Lost Empire - Book IV

by Pars001

Chapter 71

0001 - Tempro

0003 - Conner- Thomas

0097 - Ace - Zimmel

0098 - Lucy

0101 - Shelby (mother ship)

0125 - Lars

0200 - Ellen

0250 - Tendra

0301 - Rodrick

0403 - Johnathon

0667 - Marco - Brown

0778 - Jan

0798 - Celeste - Shelby (human)

0805 - Toran

0808 - Radella

0908 - Tara - Mara

1000 - Sherry

---

Ungrown - unnumbered

---

0999 - Zan - still lost

---

Rescued from Tendraxians

so far

---

6 on Shelby

8 on Lucy

---

Known and OR numbered

---

0100 - Derry (father ship)

0501 - Thaddeus

???? - Lena

---

Still with his mouth slightly agape, Emperor Kandra shook his head. He’d have to talk to his chancellor and advisor’s. This was going to take all the knowledge he could amass before he made a decision. With a nod he thought, this could be a turning point for the empire.

A deep sigh escaped his throat as he started to punch in the codes to all of them. He was the ruler true, though he considered himself to be a smarter ruler.

He felt the blood lust for battle rise in his blood a moment then squashed it as quickly. This wasn’t the time to go off on a battle rage, losing almost all that he and his family had built.

No Kandra thought, he had to remain calm, use his second best muscle, his brain. Even as he watched the probes move closer, suddenly two were obliterated. A high, ear piercing, signal came from the screen before him.

Just as suddenly, a voice sounding almost mechanical followed. “Attention, to whomever is monitoring this frequency. I am the chief law enforcer for the Emperor. Your incursion into Imperial space, near the Imperial planet could be interpreted as an act of war. I will offer you one chance to explain, before an offensive stance is taken.”

Emperor Kandra’s head snapped back at this. He had obviously far underestimated this empire. Thinking for a moment he nodded his head as a decision came to him.

“To the chief law enforcer, this is Emperor Kandra of the Delcron Empire. I am on my way to your planet to demand justice for a grave misjustice against our empire. I wish a parley with your emperor to come to an amicable position.” Emperor Kandra stated.

“Thank you sir, please do not move your satellite. I will advise the Emperor, then contact you.” Mary said then the line went dead.

Kandra nodded his head, there were protocols to adhere to after all. The same was true in his own empire, though as he’d found before, it was still frustrating as could be.

Derrick was relaxing, after all that had taken place the last few months he needed it. With a relaxing sigh he tried not to think of the fact that, that damnable duke was still on the loose. His admiral was still out there with four females that had almost died. It finally seemed that things were starting to settle down, then the Delcron empire decided to invade. Though, Derrick had a suspicion that they might be justified.

It seemed that he’d just closed his eyes when a soft chiming awoke him. His eyes popped open as he activated the shield on his shirt.

“I am sorry for disturbing you sire,” came the voice of Mary. “It appears that the machines that were sent near our orbit, were from the Delcron Empire.”

Derrick immediately sat up at the mention of the Delcrons. “You have had contact with them I take it?”

“Yes sire, I have talked to the Emperor his self. He wishes to have a parley with you. He stated that he is on his way here for justice for a misjustice against his empire.” Mary replied.

Derrick sighed it was as he thought. This had taken place in the Delcron empire’s space, the rules of Derrick’s empire were in fact immaterial. He needed to talk to this emperor before making a decision.

“Alright Mary connect me with him as soon as you can.” Derrick stated a moment later.

“Yes sire, it might be a while, the last of their machines, aren’t the best.” Mary told Derrick.

“Do what you can Mary, the sooner this is over the sooner we can take care of other problems.” Derrick told Mary.

Mary nodded to Derrick then vanished. She felt that Emperor Kandra, would be waiting for her call.

Rayburn’s smile was getting larger and larger They already had four gigabytes when they started this. Looking at the data he saw that they had just loaded fourteen more. At this rate they should have the data in the box far sooner. The thing was even after a continuous fourteen gigabytes, Kimison was still going with the data stream stable.

Obviously whatever Kimison had gained in his last download, was making all this possible.

“It appears that we have all of the personality loaded. Many of the ship parameters are loaded also. Is it possible that the A.I. could do the rest?” Rayburn asked.

Pausing only a moment Kimison answered, “I am hoping that with what we have it will. I still want to get the last of the parameters loaded before we let the A.I. try to take over. I think that would be advisable, don’t you?”

Rayburn had been going over the data the whole time Kimison had been working. Looking it over again he finally nodded.

“I agree, having all the parameters in, does seem to enable the A.I. to the point that you mentioned. Though with only fifteen gigabytes, do you assume that the A.I., will be able to completely take over?” Rayburn asked.

This time Kimison did pause, then he rapidly advanced through all the readings that Rayburn had just perused.

“From what I see, the A.I. should be capable, after this last gigabyte is added.” Kimison stated as he went back to adding the data at a blurred speed.

It was a mere two minutes later that Kimison stopped then stepped back. “There, I think that should do it.”

A few moments later there was a static sound coming from the speakers. Slowly the sound started to clear with a voice emerging.

“Hello? Is anyone there? I seemed to be a little lost.” The voice stated.

Kimison smiled at Rayburn then looked at Tempro. “I think that it’s time to call the Emperor.”

“Contacting him now Coronels.” Tempro responded.

Derrick was still waiting for Mary to get back to him, when his com went off. Looking over to it, he could only sigh. Now what in the hell had they done?

Clicking on the comp. Derrick could see the anxious faces of Kimison and Rayburn. “So,” Derrick started, “seeing as both of you aren’t worried I take it you have good news?”

“Yes sir, we have. We have the complete personality loaded along with the basic parameters.” Kimison reported.

Derrick was nodding as Rayburn continued where Kimison left off. “We both believe there is enough for the A.I. to take over the rest of the data transfer.”

Again Derrick was nodding when an extremely familiar voice spoke up. “Can someone please explain to me what is going on?” Derrick froze, holy shit! That was his voice! Well pretty damn close to it.

The day most definitely went from strange to absolutely weird. Derrick opened his mouth to speak then closed it. He did this a few timers before he was able to get the words out.

“I don’t remember telling you to give my personality my voice.” Derrick said a little sternly, causing both Kimison and Rayburn to have hurt expressions on their faces.

“Sir? We didn’t, that was all the voice synthesizers. We can put in suggestions, though we have no say so in the final voice.” Rayburn explained.

Derrick looked at each man, not completely sure he could believe what they had just said. With a smirk he continued to stare at both of them.

“I want to see the data on this,” Derrick finally stated.

Both men again had a hurt expression on their face, “sir? You don’t believe us?” Kimison asked.

“Knowing the both of you, as I do the rest of the men. I wouldn’t put it past either of you at this point.” Derrick said another smirk on his face.

“You could just give them the benefit of a doubt.” They all heard the Empresses voice behind Derrick.

“Under normal circumstances I would. You have to realize Shelby, these two are too smart for their own good. Then there is their propensity for jokes when they are bored.” Derrick explained.

If looks could kill, both men felt that they would have died a few thousand times, from the look Shelby gave them.

“Let us hope,” she stated her voice tight and terse. “That the will refrain from this in the future. I can make sure they are NEVER bored again!”

Both men shivered at the implied threat that Shelby had just issued. They both quickly turned to Derrick.

“The data is all there sir. It is dependent upon the A.I.’s personality.” Rayburn stated.

Derrick’s smirk hadn’t completely disappeared as he rapidly went through the data. Nodding he looked at both men then Shelby, “alright I believe you. At least this time there is actual data to back you up.”

“As many machines as we have here, there is little time to become bored.” Kimison said both men purposely turning toward Shelby.

This time it was Shelby’s turn to smirk. “I hope that is the truth gentlemen, I have more than enough to keep the both of you busy the next few years.”

Both men nervously bowed to Shelby, “it is mam, on our honor.”

“I really hate to barge in on your conversation but, can someone help me now?” The A.I.’s voice broke in.

“Sorry,” Derrick said, “I’m not even sure what I should call you.”

“Sir? You are the emperor are you not? I don’t have all the parameters download yet, though I know you are very important. I would be honored if you named me, if that is appropriate?” The A.I. voice replied.

Both men and Shelby turned toward Derrick as he thought a moment longer. “After thinking about it the only name I could think of was Derry. It was a name that Captain Mara used to call me when she was much younger. What do you think?”

There was silence for a few more moments the A.I. spoke up. “I am honored to be named a name you were once called. Thank you sire, I will do my best to not bring dishonor to it.”

“Good, rest soon you will have all the parameters you need. Then, we can get you whole, helping the others that we need to regrow.” Derrick stated as Kimison and Rayburn clicked off.

Shelby moved to Derrick a moment later. “Derrick? Is something troubling you?”

Taking a deep breath Derrick nodded, “I am going to have to set a meeting with the Delcron Emperor. How I can do this, in person, without Mary and his guards trying to start a war, has me somewhat frustrated.”

Shelby lightly touched the side of Derrick’s face, sending what felt like an electric shock through him. “I am sure you can think of something, especially as brilliant as you are.”

Derrick’s head snapped up to stare at Shelby, looking closer he didn’t see deception. What he did see was an adoring love in her eyes.

Emperor Kandra of the Delcron Empire, wasn’t as patient as he often let on. Even in the instance of dealing with another emperor of another empire. He’d expected the non Delcron emperor to get back to him as soon as possible.

Kandra was about to begin pacing again when Mary’s voice broke his thoughts. “Sir, I have talked to the Emperor O’Toma. He also wishes to discuss this with you. I shall be connecting you to him in moments.”

“Good, I look forward to putting this all to rest.” Kandra replied, then sat hoping this could be resolved soon.

Derrick almost jumped when Mary came back on. “Sire, I have Emperor Kandra of the Delcron Empire. Sirs, due to the equipment we are transmitting through, I am afraid that the quality of the transmission will be poor.”

