Page 68 of Uprooted
“No, I haven’t.”
“I hadn’t either until yesterday. I tried to pull up my files and the folder required a passkey for access. I reached out to the EGA and they said that they had taken possession of their ‘intellectual property.’”
“That’s weird.” I scroll through my yuriOS to locate the files. Sure enough, a passkey is required to access my research and notes. “This can’t be right. There must be some mistake.”
“They were very clear that all our research is theirs and we don’t have access to it anymore,” Andi says.
“We’re going to need that data when we get back to Earth.” I continue swiping through, trying to find a way into my files.
“I’ll work on getting our access back. I might know some people who can help.”
I smile. I have faith she’ll be able to work her connections and get us access again. This is just a misunderstanding. We were the ones that did the research. They need us.
Now that I have a few minutes to myself, I have a chance to do some other research. I want to know all the information out there about mating bonds. The biological reasons are indisputable, but the emotional or spiritual explanations aren’t as conclusive.
Aro's words from days ago echo in my mind:The universal truth that there is something beyond science, something that we don’t fully understand but we feel it in our bones.I don't know if I believe in a higher force, but I do believe in balance.
I find hundreds of stories from across the universe. I pour through each one. Some people feel complete once they accept their mate. Others say it’s like finding another who shares the same soul or spirit. One culture believes mates were born from the same star. The answer is here, somewhere. I've always looked to nature for the answers. There is a purpose for everything.
I feel myself slip into a comfortable habit of “refute first, understand after.” Look at things with the most objective lens possible with critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism at the forefront. It’s what has gotten me here. I pause and repeat that same thought over in my head.It's what has gotten me here.
I’ve worked my ass off to get here professionally. I’ve distracted myself from feeling like an outsider by planning and plotting for the future. And utterly alone. These skills have served me in one aspect of my life and nearly destroyed another.
Maybe I've returned to nature for all the answers because I'm searching for something deeper, under the surface—the roots that hold everything together.
48
Aro
The hologram lights up, projecting my father’s council chambers into the briefing room. My father and his advisors flicker into view last.
“We want to congratulate you. This is a momentous occasion for our people. j'Tilak has spoken and blessed you with this power. Our world will regain balance in the face of this threat.” It’s difficult to tell who was speaking from the holo, but I know that voice.
It’s none other than Reynauld Custos. I recognize his voice from our last meeting. He’s an interesting one. His allegiances don’t seem to fall to one side or another. He slithers back and forth, never making his own feelings clear. His compliment is met with skepticism.
“Thank you.” I keep my remarks as brief as possible, I just want to get this over with.
“We believe it’s only a matter of time before more attain battleform. We will rely on your experience to guide us through this new era,” another adds. I don’t recognize the voice this time.
“All in service of j'Tilak.” I give them the most bland reply I can without showing disrespect.
“Your power is an opportunity for us all. We hope that you can help us address a growing issue. We have not been satisfied with Earth’s response to the Atorum threat,” Syntra says. I recognize him right away as one who sides with my father.
“They have been noncommittal when we ask them about military support,” Yoff says, another one who's on our side.
“We ask that you speak with the human delegation, explain to them your newfound ability, and make a few vague offers to use it fortheir benefit,” Council member Besnik says. Besnik seems to have a good sense of strategy. I’m surprised they would come to me. I wasn’t involved in the negotiations for the Apollo Treaty. I can’t imagine my influence would help here.
My father has been silent this entire time. He’s thoughtfully watching how I respond to their questions, not giving away his own opinions on the matter. I’m starting to understand his diplomatic approach, the way listening and watching can be just as powerful as speaking.
“It might make them friendlier to our cause if they believe you would use your battleform to their benefit,” another adds before I can respond.
“Have they not honored their side of the treaty?” I ask.
“Unfortunately, there is some ‘gray area.’ A human concept that means they can interpret the language to their own benefit,” Custos says. I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to sound slimier than him. Or maybe it’s the bitter look on his face when he smiles. Regardless, I don’t trust him.
“You’re in a unique position to negotiate with our new allies. If you demonstrate your power for them, we believe they will come back to our aid,” Besnik adds.
“May we ask who the honored female is that you have recognized as your mate?” Custos asks. “We assume that is the case since battleforms are triggered by matehood.”
