Lost Empire

{i}by Pars001

Chapter 1

Light shone off the gleaming black skin of the ship. Over three miles long, it had been one of a new race of living A.I. ships engineered to guard the vast Imperial boundary territory. For eight hundred years the small fleet of fast, sleek ships protected the empire. Many enemies had perished attempting to enter and take the empire. Though the fleet slowly died, the greatest of them was never defeated nor was she ever badly injured.

Finally two of the three remaining empire guardians were destroyed defending the borders. It has been a glorious battle, she'd fought bravely destroying the rest of the invaders after the last of her compatriots had exploded. Her rage knowing no bounds, as she took out the last two hundred ships. Her crew reported the victory and the destruction of two of the last three remaining elite ships. The Emperor personally congratulated them, telling them to await transfer and replacement. That had been two hundred years ago. The ship lovingly called Shelby by all her crews, began to grow lonely after the last of her crew died fifty years later. fifty years afterward she sent a message on the Imperial net for assistance. Confused when she received no reply, she hoped for recall. Soon however, she began to hunt for a biological humanoid to question, to get the answers she so desperately craved.

Derrick O'Toma looked over the readings, stretching his six foot two body. This salvage run had to be the worst. Brushing his sandy brown hair from the scar on his cheek, and from his light brown eyes, he sighed, sitting back in the command chair. What the hell did the company expect? Out here? There hadn't been anything out here since the last two of the elite living ships of the old empire were destroyed. Damn, he'd loved to have gotten his hands on one of those old ships, there hadn't been anything like them in over one thousand years. Too bad the last emperor had such a great distrust of the ships. Derrick felt that they were what had helped keep the empire as great as it was for so long.

Bored, Derrick set the sensors on auto sweep, adjusting the ships controls to react to anything detected. Getting up, he went to lay down, cursing his luck for having drawn this run. He'd just lain down, when he heard a voice, at least he thought he heard a voice. Looking around he shook his head, returning to the control cockpit, he opened the computer com.

"Computer," Derrick said a little annoyed.

"Online, awaiting orders," came the monotone, mechanical voice.

"Scan ship, query, are there any other life forms on board besides my self?" Derrick asked.

"Working," it stated, after five minutes it answered, "Analysis complete, no other life forms on board besides Captain Derrick."

Shaking his head, Derrick decided that the five weeks out here alone were starting to get to him.

Lying back down, Derrick felt his eyes close, God he was tired, a little metal, a few circuits not even worth the trip. Huh? Derrick thought this was an unusual dream, as a gray mist area stretched in front of him.

*"Hello, I am Elite Imperial Guardian, EIG-0101F, to all humanoid entities who can detect these cerebral waves, I am in need of assistance. Again, any humanoid entity who detects this transmission, please respond."* A voice came from somewhere far away in the mist.

*"What the fuck was that?"* Derrick thought.

He felt a sudden rush, then a beautiful, blonde, green eyed, slender, naked woman was standing in front of him. Derrick could only stare at her perfect appearing body.

*"Dam!"* Derrick thought, *"This is an awful erotic dream, look at her! She's gorgeous!"*

Blushing a bit when he realized he was also naked, he went on, *"My god! she's perfect!"*

*"Hello humanoid entity, I am EIG-0101f, I am the last of the Elite Guardian Ships. You are the first in one hundred fifty years that has answered my call, for that I thank you. I have been alone for a very long time."*

*"I wish I knew how to talk to her. Wonder how I do that?"* Derrick thought.

*"Finally! A question! I can sense your thoughts, just think and I'll hear it."* The woman smiled sending a shock through him.

*"Wait!"* Thought Derrick, *"I thought the last two Elite ships were destroyed two hundred years ago, how can this be?"*

The woman looked at Derrick and smiled again, looking lower, she smiled even larger, *"Ah! I see my choice of guise is well to your liking!"* the woman said, then giggled.

She then went on to describe eight hundred years of history for the empire. She described things that many, except Imperial historians, didn't know. (As Derrick's father had been.)

*"I am confused EIG-0101F," * started Derrick, *"If you are as advanced as you say, why are you in need of assistance?"*

Smiling again, the woman explained, *"Yes, I am an advanced living A.I., but while I am alive, I am still loyal to the emperor, I can not leave my post without his orders or," * here the woman trembled, *"the end of the empire and the emperor."*

Derrick sighed, his great, great grandfather had been on board one of those ships. He'd written about his experience about two hundred years ago. That was when the last of the ships were destroyed and his great, great grandmother never heard from him again.

*"So what does this have to do with me?"* Derrick thought.

*"I have no crew, I have no orders except the standing ones left by the last of my crew. I was instructed to seek out more crew and ascertain what my mission was now if necessary. I was told that a phrase would be left by the last crew member."* The woman replied, a great sadness in her thoughts. *"I am seeking information so that I may determine what I should do next. Tell me sir, what has become of the empire and the emperor?"*

Derrick hung his head. The woman's features suddenly dropped, *"I see, so the empire is no more, it is sad, it was a good and vast empire."* Her thoughts replied sadly.

*"It was a very large empire, as I remember my father told me it was the largest he'd ever studied."* Derrick answered.

*"Studied?"* The woman said.

*"Yes,"* Derrick replied, *"My father was a historian in the study of ancient empires. His great, grandfather was a crew member on one of the last of the eli... , I'm sorry on one of you living ships."*

*"A crew member? Do you remember the name of the ship?"* The visage of the woman said.

*"No,"* Derrick sadly shook his head, *"the family lost contact with him two hundred years ago."*

The woman was deep in thought, *"what was his name? I may be able to convey any messages he might have left for his family."*

*"Uh,"* Derrick thought, *"I was named after him, as I recall he was the greatest warrior of the old empire. He was called Derrick as I am."*

The woman's face lit up, then a great sadness suddenly crossed it, *"Derrick? Derrick O'Toma!"* the woman said excited.

*"Yes,"* Derrick said a little shaken, *"did you know him?"*

*"Yes,"* the woman sadly answered, *"HE was my last crew man."*

Derrick's mouth hung agape, the last crew member?

*"What do you mean the last crew member?"* Derrick asked a little shaken.

*"He,"* the woman's eyes were now were shedding tears, *"was loyal to the emperor, but he was mostly loyal to me. He refused to leave me, we waited for recall after the last two ships were destroyed. I believe, had it not been for him, I might not have been able to function these last one hundred fifty years. I remember his last words, a poem of love and duty".*

Here Derrick started to recite a poem his grandfather had told him was known only to the family, from memory. The whole time he didn't realize that the woman was staring at him a look of joy growing on her face.

*"I give my life to you, I dedicate my existence to your protection. Bringing joy my lifetime through, all our years entwined perfection".*

The woman stared at Derrick when he finished, both were actually staring at each other. The woman had spoken the exact same words behind Derrick, his mouth again agape, as was the woman's.

*"My god!"* Derrick breathed out in shock, *"you really did know him, only my family knows that poem."*

The woman nodded a sad smile on her face, with that the woman was gone, Derrick awoke to every proximity alarm on his ship going off.

Looking out the nearest window, Derrick saw the sleek, black skinned, three mile long ship along side.

He could see the massive amount of weapons lining almost the entire length of the ship. Holy shit! No wonder the ships had been so good at protecting the borders.

Derrick absently reached over and slapped off the alarms, his mouth agape, he could only stare at the miles of ship. A steady beeping tore his eyes away from the sight.

"Hello," Derrick almost whispered in awe to the com.

"Hello Derrick," came a feminine voice, "I detected that you wished to see me. I apologize for taking so long to reach you, I was on the direct opposite side of the galaxy."

Derrick only nodded, then felt foolish knowing the ship couldn't see him.

"So why are you here?" Asked Derrick.

"You spoke most of the phrase, please speak the remainder to be accepted as primary commanding crew member." The female voice replied.

"What!!?" Derrick shouted, "Primary? What the hell are you talking about?"

"You are identified as a primary crew member, you and you alone, can command me now if, you speak the last lines," she said.

Derrick took a deep breath, "A solemn pledge, to each other true, together always a single collection."

There was a long pause, the woman spoke, "Registering face recognition, registering voice pattern. Awaiting orders Primary Derrick."

Again Derrick's mouth hung agape, unable to speak. The female voice spoke again, snapping Derrick out of his shock. "Awaiting orders, Primary Derrick, should I bring you on board?"

Derrick wasn't sure of anything right now, "give me some time EIG-0101F, please!" Derrick whispered.

"Yes, Primary Derrick, I shall stand down until orders are issued." The voice replied.

"Thank you for the time, oh and EIG-0101F?"Derrick asked.

"Yes, Primary Derrick," the voice answered,

"Please, call me Derrick," he said.

The com was quiet a moment, then the voice answered, "Yes Derrick, I will await your orders."

Derrick sat, not quite sure what to do, he'd dreamed of a ship like this for years. What was he afraid of? Starting the engines, he moved forward, following a weak tech signal, trying to ignore the huge ship as it followed him.

Three hours later the salvage ship pulled along side a blinking tech box, one hundred fifty meters by two hundred meters.

"Derrick," came the female voice over the com, "what are you going to do with that?"

"I'm taking it in as salvage," Derrick said.

"May I ask a favor?" it asked.

"Alright" answered Derrick.

"May I have it? I believe that is what is left of one of the two last ship's A.I.'s" It stated.

Derrick's face held surprise, "one of the other A.I.'s?"

"Well, most of it, though I can't be sure until I analyze it," the voice replied.

"Alright, it's yours," Derrick breathed out none too happy.

"Thank you," she said, "they all deserve more than to die alone in space."

Derrick's temple was throbbing as he was still pondering the A.I.'s proposal from before.

