Hartwell looked at the micro-generator reading, the shell was starting to tax the generator. Damn it ! He could n't vote out these mongrel fast enough ! Where had this ass receive this many men that were as patriotic as they were ? Touching the former thin badge like setup, Hartwell smiled when it hummed and he appeared a air mile away ! thoroughly he thought, give the generator a little metre to reload the power cubicle.

Trianas Macley adjusted her settings as she quickly approached the Duke 's satellite. As much as she hated to aid that mongrel O'Toma, she was pretty miffed at the Duke for screwing up all her carefully laid plans. Suddenly her pinna perked up at a infection.

[ You got a reading on him ? ] Came a male vocalism.

[ version ? The man has decimated well over half the elite guard and persona of the soldiers the Duke sent. We are in serious need of reinforcements ! ] Came another almost desperate voice.

[ You have to be kidding ! The Duke 's not going to let anyone leave here ! Keep up the pressure ! His equipment ca n't last forever ! ] Replied the first vocalism.

[ zilch we have used is working, we need lumbering arm ! ] Came the dire man 's voice.

[ Buck up and get it done stop wasting my time coward ! ] The first voice said then clicked off.

Interesting Trianas thought someone is playing hell with the Duke 's troops. shucks ! That means there will be lupus erythematosus for her to kill ! Oh well, she could go after the early one. Thinking a import she shook her head no, let that idiot Duke get his self out of it.

Trianas changed course of action as she veered away and reversed form back to Earl Tauntoff 's planet. Guess I can divert myself there for a day or two she thought.


Greeson lifted his ego off the mat, looking around he was surprised when he did n't see the Lieutenant. Then his eyes met those of Mara Callie.

Rising she walked over to the man. `` Sergeant I wanted to ask you, why are n't you an ship's officer also ? You are obviously as good as the Lieutenant. ''

Greeson blushed a minute then what she 'd said sunk in. `` No ma'am, I 'm rattling goodness but I 'm in no way as just as the Lieutenant ! I hope to one day but now I am nowhere near the caliber that he is ! ''

'' Really ? '' Mara said. `` From everything that I saw you are just as good, not better but just as good. I have n't seen anyone go as long as you two did except for Edgar Lee Masters. By the way I think your teacher was on his way to see the emperor. ''

Greeson 's middle flew astray, was his teacher really trying to do what he thought he was ? Mara and Greeson stood talking about household for a few minutes then started to run off. Dempsy was smiling wide when he saw the both of them talking as friendly as they were.

'' Sergeant Greeson ! '' Dempsy shouted causing the man to remain firm at attending. `` I was just informed by the emperor that you have been promoted to Warrant officer ! '' Dempsy quickly sidled up to Greeson whispering, `` You can thank me later, especially if I get busted back to enlisted after this ! ''

Greeson 's center went encompassing then he nodded, he 'd learn about the lieutenant 's distaste to being an officer. `` Yes sir, '' Greeson said as Dempsy pinned the stock-purchase warrant officer insignia to his neckband.

'' Now then, '' Dempsy continued. `` Take this charwoman to dinner ! That IS an order ! '' Both Mara and Greeson snapped to attending with a yes sir ! Then they both turned and marched off hand in deal.

'Bout damn time Dempsy thought as he watched them walk away. Sighing Dempsy thought he really ought to kick the air force officer's ass ! First he was a second police lieutenant then that sneak ass promotes him to Captain for the solid ground forces ! Shaking his straits he did n't know what he was going to do, he was the third grade of officer ! This was insane ! Driving his helping hand through a punching bag Dempsy ignored the several gasps that sounded behind him.

Calming Dempsy knew he 'd kill the others if he did n't regain his calm air behaviour quickly.

Derrick watched as Greeson and mara walked away. Shaking his head he still needed to talk to Dolichotis patagonum but it could waitress a bit. Looking up he nodded, `` she will assume command soon. I hope that you have been briefing her on the situation ? safe and the upgrades of the three-base hit outturn corpuscle ray of light weapons and the power amplifier and stabilizer ? '' Derrick asked. Again Derrick nodded, `` excellent keep on her advised, as I said she will join you soon. ''

Mara and Greeson had just sat to eat when Dolichotis patagonum looked up. `` Really ? Yes of class I 'm delirious ! No, not as of yet, oh he did ? Alright I 'll see you soon then. ''

'' I take it that was your ship ? '' Greeson asked.

