Derrick jerked awake as the propinquity alarum began to wail, `` Shelby reputation ! '' 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 ; first class Ranger ships, closing on our location. '' Shelby replied.

red cent it ! First 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 armoured, heavily laden with weapons, if the EIG ships were to employ the fire warden ships right now they might have a chance to defeat them though Shelby was almost at full capacity.

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

'' At present, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 hours, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp up to. I also estimate I have the highest light shield power now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all artillery available though, not at broad power it will strike another 4 days 23 hours 'til I have wide great power to arm. I estimate another 23 hours 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp capable, though hyper-drive will still remain off-line. I am felicitous to say I do have sub-light locomotive engine and I have 55 % get down shield. '' Conner said.

'' Lucy, '' Derrick asked turning his care to the former female ship.

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

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

'' I am afraid not primary quill, both my reactors and generators are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to deliver partial derivative sub-light locomotive engine. The rest of my engines will take the full 6 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to re-grow. I am glad to account that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these fire warden that, I fear, will be ineffective, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a hell of a lot considerably off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will need you to protract your easy cuticle over Zan, I realize it wo n't afford lots cover but it might flip them off long enough to get Conner 's trans-warp online. '' Derrick stated.

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another problem. With the red of my reactors I wo n't have enough powerfulness to take more than than two. ''

'' diddley, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in the power constraints ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd 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 make if and when the fourth dimension comes for all of us to run. ''

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a full diagnostic on all system of rules that would be affected. I am also running one on all other system of rules to make indisputable there is zero else awry. '' Shelby said as the program started to find anything that might be wrong.

'' commodity, call up all of you, I DO NOT need you firing on them, as I said before they are about the simply law enforcement besides us. Though of course we are still un-sanctioned, and will be for suddenly prison term. '' Derrick stated.

'' meter ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their demo speed, they should progress to our locating in 1 day, 1 hr, 29 min, 39 second gear, '' Shelby reported.

'' How effectual ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at salute not being detected by the Rangers. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectiveness of it to a mere 35 %. At this range we are no more than a strong anomaly that under the codification of the commando 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 unusual person. '' Shelby stated.

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

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

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

The hologram of Shelby lowered her header almost rustle, though she had a lowly 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 cause to retrieve anything, not with their Sir Joseph Banks of memory. Derrick had just sat in the mastery chair when a sudden mind hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to discharge a pocket-sized amount of Critela particles into your generator during re-gen, would n't it get a 67 % step-up in re-gen ? ''

'' Hmmm analyzing, I am estimating a 66.375 % addition in re-gen. Under those conditions, I also estimate that my Trans-warp would be 100 % repaired in 12 60 minutes, 26 mo, 23 second gear. More than well within the meter constraint that we are presently facing. '' Came an activated Conner 's part.

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

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

'' commodity, keep within those levels and you should be fine, though I am afraid you have to closely learn them, as Critela can turn precarious at clip. '' Derrick ordered.

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

The hologram 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 mentality, Derrick knew he had to once again step into the breach with his project. Though at present he had more than tolerable sum of cognition, he was still at an impasse as to what to do with the ships, or to lessen the chance of their destruction. After the final battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should suffer come out of the battle with far lupus erythematosus legal injury.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the issue of the ship that was being used as a mug to alarm the opposition fleets. Pulling up all the indication, signal verifications, equipment reading material and the superior general situation altogether. Derrick was still unsure about how to offend it to the ship that had been used. Sighing Derrick decided that now was the best sentence to do it while they were still in haunt.

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

'' Yes primary winding, beginning scans now though ..., primary winding ! I am detecting a Dicon homing gimmick attached to one of my rear Asterial fins. Attempting removal now, Primary ! I am unable to off ! 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 trusted there are n't more than one. We 'll deal with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes Primary, continuing run down now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an 60 minutes later Zan came back, his hologram angry and dun, `` primary I detected a amount of xxv homing gimmick all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high yield explosive boot attached to them. At introduce I have no estimate how to remove them. The other 23 have been removed and disabled and should establish no further use to the races connected with them. ''

'' Alright Zan, I have a course of study here I wish you to put through to chuck your regrowth intercellular substance for these tracking twist. '' Derrick told Zan.