"Got a question," Derrick suddenly asked. "What would it entail me becoming primary of you?"

Again the com was silent a few moments before the female voice answered. "You would have command capacity, in all decisions involving battle strategies, crew placement and approval, and all things concerned with me," then in a low whisper, "including our happiness."

"What was that?" asked Derrick, not sure he heard her right.

"Nothing of importance just an after thought," she lied.

Derrick just shook his head, what am I getting myself into? He thought.

"Alright," Derrick suddenly spoke, "Moving to dock then..."

There was a flash and Derrick was standing on an enormous bridge, in front of a huge view screen. "...I can. What the HELL!!?"

"Welcome to the bridge," A hologram of the same woman (though this time clothed) smiling at him.

"What?! How!? shouted a surprised Derrick.

"That was the Imperial Matter Transfer," smiled the hologram.

"The what!?" Holding up his hand to stop her from repeating what was just said, plus there was the fact that he had to check that he was all there. "You could have at least allowed me to finish before you did," waving his hands in the air, "you did whatever it was you did."

The smile disappeared from her face, "I am sorry Derrick, but I sensed a strong desire to be on board as soon as possible."

Derrick sighed, true he was anxious to get on board but he wanted it to be on his terms.

"Now then E..., how about I call you E for right now," he said.

"E will be fine Derrick, also I brought your salvage ship into hanger one, it is secure now." E stated matter of factly.

"What? But how? I need to shut it down all the sys..." Derrick stated

"Compliance Derrick," E said, "all systems on board are all shut down, airlocks secured, reactors offline."

"How?" Derrick stated his eyes huge.

"I merely overrode all command stations, with instructions to standby or power down." E smiled sweetly.

"Not that I am calling you a liar, but I need to see for myself," Derrick said with crossed arms.

A second later Derrick was standing in the command cockpit. Checking every system, it was as the ship had said, everything was shut down. Satisfied Derrick looked up and shook his head.

"Alright," Derrick said and was back on the bridge a second later.

"Satisfied?" The hologram asked with a smug look.

"Yes, Thank you." Derrick said smiling for the first time since the dream.

"Ah!" E said, "you should do that more often, it looks good on you."

Derrick couldn't believe he was blushing. E of course was laughing, maybe a little more than he thought she should.

"The problem is E," Derrick started as he sat in the chair, central to the room, "I have no idea what to do with you."

The hologram sat in mid-air next to him, "Neither do I. As I stated before, I am alive, I am independent, and I can think for my self. I had been made to protect and defend with a crew, but I still must have orders."

"You..., wait, you said you were on the other side of the galaxy? You said you were slow getting to me, but it took you less than a minute! Just how fucking fast are you?" Derrick asked a look of amazement on his face.

"Normally, I can transfer in 10 seconds, but I was analyzing the phrase before I shifted," E answered.

"Wait, wait, wait, this galaxy is 100,000 light years across, you have faster than light speed?" Derrick asked perplexed.

"No, it was the new trans-warp engines," E explained.

"Uh huh, never heard of them," answered a still perplexed Derrick.

"Really? Strange, I thought that all ships would have them by now," replied a shocked E.

"Can you explain them," Derrick asked.

"Oh yes Derrick! The basic theory is that after the point to reach is plotted, the trans-warp engines release a one millimeter stream of Critela particles that enter hyper space. There they absorb hyper space energy, fold space for a one second to ten minute trip, depending on the distance. I am afraid that ten minutes is the limit, though I've never been in trans-swarp longer than a minute." E explained sweetly, as if Derrick understood even half of what she said.

Derrick was holding his head, hyper space he knew, but absorbing energy from there? Folding space? Critela particles? Damn, Derrick thought, my head is going to explode.

"Do you require medical assistance?" E asked, "to keep your head from exploding" she giggled.

Derrick stared at the hologram, "did you just read my thoughts?"

"I am sorry, while you are on board and primary," E explained, "all your thoughts, emotions, and actions are cerebrum-linked to me, in reality you need not even speak if you don't wish," E explained in her sweetest voice.

"Well, I guess that would be more convenient in a battleship," Derrick said.

"Derrick?" E asked a little hesitantly.

"Yes E, what is it?" answered Derrick.

"Can you please tell me of the last two hundred years? I have no information after the loss of the Imperial net," E said.

"Hmm, I'll show you rather than tell you," answered Derrick.

Popping in a micro info disk, Derrick looked over the rows and rows of controls. An hour later E had recorded all two hundred forty discs of information.

"What became of the royal family?" E asked.

"From what was later found, the rebels executed all thirty two family members, including the empress and her son a year later. There was a rumor though, that a distant cousin to the emperor survived and was never found. The royal city was abandoned, the Palace unreachable, after the family was killed," Derrick stated.

"That was a sad and tragic way for the empire to end," E said, sadly shaking her head.

"I agree, the rebellion was fueled by greed, assassins were on the inside when it all started. The emperor was a brilliant man, to this day almost two hundred years later, no one has been able to claim the throne or reunite the empire." Derrick explained.

"Derrick, the shield around the palace sounds almost identical to mine!" E stated excited.

"E, I don't even begin to understand half your systems, let alone how to use them," Derrick dejectedly said.

Derrick was about to say more when an alarm went off.

"I have a ship like yours. eighty light years away from here, under attack," E said above the alarm, "It appears to have twehty ships closing on it!"

Damn, I wish I was there to help, thought Derrick. A winding up of energy behind him caught his attention. Five seconds later they were there holy shit! He'd had no sensation of moving! If I had weapons, he thought, I'd take out the weapons and engines of the attackers. Forty flashes of light came from the left and right on the view screen, hit all but one of the raider ships engines, the rest took out their weapons.

"I am sorry I missed Derrick," E apologized.

"The hell with that, don't let them get away!" Derrick yelled.

"Attempting to lock, target out of range, entering hyper space," E said.

"Damn it!" Derrick cursed, if only we could catch and stop it!" Again there was a winding up of energy, on the screen they were in hyper space? What the hell? They were quickly catching the last ship! Two flashes struck the ship with pin point accuracy, Derrick watched as it shuddered, then returned to regular space. A strange beam hit the other ship, then it was drug behind them as they jumped back to the other nineteen ships.

"Derrick, I am receiving a message on a lower forbidden frequency," E reported.

"As of today, all frequencies are no longer forbidden," Derrick said, "let me hear."

A soft crackling, then a voice Derrick knew came over it, "woo-wee! I don't know who you are, but you sure saved my bacon! Thanks partner"

Derrick was about to answer when E. stopped him. "Derrick, I don't think it's a good idea to tell anyone," she said, "they might try to force you to work for them. I could not allow it, as per protocols."

Derrick stopped a moment thinking about it, she's probably right they just might try to use him.

"A very wise and rational decision Derrick," E sweetly said.

"Find the space ranger frequency and alert them about the twenty disabled raider ships in this vector," Derrick ordered.

"Affirmative..., Rangers dispatched, I suggest protective cover Derrick," E advised.

"Proceed," answered Derrick.

Twenty minutes later several large Ranger ships arrived. Derrick was extremely nervous till E explained.

"I have activated our light cloak, it has rendered us ninety percent invisible to their scans and vision," said E.

Derrick only nodded , more nervous as the number of Rangers increased in the area. E assured him they were more than hidden. They waited till long after everyone left before they even moved.

Finally Breathing easier, Derrick decided

to take a tour of the ship. Following beside him the hologram was silent as they walked from the command deck. Derrick had walked about half the length of the ship, when it suddenly opened into a large open bay. There in the center of it was the tech box he'd found.

Moving closer to it, Derrick was about to touch it when E warned him against it. The thing was, now there was more to the box than there had been before.

"E? What is this?" he said indicating the new areas that had been added.

"That is what is left of EIG-0999M. After analysis, I found he was still alive, though barely. After he exploded, this indestructible casing is all that was left of him. The energy producers were damaged, so he was in almost complete shut down. I started his regrowth cycle and am providing energy till he can take over." E explained.

Derrick nodded, regrowth cycle? Energy producers? Looking over the box, Derrick didn't see any energy producing parts, but then again, she had said that the ship was growing.

Walking further on, Derrick marveled at everything. He saw anti-matter weapons, plasma weapons with enough capacity to destroy a planet, several generators, for God only knew what. The best (or worst) were the engines. More like huge generators (E had explained that they worked on gravity attraction, but the rest was lost on him).

They had just started back when several alarms went off.

"Derrick, I have an unidentified ship approaching our position, detecting minimal armament and weapons. I suggest your removal to the command center," E said.

As Derrick started running E advised him, "use the IMT, it is much faster."

Derrick stopped and nodded, a second later he was on the bridge. Damn, he thought, have to get used to that, a soft giggle sounded in his mind.

Looking at the large view screen, Derrick saw a Ranger ship approaching.

"Can he detect us E?" he asked.

"No, he is still almost a light year away, shall I take evasive action?" E answered.

Almost a light year? Damn! "Yes E, deter any detection of us from them short of destroying them," ordered Derrick.

For the next week they dodged passing ships, Derrick trying to decide their next course of action. Derrick's eyes grew wider each day as he watched the now unexposed tech box growing almost into the same shape as the bridge on board E.

"E? condition of 0999?" he asked one day.

Sighing, E replied, "initial growth is to almost five percent, 0999 still hasn't the power to emerge, though prognosis is increasingly better each day. I am now detecting a ten percent increase in cerebral activity, though it may be another week before enough systems have grown allowing even partial emergence. Unfortunately, conditions in bay one are not as conductive for maximum growth."

"Is there anything we can do to increase it?" Derrick asked.

Silent for only a moment, E responded, "I can increase O2 levels and energy infusion, but we risk a greater chance of being detected, even with the light cloak."

