Page 25 of Uprooted
Aro
I’ve dragged the whole unit outside for today’s workout. They’ve been getting soft sitting around in the climate-controlled dome. I could also use the fresh air.
I need to get my thoughts straight. All I can think about is the next time I’m going to see Elowen.
Now that I know what her lips feel like on mine, I’m obsessed.
Something clicked into place in my chest when she said, “I like you just like this.” No one has ever said anything like that to me before.
I separate the group into pairs, getting a twisted satisfaction when I put Maak and Lugo together. I’m still trying to even the score between the two of them. Today should be enough to tip the scale in the new recruit’s favor.
“Listen up. It’s been a while since we trained outside the dome, so I’m going to take it easy on you.” I pause for dramatic effect. “Well, some of you.” Maak isn’t the only one that gets gratification from torturing the unit. Except I use my power for good. He’s just a dick to the new guys.
“We’re going to do some high-interval training today.
I want a full-speed run to the sentinel bots and a recovery walk back.
Oh yeah—I forgot to mention, for that run out you’re going to be carrying your partner.
” I look over at Maak and grin. “The higher-ranking officer will do the carrying. Six intervals. Now, go!”
Tai stands at attention next to me, his eyes locked forward. His rank gives him the luxury to skip drills. Occasionally he and I will opt in for the workout, but not today .
“Sitting this one out, sir?” he asks.
“I’ve got to give someone else the chance to finish first. It’s bad for morale if the captain always wins.”
“You think Maak will learn his lesson after this?” he asks, knowing me well enough to know I strategically set this up for Maak’s benefit.
“After I’m done with him, he’ll be leaving the recruits alone.”
We watch the officers running in the distance, some struggling under the weight of their heavy partners, silence stretching between us.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Elowen,” Tai says. I wondered how long it would take for him to bring it up again.
“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten about what you said last time. No need to repeat yourself,” I say.
“But… fuck the rules. You’re going to do it anyway,” he says.
“The rules apply to me, just like everyone else. I’m just more inclined to follow rules that make sense.”
“This one makes perfect sense. The political situation between j'Tilak and Earth is brand new. Can you imagine the consequences of some little half-human-half-Tilak baby running around? The treaty doesn’t address any of that,” he says.
“I know what the treaty says,” I say defensively. “Plus, you know we were all given the contraceptive shot.”
“Then what are you doing? This relationship could jeopardize your future.” He sighs heavily, looks around, leans in and continues. "Rules are a good thing. They keep us in line. Breaking rules leads to very real consequences." Tai absentmindedly rubs his bionic triceps.
He's never told me what happened to his arm, and I've never asked. I figured if he wanted me to know he'd tell me. He's had it since we met—day one of Intros. It's so much a part of him, it would seem odd at this point if he had two blue arms.
Maak and Lugo come to a stop in front of me, both out of breath from the run.
“Sir. Do you want me to take my turn carrying Maak now?” Lugo asks as he takes a gulp of water.
“Not necessary. We’re moving on.”
“Sir, I can do the heavy lifting,” Lugo nervously looks between Maak and me. “I mean, obviously, I know you have a great reason for doing it this way… I don’t mean to question your call, sir. So, what I guess, I’m saying is—”
“I agree, except for the blatant ass-kissing.” Maak cuts him off, still struggling to catch his breath, glaring at me.
“You want to run, recruit, go ahead. Six more intervals. Maak, you stay here and give me a hundred pushups.” Lugo looks over at Maak with an apology.
“Don’t look at him, look at me. Go!” I yell.
“Message received, sir. No more hazing the new guys,” Maak says as he drops to the ground.