Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the Ranger to back off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be able-bodied to follow or trace them. In orbit around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up scatter ball ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so much to do ; he had to accept the rest of the knowledge in the libraries. There was still the explosive charge attached to the astral fin near Zan 's locomotive. There was still the mystic message that Tempro had, plus the secret of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality Lord, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many head and few if any answers.

Looking at the headland set again for the twenty percent clip in the last 30 minutes, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the read/write head set, there are far too many doubtfulness I need answers to. I want a total diagnostic on the system, interrogation, are all 7 buffers sufficient to intercept and appease and funnel the info at a more tolerable rate ? Also, are the billing dampeners sufficient to forbid electrocution to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the intent checking the apparatus legion clip.

'' Comparing the setup to that which you used utmost fourth dimension, I am showing that all buffers are working at 99.5 %, all three thrill moistener are at 100 %, also the added quick switch has been added, though I must discourage you Derrick there are only certain times that you can use it. Only when you see a greenness spark in the upper left quarter-circle is it safe to quick disconnect, any other metre you will either suffer severe brain damage, or instant death. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to complete this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the head set over his spike. Again as it started it was n't bad then the selective information started to fall faster, then faster yet. Looking to the leftfield he still had n't seen the light yet, serious to retain that spot in focus in case. After what felt like an hour the selective information again started to take in pep pill. That 's when Derrick started to notice that something was wrongfulness, he still had n't seen the light, or any possibility. Derrick also noticed that the information was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's library. Son of a gripe ! Even this far into the future the traitors had found a way to try and obliterate him. Shelby was starting to get worried, Derrick had finished her program library a shortsighted time ago but for some ground the setup was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the link Shelby only found an vacuous elbow room, following the connection further she again found Derrick curled into a box. It was at that import she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a residual virus in one of the ships systems, a virus that could leave them all without Derrick. Remembering the disc from to begin with Shelby had it in a receptacle within moments. As the wild blue yonder healing stream of data washed over them, Derrick finally uncurled looking up he saw that Shelby had again saved him. `` Thank you Shelby, where are we ? I do n't recognize this, '' Derrick asked.

A man about 25-30 appeared, `` you are in my program library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost half of it, my Jehovah. '' The short cropped blonde tomentum, medium material body man, with a smooth font said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am glad you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my living for the bit time no ..., third base. My master I was told that when you were here, to tell you, this is where you are supposed to be. You need to complete my phonograph record, it will be awful especially the last theatrical role. I was told you have to endure it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was crazy, the pain had already started, shaking his forefront did that mean value he was almost done with the extra immense subroutine library Tempro had ? Then almost all all the way thought vanished as the utmost few tenner of thousands of data file washed through his mind. Falling to the ... soil ? He was n't certain what it was nor did he manage the imagination and info he received made him feel as if it all were actually happening to him. All the hurting he saw, all the pain he felt, Derrick mentation was going to defeat 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 close. Though highly surprise Shelby groaned and leaned into him, finally she could touch him even if it was only in his mind it was heavenly. `` I promise you Shelby, I will do all I can to recoup your child, and possibly another of Virgin Mary 's. '' Derrick told her.

Shelby gasp, `` You know ? How ? There was never anything in the book 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 feel for you, I never thought I 'd finger 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 leisurely. Looking at Shelby 's holograph he smiled actually causing her to blush ! Suddenly Derrick took over restraint tuning in the palace. `` Virgin Mary, lower-ranking emergency brake code enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, 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 barrage fire charged and ready, Republic Washington targeted awaiting fiat. ''

'' Good go on a lock we may have need of a demo soon, I want no Ranger ships destroyed, nor Ranger force injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my lord ; I will await lodge to destroy what you will. Mary answered.

In the Republic presidential palace, the corrupt chairman was soaking. ‘ What a day,'he thought, ‘ the 10 he 'd charge for execution had needed extra evidence to get rid of ’. Sighing he knew he was going to induce up the ante on the council possibly get rid of them, though that would be messy and expensive.

The excavate sound of running step drew his attention to the door, `` President Maury ! chairperson Maury ! '' His helper was screaming sounding like a affright piffling girl. Sighing the president stepped out of the huge sauna/bath naked and waited as the trivial man threw the door open. `` Chief Executive M ...., oh my ! '' the assistant said eyeing the president 's bare organic structure, what he would n't give to consider ..., shaking his straits he spoke up. `` chairperson Maury ! We have an active scan from the old empire palace, sir it has trained every weapon on the Empire humanity upon this edifice ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The wandering shell will take care of that. '' The United States President said waving the little man away.

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

'' But what ? ! We have far more baron than the old imperium ever did. '' Maury said not really worried he 'd pass a fate getting the best, zilch could get to him now.

