R.O.N.A.

Chapter 23

“We are sorry to inform all of you that Talon has betrayed us,” Tyzon announced at morning summary the next morning. A wave of gasps and mumbling erupted throughout the cafeteria.

            I looked at Aris to see her reaction. She appeared emotionless but that scared me more than if Aris had been upset. I knew that expression all too well. Usually it meant Aris was stewing over something and, in this case, it most definitely meant that she was blaming herself for Talon’s wrong.

            I was just about to tell her otherwise when Tyzon continued.

            “Because of certain circumstances, we must attack Thaeoul as soon as possible. Our estimate is that it will take two to three weeks to fully equip everyone and we need to be ready by then.”

            Tyzon’s audience seemed stunned and looked a bit frightened, but at them same time it was the moment they had all been working hard for.

            “I need everyone to give 100% these next few weeks. When we are ready to attack, everyone will be given his or her assignments,” Tyzon added, “That’s all the information I have for you now.” He took his seat and the cafeteria was silent for a moment before nervous, but sort of excited, chatter broke out.

            “Do you think we’ll really be ready?” I heard someone say.

            “How could we! We’re practically just a bunch of inexperienced kids when it comes to actual experience!” another answered.

            I clenched my eyes shut, trying to block out the conversations around me. I was just about to get up to head to work when surprisingly, Tyzon walked up.

            “I need to see you in my office,” he said to me, “You as well Aris.”

            I looked to him, feeling guilty about how I had treated him the other day. I saw no unusual expression in his face which made me feel even guiltier. I inwardly sighed and answered wearily, “Yes… sir.”

            This seemed to take him off guard. He hesitated for a few moments before saying nothing more and walking away.

            “What was that all about?” Lexy asked.

            “What do you mean?” I asked.

            “He was kind of cold to you… and you weren’t exactly chummy either…”

            “I’d rather not explain… Sorry but Aris and I better get going.”

            “Okay…” Lexy said with a worried frown.

            I tried to ignore it and instead I turned my attention to Aris who looked fairly grim all of the sudden. Aris’ behavior was really starting to worry me more and more. Ever since Aris had remembered what happened with Talon, she had been gloomy.

            We stepped into the elevator. “Are you okay, Aris?” I asked as the doors slid shut.

            “Yeah,” Aris replied, but it was obvious that she wasn’t being completely honest.

            “Come on, Aris. I know you better than that… You liked him didn’t you? I mean Talon?”

            “Yes,” she replied bitterly and angrily, “I’m so stupid Sephora! I always pick the worst guys! Why can’t I ever find a guy who treats me like more than just his toy?!”