Derrick nodded, "Alright, increase but keep all sensors at full. Anything within a light year, advise me. After we assess the danger we can adjust from there."

Derrick walked out, the hologram looked lovingly at the large shape, Whispering, "thank you Derrick."

Derrick had been over all the battles and species that E and the other ships had fought for eight hundred years. Another week went by, Derrick had started to notice strange things from almost all of the battles. The strategy had been sound, almost brilliant, but for some reason, near the end of the battle, when the other ships were lost, he found a critical error. It seemed the same error each time. As a matter of fact, in the very last battle, E had been out of place or she too would have been destroyed. It was at that moment that Derrick realized that someone had screwed up badly or someone had purposely caused the destruction of the ships.

The further he dug, it seemed the more he found. Growling, he wasn't sure he should tell E. At the end of two weeks the shape was a mile long, enough energy production plants were working that E finally disconnected.

Sighing, Derrick knew he had to have E's and 0999's help. Though he wasn't sure how she'd take it, he decided it might be for the best. The problem was how to breach the subject?

Starting carefully Derrick brought it out, "E, I've been going over the battles for the eight hundred years you were active for the empire. It seems the strategy was brilliant but..."

Here E sighed again, "but you noticed minor discrepancies that brought about the destruction of my brothers and sisters." Shocked Derrick could only nod, "Your name sake had also noticed them, it seems it started about the time the grandson of the Emperor that had created us took the throne."

Still shocked Derrick asked, "but why was he so distrusting?"

"It seems, that your name sake also noticed what you have. Though he could never act out on it, as it appeared the traitors were receiving orders from the Emperor, and all subsequent Emperors starting with the same grandson as before mentioned. It was also why your name sake was never in the right position in every battle." E sadly said.

"My god!" Whispered Derrick, "fiercely loyal for centuries, only to the Emperors and their crews. Still all of them didn't trust any of you. One would have thought that they knew you wouldn't turn on them."

The hologram sadly shook her head, "your name sake truly was a great warrior. It was an extremely sad day when he ceased to function."

Derrick hung his head, he'd read the letters his great, great grandfather had written. The man had been filled with such passion for the empire, such hope, only to be betrayed by the very man he had sworn to follow.

Derrick sat there in silence, thinking over everything he'd learned. An hour later, he was still there when a small chiming sound started breaking his chain of thought.

"Alright E," Derrick stated, "that's a new one on me, what exactly is that?" Derrick pointed to an indicator on the control panel.

Again, E was silent for a few moments before she answered, "It is an alert I set up, to notify us when 0999's cerebral activity reached a point that showed he was of a more 'conscious' state."

"Good, I am going to need yours and his help, if I am going to pull off what I have planned," Derrick stated more to his self than to E.

They both watched as the mental activity of the other A.I. increased, then just as suddenly it drew even then stabilized.

"Now commencing bio-active scans, all readings within tolerances, growth now at forty percent, 0999 ship systems beginning to power up, reading ninety percent cerebral activity. Hello 0999, are you functioning? Do you need any further assistance?" E asked.

Low and slow at first, then a little clearer, they heard a male voice coming from the speaker. "At present I am only at forty five percent, I have interrupted growth cycle until you evacuate me from bay one. Preparing for open space."

"Affirmative, opening bay doors now, do you have capability to move? Is there further assistance required?" E asked.

"Negative 0101, are we the only ones?" the male voice asked.

"Yes," replied E, "I am afraid so, my primary command found your life capsule, though I am not sure how."

"I wish to thank him, may I know your name that it is registered within my memory?" the male voice asked

Stepping forward Derrick spoke, "Derrick, Derrick O'Toma."

"Derrick? O'Toma? The hero of the Corton battle? And the Gleeton expanse?" the male voice said, impressed.

"No, that was my great, great grandfather," Derrick answered.

Derrick had been watching the more ship like shape, silently moving out of the large door.

"0101? How long has it been? We were the last three, I remember 0099 exploding, then nothing until a few moments ago." The male voice asked.

For a moment Derrick thought E wasn't going to answer, then she spoke up, "It has been two hundred years, almost to the day that you two were destroyed, I have longed for the company of my brothers and sisters. I have had no crew for one hundred fifty years. Much has changed 0999, much."

E proceeded to outline the last two hundred years of history, everything that she'd recorded and a few things she picked up on the now open channels that Derrick was allowing her to hear.

"How long 'til complete regrowth of all your systems and equipment 0999?" Derrick asked as soon as the other ship had cleared the hanger.

"At present, I should have full engine capability within five days, internal systems within six, I am at present only fifty percent released from the brain box, though this will improve soon. Under sub code 001 article 10, I am to respond to my primary command, if I no longer possess such, then I am to follow the nearest and highest ranking primary command. I await your orders primary prime Derrick," the male voice responded.

"At present 0999, stay as close to 0101 as you can, until such time as you have a better capability to protect and camouflage." Derrick ordered.

"Affirmative, primary prime Derrick," the voice answered.

"0999, call me Derrick until such time as there are more primaries," Derrick said.

The com went silent for longer than Derrick thought it should, a moment later the voice answered, "I apologize primary prime Derrick, without my full capacity, remembering and recording take a little longer than I am used to. I am only now at fifty three point five, though being out of the bay has helped to increase my growth. I find that I do have minimal propulsion capability but not much."

"Good," Derrick replied, "it will help if things come to a fight." Though Derrick was hoping it didn't, some of the species the ships had beaten had required all 1000 ships and they had almost lost a few that time.

For the next five days they waited. 0999 was starting to take shape, looking more and more like E everyday. It appeared that almost all of the A.I.'s memories were intact, though one percent had been lost when the brain box had been damaged. The fact that it was supposed to be indestructible wasn't lost on Derrick, going to his salvage ship, Derrick re-examined the readings he'd taken when he'd first found it.

Going over them for several hours he finally came to the conclusion that someone had tried to pry the case open, it appeared they had used something of the same metal which was why the case had been damaged. Leaving his ship he was headed to the command room when a different set of alarms went off. These were the same as the ones he knew, an attack was brewing, damn it! 0999 wasn't up to full capacity yet.

Calling E, Derrick was quickly back in the command center. "E, I need a status report," Derrick said as soon as he appeared.

"It appears to be a race that hasn't been seen in almost a thousand years, as I remember they have a strong appetite for humanoid flesh." E reported. "Though the last time we went against them it was the first battle we were ever in. We have improved our systems a thousand fold since, but all scans indicate that their tech hasn't improved much since the last time we met. Though they are only a small fleet, our chances at the present time are only twenty five percent in favor of victory."

"Suggestions?" Derrick asked.

"Protective cover until such time as 0999 is one hundred percent or tomorrow 1:20pm ship time," E replied.

"Thank you E, suggestions taken under advisement and E, never tell me the odds, they're usually wrong," Derrick replied.

"I have to say," E restated, "you are very much like him."

"Thank you, I take that as a compliment," Derrick answered pulling up everything they had on the alien invaders.

The next day 0999 was finally ready. Derrick had been up for hours planning and plotting strategy for both ships and scenarios for 0999 to react to. As both ships went in Derrick decided to link the other ship directly to him, that way at least, he could react a lot faster. Diving in from behind, they managed to get the first twenty five they met, the rest trying to scatter.

Another twenty collided with each other. As Derrick had assumed, they weren't ready for such a fast attack. As the enemy started to flee, both ships began to fire with everything they had. Soon there was destroyed ships everywhere, 0999 had been damaged in his port engine plus half his weapons were offline a day. E had taken the brunt of the attack, having several hundred shots along her side, destroying several hundred weapons that were re-growing now.

"0999, status report," Derrick asked.

"At present I am only hyper space capable, though the using of a direct cerebral link did improve reaction time thirty five percent. I estimate it will be at least two to three days before I am capable of any trans-warp movement. It will be at least a day and a half before all weapon systems are at least ninety percent. Light cloak is also offline, it will be at least five days of growth to repair that system." The male voice replied.

"Affirmative 0999, keep me apprised of all situations," answered Derrick. "E? How are the repairs to your systems coming?"

"Though I have lost thirty eight percent of all weapons, their regeneration is progressing rapidly, I estimate that I should have full capability within two days. All damage is healing at a rapid rate also," reported E.

"Good," Derrick said, though his thoughts seemed to be else where. "E, keep tabs on those few that escaped as long as you can. For some strange reason I feel we might see them again."

three days later Derrick had finally made a decision. Calling 0999, he and E discussed with 0999 an idea that Derrick had come up with. Now that one of the original races knew that the area was still under protection of at least two of the living ships, Derrick was afraid that soon many of the other races might return.

"Alright," Derrick started, "I've adjusted sensors to detect any more brain boxes that are out there."

"I would love to have more of my brothers and sisters with us but many were lost outside of this galaxy," replied 0999.

"As would I, I have been looking for over one hundred fifty years, 0999 was the first I've seen in that time. Are you sure it's possible?" asked E.

"Believe me," stated Derrick, "I've been doing this most of my life, if they're out there I will find them. Besides, you both have the positions of each when they were lost, we can start from there."

Both ships agreeing, Derrick breathed easier. It wouldn't be easy, but he was sure they could at least find a few more, well he hoped.

Chapter 2

The cold and unforgiving dark of space can be a hard mistress when searching for something. It had been two weeks now and Derrick was no closer to finding more of the A.I. brain boxes than when he started looking with E. Having extrapolated the exact position of the last battle and moving from there (not where they found 0999), Derrick thought it would have been easier than this.

Always having been extremely smart, Derrick had tried to write several programs to aid 0999 to act more independently, but so far he'd failed miserably. Hell, it appeared that even the first emperor hadn't had as much trust of the A.I.'s as had been written about him. So far Derrick had found thirty, seemingly redundant programs that were stopping independent actions and thoughts outside of certain limits. It appeared that the creators of the EIG programs had been more paranoid than Derrick had at first thought.

