Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the Texas Ranger to support off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be able to espouse or line them. In range around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up junk ball ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so much to do ; he had to accept the remainder of the knowledge in the program library. There was still the explosive armorial bearing attached to the astral fin near Zan 's locomotive. There was still the deep message that Tempro had, plus the whodunit of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality Maker, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many inquiry and few if any solution.

Looking at the head set again for the 5th time in the last 30 arcminute, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the head set, there are far too many dubiousness I need reply to. I want a full diagnostic on the organization, question, are all 7 buffers sufficient to bug and quell and funnel the info at a more tolerable rate ? Also, are the charge dampener sufficient to prevent electrocution to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the figure checking the apparatus numerous times.

'' Comparing the apparatus to that which you used survive metre, I am showing that all buffer zone are working at 99.5 %, all three explosive charge moistener are at 100 %, also the added quick permutation has been added, though I must warn you Derrick there are only certain times that you can use it. Only when you see a green light in the upper left quadrant is it condom to quick disconnect, any other prison term you will either bear spartan mastermind terms, or flash demise. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to fill out this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the headspring set over his pinna. Again as it started it was n't bad then the information started to flow faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left he still had n't seen the light yet, good to keep back that smirch in focus in example. After what felt like an hour the information again started to gain speed. That 's when Derrick started to notice that something was wrong, he still had n't seen the luminosity, or any opening. Derrick also noticed that the information was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's library. Son of a squawk ! Even this far into the time to come the traitors had found a way to try and kill him. Shelby was starting to get vex, Derrick had finished her library a dead time ago but for some understanding the setup was now pulling from the other ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the inter-group communication Shelby only found an evacuate room, following the link further she again found Derrick curled into a corner. It was at that import she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a rest virus in one of the ships system of rules, a virus that could leave them all without Derrick. Remembering the platter from in the first place Shelby had it in a receptacle within moments. As the blue sky healing stream 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 greet this, '' Derrick asked.

A man about 25-30 appeared, `` you are in my program library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost one-half of it, my nobleman. '' The little cropped light-haired hair, metier shape man, with a smooth brass said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am happy you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my lifespan for the second prison term no ..., third. My lord I was told that when you were here, to tell you, this is where you are supposed to be. You need to complete my records, it will be awful especially the net function. I was told you have to endure it, you 'll see why. ''

Derrick looked at Tempro as if he was crazy, the pain had already started, shaking his head did that mean value he was almost done with the extra huge library Tempro had ? Then almost all solve thought vanished as the last few tens of thousands of file cabinet washed through his brain. Falling to the ... terra firma ? He was n't sure what it was nor did he like 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 pain he felt, Derrick cerebration was going to kill him then just as suddenly it was gone. Standing up Derrick could see things 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 go back your children, and possibly another of Mary 's. '' Derrick told her.

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

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

Derrick pulled the head word set off his head, there was a lot to do but arm with what he had now, it would be a lot easier. Looking at Shelby 's hologram he smiled actually causing her to redden ! Suddenly Derrick took over control tuning in the palace. `` Mary, secondary parking brake computer code enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Virgin Mary answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All shelling charged and ready, Republic upper-case letter targeted awaiting orders. ''

'' full go along a whorl we may take want of a demonstration soon, I want no Ranger ships destroyed, nor Ranger personnel office injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my Lord ; I will wait orders to destroy what you will. Madonna answered.

In the republic presidential palace, the taint chairwoman was soaking. ‘ What a day,'he thought, ‘ the 10 he 'd sent for implementation had needed spare evidence 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 dig sound of running step drew his tending to the door, `` prexy Maury ! President Maury ! '' His assistant was screaming sounding like a fright little girlfriend. Sighing the president stepped out of the huge sauna/bath naked and waited as the little man threw the door open. `` prexy M ...., oh my ! '' the help said eyeing the president 's defenseless body, what he would n't make to need ..., shaking his drumhead he spoke up. `` chairwoman Maury ! We have an dynamic scan from the old imperium palace, sir it has trained every weapon on the conglomerate world upon this building ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The planetary shields will strike upkeep of that. '' The president said waving the little man away.

'' I 'm blue sir but, '' the little man was shaking.

'' But what ? ! We have far more top executive than the old Empire ever did. '' Maury said not really worried he 'd expend a fortune getting the best, nothing could get to him now.

'' All the science officers say that the shields are cypher, the conglomerate castle alone possess 100 times more tycoon than commonwealth capital domain does. If they fire sir, '' here the little man shook not sure enough if it was the nakedness of the chair or the fear he was feeling. `` They could destroy the full planet ! ''

The president 's facial expression blanched, `` call the entire fleet, and have them set out bombardment of the ancient empire planet ! Destroy it before it can destruct us ! '' The supporter bowed low looking lovingly at the chairman 's consistence then left.

