Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the fire warden to support off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be able-bodied to abide by or draw them. In field around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up dust chunk ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so much to do ; he had to have the rest of the knowledge in the libraries. There was still the volatile commission attached to the astral fin near Zan 's engine. There was still the mystifying subject matter that Tempro had, plus the mystery of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality creators, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many doubt and few if any resolution.

Looking at the headway set again for the fifth time in the last 30 bit, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the mind set, there are far too many head I need reply to. I want a full diagnostic on the organization, Query, are all 7 buffers sufficient to intercept and quench and funnel the data at a more tolerable rate ? Also, are the heraldic bearing dampeners sufficient to prevent electrocution to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the design checking the apparatus numerous times.

'' Comparing the setup to that which you used final stage time, I am showing that all fender are working at 99.5 %, all three cathexis dampeners are at 100 %, also the sum up quick transposition has been added, though I must admonish you Derrick there are only certain times that you can use it. Only when you see a green light in the amphetamine left hand quadrant is it safe to quick disconnection, any other prison term you will either bear severe brain damage, or heartbeat dying. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to make out this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the head set over his ears. Again as it started it was n't bad then the information started to flow faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left hand he still had n't seen the light-headed yet, good to hold back that billet in focus in typeface. After what felt like an hour the selective information again started to realize speed. That 's when Derrick started to notice that something was wrong, 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 program library. Son of a bitch ! Even this far into the future the traitors had found a way to try and pop him. Shelby was starting to get worry, Derrick had finished her library a short prison term ago but for some reason the apparatus was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the link Shelby only found an evacuate room, following the linkup further she again found Derrick curled into a corner. It was at that second she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a remainder virus in one of the ships systems, a computer virus that could leave them all without Derrick. Remembering the disc from early Shelby had it in a receptacle within import. As the blue angel 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 library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost one-half of it, my lord. '' The short cropped blonde hair, sensitive build man, with a smooth face 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 second metre no ..., third. My Almighty I was told that when you were here, to evidence you, this is where you are supposed to be. You need to finish my phonograph recording, it will be painful especially the last part. I was told you have to wear it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was crazy, the pain had already started, shaking his pass did that mean he was almost done with the supernumerary immense subroutine library Tempro had ? Then almost all clear thought vanished as the last few X of 1000 of data file washed through his wit. Falling to the ... solid ground ? He was n't sure what it was nor did he care the vision and data he received made him feel as if it all were actually happening to him. All the pain he saw, all the pain he felt, Derrick thought was going to pour down him then just as suddenly it was gone. Standing up Derrick could see matter a lot clearer now, looking at Shelby he walked up to her and held her close. Though highly storm 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 recover your tyke, and possibly another of Blessed Virgin 's. '' Derrick told her.

Shelby pant, `` You know ? How ? There was never anything in the records 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 feelings for you, I never thought I 'd feel what I am, not after what the war destroyed in me, thank you. '' Derrick whispered.

Derrick pulled the mind set off his caput, there was a lot to do but build up with what he had now, it would be a lot easier. Looking at Shelby 's hologram he smiled actually causing her to blush ! Suddenly Derrick took over ascendence tuning in the palace. `` Madonna, secondary emergency code enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Virgin Mary answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All stamp battery charged and ready, republic capital targeted awaiting society. ''

'' Good keep a lock we may have motive of a manifestation soon, I want no fire warden ships destroyed, nor fire warden personnel injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my Almighty ; I will expect orders to destroy what you will. Blessed Virgin answered.

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

The hollow speech sound of running stride drew his care to the room access, `` United States President Maury ! President Maury ! '' His assistant was screaming sounding like a scared little girl. Sighing the president stepped out of the huge sauna/bath naked and waited as the small man threw the threshold open. `` Chief Executive M ...., oh my ! '' the supporter said eyeing the prexy 's naked dead body, what he would n't give to occupy ..., shaking his pass he spoke up. `` President Maury ! We have an active scan from the old empire palace, sir it has trained every arm on the empire Earth upon this edifice ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The planetary carapace will select precaution of that. '' The president said waving the little man away.

'' I 'm sorry sir but, '' the lilliputian man was shaking.

'' But what ? ! We have far more mogul than the old empire ever did. '' Maury said not really worried he 'd spend a lot getting the best, nothing could get to him now.

'' All the science officeholder say that the cuticle are nothing, the empire palace alone possess 100 prison term More office than commonwealth capital Earth does. If they fire sir, '' here the picayune man shook not certainly if it was the openness of the President or the fright he was feeling. `` They could destroy the entire planet ! ''

The prexy 's face blanched, `` call the stallion fleet, and have them get bombardment of the antediluvian Empire planet ! Destroy it before it can destroy us ! '' The supporter bowed low looking lovingly at the prexy 's body then left.

