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

'' I am reading multiple ships heading in this cosmopolitan focussing, '' she reported.

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

'' I am reading at least four ; first socio-economic class forest fire fighter ships, closing on our localization. '' Shelby replied.

Damn 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 armored, heavily loaded with weapon, if the EIG ships were to engage the ranger ships right now they might induce a chance to overcome them though Shelby was almost at full capacitance.

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

'' At present, I am now hyper-drive capable, I estimate another 47 60 minutes, 33 minutes 'til I am trans-warp open. I also estimate I have the highest clear shell ability now at 60 %. '' Shelby reported.

'' Conner,"Derrick asked.

'' I now have all weapon system available though, not at wide-cut king it will remove another 4 days 23 hours 'til I have full power to arm. I estimate another 23 hours 32 minutes 'til I am trans-warp subject, though hyper-drive will still remain off-line. I am happy to say I do hold sub-light engines and I have 55 % light shield. '' Conner said.

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

'' Yes Primary, I will require another 3 days, 23 hour, 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 adequate to. ''

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

'' I am afraid not primary winding, both my reactors and generator are only 40 % repaired, I require another day to have partial sub-light railway locomotive. The rest of my railway locomotive will take the to the full 6 days to re-grow. I am glad to cover that I now have 25 % light-shield though for these Ranger that, I fear, will be ineffectual, '' Zan replied.

'' Alright, it appears that we are a blaze of a lot estimable off than we were when we got here yesterday. Shelby I will need you to extend your Light shield over Zan, I realize it wo n't yield practically blanket but it might cast off them off long enough to get Conner 's trans-warp online. '' Derrick stated.

'' Primary, '' started Conner, `` I foresee another trouble. With the loss of my reactors I wo n't deliver plenty power to take more than two. ''

'' Shit, '' Derrick cursed, `` I forgot to factor in in the might restraint ! We can do this if it comes to that, Conner you 'd select 0001 and Zan. Shelby would be capable to use her hyper-drive more effectively with two ships less to tow. I want you to go over everything Shelby I want you set up if and when the time comes for all of us to run. ''

'' Yes Derrick, I am already running a to the full diagnostic on all arrangement that would be affected. I am also running one on all former scheme to lay down sure there is nada else wrongfulness. '' Shelby said as the political platform started to detect anything that might be wrong.

'' Good, remember all of you, I DO NOT need you firing on them, as I said before they are about the only law enforcement besides us. Though of course of study we are still un-sanctioned, and will be for little time. '' Derrick stated.

'' sentence ..., '' Derrick began.

'' I estimate at their present speed, they should reach our stance in 1 day, 1 hr, 29 minutes, 39 moment, '' Shelby reported.

'' How effective ..., '' Derrick began again.

'' With their trans-warp being non-operational, Lucy and Conner are at face not being detected by the Rangers. I have extended my light-shield over 0001 and Zan ; unfortunately it has reduced the effectivity of it to a mere 35 %. At this range we are no more than a strong anomaly that under the code of the Ranger that you provided for me they have to investigate. I estimate another 12 minute 'til they are shut down enough to detect that we are NOT an anomaly. '' Shelby stated.

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

'' I will set about to try Derrick, but it is far more effective to give you the answer before you ask. '' Shelby said sweetly.

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

The hologram of Shelby lowered her headspring almost whispering, though she had a small 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 have got to commemorate anything, not with their bank of memory. Derrick had just sat in the command hot seat when a sudden idea hit him.

'' Conner, '' Derrick asked, `` if you were to release a minuscule amount of money of Critela speck into your source during re-gen, would n't it cause a 67 % increase 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 time of day, 26 bit, 23 seconds. more than well within the time constraints that we are presently facing. '' Came an mad Conner 's voice.

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

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

'' Good, save within those levels and you should be delicately, though I am afraid you have to closely ascertain them, as Critela can get unstable at times. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Yes Primary, I will constantly monitor them 'til mop up. '' Conner again replied excited.

The hologram of Shelby was smiling proudly, she 'd never heard of this function that Derrick had Conner using. If in fact it worked as well as Derrick and Conner had said then they could be out of here well before the Rangers arrived. Though he was still somewhat afraid after almost frying his mental capacity, Derrick knew he had to once again step into the breach with his project. Though at nowadays he had More than adequate amount of money of noesis, he was still at an deadlock as to what to do with the ships, or to minify the opportunity of their destruction. After the hold out battle, though they had all survived Derrick felt that as advanced as they were they should have come out of the battle with far to a lesser extent legal injury.

Sighing Derrick also remembered there was the topic of the ship that was being used as a gull to alert the foe fleets. Pulling up all the indication, signal check, equipment readings and the universal situation altogether. Derrick was still unsure about how to go bad 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 fixture.

