Derrick looked at the readings again, so far all tests that they had done had n't function but rather failed miserably. So far only one Department of Energy shroud had even half way worked, but coming out of trans-warp had destabilized the shroud, detonating the missile. Still he had to run the gamut of all the shrouds, then workplace from there, he felt awkward with the thing as close as it was. He 'd thought of wrapping the missile in the shroud and starting it so it could fly outside the galaxy but that was out of the question as it would be out of fuel long before it reached the open space between extragalactic nebula. Sitting, Derrick thought I 'm missing something, some constituent that I have n't taken into account. Going through everything again Derrick still was n't finding anything that was causing the shrouds to fail.

Shelby looked on still running tests, she wished there was more than she could do to help Derrick, but as of yet she had also seen nothing that might avail. Taking a intermission he needed to require his mind off the trouble ; it was the way he always solved difficult job when he was concentrating too hard on something. Thinking a bit he decided he 'd act on the qualifying plan, he had them at what 8- 8 1/2 now ? Looking in the access hatch he saw that he had 8 %, though this fourth dimension he was armed with far more cognition of the programs than before. Shelby continued to watch still concerned about Derrick, she knew that if she did n't, he 'd practically work himself to death.
2 hours later Derrick asked Shelby, `` Shelby I have opened more electric circuit for you does it feel different now ? ``

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

'' No, not as of yet but I found after my last sitting it was far easier to do this. I estimate you were at 8 % before, from what I can see you are close to 16 % now. '' Derrick said a sense of pride on his expression now the ships could really be alive !

'' Derrick I ..., it 's so strange before I could n't say so many things, now I find that I can but I do n't want to, does that make sense ? '' A perplexed Shelby asked him.

Chuckling a consequence Derrick told her, `` It appears that you truly are alive with a conscience to flush, you just have to think that each time you speak your mind your conscience will step in. human being learn early alive listen to or push aside it. Problem is when they ignore it matter tend to go bad. Think of it as a regulator for ... regulator ? '' Derrick said stopping in the eye of his conversation.

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

'' A governor ! '' Derrick shouted closing Shelby 's panel and running to his desk, immediately he began to pull in an muscularity regulator.

'' Thank you Shelby ! I have a possible answer, I want you to start running tests on the power fluctuations going into and coming out of trans-warp. See if the variation spike high enough or send away low enough to destabilize the shrouds long enough to explode the missile. ``

Shelby 's heart opened all-encompassing, she 'd not find anything physical detonating the missile, it was more than possible !
Derrick watched as she started to run feigning, the initiative 100 the projectile exploded, each clock time there was either a spike in power or a significant drop. Shaking his top dog Derrick believed he finally had the response but he had to take a crap for certain as Shelby continued with her tests.

Almost 2 hours later Derrick knew he had the solution, bent grass over his desk he started working on the regulator intention. He knew it had to increase or fall the power supplying of the winding-clothes within 1.1 seconds of the office spike or drop. After a few hours Derrick had the basic excogitation down but could n't get the assume twist to a reaction time of less than 4-5 seconds.

Damn it ! Derrick was sure that he 'd solved the problem just to fall short on his face ! Derrick had Shelby starting line running feigning on it, making minuscule improvements each time, another 2 hr later they had decreased the chemical reaction prison term to 3.7 seconds. Punching the bulwark pissed off, Derrick sat fuming at his inability to figure out the problem. Derrick sat there for at to the lowest degree 30 minutes, sighing he thought he needed to take his creative thinker off the problem, he also needed to go and get Tempro who had been patiently awaiting their return.

'' Tempro condition, '' Derrick asked.

'' At gift my lord I am stock and hyper-drive capable, I need another 23 minute, 11 minutes, 32 s 'til I am also trans-warp open. mother ? '' Tempro suddenly said.

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

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

'' It appears that I was told to play this for you, when I had less than 24 60 minutes 'til completion. '' Tempro explained.

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

'' Yes sire, commencing now, '' replied Tempro.
In the silence that suddenly fell, all paused then a vox that Derrick thought sounded very familiar spirit spoke.

