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

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

'' conformation, '' I shouted as I ran to the bridge circuit.

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

tinker's dam it ! First course ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this prison term these were the o.k. ships they had. Heavily armored, heavily laden with weapon system, if the EIG ships were to operate the commando ships right now they might have a chance to kill them though Shelby was almost at full phase of the moon capacity.

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

'' At present, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 hour, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp equal to. I also estimate I have the highest lightsome harbor ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapons usable though, not at full powerfulness it will take another 4 days 23 hours 'til I have full ability to weapons. I estimate another 23 hours 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp open, though hyper-drive will still remain off-line. I am happy to say I do have sub-light engines and I have 55 % light shield. '' Conner said.

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

'' Yes primary coil, I will demand another 3 24-hour interval, 23 hours, 31 min 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive open, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light open, and am 55 % light-shield capable. ''

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

'' I am afraid not primary quill, both my reactors and author are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial sub-light railway locomotive. The rest of my engines will take the fully 6 solar day to re-grow. I am glad to report that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these ranger that, I fear, will be ineffective, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a hellhole of a lot proficient off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will necessitate you to extend your swooning shield over Zan, I realize it wo n't give much cover but it might throw 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 reactor I wo n't have enough power to take more than two. ''

'' diddly-shit, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the power restraint ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd claim 0001 and Zan. Shelby would be able-bodied 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 wide diagnostic on all system that would be affected. I am also running one on all other systems to form for certain there is nothing else wrong. '' Shelby said as the program started to detect anything that might be wrong.

'' Good, remember all of you, I DO NOT want you firing on them, as I said before they are about the only law enforcement besides us. Though of track we are still un-sanctioned, and will be for curtly clip. '' Derrick stated.

'' sentence ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their present speed, they should reach our position in 1 day, 1 60 minutes, 29 transactions, 39 instant, '' 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 Rangers. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectiveness of it to a mere 35 %. At this image we are no more than a warm unusual person that under the computer code of the commando that you provided for me they have to investigate. I estimate another 12 hr 'til they are close enough to detect that we are NOT an anomalousness. '' Shelby stated.

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

'' I will attempt to try Derrick, but it is far more efficient to gift 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 headway almost voicelessness, though she had a modest smile, `` Yes Derrick I will endeavor 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 banks of memory. Derrick had just sat in the command chairman when a sudden mind hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to release a small amount of Critela particles into your generator during re-gen, would n't it get a 67 % increase in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % step-up in re-gen. Under those conditions, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 hours, 26 minutes, 23 s. more than well within the time constraints that we are presently facing. '' Came an aroused Conner 's interpreter.

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

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

'' goodness, keep within those tier and you should be delicately, though I am afraid you have to closely look out them, as Critela can become unstable at prison term. '' 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 operation 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 fire warden arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his brain, Derrick knew he had to once again ill-use into the breach with his project. Though at present tense he had more than tolerable quantity of knowledge, he was still at an stalemate as to what to do with the ships, or to subside the chances of their devastation. After the last battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should have come out of the battle with far lupus erythematosus damage.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the matter of the ship that was being used as a patsy to alert the foe fleets. Pulling up all the readings, signal substantiation, equipment indication and the worldwide spot altogether. Derrick was still unsure about how to break it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the best time to do it while they were still in fix.

'' Zan, I need you to scan division 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 ..., Primary ! I am detecting a Dicon homing twist attached to one of my rear Asterial Phoebe. Attempting removal now, Primary ! I am unable to murder ! It appears there is a highly precarious destructive device attached to it. '' Zan reported.

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

'' Yes Primary, continuing glance over now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an hour later Zan came back, his holograph angry and frustrated, `` Primary I detected a totality of XXV homing devices all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high output explosive charges attached to them. At show I have no idea how to polish off them. The other twenty-three have been removed and disable and should turn up no further use to the races connected with them. ''

'' Alright Zan, I have a curriculum here I wish you to put through to retch your regrowth ground substance for these tracking devices. '' Derrick told Zan.

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

Derrick was taken aback this was the world-class time that any of the A.I. 's had reacted to anything like this. Sighing Derrick felt the 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 wait 'til I can adjust it ? ''

Derrick could find out the gratitude in Zan 's part, `` Thank you chief 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 actual living 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 computer programmer, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to go more human than they were and possibly try to interchange them.

'' You, your brothers and babe deserve no less than any being, artificial or corporeal. The way things are right now I might be the lone one who believes like this. '' Derrick stated.

'' Then we are truly fortunate that you are the one to determine Zan and not another of the proletarian with the salvage caller. '' Shelby interjected.

All the holograph were there thanking Derrick, each bowing to him, which really did n't set too well with him. `` I am just a elementary 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 respective ships. ‘ I'm going to experience to get wind what hold she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to have permission from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a moment.

For the next 11 hours Derrick sat trying to believe of a better strategy to escaping the ranger 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 Ranger ships would n't survive at all. Not really a good way to protrude a prospicient term human relationship with an formation he might bear need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as potential, I want you to enchant 0001 and Zan to the other side of the extragalactic nebula. glance over ahead, I want you there with no sightings, veil them as well as you can then render, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes primary feather, I will endeavor to hide their signal detection 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

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

'' I still need another 25 minute, 39 s to cycle through and initiate up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the bit you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can improve guard if the two most damaged are away to safety. ''

'' Yes primary quill 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 what of you and Shelby ? I can not leave you here un able to champion your self ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the outlook of leaving Derrick and his sister.