'' Yes, I was just told that the Emperor put off me assuming command 'til tomorrow. I am worried though that one day will be enough. The Creagons will be at the galactic system of rules boundary in two days. '' A worried Dolichotis patagonum told Greeson.

'' If you have been linked to your ship all this time, then you have an vantage the others do n't, on-key ? '' Greeson asked her. `` Besides I have seen your tactics. You are a force to be reckoned with, you have a slap-up brain ! ''

mara could only gaze at Greeson. `` Why do you say that ? We 've just met. ''

'' Oh, I can recite, you always seem to be calculating, deciding. Like I said you have an advantage, you seem to be snug to your ship than anyone I have seen but the emperor. '' Greeson told her.

'' Yeah, I noticed that though I thought I was the only one that had. '' Mara replied.

Finishing up Mara asked, `` When this is over, you still think we might get together ? '' A small look of concern on her brass. She was n't sure why but Greeson was the for the first time man she 'd met in a long prison term she was comfortable with.

'' I 'll hit you a deal ok ? '' Greeson said to which Dolichotis patagonum nodded. `` You and I survive both billet, then I well-nigh definitely would wish to get together again. '' Greeson smiled a widely infectious grinning that soon had spread to Dolichotis patagonum 's case.

'' Alright you have a deal ! You 'd better remember cause I sure will ! '' Mara said waggling a digit at Greeson.

Smiling even bigger Greeson told her, `` Oh believe me I 'll remember ! ''

Both of them nodded then went their separate room. Derrick nodded to Dempsy who 's face held a Brobdingnagian smile. `` See I told you ! I am never wrong in these situations ! Now then about the rank thing, I ... ''

'' You bring that up again before any of this is done and I 'll advance you to a full skirt Colonel ! '' Derrick growled slightly.

'' You would n't dare ! '' Dempsy said turning a minuscule green.

Derrick turned and looked straight into Dempsy 's eyes. `` Try me ! You have Sir Thomas More than enough experience and conflict to deserve it ! As a matter of fact ! '' Derrick said as he handed Dempsy a gold oak leaf insignia.

'' WHAT ! ! ? ? NO, no, no, no, no ! I am no damn Colonel ! '' Dempsy suddenly shouted.

Derrick smirked, `` as I said after all this over we can talk about you being busted back to enlisted. Then again as I said before you might actually like the pay wage increase ! ''

Dempsy could only stare at Derrick dumbfounded as Derrick pinned the oak leaf onto his apprehension.

'' You really hate me do n't you ? '' Dempsy spit out as Derrick started to laugh.

Suddenly Derrick 's face got sober, `` no, I need you more now them I did back then. I need you to hold open this Empire together as WE rebuild it. We are just starting we need everyone if this is going to make for, ok ? ''

Dempsy issued a sigh then nodded, `` I understand why, still does n't mean I have to like it at all ! ''

'' You 'll get used to it. Besides after what you did for Greeson I ca n't think of a better man for the job. '' Derrick told him.




horse parsley and his men had landed on Earl Tauntoff 's planet making all their preparations. Nodding he could see that they were more than set up for that ass O'Toma when he arrived. Smirking Alexander the Great thought they ought to be fix for that bitch of his ex - wife also.

'' I want the ship hidden before anyone comes out here ! '' Smiling he watched as all his men scurried around like a crowd of ants. Yeah they ought to be make, he was relishing going against the womanhood again. He was n't the promiscuous objective he 'd been when she 'd left the religious sect. The fact that he was expecting her also gave him an reward, no, she would n't storm him.

Trianas was about to go trans - warp when she picked up twenty clear-cut signals. What ? Looking closer at the
reading she saw that it was a grouping of the old sentry precaution. funny though she 'd not seen that configuration of them before. Smiling she thought, target practice !