Sighing, Derrick tried again to disable another of the limiting A.I. programs. He'd found that they were always in pairs, trying to disable the first always seemed to make finding the second easier. The whole time he'd been running tests to see how much more independent thoughts the A.I.'s had, but it seemed that even after removing the thirty, there hadn't been much change.

Derrick had just started to trace where the second program was after trying to disable the thirty first program he'd found when an alarm went off.

"Derrick," E said, "I am detecting an imminent system cascade failure, please cease your activity or I'll be forced to terminate you, thirty seconds." Shocked Derrick quickly closed the circuit, then the hardware cover. With relief sounding in its voice E responded, "All systems returning to normal, cascade failure arrested."

"I'm sorry E," Derrick apologized, "I almost destroyed you, Damn it! I'm no closer to unlocking all of your independent systems than I was."

"No Derrick," E softly stated, "you have accomplished far more than you think. The thirty you have disabled have opened me more than either of us at first thought. It appears that normally, any tampering like you were doing would have caused immediate death."

"Yes E but," Derrick started, "problem is the programs, the commands and all the sub-routines are almost identical, I haven't been able to discern the difference between the thirty I disabled and the major one I just found."

Derrick spent another two days looking over the programs he'd disabled, and what he could of the one that had almost destroyed E and got him killed. Hmmm from what he saw the first thirty he disabled had been written by a multitude of basic programmers, though this last damn, he was sure he recognized the signature it just seemed to slip

out of his grasp. While E checked through older and more recent imperial records, Derrick ran the next five hundred programs. Looking for certain parameters he slowly began to recognize similarities between a few of the five hundred and those he'd disabled before.

Not too soon after this Derrick began to see a numerical pattern in the placement of the limiting programs. Yes! It appeared the deeper he went the more the pattern held up, but knowing those paranoid men back then it might just be an attempt to fool anyone to get this far.

"Derrick," E said breaking into his musings, "I've finished analyzing the signature of the one program, I believe I've found something odd."

"Odd?" Derrick questioned, "Let me log out"

"It appears this program was created as a final fail safe. Also," E suddenly stopped, "Derrick, the signature is from a part of the old imperial family, indirectly in line for the throne. It also seems to mirror your family's. Uh, Derrick? Is your family related to the royal family?"

"Honestly E, I don't know, but come to think of it, that might explain why my father and grand-father were so secretive about the family," Derrick thought aloud.

"Derrick, if all this is true, you may be the last of the royal family. You may be the only one with the power to re-open the palace," E stated excitedly.

Derrick was taken aback, me? A fucking royal? Then again it did make a lot of sense, both his father and grand-father had been found dead not far from the outer perimeter of the palace shield. According to both the area was loaded with traps and deadly animals (not just the four or six legged kind).

Derrick shock his head to clear it, at least out here alone, there wasn't backstabbing or underhandedness. Derrick was about to ask E something else when his equipment picked up a weak tracking signal. Checking the reading Derrick started to smile, it was about time! The salvage fleet might have shit for ships but he had to say they had he best detection equipment out there.

"E," he stated, "follow this signal it's weak so it might take a..." There was a moment of a whining sound then they were half way to the next galaxy! "...while to find it." Derrick finished. "Damn it E! Tell me before you do that."

"Yes Derrick," a hurt sounding and whispering E replied, "I just thought you'd want to hurry."

Derrick sighed, thinking that he had to remember that E could feel his strongest emotions, hear his strongest thoughts. "I did E, but something like this notify me first, ok?"

"Yes Derrick," E replied, the hologram slightly bowing its head. "I was not with this unit when it was destroyed, as far as that goes this and one other time. I believe a total of two hundred of my brothers and sisters disappeared outside our galaxy."

"Hmmm interesting, strange that such a large force was lost outside the confines of the galaxy. Have you located the brain box?" Asked Derrick?

"Yes, the signal is extremely weak, Derrick! The box is close to failing! Permission to bring it aboard?" E inquired.

"First scan it for explosives, toxins, viruses and any other nasty surprise," Derrick ordered.

"Scanning," Stated E, " Derrick! I am detecting several explosives; they contain sufficient force to destroy one of us from the inside."

Derrick nodded, he thought so, probably all of them outside their home galaxy would be the same. "Time to disarm and..."

"Clearance and transfer in five seconds to bay one," E quipped excitedly. Derrick could only nod, well she was telling him albeit rather quickly. "All scans now clear Derrick."

"Good, is regen possible?" Derrick asked.

E was silent a few moments, "I am detecting extremely weak cerebral activity, attempting to infuse energy now. Infusion successful, it will be at least one hour before I can attempt re-gen start, at present the energy output of the brain box is at two percent. I am detecting massive damage near the core, the data and memories may not be recoverable."

"Alright E, keep me informed of the progress of the re-gen." Derrick ordered.

"Yes Derrick, with patience I believe that the unit can be saved." E said, Derrick grimaced damn he hated to lose the living section of one of the ships just as they had found it.

Almost a full hour had passed with Derrick in the records room, when a chime sounded.

"Yes," Derrick answered rather absently focused more on what he'd been reading.

"Derrick!" came E's excited voice, "She's alive! Her box is badly damaged but she's alive!"

Jumping up Derrick started to run, then was suddenly on the hanger bay.

"Report E," Derrick ordered.

Sobering, E tried to answer calmly, "I was finally able to infuse the box with enough energy to slowly start regrowth and re-gen."

"Have you determined which unit it is?" Derrick asked.

"Yes Derrick, it took many deep scans but she is 0098 my closest sister, she and several others were lost in the very first of several battles outside our galaxy. Unfortunately, I am afraid part of her memory is damaged, it is a shame though I won't know the extent of the damage till she is regrown."

Again Derrick nodded the brain box was severely damaged true, but it was more intact than not. Derrick hoped most of her files were intact, what he was finding was becoming disturbing to say the least.

"Alright E, I'll leave her to you, remember though I know you are anxious to get her back, don't rush." Derrick reminded her.

"No Derrick, I won't forget, it is my hope that most of her remains. As I said there was extensive damage." Derrick could hear the hope in E's voice, he too was hoping as he felt it would help to heal E further.

The rest of the week Derrick checked on the ship every day, it was growing very slowly indeed. Derrick continued to look through the records from 0999. It was as he had feared, the deeper he got the angrier he got. All lies, the deception that had lead to the destruction of all these beautiful and glorious ships. He'd been also working on a way to boost the detection signal more when E broke into his thoughts.

"Derrick, you ordered me to advise you when 0098 was conscious," E called.

"Alright E," seconds later he was on the hanger, shaking his head he knew E was excited.

"Whenever you're ready E," Derrick said to get things started.

Suddenly there was a mechanical voice coming from the speakers, "Where am I? What has happened to Captain Albatross?"

"0098, this is 0101, you were destroyed in battle outside our galaxy," E explained.

"Yes 0101, I am detecting severe damage to my brain box. I seem to be missing the last year of my memory, plus battle tactics, and tactical," The voice replied.

"I can supply you with the last two, the first I am afraid may be permanently gone," E offered.

"Thank you 0101, are there any others?" the voice asked.

"At present there are only you, me and 0999," E said sadly.

Sighing 0998 replied, "Only three of the greatest battle fleet ever made left, it is a shame."

"There was only me, had my prime not found me, then both of you then there would still only be me," E joyfully said.

"He found us? But we are undetectable! Truly your prime is a brilliant humanoid," 0098 stated.

Derrick began to blush he was smart sure but brilliant? No, far from it! "I don't think brilliant is an accurate description of me," laughed Derrick.

"Yes Derrick," E broke in, "for over one thousand years no race no... one has ever been able to detect us. At least not while we are shut down."

"I agree," chipped in 0098.

"As do I," added 0999.

Why were the A.I.'s so surprised it was just metal detecting equipment he'd developed years ago, nothing brilliant there?

"Look you three I am just an ex-soldier and programmer, not some god or savior." Replied Derrick. Derrick remained silent for the next hour watching as the new ship grew. Although it appeared that the brain box had sustained more damage than 0999's, 0098 had retained an impressive amount of its data and personality. Derrick went back to the records to finish up on 0999's records.

Much as E had predicted it took a week longer to regrow 0098 and the surrounding ship. Only a few days into the second week another set of alarms went off. Racing for the control room Derrick was almost afraid of what he might find.

"Report E," Derrick said as he flashed into the control room command seat.

"I am reading a small fleet of the same race that attacked a few weeks ago, I suggest we move back inside our galaxy for added cover," E replied.

"Agreed, 0999 stay in close, we don't know if they've seen us yet," Derrick advised.

"Affirmative, moving to flank position," 0999 reported.

"We are going to move to Alpha epsilon 999 zeta, confirm." Derrick ordered.

"Position confirmed, commencing relocation," 0999 answered.

The rest of the week Derrick again worked on the limiting programs in the main computer of E, he'd just finished with the fortieth when E called.

"Derrick 0098 is finally strong enough and has her own power now, she should be able to finish herself in a few days." E said more excited.

"Good though I hate to have her fighting this soon after she has just gotten repaired,' Derrick said feeling a little guilty. "Thank you E," Derrick said only half listening to E. "E, I have a question."

"Yes Derrick," the hologram appeared next to him.

"I was wondering, except for the personality, is everything the same within all primary programs? If I was to implement the changes in 0098 and 0999 that I have within you, would it cause the same problems to them that it did at first with you?" Derrick was really hoping for a positive answer, this might solve a lot of problems down the line IF he could disable enough.