The Virgin was monitoring every communication out of the Republic world, when she saw the order she smiled. Finally the lamentable excuse for a ruling class would be shown just how peanut and inconsequent they truly were. As per the 2nd emergency code Mary started to target not only the republic mankind but every ship of theirs within 2 light up old age. 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 encounter coming and soon it would be better if he found more ships but at submit he had to expect for Tempro and the content before he moved on it. For some strange reason Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to discover the content before he did anything else. In field on the far side of Darius 3, an aged man flipped 3 switches and smiled, almost clock time to be a hero boy. Shaking his point he caressed the long scar on his leg, activating another set of switches a miniature hologram 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 criminal record. 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 broadcast and gimmick. '' A shocked sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the underworld was going on ? He was never this lucky or fortunate ; naught EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the program over it was almost the Lapp as the one he 'd been working on for week. `` Zan, I think we have the program ready to move out the explosive charge from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

Zan 's hologram appeared bowing low, `` for you my lord I 'd run it and gamble devastation, though my lord I believe I have detected another problem. ''

What the nether region now ? Derrick thought then shake off his top dog he knew something would go wrong it always did. `` Explain Zan. ''

'' It appears that the twist is now a division of the fin, it will sustain 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 prepare, and then I 'll counsel all of you what I want you to do. ''

Shelby and the others started to protest when Derrick looked at all of them, `` administrator purchase order, Omega-Omega-1 I will take care of this. ''

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

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

rip were starting to flow 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 take out it we are all in peril, even as you risk your life-time for me will I risk mine for you, I told you I have feelings 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 start to repay, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said short serious, this in itself traumatise Shelby.

Derrick began to wad several pieces of equipment from his ship, and then went over meter reading from Zan 's effected section. Hmmm so the device packed an explosive military force of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, powerful enough to punch a substantial muddle in the side of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand Roman mile, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could amplify the clap. It appeared that the encourage from Zan it was the weaker it was, a good thing to commemorate. Finally ready an 60 minutes later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The Young man, still in overall appeared as soon as Derrick began to run to the air lock closemouthed to the astral fin.

'' Though we are under the executive rules of order I still must protest, my Divine, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would mean disgrace for all of us, we would no longer be capable to function. ''

'' I know that Zan, but you are, all the ships are as of import to me as I am to you. I have to do this or I wo n't feel I am near worthy to take you and the others. '' Derrick stated.

Zan 's expression began to record the pride he felt for Derrick, as far as he was have-to doe with Derrick WAS the emperor butterfly. `` I will do all I can to protect you my Lord, up to and including giving my existence. ``

'' With the skills I possess I am hoping nil like that will be essential, when I have removed the device, I want you on the other side of the others. The promote away the serious, it appears the twist is triggered to amplify the attack the closer to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

Bowing his header Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my Divine. '' Exiting the ship Derrick looked around at the side of the ship, the pelt was odd but this close up he could see it was well panoplied. 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 recognise if there are any change. '' 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 tenuous change in the charge it appears to being enabling itself to arm. '' Zan advised.

'' Alright Zan, I want you to laden the program, after its run completely, notify me. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Derrick there is a little care pusher on that lawsuit, please remember that is only a class 2 courting, it wo n't propose as much protection as a class one if the device explodes. You also have a temporary shield good for approximately 60 instant please use it if necessary. '' Shelby advised.

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

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

'' Ok, advancing. '' Derrick said as he began to jumble toward the fin faster. Drawing a strange cutting torch from his pack Derrick began to cut at the fin, thankfully it was specifically designed to cut the living metallic element. Finally liberal Derrick pulled the gimmick about a beat and a half foresightful loose, Derrick firmly grasped it then pushed off, turning he watched Zan jump away, the wake of the trans-warp propelling him away faster.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby 's scream broke into his thoughts, `` the device is starting to arm itself ! Use the pusher ingroup ! '' Derrick started the pack, slowed, and then started to move in the opposite management. Son of a bitch he thought, this will aid but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic explosion, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up great ! He knew there was n't a lot time so clicking the shield on he waited a few seconds, he could experience himself accelerating, plus the oestrus was n't too majuscule either but at least it was starting to lessen. Trying to keep his eyes open up he thought he saw the abstract of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and sharp feeling a tearing down his leg through the suit of clothes, then the blessed darkness took him as the botheration and frigidness began to creep in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp viewing had pushed Derrick away at an accelerated speed. Shelby was monitoring the hale fourth dimension ; suddenly she got a sign that the gimmick 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 retardation and reversing direction. Finally he was starting to put a minuscule distance between it and him but she feared it would n't be enough. Then the twist exploded, desperately she tried to enjoin Derrick to activate the shell, when he did she still could n't relax as she saw that the heat had risen and the shield 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 man of Derrick when the good time pushed Derrick right into one of several of her stellar quintet that the flak had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shields to leave Derrick to sink through. Screaming she watched as the broken fin ripped a cut down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to jump to the others but with her fins damaged, she could only manage a few thousand Roman mile. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burns and radiation, plus the gash in his leg sealed before he bled to decease.

