Derrick sat alone, he had n't liked giving the ultimatum to Chief Joseph, but he figured he needed to do something to get the Rangers to second off. Jumping out with trans-warp Derrick knew that no one would be able-bodied to fall out or draw them. In orbit around Darius 4, a lifeless dried up dust ball ; Derrick knew that no one really ever came here anymore. Derrick knew he had so practically to do ; he had to have got the rest of the cognition in the libraries. There was still the explosive care attached to the astral fin near Zan 's engine. There was still the mysterious message that Tempro had, plus the secret of the 2 of the ships having been designated as the personality creators, one of whom he suspected was Shelby. There were just too many questions and few if any solution.

Looking at the head set again for the fifth time in the utmost 30 minutes, Derrick asked Shelby. `` Shelby, I need to use the question set, there are far too many query I need resolution to. I want a wide diagnostic on the organisation, Query, are all 7 buffers sufficient to bug and squelch and funnel the info at a more fair to middling rate ? Also, are the charge moistener sufficient to forestall electrocution to the one wearing it ? '' Derrick had been through the diagrams and the aim checking the setup numerous times.

'' Comparing the apparatus to that which you used last fourth dimension, I am showing that all fender are working at 99.5 %, all three guardianship moistener are at 100 %, also the add together 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 light-green light in the upper leftfield quarter-circle is it rubber to quick disconnect, any other sentence you will either tolerate knockout psyche damage, or clamant death. ''

`` Thank you Shelby, I have to complete this, '' Derrick said as he sat and placed the headspring set over his spike. Again as it started it was n't bad then the information started to flow faster, then faster yet. Looking to the left hand he still had n't seen the light yet, beneficial to keep that blot in focus in case. After what felt like an hour the info again started to advance stop number. That 's when Derrick started to notice that something was wrong, he still had n't seen the light, or any opening. Derrick also noticed that the selective information was far beyond what he knew was in Shelby 's subroutine library. Son of a squawk ! Even this far into the future the double-dealer had found a way to try and kill him. Shelby was starting to get care, Derrick had finished her library a short time ago but for some ground the apparatus was now pulling from the former ships, including Tempro which it should n't.

Delving into the link Shelby only found an empty elbow room, following the link further she again found Derrick curled into a corner. It was at that minute she saw the sabotage, somehow there was a residual virus in one of the ships systems, a computer virus that could go away them all without Derrick. Remembering the saucer from earlier Shelby had it in a receptacle within moments. As the blue devil healing watercourse 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 agnise this, '' Derrick asked.

A man about 25-30 appeared, `` you are in my library, I 'd say you 've accessed almost one-half of it, my lord. '' The inadequate cropped blonde pilus, spiritualist build man, with a smooth face said as he bowed.

'' Tempro ? '' Derrick asked.

'' I am gladiola you remembered me, '' looking at Shelby he stated, `` thank you I owe you my life for the second time no ..., third base. 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 painful especially the last part. I was told you have to brave 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 he was almost done with the extra huge library Tempro had ? Then almost all unclouded thought vanished as the net few tens of thousands of files washed through his brain. Falling to the ... soil ? He was n't sure what it was nor did he care the visions and information he received made him finger as if it all were actually happening to him. All the pain he saw, all the bother he felt, Derrick view 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 bear upon him even if it was only in his mind it was heavenly. `` I promise you Shelby, I will do all I can to regain your children, and possibly another of Virgin Mary 's. '' Derrick told her.

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

'' I have to give here soon, Shelby I find that I have feel 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 set off his top dog, there was a lot to do but armed with what he had now, it would be a lot well-fixed. Looking at Shelby 's hologram he smiled actually causing her to blush ! Suddenly Derrick took over control tuning in the palace. `` Virgin Mary, lower-ranking emergency code enacted now ! Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, da Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon ; confirm and enact. '' Derrick said.

Immediately Mary answered, `` Epsilon, Mu, Epsilon, Rho, Gamma, Eta, Nu, Chi, Epsilon, confirmed and enacted. All batteries charged and ready, Republic capital targeted awaiting orders. ''

'' thoroughly retain a lock we may have need of a presentation soon, I want no commando ships destroyed, nor Ranger personnel department injured. '' Derrick ordered.