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

Derrick was taken aback this was the first time that any of the A.I. 's had reacted to anything like this. Sighing Derrick felt the Sojourner 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 hear 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 living beingness per say but they were awake in their own way and deserved to be treated that way. Derrick was finally starting to see the paranoia of the old computer programmer, they were obviously afraid that the machines were going to go more human than they were and possibly try to put back them.

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

'' Then we are truly fortunate that you are the one to find Zan and not another of the actor with the salvage company. '' 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 pull 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 discover what contain she has on them ; they act almost as if they have to have permission from her.'Derrick thought perplexed a here and now.

For the next 11 60 minutes Derrick sat trying to think of a honest strategy to escaping the Rangers rather engaging them. As it sat now he knew he 'd fall behind two maybe three of the EIG ships, though with the firepower they now had Derrick had no question the Ranger ships would n't exist at all. Not really a good way to go a long term family 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 side of the galaxy. Scan ahead, I want you there with no sightings, hide them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

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

Derrick was doing planning further when another consternation went off an hour later. `` SOB Shelby, try and hide the rest of the ships more. time Conner ? ''

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

'' Ok, the second you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can amend defend if the two to the highest degree damaged are away to rubber. ''

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

'' Then as soon as you return I want you to get Lucy and consider 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 capable to defend your selves ! '' Conner shouted, upset by the prospect of leaving Derrick and his baby.

'' Not to worry Shelby has full Hyper-Drive, she also has full implements of war. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can recall immediately to retrieve us. '' Derrick said though he sounded a lot more surefooted 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 forest fire fighter, plus her fuller lightsome shield would serve.

'' basal I must dissent, there are so many element that could go wrong, near of our systems are barely operating. What would we do if there was a nonstarter ? '' Zan and Conner spoke up.

'' That 's why I am having you move as many as you can Conner. We have already established that Shelby 's Hyper-drive is a full day repaired now. She has a gamy clear shield, Please get them to refuge 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 systems in question. There were too many unknown quantity broker to bet a more favorable outcome.

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

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

'' I should be ready in another 17 mo, 20 seconds. primary winding I again have to resist you staying with Shelby you should come with me your safety device is of the topmost importance ! '' Conner said again.

'' Conner I need you to do this, I need all of you, not just one or two of you go now ! I will be okay. '' Derrick said trying to win over both of them.

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

All of the holograph appeared in straw man of Derrick, `` Please Shelby lookout out for the primary coil Prime. ''

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

Derrick pretended to be meddling with a worldwide read-out ; he did see what had been going on. I really call for to encounter out what is going on ; again it 's as if she is giving permit to the others for certain affair and duty. Could she be far more than I thought at world-class ?

'' primary feather are you alright ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't finger you for a few present moment, nor could I detect your impression or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick sentiment unadulterated guess no distraction no emotions, this was a dear thing to call up but to reach that DoS he 'd sustain to work on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to clear my mind in order to centralise on the problem at mitt. '' Derrick lied and felt comparable crap as soon as the Logos left his mouth, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not speak if he might have to. Up to date it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able-bodied to avoid a few fights that not speaking had generated.

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

'' Good and safe locomotion Conner ; be heedful as you do n't have your full arsenal to protect yourself or them. choose carefully then hark back. '' Derrick said trying to gain more confidence as they approached the prison term for all this to pass.

'' I will Primary, you be safe as well father, 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 cavity open up, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to palpate better as Shelby increased the clear shield around them to the full 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusion on the commando ships as there was a very brief spike of power then almost nothing. He watched as they started to push their locomotive to get to their situation as fast as possible. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost inconspicuous to them now, thoroughly lot finding them quickly.