The other ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost weeping wreck blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the hologram, `` standing orders, protect each other, debar the Ranger at all costs, think all I have shown you and order you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming darkness.

Mary 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 Mary smiled, `` I have to go it appears I will soon have visitors. ''

Shelby looked at Mary strangely, visitors ? Was n't the castle isolated ? Madonna smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to break through her shields for over 200 days. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half power Mary aimed at the get-go ship, firing, she took out the total locomotive engine, then the secondment ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 miles from the planet. `` Under imperial executive rescript, I have been tasked with the auspices of the imperial planet. Any further encroachment by uncongenial personnel with be met with deadly force. I do not recognize you or your Republic anymore and squall for the remotion of the president, grounds will follow. '' Mary said sweetly. The programme was being heard all over the galaxy and throughout the democracy.

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

The hologram of Virgin Mary appeared on all the ships and on every public that was listening, but most importantly the Republic capital. Looking directly at the president she stated, `` The future emperor of the realm, and he is FAR more than displeased with you, there is a peculiar punishment he has for you when you are found hangdog. I am quite surely you have heard of the imperial dermal shredders ? ''

Broadcast to well over a grand human beings many were glad to see the president as he started to piss his gasp. As soon as the hologram disappeared, the president started to bark order of magnitude. He needed every patch of threatening armament and weapon system he had to attack the imperial planet. That was 'til 4 well placed energy blasts pierced the shell as if they were n't there and 4 monumental explosions sounded, hiding his head he did n't even need to look to recognize that all 4 of the arsenal were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet spot on the floor was growing.

For 2 days Derrick 's consistency was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his torso ever could have. Unfortunately they were unable to heal the huge scar that was now a portion of his leg. At the end of the second day Derrick 's centre opened, `` status report, '' he croaked out before sipping the water offered.

'' The program has removed all hint of the devices within my re-gen intercellular substance, '' Zan stated.

'' At present I am in re-gen several of my weapon, astral 5, and one engine, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to save you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see rip falling from her eyes.

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

'' I feel that I should have got gone in different. Your injury is the result of grievous injury caused from you being ripped along my broken astral templet. I have failed you many meter Derrick, I am surprised that you wish to stay on me. '' This brought more than renewed rent from her.

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

'' Had you not amount for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her head no. `` The way that you had to come in to hold back me, was there any other position that you could ingest taken that would own allowed you to skip out with lupus erythematosus damage ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every position, every counselling that she could have come in from, every position that she could have been in to view him. Derrick watched her case ; he knew that she 'd see it in a moment. When her font lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute best that you could I know that, therefore I do n't blame you. Rather I praise you for your precise and ready natural action. Shelby without you none of this would have been potential. ''

Shelby 's face 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 existence to him.

Mary appeared a import later, `` executive order is being carried out, all satellite 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 swear worthy. All threatening munition and armament have been destroyed on the Republic home satellite. I have a fleet now within 50,000 sea mile of the imperial satellite ; they are at exhibit removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very expert Mary, stay under executive Holy Order 'til further notice, also arm all automaton sentries, I have a flavor they are going to try and consider the rest period of the planet. Have all the people 's personal identity on the planet downloaded into their memories, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Madonna smiled, reaching out she activated all the picket, loading each as Derrick said with the identity of all the masses on the planet. Finally his military posture still not yet full he lay back down and slept. For the following 2 days Derrick drifted in and out of consciousness taking reports and issuing orders, though the one affair he especially wanted to check on was the condition of Tempro. The fact that there was still a substance from still an unknown quantity person or someone was still a John Roy Major bur in his side. Finally capable to sit up but still not released Derrick thought he was going to go bonkers waiting for the bio-bed to unmortgaged him.

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

'' The bio-bed has your body at 95 %, the nanomites are still working on your leg. I am afraid that it will trouble oneself you the eternal rest of your life Derrick. '' Lowering her head she started, `` I am no-account that you will be reminded of this failure by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a human I 'd slap the sense of taste out of your mouth ! '' 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 hologram had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the holograms, `` you are all citizens of this empire, I have failed you therefore I beg your pardon. '' All the hologram 's oral fissure were wide outdoors ; the emperor butterfly was apologizing to them ? Who was this man, in all their ( a few only a few ) years they had never met a man as kind and giving to them as this one. All of the holograms had teardrop in their oculus each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Mary, who had also been listening as she did now, had tears in her eyes. Finally she thought a true Saturnia pavonia of the hoi polloi, sighing now she thought ; we just need to convey the empire back .