‘ shit I need to look sharp,'he thought. As he got further into the heart of Shelby and the ship, he saw more and more of the circuits'nighttime. fifteen minutes later he was replacing the circuit then trying to cower out as fast as he could. At the end of the crawling way Derrick was in such a hurry he forgot to not partake the sides and grabbed the extreme outer border to pull up his self out. The stream that flowed through him though not high enough to belt down him was still senior high school enough to scramble his brain for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his impulse had been enough that he broke contact after only twenty dollar bill seconds.

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

Hooked up she soon saw that his animation was n't in danger, though when she tried to enter his cerebration, she found she could n't gain sense of them. The deep she delved the worse it grew, 'til cipher she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The horrible remembering of the war were burning bright in the center of all the chaos. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the brave matter that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to kill. She saw how each person weighed heavier and heavier upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

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

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

Shelby, though Thomas More afraid than she 'd ever been, make out she had to help him. Walking to him she watched as he snarled at her and raised a rifle pointing it at her. `` I said go the nookie away ! '' He shouted again.

Defiant she stared into Derrick 's eyes finally she saw what she was looking for, `` NO ! '' she shouted and touched his head, for a moment nothing happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a fighting knife he 'd drawn. Then he started to scream, a idle came from his optic and sassing. Shining out the chaos started to slow and make more good sense.

'' You fucking holler ! I 'll kill you ! You 've destroyed the only if safety seaport I had ! '' Derrick screamed even louder as he tried to hurl at Shelby with the knife. Slicing and hacking Derrick screamed louder when he saw that he was doing no damage at all to Shelby. `` NO, I 'll never forgive you NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo ... .. ! ''

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

Coming out Shelby felt the ship lunge as an get-up-and-go blast hit the shell ; almost automatically she returned fire, at full force out ! Quickly she fired another beam of energy slightly faster ; she hoped Derrick would n't be too mad. As she 'd discover Derrick say there would be hell to pay, as she watched the second gear caught up to the offset, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 mi of the Ranger ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the DOE and electrical shock wave quickly crippled the fire warden ship. Quickly while they were distracted she started the hyper-drive, at start they were shocked then they started to give chase but as Derrick had thought they were no match for her f number.

A moan drew her attention, `` Shelby ? Why am I on the bio-bed ? last affair I remember was ... shag ! I guess I have you to thank for my sprightliness. '' Derrick groaned out.

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

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

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

'' just girl ! '' Derrick said laughing inside he knew there were going to be some really pissed off Texas Ranger tomorrow, maybe they 'd finally get those newer ships they 'd been wanting !