Jake listened and then took a deep breath as he considered his response. "I realize that you have a military chain of command on this ship, but the Animorphs aren't military. We didn't answer to the President back home or the Andalite High Command. I know you're doing your best for everyone, but that's exactly what the Andalites told us when they planned on trapping the Yeerks on Earth and destroying everything from orbit. We might only be five people, but we're used to working with each other. And I don't like the idea of putting my people under someone else's control."
The war had taught him that much. The Chee had failed them. The Andalites had failed them. The Ellimist had just wanted to use them. These people might be different, but he didn't intend to wait for one of his friends to come back dead to find that out. "I know it's bigger than Earth or even my home-town - that doesn't change my decision. I'm willing to work with you guys and give your council and command structure a shot, but on our own terms."
And he was quite firm on that. Not rude, but firm.
"First of all, don't tell me how we should be associating or how easy we might or might not be making it. That's not your concern. Secondly, we have our secrets. We like those secrets kept. Maybe you can't appreciate the reasons why, but... I'm a lot more inclined to listen to Marco on this then you. I've known him for a lot longer and I trust him a lot more, if I'm going to be honest. You might say it was for the safety for all involved, but what you did? That's a massive betrayal of trust for Marco. Back home, outing us like that would've gotten us killed or worse. Almost did. I know that the Yeerks here have been dealt with and they're not a threat, but still..."
Jake shrugged. "I can respect that you felt that you had to make the hard choice, but I also know why Marco is pissed off at you. He put his trust in you and you betrayed it. That said, I'm willing to help out with this war. It's bigger than the last time, but I think we can still fight."
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The war had taught him that much. The Chee had failed them. The Andalites had failed them. The Ellimist had just wanted to use them. These people might be different, but he didn't intend to wait for one of his friends to come back dead to find that out. "I know it's bigger than Earth or even my home-town - that doesn't change my decision. I'm willing to work with you guys and give your council and command structure a shot, but on our own terms."
And he was quite firm on that. Not rude, but firm.
"First of all, don't tell me how we should be associating or how easy we might or might not be making it. That's not your concern. Secondly, we have our secrets. We like those secrets kept. Maybe you can't appreciate the reasons why, but... I'm a lot more inclined to listen to Marco on this then you. I've known him for a lot longer and I trust him a lot more, if I'm going to be honest. You might say it was for the safety for all involved, but what you did? That's a massive betrayal of trust for Marco. Back home, outing us like that would've gotten us killed or worse. Almost did. I know that the Yeerks here have been dealt with and they're not a threat, but still..."
Jake shrugged. "I can respect that you felt that you had to make the hard choice, but I also know why Marco is pissed off at you. He put his trust in you and you betrayed it. That said, I'm willing to help out with this war. It's bigger than the last time, but I think we can still fight."
Even if they were all just tired of it.