After hearing Leroy's clarification, both Sarah and Marcus felt immediate relief as the oppressive weight of potentially abandoning their homeland's defense lifted from their consciences.
The prospect of leaving Australia vulnerable during the ongoing dimensional crisis had created moral conflicts that made acceptance of any offer extremely difficult.
Marcus exhaled deeply as understanding dawned. "So we would remain Australia's primary defenders while also gaining access to an international support network?" he asked with growing interest.
"That's… actually perfect. We get enhanced capabilities to better protect our people while knowing backup exists if we face threats beyond our current response parameters.
Then, when the time and conditions are right. There will be a power change. Our loyalty isn't with the government but its with the people we've always protected."
