FYI, in case you forgot, Genrochs are the ones threatening war with Homeworld. Hope this chapter isn't too intense...!
Homeworld was quite a place to be as a Triceraton soldier. With the new government running things, life was much different than Baxium recalled as a young child. His family was better off than most others, so he lived with them on the main land and got to experience the best foods and entertainment. He was even present at the battle where his turtle friends completely turned Homeworld upside down.
The battle arena was no longer a place of death, which disappointed some of the population, but pleased many more- particularly the prisoners themselves. As Baxium grew into the changes that emerged, he grew fonder of Traximus, who refused to be the new Prime Leader and instead helped create a form of government that was better suited to all Triceratons. That was part of the reason he was willing to join their army.
Baxium joined a few of the buddies he had made in his section on a trip outside of the base into the city. It was a great chance to breathe the fresh air again, not needing any kind of breathing apparatus as he had grown accustomed to using on Earth. As it was at the moment, no dire action was needed from the army yet, but they weren't allowed to be off base for longer than an hour. Lucky for his buddies, who grew up off the main land, Baxi knew of great spots to eat and could get them back within the time limit.
As they ventured out, curious of shops and making lists of places they wanted to go when they had more chances to go off-base, Baxium kept his hand in his pocket and wished desperately that he could use his phone off-base. It'd be the perfect time to talk to Mira, but those conversations had to be monitored during times of threat from off-worlders.
As Baxium left the base, Traximus was entering a meeting with officials about their next plan of action.
"…After all, the Genroch King loved Zanramon. I'm sure it is by his orders that we surrender to their demands."
Traximus piped up from his seat further back. "Has anyone attempted to speak with the Ganrochs? They are an aggressive kind, as we know, but they are not incapable of communication."
"Well that was clear by their threat of declaring war on us!" Zanzobar, a member of the order, piped up.
Another member lowered his hands as a sign for them to quiet down. "We have not yet attempted to converse with them. We were actually waiting for you, Traximus."
His eyes grew wide for a second as the mention of his name was unexpected. "Am I to understand that you wish for me to be the diplomat in this situation? Is this not what the Order's duty is?"
"The Order does what is best for the entirety of Triceraton life. It would not only be foolish, but show we continue to lack honor if we did not perform our best attempt at deescalating this situation," Lazarus continued.
Zanzobar piped up once more. "But we cannot allow ourselves to be open or unprepared for what they may do. If they think we have gotten weaker since restoring The Order they will have quite the surprise on their hands."
"Yes, well, I'm sure demanding that most of our New York troops to return to Homeworld wasn't at all obvious," a third member chimed in.
Lazarus silenced the commotion that began at the table once more. "Traximus," he began. "You led the rebellion that restored The Order to what it once was. The universe, however, is not as it once was and we must adapt to these changes. You are the most open-minded and honorable member of The Order and would be best suited for such a diplomatic mission."
Traximus sighed at Lazarus' words. He was indeed a member of The Order, but had become the Ambassador to Earth once the planet reached out for other-worldly alliances. The trip to Homeworld was not one he could make often, so he had given up his position as a member in his mind. It seemed the rest of the planet did not get the memo.
"You know what the Triceratons want, Traximus. We enjoy our battles and violence, but not when others may get hurt. We have already lost our planet due to the hard-headed nature of our ancestors. I do not wish to threaten what is left."
Traximus nodded solemnly as Lazarus' words struck his very soul. Others would place him at the top of the list of Triceratons who care the most for their home and their brothers and sisters, the one with the most honor. He would not let them down.
Baxium returned with his friends, full from a classic meal and ready to rest off the calories. Lights out would be soon, so Baxium hurried to the communications chamber so he could contact Mira and his family. Sending messages was more efficient than calling, and he didn't need to have someone so close to him for monitoring. Each message he would send was checked for any confidential information before it was sent or received.
Mira and his parents were all heading to bed when he messaged them. It was late on Earth apparently and he hadn't quite realized how late until his father told him. Mira was happy that he was able to talk to her while his parents had expected a message sooner. His parents had heard from Minjeck much earlier. When it was about time for lights out he said his 'goodbye's and 'I love you's and returned to his room.
It seemed like forever in the month that passed.
Baxium quickly learned that the Genrochs were not an easy bunch to reason with, and though Traximus had managed to work down to the root of their problems, neither side could come to an agreement. Though Baxium would have loved to share this information with his loved ones on Earth, he would be facing severe dishonorable discharge for sharing confidential information. Basically, if the news wasn't talking about it, neither could he.
Traximus had been losing sleep trying to rationalize with an irrational diplomatic group, and The Order was at their wits end.
"If they can't come to terms with our stances, then we'll have no choice but to defend ourselves against their attacks. We should arm our troops and be prepared to take action!" Zanzobar declared.
"I don't know what else to say to get through to them," Traximus added. "We've listened to their demands and agreed to allow certain trade items past our ports, but they're practically demanding we reinstate Zanramon and refusing to acknowledge us as the 'real' government!"
Lazarus sighed as other members concurred. "It seems as though we are losing this diplomatic approach. I fear Zanzobar may be right. We should place our troops in defensive positions and prepare for an offensive strike in an attempt to maintain some face here. The world is watching, after all. Well, worlds."
"I'll give the order-" Zanzobar said as he started to stand.
"Now wait, don't seem so enthusiastic about this," a usually quiet member said. "We need to be cautious of everything we do. The Genrochs are in a very sensitive place. If we're too obvious about moving our forces then they may take a full strike at us in response."
"I still think we should try to find common ground to reason with them," another member added.
Lazarus spoke again. "I agree that we should not give up our diplomatic pursuit, but they are already aware of the troops we have flown in. Have them take shifts in standby mode until we need them all to assemble. I hope it will not come to that, but it will be the official order for now. Is this approach acceptable to all?"
A chorus of agreement sounded throughout and Zanzobar left to give the order and organize shifts with the others. He had a very small role to play in the diplomat department, so he did not fear what he would miss while he was away.
"We need to consider other ways to approach this problem," Lazarus started. "The floor is open to all."
The meeting eventually adjourned around the same time Baxium was given his shift. There were always soldiers around the base to take action in case an unexpected strike occurred, but this time they were more strict about the shifts existing with specific numbers of troops in their places. Everyone knew this meant things were getting more serious, and that they wouldn't be home for a while longer.
Before his shift started, Baxi returned to the communications room to let his loved ones know he wouldn't be home as soon as he thought, but not to worry. He was thinking of them every day and hoped to see them for the upcoming holidays. Of course, he couldn't answer the questions that came through about what was going on. He simply told them to await any developments on the news and that he would take care of himself.
His parents understood, but Mira was definitely upset. She didn't show it too much, but Baxium could tell.
As soon as I'm home, I promise you I'll take you out on full day adventures for a whole week. Just us.
He attached emojis that he hoped made her smile, and awaited her response. He knew whoever was reading their messages probably saw similar ones, but wondered if they knew Mira was a human. He smiled at her goodbye response and left the room to enter his shift.
Baxium was outside the base, armed and prepared to go into battle. They stood far from the base itself in case of a direct attack, but remained within the property to defend it from any possible foot-soldiers. Others were stationed within the city itself, while others like Minjeck stood next to their aircraft, ready to be deployed at the soonest notice.
The next few hours would potentially determine their fate.
That wasn't so bad right? Hmm...