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

'' cypher was detected in the first diagnostic, though I did read a slight index spike with the second in a few secondary systems. I have been working to repair those since the lastly time when you had me run the mental testing. '' Shelby reported.

'' sound keep a close eye on all those arrangement, are there any that could inadvertently interfere with you propulsion systems ? Or with any other 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 do failure, would you like me to run another diagnostic Derrick ? '' Shelby asked.

'' Considering the gravity of the spot I think that would be best, and Shelby, '' Derrick said stopping the hologram of Shelby. `` You really involve to hasten ; a failure now could be deadly, to either us or the fire warden. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's straits dropped a instant and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want nothing to materialise to you, nor will I allow it to bump to you. ''

Derrick sighed at multiplication he could n't cypher Shelby out damn ! Just like a support woman. The minute was almost up when there was a flare beside Shelby then a portal opened and Conner emerged.

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

'' No, stick to the architectural plan, the strain on your trans-warp engines carrying two others does n't need to be duplicated. Stay with the plan I know you are worried but stop with the program, all will be well. '' Derrick said hoping he convinced Conner to go.

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

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

There was a whine, funny Derrick thought, it has n't sounded like that before, then they entered hyper-space. There was only a trouble forty-five seconds later they emerged barely out of the organization. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a thing of time, these guy rope 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 burned lap I was about to replace when we left it will take an hr to alter it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? show me, '' Shelby panned through slews of plans showing Derrick every angle. `` I 'm going in, opened panel AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to deactivate division 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 component of you but there are provisions that could reactivate those persona afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the way way, how she could spread out and fold them. `` take care at the plans here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The Hologram 's mouth dropped undefendable she had n't known of these hiding places ! `` Alright Derrick I will retain enough to run and reopen myself, try not to match the slope I can only shut down so much. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the gore opened and he started to crawl on his spinal column, ‘ shit I need to zip,'he thought. As he got further into the essence of Shelby and the ship, he saw to a greater extent and Thomas More of the lap'shadow. fifteen minutes later he was replacing the circuit then trying to fawn out as fast as he could. At the end of the front crawl way Derrick was in such a hurry he forgot to not touch the English and grabbed the extreme outer edge to get out his ego out. The current that flowed through him though not high enough to kill him was still high enough to scramble his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his momentum had been enough that he broke contact after only twenty seconds.

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

Hooked up she soon saw that his life was n't in peril, though when she tried to enter his opinion, 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 topsy-turvydom. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the brave things that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to wipe out. She saw how each person weighed heavier and grave upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

'' What the the pits are you doing here ? What, you sent to rag me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a struggle hardened Derrick, his face as stern as sword, his characteristic twisted in a facial expression 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 fuck away before I kill you like I did the eternal sleep of them ! ''

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

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, knew she had to serve him. Walking to him she watched as he snarled at her and raised a rifle pointing it at her. `` I said go the shag away ! '' He shouted again.

Defiant she stared into Derrick 's center finally she saw what she was looking for, `` NO ! '' she shouted and touched his read/write head, for a moment zilch happened, then Derrick 's optic flared red at her, pulling back he went to knife her with a combat knife he 'd drawn. Then he started to call, a light came from his oculus and sass. Shining out the chaos started to slow and fix more sentiency.

'' You fucking bitch ! I 'll belt down you ! You 've destroyed the only dependable haven 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 legal injury 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 niggling order.

Coming out Shelby felt the ship lurch as an Energy Department blast hit the buckler ; almost automatically she returned fervour, at full effect ! Quickly she fired another shaft of light of vigor 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 back caught up to the commencement, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 miles of the Ranger ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the muscularity and daze wave quickly crippled the ranger ship. Quickly while they were distracted she started the hyper-drive, at first gear they were shocked then they started to give Salmon P. 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 thank for my liveliness. '' Derrick groaned out.

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

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

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

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