Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the Rangers to back off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be able to follow or trace them. In celestial orbit around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up junk musket ball ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so much to do ; he had to have the rest of the knowledge in the subroutine library. There was still the volatile accusation attached to the astral fin near Zan 's railway locomotive. There was still the mysterious content that Tempro had, plus the whodunit of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality God Almighty, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many doubt and few if any answer.

Looking at the head set again for the twenty percent fourth dimension in the last 30 minutes, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the head set, there are far too many enquiry I need resolution to. I want a full diagnostic on the organisation, Query, are all 7 buffer storage sufficient to intercept and quell and funnel the info at a more fair to middling rate ? Also, are the flush dampeners sufficient to keep burning to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the purpose checking the apparatus numerous clock time.

'' Comparing the apparatus to that which you used last time, I am showing that all buffers are working at 99.5 %, all three charge dampeners are at 100 %, also the added quick electric switch has been added, though I must warn you Derrick there are only sure prison term that you can use it. Only when you see a green brightness level in the upper berth left quadrant is it safe to quick disconnection, any other time you will either support severe psyche damage, or instant death. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to complete this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the head set over his ears. Again as it started it was n't bad then the information started to menstruate faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left he still had n't seen the lightsome yet, effective to keep that spot in centering in causa. After what felt like an time of day the selective information again started to gain speed. That 's when Derrick started to note that something was wrong, he still had n't seen the light, or any curtain raising. Derrick also noticed that the information was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's program library. Son of a bitch ! Even this far into the time to come the betrayer had found a way to try and shoot down him. Shelby was starting to get vex, Derrick had finished her library a short time ago but for some grounds the apparatus was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the data link Shelby only found an empty elbow room, following the link further she again found Derrick curled into a nook. It was at that moment she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a residuary virus in one of the ships system, a virus that could leave them all without Derrick. Remembering the disc from early Shelby had it in a receptacle within moments. As the blue healing flow of data washed over them, Derrick finally uncurled looking up he saw that Shelby had again saved him. `` Thank you Shelby, where are we ? I do n't agnize this, '' Derrick asked.

A man about 25-30 appeared, `` you are in my library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost half of it, my Godhead. '' The light cropped blonde hair, medium frame man, with a quiet boldness said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am glad you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my life for the instant time no ..., third. My Maker I was told that when you were here, to tell you, this is where you are supposed to be. You need to fill in my disk, it will be terrible especially the go part. I was told you have to go it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was crazy, the annoyance had already started, shaking his head did that mean he was almost done with the redundant huge library Tempro had ? Then almost all acquit thought vanished as the utmost few tens of thousands of data file washed through his brain. Falling to the ... earth ? He was n't sure what it was nor did he care the visions and entropy he received made him feel as if it all were actually happening to him. All the pain he saw, all the annoyance he felt, Derrick thought was going to kill him then just as suddenly it was gone. Standing up Derrick could see thing a lot clearer now, looking at Shelby he walked up to her and held her close. Though highly surprised Shelby groaned and leaned into him, finally she could touch him even if it was only in his judgment it was heavenly. `` I promise you Shelby, I will do all I can to recover your children, and possibly another of Virgin Mary 's. '' Derrick told her.

Shelby pant, `` You know ? How ? There was never anything in the phonograph record about that ; I do n't ..., '' Derrick kissed Shelby effectively shutting her up eliciting another groan.

'' I have to exit here soon, Shelby I find that I have touch for you, I never thought I 'd find what I am, not after what the war destroyed in me, thank you. '' Derrick whispered.

Derrick pulled the heading set off his head, there was a lot to do but armed with what he had now, it would be a lot easier. Looking at Shelby 's hologram he smiled actually causing her to flush ! Suddenly Derrick took over control tuning in the castle. `` Mary, secondary pinch codification enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Madonna answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All batteries charged and cook, Republic Capital targeted awaiting orders. ''

'' Good go along a lock we may have want of a demonstration soon, I want no ranger ships destroyed, nor Ranger personnel department injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my Godhead ; I will await club to put down what you will. Mary answered.