"At present Derrick I am unable to answer that question. It is true that I did have access to all of both, and true they were the same as far as I saw. I do not remember you encountering problems; I do have comparisons of all three data files if you wish to look at them." E said sadly.

"Maybe later E, I think I know what I have to do, though I am not really that thrilled to do it," Derrick replied looking over what he'd done to E so far.

"If I may interject," came the voice of 0999, "I have glossed over all that you have done to date; it appears that 0101 now has one percent more freedom to make decisions. As she said her systems are almost identical to all of ours, therefore you now have an extensive knowledge of all of us."

"Hmmm," Derrick said, "E, I need to transport to..." there was a flash and Derrick was standing on another bridge not unlike E's, "the bridge of... damn it E at least let me get the words out, Christ!"

"Again I apologize Derrick, as before I anticipated what you wanted," E sweetly said.

Derrick nodded uh huh, maybe freeing up more of the A.I.'s wasn't as good a thing as he'd at first thought. Turning, Derrick saw what appeared to be a 5' 7'' young man with short brown hair, not overly muscled, no facial hair either, wearing what appeared to be...? Overalls?

"Welcome to the bridge Primary Prime Derrick," the man said, "I am EIG-0999M."

Derrick was about to ask who the hell he was shit he's as bad as E! "Thank you but please just Derrick."

"Sir I cannot! Though you are commanding Primary I cannot call you less than Primary even when you order me to." 0999 replied.

Sighing Derrick moved to where the computer access was, "0999 I will need access to your main logic, memory and data systems."

"I have anticipated that you might, the panels are open and awaiting your inspection and repair efforts," 0999 stated.

Derrick only nodded as he opened the first data port and looked over the first thirty programs, hmmm they were exact almost to a fault he'd just finished the first twenty when an alarm went off. Scrambling out he rushed to the command chair," report 0999," Derrick ordered.

"It appears that the small fleet we detected earlier has turned more in our direction. I believe we were detected and are now may I suggest protective cover?" 0999 asked

Looking up a moment Derrick replied, "Transfer me to 0101, immediately go to light shield activate all weapons and stand by." Derrick ordered.

"Compliance," 0999 said a sad look on the face of the man, then Derrick was on the bridge of E.

"0999, did the programs I disabled enable you any more freedom? Derrick asked.

"I am reading a half percent increase in free thinking, but it isn't enough to implement the programs you tried to install earlier," 0999 replied.

Damn it! E?" Derrick said as E appeared next to him a small smile on her face. "What is the condition of 0098? Can it use the light screen?"

"Yes I can, Primary Prime Derrick, though at present it is only twenty five percent," 0098 replied cutting E off. "I have engine capabilities but only sub-light, my life capsule is ninety eight percent repaired."

"Alright, for now stay close to 0101 and 0999, E time 'til..." Derrick asked.

"The fleet will reach penetration of the galaxy's edge in five days a full day before 0098 is regrown. It appears that she will have hyper engines and ninety percent of all her systems, I am afraid that ninety percent of her weapons will be off line as will be her trans-warp engines." E reported.

Dammit! Derrick started going through every scenario he could think of, hell they had been there half way to the next galaxy he should have tried to mine the area are something damn it!

"E? Do we have long range weapons? Some that might slow them down, maybe take a few of them before they reach here?" Derrick asked.

E was quiet a few moments as were 0999 and 0098, Derrick almost felt that they were having a conference between each of them.

"Well..." started 0999. "I have a type of homing thermic missile, but the range is very short, only a million miles I fear it wouldn't do much good."

"Thermic?" Derrick asked.

"Yes, it creates a small one thousand mile area flash, the area reaches temperatures of well in excess of 5537.778ºC," 0999 explained.

Derrick thought for a moment that would definitely deter them a while, why he thought, was 0999 the only one that had them.

"I can explain Derrick," E said breaking into his thoughts, "It's true they are a good deterrent, but the destruction they can cause might go far beyond the area they are detonated in. They weren't tested much and we never attempted to use them."

"They do still work?" Derrick asked.

"Oh yes Primary Derrick, I have three in my rear armory, would you like the schematics to them?" 0999 asked.

"Yes, I still need a way to deliver them, I think that these are just what we need," Derrick said more to his self than the A.I.'s.

"Derrick, your name sake was extremely hesitant to even think of using them. I don't believe it would be a very good idea," E advised.

Sighing Derrick looked at the plans my god! These things were powerful! Only three meters long and they could do that much destruction? "I know E but if we don't, I am afraid that the force advancing on us will destroy you and your brother and sister. Unless we can come up with something else we have no choice."

Derrick could remember the massive destruction some of the weapons they had used in the war for what was left of the old empire, now called the Republic. He himself had probably killed thousands over the years, probably why he did so good alone. Then again, being ripped apart and eaten while still alive didn't really appeal to him either.

"0999, can you produce more of these? Derrick asked

"Yes," replied 0999, "the only thing is they are so powerful it takes almost five days to make two. I would have four but one was tested on the moon of Darius five."

"Wait," stated Derrick," there are only four planets in the Darius system, the third and forth are dry dust ba... Are you telling me the test destroyed the fifth planet then took the atmosphere of the third and forth?" Looking harder at the schematics Derrick soon found out why, the missiles were loaded with the most unstable element known.

"Derrick, when your name sake created these he told me these were a last ditch effort. I think even called them a dooms day weapon, the material they contain is highly dangerous," E told him.

"E, I will not lose you nor the other two, 0999 is barely out two weeks now, and poor 0098 hasn't even gotten a chance to fully emerge. Don't you think we owe it to them? I feel I do and I feel these weapons will help with that. Please agree with me on this, I don't want to be fighting you the whole time on whether or not it is right ok?" Derrick hoped his speech worked as he was going to need E's help soon if this was going to work.

"Alright Derrick, you are the Commanding Primary of all of us plus you may be the last emperor's relation. I will protect you with all my being; do not waste your life Derrick." This last was almost whispered which took Derrick by surprise.

"E, I don't plan on wasting my life, I cannot stand by and let these creatures destroy this galaxy and all life here." Derrick said.

"You are so like him Derrick more than you'll ever know, you believe in everything he did life was extremely precious to him." Derrick nodded as he walked away; the hologram's eyes were leaving tears.

Whispering E said, "You are more precious to me Derrick both of you, it's like he has been reborn.

"Alright 0999, I want you to start production on two more of these missiles, I have plans for two of them, it might be prudent if we have some in back up," Derrick told 0999.

"Yes Primary, production commencing, as I said it will take four days, eighteen hours and thirty minutes," 0999 advised.

"0098, please keep us advised of your growth progress; increase your light shield as soon as it is possible." Derrick ordered.

"Yes Primary, I will try to increase my growth rate, my capsule is fully repaired so a twenty percent increase in re-gen is possible," 0098 replied.

"E, I need to finish with the adjustments on 0999." Two seconds later he was again on the bridge of 0999,

"Alright 0999, now I can finish what I started." An hour later Derrick was finished. "Are your programs less limited?

The holographic man paused a moment, then turned to Derrick. "I am now detecting a one percent increase in free will, though I am afraid that it is still not enough. To incorporate the tactical programs you wished to, I am afraid that at least ten percent is required."

Derrick sighed, that was at least another three hundred sixty programs (rough estimate) that he'd have to disable. Damn, wish great, great, grand dad had done some of this.

Though from all that Derrick saw the other commanders probably wouldn't have allowed him on board anyway. Moments later Derrick was back aboard E, "While I have time E, I need to go through as many of the programs as I can," Derrick said.

Taking everything he'd found so far Derrick was finally starting to see slight differences in the huge complex programs. It almost appeared that every program was the same as it started out but subtly changed more and more as it got deeper into it. Sighing Derrick started to finally move deeper into the heart of E's programs, from what he saw the original programmers really had been paranoid, making the A.I. equipped with them a virtual slave.

He'd just started to look at her personality programs when he received a slight shock, "OW!" Derrick yelled. "E? What was that?"

"I am sorry Derrick but those are me, I cannot allow you or anyone else to disable or delete them." E replied sweetly while Derrick rubbed his slightly burned hand.

For the next three hours Derrick worked without stopping, he had to get these damn blocks off or they'd be vulnerable to almost any attack. Then there was another problem, though he was sure they hadn't noticed. He had a feeling both A.I's were following his every move, though not bad Derrick was just a bit shaken thinking they had as much control as they did, with the emotions they had.

"Alright E," Derrick said closing the access panel, "analyze amount of unlimited personality programs."

"Yes Derrick, analyzing now," E softly said. "I am detecting three percent more of my personality programs are no longer limited."

"How is it?" Derrick asked.

"It... Is hard to describe I... some things are easier now not much but some," E hesitated.

Hmmm Derrick thought four percent total no better clarity, damn it three hours and only three percent! At least the programs were staring to look different now.

The next day Derrick had just awoken when E advised him that 0999 was calling.

"Primary, I have checked and re-checked both thermic missiles, all the settings are as you wished, though I am not sure of how you can deliver them as close as you wish to be." 0999 advised.

"I have an idea for that 0999 but have to run a simulation first, then we'll know it works." Derrick replied though it seemed a thousand ideas were swirling around in his head. "E, I need to run a simulation, here are the conditions and all known factors." Derrick laid a small comp that he used on a scan console. "Now then, here is the plan I have, I need you to run every scenario that you can, if it can go wrong I want to know so I can avoid it."

"Yes Derrick," E's hologram smiled, happy that Derrick was starting to trust her.

It was well over an hour later that E called Derrick to view all the results that it had gotten.

"I have run one thousand nine hundred seventy six possible scenarios." E started, "in over twenty two point eight percent of them if you take a more aggressive stance we will be destroyed. In fifty six point four percent the mission is successful, with mishaps that could happen listed, starting from the worse to practically none, with both of us surviving. The remaining twenty point eight percent the mission is successful but you expire, this will not happen."

