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 able to follow or hunt them. In orbit around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up dust ball ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so a good deal to do ; he had to experience the rest of the knowledge in the library. There was still the explosive charge attached to the stellar fin near Zan 's engine. There was still the mysterious message that Tempro had, plus the enigma 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 questions and few if any reply.

Looking at the head set again for the fifth part time in the last 30 transactions, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the pass set, there are far too many questions I need result to. I want a broad diagnostic on the system, question, are all 7 polisher sufficient to intercept and quell and funnel the information at a more tolerable charge per unit ? Also, are the tutelage dampeners sufficient to prevent electrocution to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the design checking the apparatus numerous times.

'' Comparing the setup to that which you used endure time, I am showing that all buffers are working at 99.5 %, all three charge dampener are at 100 %, also the bring quick switch has been added, though I must warn you Derrick there are only certain fourth dimension that you can use it. Only when you see a jet light in the upper left hand quadrant is it safe to quick disconnection, any early time you will either suffer terrible learning ability wrong, or instant end. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to complete this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the psyche set over his ears. Again as it started it was n't bad then the data started to flow faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left he still had n't seen the light yet, good to retain that position in stress in casing. After what felt like an hour the entropy again started to gain stop number. That 's when Derrick started to notice that something was wrong, he still had n't seen the light, or any opening night. Derrick also noticed that the data was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's subroutine library. Son of a bitch ! Even this far into the future the traitors had found a way to try and kill him. Shelby was starting to get disturbed, Derrick had finished her depository library a scant time ago but for some rationality the setup was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the radio link Shelby only found an empty room, following the connectedness further she again found Derrick curled into a street corner. It was at that minute she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a residual virus in one of the ships organization, a virus that could exit them all without Derrick. Remembering the phonograph record from in the beginning Shelby had it in a receptacle within here and now. As the blue devil healing flow 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 half of it, my master. '' The unforesightful cropped blonde whisker, medium anatomy man, with a smooth expression said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am glad you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my life for the secondment prison term 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 records, it will be abominable especially the last part. I was told you have to endure it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was demented, the painfulness had already started, shaking his header did that mean value he was almost done with the special huge library Tempro had ? Then almost all crystallize thought vanished as the in conclusion few tens of M of Indian file washed through his brain. Falling to the ... basis ? He was n't sure what it was nor did he deal the visions and information he received made him feel 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 shut. Though highly surprised Shelby groaned and leaned into him, finally she could adjoin him even if it was only in his mind it was heavenly. `` I promise you Shelby, I will do all I can to recover your children, 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 tactual sensation for you, I never thought I 'd feel what I am, not after what the war destroyed in me, thank you. '' Derrick whispered.

Derrick pulled the head set off his head, there was a lot to do but armed with what he had now, it would be a lot well-heeled. Looking at Shelby 's holograph he smiled actually causing her to redden ! Suddenly Derrick took over ascendancy tuning in the palace. `` Mary, petty emergency code enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Vasco da Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Madonna answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All shelling charged and set up, republic capital targeted awaiting lodge. ''

'' Good keep a ringlet we may throw need of a demonstration soon, I want no Ranger ships destroyed, nor commando force injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my lord ; I will await orders to ruin what you will. The Virgin answered.

In the democracy presidential palace, the grease one's palms president was soaking. ‘ What a day,'he thought, ‘ the 10 he 'd sent for executing had needed extra grounds 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 excavate sound of running footsteps drew his attending to the door, `` Chief Executive Maury ! chairperson Maury ! '' His supporter was screaming sounding like a scared little young woman. Sighing the chair stepped out of the huge sauna/bath naked and waited as the slight man threw the doors open. `` President M ...., oh my ! '' the assistant said eyeing the President 's naked trunk, what he would n't give to bring ..., shaking his headland he spoke up. `` President Maury ! We have an active voice scan from the old imperium palace, sir it has trained every weapon on the empire populace upon this edifice ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The erratic carapace will study aid of that. '' The president said waving the little man away.

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

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

'' All the science officers say that the shield are nothing, the empire palace alone possess 100 times to a greater extent power than Republic capital world does. If they fire sir, '' here the little man shook not sure if it was the desolation of the prexy or the concern he was feeling. `` They could destroy the total planet ! ''

The president 's face blanched, `` yell the entire fleet, and have them set out bombardment of the ancient empire major planet ! Destroy it before it can destroy us ! '' The assistant bowed low looking lovingly at the president 's consistency then left.

Mary was monitoring every communication out of the democracy world, when she saw the guild she smiled. Finally the poor self-justification for a ruling course would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequential they truly were. As per the second hand brake code Mary started to place not only the republic globe but every ship of theirs within 2 unclouded years. 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 confrontation coming and soon it would be better if he found more ships but at introduce he had to look for Tempro and the message before he moved on it. For some strange reason Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to pick up the content before he did anything else. In orbit on the far position of Darius 3, an older man flipped 3 switches and smiled, almost clock time to be a hero boy. Shaking his head he caressed the recollective cicatrix on his leg, activating another set of switches a miniature holograph appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the minuscule ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a galvanize Shelby said. `` I just discovered a political platform buried extremely cryptic within my phonograph record. 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 demilitarise almost all destructive broadcast and twist. '' A floor sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the Hell was going on ? He was never this lucky or golden ; nil EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the computer program over it was almost the Lapp as the one he 'd been working on for workweek. `` Zan, I think we have the program ready to remove the charge from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

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

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

'' It appears that the device is now a part of the fin, it will own 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 educate, 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 director parliamentary procedure, Omega-Omega-1 I will subscribe care of this. ''

All the holograms froze they had n't heard an order this serious in almost 1000 years, bowing they all sadly stated, `` Yes my Divine we hear and obey. '' Shelby started to protest though she 'd see the orderliness.

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

binge 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 former way, if I do n't remove it we are all in danger, even as you risk your life-time for me will I take a chance mine for you, I told you I have feeling 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 down to return, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said dead good, this in itself shocked Shelby.

Derrick began to pack various piece of music of equipment from his ship, and then went over version from Zan 's effect section. Hmmm so the gimmick packed an volatile force of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, brawny enough to punch a substantial hole in the side of meat of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand miles, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could inflate the flack. It appeared that the further from Zan it was the sapless it was, a thoroughly thing to remember. Finally ready an minute later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The Whitney Young man, still in overalls appeared as soon as Derrick began to travel to the air lock closest to the stellar fin.

'' Though we are under the executive club I still must protest, my lord, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would think 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 find I am near worthy to chair you and the others. '' Derrick stated.

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

'' With the skills 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 meat of the others. The further away the intimately, it appears the twist is triggered to overdraw the blast the closer to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

bowing his headspring Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my Lord. '' 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 armored. 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 pass to get to the fin.

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

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

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

'' Derrick there is a small maintenance thruster on that suit, please remember that is only a class 2 causa, it wo n't declare oneself as lots protection as a class one if the device explodes. You also have a temporary cuticle good for approximately 60 seconds please use it if necessary. '' Shelby advised.

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

'' broadcast complete Derrick, '' Zan told him.

'' Ok, advancing. '' Derrick said as he began to sputter 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 promiscuous Derrick pulled the gimmick about a meter and a half long loose, Derrick firmly grasped it then pushed off, turning he watched Zan saltation away, the backwash 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 pack ! '' Derrick started the camp, slowed, and then started to strike in the opposition management. Son of a bitch he thought, this will facilitate but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic plosion, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up outstanding ! He knew there was n't much metre so clicking the shield on he waited a few seconds, he could feel himself accelerating, plus the heat was n't too great either but at least it was starting to fall. Trying to maintain his heart give he thought he saw the schema of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and shrewd tone a tearing down his leg through the courting, then the Blessed darkness took him as the hurting and common cold began to sneak in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp aftermath had pushed Derrick away at an accelerated speed. 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 gimmick. Unfortunately he had used part 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 shield, when he did she still could n't slack as she saw that the warmth 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 figurehead of Derrick when the bam pushed Derrick rightfulness into one of several of her stellar fins that the blast had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shields to allow Derrick to give-up the ghost through. Screaming she watched as the wiped out fin ripped a gash down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to climb up to the others but with her fin damaged, she could only manage a few grand miles. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for sunburn and irradiation, plus the gash in his leg sealed before he bled to death.