Letting loose a few bam she watched as the sentry were hit and continued on ! Looking closemouthed she could see that these were far stronger than she 'd seen before, so that bastard was updating as well ! Suddenly her ship was rocked by a titanic blast that hit where she had been.

Shit ! Now that was unexpected she thought with a grinning. They were obviously fully armed and fight quick. Oh well ! The Duke 's ass was toast after all ! Smiling she reset her course of instruction and winked out into trans - warp.

On table Shelby an alarm was going off. `` report Shelby ! '' Derrick said as he pulled up the reading from the alarm system.

'' The new Sentinel Sentries that female parent created were just fired on ! They returned blast but the ship had a light screen door. They reported that no damage was detected, then moments later a trans-warp signature tune was detected. '' Shelby told him.

'' shit ! '' Derrick said. `` Again, we almost got her ! I swear this womanhood is part escape valve artist ! All ships keep an eye spread out for any trans-warp touch ! Trianas the bravo may try again to got onboard one of you. She is to be stopped at all price ! ''

A hologram of Thomas the doubting Apostle appeared, `` that sadistic bitch is still awake ! Let her get it ! I have a few issues with her ! '' Norman Thomas said with a growling.

'' We all do Norman Mattoon Thomas, we 'll get her. For now concentrate on the occur battle ! '' Derrick told him.

'' Yes sir, though if you want me to, Conner and I could go look for her. I 'd gladly hunt that bitch ! '' Thomas spit back.

'' No, I need all of you. This is the gravid strength to attack the empire in a very long sentence. I want all of you quick, Captain Callie will unite you in a few hours. '' Derrick told him

Thomas nodded his head, `` yes sir we 'll be prepare. '' With that Norman Thomas clicked off leaving Derrick to muse. Reaching over Derrick flipped a electrical switch on the command professorship 's arm. `` chieftain Callie ! '' Derrick called.

A moment later Mara Callie 's voice responded, `` Yes Sire ? Can I aid you ? ''

'' I am afraid that I am going to cause to strike up the timetable for you assuming bidding. If you are volition I need you to go now. '' Derrick informed her.

'' Yes sir, I am more than ready. '' Mara replied to Derrick.

'' upright, '' Looking up, Derrick said, `` I want her on board in XX minutes. master have all your things ready for ecstasy ! ''

'' Yes sir I am preparing now I will be set ! '' Callie told him.

'' make us proud, both of you ! '' Derrick said.



Hartwell looked at the generator indicant, then the electric cell charge, good it was almost at broad capacity ! According to his readings the Duke 's men were rapidly catching up to him.

Hartwell kept moving though he was afraid that they were trying to beleaguer him. A tone let him know the generator was off and in a recycling mode, salutary that ought to help it later. He 'd just readjusted his military position when several particle weapon went off destroying the rock where 'd he 'd been.

Smiling Hartwell knew that their scanner were having a very voiceless time detecting him with the micro-shield. Watching the Duke 's men advance he fired off various shots taking out another five. Damn it ! Just how many were left ?

A moment later he heard several of his pursuers as they started to clapperclaw. Looking around the box he saw that almost all of the men were hi-tailing it out of there. What was going on ? That 's when Hartwell heard the screaming descending speech sound filling the air.

Looking up he saw what appeared to be about fifteen or XX lead of fire. Even as he watched they streaked across the sky plowing into the soil possibly half a klick away ! His mouth hanging open Hartwell decided it might not be a undecomposed thing to string up around. Arising he also started off in a different direction than the bar of fire and diametrical that of the Duke 's men.

Derrick was preparing a briefing for the ships and the four Captains when The Virgin appeared. `` I am sorry to nark you Sire. It appears that 2 of the sentries were destroyed upon encroachment. They were apparently damaged far More than I had at start thought. The other 18 survived but another three are immobile. The rest have detected Admiral Hartwell, they are advancing as we speak. Would you like them to take the admiral into custody ? ''

Derrick 's eye went wide at Mary 's Book, thinking a second he shook his head no. `` I will claim care of him when he returns. ''

'' Sire ? Are you that certain that he will return ? It has been my experience with humans that they often run. '' An opened mouth Mary asked.