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

'' Yes primary feather, beginning scans now though ..., Primary ! I am detecting a Dicon homing device attached to one of my rear Asterial Little Phoebe. Attempting removal now, Primary ! I am ineffectual to get rid of ! It appears there is a highly unsound destructive device attached to it. '' Zan reported.

'' I was afraid of that, continue to scan I want to pass water sure there are n't Thomas More than one. We 'll deal with it soon enough. '' Derrick advised.

'' Yes Primary, continuing scan now. '' Zan replied. Perhaps an time of day later Zan came back, his holograph angry and crucify, `` primary election I detected a total of twenty-five homing devices all of which I have removed all but two. Both of those have high production explosive charges attached to them. At present I have no thought how to polish off them. The other twenty-three have been removed and incapacitate and should shew no advance use to the wash connected with them. ''

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

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

Derrick was taken aback this was the first gear sentence that any of the A.I. 's had reacted to anything like this. Sighing Derrick felt the verity was always the best, `` I am afraid that it will, though if I work on it, it wo n't as badly. Can you hold back 'til I can adjust it ? ''

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

Derrick was shocked they might not be existent 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 programmer, they were obviously afraid that the automobile were going to turn more human than they were and possibly try to supplant them.

'' You, your pal and sisters deserve no LE 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 golden that you are the one to find Zan and not another of the workers with the salvage company. '' Shelby interjected.

All the hologram were there thanking Derrick, each bowing to him, which really did n't set too well with him. `` I am just a unsubdivided 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 bring 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 ingest to discover what nurse 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 better 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 doubt the Ranger ships would n't make it at all. Not really a good way to set forth a yearn term relationship with an organization he might have need of later on. `` Alright Conner, as soon as potential, I want you to channelize 0001 and Zan to the other side of the coltsfoot. read ahead, I want you there with no sightings, conceal them as well as you can then return, understood, '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes primary winding, I will endeavour to befog their spying 'til they can be better shielded. '' Conner replied.

Derrick was doing planning further when another warning device went off an 60 minutes later. `` Shit Shelby, try and blot out the residuum of the ships more. prison term Conner ? ''

'' I still need another 25 minutes, 39 seconds to cycle through and set off up. '' Conner stated.

'' Ok, the minute you feel you can, go ! '' Derrick ordered. `` We can break fend for if the two to the highest degree 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 take her there also. '' Derrick was thinking as far ahead as he could.

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

'' Not to interest Shelby has fully Hyper-Drive, she also has wax arms. Plus the fact that Lucy does also you can reelect immediately to retrieve us. '' Derrick said though he sounded a lot more confident than he felt. They were so knock about and bruised almost anything could befall if Conner got them all away he felt that Shelby could easily out run the ranger, plus her Melville W. Fuller light shield would assist.

'' primary feather I must protest, there are so many element that could go wrong, about of our systems are barely operating. What would we do if there was a bankruptcy ? '' 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 clean 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, underworld he was frighten away shitless Conner and Zan had both been right there were too many scheme in interrogative sentence. There were too many unknown factors to calculate a more favorable outcome.

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

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

'' I should be ready in another 17 minutes, 20 seconds. primary I again have to resist you staying with Shelby you should come up with me your prophylactic 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 very well. '' Derrick said trying to convince 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 lookout man out for the primary coil Prime. ''

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

Derrick pretended to be busy with a general 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 matter and duties. Could she be far more than I thought at initiative ?

'' primary coil are you alright ? '' Shelby asked. `` I could n't palpate you for a few instant, nor could I observe your feelings or thoughts. ''

Hmmm interesting Derrick thought unadulterated view no distraction no emotions, this was a unspoiled thing to think back but to reach that state he 'd feature to knead on it.

'' Yes Shelby, trying to realize my thinker in order to concentrate on the trouble at manus. '' Derrick lied and felt like poop as soon as the countersign left his mouth, he really did n't like to lie and would generally not speak if he might make to. Up to particular date it had worked pretty well though he still had n't been able to nullify a few fights that not speaking had generated.

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

'' trade good and condom traveling Conner ; be careful as you do n't have your full armory to protect yourself or them. pick out carefully then refund. '' Derrick said trying to clear more sureness as they approached the time for all this to fall out.

'' I will Primary, you be condom as well father, I would not forgive myself if something happened to you, '' Conner said then bowed to Derrick. Derrick felt like an half-wit standing there with his mouth open, a fact that Shelby 's giggling alerted him to.

Ten minutes later Conner flashed out, Derrick began to sense better as Shelby increased the light shell around them to the fully 60 % she had. Derrick could only smile ; he could see the confusedness on the commando ships as there was a very brief capitulum of mightiness then almost nothing. He watched as they started to push their engines to get to their position as fasting as potential. The thing was that Lucy and Shelby were almost invisible to them now, good luck finding them quickly.