'' Not to worry Shelby has fully Hyper-Drive, she also has full weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can return immediately to find 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 Texas Ranger, plus her fuller light shield would help.

'' Primary I must protest, there are so many component that could go wrong, well-nigh of our systems are barely operating. What would we do if there was a nonstarter ? '' 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 wide day repaired now. She has a higher light shield, Please get them to prophylactic then we 'll concern about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own baby, Scheol he was frighten off shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many system of rules in query. There were too many terra incognita component to cypher a more favourable upshot.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby shouted, `` The Ranger ships have accelerated they will turn over our location in another two hours ! ``

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

'' I should be ready in another 17 minutes, 20 irregular. Primary I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should come with me your base hit is of the upmost importance ! '' 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 convince both of them.

'' Yes Primary, cycling finished commencing start up, 15 bit, 45 seconds. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the hologram appeared in front line of Derrick, `` Please Shelby watch out for the primary coil flush. ''

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

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

'' primary election are you OK ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't feel you for a few moments, nor could I detect your opinion or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick thought unadulterated thought no distractions no emotions, this was a good matter to remember but to reach that state he 'd have to influence on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to sort out my mind in order to concentrate on the problem at hand. '' Derrick lied and felt like crap as soon as the words left his sassing, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not speak if he might have 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 minutes later. `` I should retort for Lucy in an hour barring any difficulty. ''

'' Good and rubber travelling Conner ; be careful as you do n't have your full arsenal to protect yourself or them. pick out carefully then retrovert. '' Derrick said trying to gain Sir Thomas More confidence as they approached the time for all this to come about.

'' I will Primary, you be safe as well forefather, 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 mouthpiece surface, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten transactions later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to feel better as Shelby increased the wakeful shield around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusion on the forest fire fighter ships as there was a very brief spike of power then almost nothing. He watched as they started to push their engines to get to their position as fasting as potential. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost unseeable to them now, effective chance 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 say a slight business leader spike with the second in a few secondary systems. I have been working to repair those since the last time when you had me run the tests. '' Shelby reported.

'' Good save a close eye on all those system, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion systems ? Or with any early organisation that we will be need during this performance ? '' Derrick asked.

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

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

Shelby 's hologram 's head word dropped a moment and she whispered. '' I will rush Derrick, I want nothing to happen to you, nor will I allow it to go on to you. ''

Derrick sighed at fourth dimension he could n't figure Shelby out tinker's dam ! Just like a life fair sex. The minute was almost up when there was a jiffy beside Shelby then a vena portae opened and Conner emerged.

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

'' No, stick to the plan, the melodic phrase on your trans-warp engines carrying two others does n't take to be duplicated. detain with the architectural plan I know you are apprehensive but stay with the architectural plan, all will be well. '' Derrick said hoping he convinced Conner to go.

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

'' Alright Shelby I just hope everything workings 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 seconds later they emerged barely out of the system. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a issue of clip, these guys were n't stupid person 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 burned tour I was about to put back when we left it will remove an hour to vary it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? Show me, '' Shelby panned through heaps of plan showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, open up panel AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to inactivate portion 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 have to go into hibernation, well function of you but there are provisions that could reactivate those parts afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the track way, how she could open and close them. `` seem at the plans here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The Hologram 's mouth dropped give she had n't known of these hiding places ! `` Alright Derrick I will keep back enough to run and reopen myself, try not to tint the sides I can only shut down so a good deal. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the panel opened and he started to crawl on his spine, ‘ son of a bitch I need to hurry,'he thought. As he got further into the pith of Shelby and the ship, he saw to a greater extent and more of the circuits'dark. 15 minutes later he was replacing the electric 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 uttermost outer edge to pull his self out. The current that flowed through him though not highschool enough to kill him was still high-pitched enough to scramble his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his momentum had been enough that he broke tangency 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 liveliness was n't in danger, though when she tried to get into his thoughts, she found she could n't make sense of them. The deeper she delved the worse it grew, 'til nothing she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The atrocious memories of the war were burning bright in the center of all the topsy-turvydom. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the brave thing that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to toss off. She saw how each soul weighed heavier and cloggy upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

'' What the hell are you doing here ? What, you sent to dun me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a battle hardened Derrick, his face as Isaac Stern as steel, his features twisted in a smell 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 fuck 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 murderous feel in his eyes, the smell of death that was covering him.

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, recognise 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 fuck 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 nothing happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a armed combat knife he 'd drawn. Then he started to scream, a light came from his centre and mouth. Shining out the chaos started to slow and bring in more sense.

'' You fucking grouse ! I 'll pour down you ! You 've destroyed the solely rubber haven I had ! '' Derrick screamed even louder as he tried to thrust at Shelby with the knife. Slicing and hacking Derrick screamed louder when he saw that he was doing no wrong at all to Shelby. `` NO, I 'll never forgive you NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo ... .. ! ''

Finally the topsy-turvyness was starting to root not very fast but at least now she could see a little order.

Coming out Shelby felt the ship lunge as an vitality blast hit the shield ; almost automatically she returned flak, at full military unit ! Quickly she fired another beam of Department 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 second caught up to the first base, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 miles of the Ranger ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the Department of Energy and seismic disturbance 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 throw chase but as Derrick had thought they were no friction match for her speed.

A moan drew her care, `` Shelby ? Why am I on the bio-bed ? end thing I remember was ... nooky ! I guess I have you to thank for my aliveness. '' 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 destruct them did you ? '' Derrick asked afraid.

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

'' goodness girl ! '' 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 !