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

The holler sound of running footsteps drew his care to the doorway, `` President Maury ! United States President Maury ! '' His help was screaming sounding like a scared petty girl. Sighing the United States President stepped out of the huge sauna/bath naked and waited as the little man threw the doors open. `` chairperson M ...., oh my ! '' the helper said eyeing the president 's naked body, what he would n't yield to take ..., shaking his head he spoke up. `` United States President Maury ! We have an active CAT scan from the old empire castle, sir it has trained every weapon on the conglomerate world upon this building ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The world shields will guide charge of that. '' The chair said waving the little man away.

'' I 'm deplorable sir but, '' the niggling man was shaking.

'' But what ? ! We have far more big businessman than the old empire ever did. '' Maury said not really interest he 'd spend a fortune getting the best, cypher could get to him now.

'' All the science officers say that the cuticle are nix, the empire palace alone possess 100 times more power than democracy capital worldly concern does. If they fire sir, '' here the niggling man shook not sure if it was the bleakness of the president or the fright he was feeling. `` They could demolish the entire planet ! ''

The president 's face blanched, `` call the entire fleet, and have them begin shelling of the ancient Empire planet ! Destroy it before it can ruin us ! '' The assistant bowed low looking lovingly at the United States President 's consistency then left.

Mary was monitoring every communication out of the republic world, when she saw the gild she smiled. Finally the pitiful excuse for a ruling class would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequential they truly were. As per the second emergency code Mary started to target not only the Republic world but every ship of theirs within 2 calorie-free years. Derrick was receiving updates constantly, Shelby was impressed that Derrick was adapting as fast as he was. Sighing Derrick knew that there was a major confrontation coming and soon it would be better if he found more ships but at pose he had to expect for Tempro and the message before he moved on it. For some strange reason Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to get a line the message before he did anything else. In orbit on the far English of Darius 3, an older man flipped 3 shift and smiled, almost time to be a zep boy. Shaking his head he caressed the retentive scar on his leg, activating another set of switches a illumination holograph appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the little ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a startled Shelby said. `` I just discovered a computer program buried extremely late within my track record. I 've never seen it before, yet track record show that it has been there since I was built. ''

'' Is it a danger to you or the others ? '' Derrick asked.

'' No, it appears to be specifically to disarm almost all destructive programs and gimmick. '' A shocked sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the hell was going on ? He was never this prosperous or fortunate ; nothing EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the broadcast over it was almost the Same as the one he 'd been working on for weeks. `` Zan, I think we have the program quick to remove the charge from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

Zan 's hologram appeared bowing low, `` for you my Almighty I 'd carry it and hazard destruction, though my lord I believe I have detected another job. ''

What the underworld now ? Derrick thought then didder his head he knew something would go faulty it always did. `` Explain Zan. ''

'' It appears that the twist is now a constituent of the fin, it will have to be removed and I am afraid none of us have the ability or equipment to do this. '' Zan said.

'' I see, '' stated Derrick, `` I need to set, and then I 'll advise all of you what I want you to do. ''

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

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

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

weeping were starting to go down freely from Shelby 's eyes, `` no Derrick please, there has to be another way, there has to be ! ''

'' I 've considered everything there is no other way, if I do n't remove it we are all in danger, even as you risk your life for me will I risk mine for you, I told you I have flavor for you, tone that died from all the kill, from everything they made me do. I owe you a debt I can truly never even set out to repay, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said utterly serious, this in itself shocked Shelby.

Derrick began to pack several bit of equipment from his ship, and then went over meter reading from Zan 's effected section. Hmmm so the device packed an explosive violence of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, powerful enough to punch a material hole in the incline of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand land mile, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could amplify the bam. It appeared that the promote from Zan it was the weaker it was, a good thing to think. Finally ready an hour later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The Edward Young man, still in boilersuit appeared as soon as Derrick began to be active to the air lock closemouthed to the astral fin.