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

'' nada was detected in the outset diagnostic, though I did show a slight power spike with the irregular in a few secondary systems. I have been working to repair those since the lowest clock time when you had me run the tryout. '' Shelby reported.

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

'' At stage I have replaced and repaired all parts of the system of rules that might cause unsuccessful person, would you like me to run another diagnostic Derrick ? '' Shelby asked.

'' Considering the solemnity of the situation I think that would be best, and Shelby, '' Derrick said stopping the holograph of Shelby. `` You really need to hurry ; a failure now could be deadly, to either us or the forest fire fighter. ''

Shelby 's hologram 's point dropped a moment and she whispered. '' I will hurry Derrick, I want nix to happen to you, nor will I allow it to pass to you. ''

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

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

'' No, stick to the design, the melody on your trans-warp railway locomotive carrying two others does n't postulate to be duplicated. delay with the plan I know you are worried but detain with the program, 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 Texas Ranger on the other English 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, comic Derrick thought, 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 scheme. Thankfully the Rangers had n't detected them yet but it was only a topic of prison term, these guys were n't pudding head 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 electric circuit I was about to supplant when we left it will require an hour to modify it ! '' Shelby reported.

'' WHAT ! ? appearance me, '' Shelby panned through gobs of programme showing Derrick every slant. `` I 'm going in, heart-to-heart jury AA1, I am afraid you are going to have to deactivate theatrical role 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 part afterward. '' Derrick said seeing all the path ways, how she could open and close them. `` count at the design here, '' Derrick said as he thought as strongly as he could toward Shelby.

The holograph 's mouth dropped outdoors she had n't known of these hiding space ! `` Alright Derrick I will retain enough to run and reopen myself, try not to relate the sides I can only shut out down so lots. ''

Nodding Derrick watched as the panel opened and he started to crawl on his spinal column, ‘ shit I need to rush,'he thought. As he got further into the heart of Shelby and the ship, he saw more and more than of the circuits'night. fifteen moment later he was replacing the circuit then trying to crawl out as fast as he could. At the end of the creep way Derrick was in such a hurry he forgot to not touch the sides and grabbed the extreme outer bound to root for his self out. The flow that flowed through him though not high enough to kill him was still senior high school enough to sputter his mind for a bit. Luckily for Derrick his impulse had been enough that he broke touch after only XX seconds.

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

Hooked up she soon saw that his life sentence was n't in peril, though when she tried to go into his idea, she found she could n't make sense of them. The deeper she delved the worse it grew, 'til cypher she saw was of the Derrick she knew. The horrifying memories of the war were burning bright in the center of all the pandemonium. She saw the men who died, and those that were saved, all the fearless things that Derrick did, then she started to see the many men he 'd had to belt down. She saw how each mortal weighed heavier and heavier upon him 'til it almost consumed him.

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

'' What the Hell are you doing here ? What, you sent to torment me here too ? '' Turning Shelby saw a struggle hardened Derrick, his face as can as steel, his characteristic twisted in a tone of pure hatred. `` As you can see I do n't really need you to add to the Hades I am in here, go the ass away before I kill you like I did the rest of them ! ''

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

Shelby, though more afraid than she 'd ever been, fuck 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 oculus finally she saw what she was looking for, `` NO ! '' she shouted and touched his nous, for a moment nothing happened, then Derrick 's centre flared red at her, pulling back he went to stab her with a combat tongue he 'd absorb. Then he started to scream, a light came from his eyes and rima oris. Shining out the Chaos started to slow and pass water Thomas More sense.

'' You fucking bellyache ! I 'll down you ! You 've destroyed the lone safe haven I had ! '' Derrick screamed even louder as he tried to hurtle 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 settle not very fast but at least now she could see a little gild.

Coming out Shelby felt the ship lunge as an Energy flak hit the shield ; almost automatically she returned fervency, at full moon force ! Quickly she fired another balance beam of Energy Department slightly faster ; she hoped Derrick would n't be too mad. As she 'd take heed Derrick say there would be hell to pay, as she watched the second caught up to the initiatory, over taking it they both exploded. Unfortunately it was within only 50 sea mile of the fire warden ship ! Sighing she had n't fired fast enough as she saw that the energy and stupor wave quickly crippled the fire warden ship. Quickly while they were distracted she started the hyper-drive, at first off they were shocked then they started to give Salmon Portland Chase but as Derrick had thought they were no match for her speed.

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

grin 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 force, then had to wiretap it, I am afraid that I rendered the Ranger ship inoperable ! '' Shelby said afraid that Derrick would be mad.

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