The Alliance is now expanded to 9 slots, so there's 3 free. Anyone wanting to sign up do so now.
Also, don't be too hasty in attacking people. The higher your level, the stronger pople attack you. Trade until your ship is a juggernaut, then liberally squash those foolish enough to challenge you.
For the record, apparently Hellhound decided I make a better Dread Pirate Roberts than him, so I'm now the Alliance's master... :snigger: