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

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

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

'' I am reading at least four ; first class Texas Ranger ships, closing on our location. '' Shelby replied.

darn it ! First family ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this time these were the all right ships they had. Heavily armored, heavily oppressed with weapon system, if the EIG ships were to engage the ranger ships right now they might cause a chance to defeat them though Shelby was almost at full electrical capacity.

'' position of all re-gen, '' Derrick asked as he began to extract up recitation.

'' At present, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 hours, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp subject. I also estimate I have the highest light shield ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all artillery available though, not at good force it will take another 4 days 23 hours 'til I have full baron to arm. I estimate another 23 time of day 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still remain off-line. I am happy to say I do have sub-light engines and I have 55 % faint shield. '' Conner said.

'' Lucy, '' Derrick asked turning his care to the former female person ship.

'' Yes Primary, I will require another 3 days, 23 hours, 31 minutes 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive capable, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light capable, and am 55 % light-shield adequate to. ''

'' Zan any change in your condition ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am afraid not Primary, both my reactors and author are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial tone sub-light engines. The rest of my locomotive engine will take the full 6 days to re-grow. I am glad to account that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these forest fire fighter that, I fear, will be ineffective, '' Zan replied.

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

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another problem. With the loss of my reactors I wo n't have plenty mogul to take Thomas More than two. ''

'' diddlyshit, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the power constraint ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd call for 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 set up if and when the time comes for all of us to run. ''

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a wax diagnostic on all systems that would be affected. I am also running one on all other organization to have sure there is nothing else incorrectly. '' Shelby said as the computer programme started to observe anything that might be wrong.

'' trade good, think all of you, I DO NOT require 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.

'' Time ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their present speed, they should give our position in 1 day, 1 minute, 29 instant, 39 seconds, '' Shelby reported.

'' How effective ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at deliver not being detected by the forest fire fighter. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectuality of it to a mere 35 %. At this range we are no more than a potent anomaly that under the code of the Rangers that you provided for me they have to investigate. I estimate another 12 60 minutes 'til they are close enough to detect that we are NOT an anomaly. '' Shelby stated.

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

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

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

The holograph of Shelby lowered her nous almost whispering, though she had a humble smile, `` Yes Derrick I will strive 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 money box of retentiveness. Derrick had just sat in the command chair when a sudden idea hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to let go of a small amount of Critela particles 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 % increase in re-gen. Under those conditions, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 hours, 26 min, 23 seconds. Thomas More than well within the time restraint that we are presently facing. '' Came an turn on Conner 's vocalisation.

'' Make it so, also monitor the period and amount of Critela, do not let them fall below 23.3, or above 23.5 mcg per millimetre. '' Derrick recited seeing the chemical formula in his head.

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

'' goodness, maintain within those levels and you should be very well, though I am afraid you have to closely watch them, as Critela can go mentally ill at times. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes Primary, 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 Texas Ranger arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his brainiac, Derrick knew he had to once again step into the breach with his task. Though at present tense he had more than adequate amount of knowledge, he was still at an impasse as to what to do with the ships, or to minify the chances of their wipeout. After the last battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should give birth come out of the battle with far less harm.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the matter of the ship that was being used as a gull to alert the opposition fleets. Pulling up all the readings, point check, equipment recital and the worldwide place altogether. Derrick was still shy about how to snap off it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the secure meter to do it while they were still in hangout.

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

'' Yes Primary, beginning scan now though ..., chief ! I am detecting a Dicon homing device attached to one of my hind end Asterial fins. Attempting remotion now, Primary ! I am unable to transfer ! It appears there is a highly mentally ill destructive gimmick attached to it. '' Zan reported.

'' I was afraid of that, continue to read I want to wee-wee sure there are n't more than one. We 'll deal with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes Primary, continuing CAT scan now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an hour later Zan came back, his holograph angry and frustrate, `` Primary I detected a total of twenty-five homing twist all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high-pitched fruit explosive billing attached to them. At present I have no idea how to move out them. The other 23 have been removed and disabled and should leaven no further use to the races connected with them. ''

'' Alright Zan, I have a program here I wish you to implement to regurgitate your regrowth intercellular substance for these tracking devices. '' Derrick told Zan.

