Chapter 29
"Captain Baki, your reputation precedes you," Commander Tiberius smiled as he shook hands with the Mutant. It was only half an hour after the Evil Chasers had arrived. Now Tiberius, Mandora, Lion-O, Cheetara, Willa, Nada, Snowman, Robear Bill, Robear Bell, Slythe, and Arzu sat with Baki in the large conference room.
"And the Evil Chasers' precedes you. I take it that Officer First Class Mandora explained to you the situation," Baki said.
"Indeed…" Tiberius didn't get to finish as the door to the room opened. Everyone turned but could see who had triggered the door.
"Woof," came a familiar noise.
"Ma-Mutt, shouldn't you be helping Snowmeow?" Lion-O was concerned as the dog hopped onto his lap.
"The prisoner transfer must be complete," Snowman said.
"Simmons was making sure that the prisoners were loaded aboard the battle cruiser. I hope they are giving Snowmeow a decent meal for all his help," Mandora explained.
"I'm sure they are," Tiberius smirked.
"I do apologize. Please continue," Lion-O said.
"Not to worry. There is a lot of business here that needs handling. So, what does the Space Council say?" Baki wanted to know.
"The Space Council is interested but they have some concerns," Tiberius told him.
"I imagine they would," Baki admitted.
"They are not in the habit of getting in the middle of such issues – we regulate the galaxy, not control it. If we were to step in, there would be requirements. Would you and the people of Plundarr be willing to follow those requirements? You have to understand that the last thing that Plundarr needs is another dictator. This effort will be your steps toward a more democratic approach," the Commander said.
"You mean like electing our ruler or rulers?" the rat wondered.
"Yes. This will not be easy. Deposing the High Council will make people concerned. So, you have to be willing to let us teach and explain and once everything is in place, we will be making quarterly check-ins for at least two years. Oversight but not control. However, people may not see it that way. Do you think that the people of Plundarr are ready? There is no point in attempting this if it leads to a civil war or anything where people die," Tiberius explained.
"I do not know how they would take what you call "oversight". The feelings are changing but I cannot claim people won't die. Nothing is that simple and I would think you would know that," Baki gave him a look.
"I know that. You know that. What the Space Council needs to hear is that you think we can do something to help you and your people. They are not going to get any Evil Chasers killed over this. They know this is a dangerous move for them as it is for you. There needs to be a plan and not a half-cocked one," the Commander said. Baki nodded. He seemed to understand but Lion-O wondered if the conversation was going in the direction that the Mutant had wanted it.
"What of the peoples of Third Earth? Will they be assisting?" Baki asked.
"We cannot help in your endeavor. Should anyone from here want to do so, they are free to, but no force will be assembled. We do not have the equipment, nor do we have the manpower. If we tried, we would leave this planet unprotected. We do wish you the best and once things have calmed down; we would wish to try and form a friendship between our planets. There is much we can accomplish together. Know that if we could help, we would," Lion-O spoke up.
"You have lost much. With you as King, I know that had Thundera been whole, I could have relied on your help. That is worth a lot. Hopefully, there are more Thunderians out there, seeking a home to come to. They will find one on Third Earth," Baki smiled slightly.
"You are too kind. I do hate that we cannot be of more help. We all wish for a whole Plundarr," the King said.
"You have been a help. You have reached out to the Space Council for us. I'm not sure they would have taken my call. This is the first step. One of many. I must mull over the offer. This might be the only chance to do what we need to, but everything has a cost. Thank all of you for your time," Baki said.
"Please have your crew and the crews of the other ships come and eat a real meal. No matter your decision, we will give you a load of fresh food for your travels," Lion-O told him.
"You are too kind. I shall alert the men," Baki bowed his head and then left the room. Lion-O looked at Cheetara and she made a face. Everyone had the same feeling. What was next?
To Be Continued…