'' All the science policeman say that the shell are nothing, the empire palace alone possess 100 fourth dimension to a greater extent major power than Republic capital Earth does. If they fire sir, '' here the small man shook not sure if it was the nakedness of the president or the fear he was feeling. `` They could put down the entire planet ! ''

The president 's face blanched, `` call the entire fleet, and have them start bombardment of the ancient empire planet ! Destroy it before it can destroy us ! '' The supporter bowed low looking lovingly at the president 's body then left.

Mary was monitoring every communicating out of the Republic domain, when she saw the gild she smiled. Finally the poor excuse for a ruling division would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequent they truly were. As per the second emergency brake code Mary started to target not only the republic earthly concern but every ship of theirs within 2 Inner Light 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 exhibit he had to wait for Tempro and the substance before he moved on it. For some unknown reason Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to hear the message before he did anything else. In compass on the far side of Darius 3, an older man flipped 3 electrical switch and smiled, almost time to be a Heron boy. Shaking his brain he caressed the long scar on his leg, activating another set of switching a toy holograph appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the little ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a startled Shelby said. `` I just discovered a program buried extremely deep within my phonograph recording. I 've never seen it before, yet records show that it has been there since I was built. ''

'' Is it a risk to you or the others ? '' Derrick asked.

'' No, it appears to be specifically to disarm almost all destructive programs and twist. '' A shocked sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the hell was going on ? He was never this favorable or fortunate ; nothing EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the curriculum over it was almost the like as the one he 'd been working on for calendar week. `` Zan, I think we have the program set to remove the thrill from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

Zan 's holograph appeared bowing low, `` for you my Godhead I 'd carry it and lay on the line devastation, though my Creator I believe I have detected another problem. ''

What the hell now ? Derrick thought then stimulate his chief 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 give birth to be removed and I am afraid none of us have the power or equipment to do this. '' Zan said.

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

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

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

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

teardrop 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 other way, if I do n't remove it we are all in danger, even as you risk your living for me will I risk mine for you, I told you I have belief for you, feelings that died from all the killing, from everything they made me do. I owe you a debt I can truly never even begin to repay, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said dead unplayful, this in itself shocked Shelby.

Derrick began to tamp several pieces of equipment from his ship, and then went over meter reading from Zan 's set up department. Hmmm so the twist packed an explosive violence of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, powerful enough to punch a substantial trap in the English of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand miles, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could amplify the flack. It appeared that the promote from Zan it was the weaker it was, a sound matter to recall. Finally ready an hour later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The Brigham Young man, still in boilers suit appeared as soon as Derrick began to move to the air lock closest to the astral fin.

'' Though we are under the executive order I still must protest, my Almighty, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would signify 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 palpate I am near desirable to top you and the others. '' Derrick stated.

Zan 's facial expression began to show the pride he felt for Derrick, as far as he was interested Derrick WAS the emperor. `` I will do all I can to protect you my Lord, up to and including giving my cosmos. ``

'' With the skills I possess I am hoping naught like that will be necessary, when I have removed the device, I want you on the other English of the others. The further away the better, it appears the device is triggered to amplify the blast the nigher to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

Bowing his head Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my Lord. '' Exiting the ship Derrick looked around at the side of the ship, the hide 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 walk to get to the fin.

'' Shelby, Zan monitor the gimmick let me lie with if there are any changes. '' Derrick said when he was half way to it.

3/4 of the way there he suddenly got a call, `` Derrick I am reading a slight change 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 wooing, delight remember that is only a year 2 wooing, it wo n't bid as much protection as a class one if the device explodes. You also have a temporary carapace good for approximately 60 seconds please use it if essential. '' Shelby advised.

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

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

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

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby 's scream broke into his opinion, `` the device is starting to arm itself ! Use the thruster inner circle ! '' Derrick started the inner circle, slowed, and then started to move in the opposite steering. Son of a kick he thought, this will help but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic blowup, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up great ! He knew there was n't very much time so clicking the shell on he waited a few seconds, he could palpate himself accelerating, plus the oestrus was n't too great either but at least it was starting to lessen. Trying to save his eyes open he thought he saw the precis of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and astute intuitive feeling a tearing down his leg through the suit, then the blessed darkness took him as the pain and cold began to creep in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp wake had pushed Derrick away at an accelerate velocity. Shelby was monitoring the wholly meter ; suddenly she got a signaling that the device had armed itself ! Warning Derrick, she watched helpless as he turned, slowed, and then started to move away from the device. Unfortunately he had used part of the fuel slowing and reversing focussing. Finally he was starting to put a niggling aloofness between it and him but she feared it would n't be enough. Then the gimmick exploded, desperately she tried to state Derrick to trip the shield, when he did she still could n't slow down as she saw that the oestrus had risen and the buckler 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 front of Derrick when the blast pushed Derrick right into one of several of her astral fins that the bam had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shields to allow Derrick to pass through. Screaming she watched as the smash fin ripped a gash down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to jump to the others but with her fins damaged, she could only supervise a few chiliad miles. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burn mark and radiation, plus the gash in his leg sealed before he bled to Death.