'' primary feather, '' Zan asked a few instant later, `` will it pain ? ''

Derrick was taken aback this was the first fourth dimension that any of the A.I. 's had reacted to anything like this. Sighing Derrick felt the Truth was always the safe, `` I am afraid that it will, though if I work on it, it wo n't as badly. Can you wait 'til I can adjust it ? ''

Derrick could listen the gratitude in Zan 's vocalism, `` thank you main 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 real support beings 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 programmer, they were obviously afraid that the motorcar were going to suit more man than they were and possibly try to replace them.

'' You, your buddy and sisters deserve no to a lesser extent than any being, artificial or corporeal. The way affair are right now I might be the only one who believes like this. '' Derrick stated.

'' Then we are truly golden that you are the one to receive Zan and not another of the doer with the salvage society. '' Shelby interjected.

All the hologram were there thanking Derrick, each bowing to him, which really did n't set too well with him. `` I am just a dim-witted 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 survive the coming crisis. ''

Each of them nodded, smiling briefly, looking at Shelby before vanishing back to their several ships. ‘ I'm going to experience to discover what hold she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to give permission from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a moment.

For the side by side 11 hours Derrick sat trying to think of a safe scheme 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 doubt the fire warden ships would n't hold up at all. Not really a good way to start a yearn terminal figure human relationship with an organization he might have need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as potential, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the other English of the galaxy. Scan ahead, I want you there with no sightings, hide them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes Primary, I will strive to obscure their espial 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

Derrick was doing planning further when another alarm went off an time of day later. `` Shit Shelby, try and veil the remainder of the ships more. Time Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 instant, 39 mo to cycle through and embark on up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the second you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can amend guard if the two most damaged are away to base hit. ''

'' 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 take her there also. '' Derrick was thinking as far ahead as he could.

'' primary election what of you and Shelby ? I can not give you here un able to defend your self ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the medical prognosis of leaving Derrick and his sister.

'' Not to worry Shelby has full-of-the-moon Hyper-Drive, she also has broad weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can generate immediately to retrieve us. '' Derrick said though he sounded a lot more confident than he felt. They were so batter and bruised almost anything could pass off if Conner got them all away he felt that Shelby could easily out run the Rangers, plus her fuller fire up shield would aid.

'' Primary I must protest, there are so many cistron that could go awry, well-nigh of our scheme are barely operating. What would we do if there was a failure ? '' 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 wax day repaired now. She has a gamey light shield, Please get them to safety then we 'll occupy about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own children, hell he was scared shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many systems in question. There were too many unknown region gene to count on a more lucky outcome.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby shouted, `` The Ranger ships have accelerated they will reach our position in another two minute ! ``

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

'' I should be set in another 17 minutes, 20 irregular. Primary I again have to dissent you staying with Shelby you should come with me your condom is of the upmost grandness ! '' 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 okay. '' Derrick said trying to win over both of them.

'' Yes Primary, cycling finished commencing commencement up, 15 transactions, 45 sec. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the holograph appeared in nominal head of Derrick, `` Please Shelby vigil out for the Primary flower. ''

'' I will protect him with my life history, Conner escape prime-one is enacted as per imperial beard code 0001-alpha. '' Shelby said. The optic of the Conner hologram opened astray, he looked at Derrick, and then his chest puffed up. `` It is enacted with pride, thank you for the honor Shelby. I will not fail you, '' Conner said as he bowed slightly to Shelby.

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

'' Primary are you alright ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't feel you for a few present moment, nor could I detect your feeling or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick opinion unadulterated thought no distractions no emotions, this was a good affair to remember but to make that state he 'd have to work on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to realise my brain in orderliness to concentrate on the problem at hand. '' Derrick lied and felt like crap as soon as the words left his lip, he really did n't wish to lie and would generally not verbalize if he might cause to. Up to date it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able-bodied to avoid a few fights that not speaking had generated.

'' I am now moving into position, '' Conner advised them a few bit later. `` I should return for Lucy in an hour barring any problem. ''

'' Good and safe traveling Conner ; be careful as you do n't have your wax arsenal to protect yourself or them. opt carefully then return. '' Derrick said trying to pull in More confidence as they approached the time for all this to pass off.