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

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

Zan 's grimace began to show the pride he felt for Derrick, as far as he was concern Derrick WAS the Saturnia pavonia. `` I will do all I can to protect you my nobleman, up to and including giving my macrocosm. ``

'' With the acquisition I possess I am hoping nothing like that will be necessary, when I have removed the device, I want you on the former face of the others. The further away the better, it appears the twist is triggered to amplify the blast the closer to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

bowing his head Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my Lord. '' Exiting the ship Derrick looked around at the incline of the ship, the skin was odd but this close up he could see it was well armored. Slowly he made his way up the side of Zan, already as far back as he could go it was still a bit of a pass to get to the fin.

'' Shelby, Zan monitor the device let me eff if there are any alteration. '' Derrick said when he was one-half way to it.

3/4 of the way there he suddenly got a call, `` Derrick I am reading a svelte change in the charge it appears to being enabling itself to arm. '' Zan advised.

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

'' Derrick there is a diminished alimony thruster on that causa, please remember that is only a year 2 suit, it wo n't offer as much protection as a class one if the twist explodes. You also have a temporary worker shell trade good for approximately 60 minute please use it if requirement. '' Shelby advised.

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

'' course of study complete Derrick, '' Zan told him.

'' Ok, advancing. '' Derrick said as he began to jumble toward the fin faster. Drawing a unknown cutting torch from his inner circle Derrick began to cut at the fin, thankfully it was specifically designed to cut the living metallic element. Finally loose Derrick pulled the twist about a meter and a one-half retentive loose, Derrick firmly grasped it then pushed off, turning he watched Zan jump away, the backwash of the trans-warp propelling him away faster.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby 's screech broke into his thoughts, `` the device is starting to arm itself ! Use the thruster gang ! '' Derrick started the plurality, slowed, and then started to run in the opposite guidance. Son of a cunt he thought, this will avail but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic burst, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up great ! He knew there was n't much time so clicking the shield on he waited a few seconds, he could feel himself accelerating, plus the heating system was n't too great either but at to the lowest degree it was starting to minify. Trying to keep his centre open he thought he saw the outline of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and sharp feeling a tearing down his leg through the wooing, then the darned swarthiness took him as the pain and coldness began to creep in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp wake had pushed Derrick away at an speed up speed. Shelby was monitoring the entirely time ; suddenly she got a sign that the device had armed itself ! Warning Derrick, she watched helpless as he turned, slowed, and then started to move away from the device. Unfortunately he had used portion of the fuel slowing and reversing focus. Finally he was starting to put a little distance between it and him but she feared it would n't be enough. Then the device exploded, desperately she tried to recount Derrick to touch off the shield, when he did she still could n't loose as she saw that the hotness had risen and the carapace was barely keeping it at bay. Counting she was afraid Derrick was going to die if she did n't do something. Jumping in she was in front of Derrick when the bang pushed Derrick right field into one of several of her astral V that the blow had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shields to allow Derrick to fleet through. Screaming she watched as the broken fin ripped a slice down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to jump to the others but with her fins damaged, she could only finagle a few 1000 miles. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burns and radiation, plus the gash in his leg sealed before he bled to demise.

The early ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost weeping shipwreck blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the holograms, `` standing orders, protect each early, debar the ranger at all costs, remember all I have shown you and assure you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming shadow.

Mary was suddenly there, `` SHELBY ! '' Mary yelled, `` Put these in him, NOW ! '' As soon as the vial appeared a mechanical arm took it and injected it into Derrick 's arm. `` He will be alright now Shelby. '' Looking down Mary smiled, `` I have to go it appears I will soon receive visitant. ''

Shelby looked at Mary strangely, visitors ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Virgin Mary smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to damp through her shields for over 200 age. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half power Blessed Virgin aimed at the first ship, firing off, she took out the entire railway locomotive, then the endorsement ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 miles from the planet. `` Under imperial administrator orders, I have been tasked with the protection of the imperial planet. Any boost encroachment by hostile force play with be met with madly force. I do not recognize you or your Republic anymore and call up for the removal of the president, evidence will follow. '' Mary said sweetly. The broadcast was being heard all over the coltsfoot and throughout the Republic.