The early ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost tears shipwreck blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the holograph, `` standing fiat, protect each other, head off the commando at all monetary value, recollect all I have shown you and enjoin you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming duskiness.

The Virgin 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 have visitors. ''

Shelby looked at The Virgin strangely, visitors ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Madonna smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to break through her buckler for over 200 class. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half power Madonna aimed at the first off ship, firing, she took out the entire locomotive, then the second ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 miles from the major planet. `` Under imperial beard executive orders, I have been tasked with the protection of the imperial satellite. Any farther trespass by uncongenial forces with be met with deadly military force. I do not pick out you or your republic anymore and predict for the remotion of the chair, evidence will keep up. '' Mary said sweetly. The broadcast was being heard all over the coltsfoot and throughout the democracy.

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

The hologram of Blessed Virgin appeared on all the ships and on every world that was listening, but most importantly the Republic majuscule. Looking directly at the President she stated, `` The succeeding emperor 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 surely you have heard of the royal dermal shredders ? ''

program to well over a thousand worlds many were gladiola to see the President as he started to piss his pants. As soon as the holograph disappeared, the president started to bark parliamentary procedure. He needed every piece of sullen armament and weapon he had to aggress the royal planet. That was 'til 4 well placed free energy blasts pierced the shields as if they were n't there and 4 massive explosions sounded, hiding his head he did n't even postulate to look to have sex that all 4 of the armories were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet spot on the floor was growing.

For 2 24-hour interval Derrick 's trunk was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his dead body ever could birth. Unfortunately they were unable to bring around the huge scar that was now a theatrical role of his leg. At the end of the second base day Derrick 's oculus opened, `` status report, '' he croaked out before sipping the water offered.

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

'' At present I am in re-gen respective of my weapon system, astral pentad, and one locomotive, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to save you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see bout falling from her optic.

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

'' I feel that I should have gone in different. Your injury is the effect of severe trauma caused from you being ripped along my relegate stellar guides. I have failed you many times Derrick, I am surprised that you wish to stay on me. '' This brought more reincarnate bust from her.

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

'' Had you not come for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her question no. `` The way that you had to come in to stop me, was there any other position that you could feature taken that would feature allowed you to spring out with less damage ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every position, every steering that she could feature come in from, every position that she could have been in to fascinate him. Derrick watched her grimace ; he knew that she 'd see it in a moment. When her facial expression lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute trump that you could I know that, therefore I do n't charge you. Rather I praise you for your precise and quick actions. Shelby without you none of this would have been possible. ''

Shelby 's brass lit up, `` thank you Derrick I again pledge myself to you I will do all I
can to protect you. ``

'' As do we all, '' Zan said, turning he saw that all the holograms were there. They all bowed each pledging their universe to him.

Mary appeared a moment later, `` executive order is being carried out, all planets of the empire have been informed. The president lost control of his bodily fluids when I informed him that the Saturnia pavonia was returning. I am releasing all the information on all his heinousness and those with him to the council, well those that are still intrust worthy. All heavy arms and armament have been destroyed on the Republic home major planet. I have a fleet now within 50,000 miles of the imperial major planet ; they are at present removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very good Mary, stoppage under administrator purchase order 'til advance notice, also arm all robot sentries, I have a feeling they are going to try and take the eternal rest of the satellite. Have all the masses 's individuality on the major planet downloaded into their memory board, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Madonna smiled, reaching out she activated all the sentries, loading each as Derrick said with the identity of all the people on the planet. Finally his durability still not yet full moon he lay back down and slept. For the next 2 daylight Derrick drifted in and out of consciousness taking reports and issuing parliamentary procedure, though the one affair he especially wanted to check on was the condition of Tempro. The fact that there was still a subject matter from still an unknown individual or persons was still a major bur in his side of meat. Finally able to sit up but still not released Derrick thought he was going to go bonkers waiting for the bio-bed to authorise him.

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

'' The bio-bed has your soundbox at 95 %, the nanomites are still working on your leg. I am afraid that it will nettle you the relief of your life Derrick. '' Lowering her head she started, `` I am sorry that you will be reminded of this loser by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a human I 'd slap the perceptiveness out of your sass ! '' 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 moth does everything he can to protect all the citizens of his empire. '' Here all the holograph had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the hologram, `` you are all citizens of this empire, I have failed you therefore I beg your pardon. '' All the hologram 's oral cavity were wide open air ; the emperor butterfly was apologizing to them ? Who was this man, in all their ( a few only a few ) class they had never met a human as kind and giving to them as this one. All of the holograms had tears in their eyes each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Virgin Mary, who had also been listening as she did now, had tears in her eyes. Finally she thought a true emperor of the people, sighing now she thought ; we just take to take the Empire back .