'' Hello Derrick, though this is n't the message that you need to get a line, yet, this will aid quell your dubiousness. Just to let you know, yes, you are the emperor, though as Virgin Mary put it such as the empire is, the thing you do n't gain is just how many you won over with your bringing the warmonger to Justice Department speech. Neither did you know of Maury 's fleet with your bringing ataraxis and justice to the region again speech. You are a hero and will continue to be 'til you have it all, rest the answer will come it always does, and it 's always that wide-eyed. ``

Further out behind a moon and abandoned base an Old man in a strange little ship smiled. Looking down he saw it was almost time to go ; though he wanted to stay he knew he had to allow for soon, wiping the tears away he stared at the magnificent ships. Sighing, only four, the huge things just these four had done, shaking his forefront what was about to happen he wished he could stop over. Wiping binge from his center again he looked at the miniature hologram, `` Yes I know, do n't rush me. I know ! I established the jump limitation ! tinker's dam it ! I 'll be there in a few minutes I have that long ! '' The holograph bowed and vanished, there was one more thing he had to do.

Flipping 5 switches up and another 3 down the onetime man smiled then the piffling ship winked out.
Derrick had laid down, the job floating around in his head. There had to be a way to get the reaction down 2.7 More seconds, it was almost as fast as the reactions of a psyche. Chuckling Derrick thought no there was no way a human being was going to put his encephalon in a case to guid ...

Derrick 's mouth dropped open, brain cause ... it could n't be that unproblematic ? Jumping up Derrick ran for the ascendancy way.
'' Shelby ! '' he shouted as he entered the room.

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

'' Can you run simulations on the reaction times of each ship ? Their relevance to the amount of time needed to align the power setting on the shroud ? The human being judgment can react in .1 to .3 mo, though the signal from the mind to the body is comparably longer. Therefore we know that I can not reach this, it would literally take a thinker or an artificial thinker to do this. Since there are no disembodied brains available I am afraid that it will have to be one of you to carry through this. ''

Derrick said not really paying tending, he remembered seeing something on the reaction time of one of the ships earlier but could n't appear to recall it.

Derrick stood at the console observation as Shelby started to run chemical reaction times of all the ships. Comparing them all Derrick asked all the ships aboard to question them. `` I have determined that the only way we are going to rid the arrangement and this galaxy of this threat, is for one of you to trans-warp jumping it to the empty sector between coltsfoot. I do not wish for any of you to do this, I do not wish to lose one of you again. I need each of you to necessitate this test that I have devised ; it will determine who has the greatest reaction prison term. ''

Derrick watched as each ship 's hologram curriculum stated the test as he watched each, 'hmmm, they were n't truly equal after all .'Finally after an 60 minutes Derrick got all the data and started to compare, he was looking a few dissimilar factors. low gear was of course of action the chemical reaction meter, all but one had the time he needed.

pickings that ship out he went into the three profligate, taking that one ship out Derrick looked at who was left. Tempro was n't complete yet, though his sentence was one of the 2 loyal, they needed to affect this thing in a hurry.

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

'' After comparing all times and effectiveness, Lucy I have decided that you have the boilers suit best fortune to carry out this foreign mission. '' Derrick told the holograms.

The penny-pinching offspring blonde female bowed to Derrick, `` I will not go wrong you sire. Thank you for the exclusive right to serve you in this mission. '' Lucy said, Derrick could see that there were tears falling from her heart.

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

'' No father, I apologize for the crying I have always been passed up or punished because I was n't as good. I am extremely happy that I finally get to picture I am a straight EIG. '' Lucy said proudly.
Derrick nodded he really did n't want to ship any of them but this had to be done.

'' We move in 2 hours, Lucy I want you to reinforce your encephalon box, it was damaged before and I want to make believe for sure it is more safe than it was. I have plans here that I want the rest of you to do, as soon as she has reinforced hers. Unlike some of your last efflorescence I trust you and am not paranoid, therefore I want to take sure that you remain inviolate, '' Derrick informed them.

Each of the holograms stood there staring at Derrick with their mouth 's wall hanging open. None of them had ever seen their primes or the primary bloom show such concern for them ; with tears in their center they each left thanking Derrick for his concern.

Taking a deep breathing place Derrick hoped that he would n't regret his decision to air Lucy on this missionary work. Shaking his head he had to project something that would allow him to settle the psyche boxes easier. He 'd been at his desk for an hour when Shelby informed him that it was almost time.