'' I am more than than sure Blessed Virgin, the Admiral may be many things but a coward he is n't. He has majuscule accolade and will do his duty and payoff. After I hear the reasons for what he did, then I will decide upon a class of action. For now help him to escape, then go on to capture the Duke. ''

Mary nodded as she conveyed the new ordering to the remaining sentries. All fifteen stopped a moment then sent substantiation of the gild and proceeded forward.

Hartwell was moving as fast as he could away from the Duke 's residence. Problem was what ever had just crash landed seemed also to be after him. A sudden beeping had him looking at a readout on the run. maledict it ! What in the hell was going on up there.

'' Report Permute one, '' Hartwell said into his communicator.

'' Passenger that was IMT'ed to the berthing area has started to yell and perplex on the walls. I am afraid that she
has caused allowance to be made. Her hammering is causing slim destabilisation in orbital attitude. '' A voice answered him.

'' Alright go to secondary system of rules, shut down primary 'til repairs can be affected. '' Hartwell answered.

'' Compliance, all systems converting now. Orbital stabilization now proceeding. Now reading micro-shield shut down. Commencing IMT onboard. '' Came the voice.

A consequence later Hartwell was in the command center of the ship. In the rear he could try his sister cheering and screaming. `` I know this is all a prank release me before the Duke has both of us whipped ! ''

Hartwell 's fount twisted into rage as his script clenched. Walking to the back, he reached for the release when she started in again.

'' Let me out of here I will not play these sick and twisted biz of his ! Let me go or ... '' Hartwell heard her shout.

Opening the door she was swinging a piece of tube at the doorway causing Hartwell to alternate back. `` Damn it Lucie ! You trying to kill the both of us ? '' Hartwell shouted.

The untested cleaning woman stopped in the midst of another swing blinking and staring at Hartwell. Then her eyes narrowed as she put the piping between herself and him. `` I know this is all a illusion ! Few know my name, no one knows my whole name and I 'd rather proceed it that way. The last who did was my brother and he died year ago. ''

Hartwell smiled causing her to placement the tobacco pipe in an even more defensive position. `` I do n't guess so Lucie. He is very lots alive, that I know for a fact. ''

'' You lie ! He was reported killed in the in conclusion battle that his grouping was in ! I saw the news report, an prescribed report card. So please do n't lie to me anymore. Put me back before the Duke punishes me again. '' Lucie shouted at him.

Hartwell growled and punched the rampart. `` I swear I am going to wipe out that bastard if it is the last goddam thing I do ! That son of a bitch will never hurt anyone else again ! ''

Lucie 's look was suddenly showing shock, `` fiddling Johnnie ? ''

Hartwell 's head snapped to depend at his sister, the tear that were falling from her eyes. `` My god, '' she was whispering. `` My god ! It is you ! Johnathon ! '' Lucie said as she launched herself into Hartwell 's arms. Kissing his aspect she hugged him as tight as she could. `` We all thought you were suddenly ! ''

'' As you can see reports of my death have been highly exaggerated. You could say ... hold ! You said we ? I thought all of you were dead ! '' Hartwell said.

'' Much as you said, it was exaggeratedly legal injury. Our blood brother William and Uncle Trent are alive and in hiding. So brother, is this yours ? '' Lucie said indicating the ship.

Hartwell 's face went from extreme elation dropping into a deep brooding. `` No, I am afraid I borrowed from a very important soul. Do you remember my commander, Derrick O'Toma ? '' Lucie nodded a looking at of trouble on her face. `` He is now the most important person live. ''

'' How can that be ? Is he now the supreme air force officer of the galaxy ? '' Lucie asked. When Hartwell did n't respond Lucie 's mouth hung open. `` Derrick O'Toma. Derrick O'Toma ! Oh my god Brother ! You stole from the emperor butterfly ? Ca n't you just conceal ? '' Lucie asked.

