CHAPTER 5

For the next 5 days they waited. 0999 was starting to take shape, looking more and more like E everyday. It appeared that almost all of the A.I. 's memories were intact, though 1% had been lost when the brain box had been damaged. The fact that it was supposed to be indestructible wasn't lost on Derrick, going to his salvage ship, Derrick re-examined the readings he'd taken when he'd first found it. Going over them for several hours he finally came to the conclusion that someone had tried to pry the case open, it appeared they had used something of the same metal which was why the case had been damaged. Leaving his ship he was headed to the command room when a different set of alarms went off. These were the same as the ones he knew, an attack was brewing, damn it! 0999 wasn't up to full capacity yet.

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

"It appears to be a race that hasn't been seen in almost 1000 years, as I remember they have a strong appetite for humanoid flesh." E reported. "Though the last time we went against them it was the first battle we were ever in. We have improved our systems a thousand fold since, but all scans indicate that their tech hasn't improved much since the last time we met. Though they are only a small fleet, our chances at the present time are only 25% in favor of victory."

"Suggestions?" Derrick asked.

"Protective cover until such time as 0999 is 100% or tomorrow 1:20 pm ship time," E replied.

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

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

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

The next day 0999 was finally ready. Derrick had been up for hours planning and plotting strategy for both ships and scenarios for 0999 to react to. As both ships went in, Derrick decided to link the other ship directly to him, that way at least, he could react a lot faster. Diving in from behind, they managed to get the first 25 they met, the rest trying to scatter. Another 20 colliding with each other. As Derrick had assumed, they weren't ready for such a fast attack. As the enemy started to flee, both ships began to fire with everything they had. Soon there were destroyed ships everywhere, 0999 had been damaged in his port engine plus half his weapons were offline a day. E had taken the brunt of the attack, having several hundred shots along her side, destroying several hundred weapons that were regrowing now.

"0999, status report," Derrick asked.

"At present I am only hyperspace capable, though the use of a direct cerebral link did improve reaction time 35%. I estimate it will be at least 2 to 3 days before I am capable of any trans-slip movement. It will be at least a day and a half before all weapon systems are at at least 90%. Light cloak is also offline, it will be at least 5 days of growth to repair that system." The male voice replied.

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

"Though I have lost 38% of all weapons, their regeneration is progressing rapidly, I estimate that I should have full capability within 2 days. All damage is healing at a rapid rate also," reported E.

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

3 days later Derrick had finally made a decision. Calling 0999, he and E discussed with 0999 an idea that Derrick had come up with. Now that one of the original races knew that the area was still under protection of at least 2 of the living ships, Derrick was afraid that soon many of the other races might return.

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

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

"As I have been looking for over 150 years, 0999 was the first I've seen in that time. Are you sure it's possible?" asked E.

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

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