Both males were nodding at this, Kandra decided to start first. “Emperor O’Toma, I am afraid that according to our customs, your officer is scheduled to marry my daughter. Our law dictates that if he defeats her in courting battle, she belongs to him in marriage. When he left as quickly as he did he dishonored her, this I can not allow to go unchallenged.”

Derrick was nodding his head with a sigh, it was about as he thought it had been. He had half a mind to have Mary transport Jimison onboard Emperor Kandra’s ship. Shaking his head he knew this wasn’t the way to do things.

“Emperor Kandra, since this accrued within your empire, our laws do not apply. Though we do not want an incident that would make our empires enemies, is there any way out of this? I do not want your daughter dishonored any more than, I want any of my officers.” Derrick replied.

Kandra was silent for a few moments then spoke up. “The only thing I can see, is if another female issued a challenge against my daughter. That way her honor as well as the family’s could be restored. Of course, if my daughter wins the challenge then my daughter would still belong to your officer, then we’re right back where we started.”

“That is a definite possibility, though could your daughter take defeat twice?” Derrick asked.

“I would say that she would, she is after all a very honorable warrior.” Came the voice of Difina.

“Emperor O’Toma, may I present my daughter Difina.” Kandra said.

“I consider it an honor to meet you Princess Difina.” Derrick stated.

“Please sir, I prefer Warrior Princess. I also wish to let you know that I will not go easy on whom ever I face. Your officer is the only male that has ever gotten close to, let alone beaten me. I can not just let this go, there is too much concerning both empires to do so.” Difina informed both of them.”

Derrick looked at the poor hologram of the two beings before him. They were most definitely strong that was a fact. “I am trying to come up with a meeting between us, that will not touch off a war. One that I am afraid neither of us would be able to stop before there were many severe causalities.”

“I agree, though we do often crave conflict, we avoid it, if, it is unnecessary. I feel that it would be in this case.” Kandra stated.

It was true that he and his daughter had been shocked when the poor holographic images finally started to come through. Though these humanoids didn’t appear to be as strong as they were, they were a hell of a lot more technologically advanced than him and his people were.

“There is a planet a few days from where you are. Might I suggest that you, your daughter, my self and the Empress meet there. I know the rest of your fleet will want to be there though, I suggest we leave them all back, agreed?” Derrick suggested.

“It is agreed, might I also suggest no weapons. It might be hard to do that though we can try. We’ll see you in a few days.” Derrick stated then clicked off.

Derrick let out the breath he’d been holding, he could only shake his head, that had been far too damn easy. If he didn’t know better, Kandra was up to something though at this time Derrick wasn’t sure what.

At the other end, Kandra was thinking the same thing. This humanoid Emperor had been far to placid by his reasoning, no, this Derrick O’Toma was up to something.

Johnathon Hartwell was at his wits end. Not only were the four Tendraxian females being difficult, now it appeared that his sister as joining in with them. Then, there was the fact that one of the recon agents was hiding on board. The other two not able to provide much help either as one was married, leaving the last as overwhelmed as he was.

At least the fourth female’s readings were starting to grow more stable and healthy. “Johnathon... , “ Hartwell started.

“She should be waking up in no less than a hour. The addition of prime Lucie has gotten her well out of danger. Though many of her reactions toward you are a bit puzzling.” Johnathon informed Hartwell.

Hartwell nodded they should be to him also, though for some reason, they seemed almost what he’d expect from his sister.

“Bee, I have good news.” Hartwell addressed the female that he’d rescued.

Bee immediately ran to him throwing her self at his feet. “Yes Lord sir, how can I be of service to you?”

Hartwell, groaned as the naked female remained on the floor in front of him. Damn, he was starting to hate the males of her people more and more.

Hartwell, took a deep breath, then decided now wasn’t the time for that discussion. “According to the medical machines, your sister is recovering far better than we hoped. She should be awake very soon.”

Bee’s face lit up as she launched her self at Hartwell, thanking him while squeezing his legs. A moment later her eyes grew wide as she backed up laying prone on the floor.

With huge tears falling her eyes she started to beg. “I am so sorry Lord sir, I did not mean to forget my place. It will not happen again. I beg of you not to punish the others for my stupidity.”

It took all that Hartwell could do not to scream out in anger. Even more to control his fists as they started then stopped curling into fists. Luckily Bee hadn’t seen this.

As gently and calmly as he could he knelt down to Bee, then gently tilted her head up. “You will never be punished for being happy or sad, not in this empire.”

For the umpteenth time Bee looked shyly into Hartwell’s eyes seeing the truth there. With a small shake of her head, she still was having a hard time believing, there was a place like the Lord Sir had described.

Hartwell let out a little sigh. At least now she wasn’t running off in terror each time she looked at him. This had to be a good start right. Then there was the part about having to claim her to get her to completely obey him.

As far as he was concerned that was a marriage, something he still was not in the market for.

Bee smiled a little smile up at the Lord Sir, she could see that he was finally starting to change. Though was she female enough to change an obvious warrior’s hardened heart? She didn’t know, though she felt that if she and the others were going to survive, she had to no matter what.

Just for a moment, Hartwell saw something else in Bee’s eyes. A something he wasn’t too sure he wanted to find out what was.

Hartwell then looked up, “Johnathon, contact the Emperor. I need to report the changes.”

Again Derrick had just managed to go to sleep, when that damnable chiming went off for a fourth time. “Sire? Again sorry to interrupt Admiral Hartwell is calling.”

Somewhat groggy Derrick shook his head. “What’s wrong now Joseph?”

“Just wanted to give you a progress report. Johnathon said that the fourth female should be up in an hour. We should be able to travel soon after that.” Hartwell said.

“Bout damn time I got some good news. Seems the Delcron Emperor and I are going to have a meeting. It’s about time we have the command structure back here. I’ll get you up to speed after you’re back.” Derrick said still feeling the sleep.

“Alright sir, see you when we get back.” Hartwell said.

“Another thing, get some sleep, you look worse than I do. Johnathon, Imperial order, if the Admiral doesn’t lay down? Zap him to sleep, do I make myself clear?”

Hartwell stared a little wide eyed at Derrick, then he and the A.I. both answered yes sire. Derrick smiled at the both of them, then clicked off. Hartwell just shrugged then went off to his rack.

Derrick eyed Shelby who was sitting nearby trying to hide her smile. “Mary?” Derrick stated as he laid back down.

Mary’s visage appeared a moment later, “Sire?”

“I do not want to be disturbed for at least ten hours.” Derrick held up his hand as Mary was about to speak. “I am granting almost full temporary power to the Empress for the next ten hours. If she can not handle it it will have to wait. You are only to wake me if it is major, like another invasion, understand?”

“Almost full power?” Shelby asked.

“Short of declaring war, ordering an execution, appointing new people to the ranks, and negotiations with the enemy. I think the rest you are more than capable of.” Derrick replied.

Shelby was shocked at first. “Thank you for having the confidence in me.”

“I know you can do it you are as smart as I am. I have seen your problem solving capacity, I KNOW you can do it. Hopefully nothing big will come up in the next few hours.” Leaning up Derrick lightly kissed Shelby again feeling a shock go through both their systems.

Again when they separated, it almost felt as if something was ripped loose as they parted.

“Well,” Shelby stated almost breathlessly. “That most certainly never gets old.” Derrick had to agree as he watched Shelby shakily walk away.

Onboard Johnathon, Bee was upset, she had seen the Lord Sir moving off. When she tried to follow him, a wall had closed in front of her. beating on the wall hadn’t solved anything only getting her more upset. As she sat there in front of the moving wall she thought there had to be a way.

Bee suddenly remembered that Lucie was his sister she could get her access to him. Making up her mind she went back to the med room.

“Miss Lucie?” Bee asked.

“How can I help you, Bee, is it?” Lucie asked.

“I was going to go with the Lord Sir, to make sure if he needed anything I would be there. I belong to him after all even if he hasn’t claimed me. The wall closed after him as I was following him, I am afraid that he will get rid of me if i am not there when he awakes. Could you please help me?” Bee asked.

Though she too was appalled by the thought, of someone belonging to another as was her brother, she could see Bee was in distress.

“I can’t say that he will be happy with the idea, though i think I can help.” Looking up Lucie called, “Johnathon, please grant this female access to Joseph’s room only past that door.”

Johnathon appeared a small look of worry on his face. “I do not think the Admiral would be happy about that Prime Lucie.”

Lucie nodded her head, “Did you not just call m Prime Lucie?” Johnathon nodded, “with the Admiral asleep, that puts me in command for the time being?” Again Johnathon nodded though a small smile was forming on his lips. “Unless you allow this female into his room, her stress is going to be very high, something the Admiral does not want, correct?”

“Yes Prime Lucie, the Admiral did in fact state this fact.” Johnathon said.

“Then, I think that you should allow her access to his room from here only. No sense her getting hurt being where she needn’t be, agreed?” Lucie said hoping that the A.I. saw the logic in her argument.

“Yes Prime Lucie, I agree.” Appearing in front of Bee Johnathon stated, “please follow the hall way to the last door. When you approach it it will open for you.”

Bee’s eyes were huge as she could only stare opened mouth at Lucie. “Thank you, I have never met a female like you. I hope that I can be your friend in the future. You are the most powerful female I have ever met.”

Lucie smiled sweetly as Bee gave her a hug that Lucie returned. Leaning in Lucie whispered, “I am strong yes, though the female you met that was an image? After the as you called him, the beast emperor appeared? She is far more powerful, you’ll see.”

Again all Bee could do was stare at Lucie opened mouthed. How was this possible? A female as strong as Lucie, with one even stronger? Bee’s head was awhirl with all this new information. Johnathon had to warn her a few times, as she almost walked into several walls on the way to the Admiral’s room.

Walking in she immediately felt a feeling of relief seeing the Lord Sir asleep. Wrinkling up her nose, she proceeded to pick up paper on the floor, dirty clothes thrown into the corner.