'' No Lucie I ca n't. He placed a lot of cartel in me. '' Here Hartwell hung his heading. `` I betrayed that combine, therefore I must face the consequences of my actions. ''

'' NO ! I just got you back damn it ! I refuse to let him kill you ! You did an extremely endure matter coming after me ! '' Suddenly Lucie 's face screwed up in determination. `` You let me verbalise to him ! I 'll set him straight in a jiffy ! ''

Hartwell was smiling he remembered just how fierce his babe could be. The commander did n't stand a luck, no he thought, this was his crime even if it was for his syndicate. `` No, I ca n't allow it. I will take my punishment. '' Hartwell held up his helping hand as Lucie started to verbalize. `` No, please let me do this. I could n't live with myself if I dishonored myself or our family. Now go repose I have to get back, it 's going to take a few hours. ''

Lucie nodded then sat on the bed. Yawning she watched her brother leave of absence, a sudden smile lit up her face. What her brother did n't know would n't offend him, besides his commandant owed her a favor and she intended to garner !

Derrick was still formulating the outdo strategy that he could when various alarms went off. Looking over the reading he saw that Hartwell was back. Hmmm interesting there also seemed to be a second passenger on board a female !

30 minutes later Joseph Johnathon Hartwell and his sister Lucie Marie Hartwell walked into Derrick 's room.

'' I knew you 'd be back, we both hold more honor than most these mean solar day. I want a full reputation, I have some of the details though half seem to be missing. '' Looking up from his desk Derrick waited.

'' Yes sire, '' bringing Lucie forward Johnathon introduced her. `` I 'm not sure if you remember her father. This is my sister Lucie Marie Hartwell. '' Derrick 's eye went wide as he looked at the female then he nodded.

'' She was the reasonableness you went there, I take it ? '' Derrick asked.

'' Yes sire, when Mary reported about the new slave I knew it was her, I did n't need verification. I apologize for taking the foremost of the converted sect ships. I await your judgment and penalisation. '' Johnathon said as he bowed.

Groaning Derrick nodded then said, `` beshrew it Johnathon ! You ca n't go off half cocked like this ! I told you that you and yours are family to me ! Lucie ? What do you think I should do to him ? '' When Johnathon started to speak Derrick pressed a clitoris on the desk and watched as Johnathon went white faced as the stupor hit him. `` I do n't want to hear another countersign from you ! It 's up to her since she was the reason for all this. ''

Johnathon stared at Derrick with ira in his eyes from the base but was still ineffectual to move or blab yet.

'' Honestly sir, '' Lucie started, `` I 'm not for sure. Brother has always been a hot head when it comes to the family. He is very commit to duty and responsibility. The worse matter I can conceive of is to make him take away time off. That is after the quietus of the family is back together, and that pig of a Duke is gone ! '' Lucie spit out.

Derrick looked at Johnathon still struggling to move and nodded his point a new found deference for the young cleaning woman. `` You are damn lucky you have a baby like her ! I like the idea, maybe a little time off would help to sort out your head ! Now then ... '' Derrick stopped as Lucie was looking around the way. `` Are you alright ? ''

'' I 'm not sure sir, '' Lucie replied hesitantly, `` I keep hearing a voice. ''

Derrick 's eyes went widely as he cocked his head to the side of meat and looked up at the ceiling. shucks he thought she can hear one of the ships but he ca n't ? `` Can you understand what it is saying ? '' Derrick asked.

Lucie 's eyes went wide as she looked at Derrick. `` Sir ? You do n't remember I am going nutcase ? ''

Derrick smiled widely, it looked like they had just found their fifth headwaiter. Though the problem was that she was n't military. Then he thought, did it really matter ? So far very few had been able to learn the ships. `` No my dear I do n't. Actually I can listen all the ships. Shelby ? ''

Shelby appeared a moment later in front man of Lucie. `` Yes Derrick, how can I help ? ''

'' Please scan Lucie here and see if her readings match those of the other four Captains. '' Derrick told her.

'' Yes Derrick, '' turning Shelby told Lucie, `` delight do n't be afraid I am only going to scan your intellect so I can compare your readings to the others. ''

'' As long as it does n't hurt. '' Lucie replied.