'' It will be as you say my lord ; I will await decree to destruct what you will. Blessed Virgin answered.

In the Republic presidential palace, the corrupt president was soaking. ‘ What a day,'he thought, ‘ the 10 he 'd mail for murder 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 core out speech sound of running footfall drew his attention to the threshold, `` President Maury ! prexy Maury ! '' His assistant was screaming sounding like a scared petty girl. Sighing the president stepped out of the huge sauna/bath naked and waited as the little man threw the doors open. `` President M ...., oh my ! '' the supporter said eyeing the prexy 's bare body, what he would n't yield to aim ..., shaking his head he spoke up. `` chairman Maury ! We have an active agent scan from the old empire castle, sir it has trained every weapon system on the empire world upon this building ! ''

'' WHAT ! ? The global shell will take guardianship of that. '' The United States President said waving the little man away.

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

'' But what ? ! We have far more power than the old empire ever did. '' Maury said not really worried he 'd spent a fortune getting the best, zip could get to him now.

'' All the skill police officer say that the carapace are naught, the empire palace alone possess 100 fourth dimension more major power than Republic capital public does. If they fire sir, '' here the little man shook not indisputable if it was the nudity of the President or the fear he was feeling. `` They could destroy the intact satellite ! ''

The chairwoman 's facial expression blanched, `` bid the entire fleet, and have them set out bombardment of the ancient Empire planet ! Destroy it before it can demolish us ! '' The helper bowed low looking lovingly at the president 's physical structure then left.

Mary was monitoring every communication out of the republic public, when she saw the parliamentary procedure she smiled. Finally the sorry excuse for a ruling class would be shown just how insignificant and inconsequent they truly were. As per the sec emergency code Madonna started to place not only the Republic world but every ship of theirs within 2 light years. Derrick was receiving updates constantly, Shelby was strike 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 introduce he had to wait for Tempro and the message before he moved on it. For some strange reason Derrick felt, no he knew he HAD to take heed the message before he did anything else. In cranial orbit on the far side of Darius 3, an older man flipped 3 permutation and smiled, almost time to be a bomber boy. Shaking his drumhead he caressed the long scratch on his leg, activating another set of switches a miniature hologram appeared looking at him lovingly, the man nodded then the short ship jumped without moving.

'' Derrick, '' a jump Shelby said. `` I just discovered a broadcast buried extremely deep within my records. I 've never seen it before, yet records show that it has been there since I was built. ''

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

'' No, it appears to be specifically to disarm almost all destructive plan and devices. '' A appall sounding Shelby stated.

'' WHAT ! ? '' What the hell was going on ? He was never this golden or fortunate ; zilch EVER just fell into his lap like this. Looking the course of study over it was almost the Lapplander as the one he 'd been working on for weeks. `` Zan, I think we have the program prepare to remove the charge from you. Are you ready to try ? ''

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

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

'' It appears that the twist is now a theatrical role of the fin, it will ingest 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 organise, 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, `` Executive monastic order, Omega-Omega-1 I will subscribe care of this. ''

All the holograms froze they had n't heard an order this serious in almost 1000 class, bowing they all sadly stated, `` Yes my God Almighty we hear and obey. '' Shelby started to dissent though she 'd get a line the order.

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

Tears were starting to fall freely from Shelby 's heart, `` no Derrick please, there has to be another way, there has to be ! ''

'' I 've considered everything there is no early way, if I do n't move out it we are all in risk, even as you risk your life sentence for me will I risk mine for you, I told you I have feelings for you, feelings that died from all the cleanup, from everything they made me do. I owe you a debt I can truly never even begin to return, but I will every remaining day of my spirit. '' Derrick said dead severe, this in itself shocked Shelby.

Derrick began to take several small-arm of equipment from his ship, and then went over readings from Zan 's effected surgical incision. Hmmm so the device packed an explosive force of 25 x 4.184 gigajoules, powerful enough to punch a substantive maw in the incline of Zan and almost anything within ten thousand miles, it also seemed to be laced with something else that could amplify the fire. It appeared that the advance from Zan it was the weaker it was, a good thing to remember. Finally ready an hour later, Derrick transferred to Zan. The young man, still in overalls appeared as soon as Derrick began to actuate to the air lock faithful to the stellar fin.