Putting her hand to her head she called out to the air man as she had started to call him. Johnathon answered immediately surprised that she could hear him. After having her questions answered, she went about cleaning the room as well and quietly as she could.

It was over an hour later when Bee’s sister groaned, then her eyes fluttered open. The two Tendraxian female that were still there smiled as she tried to sit up. Looking at Lucie, her mouth dropped open.

“Johnathon, can you IMT Bee here?” Lucie asked.

Johnathon was a quiet a moment then replied. “I believe I can, almost all trace of the ripalon energy has left her body. Let me warn her. Oh dear,” a shimmering next to the bio-bed had all three of the Tendraxian females staring at the spot as Bee appeared shaking uncontrollably.

““Bio readings on her now Johnathon!” Lucie ordered.

“All her systems are operating at nominal levels. I believe she is scared.” Johnathon stated.

“I’m sorry Bee, your sister is awake I thought you’d want to be here.” Lucie said.

“Was ... was that the demon eye? Please, don’t make me do that again.” It took a moment for what Lucie had said to register. “Sister?” Bee said hesitantly, “SISTER!” She screamed as she launched her self at the female on the bio-bed.

They were both crying holding each other when several alarms started to go off on board. The same alarms were going off on the Imperial world, Mary hated to disturb him. This though, was one of the things he’d ordered her to awaken him for.

Mary had to chime a few times before a groggy Derrick answered. “This had better be good Mary. What the hell is going on?”

“Sire you ordered me to awaken you in the advent of another invasion.” Mary stated causing Derrick to sit up almost completely awake.

“Do we know who they are?” Derrick asked.

“Yes sire, it appears to be the Creagons again. From what I can see, they are heading straight for the Delcron fleet,” Mary advised.

“Can you raise them?” Derrick asked getting out of bed.

“Just long enough to let them know what I detected. Even with the numbers that the Delcrons have, I am afraid that they are out numbered.” Mary stated.

Derrick was nodding, “We have a total of fifteen ships that can engage in combat. I want all Captains, all ships ready to go in thirty minutes. It’s about time went sent these damn bugs back to hell! Tell the Delcrons, if they want in, be ready.”

Chapter 72

0001 - Tempro

0003 - Conner- Thomas

0097 - Ace - Zimmel

0098 - Lucy

0101 - Shelby (mother ship)

0125 - Lars

0200 - Ellen

0250 - Tendra

0301 - Rodrick

0403 - Johnathon

0667 - Marco - Brown

0778 - Jan

0798 - Celeste - Shelby (human)

0805 - Toran

0808 - Radella

0908 - Tara - Mara

1000 - Sherry

---

Ungrown - unnumbered

---

0100 - Derry (father ship)

0999 - Zan - still lost

---

Rescued from Tendraxians so far

---

6 on Shelby

8 on Lucy

---

Known and OR numbered

---

0501 - Thaddeus

???? - Lena

---

“Please tell me your designation,” Kimison stated as he was typing rapidly.

They had been working non-stop since talking to the Emperor. Now, with all they had added, the A.I. had taken over. It was almost half an hour later, they could see that the A.I. was passed two terabytes. Good, it was drawing the data at a faster rate.

“My designation is EIG-100, my name is Derry as assigned by the emperor. A name that I will proudly wear.” Derry stated.

“Good, your personality is almost complete. As soon as the rest is added, you can start your regen. With the extra power that we have been supplying, that shouldn’t be far off. Besides that, you only have tactical, operational and a few other partial parameters left. Perhaps another half hour.” Rayburn stated.

“I thank you both for the chance to serve the emperor. Though, as I am beginning to suspect, my personality is that of the Emperor. From all I am seeing, I am to be the new father ship of the fleet?” Derry asked.

“Yes, that is correct, I am hoping that this is not causing difficulties within your matrix?” Kimison asked as he was watching the readings that were flashing before him.

“No Colonel, I am detecting nothing out of place. All appears to be as it should. I am operating at optimal efficiency.” Derry replied.

Kimison blew out a small breath that he’d been holding, as he nodded to Rayburn. He’d been afraid that the strong personality of the commander might not integrate as well as it had. There was still a danger, though, at this point, they were well past the extremely dangerous points.

“Alright Derry, we are going to shut you down to conserve and build your power. Soon, you should be able to commence your regen.” Rayburn advised the A.I.

“Thank you, Colonels, I look forward to serving alongside the both of you.” The A.I. said then was silent as Kimison shut it down.

“Damn, I’m glad that he’ll be able to assist Shelby with the regens,” Rayburn said relief in his voice.

“I am also, the sooner we have them back the better. Like I said before, I know how they feel, alone within a tiny space. Not sure if you are going to live or die, almost praying at times, that you die in your sleep to end the pain and nightmares.” Here Kimison turned his tear-streaked face toward Rayburn. “Thank you for not leaving me alone.”

Rayburn growled as he remembered the condition that Kimison had been in. “If I could, I’d destroy that damn place. Veterans center? No, more like a torture center. No one gives a shit that we sacrificed all, to protect them. Then to just be thrown away like we were garbage.” A loud crash was heard as Rayburn punched the nearest bulkhead.

Tempro appeared a moment later, “Colonel!” Tempro said, “You have almost broken several fingers, wrist bones plus I am seeing slight fractures to the end of your Ulna and Radius bones.”

Rayburn turned to stare at Tempro, then saw that Kimison was rushing to him. “Damn it Steven, I know that has to hurt.”

“No not really Jordan, it’s not bad at all,” Rayburn stated, then started to winch as the adrenaline wore off. Then the throbbing pain started in. “Oh shit! I didn’t think I hit it that hard.”

“Tempro, med bay now!” Kimison ordered as both men vanished.

---

He was almost ready to depart for the Republic planet. A soft chiming was sounding in the air. Where in the hell was that coming from? Hartwell looked around his parent’s home. Nothing there, he turned to give his mother a hug, then shake his father’s hand. He’d enlisted the day before, making both his parents proud. ‘Stay alive and come back to us,’ they both said.

His little sister had rushed to grab him in an almost bear hug. His brother William had sadly shaken his hand before he turned to go. This would be the last time he’d ever see all of them alive.

Still, there was a soft chiming coming from the air. Then he was suddenly hearing a males voice calling him softly.

His eyes snapping open Hartwell stated, “Yes?”

“Admiral I believe that we can depart. I know that the emperor is expecting you back as soon as possible. I believe he needs you now “ Johnathon said.

“Alright, I’ll be ready in a mom ... what the hell? What in the hell is she doing here?” Hartwell asked staring at a naked Bee, asleep at the foot of his rack.

“Sir, Prime Lucie was in command. You stated that you wanted me to alleviate all the females’ stress. She was extremely stressed when you came here. Prime Lucie, advised me that, if I allowed her in here with you, that her stress would dissipate.” Johnathon explained. “As you can see it did.”

Hartwell could only roll his eyes; Lucie was far smarter than he’d given her credit for. Nodding his head, he thought yes, I’m going to have to keep an eye on her.

Taking a deep breath Hartwell started, “alright IMT us to the...”

“I am afraid that she was terrified the last time she was IMTed. I am afraid that it will cause her that distress again.” Johnathon said.

Hartwell sighed in defeat, he then reached down to softly shake Bee awake. “Bee, we have to go.”

Bee stretched as her eyes flickered open, then she jumped to her feet. Bowing low she said, “I am sorry that I was resting Lord sir. I finished your room, I got it as clean as I could.”

Hartwell looked around, he had to admit it was the cleanest he’d seen it in some time He shook his head, no sense in getting soft now. “We have to go; I was advised that all of you can travel now.”

An almost look of terror appeared on Bee’s face. “You mean we will have to travel through the evil blinking eye movement? Lord sir, we will die if we enter that again. Why... ?

“You have traveled through it twice you are still alive. It appears that my sister being near all of you, helped to dissipate the energy that was killing you. You will be safe, I...” Hartwell was saying when Bee spoke up.

“Lord Sir,” she started her head down a small smile on her face. “If I can convince them that it is safe, will you seriously consider bonding with me?”

Hartwell’s head snapped around to stare at Bee. So, the females weren’t as docile as they at first appeared to be.

“I am afraid that I cannot make a promise to something, I am nothing but unsure of,” Hartwell replied.

“Lord sir, I am not sure if I can continue as we are. Without some idea as to the future of myself and the others, I am afraid there isn’t much I feel I can do.” Bee said, still not raising her head as her smile had grown larger.

Hartwell groaned inwardly, how in the hell had he gotten himself mixed up in all this. He and the commander need to have it out again. This was definitely an invasion into his life that he didn’t need.

“IF,” Hartwell said a little sternly, “you can convince them, we have no problems with them and you behave when I set you down on the planet, I...”

“Lord sir, I am afraid that according to the laws that govern us, I am not allowed to leave your side. While you are considering this, it simply is not allowed,” Bee stated with a completely serious face.

“Here, you cannot...” Hartwell started.

“I am not a citizen of this empire; I, therefore, do not know or am I subject to its laws,” Bee replied still serious.

Inwardly Hartwell groaned while looking at Bee. Shaking his head he thought, and here I thought that the females of that world were far more uneducated. His eyes narrowed as he looked closer at Bee, he was going to have to watch Bee and his sister, that was for sure.

“Alright, I will consider, though it may be a while before I can decide. We have an invasion to stop first. Then the Delcrons to meet with.” Hartwell said.

They both smiled, then, made their way to the bridge where Bee quietly talked to the other three Tendraxian females.

A moment later Bee walked to Hartwell. “They have stated they will sit quietly until we have stopped.”

A small smile came to his lips, “Alright Johnathon, Let’s go, Imperial planet.”

“Yes Prime,” Johnathon said as there was a wind up then they winked out.

---

Derrick was still seething about this newest invasion. He was still getting everything together when Shelby chimed.

“Yes? What’s wrong?” Derrick asked as soon as Shelby’s hologram appeared.

