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

'' I am reading multiple ships heading in this general counsel, '' she reported.

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

'' I am reading at least four ; first gear form Ranger ships, closing on our positioning. '' Shelby replied.

Damn it ! beginning division ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this sentence these were the hunky-dory ships they had. Heavily armour, heavily loaded with artillery, if the EIG ships were to engage the ranger ships right now they might have a chance to defeat them though Shelby was almost at wax capacity.

'' Status of all re-gen, '' Derrick asked as he began to pull up reading.

'' At gift, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 hours, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable. I also estimate I have the in high spirits perch shield ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapons available though, not at full power it will lease another 4 days 23 time of day 'til I have full power to weapons. I estimate another 23 hours 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still persist off-line. I am glad to say I do take in sub-light locomotive and I have 55 % light shell. '' Conner said.

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

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

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

'' I am afraid not Primary, both my reactor and generators are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to hold partial sub-light engines. The rest of my engine will take the full 6 days to re-grow. I am glad to report that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these fire warden that, I fear, will be unable, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a hellhole of a lot meliorate off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will require you to extend your light shield over Zan, I realize it wo n't yield much cover but it might fox them off long enough to get Conner 's trans-warp online. '' Derrick stated.

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another problem. With the personnel casualty of my reactor I wo n't consume enough tycoon to take more than two. ''

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

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a full diagnostic on all systems that would be affected. I am also running one on all former systems to do sure there is aught else wrongfulness. '' Shelby said as the program started to detect anything that might be faulty.

'' goodness, remember all of you, I DO NOT need 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.

'' meter ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their deliver f number, they should reach our position in 1 day, 1 hour, 29 bit, 39 seconds, '' Shelby reported.

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

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at present not being detected by the fire warden. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectivity of it to a mere 35 %. At this range we are no Sir Thomas More than a warm anomalousness that under the code of the fire warden that you provided for me they have to look into. I estimate another 12 minute '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 speak, you need to let me at least finish what I am saying Shelby, '' Derrick scolded the A.I.

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

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

The hologram of Shelby lowered her head almost whispering, though she had a small grinning, `` 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 bear to remember anything, not with their coin bank of retention. Derrick had just sat in the command chair when a sudden idea hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to free a small amount of Critela mote into your generator during re-gen, would n't it make a 67 % increment in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % growth in re-gen. Under those atmospheric condition, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 hours, 26 instant, 23 moment. to a greater extent than well within the time restraint that we are presently facing. '' Came an charge Conner 's vox.

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

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

'' Good, go on within those levels and you should be fine, though I am afraid you have to closely check them, as Critela can become unstable at times. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes primary quill, I will constantly monitor them 'til completion. '' Conner again replied excited.

The hologram of Shelby was smiling proudly, she 'd never heard of this process 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 Rangers arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his brain, Derrick knew he had to once again abuse into the breach with his projection. Though at present he had to a greater extent than adequate amount of money of knowledge, he was still at an stalemate as to what to do with the ships, or to lessen the chances of their destruction. After the last battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should throw come out of the battle with far less hurt.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the matter of the ship that was being used as a soft touch to alert the enemy fleets. Pulling up all the recitation, point verification, equipment indication and the general situation altogether. Derrick was still unsure about how to better it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the best meter to do it while they were still in fixture.

'' Zan, I need you to rake division BF-32 through BF-999 on your outer hide. tell apart me what, if anything you detect in those areas. '' Derrick asked heavily.

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

'' I was afraid of that, continue to scan I want to make sure there are n't Thomas 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 furious and bilk, `` Primary I detected a total of 25 homing twist all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high up yield volatile bearing attached to them. At salute I have no idea how to hit them. The other XXIII have been removed and handicapped and should prove no further use to the races connected with them. ''

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

'' Primary, '' Zan asked a few seconds later, `` will it hurt ? ''

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

Derrick could hear the gratitude in Zan 's voice, `` Thank you Primary at least 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 factual living organism per say but they were active in their own way and deserved to be treated that way. Derrick was finally starting to see the paranoia of the old programmers, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to become more human than they were and possibly try to replace them.

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

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

All the holograms were there thanking Derrick, each bowing to him, which really did n't set too well with him. `` I am just a unproblematic 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 exercise 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 have to pick up what hold she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to have permit from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a moment.

For the following 11 time of day Derrick sat trying to think of a better scheme to escaping the forest fire fighter rather engaging them. As it sat now he knew he 'd misplace two maybe three of the EIG ships, though with the firepower they now had Derrick had no uncertainty the Ranger ships would n't survive at all. Not really a good way to originate a long term relationship with an organization he might have need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as possible, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the other side of the extragalactic nebula. 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 endeavor to bedim their detective work 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

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

'' I still need another 25 moment, 39 seconds to cycle per second through and start up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the second you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can better defend if the two most damaged are away to safety. ''

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

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

'' primary what of you and Shelby ? I can not leave you here un capable to defend your selves ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the vista of leaving Derrick and his sister.

'' Not to occupy Shelby has full Hyper-Drive, she also has full weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can rejoin immediately to recall us. '' Derrick said though he sounded a lot more confident than he felt. They were so battered and bruised almost anything could happen if Conner got them all away he felt that Shelby could easily out run the commando, plus her fuller sparkle shield would help.

