Page 7 of Uprooted

Aro

“Barracks inspection, sir?” I did not expect this when I got called into Rialto’s office this morning.

"And why are we doing this?" I ask.

"Aro, I don't have time for you to question every directive that comes through. I've been instructed that a barracks check needs to be completed before their arrival, and I'm ordering you to do it." I hesitate long enough for him to clear his throat and tighten his grip on his yuriOS.

“Yes, sir.”

“The only things that can stay are on this list. If it’s not on this list it’s got to go.”

He swipes it over to my yuriOS. The listed items are familiar.

“ If , sir? This is a very short list.”

“You just can’t help yourself, can you?” Rialto says, finally looking up at me.

“If I knew why…” I scan down the list. I know the unit won’t be shy in expressing their feelings about surrendering their belongings. I’d like to be able to give them a reason.

A voice interrupts us through the intercom. “The unit has been notified and will be ready for inspection at 0800. ”

Rialto looks up at me exasperated. “Report back once the inspection’s complete. You’re dismissed.” He swats at the air, sending me away.

I look through the list a second time as I walk through the office towards the barracks. No one’s going to be happy about this. The list is ridiculously short.

Maak meets me at the entrance to the barracks and I show him the list without a word.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he says as he runs his eyes down the list.

“I wish.”

“When was the last time you had your bunk tossed?” he asks.

“Week two of Intros, just like everyone else.” I remember the inspection well. Barracks inspections are usually only done during Introductions to ingrain discipline. I got caught with an unmade bed, a mistake I never made again.

“You’re going to catch heat for this.”

“I’m well aware. I tried to reason with Rialto, but this came from above.”

“Only you could get away with questioning the commander,” Maak says.

The housing unit door slides open. Tilaks stand at attention down the long hallway. Maak and I stop in front of the first door, and he strides into the room with a predatory look on his face. I can tell he’s going to have fun with this. He loves hazing the new guys.

“Toss that bed, recruit,” Maak orders the nervous soldier.

“Sir?” He looks at me and sounds terrified.

“I said, toss the fucking bed! This is disgusting. When’s the last time you cleaned these quarters?” Maak’s voice booms down the corridor. I look around the pristine room. It’s in better condition than mine.

“Maak, knock it off,” I tell him. “Lugo, anything not listed here needs to go.” I use my yuriOS to project the list onto the far wall. He scrambles to grab all the stuff.

“You never let me have any fun,” Maak whines.

“Let’s get this over with, preferably without getting elbow deep in anyone’s dirty laundry. ”

“You’re losing your edge,” he mutters, trying to shame me for taking this one task seriously and not turning it into a game.

“I’ve got plenty of fucking edge.”

“Prove it,” he challenges.

I just roll my eyes and head down the hall. “You’re a child.”

Maak goes farther down and bellows at the next soldier waiting for his turn.

“Only things staying are on the list. I can take it, or you can send it home,” I say as I approach the next waiting soldier.

“Yes, sir.” He springs into action, no doubt grateful he got me rather than Maak.

I’m making good time. It’s not long before I approach Tai standing at attention toward the end of the hall. His rigid posture shows his annoyance.

“The humans aren’t even here yet, and they’re already a pain in my ass,” he grumbles.

“This list came from the Council, not Earth,” I correct him.

“I didn’t think I signed up to babysit a bunch of helpless humans,” Tai continues. Even though he’s perpetually in a bad mood, Tai’s still my closest friend. He’s honest and loyal. I’d trust him with my life.

For how much Tai is dreading their arrival, I’m getting more excited by the day. There is a lot of speculation about what will happen when they get here. I wonder most of all about her, that woman. She’s supposed to be part of the team here at MuraDome IV. I’ve made it my mission to meet her.

“Get your shit so I can be done with this.” I check the time. Rialto wants it done by 1000, and I’m cutting it close. I’m not willing to burn up some of my goodwill with the commander over something stupid like not finishing this barracks inspection on time.

“Yes, sir,” he says sharply. He clangs his bionic hand against the metal doorframe as he steps into his room. The thump is supposed to be an acknowledgement of orders. Maybe it's his tone or posture, but I don't get the feeling that was his intention just now.