“I am sorry to disturb you, Derrick. We have another ship from Jitaku that just exited hyperspace. They are asking permission to speak to you.” Shelby told him.

Oh crap! He’d forgotten about the clan doctor that was coming. “Please put them through,” Derrick replied.

A moment later an older, slim Oriental woman’s hologram appeared before Derrick.

“Greetings esteemed one, I am Doctor Akira Fuwa Dempsey. I am the brain specialist of the Dempsey clan. I ask permission to come aboard, I understand that you are preparing for war. I lend my services if needed.” Akira stated.

Derrick nodded then replied. “I am preparing for war, permission granted. A large area has been prepared for you. You have again brought honor to your clan; I await your coming aboard.”

Akira smiled wide as she bowed to Derrick. She had practiced her greeting many times. She had hoped that it would appease the great man as was the offer of her services.

Derrick clicked on Dempsy’s quarters, “Colonel?”

“Yes, Sire?” Came Dempsy’s reply.

“The clan doctor has arrived, I thought you might wish to be there to greet her.” Derrick informed Dempsy.

Dempsy’s eyes were wide a moment then he nodded as he thought, ‘So they sent her.’ “Thank you sir, we will be there when she lands.”

A few minutes later, the second, sleek, Jitakun ship landed next to Onai’s ship. Looking out, a small smile crossed her lips, it was as she thought, Onai wasn’t about to let him out of her sight.

Even as her ship’s door opened, she saw that both Kimon and Onai were there to greet her.

Both bowed low, “Idaina isha, I greet and welcome you to the Emperor’s lead ship. We are here to insure that your stay is a welcome one.” Kimon said.

The doctor smiled, “It has been a very long time since you were with the clan, Masutākimon. We have missed you greatly, I the most, mothers can begin to think that their child has forgotten them.”

“I will be returning to the clan, as soon as I finish this latest mission for the Emperor.” Kimon stated as he bowed.

The doctor looked deep into Kimon’s eyes, “Um hm, we shall see Masutākimon, we shall see. Please take me to your clan brother Norman. I need to examine him as soon as possible. If, all is well, all his requests fulfilled, then I will release the mind shield.”

A movement next to then drew her attention, “Ah, Riku. I take it you have all the readings that I will need?”

Riku bowed low, replying, “Hai doctor, I was hoping that they sent you.”

The doctor nodded as she took all the readouts that Riku was holding, going through them at an almost impossible speed.

“So it appears that he is where he wished to be, I have to wonder though why it took far longer than I thought it would.” The doctor stated slightly perplexed. “I see,” She said as she looked at all three of them there. “Lead me to him, there is still much to do.”

All four of them walked a ways not conversing much. Stepping through a doorway, Kimon saw that they were in the training room.

Akira looked around critically at the room then nodded. “This will do, all we need now is the patient.

Kimon nodded as he spoke softly into his com. A few moments later Daniel Norman, walked through the doorway a look of confusion on his face.

He looked at the four people before him his confusion only lasted a moment, espying the doctor. Bowing low he said, “Greetings Isha, it has been a very long time since our paths crossed.”

Akira’s eyes were wide a moment then she nodded. She could see why they had called her.

“Are you in pain sir?” Akira stated hoping for a certain response.

Daniel looked at her oddly, “Ma’am? Are we not clan are ... oh shit!” Norman stated as he grabbed his head, sinking to the floor. Akira nodded as she produced a machine, as if from thin air, rapidly running it over him she again nodded.

“Riku, Kimon, restrain him to the floor. Onai, I need you to put your weight on him like you did the last time. Move, we haven’t much time!” Akira ordered.

Even with all three holding him down, it was a struggle. Amongst the grunts and groans, there was an occasional scream from Norman. Finally a little more than an hour later, Norman relaxed.

“I think that should do it, though something is not right here, I need to speak to the emperor. The mind shield should have dissipated long before now.” Akira stated as she looked at the three there with her.

All three could only stare blankly at her, well, all but Riku though he was hiding well himself. Excusing herself she withdrew to hold counsel with Derrick. Within a few minutes she was back a look of surprise and respect on her face.

Akira looked at all three, “I see why you didn’t speak. You have bestowed a very great honor on the clan.” Here she whispered, “I ... I did not know he possessed such power. With this new knowledge, I should have your clan brother, better sooner.”

It was only a few minutes later when, Daniel opened his eyes. Looking around, he was shocked to see a few faces that he hadn’t seen in some time. Sitting up Daniel nodded slowly.

Daniel bowed to all of them, he turned first to Akira. “Isha, the fact that you are here must signify that I am finally strong enough.” Turning to Onai, “Ah! the Nāsu that restored my health.”

Onai’s face gained a smirk, “I told you before that I am no Nāsu! It is good to see you again as yourself.”

Daniel nodded, finding that there was no pain, “As are you!” Daniel turned his attention on Kimon. “You never contacted me in Ame!”

Kimon bowed low a wide smile on his face, “I was still trying to learn brother, I believe I was almost there.”

Turning back to Akira, Daniel asked, “Will it take long for, the memories I have before now and after the shield to return?”

“It shouldn’t take long though, at first it might be painful, it ... are you alright?” Akira asked seeing Daniels eyes open wide.

“Mara! She’s here, she is a captain for the emperor. My god, she is more beautiful than I remember.” Daniel was whispering.

Kimon was nodding, “She is brother, I know that you are proud of her.” Kimon stated not saying more.

“You should rest, it will facilitate your mind adjusting faster.” Akira said.

Daniel nodded as he stood moving toward the doorway. With Onai and Kimon on either side of him he suddenly stopped, turning back toward Akira and Riku.

Daniel stared intensely at Riku for a few moments, “I am sorry, I know you, have known you for a long time.” Then in an almost inaudible whisper he said, “Riku?” When Riku nodded Daniel walked back to him hugging the male. “It is such a pleasure to see you again, especially as well as you are.”

Riku could only nod, finally his hero was returning to life. A life that he had denied himself to protect the entire world of Jitaku. Something he knew he’d never have been able to do.

“I hope that your father is still enjoying a very productive life?” Norman asked.

“I...” Riku started.

“He is, indeed, Honored member of the Dempsy clan.” Came a familiar voice behind them.

“Father?” Onai stated as they all turned and bowed to Isamu Sakuta’s hologram.

“Ah, also honored in the Sakuta clan.” Here Isamu looked directly at Norman. “What? All of you did not think that I wouldn’t keep a tab on him? That I would not watch over the savior of the Sakuta clan?”

When Norman could only blush stating, “I only did what anyone would, I...”

“NO!” Both Isamu and Riku almost shouted. Then Isamu stated, “Not everyone would have reacted like you did. With no thought to their own safety and life. Had the Dempsy clan not already declared it, then you would have been made a part of our clan.” Looking closely at Onai, then back to Norman with a small smile he slowly stated. “You do realize that could still happen, there are several females that need a mate and they look at you with...”

“Father!” Onai suddenly said. “I think that now is not the time for this discussion!”

“I don’t see why not.” Isamu replied.

“Hey! I am not in the market for a mate I...” Norman started.

“Stay out of this it doesn’t really concern you!” Isamu, Onai and Kimon shouted at him. Shit Norman thought, what in the hell was I being dipped in now?

“Like hell!” Norman stated as Onai snapped out a hit that he easily avoided.

All conversation in the room stopped as they all stared at Norman. Shaking his head he looked at his body, what in the hell was that?

Kimon smiled as he also snapped off several hits that Norman avoided or blocked. Again, he could only stare at his hands and body. What the hell was going on? Then he looked over to a widely smiling Akira.

“You stretch every morning, no matter whether you feel like it or not. You go through a complex set of moves not knowing what they are, though you always do them. You also stretch each night, before you sleep.” Akira stated her smile getting larger as Norman confirmed each thing she stated. Akira said turning toward a surprised Isamu, “This is something that we have experimented with. Though nowhere the near skill level of a master, he is still quite capable. When we examined him the first time he accompanied Kimon to Jitaku, we found that his mind was extraordinary. It was thought that this procedure would work on him.”

“The infusion,” a pale faced Norman said as his legs wobbled a bit.

A now sad faced Akira nodded, “I wanted to stop it when the pain started. You wouldn’t allow it. When you saved Riku, many who saw it happen, couldn’t believe that a Gaikoku (foreigner) could move with the speed that you did. The clan made you a member easily, Kimon had petitioned the clan for years to add you.”

Norman looked at Kimon with a new appreciation, mouthing thank you. Kimon nodded and bowed, “For all that you have done for me, it felt like a small thing.”

This time it was Onai’s turn to stare at the two males. “We should perhaps in the future, discuss all these things that brother Norman has saved you from.”

Kimon and Norman grimaced at her words. “Perhaps, though I think for the health of my brother, many things should not be discussed.” Norman said with all honesty.

Onai looked at Norman’s deadly serious face then nodded, “So agreed brother.”

---

On board the lead Delcron ship, Emperor Kandra growled then cursed. Immediately after Mary’s warning, the long range communication went down. Shaking his head, then the alarms had started going off. A smile started to grow on his lips as he saw the ever increasing number of Creagon ships.

Ah! they seemed to be rather upset if they were coming in a force this large. Sighing, he knew he was going to have to do this ... A moment later another weak transmission came from Mary.

“Emperor Kandra, this is Mary. Emperor O’Toma wished you to know that our empire is engaging the Creagon fleet. He has stated that, if you want to also, to be ready, he will be there in thirty of our time units. He...” Mary stated then the transmission went dead.

Kandra nodded, a chance to see this new empire at war. It would be very informative, especially if they ended up at war with each other.

He called all ships informing them of the Creagon advance. He also informed them that, the empire that they were traveling to was getting involved. He wanted as many as possible to observe, for they might one day engage in war with the new empire.

A movement near the bridge entrance, had Kandra turning to see his daughter dressed in full battle armor. A smile crossed his lips, ah yes, there was nothing like a damn good battle.