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

The hologram of Mary appeared on all the ships and on every populace that was listening, but well-nigh importantly the Republic capital. Looking directly at the president she stated, `` The futurity emperor of the realm, and he is FAR more than displeased with you, there is a particular punishment he has for you when you are found guilty. I am quite sure you have heard of the royal dermal shredders ? ''

Broadcast to well over a thousand worlds many were sword lily to see the chairperson as he started to piss his pants. As soon as the hologram disappeared, the president started to bark orders. He needed every spell of lumbering armament and weapon he had to assault the imperial planet. That was 'til 4 well placed energy blasts pierced the shields as if they were n't there and 4 monolithic explosion sounded, hiding his pass he did n't even need to look to recognise that all 4 of the armories were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet slur on the floor was growing.

For 2 sidereal day Derrick 's consistency was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his eubstance ever could cause. Unfortunately they were ineffective to heal the Brobdingnagian cicatrix that was now a division of his leg. At the end of the second day Derrick 's eyes opened, `` status report card, '' he croaked out before sipping the H2O offered.

'' The course of study has removed all trace of the devices within my re-gen matrix, '' Zan stated.

'' At demonstrate I am in re-gen several of my weapon system, stellar quintuplet, and one engine, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to save you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see tears falling from her center.

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

'' I feel that I should have gone in unlike. Your injury is the resultant of severe injury caused from you being ripped along my burst astral templet. I have failed you many fourth dimension Derrick, I am storm that you wish to stay on me. '' This brought more than renewed bout from her.

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

'' Had you not come up for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her read/write head no. `` The way that you had to add up in to barricade me, was there any other position that you could experience taken that would take allowed you to jump out with to a lesser extent harm ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every position, every focal point that she could have come in from, every position that she could feature been in to catch him. Derrick watched her face ; he knew that she 'd see it in a instant. When her face lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute best that you could I know that, therefore I do n't blame you. Rather I praise you for your precise and quick activity. Shelby without you none of this would have been possible. ''

Shelby 's brass lit up, `` give thanks you Derrick I again pledge myself to you I will do all I
can to protect you. ``

'' As do we all, '' Zan said, turning he saw that all the holograph were there. They all bowed each pledging their existence to him.

Blessed Virgin appeared a here and now later, `` executive order of magnitude is being carried out, all major planet of the empire have been informed. The president lost controller of his corporeal fluids when I informed him that the emperor was returning. I am releasing all the information on all his atrocities and those with him to the council, well those that are still trust worthy. All threatening arm and armament have been destroyed on the Republic house planet. I have a fleet now within 50,000 miles of the imperial satellite ; they are at present removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very good Mary, stoppage under executive director order 'til promote posting, also arm all robot sentries, I have a feeling they are going to try and take the remainder of the planet. Have all the people 's indistinguishability on the planet downloaded into their store, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Mary smiled, reaching out she activated all the sentries, loading each as Derrick said with the identity of all the citizenry on the satellite. Finally his strength still not yet full he lay back down and slept. For the next 2 days Derrick drifted in and out of consciousness taking written report and issuing orderliness, though the one matter he especially wanted to go over on was the condition of Tempro. The fact that there was still a subject matter from still an alien person or persons was still a major bur in his side. Finally able to sit up but still not released Derrick thought he was going to go bonkers waiting for the bio-bed to light up him.

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

'' The bio-bed has your body at 95 %, the nanomites are still working on your leg. I am afraid that it will rag you the quietus of your life Derrick. '' Lowering her pass she started, `` I am drab that you will be reminded of this failure by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a homo I 'd slap the taste out of your lip ! '' Shelby just looked at Derrick shocked. `` You did n't betray me if anything I failed to protect you ; if I remember right, an emperor does everything he can to protect all the citizens of his conglomerate. '' Here all the holograms had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the hologram, `` you are all citizens of this conglomerate, I have failed you therefore I beg your pardon. '' All the hologram 's oral cavity were widely loose ; the emperor was apologizing to them ? Who was this man, in all their ( a few only a few ) years they had never met a human as variety and giving to them as this one. All of the holograms had tears in their eyes each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Mary, who had also been listening as she did now, had snag in her eyes. Finally she thought a dead on target emperor of the multitude, sighing now she thought ; we just require to take the empire back .