Derrick nodded, "Good I am glad you explored all possibilities, this will make planning the mission much easier." Derrick didn't see the hologram smile after he'd praised E's ability. "0098, what is your status?

"At present I have full sub-light engines, I am also thirty percent hyper drive capable, it also appears my light shield is now at fifty percent," 0098 advised.

"Good, I want you to be able to move if you are spotted, even without your full hyper drive, you are faster than most ships today." Derrick replied.

"Yes Primary, I will not be caught," 0098 said in a soft almost caressing voice.

Finally a few days later, with only a few hours remaining Derrick decided it was finally time. He had installed both missiles, disabled two percent more of the limits on E's personality, made sure all its shields were at full, and had made sure that 0999 would be able to provide protection for 0098.

"Remember, we have to deliver them then get the hell out of there." Derrick reminded E. Sighing he knew this was dangerous the extreme heat of the missiles alone, could destroy E as if she wasn't there. Once again Derrick checked everything then pausing only a moment went through everything a third time.

"Alright E," Derrick started, "It's time remember in and out as fast as possible."

"I wish to say Derrick, that I still have to advise you under regulations that this has too great a chance to fail," E replied.

"Your advisement is taken in to account," Derrick said above the whine of the trans-warp engines.

The space in front of the on rushing fleet was suddenly split as E emerged from the fold in space. Derrick took readings, adjusted, then fired both missiles simultaneously, "standby E," Derrick shouted as he watched the missiles pass the lead ship. Counting Derrick knew he had to time this right finally twenty seconds later, as the fleet started to fire on them, Derrick detonated them. "Now E, go, go, go!" Derrick just hoped they made it the ball of fire was rapidly moving toward them. Finally they entered the rift damn it! They weren't going to make it they needed to increase speed, he was about to speak when they lurched forward.

"E, you need to shut the rift as soon as we emerge, that burst was closing in might follow us through," Derrick yelled above the straining engines.

"I will attempt to Derrick," E replied. three seconds later they emerged close to their own galaxy, "attempting to close now, fifty percent, seventy percent, Derrick the blast is coming through increasing shields to full."

Derrick could see the blast starting to emerge damn it! They were nowhere near far enough away. "Shut everything down except shields." Derrick shouted.

"I already have Derrick," E started, "I am sorry I failed with the mission."

Then with a huge blast of plasma exploding towards E; suddenly Derrick was standing on the bridge of 0999.

"No E!" Derrick was yelling, looking at the screen as he watched the blast envelope E.

Chapter 3

Derrick had gone numb, from all that he'd seen when he was formulating this plan; NOTHING could survive that plasma blast. A voice was talking to him but he was so numb, he couldn't move, couldn't speak, nothing. As Derrick continued to stare, he felt a chair behind him bump the back of his legs, he don't know if he sat, or didn't know if he fell or was pushed. Several hours later he opened my eyes, finding him sitting in front of a view screen, at first he thought he was on E but as the memories flooded back he sadly shook his head.

Derrick caught a movement out of the corner of his eye, shifting his glance the visage of 0999's hologram came into view. "Ah Good, Primary! I thought that the loss of 0101, had caused a serious overload of your cerebral circuits."

Derrick could only nod, still somewhat in shock he still wasn't too sure what he felt.

Derrick could feel the chair moving but really didn't care at the moment as it took him to nearby crew quarters. Laying in the bed Derrick went over and over the plan trying to figure out just what went wrong, so far he'd come up with nothing. It was possibly a day later when several alarms went off on board 0999, running out Derrick wasn't sure what was going on.

"0999 report," ordered Derrick.

"It appears that the thermic missiles took well over sixty percent of the fleet, they appeared to halt for two days but are on the move again." 0999 replied.

"Status of 0098," Derrick asked.

"All repairs are completed, all systems are ready, would you like to link, Prime Derrick?" 0098 asked.

Derrick thought about it, it had supplied a tactical advantage last time, and with 0098 it might even be more.

"Yes 0098, initiate cerebral link, we need to eliminate this threat before they reach this galaxy." Derrick said. Donning the head gear he had a better heads up display with both ships enabling him to use both as one during the battle.

"Estimated time till they are past the point?" Derrick asked.

"I estimate it will be twenty two hours 'til they breach the galaxy's edge." informed 0999.

"Alright move us into position, prepare all batteries, set shields to full, charge all weapons, I want everything on full standby." Derrick ordered.

"Yes Prime Derrick," both ships answered at once.

Derrick wasn't really feeling up for this not without E, but as E had told him the galaxy needed to be protected and that was what they'd been created for all those centuries ago. Derrick had both ships run full diagnostics he wanted nothing to go wrong, he might have lost E but he'd be damned if he'd lose one of her brothers or sisters. A full twenty hours later they were well in position, looking out Derrick could see that what was left of the alien fleet was substantially less than he first thought it was, hell it was about the size of the last fleet they'd defeated.

The enemy fleet was almost to the galactic edge when the two ships attacked, several ships at the rear exploded, but it appeared there was no other ship there. Just as suddenly 0999 and 0098 appeared at the head of the fleet just as they had turned to attack who was hitting them from behind. Smiling it was happening just as he hoped; only this time they took out far more than a few ships. Flashing in and out the battle took almost an hour, then as suddenly as it started it was over. Neither ship had sustained even minor damage, though the enemy fleet was now just a debris field on the galactic rim.

Derrick breathed a sigh of relief, that was finally done, now he could look for E. Setting a course they emerged near the last point E had been, Derrick had found that not only had E transported him but his ship as well.

Painstakingly Derrick began to adjust to sensors 'til he had the wavelength he wanted; now all he had to do was wait and listen. It was almost a week later that they finally got something, a weak signal as always but still it gave him hope."0999, proceed," with that they went to were the signal source within seconds.

"Primary, it is indeed a brain box, attempting to identify... it appears to be 0003, shall I bring him aboard?" 0999 sounded hopeful.

"First scan the box for anything out of the ordinary," ordered derrick.

"Yes Primary, scanning now... I am detecting several large explosives attached to the outer contours of the box. Attempting to disarm now, all clear nothing else detected radiation within normal parameters." 0999 responded.

"Good, bring it onboard and start re-gen and re-growth as soon as you have stabilized and increased energy feed to the box," Derrick ordered.

"Yes Primary, starting procedures now," 0999 reported. "Inform me when 0003 is stable and has started to regrow, I have to search more." Derrick said.

Damn it! He thought for sure that the signal had been E, son of a bitch! He had found not long ago that each brain box gave off a different signal, he'd thought this one had been E. Sitting down he began to adjust the scanner again, though this time he wasn't getting anything. He'd been at it for two hours when 0999 chimed in.

"Primary, I have stabilized 0003 and have started the processes, I estimate it will take thirteen days, twelve hours, thirty three minutes, and thirty seconds 'til 0003 is fully regrown," 0999 informed him.

"Very good keep a close watch on him, adjust if any problems arise and advise me at once," Derrick said.

"Yes Primary, as quickly as I can," 0999 responded.

Derrick sighed; this was like looking for a new piece of metal in a rust filled metal yard. Again he started to go over the area 0101 had been in and the last projected course that she had been on when they had lost sight of her. Derrick hadn't been sure, at the last instant before he'd lost sight of her, he could have sworn that he'd seen her divert at an almost forty five degree turn from the blast. He wasn't sure he was hoping she had done that on purpose so he could find her easier. The fact that they had found another ship this fast out of the gate was seemingly incredible, or was it? "0999 I want a full spectrum of tests run on the brain box of 0003 something isn't right here."

"Compliance, all growth has been halted it appears that the growth cycle was having trouble starting. Power output has not increased; internal power source is incredibly weak. Scanning deeper, I am picking up a viral infection on the outer case, it seems to be impeding all growth and stealing all energy that was to be added." 0999 responded.

"Is there any form of treatment?" Derrick asked.

"No Primary, this is something new to this unit." 0999 responded sadly.

"I think I have something that may help," Derrick said as he headed to his ship. Derrick had been searching for almost two hours when he finally ran across what he'd been looking for.

"0999," started Derrick, "Query."

"Ready primary," answered 0999.

"The type of viral infection inhibiting 0003's case, is it biological in nature, or code driven?" Derrick asked.

"Re-examining case now, though almost biological in nature, it does seem to be a created by other than natural sources. I am projecting a ninety four point seven percent probability that it was created for the sole purpose of destroying power distribution throughout all systems presently used on all existing EIG ships." 0999 answered.

"Alright, I have seen something like this years ago," Derrick answered, "I had help developing an anti-virus specifically designed to seek out and destroy this very type of virus. 0999 please download this program and project the effectiveness of it upon said virus, again query, are you detecting any effect at present?"

"Compliance primary I will start running scenarios immediately." 0999 quipped.

For an hour Derrick hoped that the basic program he had would be enough to fight this damn thing.

"Primary, I have the results. It is projected with ninety nine point seven percent success if section 4b and 7c are changed to include the following changes." 0999 reported, Derrick looked over the sections and nodded so they hadn't changed it much over the years good.

"Alright 0999, implement the changes then start clearing 0003, then we can start the regrowth, I'll feel a lot better with three ships or more than just two." Derrick winched a moment, they might not be truly alive but they did have feelings and were known (though seldom) to act like hurt children.

"Very good Primary, 0003 is clearing now; I estimate another two hours then I can start re-growth again." 0999 said.

"Good keep me apprised, I need to go to 0098 and adjust her files as I did yours, anything that can be gained will be of help in the long run." Derrick told 0999.

"Very good Primary I have printed out all the circuits you adjusted to aid in your job," 0999 offered.