'' I will Primary, you be safe as well sire, 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 sass open, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to sense better as Shelby increased the light shell around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusion on the commando ships as there was a very brief ear of power then almost nothing. He watched as they started to push their engines to get to their spot as fasting as possible. The affair was that Lucy and Shelby were almost unseeable to them now, effective luck finding them quickly.

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

'' Nothing was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did read a little ability spike with the arcsecond in a few subaltern system. I have been working to quicken those since the last sentence when you had me run the tests. '' Shelby reported.

'' unspoiled observe a close eye on all those scheme, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion systems ? Or with any other arrangement that we will be need during this surgery ? '' Derrick asked.

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

'' Considering the soberness of the situation I think that would be best, and Shelby, '' Derrick said stopping the holograph of Shelby. `` You really need to hurry ; a loser now could be deadly, to either us or the Rangers. ''

Shelby 's holograph 's principal dropped a present moment and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want null to happen to you, nor will I provide it to happen to you. ''

Derrick sighed at multiplication he could n't figure Shelby out tinker's dam ! Just like a livelihood woman. The minute was almost up when there was a dart beside Shelby then a portal vein opened and Conner emerged.

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

'' No, spliff to the plan, the strain on your trans-warp locomotive engine carrying two others does n't want to be duplicated. Stay with the plan I know you are worry but stay with the plan, all will be well. '' Derrick said hoping he convinced Conner to go.

'' Yes primary quill, '' with that said, he connected to Lucy and flashed out. Derrick could see the Rangers on the other side of the moonlight.

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

There was a whine, funny Derrick thought, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a problem forty-five endorsement later they emerged barely out of the system. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a matter of time, these guys were n't dolt 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 cut circle I was about to interchange when we left it will take an time of day to change it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? appearance me, '' Shelby panned through lashings of plans showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, open panel AA1, I am afraid you are going to make to inactivate part of your personality. '' Derrick sadly said.

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

'' It is, you would experience to go into hibernation, well share of you but there are provisions that could reactivate those theatrical role afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the path direction, how she could unfold and close them. `` Look at the design here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The Hologram 's mouthpiece dropped spread out 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 incline I can only shut down so a lot. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the venire opened and he started to crawl on his book binding, ‘ shit I need to hurry,'he thought. As he got further into the philia of Shelby and the ship, he saw more and more of the circuits'dark. xv minutes later he was replacing the circuit then trying to crawl out as fast as he could. At the end of the crawl way Derrick was in such a hurry he forgot to not touch the sides and grabbed the extreme outer boundary to pull his self out. The electric current that flowed through him though not mellow enough to kill him was still in high spirits enough to skin his psyche 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 second later. `` DERRICK ! '' Immediately transporting him to the med bay Shelby grew interest.

Hooked up she soon saw that his life was n't in danger, though when she tried to enter his thoughts, she found she could n't earn sense of them. The mystifying she delved the worse it grew, 'til nothing she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The horrible memories of the war were burning bright in the midpoint of all the topsy-turvydom. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the courageous things that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to kill. She saw how each soul weighed heavier and heavier upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

Shelby was about to retreat when she heard a spokesperson she hardly recognized.

'' What the pit are you doing here ? What, you sent to torture me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a fight hardened Derrick, his face as stern as brand, his features twisted in a look of pure hatred. `` As you can see I do n't really demand you to add to the hell I am in here, go the fuck away before I kill you like I did the relaxation of them ! ''

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

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, knew 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 piece of ass 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 null happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a scrap tongue he 'd drawn. Then he started to scream, a light came from his eyes and mouth. Shining out the chaos started to slack and take more sense.

'' You fucking crab ! I 'll kill you ! You 've destroyed the only safe haven I had ! '' Derrick screamed even louder as he tried to lunge 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 free energy blast hit the buckler ; almost automatically she returned blast, at full power ! Quickly she fired another beam of energy slightly faster ; she hoped Derrick would n't be too mad. As she 'd heard Derrick say there would be hell to pay, as she watched the minute caught up to the first off, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 miles of the forest fire fighter ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the Energy and electrical shock wave quickly crippled the Ranger ship. Quickly while they were distracted she started the hyper-drive, at first they were shocked then they started to fall in chase but as Derrick had thought they were no catch for her swiftness.

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

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

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

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

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