“This is Emperor Kandra, I want all in full battle armor. Battle fleet form up on my ship. Second family fleet form in behind them. I want the negotiating fleet forming in with them. I want all systems checked, all weapons charged and ready. To the glory of the empire! The new empire will also be fighting with us. Do not fire upon them, for now they will be our allies.” Kandra informed his fleets.

Kandra nodded as only ten minutes later, all were confirming his orders. Good he thought, as his pulse started to race, all we need now are the bugs to kill.

---

Derrick watched as Admiral Hartwell’s ship appeared a ways off. “Sire?” Hartwell’s hologram stated as soon as Johnathon pulled next to Shelby. “I need to get these females off the ship.” Hartwell said even as Derrick heard the extremely loud protests of Bee.

Smiling a second, Derrick looked at Shelby who IMTed all four females on board. The screams of all four was nearly deafening. “NO! The evil eye! We are surely going to die.”

Derrick could only shake his head as suddenly all four were crying hanging on to each other for dear life. Derrick was about to ask Shelby if she could help when she moved to the three females. Then to his disbelief his com went off. Crap! Now what?

“Hello?” Came an unfamiliar male voice. “I was told by Mary to contact this frequency if we needed anything.”

Derrick’s brows furrowed his brow in irritation. “This is emperor O’Toma, who am I speaking to?”

“Sire! I apologize for interrupting you. This is Trent Hartwell; I was wondering if i might see my sister. I...” A small smile crossed Derrick’s mouth as he nodded to Shelby. A moment later Trent Hartwell appeared in the room. “haven’t seen her in some ... time.”

Trent immediately bowed to Derrick. “Arise Trent.” Here Derrick nodded to Shelby again. This time a hologram of Joseph Hartwell appeared as did that of Lucie Hartwell. “I have someone here that is anxious to see the both of you.”

“Joseph! Lucie! I thought to never see the both of you alive.” He said, both Lucie and Joseph Hartwell were shocked to say the least.

“It is also good to see you alive and well, brother.” Joseph Hartwell said his eyes tearing up though he was fighting it.

Lucie had no such conviction as she cried tears of happiness. “I had heard that you and Uncle were killed. I should have known that you, like Joey, were too mean to die.” Joseph growled causing Lucie and Trent to laugh.

“I told you to stop calling me that! Perhaps I should administer another spanking?” Joseph threatened.

Lucie’s eyes narrowed, “You can try, as I said before though, I think you’d find it extremely difficult. You might catch me unaware once but not again.”

Derrick was about to speak when he noticed that all four females were staring at Lucie. They all were almost bowing to her. Derrick could hear them whispering that they had never seen a female as strong as Lucie or Shelby.

Derrick sighed then said, “We do not have time to travel to the Imperial planet. The four of you will remain here as I will not be allowed to engage the enemy. All ships, all Captains report in.” A moment later Derrick nodded as they all flashed out.

---

Several alarms were going off on Emperor Kandra’s ship. Not far from his fleet, all of the Delcrons watched in wonder as space rippled. One by one, ships, hundreds of times larger than their largest ship, started to emerge.

Kandra could only shake his head at the sheer size of each ship. He would have to plan, for a long time, to come up with anything to try and defeat one, let alone more of them.

A moment later Derrick’s hologram appeared before Kandra. “Emperor Kandra, we can transport a vast majority of your fleet closer to where they are. It would take two tries to get all of you. As I said we can if you wish.”

Kandra thought a moment then nodded. “To engage in battle sooner is very appealing.”

Derrick nodded as the first wave vanished then appeared a few minutes later. The second wave joined the rest of the ships as all their alarms went off.

“Ah,” Kandra stated as he watched the advancing Creagon ships. “It is a good day to battle and kill the enemy.”

Chapter 73

0001 - Tempro

0003 - Conner- Thomas

0097 - Ace - Zimmel

0098 - Lucy

0101 - Shelby (mother ship)

0125 - Lars

0200 - Ellen

0250 - Tendra

0301 - Rodrick

0403 - Johnathon

0667 - Marco - Brown

0778 - Jan

0798 - Celeste - Shelby (human)

0805 - Toran

0808 - Radella

0908 - Tara - Mara

1000 - Sherry

---

Ungrown - unnumbered

---

0100 - Derry (father ship)

0667 - Marco - lost

0999 - Zan - still lost

---

Rescued from Tendraxians so far

---

6 on Shelby

8 on Lucy

---

Known and OR numbered

---

0501 - Thaddeus

???? - Lena

---

Derrick watched as the last of the Delcron fleet was moved. He was about to have Shelby move the ship when her human counterpart whispered to him.

Derrick turned, whispering back in disbelief, “You’ve got to be kidding me. Seriously?”

“I’m afraid so, she’s even willing to pass through ‘the evil eye’ as she puts it. It seems their whole race is geared toward battle. Shelby said that her bio-readings are already starting to fail,” the deadly serious Empress stated.

He shook his head, blowing out a breath of frustration. He looked at the Empress, then Shelby.

A moment later, he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Admiral,” he stated as Bee appeared next to Hartwell.

“Why is she back here?” a shocked Hartwell asked.

“Her scans appeared to indicate that her bio-readings were failing. Apparently, being with you on the ship is the only thing that has stabilized her.” Derrick told him.

A groan escaped his throat as he stared at the trembling Bee. “How am I supposed to...”

“Her whole raced is geared toward battle. Set her to a task. She just might surprise you,” Derrick told him.

Hartwell shook his head in disbelief. His sister was bad enough; now this?

Derrick smiled, seeing the exasperation on Hartwell’s face. It was about time the man felt some of the frustration that he did.

“Now I know that, we’re going to have to have it out when this is finished,” Hartwell growled.

“Yeah, if I remember right the last time, you hit the deck before I did. Get over it!” Derrick responded.

“Ha! As I saw in the replay of it, you were right on my heels. I think we need another go at it. Besides, I am having issues right now with you,” Hartwell growled louder.

A rather loud Empress interjected, “I am not about to watch the two of you act like little boys, trying to beat the crap out of each other again. I suggest that the both of you get over it!”

The Empress’s forceful voice caused the both of them to pause, looking at her.

Derrick and Hartwell could only stare at the Empress. Damn, Derrick thought, when in the hell had she become so forceful?

The Empress put her hands on her hips, staring at them with even sterner looks. Walking to Derrick, she poked him with her finger. “Damn it, Derrick! I’ve barely gotten you back. Here you want to end up injured, away from me even longer in the med ward.” Here she turned toward the image of Hartwell, a slight smile on her lips. “Johnathon, code Epsilon, Mu, Psi, Rho, Epsilon, Sigma, Sigma, Chi, Omicron, Nu, Tau, Rho, Omicron, Lambda. Alpha, Omega-001a. Confirm”

A shocked Johnathon bowed. “Code confirmed. I await your orders, Empress.”

A startled Derrick started to say, “Johnathon, belay those...”

“I am sorry, sire, I cannot, that was an emergency override that cannot be superseded,” a sad-looking Johnathon stated.

An even more startled Derrick and Hartwell turned to stare openmouthed at the Empress.

“Now then,” she said, a deadly serious look on her face, “when all this is over, then we will see about settling this. The both of you would do this right now, something we don’t have time to do. Johnathon, if he makes any move to engage in the activity that we both know that he would”-here she stared directly at Hartwell-”shock him until he is unable to continue.”

“But...” Hartwell started.

The Empress turned to Derrick, then she slightly smiled. “I may not be able to do this to you, YET. I am working on it. This way, we can get through all of this without the both of you injured. At least not by each other.”

Derrick and Hartwell could only stare at each other, then an uproarious laugh came from behind Hartwell.

Hartwell whirled to stare at his sister. “I am not finding this a damn bit funny,” he told her.

Derrick also turned when he heard laughter behind him. Trent Hartwell was as well laughing at his brother’s situation.

“You always did seem to have a penchant for trouble. Plus, you always seemed to be in the middle of it.” Trent said as he started to laugh harder. Then Trent suddenly turned serious. “I have been fighting, training, on the run for years. Don’t think that you can take me like you used to.”

Hartwell stared hard at his brother. Seeing the battle-hardened look in his eyes, Hartwell nodded. “I can see that you have been through a hell as bad if not worse than my own.” Letting out a sigh of defeat, he nodded to the Empress and Derrick. “We should table this for a more peaceful time. Then we can beat the hell out of each other,” this last said almost in a whisper.

Derrick’s eyes were wide as he stared at Hartwell, then the Empress. “I fully agree., With the current situation, that would be very wise.” Nodding to the Empress, then Hartwell, he clicked off, heading to the command chair. “All ships, Captains, report in.”

Even as he received the reports, he heard the wind-up, then Shelby stopped. Derrick saw that they were a substantial distance from the others. Even as he watched, he saw the Delcron fleet move into a strange configuration.

Derrick was staring as he tried to figure exactly what the Delcrons were doing. Then it hit him: he saw most of the fleet off to one side. A wide smile crossed his lips, and he nodded his approval. Not exactly what he would do; then again, he did only have fifteen ships.

“Mary, I need an analysis of the Creagon formation,” Derrick ordered Mary.

“Yes, sire,” came her reply. “Analysis complete. It appears they are advancing in columns. This is more than effectively hiding their total numbers. I am also detecting three very large spheres a great distance behind the columns.”

“Damn it! I was afraid that the last time wasn’t a fluke. Advise all ships of this new threat. Connect me to all Captains.” A moment later, five holograms appeared. “I don’t want anyone taking unnecessary risks. With this formation, it’s extremely hard to get a read on them. If your ship gets damaged, I want you out of there immediately!”

All five nodded as their holograms winked out. Derrick could only watch as he saw the ships of the empire move into a defensive position.

“I believe I see what they are trying to do. All ships concentrate fire on the four columns to this side. Do not, I repeat, do not allow them to start separating,” Derrick ordered as he saw ten columns start to advance upon them. He just hoped that destroying the four columns before them was enough.

