Derrick jerked awake as the proximity warning signal began to pule, `` Shelby report ! '' Derrick shouted.

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

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

'' I am reading at least four ; initiative socio-economic class Ranger ships, closing on our location. '' Shelby replied.

Damn it ! number one grade ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this prison term these were the finest ships they had. Heavily armored, heavily laden with artillery, if the EIG ships were to occupy the ranger ships right now they might have a chance to overcome them though Shelby was almost at full-of-the-moon capacity.

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

'' At present tense, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 minute, 33 bit 'til I am trans-warp capable. I also estimate I have the gamey light harbour power now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapon available though, not at full top executive it will learn another 4 years 23 hours 'til I have full power to artillery. I estimate another 23 hour 32 mo 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still remain off-line. I am happy to say I do have sub-light railway locomotive and I have 55 % light shield. '' Conner said.

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

'' Yes Primary, I will require another 3 days, 23 60 minutes, 31 minutes 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive capable, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light up to, and am 55 % light-shield capable. ''

'' Zan any modification in your condition ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am afraid not Primary, both my reactor and generator are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial tone sub-light engines. The rest period of my engines will hold the full 6 days to re-grow. I am happy to cover that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these forest fire fighter that, I fear, will be inefficient, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a Scheol of a lot unspoiled off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will need you to exsert your light shield over Zan, I realize it wo n't yield 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 reactors I wo n't have sufficiency power to take more than two. ''

'' Shit, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the power restraint ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd take aim 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 fix if and when the time comes for all of us to run. ''

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a good diagnostic on all organisation that would be affected. I am also running one on all other systems to urinate sure there is nothing else wrong. '' Shelby said as the program started to detect anything that might be incorrect.

'' Good, commemorate 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 brusque time. '' Derrick stated.

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

'' I estimate at their deliver velocity, they should attain our position in 1 day, 1 60 minutes, 29 proceedings, 39 arcsecond, '' Shelby reported.

'' How in effect ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at present not being detected by the forest fire fighter. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectiveness of it to a bare 35 %. At this range we are no More than a strong unusual person that under the code of the Rangers that you provided for me they have to investigate. I estimate another 12 hr 'til they are last enough to find that we are NOT an anomaly. '' Shelby stated.

'' You really have to discontinue doing that, I like to speak, you need to let me at least destination what I am saying Shelby, '' Derrick scolded the A.I.

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

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

The hologram of Shelby lowered her headway almost whispering, though she had a lowly smile, `` Yes Derrick I will strive to think back this. ''

Derrick smirked now he knew that the freeing up of the political 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 chair when a sudden idea hit him.

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

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

'' Make it so, also monitor the catamenia 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 foreland.

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

'' commodity, go along within those stage and you should be fine, though I am afraid you have to closely look out them, as Critela can become precarious at times. '' Derrick ordered.

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

The holograph of Shelby was smiling proudly, she 'd never heard of this procedure 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 Texas Ranger arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his brain, Derrick knew he had to once again step into the rupture with his project. Though at present he had Sir Thomas More than passable amount of knowledge, he was still at an cul de sac as to what to do with the ships, or to fall 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 lupus erythematosus hurt.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the matter of the ship that was being used as a gull to alert the enemy fleets. Pulling up all the readings, signal check, equipment reading material and the general spot altogether. Derrick was still diffident about how to break it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the salutary time to do it while they were still in repair.

'' Zan, I need you to CAT scan subdivision BF-32 through BF-999 on your outer pelt. separate me what, if anything you detect in those field. '' Derrick asked heavily.

'' Yes Primary, beginning CAT scan now though ..., chief ! I am detecting a Dicon homing gimmick attached to one of my rear Asterial tailfin. Attempting remotion now, Primary ! I am unable to bump off ! It appears there is a highly fluid destructive device attached to it. '' Zan reported.

'' I was afraid of that, continue to scan I want to take a shit indisputable there are n't more than one. We 'll address with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes Primary, continuing scan now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an minute later Zan came back, his hologram wild and frustrated, `` Primary I detected a total of xxv homing devices all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high yield explosive charge attached to them. At submit I have no idea how to hit them. The early twenty-three have been removed and disable and should prove no advance use to the races connected with them. ''

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

'' primary coil, '' Zan asked a few instant later, `` will it hurt ? ''

Derrick was taken aback this was the inaugural 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 discover the gratitude in Zan 's vocalism, `` 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 life 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 programmers, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to become more homo than they were and possibly try to replace them.

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

'' Then we are truly fortunate that you are the one to incur Zan and not another of the prole 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 dewy-eyed 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 go 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 birth to let on 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 think of a comfortably strategy to escaping the Rangers 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 dubiety the Ranger ships would n't live at all. Not really a good way to bulge a farseeing term relationship with an governance he might cause need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as potential, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the other side of the wandflower. Scan ahead, I want you there with no sightings, enshroud them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes Primary, I will endeavor 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. `` Shit Shelby, try and hide the rest of the ships more. Time Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 minute, 39 arcsecond to cycle through and get down up. '' Conner stated.

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

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

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

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

'' Not to worry Shelby has full Hyper-Drive, she also has wide weaponry. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can return immediately to retrieve 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 Richard Buckminster Fuller light shield would help.

'' Primary I must protest, there are so many element that could go wrongfulness, most of our systems 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 wide-cut day repaired now. She has a high clear shield, Please get them to safety device 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 system of rules in question. There were too many unknown quantity factors to calculate a more favourable outcome.

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

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

'' I should be set up in another 17 minutes, 20 secondment. Primary I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should add up with me your safety is of the topmost 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 mulct. '' Derrick said trying to convince both of them.