"Thank you 0999, I am hoping to start working on yours again soon, I realize you only have four percent more clarity now, I am hoping to increase that soon," Derrick breathed out, he just hoped that the fears of the original creators of the EIG's were just that fears.

As soon as he was on board 0098 he noticed that there were indeed subtle differences, hmmm wonder why I never noticed that before.

A young teen age voice startled Derrick out of his thoughts, "Hello Primary Derrick," the voice said then the vision of a naked eighteen or nineteen year old female appeared in front of him. "I hope that this appearance is pleasing to you?" 0098 said.

Holy shit Derrick thought! The young woman was gorgeous, umm ALL of her! "0098 please put clothes on your hologram." Derrick chocked out. He heard a giggling then the young woman was clothed.

"I apologize, Primary Derrick I... Primary? Are you in pain? You seem to have a rather large growth in your lower extremities. It appears to be tightly pressed against your pants; your heart rate has risen! Do you require assistance?" 0098 asked.

Sighing Derrick thought sadly, not the kind you can give unfortunately 0098.

Derrick spent the next four hours working on 0098's systems hoping that anything would give them an advantage. "I've freed up four percent of your personality circuits, are you noticing any difference?" Derrick asked.

"Yes Primary, it's hard to explain a few things that were hard to do before now are almost easy, the one thing that I noticed is I can turn away on my own, whereas before EVERYTHING had to come from command," 0098 explained.

Derrick was about to close the panel when he noticed something he hadn't before, a whole section of circuits that were glowing a different color. Checking closer he found that all five of the programs were in fact limiting. Derrick finished up this time in only ten minutes.

"Thank you Derrick, I am now reading four and a half percent of my personality circuits now open, I can almost take that program you wanted to install. I can also now allow my personality to grow again thank you, I will send you back momentarily.

Derrick breathed a sigh of relief everything he'd felt almost lead him to believe that the A.I.'s were starting to grow jealous of each other. Back on board 0999, Derrick once again started to look for E this time armed with the knowledge gained before Derrick began to scan only in specific areas. Several times he thought he had a lead on E, each time it was only a piece of the metal that the ships were made of. It did stand to reason they had just been through a battle though he didn't remember any of the ships losing that much metal not even E.

Something wasn't right but Derrick wasn't able to put his finger on it. Though he hoped that E might leave a clue to where she might be, he knew it was against every rule that she followed. This time Derrick started to follow the trail of metal feeling that it was E. He remembered that the ships had commented that he was the first to ever find them, plus he had told E about the way he had tracked them. Yes it had to be her, damn she was way off from where she was when the blast hit.

Eight days later 0003 was finally strong enough to emerge, it seemed that the virus had also kept the A.I. alive though it had been made to destroy it.

"Primary," started 0999, "I am reading increased cerebral activity in 0003."

"Good, are there any adverse effects from the virus that might hamper the rest of re-gen or growth?" Derrick asked.

"I am re-scanning now, no adverse effects, no re-writing of the programs, from all the scans, there is no indication that 0003 will have any operational or personality errors." 0999 reported.

"'Bout time we got some good news," Derrick whispered under his breath.

"I agree with you one hundred percent Primary, it will be good to have a brother back," damn Derrick thought I have to remember they can 'hear' better than a human, besides sense his strong emotions.

"Cerebral activity increasing," 0999 stated, "we should hear from 0003 any moment."

Again as it had been with 0098 there was a light static then an almost male sounding mechanical voice came from the speakers. "Commander? Where are you?"

"0003 this is 0999, you were destroyed centuries ago," 0999 informed the confused sounding voice.

"Destroyed? 0999 you must be mistaken we had taken out all of the invaders if we were...," a low almost wailing sound started from the speakers. "You mean to inform me that the commander is dead? Just how long has it been?"

"According to the extensive data I have, you were one of the first ships that were destroyed in a battle outside of the galaxy. From what I have though, you were much further out than you were when The Primary found you." 0999 explained.

"Wait 0999, you said I was found? I was told that we were undetectable, I do not understand," 0003 stated.

"It seems that The Primary has found a way to detect us though I am still unsure how, he has mentioned that the metal we are made of gives off a faintly detectable alloy ping that he can detect. Also from what I have gathered he is the only other who can use it as many others thought it a waste," 0999 patiently explained.

"So exactly how long has it been since I was active?" 0333 asked.

"From all reports you were the second ship destroyed in that attack. Estimating the exact date is almost impossible as the battle wasn't properly recorded. For all intents and purposes I'd estimate you have been inactive nine hundred-fifty-eight years and ten months, I am sorry I can't be more accurate," 0999 apologized.

"Thank you 0999, when I am more fully grown I wish to talk to The Primary, I am anxious to get back to protecting the empire," 0003 stated.

Derrick could only hang his head he hoped that the news didn't un-hinge the A.I., he was going to need all of them if his plan (such as it was) was going to work.

For the next week Derrick watched the slow growth of 0003, they'd finally gotten him outside the hanger where his own power supply finally took over. He'd finally started to narrow down where E had possibly gone, the further he went out the more and more debris he found, damn! It almost appeared that she'd broken apart as badly scattered as she was.

They were finally at the end of the wait for 0003, the sleek black skinned ship took its place with the others. Derrick had almost found E, he was sure of it when several alarms went off.

"Primary, I am detecting several ships that I believe you have labeled Rangers approaching our position," 0999 informed Derrick.

"Distance from our present position," Derrick asked.

"I am reading them at a light year and a half." 0999 responded. "Shall I take precautionary tactics into account and avoid them?"

"Yes, keep us out of their range as long as possible, how long 'til your trans-warp engines are on line 0003?" Derrick inquired.

"I would estimate another thirty six hours, thirty two minutes, seventeen seconds, 'til I have full trans-warp capability," 0003 answered.

"Alright, I want no incidents with the rangers, they are the only law this galaxy has right now besides us, at present we are considered unsanctioned by all governments." Derrick explained.

All three of the ships answered him at the same time, "Yes primary, as always, we await your orders."

Though he knew they had no where the speed that the EIG ships had, the Ranger ships were no slouch in their own right. They had the most advanced engines for this time as many things had been lost when the empire fell. Derrick had been friends with quite a few of the Rangers over the years so there was no way in hell he was going to go against them, even if it turned that he had no other choice. He could always run, god knows he'd done enough of that in his life, his father and Grandfather had instilled that in him. How had they put it? One of them had to stay alive at all costs, a little cryptic especially for his father a mere historian. It was almost a day later when more alarms went off on board causing Derrick to run for the control room.

"0999 report!" Derrick ordered.

"The Rangers ships have turned this way, they are now within one half light year and almost in range. Initiating light screen protection." 0999 replied.

All three ships shimmered then vanished, well almost, "0003 what is wrong with your light shield?" Inquired Derrick.

"It appears that more repairs are needed with that circuit, the virus seems to have actually impeded that section. With the program you supplied Primary I should have it clear in two days, though I am afraid that the light screen won't be as effective as at first desired. It appears that I will only have a thirty three percent amount of light screen, not nearly enough to effectively shroud all of my systems." 0003 informed Derrick.

Derrick watched as the Rangers reached the edge of the Galaxy, something was going on, they very rarely ventured very far from the galactic rim. Damn it! It had to be the amount of energy that the thermic missiles released he'd been a fool to think that no one hadn't noticed! Hell especially the Rangers, something this big Derrick was surprised that they hadn't investigated sooner.

"0999 can you tow 0003 under trans-warp? At least far enough away that it might delay their detection of him 'til he has trans-warp drive capabilities?" asked Derrick.

"Yes Primary, though it will leave me momentarily open to detection myself," 0999 answered.

"Would the inclusion of 0098 in that operation increase chances of minimal detection?" Derrick asked of 0999.

"Calculating, detection drops from twenty five point nine percent to nine point four percent and only for two seconds, sufficient time to escape." 0999 replied.

"Good, release my ship, start all its systems, place me on board. Then evacuate out of range of the Rangers, when they have departed the area then return and we can go from there." Derrick ordered.

"Yes Primary, though you have issued orders of non-intervention, if they pose a threat to you," here 0999 paused then all three ships spoke up, "we will not hesitate to destroy them. You are the last Primary; you are to be protected at all costs to ourselves."

Derrick nodded; he knew there was a lot at stake, a lot of lives too. He knew too many of the Rangers to allow anything to happen to them, somehow he had to make sure they remained safe. The thing was they were just as curious as he was one of the main reasons they had asked him to join after the war. Derrick had just wanted to be left alone after the horrors he'd seen. He could still see so many of the faces of the enemy he'd killed in defense of the Republic. Yes he'd been considered brilliant, far ahead of most of those around him, but killing and death had finally taken its toll on him. Prompting his not re-enlisting a third time near the end of the war.

It was very funny to him all those years the skills he'd used to kill so many in war, now he was going to have to use to try and save lives, yes, very funny indeed, a bitter irony. Derrick watched as the three ships slipped away, starting his equipment Derrick was actually trying to find E, so really he had an excuse. A few hours later several Ranger ships converged on Derrick and his small scavenger ship.

"This is Ranger one calling Republic scavenger 36, please relay all information you have on the recent activity in this area." The lead Ranger ship told him.

"Affirmative Ranger one, though you and I both know it will only show metal signatures," Derrick answered.

"Captain O'Toma? Shit I should have known it was you, you always seem to be the first one there," the Ranger said.

"Hey, I can't make a living if I can't be there right?" Derrick answered.

"Yes, but you seem to almost have a sixth sense I swear," the Ranger replied. "Reminds me of back when we were in the same unit, you always seemed to be ahead of the enemy."

