government officials and commanding officers only," stated Isaacs.
"Where I go, they go," Taylor replied forcefully.
Isaacs submitted quickly. Taylor could see he was still not a man to be fully trusted, and he never wanted to be anywhere without someone protecting his back. They were led through to a large conference room. It was in impeccable condition, as if untouched by the battle. Hardly surprising; they had passed through many corridors into the heart of the station to reach the highly protected and secure facility. A dozen guards stood watch over the entrance, half Human, half Krys.
Upon stepping inside they found just a handful of officers there. Isaacs and Irala were the only VIPs Taylor recognised.
"Please, take a seat," Isaacs said to Tuin.
The President seemed a little intimidated by the Cholan. That was hardly surprising, for despite his size he looked as combat hardened as Taylor. They each took their seats while Taylor's comrades stood at his back as guards, just as each of the political representatives and high-ranking officials had.
"Gentlemen, I have assembled you here in part to renew the treaty of the Alliance. Also to assure everyone that it will return to the founding principles in which it was created, and to establish a way forward."
Taylor looked around the room at the many empty seats. A high number of important representatives were killed in the last battle, and that put everyone on edge, but he was keen to hear what the President had in mind.
"First and foremost, we have come to this place and this position because of the aggression of the Morohta people. They will not be bargained with, and I accept that now, as I believe we all do. All efforts must now move to the defences of the Alliance so that we may be ready for the coming of the Morohta fleets."
Taylor was glad to hear the President finally committing to what they needed and listened intently as he continued.
"With that purpose in mind, we must no longer risk any person or resource at our disposal until the day comes that we must fight the Morohta. There will be no more conflict within the Alliance. Colonel Taylor has already shown what will happen to those who break under the will of the enemy, and do not stand beside us when we need them most."
Taylor smiled at the prospect of him being the sword dangling over those heads that considered dissent. A light began flashing on a console beside the President. He could not ignore it, for it was clearly something of great importance. He accepted the message. It was Lieutenant Bravos.
"Mr President, the Yavuz has returned. Commander Sarik has requested to speak to you personally."
Taylor's smile turned to serious concern. He could not understand how it would be Sarik making contact unless something had gone badly wrong.
"Put the Commander through."
Taylor was surprised the President was having the communication in full view of them all, but pleasantly surprised. Sarik appeared projected before them, and even though he was side on to the Colonel, he saw the dire concern in his face.
"Where is Lord Jafar?" Isaacs asked.
Sarik replied dryly and with bitterness.
"My Lord has been deposed by the leader of the Barbarlars, just as he feared, and yet you sent him anyway."
"It was the right move, and you know it," replied Taylor.
Sarik did not respond.
"Are the Barbarlars going to join our cause?"
Sarik shook his head. "They want no further communication with the Alliance, and their leader has assumed Lord Jafar's position as the leader of our people. Whether they will accept him, I do not know."
"Well, what does this mean?"
"It means the Krys people are divided, as we may see no support at all," snapped Taylor.
Isaacs gasped in shock soon turned to Taylor with a blameful look in his eye.
"This is on you. You sent Jafar to that system. For all your efforts to get the Cholans back, and you have just lost a far stronger ally!"
Taylor could not believe his tone. He could feel his
"Where I go, they go," Taylor replied forcefully.
Isaacs submitted quickly. Taylor could see he was still not a man to be fully trusted, and he never wanted to be anywhere without someone protecting his back. They were led through to a large conference room. It was in impeccable condition, as if untouched by the battle. Hardly surprising; they had passed through many corridors into the heart of the station to reach the highly protected and secure facility. A dozen guards stood watch over the entrance, half Human, half Krys.
Upon stepping inside they found just a handful of officers there. Isaacs and Irala were the only VIPs Taylor recognised.
"Please, take a seat," Isaacs said to Tuin.
The President seemed a little intimidated by the Cholan. That was hardly surprising, for despite his size he looked as combat hardened as Taylor. They each took their seats while Taylor's comrades stood at his back as guards, just as each of the political representatives and high-ranking officials had.
"Gentlemen, I have assembled you here in part to renew the treaty of the Alliance. Also to assure everyone that it will return to the founding principles in which it was created, and to establish a way forward."
Taylor looked around the room at the many empty seats. A high number of important representatives were killed in the last battle, and that put everyone on edge, but he was keen to hear what the President had in mind.
"First and foremost, we have come to this place and this position because of the aggression of the Morohta people. They will not be bargained with, and I accept that now, as I believe we all do. All efforts must now move to the defences of the Alliance so that we may be ready for the coming of the Morohta fleets."
Taylor was glad to hear the President finally committing to what they needed and listened intently as he continued.
"With that purpose in mind, we must no longer risk any person or resource at our disposal until the day comes that we must fight the Morohta. There will be no more conflict within the Alliance. Colonel Taylor has already shown what will happen to those who break under the will of the enemy, and do not stand beside us when we need them most."
Taylor smiled at the prospect of him being the sword dangling over those heads that considered dissent. A light began flashing on a console beside the President. He could not ignore it, for it was clearly something of great importance. He accepted the message. It was Lieutenant Bravos.
"Mr President, the Yavuz has returned. Commander Sarik has requested to speak to you personally."
Taylor's smile turned to serious concern. He could not understand how it would be Sarik making contact unless something had gone badly wrong.
"Put the Commander through."
Taylor was surprised the President was having the communication in full view of them all, but pleasantly surprised. Sarik appeared projected before them, and even though he was side on to the Colonel, he saw the dire concern in his face.
"Where is Lord Jafar?" Isaacs asked.
Sarik replied dryly and with bitterness.
"My Lord has been deposed by the leader of the Barbarlars, just as he feared, and yet you sent him anyway."
"It was the right move, and you know it," replied Taylor.
Sarik did not respond.
"Are the Barbarlars going to join our cause?"
Sarik shook his head. "They want no further communication with the Alliance, and their leader has assumed Lord Jafar's position as the leader of our people. Whether they will accept him, I do not know."
"Well, what does this mean?"
"It means the Krys people are divided, as we may see no support at all," snapped Taylor.
Isaacs gasped in shock soon turned to Taylor with a blameful look in his eye.
"This is on you. You sent Jafar to that system. For all your efforts to get the Cholans back, and you have just lost a far stronger ally!"
Taylor could not believe his tone. He could feel his
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