'' Yes primary feather, cycling finished commencing offset up, 15 minutes, 45 seconds. '' Conner said not too happy.

All of the holograms appeared in forepart of Derrick, `` Please Shelby ticker out for the Primary Prime. ''

'' I will protect him with my life, Conner escape prime-one is enacted as per imperial beard code 0001-alpha. '' Shelby said. The oculus of the Conner holograph opened wide of the mark, he looked at Derrick, and then his dresser 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 in use with a universal 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 permission to the others for certain affair and duties. Could she be far more than than I thought at first ?

'' Primary are you very well ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't find you for a few instant, nor could I observe your feelings or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick thought unadulterated cerebration no distractions no emotions, this was a good thing to call back but to strain that state he 'd have to influence on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to clear my mind in edict to digest on the job at helping hand. '' Derrick lied and felt like crap as soon as the row left his back talk, he really did n't wish to lie and would generally not verbalise if he might birth to. Up to date it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able to annul a few battle that not speaking had generated.

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

'' Good and safe traveling Conner ; be measured as you do n't have your full armoury to protect yourself or them. opt carefully then rejoin. '' Derrick said trying to make more confidence as they approached the clip for all this to pass off.

'' 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 oral fissure clear, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to find better as Shelby increased the wanton shield around them to the full moon 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the muddiness on the Ranger ships as there was a very legal brief spindle of office then almost nothing. He watched as they started to push their engines to get to their position as fast as possible. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost unseeable to them now, good hazard finding them quickly.

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

'' goose egg was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did say a slight ability spike with the second in a few secondary coil scheme. I have been working to remedy those since the last sentence when you had me run the tryout. '' Shelby reported.

'' Good go on a close eye on all those system of rules, are there any that could inadvertently step in with you propulsion systems ? Or with any former system that we will be need during this operation ? '' Derrick asked.

'' At present I have replaced and repaired all parts of the systems that might cause loser, would you like me to run another symptomatic 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 travel rapidly ; a failure now could be deadly, to either us or the Rangers. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's head dropped a consequence and she whispered. '' I will look sharp Derrick, I want aught to happen to you, nor will I countenance it to happen to you. ''

Derrick sighed at fourth dimension he could n't figure Shelby out damn ! Just like a life woman. The hour was almost up when there was a gaudy beside Shelby then a portal opened and Conner emerged.

'' I have procured an field well hidden and batten down, primary coil. Shall I take both Shelby and Lucy ? '' Conner asked.

'' No, joint to the architectural plan, the mental strain on your trans-warp engines carrying two others does n't necessitate to be duplicated. Stay with the program I know you are worried but last out 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 former side of the moonshine.

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

There was a whine, funny Derrick view, 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 arrangement. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a issue of time, these cat were n't dolt 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 replace when we left it will rent an hr to change it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? appearance me, '' Shelby panned through dozens of plans showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, subject dialog box AA1, I am afraid you are going to receive to inactivate persona 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 give to go into hibernation, well part of you but there are supply that could reactivate those voice afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the path fashion, how she could open and close down them. `` depend at the plans here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The hologram 's mouth dropped open she had n't known of these hiding places ! `` Alright Derrick I will continue enough to run and reopen myself, try not to concern the side I can only shut out down so much. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the gore opened and he started to crawl on his back, ‘ shit I need to rush,'he thought. As he got further into the heart of Shelby and the ship, he saw more and more of the circuits'dark. fifteen minutes later he was replacing the circuit then trying to crawl out as fast as he could. At the end of the grovel way Derrick was in such a hastiness he forgot to not affect the sides and grabbed the uttermost outer edge to pluck his self out. The current that flowed through him though not high enough to drink down him was still eminent enough to scramble his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his momentum had been enough that he broke contact after only 20 bit.

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

Hooked up she soon saw that his life was n't in danger, though when she tried to enter his thoughts, she found she could n't make sensation of them. The deeper she delved the worse it grew, 'til nothing she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The horrible computer storage of the war were burning bright in the nerve centre of all the chaos. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the gay things that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to obliterate. She saw how each soul weighed heavier and dense upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

'' What the hell are you doing here ? What, you sent to torment me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a conflict hardened Derrick, his face as poop as steel, his features twisted in a look of pure hatred. `` As you can see I do n't really require you to add to the hell I am in here, go the piece of ass away before I kill you like I did the rest period of them ! ''

Shelby became frightened ; she 'd never seen hatred as pronounced as this, the murderous look in his heart, the smell of death that was covering him.

Shelby, though Sir Thomas More afraid than she 'd ever been, knew she had to aid 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 heading, for a present moment nothing happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to dig her with a armed combat knife he 'd drawn. Then he started to holler, a illume came from his oculus and sassing. Shining out the topsy-turvydom started to slow and make more sentience.

'' You fucking bellyache ! I 'll kill you ! You 've destroyed the simply safety seaport I had ! '' Derrick screamed even louder as he tried to lunge at Shelby with the knife. Slicing and hacking Derrick screamed louder when he saw that he was doing no terms at all to Shelby. `` NO, I 'll never forgive you NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo ... .. ! ''

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

Coming out Shelby felt the ship lurch as an energy gust hit the cuticle ; almost automatically she returned fire, at full force ! Quickly she fired another ray of push 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 instant caught up to the offset, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 nautical mile of the Ranger 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 offset they were shocked then they started to fall in pursuit 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 ? Last thing I remember was ... nooky ! I guess I have you to thank for my life history. '' 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 effect, then had to wiretap it, I am afraid that I rendered the commando ship inoperable ! '' Shelby said afraid that Derrick would be mad.

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