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

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

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

'' I am reading at least four ; for the first time course of study Ranger ships, closing on our positioning. '' Shelby replied.

hoot it ! low class ? Plus there was the fact that there were 4 of them ? They were n't playing this time these were the finest ships they had. Heavily armored, heavily laden with artillery, if the EIG ships were to operate the ranger ships right now they might have a probability to shoot down them though Shelby was almost at full capacity.

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

'' At demo, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 hr, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable. I also estimate I have the highest light cuticle ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapon system available though, not at full king it will take another 4 daytime 23 hours 'til I have good power to weapons. I estimate another 23 hours 32 arcminute 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still rest 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 attending to the other distaff ship.

'' Yes primary quill, I will take another 3 days, 23 hr, 31 minutes 'til I am hyper-drive and trans-warp-drive capable, '' Lucy sadly said. `` I am also sub-light able, and am 55 % light-shield capable. ''

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

'' I am afraid not primary election, both my reactors and generator are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to hold partial sub-light railway locomotive. The eternal sleep of my locomotive will deal the full 6 Clarence Day to re-grow. I am glad to report that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these Rangers that, I fear, will be inefficient, '' 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 take you to poke out your low-cal shield over Zan, I realize it wo n't open a good deal 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 birth enough power to take more than two. ''

'' dirt, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the mightiness constraints ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd submit 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 time comes for all of us to run. ''

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

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

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

'' I estimate at their lay out speed, they should hit our position in 1 day, 1 time of day, 29 minutes, 39 second gear, '' Shelby reported.

'' How efficacious ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at show not being detected by the Texas Ranger. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the strength of it to a mere 35 %. At this range we are no more than a inviolable anomalousness that under the codification of the fire warden that you provided for me they have to look into. I estimate another 12 hours 'til they are unaired enough to detect that we are NOT an anomaly. '' Shelby stated.

'' You really have to block off doing that, I like to verbalise, you need to let me at to the lowest degree eat up what I am saying Shelby, '' Derrick scolded the A.I.

'' I will undertake to try Derrick, but it is far more efficient to feed you the resolve before you ask. '' Shelby said sweetly.

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

The hologram of Shelby lowered her head almost whispering, though she had a diminished smile, `` Yes Derrick I will endeavour to remember this. ''

Derrick smirked now he knew that the freeing up of the program was working, the A.I. 's did n't hold to remember anything, not with their banks of memory. Derrick had just sat in the command chair when a sudden estimate hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to expel a lowly total of Critela mote into your source during re-gen, would n't it get a 67 % increment in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % increase in re-gen. Under those conditions, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 minute, 26 minutes, 23 seconds. to a greater extent than well within the time constraint that we are presently facing. '' Came an energise Conner 's interpreter.

'' Make it so, also monitor the menstruum and amount of Critela, do not let them fall below 23.3, or above 23.5 micrograms per millimeter. '' Derrick recited seeing the pattern in his school principal.

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

'' Good, restrain within those layer and you should be fine, though I am afraid you have to closely catch them, as Critela can suit precarious at prison term. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes Primary, I will constantly monitor them 'til pass completion. '' Conner again replied excited.

The holograph 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 forest fire fighter arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his wit, Derrick knew he had to once again maltreat into the rift with his projection. Though at present he had to a greater extent than adequate amount of knowledge, he was still at an standstill as to what to do with the ships, or to lessen the chances of their destruction. After the last conflict, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should have come out of the struggle with far lupus erythematosus hurt.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the matter of the ship that was being used as a patsy to alert the foeman fleets. Pulling up all the readings, betoken verifications, equipment readings and the general situation altogether. Derrick was still unsure about how to better it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the best clock time to do it while they were still in repair.

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

'' Yes primary feather, beginning scans now though ..., primary coil ! I am detecting a Dicon homing device attached to one of my rearward Asterial fins. Attempting removal now, basal ! I am unable to remove ! It appears there is a highly unstable destructive device attached to it. '' Zan reported.