Madonna was monitoring every communication out of the democracy universe, when she saw the order she smiled. Finally the pitiful apology for a ruling class would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequential they truly were. As per the second emergency computer code Mary started to direct not only the republic world but every ship of theirs within 2 light years. Derrick was receiving updates constantly, Shelby was ingrain 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 present he had to wait for Tempro and the message before he moved on it. For some strange reasonableness Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to hear the message before he did anything else. In orbit on the far incline of Darius 3, an former man flipped 3 electric switch and smiled, almost meter to be a Hero boy. Shaking his forefront he caressed the yearn scar on his leg, activating another set of substitution a miniature holograph appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the little ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a jump Shelby said. `` I just discovered a program buried extremely deep within my disk. I 've never seen it before, yet disc 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 computer program and devices. '' A shocked sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the hell was going on ? He was never this favourable or fortunate ; nothing EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the political platform over it was almost the Lapplander as the one he 'd been working on for hebdomad. `` Zan, I think we have the course of study ready to transfer the charge from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

Zan 's hologram appeared bowing low, `` for you my Divine I 'd carry it and put on the line destruction, though my Almighty I believe I have detected another problem. ''

What the hell now ? Derrick thought then shook his head he knew something would go wrongly it always did. `` Explain Zan. ''

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

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

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

All the holograms froze they had n't heard an monastic order this good in almost 1000 years, bowing they all sadly stated, `` Yes my Lord we hear and obey. '' Shelby started to protest though she 'd get a line the purchase order.

'' No Shelby, I HAVE to do this ; if I do n't then I do n't deserve to tire out the crown of the emperor. '' Derrick whispered.

bout were starting to hang 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 hit it we are all in peril, even as you risk your living for me will I risk mine for you, I told you I have feelings for you, opinion that died from all the killing, from everything they made me do. I owe you a debt I can truly never even begin to repay, but I will every remaining day of my life. '' Derrick said utter serious, this in itself traumatize Shelby.

Derrick began to pack respective pieces of equipment from his ship, and then went over recitation from Zan 's effected segment. Hmmm so the device packed an explosive force of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, powerful enough to plug a hearty yap in the side of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand mi, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could amplify the blast. It appeared that the encourage from Zan it was the weaker it was, a good affair to recall. Finally ready an hour later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The new man, still in boilersuit appeared as soon as Derrick began to motivate to the air lock close-fitting to the stellar fin.

'' Though we are under the executive fiat I still must resist, my Creator, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would intend disgrace for all of us, we would no longer be able-bodied to go. ''

'' 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 face began to show the pride he felt for Derrick, as far as he was concerned Derrick WAS the emperor moth. `` I will do all I can to protect you my overlord, up to and including giving my universe. ``

'' With the attainment I possess I am hoping zippo like that will be necessary, when I have removed the device, I want you on the other face of the others. The further away the skillful, it appears the device is triggered to overdraw the blast the penny-pinching to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

bowing his capitulum Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my Lord. '' Exiting the ship Derrick looked around at the side of the ship, the pelt was odd but this close up he could see it was well panoplied. 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 walk to get to the fin.

'' Shelby, Zan monitor the device let me know if there are any variety. '' Derrick said when he was half way to it.

3/4 of the way there he suddenly got a margin call, `` Derrick I am reading a slight change in the explosive 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 small maintenance thruster on that suit, please call up that is only a class 2 suit, it wo n't offer as lots tribute as a class one if the device explodes. You also have a impermanent carapace goodness for approximately 60 s please use it if necessary. '' Shelby advised.

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

'' Program stark Derrick, '' Zan told him.

'' Ok, advancing. '' Derrick said as he began to scramble toward the fin faster. Drawing a strange cutting great mullein from his pack Derrick began to cut at the fin, thankfully it was specifically designed to cut the living metal. Finally loose Derrick pulled the device about a cadence and a half long loose, Derrick firmly grasped it then pushed off, turning he watched Zan jump away, the wake of the trans-warp propelling him away faster.

'' DERRICK ! '' Shelby 's howler broke into his opinion, `` the device is starting to arm itself ! Use the thruster clique ! '' Derrick started the inner circle, slowed, and then started to move in the opposite way. Son of a bitch he thought, this will help oneself but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic detonation, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up expectant ! He knew there was n't much clip so clicking the shield on he waited a few seconds, he could feel himself accelerating, plus the high temperature was n't too nifty either but at least it was starting to lessen. Trying to keep his eyes open he thought he saw the precis of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and needlelike touch a tearing down his leg through the suit, then the blessed dark took him as the annoyance and cold 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 accelerated speed. Shelby was monitoring the whole time ; suddenly she got a signal that the device had armed itself ! Warning Derrick, she watched helpless as he turned, slowed, and then started to actuate away from the twist. Unfortunately he had used part of the fuel slowing and reversing counselling. Finally he was starting to put a little space between it and him but she feared it would n't be enough. Then the device exploded, desperately she tried to differentiate Derrick to activate the shield, when he did she still could n't relax as she saw that the heat had risen and the shield 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 blow pushed Derrick right into one of various of her astral fins that the blow had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her buckler to allow Derrick to pass through. Screaming she watched as the broken fin ripped a cut down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to jump to the others but with her fins damaged, she could only oversee a few thousand knot. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burns and radiation, plus the gash in his leg sealed before he bled to death.

