5.11: A proposal - rejected!

Meanwhile, back in their den, pTravis, Masongill and Lottie mull over what they learnt from Hipparchus.

“So there really is an Order of the Sponge. That’s amazing!”

“And they can be asked for help!”

“Why don’t we ask them for help with the bulb spiders?”

“Why don’t we join the Order of the Sponge?”

“But we shouldn’t be hasty,” cautions pTravis. “We should talk to the Chairman first.”

“Why don't we ask Alcock to join too? Let’s offer him the red scarf as branch leader!”

This last is Lottie’s suggestion but on thinking about it, the other do not think it at all silly

“Yes, let’s do that.”

But when they make their way back to the Potting Shed, carrying the red scarf, and explain both what Hipparchus had told them and their plan, Alcock shakes his head and turns them down. 

“I didn't leave one army to join another, private one. No, however bad things get with the bulb spiders, I cannot do that. No, we need another plan.”

With huge disappointment, the younger members take their leave and head back to their den.