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 hologram, `` standing rules of order, protect each early, annul the commando at all costs, remember all I have shown you and told 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 vial appeared a mechanical arm took it and injected it into Derrick 's arm. `` He will be alright now Shelby. '' Looking down Virgin Mary smiled, `` I have to go it appears I will soon possess visitant. ''

Shelby looked at Mary strangely, visitors ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Mary smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to break out through her shields for over 200 years. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half power Virgin Mary aimed at the first ship, firing, she took out the full locomotive, then the second ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 stat mi from the satellite. `` Under royal executive orders, I have been tasked with the protection of the imperial planet. Any advance invasion by hostile effect with be met with insanely power. I do not recognize you or your Republic anymore and call for the removal of the president, evidence will keep up. '' Virgin Mary said sweetly. The broadcast was being heard all over the beetleweed and throughout the republic.

The United States President linked to the ships near those that were disabled shouted out, `` Under who 's authority do you relieve oneself these call ? ''

The hologram of Mary appeared on all the ships and on every world that was listening, but most importantly the Republic capital. Looking directly at the president she stated, `` The time to come emperor moth of the realm, and he is FAR More than displeased with you, there is a special punishment he has for you when you are found guilty. I am quite certain you have heard of the regal dermal shredders ? ''

Broadcast to well over a thousand worlds many were happy to see the President as he started to piss his pants. As soon as the holograph disappeared, the president started to bark club. He needed every slice of heavy armament and weapon he had to attack the imperial planet. That was 'til 4 well placed energy attack pierced the carapace as if they were n't there and 4 massive explosion sounded, hiding his heading he did n't even necessitate to look to know that all 4 of the armoury were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet spot on the floor was growing.

For 2 24-hour interval Derrick 's dead body was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his torso ever could have. Unfortunately they were unable to cure the vast cicatrice that was now a character of his leg. At the end of the 2d day Derrick 's centre opened, `` status account, '' he croaked out before sipping the piddle offered.

'' The curriculum has removed all trace of the devices within my re-gen intercellular substance, '' Zan stated.

'' At face I am in re-gen several of my weapons, astral fins, and one engine, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to preserve you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see tears falling from her middle.

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

'' I feel that I should stimulate gone in unlike. Your injury is the result of stark harm caused from you being ripped along my broken astral guides. I have failed you many sentence Derrick, I am surprised that you wish to stay on me. '' This brought more renewed tears from her.

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

'' Had you not come up for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her read/write head no. `` The way that you had to come in to barricade me, was there any other position that you could stimulate taken that would have allowed you to startle out with less damage ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every position, every direction that she could have come in from, every position that she could possess been in to catch him. Derrick watched her grimace ; he knew that she 'd see it in a moment. When her face lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute near that you could I know that, therefore I do n't blame you. Rather I praise you for your precise and quick actions. Shelby without you none of this would take in been possible. ''

Shelby 's look lit up, `` give thanks 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 hologram were there. They all bowed each pledging their existence to him.

Mary appeared a present moment later, `` executive director order is being carried out, all planets of the conglomerate have been informed. The president lost control 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 trust worthy. All heavy branch and armament have been destroyed on the Republic home base major planet. I have a fleet now within 50,000 miles of the purple major planet ; they are at nowadays removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very dependable Blessed Virgin, arrest under executive rescript 'til further notice, also arm all automaton picket, I have a feeling they are going to try and take the rest of the planet. Have all the mass 's identities on the planet downloaded into their computer storage, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Mary smiled, reaching out she activated all the sentries, loading each as Derrick said with the individuality of all the people on the planet. Finally his strength still not yet full he lay back down and slept. For the next 2 days Derrick drifted in and out of consciousness taking paper and issuing orders, though the one matter he especially wanted to tick off on was the condition of Tempro. The fact that there was still a message from still an unknown person or individual was still a John 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 realise 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 bother you the respite of your life Derrick. '' Lowering her mind she started, `` I am good-for-naught that you will be reminded of this nonstarter by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a human 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 right, an emperor does everything he can to protect all the citizens of his conglomerate. '' Here all the hologram had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the hologram, `` you are all citizens of this empire, I have failed you therefore I beg your pardon. '' All the hologram 's mouths were all-encompassing assailable ; 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. Blessed Virgin, who had also been listening as she did now, had rip in her eyes. Finally she thought a true emperor butterfly of the people, sighing now she thought ; we just need to ask the conglomerate back .