Derrick watched as Lucy moved into military position, `` Lucy I want you to maintain as much distance as you can from the projectile. I 'd like to own you back in one piece, are the betterment finished ? '' Derrick asked as he watched the clock count down the time 'til the prison term of the launching of the mission.

'' I have just completed them ; structural integrity of the life pod has increased 120 %, all seals increased by 70 %. I will be in office in a few minute Sire. '' Lucy told him the young lady friend hologram smiling at him.

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

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

Derrick was n't feeling right about this, `` Shelby I want you to calculate startle compass point along the Galactic rim, within sensor range of mountains so we can retain rail of Lucy. '' Shelby smiled as she plotted various stop for Derrick. The closer to time for her to stand out the worse Derrick felt. He felt as if he was missing something but what he 'd taken everything into account.

'' Alright Lucy, Shelby and I will be keeping track of you ; I am feeling uneasy about this. Tempro stay enshroud I know you have n't much meter left before you are unanimous. Zan, Conner I want you to stay as hidden as you can. I do n't find that the fleet can really detect us that well, do not hesitate to open flaming if the make a move on the imperial world. '' Derrick said issuing guild. Looking at the chronometer Derrick input a period for Shelby to be active to.

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

'' I will do the very right I can sire. '' The hologram of Lucy smiled.

Shelby jumped to the Galactic rim ; Derrick knew the exact path and location that Lucy was to take before she released the missile. Looking at the chronometer again Derrick felt that there was still something that he 'd missed. Looking over the design again he could n't rule anything, frustrated he closed his oculus to mean, they still had 30 minutes before Lucy jumped.

Derrick had gone over everything in his mind when he stopped ; there was a picayune bump or node on the missile that had been overlooked. Opening his eyes he brought up the scan of the missile, son of a bitch ! It was a non active motion sensor. Looking stuffy Derrick could see it was designed for upper in excess of sub-light. damn ! Running for the bid inwardness he had to stop Lucy, the cerement would n't stop the device from detonating.

Too late he realized that Lucy was in trans-warp and he could n't get hold of her 'til she re-appeared.
tears falling from his middle Derrick watched as she emerged between the Galaxies.
`` Lucy release and jump NOW ! '' Derrick was screaming, Lucy released and had turned starting to speed up, when the projectile exploded.

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


'' Lucy I am sorry I risked you like this, I have failed you. '' Derrick said watching as the blast started to catch up with Lucy.
`` Please do not palpate you failed me beget, I was honored to pay my lifespan for you, I thank you ... .. '' Lucy said then all was tranquillize as the blast over took the ship.

'' Shelby ? Do you cause anything ? Any Reading with the new settings I gave you ? '' Derrick said terror stricken.

'' No Derrick, '' Shelby said bust falling from her eyes, `` I am finding no ghost of her, though it will be a few days before accurate meter reading can be taken, it appears the radiation therapy is obscuring everything. ``

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

Shelby was glad Derrick had gone to his desk as she fell to her knees the binge falling great, unstopping. This was spoiled than the endure metre Shelby had lost her, live time there were n't that many emotions, now, she could n't stop feeling the loss far more than she ever had.

`` Shelby ! '' Derrick was almost screaming, `` Take us back with the others ! I want that ass ! This will be the survive time I lose another of you because of a little piddle ant like him ! ``

Shelby could only nod as she plotted a row and jumped. Appearing with the others Derrick called Mary, `` I want the total fleet and the satellite that you can reach ! '' Derrick waited as she connected.

'' I am tired of playing ; the Empire is coming back as of today. I am informing all the nobles that the true emperor has stepped forward, as I said I am through playing, I will pack every one of you down if postulate be. I only need a ship for that and at portray I have a lot more than than one. I ask that the Rangers come to the regal satellite, I wish to depone you all in as security for the imperium. I realize that you will need proof of this ; all who wish it will throw it. I require ALL the nobleman to swear allegiance to me or they will be removed, I have controlling pastime in everything. I expect these terms to be carried out within the next hebdomad. As for the president he will stand trial under purple law, as you all know all the evidence already has him at the most painful decease I can order. ``

Derrick could get word the president screaming at him, `` you ca n't do this I deserve a trial ! ``

Derrick looked at the president, `` you had one and I 'm sure everyone will agree, that you releasing that missile to destruct the imperial planet plus half the galaxy makes you hangdog as hell ! I am coming for you Maury, death is the alone companion you have any farsighted, though if you wish I could let all the hoi polloi decide your fate. ``

Maury 's face paled as he thought of the numerous mass that wished him suddenly came to mind.
`` You have no authority to ... '' Maury started.