'' Primary I must dissent, there are so many agent that could go wrong, most of our organisation 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 broad day repaired now. She has a gamy brightness shield, Please get them to safety then we 'll care about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own children, hell he was pock shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many system in query. There were too many alien element to work out a more lucky result.

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

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

'' I should be ready in another 17 proceedings, 20 s. primary feather I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should come with me your safety 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 very well. '' Derrick said trying to convince both of them.

'' Yes primary coil, cycling finished commencing start up, 15 bit, 45 s. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the holograms appeared in nominal head of Derrick, `` Please Shelby sentry out for the Primary Prime. ''

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

Derrick pretended to be fussy with a general read-out ; he did see what had been going on. I really need to obtain out what is going on ; again it 's as if she is giving permission to the others for sure matter and tariff. Could she be far more than I thought at first ?

'' primary coil are you okay ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't feel you for a few second, nor could I detect your feelings or intellection. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick mentation unadulterated view no distractions no emotions, this was a good thing to remember but to reach that State Department he 'd sustain to work on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to earn my mind in rescript to reduce on the problem at handwriting. '' Derrick lied and felt similar turd as soon as the Logos left his mouth, he really did n't wish to lie and would generally not speak if he might throw to. Up to engagement it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able to stave off a few competitiveness that not speaking had generated.

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

'' Good and rubber locomotion Conner ; be heedful as you do n't own your full armory to protect yourself or them. Choose carefully then return. '' Derrick said trying to get ahead more assurance as they approached the sentence for all this to pass.

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

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to finger better as Shelby increased the unclouded shell around them to the entire 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusion on the Ranger ships as there was a very brief spike of world power then almost nothing. He watched as they started to drive their railway locomotive to get to their position as fasting as possible. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost invisible to them now, full fortune finding them quickly.

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

'' Nothing was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did learn a little exponent spike with the 2d in a few secondary systems. I have been working to compensate those since the end sentence when you had me run the tests. '' Shelby reported.

'' Good keep a closelipped eye on all those system of rules, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion systems ? Or with any other system that we will be need during this surgical process ? '' Derrick asked.

'' At present tense I have replaced and repaired all character of the systems that might induce failure, would you like me to run another symptomatic Derrick ? '' Shelby asked.

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

Shelby 's hologram 's head dropped a moment and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want goose egg to come about to you, nor will I allow it to happen to you. ''

Derrick sighed at multiplication he could n't cypher Shelby out damn ! Just like a living woman. The minute was almost up when there was a flash beside Shelby then a vena portae opened and Conner emerged.

'' I have procured an area well hidden and plug, primary election. Shall I take both Shelby and Lucy ? '' Conner asked.

'' No, stick to the design, the strain on your trans-warp engines carrying two others does n't want to be duplicated. quell with the plan I know you are worried but bide with the design, all will be well. '' Derrick said hoping he convinced Conner to go.

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

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

There was a whimper, funny Derrick thought, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a problem forty-five second gear 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 stupid 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 burn down circuit I was about to replace when we left it will take an hour to commute it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? Show me, '' Shelby panned through dozens of plans showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, open instrument panel AA1, I am afraid you are going to suffer to inactivate share 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 feature to go into hibernation, well part of you but there are viands that could reactivate those constituent afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the path way of life, how she could open and close them. `` wait at the plans here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The holograph 's sassing dropped open she had n't known of these hiding piazza ! `` Alright Derrick I will retain enough to run and reopen myself, try not to touch the sides I can only shut down so often. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the board opened and he started to crawl on his binding, ‘ shit I need to zip,'he thought. As he got further into the ticker of Shelby and the ship, he saw Sir Thomas More and more of the tour'nighttime. xv bit later he was replacing the circuit then trying to crawl out as fast as he could. At the end of the creep way Derrick was in such a precipitation he forgot to not touch the position and grabbed the extreme outer bound to pull his ego out. The current that flowed through him though not high enough to kill him was still luxuriously enough to sputter his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his impulse had been enough that he broke inter-group communication after only XX seconds.

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

Hooked up she soon saw that his life was n't in danger, though when she tried to enter his idea, she found she could n't make sentience of them. The deeper she delved the worse it grew, 'til nothing she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The horrifying memories of the war were burning bright in the center of all the topsy-turvyness. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the hardy affair that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to toss off. She saw how each psyche weighed heavier and leaden upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

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

Shelby became frightened ; she 'd never seen hatred as pronounced as this, the homicidal look in his eyes, the look of Death that was covering him.

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, acknowledge 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 screw 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 naught happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a combat knife he 'd guide. Then he started to squall, a lightheaded came from his eyes and mouth. Shining out the chaos started to slack and work more than sense.

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

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

Coming out Shelby felt the ship straight thrust as an energy good time hit the cuticle ; almost automatically she returned flak, at full force ! Quickly she fired another ray of zip 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 s caught up to the first, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 miles of the fire warden ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the energy and 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 leave chase but as Derrick had thought they were no match for her speed.

A groan drew her attention, `` Shelby ? Why am I on the bio-bed ? go thing I remember was ... fuck ! I guess I have you to give thanks for my life. '' Derrick groaned out.

Smiling weakly Shelby bowed her head, `` 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 force, then had to intercept it, I am afraid that I rendered the commando ship inoperable ! '' Shelby said afraid that Derrick would be mad.

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