On Jeor, Major Cleteri, Commander Lataro, and Lieutenant Valdago were all standing in front of the Jeorri Council of Elders. The Council of Elders resided in a very immaculate palace in the predominant city of the greater inland continent. The Jeorri civilization was based on a upper ruling class and lower working class, all working together for a common good. The common good was what was deemed 'good' by an elite ruling class of 12 members and one arbitrator which is chosen amongst the working class. These 13 men and women were the Council of Elders, all having a very interactive role in the day-to-day life of the Jeorri. Laws and legislation were brought forth to the council by any member of society on approval of an audience. It presented a very unbalanced distribution of power considering the members of 12 were of the upper class, but in case of deadlock votes, the arbitrator would break the tie and present the new legislation to the people. It seemed to be efficient for the Jeorri because the contentment level was as high as was the efficacy rate. The lower class controlled the main power of government where the upper class made their suggestion.
As the three requesters made known their points, Major Cleteri made it known to Lataro and Valdago that the Madam Arbitrator was descendant of the original oligarchy of Jeor. She often listened to the militia and favored Major Cleteri because he was one of Jeor's highest decorated officers in their history. Even, General Tomai had less awards then Cleteri and resented that fact since Cleteri's voice was most heard amongst the Council.
"So, Commander Lataro," Madam Arbitrator began. "This Dominion is a threat to the Jeorri way of life?"
"Yes, Ma'am. As of now you are in control of your own action as the Kirusans tend to let you maintain you existence, as long as you do not cross some invisible barrier. However, as you might cross it, you will be fired upon. The Dominion, if allowed to move into Jeorri space, will undoubtedly come and destroy you. The United Federation of Planets, of whom I and Lieutenant Valdago are members, is here to help protect your freedom. Right now, true freedom is not what you have. You are in a prison, designed by the Kirusan Breadth, to protect them. If you consider that freedom, then fine, but the Dominion will and can destroy your entire race and wipe you from existence as a smudge on a table.
"The Virgo proposes to assist in your independence to establish your on national identity free to choose your own path and destiny. If your people want to explore then you can, free to roam and explore not to be threatened by any established confines. My people on Earth had that happen many centuries ago in a war known as War of Independence against another nation-state known as Great Britain. Our freedom was being violated and taken away against our will. We realized that a man, race, or even species, as it may apply to you, are never really free unless you have freedom." The Council of Elders began to murmur and whisper amongst themselves. The Madam Arbitrator pounded a metal ball against her table. "You see, Madam Arbitrator, freedom has been a theme for war throughout Earth's history, and I am here to aid you in achieving yours. All I require is that you help us by supplying us with a formidable force to crush the Dominion in this sector once and for all. They will take you by force, but the Virgo is here to help you, so help us help you," Lataro said, finishing his oratory with a point.
"Commander Lataro? It is our understanding that you are now allies with the Dominion. Please explain. If they are the enemy, why this 'alliance'?" one the council member asked, scrutinizing Lataro.
"Sir, may I?" Valdago asked. Lataro nodded. "Council members please understand. The primary enemy is the Kirusan Breadth, and, as we all know, your militia is limited, as are we are. To ally ourselves with the lesser of two evils was determined to be the best course of action to ensure that we could win the war against the Breadth, however, Captain Maruu wants to ensure that if the Dominion turns on us, we will to be able to withstand an attack. A small fleet of Jeorri warships can take out the remainder of the battle worn Dominion fleet along with the Virgo. The Lambda Flier is a formidable ship as well and can add that much more firepower to the Jeorri Armada."
"We understand the tactical reasoning, but tell us, what are the chances of success?"
"Please understand, ladies and gentlemen," Major Ceteri began standing up, "the overall analysis of the strategy is a sound one. Imagine one person fighting two people. That one person fends off the two attackers, during which he is taking damage and weakening himself. Even if the two attackers were killed of immobilized, that one is fatigued and possibly could not go on. Then another two fresh attackers come and decimate the battle weary one. This is the tactic which has been discussed, and, in my sound opinion, would guarantee minimal loss with greater chance of success."
"Major Ceteri," Madam Arbitrator began, "your opinion is of no doubt a major point for us to consider. Would you be willing to risk the entire Jeorri defense force and the militia to fight this battle?" Ceteri looked around for a minute and noticed that everyone was looking at him. Even General Tomai, who usually approves and goes along with Ceteri's recommendations, was now looking at him cynically.
"Madam Arbitrator," Ceteri said, returning his gaze to her after looking at Lataro, "I believe that if we don't fight this fight where the chances of victory are greater, then we will lose if we had to fight the Dominion on Jeor. Yes, Madam Arbitrator. I am."
The Council of Elders began to whisper and talk amongst themselves again, leading to the Arbitrator to strike her gavel. "Very well, Major. If you and your entourage wouldn't mind going into the antechamber, we will discuss and give you a decision."
"Of course. By your leave."
Ceteri, Lataro, and Valdago left the chambers and waited for the answer in the antechambers.