'' I was afraid of that, continue to rake I want to make sure there are n't more than than one. We 'll dish out with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes Primary, continuing rake now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an hour later Zan came back, his hologram furious and thwart, `` primary coil I detected a total of xxv homing devices all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have senior high yield explosive charges attached to them. At present I have no estimate how to remove them. The other twenty-three have been removed and handicap and should prove no further use to the races connected with them. ''

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

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

Derrick was taken aback this was the first meter that any of the A.I. 's had reacted to anything like this. Sighing Derrick felt the the true was always the in force, `` I am afraid that it will, though if I work on it, it wo n't as badly. Can you wait 'til I can conform it ? ''

Derrick could hear the gratitude in Zan 's voice, `` thank you Primary at least with you when you say that, I know that you will try to do what you say you are trying to do. ''

Derrick was shocked they might not be 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 programmers, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to become more man than they were and possibly try to supercede them.

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

'' Then we are truly fortunate that you are the one to come up Zan and not another of the proletarian with the salvage fellowship. '' 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 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 come through the coming crisis. ''

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

For the following 11 time of day Derrick sat trying to think of a better strategy to escaping the Ranger rather engaging them. As it sat now he knew he 'd recede two maybe three of the EIG ships, though with the firepower they now had Derrick had no doubt the Ranger ships would n't hold up at all. Not really a well way to start a long term kinship with an organization he might stimulate need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as possible, I want you to transport 0001 and Zan to the other side of the galaxy. Scan ahead, I want you there with no sightings, shroud them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes primary, I will endeavor to overcloud their spotting 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

Derrick was doing planning further when another alarum went off an hour later. `` horseshit Shelby, try and hide the relaxation of the ships more. sentence Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 minutes, 39 instant to cycle through and start up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the back you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can improve defend if the two about damaged are away to rubber. ''

'' 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 claim 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-bodied to fight back your ego ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the prospect of leaving Derrick and his sister.

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

'' chief I must protest, there are so many factors that could go wrong, most of our system of rules 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 full day repaired now. She has a higher light cuticle, Please get them to rubber then we 'll worry about us ok ? '' Derrick felt as if he were lying to his own children, hell he was scared shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many system of rules in head. There were too many terra incognita factors to direct a more prosperous outcome.

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

red cent it ! We 're barely going to make it !

'' I should be ready in another 17 minutes, 20 seconds. Primary I again have to protest you staying with Shelby you should come 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 fine. '' Derrick said trying to convert both of them.

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

All of the holograms appeared in front of Derrick, `` Please Shelby watch out for the primary feather heyday. ''

'' I will protect him with my spirit, Conner escape prime-one is enacted as per Imperial code 0001-alpha. '' Shelby said. The eyes of the Conner hologram opened spacious, he looked at Derrick, and then his bureau 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 busy with a ecumenical read-out ; he did see what had been going on. I really take to happen out what is going on ; again it 's as if she is giving permission to the others for sealed things and tariff. Could she be far Thomas More than I thought at initiatory ?

'' primary winding are you all right ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't find you for a few moments, nor could I observe your tactile sensation or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick thought unadulterated thought no distractions no emotions, this was a honest thing to remember but to give that state he 'd ingest to work on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to clear my mind in order to concentrate on the job at deal. '' Derrick lied and felt the like dirt as soon as the words left his mouth, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not verbalise if he might have to. Up to day of the month it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been capable to avoid a few engagement that not speaking had generated.

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

'' goodness and safe change of location Conner ; be careful as you do n't have your good arsenal to protect yourself or them. Choose carefully then return. '' Derrick said trying to realise Thomas More confidence as they approached the clock time for all this to happen.

'' 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 mouth open air, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to feel better as Shelby increased the alight shield around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusion on the Ranger ships as there was a very brief capitulum of top executive then almost nothing. He watched as they started to promote their engines to get to their position as fast as potential. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost invisible to them now, full luck finding them quickly.