Derrick took a deep breath, tensing up as the first of the EIGs opened fire. As he suspected, the destruction of those in the front started a cascade effect along the line of the column. Nodding, he watched as well over half of those behind were obliterated by their own ships.

Within moments, it appeared as if those behind were hesitating, then they started to veer off. Those that escaped the destruction tried to regroup, only to be blown away by the targeting systems of the EIGs.

Emperor Kandra watched openmouthed at the sheer beauty of the destruction wrought by the other empire. It seemed that only a few moments passed, then there were four less lines of the enemy.

A thin smile crossed his lips as he nodded. This would be a wonderful ally in the future, if they got that far. His attention then turned toward his own fleet. Barking out orders, he tried to have his ships to copy the other empire’s strategy. At first, it seemed to work, though, as he was soon to find out, his fleet lacked quite a bit of the power that the other empire’s fleet had.

Kandra saw that his fleet hadn’t even got half of the ships in the six columns. Sure enough, the Creagon fleet started to split off into several vee formations. These formations then started to try to flank the Delcron fleet.

The definitive word was ‘try.’ Several of Derrick’s ships appeared on the other side of the Delcron fleet.

Within moments, the Creagons started to concentrate fire on two of the EIG’s.

“Thomas, Ellen and Lars are taking concentrated fire,” Derrick called.

“I’m on it, sir. Damn it! Lars, haul her ass out of there before you both are incapacitated! Lucy, Tendra, lay down cover fire. Watch your flanks, there are more of them moving in,” Thomas stated. “Got Ellen, though she’s a little shot up.”

“Good, I want as many of you there to aid the Delcrons. Even as strong as they are, the Creagons still have the numbers. According to Mary, we’ve only eliminated half of them. Good god!” A shocked Derrick stated. “She’s reading almost two hundred fifty-thousand out there. That doesn’t include the three spheres nor the ships with them.”

“WHAT!?” a startled Thomas almost shouted. “All Captains, all ships form up on Conner, no more playing with them. I want spread fire; take as many of these bastards as you can. If you are damaged, retreat to the Emperor and Shelby.”

The next several hours were filled with the mass destruction of the Creagon fleet, as well as a large portion of the Delcrons, taking as many of the enemy as they could.

Derrick could only shake his head at the massive area of wrecked and destroyed ships. What a damn waste, he thought, then several alarms were going off. Shit, he thought, as he saw that the three spheres were starting to advance toward the battle.

Derrick was even more shocked when he received a transmission. What the hell, he thought, then the image of what he could only describe as a praying mantis appeared.

“SSSo the great humanoid empire has emerged. We will not fail to crusssshh you. Your bodiessss will feed my larva for generationssss to come,” the insect voice stated.

“Like hell!” Derrick shouted, his temper starting to rise. “Your fleet is defeated. You have nothing left.”

A shrill laugh that sounded between the tearing of paper and a grinding noise fired back at Derrick. “Fleet? They were nothing. Thessseee world sssspheresss hold our power, power that you have no hope to defeat. You might have dessstroyed one, along with it’ssss queen, againsssst three? Give up, we will kill all of you quickly. Then my larva can feasssst for many generationssss.”

Derrick growled, then looked at the image of Mary. Nodding, a smile formed on Derrick’s face. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you and your ship, plus all on it, just die!” Derrick could see several of the insects behind the Queen becoming anxious, then start yelling.

A few moments later, an intense beam raced past Shelby and the rest of the fleet. “Where is thissss power...” The Queen started as the picture began to shake, then was cut off as the sphere shuddered, then exploded.

“I am afraid that it will take some time for me to fire another, sire. This took all the planetary generators to reach you,” Mary’s hologram stated.

“Thank you, Mary. I am hoping that this display might deter the other two spheres from attacking. Though, knowing them from the last battle, this will make them more anxious to attack, then retreat.” Derrick said.

“From the analysis I have done of them, now and before, I have to agree, sire,” Mary replied.

Derrick nodded as he read over the damage that his fleet had suffered. Five of the ships were out of the fight, three of them without trans-warp.

Stepping to the open floor of command, Derrick called all the ships and the Captains.

As soon as they appeared, Derrick started. “It appears that even with the destruction of one of the spheres, they are still coming to finish the fight. We are without the backup of the Imperial planet.”

“We still have ten ships in the fight, sir. That should be more than enough to kick their asses,” Thomas stated.

Derrick nodded. “It should. Though, as I remember, it took all five of you last time to take out one. You have twice that this time. But don’t think they haven’t tried to improve since our last battle, either.”

“Well,” Thomas stated, “I hope so, I want to see the new redoublers in action. We haven’t really had a chance to try them out. I, for one, am excited to see just how much more powerful the ships are. A real chance to blow the hell out of...”

“Enough, Thomas. Don’t start going out on your own, you understand? This is a team effort. Together, or not at all. We are far stronger together than we are apart,” Derrick stated curtly to Thomas.

Thomas stopped, blinking rapidly, with a surprised look on his face. “I am sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to belittle the rest of the group. They have performed exceptionally so far. I am just anxious to get out there and end this threat, as I am sure we all are.”

Derrick stared at Thomas a moment, a look of almost disbelief on his face. “Alright, let’s get this done. Watch your backs and those of your comrades.” All the ships and Captains bowed to him, then paused when Derrick held up a hand. Turning to Shelby, Derrick could only shake his head.

“He was always a hothead. Great damn soldier, still a hothead.”

“I am sure with the reminder that you just gave him, he will do as you say,” Shelby replied. This, of course, had Thomas blushing.

“Oh, of that, I am sure. I just hope it’s far sooner than later. I don’t want to lose him or any of them,” Derrick said.

“Derrick, they are good at their jobs. They have experience against this enemy from the last battle. We will prevail. After all, we do have the most advanced ships here,” Shelby said, making all of the ships’ and Captains’ chests swell with pride.

A still worried Derrick looked at Shelby, then shook his head. “I have seen extremely well-trained troops fall to lesser troops and ships. What did them in wasn’t weapons nor men. It was the fact that they were vastly outmatched by superior planning and execution of those plans. I intend to do the same as I always have, with superior planning.”

Shelby’s face held shock a moment, then a proud smile took over her features. “I have to admit your military mind puts mine to shame for the moment.” This Shelby stated with a sly smile on her lips.

Derrick’s eyes narrowed as he looked closely at Shelby, then relaxed as he nodded. Turning, he addressed all the ships and his Captains. “These spheres have thousands of times the power and weaponry. As you might remember, the last time we faced one, it took five ships to destroy it and almost one Captain.” This last he stated while turning to look at Mara. “Actually, almost two.” This last he directed toward Thomas.

Shelby turned toward all those present. “I have done an in-depth analysis of the last battle with a sphere. They seem to have a type of dampening field when they are attacking. I believe this is why Captain Thomas wasn’t aware that he was in imminent danger.”

Thomas softly growled, then nodded his head. “I went in thinking I was unstoppable.”

Shelby could only shake her head, then continued. “We are not going in singular any longer. You will have backup, or you don’t go; do I make myself clear?” When no one said anything, Shelby almost shouted, “I said do I make myself CLEAR! You do not want to go against me nor the Emperor on this. Ask Derrick if you don’t believe me,” Shelby said, turning to bore holes in Derrick with her eyes.

“I suggest all of you listen to her. The alternative could be quite painful, believe me,” Derrick said with a slight shiver, remembering picking himself off the deck the first time they met. “All of you keep your head on a swivel when engaging the enemy. The enemy won’t give you any quarter. Though it bothers me, I expect you to not, either.”

All of them were nodding their heads in agreement when several alarms went off. “I am detecting both spheres and their accompanying ships advancing,” Shelby advised.

“Good hunting. Do the empire proud. Prove to these repulsive insects that humans can dish out the pain just as well as they can,” Derrick said as he saluted all the ships and Captains who then winked out.

Kandra was proud of his people as they fought alongside the Humanoids. They had lost almost half their ships, though nearly all the Creagons were gone.

He was looking over the readings when he growled, seeing the three world spheres that were holding station. The enemy almost out of sensor range, Kandra was about to order his ships forward. Suddenly a massive energy beam passed his and the humanoids’ fleet, striking one of the spheres. The sphere shuddered, then exploded.

Blinking his eyes, a small smile crossed his features as he saw that the sphere’s destruction was complete. That’s one less of them to breed more, he thought. Now to get the others.

He had all the remaining ships form up on his. Unfortunately, this took thirty time units. Kandra was about to order his ships forward when he got a call from the humanoid Emperor.

“Emperor Derrick, it has indeed been a pleasure to battle with you. We are moving into position to commence bombardment on the remaining two spheres,” Kandra stated.

“I appreciate the help, Emperor Kandra, though I think that we have enough power to take both of them. I realize that you are also honor-bound to attack, though I say let us go first. Who knows, we might actually win. You have suffered enough loss,” Derrick suggested.

Kandra thought a moment, then nodded. What better way to build an ally than by saving them when they needed it. Hiding a smile, Kandra nodded.

“We will finish regrouping, then join the fray. It is a good day to fight. Win or die, it is a very good day!” With a nod, Kandra signed off, then started issuing rapid-fire orders.

Derrick turned toward the viewscreen as all ten ships got into position. He tensed up as he saw the fighters that were coming in before the spheres.

Derrick looked to the side, seeing Lars, Ellen, Tendra, Toran and Radella, Ellen and the last two without trans-warp. They weren’t that inexperienced. Hell, Derrick thought, they had done well against almost overwhelming odds.

Derrick turned back, then watched as the first sphere came in, its weaponry firing almost continuously. All ten ships started to fire as soon as the sphere was in range.

The first sphere, its engines destroyed within moments, slowed to a stop. All ten ships almost as one then turned to fire at the second rapidly advancing ship. This one, though, was somehow deflecting almost half of the beams, though those that got through were starting to rip the infrastructure to shreds.