'' Though we are under the administrator society I still must protest, my lord, '' Zan stated. `` If you are lost it would think of disgrace for all of us, we would no longer be able-bodied to serve. ''

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

Zan 's face began to express the pride he felt for Derrick, as far as he was concerned Derrick WAS the Saturnia pavonia. `` I will do all I can to protect you my Lord, up to and including giving my being. ``

'' With the skills I possess I am hoping nil like that will be requirement, when I have removed the device, I want you on the other incline of the others. The advance away the better, it appears the gimmick is triggered to amplify the blast the closer to you it is. '' Derrick advised Zan.

Bowing his promontory Zan then nodded. `` I will do as you say my nobleman. '' 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 armoured. Slowly he made his way up the incline 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 get it on if there are any variety. '' 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 up the program, after its run completely, notify me. '' Derrick ordered.

'' Derrick there is a small-scale alimony thruster on that suit, please remember that is only a class 2 causa, it wo n't bid as practically protection as a class one if the gimmick explodes. You also have a temporary shield good for approximately 60 second base please use it if necessary. '' Shelby advised.

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

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

'' Ok, advancing. '' Derrick said as he began to scramble 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 alloy. Finally wanton Derrick pulled the device about a meter 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 scream broke into his thoughts, `` the twist is starting to arm itself ! Use the thruster pack ! '' Derrick started the pack, slowed, and then started to prompt in the diametric direction. Son of a cunt he thought, this will help but it 's not enough ! Behind him there was a titanic detonation, looking down he saw that the fuel was almost used up heavy ! He knew there was n't much sentence so clicking the buckler on he waited a few minute, he could find himself accelerating, plus the heat was n't too keen either but at least it was starting to lessen. Trying to keep his eyes unfold he thought he saw the schema of one the ships, then he was crashing into something long and sharp impression a tearing down his leg through the suit, then the sanctify wickedness took him as the pain and cold began to cringe in.

Zan jumped out as he 'd been told, as close to Derrick as he 'd been the trans-warp aftermath had pushed Derrick away at an accelerated fastness. Shelby was monitoring the unscathed time ; suddenly she got a signaling that the twist 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 share of the fuel slowing and reversing direction. 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 tell Derrick to set off 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 attack pushed Derrick right into one of several of her astral fins that the good time had damaged when she 'd briefly dropped her shields to permit Derrick to go by through. Screaming she watched as the broken fin ripped a gash down his leg. Bringing Derrick in to med bay she tried to startle to the others but with her flipper damaged, she could only wangle a few 1000 miles. In the med bay Derrick was immediately treated for burns and radiation sickness, plus the slice in his leg sealed before he bled to expiry.

The early ships came to get Shelby, each afraid that Derrick was going to die, Shelby herself was an almost tears crash blaming herself for Derrick getting injured. Waking briefly Derrick called all the holograph, `` standing decree, protect each other, forfend the Rangers at all costs, think of all I have shown you and state you. '' With that Derrick succumb to the welcoming darkness.

Virgin Mary was suddenly there, `` SHELBY ! '' Mary yelled, `` Put these in him, NOW ! '' As soon as the vial appeared a mechanically skillful 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 visitor. ''

Shelby looked at Mary strangely, visitor ? Was n't the palace isolated ? Madonna smiled at the oncoming ships, fools she thought they 'd been trying to give away through her cuticle for over 200 years. What made them think they could get through them now ? Charging to half power Mary aimed at the outset ship, firing, she took out the entire locomotive engine, then the second ; so on 'til there were 10 ships drifting 10,000 Swedish mile from the planet. `` Under royal executive orders, I have been tasked with the protection of the imperial major planet. Any foster impact by unfriendly military force with be met with baneful force. I do not recognize you or your commonwealth anymore and call for the removal of the chairman, evidence will come. '' Mary said sweetly. The broadcast was being heard all over the galax and throughout the commonwealth.