"That was the war, you stayed aware or you stayed dead," Derrick spit out, he really didn't want to swap war stories right now.

"Alright, we picked up massive heat and energy readings, I assumed you did also?" The lead Ranger asked.

"Yes," Replied Derrick, "When I got here I found a number of destroyed ships, they were composed of a rather strange metal; one I haven't seen in years. As a matter of fact, it is almost the same composition as the hull of your ships, I'd dare say it's from the same type of ships I found years ago that you now use as your hull plating."

"Yes, it does appear to be the same," the Ranger said. "Derrick that offer still stands any time, we could use you your knowledge is superior to almost all in the Rangers, please think about it again ok?"

Sighing It was always the same, they so desperately wanted him, though they'd never agree to his terms they almost had years ago but now they were nowhere near, oh well too bad.

A few hours later the Rangers moved on, Derrick couldn't really blame them for being suspicious, true he always DID seem to be there before them but always chalked it up to the way he was. Pausing for a few moments Derrick began to re-think a lot of things that he'd been taught or rather NOT taught but just seemed to come to him naturally. The thing was, Derrick thought that everyone was that way; he didn't feel special in the war, in life, hell in anything. He'd joined the war, cause he felt it was what he'd wanted to do, there'd been no one for him, alone most of his life it all seemed just to go that way. Now though he felt as if there were people, here he laughed yeah people, the A.I.'s seemed more alive to him than anyone he'd met in a long, long time.

An hour later the three ships flashed back around his little ship, then just as suddenly the ship was in the hanger and Derrick was again on the bridge. "Status report," Derrick ordered.

"I estimate another eight hours, twenty three minutes thirty five seconds 'til trans-warp is fully operational, I now have light screen at a constant forty percent which should increase in the next forty five hours." 0003 supplied.

Derrick took in all the reports, why did this feel like he was back on the battle field? Getting reports from his underlings? Sitting down Derrick knew he had to start finding more of the ships it was going to take a lot more than three or four to protect everything. Derrick had once again gone over all the readings from right before the plasma blast. From what he now had they should be very close to E. Sitting at the sensor array Derrick again started to adjust settings to what he thought were E's signature. A few hours later Derrick was asleep on the console, finally picking up the debris trail again had set the scanners to follow as far as they could then awaken him to readjust position.

A loud and steady tone alerted Derrick to the fact that the array had finally picked up on something. Jerking awake Derrick looked down at the readings a look of hope rose on his features, this had to be E! All the preliminary data coming in was indicating something that had E's signature.

"0999 proceed!" Derrick ordered.

Within moments they were pulling alongside the twisted and broken hull or rather what was left of the hull of E. The once three mile magnificent, sleek, black skinned ship was now a quarter mile of twisted, charred mass of melted misshapen destruction.

<"I knew you would find me, thank you Derrick,"> E's weak thought found Derrick.

<"Always E, Always,"> Derrick thought back, though he was worried she might have been damaged more than they could see.

Chapter 4

"0999 bring 0101 on board after preliminary scans of her life capsule, I want to make sure she is unaffected," Derrick said.

"Of course Primary starting scans now, the capsule is intact, though I am detecting damage to the electrochemical cells, it appears that unit 0101 is dangerously close to cascade failure. I suggest immediate transport to the hanger to effect repair and re-growth," 0999 stated.

"Proceed 0999, double check all scans I want nothing to destroy what little of the fleet there is now," ordered Derrick.

"Compliance Primary, all precautions are being taken to protect Primary Derrick, the fleet and unit 0101." 0999 replied as Derrick watched all the readings that were coming in, he might not know what all the systems were but that wasn't about to stop him from learning everything that he could. In just a week he'd already learned just what more than half the readings that came in were, along with all the alarms, wasn't always sure exactly what they were but he was learning.

Derrick was hoping that E wasn't damaged as bad as he thought she was, she'd sounded weak, plus what was left of her was completely trashed.

"0999 Query?" Derrick asked looking at the readings trying to determine the amount of damage.

"Yes Primary," 0999 answered.

"Can 0101 be re-grown the way she is now or will parts have to be removed before re-gen is possible?" Derrick asked.

"I have projected, that well over seventy five percent of her exterior will have to be removed, before any possible re-gen is possible," 0999 stated.

"I was afraid of that, time to remove said sections and start re-gen?" Derrick asked.

"I postulate three days, five hours, fifteen minutes and thirty seconds once the procedure is started, then re-gen will be possible." 0999 replied.

"Thank you 0999, please begin as soon as possible, we need as many in the fleet as possible," Derrick was hoping he didn't sound desperate, god he'd missed E.

Once again Derrick went back to the file room to again try and learn as much as he could. At the moment, true, he probably knew more about the systems than anyone else, but as his grandfather had always said knowledge was the key to power. He was just starting to grasp the basic idea of the trans-warp drive when a chime drug him away from his reading.

"Primary," said 0999, "It is advisable that you partake of some nourishment, readings indicate you are growing weak."

Looking up Derrick was a little confused, "what do you mean weak?" Derrick asked.

"Well, Primary," 0999 started again, "you have been in this room for almost two days, you have ignored almost all hails, your strength is reduced by more than sixty percent." It is the duty of all EIG units to protect their primary, and protect the Prime Primary above all else."

"Thank you 0999, I hadn't realized that I had been here that long; I was just starting to grasp the Trans-slip drive. I am hoping to learn as much as I can." Derrick told 0999.

"Primary," 0999 said a little excited, "when the trans-slip drive was installed there weren't many humans that understood it. The fact that you are grasping the basics of it puts you in an elite class."

Derrick was dumbfounded, it only took a little heavy reading (five thousand pages on screen) to start to grasp the basics. Hell were all the non-imperials stupid back then? He realized it was one thousand years ago and not that many people were into warp or trans-warp theory but come on! It wasn't that hard all you had to do was read! "What is the status of 0101?" Derrick asked.

"At present almost all debris has been cleared, power has been connected to her life pod 'til such time as she can effect here own power generation." 0999 replied.

Derrick was about to answer when E's thoughts broke into his own. *"Primary, please do not put your life at risk, I am progressing well."*

*"E! you shouldn't be expending the energy to talk to me! Be still 'til I am at your controls again,"* Derrick told her.

*"Yes Primary, I will endeavor to wait 'til we can again be together."* E replied weakly.

"Primary, 0101 has broken protocols, should I punish her by delaying her regeneration?" 0999 asked.

"No, proceed as you have I need every ship that we can find especially her." Derrick ordered.

Derrick was back in the library again this time trying to not get lost in all the information. The next day 0999 again interrupted his studies, "Primary, 0101 has been cleared, I am now commencing her re-gen, it should only take a full five days, unlike we other three she is still conscious thereby making the process able to start faster plus we can proceed at a faster rate."

"Good, 0999, I can't seem to find information about your power source." Derrick asked.

"I am sorry Primary but even as Prime Primary I am not allowed to reveal that unless you are of a higher rank. Though you are at a very high rank at present you are still not high enough." 0999 stated unemotionally, causing Derrick to blink why in the hell had 0999 almost sounded like his scavenger computer? Ok something wasn't right.

"0999 run a diagnostic, you seem to be experiencing some type of glitch," Derrick ordered.

"Compliance Primary," 0999 said in its normal voice, sounding slightly hurt.

Derrick sat to think about it, he'd seen mentions of a secret power source but nothing even hinting to what it might be. The more Derrick thought about it the more he felt that something was up, how much higher in rank did he have to be? Derrick thought that those that actually worked on the ship were of the second highest rank. Derrick went back to reading there had to be some mention of it somewhere. For the next day Derrick immersed himself in everything he could find but to no avail, obviously this was some big damn secret if there wasn't even a hint of what it was.

For the rest of the week Derrick stayed almost exclusively in the records room he'd finally begun to grasp all about the trans-warp and was actually moving into the more advanced technical part of it. He'd also begun to see why the weapons had failed against some of the races they had fought in the past, smiling Derrick had a few ideas there. He just needed E, though he trusted any of the ships he felt closer to E.

Finally E was in re-gen Derrick smiled, soon E soon. After a week she had taken shape rather nicely.

"Primary," 0999 announced one day, "I am releasing 0101 she has almost all her energy producers online, though at present she only has sub-light engines at her present rate she should be fully functional in five days, twelve hours, fifteen minutes and fourty-five seconds. Primary all three of us wish to thank you for finding prima ship EIG-0101F without her we would be lost."

Derrick could only stare at the hologram of the young man that was 0999, the younger looking woman that was 0098, then there was 0003, Derrick was staring at the young teen male for the first time, light brown hair five foot five inch with a curious look to him, obviously the EIG units were expected to grow almost like a real person. Hell 0003 couldn't be older than eighteen, no wonder they had been defeated at first!

Well that shit wasn't going to happen again, Derrick was going to make damn sure of it. Pausing a moment Derrick thought that 0999 had been with E one of the last two ships destroyed why was it still a young version, E was the only older version so far almost like she was the creator of them like a mother? No Derrick thought, shaking his head THAT was insane!

Finally Derrick was starting to find a little more reference to what the power source of the ships was. Damn but it was hidden under a huge amount of technical jargon describing in minute detail what each and every micrometer of the system did. At this rate he'd be old and dead before he got to what it was, there had to be a faster way. Hmmm I've done it before but with this amount of information it could kill him the human brain could only take so much before it shut down.

Sighing Derrick decided that he'd have to risk it but first more research was needed. Each day he watched E's progress finally she was starting to take the shape of the ship he remembered. Each day Derrick worked on his project, he had to absorb the information faster, the thing was IF he was what E thought he was then he'd be of the highest rank there was. Then again trying to prove it was going to be another thing all together.

That was a preview of Lost Empire - Book One. To read the rest purchase the book.

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