Shelby smiled warm and friendly, `` No my dear it wo n't hurt. ''

'' If I may ask ? '' Lucie said. `` What exactly are you ? ''

'' I am the sustenance Artificial Intelligence of this ship. What you see before you is a three dimensional representation of my personality. '' Shelby happily volunteered to the Cy Young woman.

'' Uh, ok. '' Lucie said a footling uncertain but still nodded her head as Shelby started the scan.

A few moments later Shelby reported, `` Derrick, I am detecting almost the same readings as in the others. Oh my ! ''

'' What's damage is she in risk ? Is she a danger to us ? '' Derrick asked a small worried now.

'' goose egg like that Derrick. According to these interpretation she has a inviolable mind for connecting to the ships than the others. I 'd say that she is a little stronger than you Derrick. This is astounding ! '' Shelby said as she finished.

Derrick shook his head the way things were going lately it really did n't surprise him at all. Turning to Lucie he again asked, `` So can you realise what the vocalisation is saying ? ''

Lucie tilted her head to the side as she listened more intently. `` The only thing I hear that is clear is somebody saying hello every few bit. Other than that the rest is garbled. ''

Derrick 's heart went full, was she really that sensitive to the ships ? Hell for that affair far more sensitive than he was ? As he 'd opine a petty while ago nothing would storm him now. If what he was thinking was true then Johnathon 's sister might be far more important than anyone at first thought !

'' Though it may piss you off Johnathon, I am going to take your sister to wait on me with the ships. '' When Johnathon picked himself off the floor to a sitting side Derrick expected him to plunge into a farseeing tirade.

'' Though she is my sister father, I do not deserve the right to tell her what to do. I feel that I have been a really crappy brother to her and my family. I came back to help repair mine and my kinsperson's accolade. '' Here Johnathon hung his head. `` I feel that I failed at both of them. How can you expect me to aid you ? ''

'' full admiral Chief Joseph Johnathon Hartwell ! If I ever hear those words out of your oral cavity again ? I 'll do a hell of a lot more than incapacitate with shocks ! '' Derrick started to chuckle when he saw Johnathon 's eyes go wide-eyed then nail down as he stared at Derrick.

'' Ha ! As if ! You could n't beat me then and I highly doubt you could now ! Besides is n't there a law that could get me executed for beating the diddly out of the emperor ? '' Johnathon told Derrick.

'' In sealed cases it is allowed as long as death is n't an issue. Besides I think you 've gotten indulgent ! '' A fundament faced told Johnathon.

'' I think that is enough ! '' Madonna 2 and Lucie said as they stepped between the two of them.

Kimison looked over to Rayburn, `` You 're certainly we are n't overtaxing her system ? As far as we 've gotten I really do n't want to start over again ! ''

'' According to all her recitation she is at almost 80 %. prelim projection show that she should be within a few months of pose clock time. '' Rayburn replied.

They were both bent over different console table when a timbre sounded. The beautiful, blonde, green eyed, slender woman 's eyes snapped open. Looking around with a strange facial expression she closed her middle shook her head and reopened them. Two men walked within her cooking stove of imaginativeness.

'' Why am I onboard Tempro ? '' She asked. `` Where is Derrick ? Corporal Kimison I recognize you though the man next to you is unfamiliar. It appears that something is faulty with the cybernetic link I ca n't regain my access code of my ship torso ! ''

Rayburn looked at Kimison he 'd been afraid that this might happen. `` No ma'am, your store have been 80 % downloaded into a corporeal trunk. We are attempting to finish without killing you. This, '' Kimison said indicating Rayburn, `` is sergeant-at-law Rayburn, a co-worker of mine. We both served with the commander in the republic state of war. ''

'' I see, when do you gauge completion of the memory download ? '' The eager cleaning woman said.

'' Now that you are more cognizant of what is going on, it wo n't train as long to cease. '' Rayburn told her with a wide grin.

'' Good I am anxious to start out helping Derrick. '' She said as she laid back. `` Please continue with all haste ! ''

'' Yes your stateliness ! '' Both men stated as they began to prompt at a faster yard .