“Thomas! Mara! Get out of there. The first sphere is still active.” They all heard the voice of Brown, then watched in horror as Marco flew between them and the first damaged sphere. Marco was putting everything he had into his assault. Then he shuddered as he started to drift away.

Both Mara and Thomas started firing at the crippled sphere, then were shocked when Brown somehow turned Marco back. Opening up with the last of his power, the sphere began to shake even more violently.

A very weak hologram of Brown appeared on every ship. “It was an honor to fight with all of you.” Brown coughed, then looked at Mara. “You were the greatest friend I ever had. Thank you.”

“Shelby, get him out of there!” Derrick was shouting as he saw Marco start to pick up speed. “No, damn it! He’s using the last of the ship’s power for a suicide run. Get him, Shelby!”

“I ... I can’t, Derrick. I can’t get a positive lock,” Shelby stated with tears in her eyes.

“It’s ok, sir,” Brown’s hologram stated. “I am proud to do something worthwhile in my life, if only once. I gladly sacrifice myself for the empire.”

With that, Brown’s hologram vanished. All of them could only watch as Marco hit the sphere with great speed. The resulting explosion ripped across the other crippled ship, blowing half of it away.

All the ships turned to what was left of the second sphere as they converged, firing on it till there was little left.

Anger greater than anything he’d ever felt before was tearing at Thomas’s heart. “I need a status report, all ships.”

Moments later, an enraged Thomas reported to Derrick. “Most of the ships have sustained minor damage. Both pieces of shit have been completely destroyed. I am not sure if I can do this much longer, sir. I don’t...

Just then, a weak, staticky sound broke through. “Sssso, once again, the Humanoid empire defeated ussss. It ssseemsss that you are not asss weak asss we first thought. Good. Next battle, we will meet, then my sssuperior ssskills will...”

With his teeth clenched tight, Derrick almost hissed. “The next time? There won’t be a next time. That is four queens that your race has lost, a serious loss. If we do meet again, we will annihilate you and your race. That isn’t a threat but a promise.”

Again, a hissing, grating sound that Derrick could only assume was a laugh came from the com.

“Sssso, a challenge. As for them, they were weak. I will produce better, ssstronger onesss that will not lossse to you,” the voice returned.

“If you get a chance,” Derrick hissed as he cut the transmission. “Did you get a location?” Derrick asked.

A moment later, Mary appeared. “Yes, sire, they seem to be further into the next galaxy than the Delcrons.”

Shocked a moment, Derrick thumbed the com. “Emperor Kandra? Do you happen to know the location of the Creagon planet?”

Kandra’s vision appeared before Derrick. “Yes, we do. We were surprised that they traveled this far. It is obvious that they were far more upset than we first thought.”

“I am thinking of launching an offensive against them. It’s about time we took the fight to them. Shouldn’t take us too long to be ready. I just want permission to cross your space to reach them,” Derrick asked.

“For this, we will have no problem granting it. Though I am afraid we have business of our own that we need to finish before we can start that,” Kandra stated, a small smile on his features.

Derrick could only nod his head as he considered. The Delcrons had been nothing but patient and honorable. “Yes, I suppose that we do. That is, if your daughter still wishes,” Derrick started.

An almost shrill female voice was suddenly heard. “By the feline god, she more than wishes it. I must have him or die trying. If you wish me to, I will gladly volunteer to bring him out of hiding. I will not be denied my mate!”

Shelby rolled her eyes, then thought about it for a few moments. Leaning over, she whispered in Derrick’s ear, “Though I do not like this, I guess we have no choice. I think, though, that I need to see their rules before this ‘contest’ starts.”

Derrick nodded as he could only stare at Shelby. Perhaps this one might be better suited for her hands. She had, after all, handled their marriage and him quite handily.

“That might be an excellent idea.” Turning toward Kandra, Derrick asked for a copy of the rules governing the contest that Jimison and Difina of the Delcrons would have.

Moments later, a rather thick book appeared beside Derrick. Looking at Shelby, Derrick said, “Not your typical light reading, I see.”

A smirk appeared on Shelby’s face as she turned to Derrick. “You forget I read nearly as fast as you. So, a bit of light reading, possibly.”

Derrick turned back toward Kandra and Difina. “I am afraid that at the current speed that we all can maintain, it will take time.”

Kandra waved his hand. “Time matters not that much for now, though in a few weeks it will. I am afraid that Difina’s mating rage will have grown to the point that we might have to confine her. That, I am afraid, might kill her. Therefore, I hope that it isn’t for an extended time.”

Derrick’s eyes grew wide as he stated, “Nothing that long, though it will be at least four days.” Kandra nodded as they bade each other good day.

Reaching out, Derrick again thumbed the com. “Colonel Dempsy, I need you on the bridge as soon as possible.”

“I am on my way, sire,” came Dempsy’s voice. Derrick shook his head. Knowing Onai, she and the doctor that had come aboard would both accompany him.

Chapter 74

0001 - Tempro

0003 - Conner- Thomas

0097 - Ace - Zimmel

0098 - Lucy

0101 - Shelby (mother ship)

0125 - Lars

0130 - Gillese

0200 - Ellen

0250 - Tendra

0301 - Rodrick

0403 - Johnathon

0778 - Jan

0798 - Celeste - Shelby (human)

0805 - Toran

0808 - Radella

0881 - Handrax

0908 - Tara - Mara

1000 - Sherry

---

Ungrown - unnumbered

---

0100 - Derry (father ship)

---

Rescued from Tendraxians

so far

---

4 on Shelby 2 in re-gen

8 on Lucy

---

Known and OR numbered

---

0501 - Thaddeus

???? - Lena

---

missing - 0667 - Marco

0999 - Zan - still lost

---

Derrick was still in deep thought when the door to the bridge opened. Looking up Derrick nodded as Dempsy entered followed very closely by Onai and Akira Dempsy. Slightly shaking his head, Derrick sighed, Onai he figured, possibly Akira Dempsy, though not both at the same time.

“As you ordered sir.” Dempsy stated as he snapped off a salute.

“I may have another mission for you. It appears that Jimison engaged in a mating ritual/fight with the Delcron Emperor’s daughter.” Derrick said.

Kimon’s eyes went wide as soon as he heard this. “I take it that there are dire circumstances?”

“That’s to say the least,” Derrick said a look of irritation on his face. “Then we have the Tendraxian survivors that seem to be terrified by me!”

Derrick look behind himself at the slightly trembling females huddled together. He barely shook his head in disbelief about that.

Kimon’s face held mock surprise, “No way sir, not you!”

Derrick turned quickly to stare at Kimon. Reaching in his pocket, Derrick produced a star emblem. Holding it out to look at, he again turned to stare at Kimon.

“I hope that you still remember, what I told you last time about mocking me. I still need another Brigadier General for the ground forces.” Kimon slowly backed away not saying a word, seeing the almost evil smile on Derrick’s lips.

Bowing low Kimon finally spoke, “Sire, I would never mock you. I live to serve you, sir.”

Derrick eyed Kimon suspiciously then slowly nodded. “As I said, we or rather I have multiple problems. Besides the first two, the Delcron Emperor and his daughter are expecting another ritual fight to finally end this. Though I am inclined to order Jimison to go with them, they also have their traditions.”

Kimon was about to speak then he nodded, his own people were nothing if not slaves to their traditions. “I understand now sire, I imagine that they feel that they would be nothing without them.”

A small smile, slowly crept to Derrick’s lips, he’d hoped that Kimon would respond like that. He knew that the Jitakuans had a good amount of traditions as the Delcrons did. Derrick had actually read the first hundred or so pages finding more than a few similarities between the two.

“I still have need of Jimison, I have that damnable Duke who escaped. We still have a major Creagon queen out there, the Delcrons might declare war if this isn’t handled right. We have over hour hundred ninety ships out there that need to be found and re-gened, that we know where they actually are. Then, there is your compatriots, Kimison and Rayburn, if they don’t kill themselves I just might.” Here Derrick slightly bowed his head, “then there is the matter of your joining. THAT, I will not let be delayed again.”

Both Kimon and Onai’s mouths dropped open, then they both bowed to the floor to Derrick. “You honor the both of us sire. I will endeavor to actually earn the honor you have given us.” Kimon said.

Derrick stared hard at Kimon, “You have earned the honor many times over. You have always served with honor this is a slight payment for all that you have done.”

Onai and Kimison could only stare at each other, this seemed almost too good to be true.

“Now, let’s discuss this upcoming challenge, though we might have to wait ‘til the empress finishes with the book.” Derrick said. He then lowered his head and voice as he was quiet a moment. “We also have to plan for the honoring ceremony for Captain Brown.

Kimon nodded as he also bowed his head. “He died with great honor, doing what he felt was the right thing to do. It was an honor to briefly know him.”

Derrick nodded as he started in with what he could of the coming challenge.

---

It was three days later when Shelby finished the Delcron ritual book. Derrick had been through almost all of it surprising Shelby, being able to read it far faster than she thought he could.

Derrick had explained everything that he could to Kimon, the man only nodding to Derrick the whole time. After Kimon then Onai made several suggestions, Derrick spent almost the whole two days they had left deep in thought.

It was almost the end of the fourth day traveling, when Shelby notified Derrick. “Derrick?” she said when she appeared.

Derrick’s head snapped up, “Is everything alright Shelby?”

“Yes, I wanted to let you know that the next two are ready to emerge.” Shelby said.

“Good I’ve been waiting for them. These are two of those that the Tendraxians had?” Derrick asked.

“Yes, I am just hoping that your suggestion will aid them.” Shelby replied.

All stood there waiting for what was about to happen. A few moments later static was heard from the speakers, static that slowly became voices.

“H-hello?” A hesitant female voice stated. “Is anyone there?”

“It is good to hear you again, 0130!” Shelby said.

“Mother!” The female voice quickly responded.

“0130? Is that you?” A male voice suddenly stated out of the static.