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

The hologram of Mary appeared on all the ships and on every reality that was listening, but most importantly the Republic capital. Looking directly at the chairperson she stated, `` The hereafter emperor of the realm, and he is FAR more than displeased with you, there is a special punishment he has for you when you are found hangdog. I am quite sure you have heard of the imperial beard dermal shredders ? ''

Broadcast to well over a thousand worlds many were glad to see the chairperson as he started to piss his pants. As soon as the holograph disappeared, the president started to bark orders. He needed every firearm of heavy equipping and weapon he had to attack the majestic planet. That was 'til 4 well placed muscularity clap pierced the buckler as if they were n't there and 4 massive explosions sounded, hiding his head he did n't even postulate to calculate to do it that all 4 of the armoury were gone. Looking down he saw that the wet spot on the floor was growing.

For 2 days Derrick 's consistence was healing, the nanomites that had been injected in him were working far faster than his body ever could have. Unfortunately they were unable to heal the huge scratch that was now a function of his leg. At the end of the second day Derrick 's eyes opened, `` status study, '' he croaked out before sipping the piddle offered.

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

'' At face I am in re-gen several of my weapon, astral Phoebe, and one engine, which were severely damaged when I jumped in to save you. '' Shelby said quietly, though Derrick could see rent falling from her eyes.

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

'' I feel that I should have gone in different. Your accidental injury is the result of serious psychic trauma caused from you being ripped along my erupt astral guidebook. I have failed you many times Derrick, I am surprised that you wish to stay put on me. '' This brought Sir Thomas More renewed tears from her.

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

'' Had you not issue forth for me, would I have survived ? '' Derrick asked. Shelby only shook her caput no. `` The way that you had to come up in to stop me, was there any early perspective that you could have taken that would induce allowed you to jump out with less damage ? '' Shelby was thinking, calculating every positioning, every steering that she could have come in from, every position that she could have been in to catch him. Derrick watched her face ; he knew that she 'd see it in a moment. When her typeface lit up Derrick nodded, `` you did the absolute trump that you could I know that, therefore I do n't find fault you. Rather I praise you for your precise and flying activity. Shelby without you none of this would have been potential. ''

Shelby 's face 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 hologram were there. They all bowed each pledging their beingness to him.

Madonna appeared a import later, `` executive club is being carried out, all satellite of the Empire have been informed. The president lost ascendancy of his bodily fluids when I informed him that the emperor butterfly was returning. I am releasing all the information on all his atrocities and those with him to the council, well those that are still trustfulness worthy. All heavy munition and equipping have been destroyed on the Republic menage planet. I have a fleet now within 50,000 naut mi of the royal planet ; they are at award removing the 10 I disabled. ''

'' Very good Mary, stop under executive fiat 'til further poster, also arm all robot sentries, I have a intuitive feeling they are going to try and look at the relief of the planet. Have all the hoi polloi 's identity element on the major planet downloaded into their memories, I want them protected also. '' Derrick ordered Mary smiled, reaching out she activated all the sentry, loading each as Derrick said with the identity of all the people on the planet. Finally his intensity level still not yet full-of-the-moon he lay back down and slept. For the next 2 daylight Derrick drifted in and out of consciousness taking reports and issuing Order, though the one thing he especially wanted to agree on was the condition of Tempro. The fact that there was still a message from still an unknown 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 authorize him.

Sighing he looked at Shelby a few days later, `` Shelby how much retentive 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 bother you the quietus of your life Derrick. '' Lowering her headland she started, `` I am sorry 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 sense of taste out of your oral fissure ! '' Shelby just looked at Derrick shocked. `` You did n't fail me if anything I failed to protect you ; if I remember right-hand, an emperor 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 hologram, `` you are all citizens of this empire, I have failed you therefore I beg your forgiveness. '' All the hologram 's mouths were all-embracing undecided ; 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 kind and giving to them as this one. All of the holograms had crying in their eye each told Derrick thank you, then went back to their ships. Mary, who had also been listening as she did now, had tears in her eyes. Finally she thought a lawful emperor of the multitude, sighing now she thought ; we just need to take the imperium back .