Chapter 31
"I have mulled over your offer and discussed it with the ships that followed me here," Captain Baki said. He had met the group in the conference room. Commander Tiberius, Mandora, Lion-O, Cheetara, Arzu, Slythe, Willa, Nada, Snowman, Wizz-Ra, Ro-Bear Bill, Ro-Bear Belle, rounded out the room.
"And what has been decided?" Commander Tiberius asked.
"My crews are wavering. They worry that our people will see this union as a betrayal. As much as the peoples of Plundarr want to be rid of the High Council, they do not want non-Plundarrians running the show, even if only for a little while," Baki said.
"The other options are not exactly leading to a sunny future. The High Council won't let you onto the planet's surface. They will send troops to destroy you and your crews. You will be vastly outnumbered. Is there any way to maybe spread word on your planet about the possibility of us helping? Take their temperature if you will?" Mandora wanted to know.
"That could put my inside man in trouble. If he dies, we have no connection to our home and all hope of working from the inside would be lost. I could not ask him to do such a thing. His family would be ostracized," Baki shook his head.
"Then perhaps we can offer a different door," Lion-O spoke up.
"You had promised help but unless I'm mistaken, not much has changed in one night," the Rat said.
"Well a little has changed. We would, as a planet, extend a hand to you and your troops. You could put down roots here. Create a little Plundarr as it were. Arzu and her crew are staying here as is Slythe. You and your troops could join them. Help us to protect this planet. It would not be the same, we all realize this, but it would be a chance to stop wandering space. To put down some roots and live a less nomadic life. The Evil Chasers have put out a call for us for any Thunderians to come join us. Perhaps, in a few years, we could attempt a diplomatic option with help from the Evil Chasers," Lion-O told him.
"You would do this?" Baki gave him and the rest of the room a look.
"We have a habit of picking up strays," Willa smirked at her own joke. Cheetara turned her head to look at her, a smile on her face, while she feigned hurt.
"It's worked out pretty well so far," Snowman nodded.
"But you must know that it comes with rules," Wizz-Ra said.
"That would go without saying. Follow the rules of the planet, I think we could manage that. I worry that you don't know what you're taking on. Should the High Council find out…" Baki let their imaginations do the walking.
"Good thing that the Space Council views Third Earth as a premium ally. If you do not take our offer but take their offer, I have been authorized to leave a battle cruiser here. I have doubts that the High Council would try anything, unless they want a war," Tiberius spoke up.
"That would look like I have sold my soul to the enemy. It would seem there is a rock and a very hard place that we find ourselves," the Rat frowned.
"It will look like what it is – a man who protected his troops and gave them a better life. Something you always intended for Plundarr. They know who you are and what you've done for them. There are many out there who will understand. Besides, it'll chafe the High Council's asses that you managed to not only survive off planet but thrive," Slythe finally voiced his opinion.
"The peoples of this planet have offered us a home. Swear your allegiance to the leaders in this room and you will gain great allies and friends. We have only been here a short time and already they have bent over backwards to include us. I know my crew is safe here and there isn't anything more I could ask for," Arzu was almost pleading with him.
"Loyalty is a two-way street. Betray that loyalty and find yourselves on the wrong end of my spear," Willa spoke up.
"Your Maidens are fierce warriors and know the value of loyalty. Trust me that, if I can convince my troops to this option, they will prove to you they understand what you mean. I can only expect the loyalty and the honor they have shown me will be shown to everyone in this room and to the other peoples of this planet. You must know that the first question they will ask is about the fight for Plundarr. I can count on everyone's help, should the opportunity arise?" Baki wanted to know.
"We will do all that we can, within reason. No suicide missions," Lion-O nodded. The Rat nodded as well.
"Then you must give me time to discuss the option with them. There are forty-nine minds that I need to deal with," Baki said.
"Of course. I'm not due to check in until tomorrow morning," Tiberius told him.
"Very good you shall have your answer by then," Baki nodded.
To Be Continued…