“0881! It is good to hear you again.” 0130 said.

“It is good to have both of you back again. The new Emperor wishes to have a word with you.” Shelby said.

“The Emperor,” they both stated with awe in their voices.

“As I have with all of your brothers and sisters, I wish to have a name to call you by.” Derrick said.

A moment later two holograms of young and slender male and female appeared before Derrick.

“Sire,” 0130 said as she bowed. “I was only called Gillese for a very short time.”

Derrick nodded as he turned toward the young male hologram. 0881’s head still bowed he stated, “I was called Handrax Sire. Though also for only a short time. Sire? If I may ask are there many of us left?”

Derrick smiled as he turned toward the fifteen holograms that were behind the two new comers.

“Well,” Derrick started, his smile getting larger. “perhaps you should look behind you.”

With that, both turned large smiles on their faces, staring as the fifteen holograms there greeted them.

“I do not wish to put a damper on our victory, please remember, we lost Marco today.” Here Derrick bowed his head as he almost whispered. “We also lost his human prime, Captain Mack Brown. This alone makes me far more angry than anything else. As soon as this business with the Delcron’s is finished, we will hold a memorial service.”

All the ships bowed their heads as they remained silent for Brown and Marco.

---

Deep within the bowels of Johnathon, Jimison was hiding as far from the trouble as he could. He’d studied all that he could get his hands on. He knew almost every place to hide from the A.I., where it’s sensors were almost nonexistent.

Equipped with everything that he thought he’d need, he foresaw no one finding him for quite some time. Well, that was ‘til he felt himself being enveloped in an IMT beam. Shit he thought, as a moment later he appeared before Admiral Hartwell.

“How? I was...” Jimison started shocked that they had found him. “There is no way that the A.I. could have pin pointed me

Derrick turned toward Hartwell a moment before turning back to Jimison. “I also feel the same way, IF I didn’t need you as badly as I do, I’d have ALREADY given you to them. You just don’t realize the world of shit you’re in do you?”

When Jimison could only stare at Derrick, Gunter almost slapped the man. Derrick’s interceding was the only thing that saved the man any pain.

“Well? By all rights, the Delcrons have a legitimate claim to you.” Derrick again growled. “Just what in the hell would you do in my position?”

When Jimison only stared at Derrick with a pissed off look, Derrick nodded to Ma ry. Two electrodes slid from the wall, administering a short shock to Jimison. A few moments later when Jimison stopped shaking Derrick spoke again.

“I was expecting an answer from you. Now then unless you want more, what would you have done?” Derrick stated his arms crossed as he waited.

Jimison looked up at Shiloh, Grant then finally Derrick, with a look of anger. “In order to save everyone, I guess almost exactly what you did.”

“YOU GUESS!?” Derrick shouted losing his temper a moment, then stepping close to Jimison. “Be glad I am not there I swear I’d damn near throw you in the brig, ‘til she got there to take you away.”

Jimison started to shake uncontrollably when Derrick growled then turned to Hartwell.

“I’ve got everything that you advised sir. We should be more than ready though I am not liking having five ships out of commission.” Hartwell said a worried look on his face.

“We won a great victory today, though we lost also. We need to get this over with as soon as possible. Both sides need to grieve, before we go after those damn insects, I want them to pay, pay like never before.” Derrick said, the anger edging his voice, his hands clenched.

---

It was taking all Emperor Kandra and the crew could do to keep the princess Difina from harming herself and the crew.

Kandra stopped at the infirmary, checking with the thirty or so that she’d already put there. They needed to get this over fast if she was going to remain sane. It appeared as if the mating fever, was far more worse than he at first thought.

The humanoid Emperor had said that they were only a day or two away from where they were going. With a sigh Kandra shook his head, he just hoped that she, the ship, and the crew survived that long.

Kandra was about to head off the bridge when, they received a signal from the humanoid fleet. Turning Kandra listened then took over the conversation.

“Emperor Kandra,” Derrick stated with a slight nod to the feline Emperor. Kandra was returning the nod when the view moved to show, a secured Jimison with a look of defeat on his face. “I was showing you that he has been secured as per your traditions. We...”

A growling gasp behind Kandra, caught all there by surprise. “So there you are!” Came an angered female voice, “to run off after winning a prize like this.” Here Difina turned to show each side of her trim, muscled feline body, then bowing to Jimison. “Since you failed to claim it, you must show just course under our laws as to why you reject me. If no such is shown, then I will have no choice than to destroy you.”

Jimison started to open his mouth when Derrick spoke up. “Princess Difina, I ask your forgiveness in this matter. Your potential mate was under Imperial orders to return as quickly as possible. Otherwise, I am sure that he would have stayed.”

Difina, then Kandra’s eyes both opened wide at this. Difina’s eyes seemed to clear as did her fighting stance relax. Bowing to her father, then Derrick she said, “I understand now. Maintaining ones duty does take precedence, This has brought even greater honor to me and both empires. I am afraid though that, now that a challenge has been issued, it cannot be revoked.” Here she turned to Jimison, “I belong to you no matter what, there must be another fight to restore honor to both of us. Win or lose I am yours,” here Difina smiled a toothy smile. “As I am sure, you are aware that you are mine.”

Difina again bowed to Derrick and her father, her fur bristling at the other males on the bridge. Turning she left the bridge feeling her blood quickening at the coming confrontation.

“Well, it seems,” Kandra stated, “a great many things have been resolved. It is good that the threat of war is no longer looming over both empires. Well, at least not with each other.”

“I have to concur with that assessment, a strong ally is far better than an enemy.” Derrick stated meaning every word of it. “I hope that things do continue to improve between our empires.”

Both Emperors nodded again to each other, then the communication was cut. A moment later another communication opened.

“You aren’t really going to believe him are you?” Came the voice of his head advisor. “They are after all filthy humanoids.”

Kandra could only stare at the male as if he’d lost his mind. “Did you not receive the recordings of the battle? Are you so ready to destroy this empire to go against the power that they have? I should have you removed if, that is your thinking. They decimated forty percent of the Creagon fleet with ease. They honored us by allowing to battle with them, then ASKED permission to pass through our territory. Yes, I do believe him, he has shown more honor than you are at the moment. So I ask, do you wish to remove your statement, or be removed without prejudice?”

The image of the feline swallowed hard as Kandra stared intensely at him. “I...” the councilor started.

Kandra held up his large furred paw stopping the male. Narrowing his eyes at the male he said, “Think well on the next words that leave your throat.”

Nodding the male was silent a few moments, “I remove what I said sire. It was not my intent to insult you nor your decisions.” The male then stood silent fully aware that he very life was in peril.

Kandra watched the male for a moment, gauging whether or not the male had spoken the truth. Finally satisfied Kandra nodded. “It would do you and the other advisors well to remember WHO actually rules.”

The head advisor trembled a bit remembering the last one who’d challenged the Emperor. Many were still talking about how badly the emperor had rent the body of the dead and defeated challenger. Actually the Emperor had been within his rights to slaughter the whole male’s family. Shaking his head he had to wonder at some of the Emperor’s decisions.

---

On board Johnathon, Hartwell, was again wondering what in the hell he’d gotten himself into. He bit his tongue again as he watched Bee strip every bit of clothing off her body. Hearing laughter he turned to glare at his sister.

“Shut the hell up Lucie! This is in no way funny.” Hartwell stated causing Lucy to almost double over.

A gasp escaped her lips as she tried to speak, “Can’t help it.” Here she started to laugh harder at the look of astonishment on Hartwell’s face. “You have been so unfeeling for so long, it’s good to see that you are human.” A small growl from Hartwell had her shaking as the laughter came faster.

Bee went running to Lucie as she sat, the laughter taking her off her feet. “My lord’s sister, are you well?” A worried look on Bee’s face.

This almost immediately stopped Lucie’s laughter as she could only stare at Bee. “What the hell are you on about?” Lucie asked.

“I was afraid that the lord sir might be punishing you. It is quite common to kill a female with laughter. Most times they stopped breathing; it is a favorite punishment of the males. I have never experienced it, I have seen a few killed in this way. What they put in the body causes this, the more used the greater chance of death.” A trembling Bee stated.

This time it was Hartwell who had to calm his sister as her level of anger rose to a monumental height. “Those sadistic son of a bitches!” Lucie roared out, “they need to die! You were right Joseph; they all need to die!”

This of course was short lived as they both watched as Bee quickly was curling into a ball. She was trembling even more after seeing the look of seething anger on Lucie’s face.

Lucie rose going quickly to Bee. She then paused as she heard Bee repeating over and over, “I and the others are doomed, they want to kill us all!”

Lucie tried to comfort Bee only to have her shrink even further away into the corner.

Lucie walked to Hartwell her head low. “I am afraid that I messed up all that I have done. I’m afraid that you and her sister might be the only ones that might reach her now.”

“Me? She’s far more terrified of me than you. I don’t see...” Hartwell started.

“God! You really are more dumb about this than I thought. If I remember right she said that she belonged to you. If you reject her I’m afraid that she might not survive. Right now you are the only one she really seems to want near her. Go Joseph, you have to help her don’t let her die, please!” Lucie stated this last word in a low whisper.

Hartwell had to do a double take, staring at the tears that Lucie was shedding. What in the hell was going on? Since when did his sister care that much about anyone not family?

Taking a deep breath Hartwell tried to steel himself up for the scene he thought was about to happen.

Sitting on the floor near Bee, Hartwell was having a hell of a time coming up with anything to say. Thinking harder he went through all that he and Bee had discussed before. Finally an idea hit him.

“Bee,” Hartwell stated softly waiting for her to acknowledge him. When she looked directly at him he started again. “Were you serious about wanting me to bond with you?” Bee suddenly sat up nodding her head affirmatively. “Do you really think that I would wish you and the other females deaths? I know that you wouldn’t want anything to do with me if that was the case.”

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

Add «Lost Empire - Book Four» to Cart