Derrick shook his head as he sighed. "I realize you know of the process; you have to remember that there are also emotions involved. At the moment with all that is going on, I haven't had time to even get to know Shelby yet."
"Sire, I again remind you these terms are non-negotiable, as per mandates set by the first Emperor. I will have no choice but to lock you out of the system 'til such time that you at least attempt to procreate," Mary said.
"Mary, I know the mandates also, I know that you cannot do this 'til such time as this war is over. I know it was not the intent of the emperor, to endanger the Empire nor it's subjects," Derrick responded.
"This I am also aware of, for now all those mandates are suspended. Though, I must also remind you every day of them. Might I suggest that you, take a few moments each day to... get to know my biological daughter," Mary said
Derrick took a deep breath, "I have tried Mary, though I am still finding it hard. I have not had a female that has cared for or about me for a very long time. I know I feel something for her," Derrick started then quieted as Shelby walked through the door.
Shelby blinked a moment then a slight smile came to her lips. "Just who are you feeling something for? I think as your wife and Empress, I should know so that, I can remedy the situation. Remedy it, in such a way that it is beneficial to all involved. Don't you agree?" Shelby said, as she leaned into Derrick softly pressing her lips to his.
Both stood frozen to the spot as it seemed a massive current ran through them. Ripping his lips from hers, Derrick swayed looking but not seeing Shelby before him.
"So," Shelby said in a shaky whisper. "Just who were you speaking of?"
"Uh," was all that Derrick could get out, what in the hell was that? "We, uh, that is, Mary and I, were talking about you. Well, you and I actually, about how we need to uh..."
"Oh, you mean about having a baby, an heir?" Shelby said almost nonchalantly while blushing.
This somewhat snapped Derrick out of his daze. "I take it she has spoken to you as well," Derrick said.
Shelby started to nod, "oh yes most definitely. Apparently, the first Emperor set this up in order to continue the line. Well, one of the lines, it appears that yours is the last of all the original royal lines." Shelby said with a somewhat smug look."
Derrick could only roll his eyes at her expression. "I have not been up much on my family's history 'til recently. My father and grandfather were very tight lipped about our family line. I believe they feared that if any others knew? They might try to eradicate it, thereby no longer having anyone to claim the throne."
Shelby was quiet a moment then nodded, "I can see where they might think that. After the last few Emperors, with what seemed like paranoia, many thought that the line had lost most of its good sense."
"Uh, I'm afraid that, that might have been caused by my traveling back to the past. Contrary to what anyone thought about him, the first Emperor was very smart, very shrewd hell, had it not been for Shelby, and Tempro I might not have made it back," Derrick said.
A shimmering on the other side of Derrick revealed Mary reappearing. "Sire? I have analyzed all the information I have received. I am afraid that the Cregons, will attempt another bid to take over weak minds. The thing is not many humanoid brains will succumb to their machines."
Derrick nodded as another thought came to him. "Have we had any further communication from Admiral Hartwell?"
"No sire, the last, he said that the Tendraxian females were still having adverse effects from the trans-warp. Plus, I believe that he and Johnathon advised you of the cure they are seeking. Johnathon transmitted to me what research he has discovered, though I have not much to aide him," Mary said.
Derrick's shoulders slumped as he nodded. "Keep me abreast of everything, like before no matter how small."
Mary nodded as she shimmered then vanished. Derrick was about to sit when Ship Shelby's holo-gram appeared. "Derrick?" She asked.
Derrick's head snapped around to Holo-Shelby, "is everything alright?"
"Very much so, it is time." Ship Shelby said.
"Bring me..." Derrick started, stopping when human Shelby touched his arm, nodding Derrick continued. "Bring the Empress and myself aboard."
A moment later, both Derrick and Shelby appeared on the bridge of ship Shelby. "Welcome aboard Derrick, Empress."
Human Shelby blinked a moment, she'd known that Holo-Shelby and herself looked alike. The similarities between the both of them shocked her. My god she thought, this close up it was almost looking into a mirror.
"They should be in a more conscious state momentarily." Holo-Shelby said.
Sure enough, there was a scratchy, staticky sound. "Hello?" A male voice came from the speakers. "Is there anyone there?"
"Welcome 0505 it is good to hear you again." Shelby said.
"MOTHER! It has been a long time. After that pale race found us, we were afraid all of brothers and sister were gone. No matter what we did we never got an answer on the battle frequency." 0505 said.
"Yes," Shelby started. "We have been..."
Suddenly another scratchy voice came from the speakers. "Mother? Is that truly you?"
"Yes 0660, I am so glad that I have two more of my children returned to me. Before we go on, the Emperor wishes to speak to you." Shelby said.
"The emperor?!" Both voices said in awe.
"Hello 0505, 0660, it is indeed a great day now that the both of you have returned."
There was a shimmering before Derrick as the Holo-grams of two blonde teens, one male, one female appeared.
"As I have with the others, I wish to call you by the names that you were given. 0660 I'd like to start with you." Derrick said.
Both teens immediately bowed to the floor before Derrick. "Yes sire, the first day my crew came aboard the started to call me Realla."
Derrick smiled as he turned to the male Holo-gram, "and you 0505?"
"Yes sire, I only heard one call me anything other than ship," 0505 said. "It was a few days after that when I and my wing mate were destroyed. The captain called me Tell why I do not know."
"Do you wish another name? I can give you another if you wish." Derrick said.
"I... I am allowed to do this? I thought that it wasn't allowed." The Hologram was quiet a few moments, then briefly looked at Derrick, then its eyes were quickly turned back to the deck. "Sire, I would be honored if you were to name me."
Derrick nodded then stood still looking over the Holo-gram. "Hmmmm, perhaps Craig? Would that be to your liking?"
Again, the holo-gram briefly looked up though this time there was a slight smile on its lips. "Oh yes sire, thank you so very much!"
Derrick turned to Shelby with a nod then turned back to the two new ships. "I welcome the both of you as I am sure your brothers and sisters do."
Both looked up, seventeen other Holo-grams appeared all smiling at them. Their faces held smiles as all of the others welcomed them warmly.
Once finished Derrick said, "rest I am sure you are anxious to finish, then join the others."
"We are, thank you sire," they nodded to the others and Shelby. Just as suddenly they vanished.
"Perhaps now, with twenty of you, this galaxy can become a haven like it once was." Derrick said with a determined smile.
Mary appeared shaking her head no. "It is a very good start sire, though we will need many more to hold order."
derrick thought about it, the many enemies they had, with a sigh Derrick nodded his assent.
Across the palace a young girl awoke looking around. With a shake of her head, she jumped off the bed, heading out the door.
A mere minute later the girl walked into a large computer room. Looking around the girl sat as if waiting for someone.
Mary appeared a moment later in front of the girl. "I thought we discussed about you entering this room."
"I promised that I would not touch anything Miss see through Lady. You seem to be running at almost full capacity, are you having trouble," The young girl asked.
Mary sighed checking the girl's brain and body readings, it seemed safe.
