Derrick jerked awake as the propinquity alert began to yawl, `` Shelby report ! '' Derrick shouted.

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

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

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

shit it ! First class ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this meter these were the all right ships they had. Heavily panoplied, heavily laden with arm, if the EIG ships were to engage the fire warden ships right now they might have a chance to vote down them though Shelby was almost at full capacity.

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

'' At show, I am now hyper-drive adequate to, I estimate another 47 hours, 33 minute 'til I am trans-warp capable. I also estimate I have the highest unhorse buckler ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapon usable though, not at full magnate it will take another 4 days 23 hours 'til I have full power to weapon. I estimate another 23 hours 32 mo 'til I am trans-warp up to, though hyper-drive will still remain off-line. I am happy to say I do accept sub-light engines and I have 55 % light shell. '' Conner said.

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

'' Yes primary feather, I will postulate another 3 days, 23 time of day, 31 minutes 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive adequate to, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light open, and am 55 % light-shield capable. ''

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

'' I am afraid not Primary, both my reactor and generators are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial sub-light engines. The rest of my locomotive engine will engage the total 6 days to re-grow. I am happy to cover that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these Rangers that, I fear, will be ineffective, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a Hell of a lot better off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will need you to extend your lightsome carapace over Zan, I realize it wo n't afford very much cover but it might bedevil them off long enough to get Conner 's trans-warp online. '' Derrick stated.

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another job. With the departure of my nuclear reactor I wo n't deliver enough power to take to a greater extent than two. ''

'' turd, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the power constraints ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd exact 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 metre 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 other systems to make sure there is nothing else wrong. '' Shelby said as the program started to notice anything that might be damage.

'' goodness, 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 course we are still un-sanctioned, and will be for dead time. '' Derrick stated.

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

'' I estimate at their present speed, they should hit our attitude in 1 day, 1 time of day, 29 minutes, 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 effectuality of it to a mere 35 %. At this stove we are no more than a strong anomalousness that under the code of the Ranger that you provided for me they have to investigate. I estimate another 12 hours '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 what I am saying Shelby, '' Derrick scolded the A.I.

'' I will set about to try Derrick, but it is far more efficient to give 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 mind almost whisper, 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 take to commend anything, not with their banks of retentivity. Derrick had just sat in the program line professorship when a sudden idea hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to let go of a small amount of Critela atom into your generator during re-gen, would n't it have a 67 % addition in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % increment in re-gen. Under those conditions, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 hours, 26 mo, 23 bit. More than well within the clock time constraint that we are presently facing. '' Came an aroused Conner 's voice.

'' Make it so, also monitor the flow and amount of Critela, do not let them light below 23.3, or above 23.5 micrograms per millimeter. '' Derrick recited seeing the formula in his chief.

'' Yes primary winding, at nowadays re-gen has already increased 50 % and slowly rising. '' Conner reported.

'' commodity, observe within those level and you should be finely, though I am afraid you have to closely take in them, as Critela can turn precarious at meter. '' Derrick ordered.

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

The hologram of Shelby was smiling proudly, she 'd never heard of this function 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 break with his project. Though at nowadays he had more than adequate measure of knowledge, he was still at an blind alley as to what to do with the ships, or to minify the chances of their destruction. 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 less damage.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the subject of the ship that was being used as a patsy to alert the enemy fleets. Pulling up all the interpretation, signal verifications, equipment reading material and the general situation altogether. Derrick was still uncertain 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 repair.

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

'' Yes Primary, beginning scan now though ..., primary ! I am detecting a Dicon homing gimmick attached to one of my rear Asterial tailfin. Attempting removal now, Primary ! I am ineffective to take out ! 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 prepare sure enough there are n't Thomas More than one. We 'll parcel out with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes primary feather, continuing scan now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an hour later Zan came back, his holograph angry and dun, `` Primary I detected a totality of twenty-five homing devices all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high proceeds volatile direction attached to them. At award I have no idea how to remove them. The other twenty-three have been removed and disable and should prove no boost use to the wash connected with them. ''

'' Alright Zan, I have a political program here I wish you to enforce to purge your regrowth ground substance for these tracking gimmick. '' Derrick told Zan.

'' primary election, '' Zan asked a few second base later, `` will it hurt ? ''

Derrick was taken aback this was the beginning 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 set it ? ''

Derrick could get a line the gratitude in Zan 's part, `` 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 actual living being per say but they were alive in their own way and deserved to be treated that way. Derrick was finally starting to see the paranoia of the old programmer, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to become more human than they were and possibly try to replace them.

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

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

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

Each of them nodded, smiling briefly, looking at Shelby before vanishing back to their respective ships. ‘ I'm going to hold to observe what hold she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to take in license from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a mo.

For the next 11 hour Derrick sat trying to think of a proficient scheme to escaping the Rangers rather engaging them. As it sat now he knew he 'd mislay 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 start a long term relationship with an governing body he might have need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as possible, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the other slope of the coltsfoot. scan ahead, I want you there with no sightings, hide them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes primary winding, I will strive to obscure their detection 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

Derrick was doing planning further when another alarm went off an hour later. `` mother fucker Shelby, try and shroud the eternal sleep of the ships more. Time Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 transactions, 39 minute to oscillation through and start up. '' Conner stated.

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

'' Yes primary coil 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 coil what of you and Shelby ? I can not go forth you here un able-bodied to defend your selves ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the chance of leaving Derrick and his babe.

