Chapter
Twelve
Finally he was summoned back to the hall. As
he arrived he found several Kracken females there and several half
bloods. He was motioned to the podium without a word. A councilman
rose.
"It never occurred to me," he began, that we
had friends among The Krackens, that not all of them were our enemies,
that some had done all in their power to help our people. There are
still some we feel should be put to death, but we no longer wish the
blood of their children on our hands. Yours is a very wise people On
behalf of all others gathered here I ask you to help us sort the good
from the evil. Our eyes are too clouded by our anger. We cannot see
clearly enough. "
"Certainly, " Raul answered. "I can have some
Speakers here in a few days that will gladly assist you in sorting out
the good from the evil. I have some on the ships, but we must return to
the battle."
"No!" the councilman snapped. "If you wish
alliance with us you stay! You bring your people from your homeland,
and they establish the colony here. We want people only of your blood,
your heritage. Otherwise than that we will not agree! And you stay! You
rule them. We will have that or we will have nothing!"
Raul was taken back. "My people don't usually
do that," he answered. "When we establish colonies we usually bring in
people from everywhere, not just one place. What you are suggesting
isn't done too often! I would have to ask. I'm sure my superiors would
like to leave a few ships here to help you defend the system. I think
you would be far better off having more skilled men help you. But if
this is what you want I will most certainly ask! I should have an
answer in a day or so."
" Military commander," the representative
snapped, "escort our guest to the communications center! Make available
whatever equipment he needs to converse with his people. Summon us
again when his people have answered his inquiry."
Ting Gon came forward. "Immediately!" he
answered. "Come, Warlock."
They quickly made their way to the
communications center, and Raul reached sector operations. His superior
listened with great interest. "Well!" he finally remarked, "You've got
quite a situation, Fleet Commander! We desperately need that system!
Cooperative allies there would be a distinct advantage to us. I am
tentatively approving the agreement, and sending it on. I don't think
anyone else will reject it. It's going to take us a few days to get a
reply from the home world. But I would begin operations immediately!
Keep a third of your ships, what personnel you think will be of
assistance to you, and send the rest on to meet the forces going to our
next objective. Do you feel that insufficient?"
"No!" Raul answered. "With the local
ships and the ones we've salvaged from The Krackens that they can
quickly man we'll have more than enough forces to defend the system!
Thank you, Commander!"
They quickly returned. The councilmen had not
departed, so the hall was again filled. "We have a bargain!" Raul
announced. "People of my heritage are being gathered from among our
forces, and in a short time a fleet carrying colonists from my homeland
will depart our home world. It will take them some months to get here,
but your wishes are being fulfilled."
"Excellent!" the councilman answered. "Now we
will celebrate our liberation, but not with blood, not with death. We
don't want you to begin working 'til the celebrations are over. Let
there be feasting! Let there be dancing! Let there be joy! The
oppressors are gone, and we have found gracious new friends. Let us
have joy!"
It was a considerable amount of celebrating.
Raul was glad he did not indulge in intoxicating beverages! The natives
provided a very pleasant substitute for his people, and a good time was
had by all, a very good time!