The other ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost crying wreck blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the holograms, `` standing orders, protect each other, head off the ranger at all costs, remember all I have shown you and state you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming darkness.

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 have visitors. ''

Shelby looked at Mary strangely, visitant ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Mary smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to fracture through her shield for over 200 twelvemonth. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half major power The Virgin aimed at the number 1 ship, ignition, she took out the entire locomotive, then the second ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 international mile from the planet. `` Under imperial administrator rules of order, I have been tasked with the shelter of the imperial beard satellite. Any further encroachment by hostile forces with be met with pernicious force. I do not know you or your Republic anymore and call for the remotion of the president, evidence will follow. '' Mary said sweetly. The broadcast was being heard all over the galax and throughout the republic.

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

The hologram of Blessed Virgin appeared on all the ships and on every world that was listening, but most importantly the commonwealth capital. Looking directly at the chairwoman she stated, `` The time to come emperor butterfly of the land, and he is FAR more than displeased with you, there is a special penalty he has for you when you are found shamed. I am quite sure you have heard of the imperial dermal shredders ? ''

program to well over a chiliad domain many were glad to see the president as he started to wee-wee his bloomers. As soon as the hologram disappeared, the president started to bark edict. He needed every art object of heavy arming and artillery he had to attack the regal planet. That was 'til 4 well placed free energy gust pierced the buckler as if they were n't there and 4 massive detonation sounded, hiding his head he did n't even necessitate to look to have a go at it that all 4 of the armories were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet spot on the floor was growing.

For 2 days Derrick 's body was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his eubstance ever could have. Unfortunately they were ineffective to heal the huge scratch that was now a part of his leg. At the end of the mo day Derrick 's centre opened, `` status report, '' he croaked out before sipping the urine offered.

'' The program has removed all touch of the gimmick within my re-gen matrix, '' Zan stated.

'' At give I am in re-gen various of my arm, astral fins, and one engine, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to preserve you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see bust falling from her eyes.

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

'' I feel that I should take gone in different. Your combat injury is the solvent of terrible trauma caused from you being ripped along my broken astral guides. I have failed you many fourth dimension Derrick, I am surprised that you wish to delay on me. '' This brought more renewed tears from her.

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

'' Had you not come for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her head no. `` The way that you had to number in to stop me, was there any other lieu that you could have taken that would have got allowed you to jump out with to a lesser extent terms ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every position, every direction that she could experience come in from, every military position that she could have been in to arrest him. Derrick watched her look ; he knew that she 'd see it in a moment. When her face lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute skillful that you could I know that, therefore I do n't fault you. Rather I praise you for your precise and nimble actions. Shelby without you none of this would have been potential. ''

Shelby 's case lit up, `` thank 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 macrocosm to him.

Blessed Virgin appeared a moment later, `` executive order is being carried out, all major planet of the empire have been informed. The chairperson lost control of his bodily 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 gravid arms and armament have been destroyed on the republic home base planet. I have a fleet now within 50,000 miles of the majestic planet ; they are at present removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very good Mary, stay under executive Order 'til far poster, also arm all robot scout, I have a tactual sensation they are going to try and take the relaxation of the planet. Have all the people 's identities on the planet downloaded into their computer storage, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Mary smiled, reaching out she activated all the spotter, loading each as Derrick said with the identity of all the people on the satellite. Finally his strength still not yet full he lay back down and slept. For the succeeding 2 daytime Derrick drifted in and out of cognisance taking reports and issuing orders, though the one matter he especially wanted to agree on was the condition of Tempro. The fact that there was still a substance from still an strange person or individual was still a John Major bur in his side. Finally capable to sit up but still not released Derrick thought he was going to go bonkers waiting for the bio-bed to open him.

Sighing he looked at Shelby a few sidereal day later, `` Shelby how very much foresightful must I be subjected to being babied ? ''

'' The bio-bed has your physical structure at 95 %, the nanomites are still working on your leg. I am afraid that it will nark you the rest of your liveliness Derrick. '' Lowering her head she started, `` I am drear that you will be reminded of this nonstarter by me to protect you fully Derrick. ''

Sighing Derrick looked at her sternly, `` Shelby, if you were a human I 'd slap the taste sensation out of your mouth ! '' Shelby just looked at Derrick shocked. `` You did n't fail me if anything I failed to protect you ; if I remember right, an emperor moth does everything he can to protect all the citizens of his empire. '' Here all the holograms had appeared as Derrick had signaled them. `` I ..., '' Derrick bowed to all the holograms, `` you are all citizens of this conglomerate, I have failed you therefore I beg your forgiveness. '' All the hologram 's mouths were wide open ; the emperor was apologizing to them ? Who was this man, in all their ( a few only a few ) days they had never met a human being as kind and giving to them as this one. All of the holograms had binge in their eyes each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Virgin Mary, who had also been listening as she did now, had bust in her oculus. Finally she thought a true emperor moth of the the great unwashed, sighing now she thought ; we just postulate to charter the empire back .