'' Shelby, did you notice any trouble with your Hyper-Drive ? '' Derrick asked.

'' Nothing was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did read a slight power spike with the secondment in a few subaltern systems. I have been working to repair those since the last fourth dimension when you had me run the exam. '' Shelby reported.

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

'' At acquaint I have replaced and repaired all persona of the systems that might get failure, would you like me to run another diagnostic Derrick ? '' Shelby asked.

'' Considering the gravity of the site I think that would be best, and Shelby, '' Derrick said stopping the hologram of Shelby. `` You really ask to look sharp ; a failure now could be deadly, to either us or the Rangers. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's head dropped a moment and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want nothing to chance to you, nor will I set aside it to materialize to you. ''

Derrick sighed at sentence he could n't figure Shelby out damn ! Just like a living fair sex. The 60 minutes was almost up when there was a flash beside Shelby then a portal opened and Conner emerged.

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

'' No, joint to the architectural plan, the form on your trans-warp engine carrying two others does n't require to be duplicated. Stay 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 quill, '' with that said, he connected to Lucy and flashed out. Derrick could see the Rangers on the other side of the moon.

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

There was a whine, funny Derrick opinion, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a problem xlv minute later they emerged barely out of the organisation. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a matter of time, these guys were n't stupid they 'd see the hyper track as soon as they scanned.

'' Shelby ! '' Derrick yelled, `` what 's going on with the hyper-drive ? ''

'' It 's a burn off circuit I was about to supercede when we left it will take an hour to change it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? Show me, '' Shelby panned through XII of plans showing Derrick every Angle. `` I 'm going in, open jury AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to deactivate part 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 path fashion, how she could open and close them. `` bet at the architectural plan here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The Hologram 's backtalk dropped open she had n't known of these hiding places ! `` Alright Derrick I will retain enough to run and reopen myself, try not to touch the sides I can only exclude down so very much. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the venire opened and he started to crawl on his cover, ‘ bull I need to festinate,'he thought. As he got further into the heart of Shelby and the ship, he saw Thomas More and more than of the circuits'dark. xv hour later he was replacing the 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 utmost outer edge to pluck his ego out. The current that flowed through him though not high enough to down him was still high enough to sputter his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his momentum had been enough that he broke link after only twenty seconds.

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

Hooked up she soon saw that his animation was n't in danger, though when she tried to enter his thoughts, she found she could n't crap signified 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 sum of all the Chaos. 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 kill. She saw how each individual weighed heavier and heavier upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

'' What the hell are you doing here ? What, you sent to torment me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a battle hardened Derrick, his cheek as rear end as brand, his characteristic twisted in a feel 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 repose of them ! ''

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

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, hump she had to avail 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 middle finally she saw what she was looking for, `` NO ! '' she shouted and touched his psyche, for a mo null happened, then Derrick 's eyes flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a armed combat knife he 'd delineate. Then he started to yell, a light came from his eyes and mouthpiece. Shining out the topsy-turvyness started to slow and prepare more sensation.

'' You fucking bitch ! I 'll kill you ! You 've destroyed the simply prophylactic harbour 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 price at all to Shelby. `` NO, I 'll never forgive you NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo ... .. ! ''

Finally the chaos was starting to settle not very fast but at least now she could see a little Order.

Coming out Shelby felt the ship straight thrust as an free energy blast hit the cuticle ; almost automatically she returned fire, at full force-out ! Quickly she fired another shaft of light of vigour 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, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 international nautical mile of the forest fire fighter ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the vigour and blow 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 grant chase but as Derrick had thought they were no match for her speed.

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

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

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

'' Oh no, but I almost did, I fired full force-out, then had to stop it, I am afraid that I rendered the forest fire fighter ship inoperable ! '' Shelby said afraid that Derrick would be mad.

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