Lost Empire

Chapter 13

Derrick's heart had been hardened, the A.I.'s were more alive to him them almost all the humans he'd met were. After losing Lucy and instigating the installation of the new detection system, Derrick felt he was ready to start hunting the other EIG's. Then again he had the nagging thought in the back of his mind that he should hear the message Tempro had for him first.

Sighing damn he hated to wait! Though the message he'd already received had made an impact on him, he still wondered who's the voice had been speaking to him. Shaking his head well, he thought we'll know soon enough, it was only a few hours now. Looking out at Tempro again he had to wonder why the ship was almost twice the size of the other EIG's.

Comparing, Derrick could see that there were eight engines instead of four; Tempro had confirmed that he had eight energy plants. Though he had many weapons there weren't as many as on the other ships. Looking closer there were those extra set of astral fins that he had no idea what they were. Then there was the mystery of all this who had ordered Tempro to such secrecy?

As far as he knew the only one that could do that was the emperor and that was him, as far as he knew he'd issued no orders like that. The longer he thought about it the more that his head began to ache. Soon he thought, we'll have the new detection system up, then let them argue with him about his right to the throne. So deep in his thoughts he was that he didn't hear Mary call his name for a minute.

Looking behind him he nodded, "Sire, I was saying that we are starting to receive a few answers to your summons."

"Oh? I take it most of them aren't believing I am the next emperor?" Derrick stated.

"I am afraid they aren't, as I stated before they are demanding proof before they will begin to accept you. Even then I am afraid that many of the nobles are going to fight you on this." Mary said.

Nodding Derrick replied, "That's why I've made major changes to the detection system. I feel our chances will be greatly improved."

Looking over the plans Mary started to smile larger, "Yes from what I can see, you have managed to increase the sensitivity by more than seventy eight percent. I would say this most definitely will increase the probability of finding more of them."

Derrick was quiet a moment, then almost in a whisper he said, "I haven't forgotten about you Mary, I will find at least one more of yours."

Mary's mouth dropped agape; she'd given up hope of ever seeing any of her children, let alone more than one.

Bowing low and still in shock Mary told him, "Sire you do not have to do anything special for me."

Derrick looked at her to make sure she wasn't joking with him the sincere look he saw there, let him know. "Mary I don't consider this anything special or a favor, I feel it is something I must do. For all that you do for me, yes I realize it is your duty and there are many times you can object under the imperial mandates. I have realized that you truly believe that I am the emperor and are trying with all that you can to help me." Mary's eyes were filled with tears, no one had ever taken into consideration what she might want. Then it occurred to her that Derrick had also done this for the EIG's also, she was already reading an eight percent increase in independence in Shelby and she was sure the others would follow soon.

"Sire, if I may ask?" Mary started. Derrick nodded so Mary continued. "I have noticed so many things that you have done for me, Shelby my dau..., contact to you, and the others."

"You are wanting an explanation?" Derrick asked.

"Possibly more than that, I am somewhat confused as to why? Why are you doing these things for all of us? We are mere machines just tools that humans can utilize. Though we have all the characteristics of a living being we are still machines." Mary replied trying to word it exactly like she wanted it.