Page 77 of Uprooted
55
Aro
“The attack on Tauros is a major escalation. We have notified our new allies and we expect Earth will be activating their forces. Today we prepare for their imminent arrival,” Rialto announces, kicking off our briefing with news we’ve all been expecting.
“Today, Aro will be leading you through the process of integrating their forces with our own,” Petrok says.
“Aro, the floor is yours.”
“When the human forces get here, I’m going to need you all to be focused and on your best behavior. I know you aren’t used to it, so start practicing now. There is no ETA, but we expect an announcement anytime. We want to be prepared. This is an important transition. We need to establish jurisdiction immediately. The last thing we want is a bunch of humans showing up thinking they are in charge.”
“You already fucked that up. We already know Elowen owns your ass,” Viktor says from the back of the room. A few snicker at the comment.
“For your sake, I hope you fuck better than you talk trash.” The room turns their laughter toward Viktor.
“Your mom wasn’t complaining last night.” Everyone’s in hysterics at Viktor’s comeback.
“We’re calling the shots. We have a strong presence on the ground. We anticipate they will be providing a wide cover outside the atmosphere. This way we have a wide band of safety should any more Atorum show up to pick a fight,” Tai jumps in, trying to keep us all in line.
“All coordination will go through central command. This is an evolving situation. I ask that you all show flexibility as we navigate this new relationship.”
“I heard someone was flexible in the shower the other day!” Bennet jumps into the fray.
“That’s all you got—after such a nice and easy setup?” I say.
“You know who else is nice and easy?” Bennet shouts.
“Bennet, I’m surprised you can even talk. You look like you stuck your dick in a light socket with that haircut. I might be easy, but all you fuckers know I’m not nice.” Before Bennet can respond, Tai steps up and nudges me away from the podium. I take the hint and rein it in.
“Tai’s going to walk you all through the comms protocols.” I hand the podium over to Tai. He brings up the new chain of command, showing how we’re going to work with our new allies.
Petrok pops his head through the door and waves me over. I follow him into Rialto’s office. He closes the door securely and nods to Rialto.
“We heard from Earth,” Petrok says somberly.
“They aren’t coming,” Rialto says.
56
Elowen
“They aren’t coming,” Aro says.
My mind goes blank. That can’t be right. I drop down onto our bed, trying to make sense of what Aro just told me.
“I don’t understand. The treaty says…” My voice trails off while I try to figure out why Earth wouldn’t be coming to support j'Tilak.
“They made it clear they have what they need from us, and they have honored their side of the treaty by temporarily being on standby following the initial attack,” Aro explains. Pacing around the room, he shoves his hair back out of his face.
“It’s just a matter of time before the Atorum attack again.”
“The noble houses are still trying to negotiate the terms. Apparently some language in the treaty is vague.”
“And we’re just supposed to sit and wait until there’s another attack?"
“It’s not looking good. We’ve decided to begin evacuations.”
“What can we do? Can I convince them to come? They might listen to me,” I offer.
