Page 51 of Uprooted

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 for their 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.”

“You may not.” My father finally steps in with authority. He cuts this line of questioning off, saving me from having to tell them about my human mate. Something that makes this situation even more complicated. I’m glad for more time before this gets out to the public.

The council’s request has merit, but it’s a flawed plan.

The biggest flaw is: I can’t shift into battleform at will.

The unpredictability of my new ability is a problem.

Until I can figure out a way to control this power, it’s a hard no.

My priority is simply my mate, and I won’t risk putting her in the middle of this mess.

I take a minute and think about how the old Aro would tell them all to fuck off.

A lot has changed in the last few months.

Now I have to consider the impact my words could have.

Despite what I want, I have attained battleform—and I don’t know if I can control it.

Or if it will ever happen again. I need a little more time to figure this out.

“I’ll consider your request.” I close the link and the hologram fades to nothing.