CHAPTER 80

0001 - Tempro

0003 - Conner

0097 - Ace

0101 - Shelby (mother ship)

0125 - Lars

0403 - Johnathon

0667 - Marco

0798 - Celeste

0999 - Zan

1000 - Sherry

To Grow

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0200

0778

0301

0908

0097 (Lucy)

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Derrick was still about to fall out of his command chair with the look still etched on Hartwell's face. Looking at the jet black haired young figure, Hartwell cleared his throat. "Uh hum, yes you are right it is a very proud name."

The young man turned toward Hartwell, "Yes sir, thank you sir. Are you the second for the emperor?"

Hartwell turned toward Derrick with a confused look on his face. "All ships appear for a moment please." A moment later there were 10 holograms beside and behind Derrick. "Please make notes and memorise this person. This is as of this moment, Admiral Johnathon Hartwell. I am placing him in command of all the space fleet, now that we have at least 8 functioning ships soon to be 10. I have already cleared this with your high commander and he whole heartily agrees." Derrick leaned over and whispered to Hartwell, "Told you I was going to pay you back!"

Hartwell could only stare at Derrick with his mouth hanging open. "I... uh... but...how?"

Again like when they were first reunited Derrick told Hartwell, "Little Joey close your mouth." Nodding almost absently Hartwell closed his mouth though he still seemed to be in shock.

A moment later Shelby appeared, "Admiral sir, according to official records your name is Joseph."

"Yes and your question?" Hartwell barely managed to get out.

"Well sir, Derrick calls you Johnathon or little Joey. May I inquire as to why?" Shelby asked with a sweet smile on her face.

"Short story, my parents thought it a little funny to give me two first names. You have my official name as to the records but in truth my name is Johnathon Joseph Hartwell." Hartwell said a little bit of a tremor running through his body at the mention of his full real name.

Yes sir," Shelby said as she looked at all the holograms. They all nodded back with huge smiles on their faces.

A moment later a hologram of Thomas appeared. "Sorry Sir. i really hate to break this up but I'd like to get back before the fleet reaches our first stop." Derrick nodded; Thomas had always been a little impatient, always for action also. "Alright Lars, Johnathon. We are going to snag the both of you and trans-warp you both to the imperial planet. Please inform us as to when you are locked down and prepared."

A moment later Lars replied "Locked down ready primary sir." Thomas nodded and awaited word from Johnathon. "Attempting lock down, complete. Sir! I am afraid that allocation of all astral fins is not possible at this time! It appears that one of my ports, after most fins, is still somewhat incomplete. I am sorry sir. I will need at least another hour."

Sighing Thomas grumbled a moment then spoke, "Alright Johnathon effect completion then notify me. We shall continue to shadow the fleet until such time."

"Yes primary, thank you sir!" Johnathon told Thomas with a happy lilt to his voice.

Derrick could only smile, and then sighed; he was going to miss back when it was he who was making those decisions. Shaking his head, now he was making decisions that would affect the lives of almost everyone. A movement on the view screen in front of him caught his eye.

Greeson had a hard few days against the Lieutenant. They had been going at it almost all day. Greeson had gotten through Dempsy's defence then made the mistake of losing his concentration, then his footing even as he was flying through the air he was figuring what he'd done wrong. Flipping and landing on his feet, Dempsy nodded at the man. Good he had a little more than the basics! Even as Greeson landed Dempsy was moving forward to attack the spot where the man would land.

Wide eyed Greeson saw this and narrowly avoided the attack but not the secondary that followed. Again Greeson grimaced as he flew through the air this time harder toward the wall. Springing off the wall Greeson reversed his direction heading straight for Dempsy or rather he thought he was as he was suddenly smashing into the mats.

"Up maggot!" Dempsy growled at the man. The man did have quite a bit of potential, they had been going for 15 hours, good Dempsy thought now I can test his endurance! Dempsy attacked again, watching his opponents every move. Good Dempsy thought he was finally reaching the point where he waited and watched. Dempsy went high also with an attack below, Greeson avoided the first and blocked the second, almost catching the rapid third that Dempsy threw in.

Hitting the mat with a rather hard thud, Greeson groaned as his eyes closed. Shit! Dempsy thought this is no time to rest! Raising a knuckle Dempsy thrust beside the man's spinal cord effectively making the man scream as he jumped up.

"Damn it! Are you trying to fucking kill me!" Greeson yelled at Dempsy as the man grabbed Dempsy and flipped him! Dempsy's face lit up in a smile, so the boy had the ability after all!

Dempsy bowed to a confused Greeson, "Now think." Was all Dempsy said pushing a finger to Greeson's forehead, then he walked away.

Huh? Think what in the hell was the Lieutenant on about? Greeson thought as he sat to meditate and cool down.

Both Derrick and Hartwell had astonished looks on their faces when they saw Greeson not only catch Dempsy but toss him also. Nodding his head Derrick spoke up, "I think the boy is coming along fine."

Hartwell looked at Derrick and smirked, "Fine? Hell he seems a hell of a lot better than that. I have never in all my years of knowing him, EVER seen anyone not only get through his defences but actually lay a hand on him. Yeah he's a lot better than fine." Derrick could only nod as they both watched as Dempsy made his way to them.

A door opened next to them as Dempsy walked in. Bowing low he started, "Thank you Sire, I didn't think I would ever find another worthy of learning. It seems at last I have." Bowing again, Dempsy left without another word.