'' NO AUTHORITY ! '' Roared Derrick, `` I am the next in channel for the imperial can, I am well mindful of the perfidy of many of your ancestors. All noble be forewarned now, such treachery will be dealt with swiftly and justly. I 'll say this once and once only, piece of work with me and you will prosper, denounce me and the empire once, you will more than regret it. As I said you ALL have 1 week, then, I shall live whether you are with me or soon to be no more. ``

Derrick was seething, his choler was starting to get the dear of him, he had to calm before he did something he 'd later rue. Cutting off the signal he began to tempo the corridor outside the control room, the more he paced it seemed the worse it got.
Finally sitting at his desk area he could only shake his head ; he should possess seen this Lucy should be here with the remainder of them. For 2 hours he sat there one C of melodic theme swimming in his header. There had to be something he could do that could hie up the detection of the boxes, everything he had so far led nowhere. Derrick was about to lay down when he happened across a metal detecting method acting he had worked on years ago but abandoned because of the mightiness restrictions he had at the time.

Looking it over again his eyes got wider as he read on, how in the world had he blank out about this ? Strange the things you forget about that were tops important when early things start to take precedence over almost everything else.

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

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

'' I 'm here Derrick, '' she said almost in a whisper, still feeling the vacancy of the personnel casualty of Lucy.

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

Shelby could see how frantic Derrick was, this was unusual she was starting to sense better, but why ? Was this what the humans called hope ?

'' How can I assist you Derrick ? '' Shelby asked starting to experience a piddling excite herself.

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

The all time Derrick was adjusting and trying to amend the condition of the readings. `` flower as of yet I am seeing at to the lowest degree a 78 % growth in catching, this method is far superior to the number one you used. '' Conner advised Derrick.

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

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

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

'' The Virgin, '' Derrick called, `` I need you to unfold a channel to what 's left of the fleet, this standoff needs to stop right now. ``

'' Yes Sire, opening a transmission channel now, all batteries at full, shields are at good, I am targeting the front two hundred ships and am prepared to open fervidness on your order. '' Mary advised.

Nodding Derrick thought a moment before he spoke, `` To what 's left of the Republic fleet, this standoff needs to give up. Therefore, I am asking for a surcease of hostility, I do not wish to destroy any more ships or lives. Under imperial law I am allowing you to pull away and be pardoned. This piffling war of Maury 's is getting mass killed that should n't be. I will not stand down, plus I do n't remember you can come after against us, therefore I am asking that you stand down before more life history are needlessly lost. '' Derrick was n't much for speeches but he hoped for once that these men valued their animation Thomas More than following an idiot any further.

Things were quiet a few minute longer, then the last fleur-de-lis ship 's commander could be heard. `` I also would wish to end hostilities with you. I have never seen in all my years, 5000 ships taken out as fast as they were, I can not utter for all the men. Give us an hour and I will reconvene with you and let you know our decision, I will also let you know if we wish to stay on with the Republic. ``

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


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

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

'' Good I want to jazz as soon as you have contact, this new system should increase the likely hood that we start finding the others. '' Derrick told them.

'' Derrick ? '' Shelby asked, `` What of me ? Do you also want me to raise my scheme ? Did I do something wrong ? '' she said a little damage looking down.

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

'' I 'm not surely what you mean Derrick, yes, it will be a good subject for later. '' Shelby said not really for certain what Derrick had in mind.

`` Virgin Mary I want you to keep back an eye on Maury 's ship let me know if you detect any other ships near it. I do n't desire to even let that idiot think he has a fortune to get away. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes sire, I am keeping a lock on the area around the ship to persuade any that get to close up to change state away. '' Mary advised Derrick.

'' goodness, now I just have to witness more of the EIG 's so that when we take the empire back, then we can actually hold it. '' Derrick said as Blessed Virgin nodded correspondence with him though from where she was, things were starting to go their way .