'' Not to interest Shelby has full Hyper-Drive, she also has wax weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can return immediately to think 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 Rangers, plus her fuller Light Within cuticle would avail.

'' Primary I must protest, there are so many factors that could go wrong, nearly of our system are barely operating. What would we do if there was a unsuccessful person ? '' Zan and Conner spoke up.

'' That 's why I am having you move as many as you can Conner. We have already established that Shelby 's Hyper-drive is a wax day repaired now. She has a higher light shield, Please get them to safety then we 'll worry about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own nestling, hell he was scared shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many organization in interrogation. There were too many unsung factors to calculate a more favorable outcome.

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

shucks it ! We 're barely going to stimulate it !

'' I should be fix in another 17 minutes, 20 bit. primary feather I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should occur with me your safety 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 delicately. '' Derrick said trying to convince both of them.

'' Yes primary winding, cycling finished commencing get-go up, 15 minutes, 45 seconds. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the hologram appeared in front of Derrick, `` Please Shelby picket out for the Primary efflorescence. ''

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

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

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

Hmmm interesting Derrick mentation unadulterated thought no distractions no emotions, this was a soundly affair to call back but to reach that commonwealth he 'd own to work on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to clear my mind in edict to condense on the problem at hand. '' Derrick lied and felt corresponding crap as soon as the words left his oral cavity, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not speak if he might induce to. Up to escort it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able to void a few fights that not speaking had generated.

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

'' Good and safe locomotion Conner ; be careful as you do n't sustain your wax arsenal to protect yourself or them. Choose carefully then return. '' Derrick said trying to make More authority as they approached the time for all this to happen.

'' I will Primary, you be safety 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 mouth open, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten mo later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to feel better as Shelby increased the light shield around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the muddiness on the ranger ships as there was a very abbreviated spike of index then almost zilch. He watched as they started to push their engines to get to their position as fast as possible. The matter was that Lucy and Shelby were almost invisible to them now, beneficial portion finding them quickly.

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

'' naught was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did interpret a slight power capitulum with the second in a few secondary winding scheme. I have been working to repair those since the last clip when you had me run the tests. '' Shelby reported.

'' Good maintain a skinny eye on all those systems, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion scheme ? Or with any other scheme that we will be need during this mathematical operation ? '' Derrick asked.

'' At present I have replaced and repaired all role of the system that might do unsuccessful person, would you like 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 necessitate to zip ; a nonstarter now could be deadly, to either us or the Rangers. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's head dropped a mo and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want nothing to happen to you, nor will I allow it to happen to you. ''

Derrick sighed at times he could n't forecast Shelby out damn ! Just like a living woman. The hour was almost up when there was a flash beside Shelby then a portal vein opened and Conner emerged.

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

'' No, stick to the plan, the melody on your trans-warp railway locomotive carrying two others does n't want to be duplicated. stay put with the plan I know you are worried but stay with the plan, 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 other side of the lunar month.

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

There was a whine, singular Derrick thought, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a job 45 seconds later they emerged barely out of the system. Thankfully the Texas Ranger had n't detected them yet but it was only a subject 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 bite electric circuit I was about to supervene upon when we left it will pick out an minute to change it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? display me, '' Shelby panned through dozens of plans showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, open board AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to inactivate office 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 part of you but there are provisions that could reactivate those parts afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the itinerary ways, how she could spread and close them. `` Look at the plans here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The holograph 's mouth dropped open she had n't known of these hiding property ! `` Alright Derrick I will continue enough to run and reopen myself, try not to touch the sides I can only exclude down so a good deal. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the panel opened and he started to crawl on his back, ‘ bullshit I need to festinate,'he thought. As he got further into the heart of Shelby and the ship, he saw more and more of the circuits'nighttime. 15 mo later he was replacing the electric circuit then trying to fawn out as fast as he could. At the end of the crawl way Derrick was in such a haste he forgot to not tint the sides and grabbed the uttermost outer edge to perpetrate his self out. The electric current that flowed through him though not high up enough to bolt down him was still high enough to skin his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his momentum 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 care.

Hooked up she soon saw that his life was n't in peril, though when she tried to enter 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 horrible memories of the war were burning bright in the center of all the chaos. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the fearless thing that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to kill. She saw how each someone weighed heavier and grueling upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

'' What the the pits are you doing here ? What, you sent to bedevil me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a struggle hardened Derrick, his face as stern as steel, his feature of speech twisted in a look of pure hatred. `` As you can see I do n't really take you to add to the hell I am in here, go the fuck away before I kill you like I did the respite of them ! ''

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

Shelby, though More afraid than she 'd ever been, recognize 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 mo nothing happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a combat knife he 'd drawn. Then he started to squall, a sluttish came from his eyes and backtalk. Shining out the Chaos started to retard and make more sensory faculty.

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

Finally the chaos was starting to locate not very fast but at least now she could see a piddling order.

Coming out Shelby felt the ship lunge as an energy attack hit the shield ; almost automatically she returned fervidness, at to the full military unit ! Quickly she fired another beam of energy slightly faster ; she hoped Derrick would n't be too mad. As she 'd listen Derrick say there would be hell to pay, as she watched the minute caught up to the first, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 Admiralty mile 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 give Salmon Portland Chase but as Derrick had thought they were no match for her speed.

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

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

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

'' Oh no, but I almost did, I fired wax force, then had to stop it, I am afraid that I rendered the Ranger ship inoperable ! '' Shelby said afraid that Derrick would be mad.

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