Page 94 of Broken Forced Mate
“Better than expected. My wolf knows she’s always coming home, no matter what.”
“The formal presentations are ending,” Theodore declares as delegates begin moving toward informal discussion areas.
“Time for the real negotiations,” Dorian adds with a grin.
We join the mixing crowd as representatives from different territories engage in the personal conversations that often prove more productive than official sessions. I watch Raegan move between groups, building relationships that transcend political boundaries.
“Your security proposal has merit,” an Ambersky delegate tells her, “but what about smaller communities that can’t contribute equally?”
“Not everything valuable requires significant financial investment. We can work out those details, I promise you.”
Sera joins the conversation, eager to help her friend seal the deal. Raegan’s best friend has become an essential part of these diplomatic efforts. “Our territory has already seen benefits from pilot programs. Early detection prevented two infiltration attempts last month.”
“Can you share specific details?” the delegate asks.
“Within appropriate security clearances, yes.”
Jay appears with updated intelligence reports that he distributes to relevant delegates. “Pattern analysis shows they’re avoiding direct confrontation,” he explains. “Focus is on recruitment, resource acquisition, and infrastructure development in remote areas.”
“Building for long-term operations rather than immediate attacks,” Captain Morwen concludes.
“Exactly. Which means our response needs similar long-term thinking.”
“What timeline are we looking at?” asks another delegate.
“Conservative estimate? They’ll be ready for major operations within eighteen months,” Jay responds. “Possibly sooner if they acquire significant resources.”
The room grows quieter. Eighteen months isn’t long to establish comprehensive defensive networks across multiple territories.
Maude takes her place with several other older pack members. “The community leaders want to know about evacuation procedures if infiltration occurs again,” she states.
“Enhanced early warning should provide more preparation time,” Raegan assures her. “But we’re also developing rapid response teams for emergency situations.”
“What about children and the elderly who can’t evacuate quickly?”
“Secure shelter networks with magical protection. Elder Nettle’s covens are establishing barriers that can be activated on short notice.”
“How do we know the barriers will hold?” an older pack member asks.
“We’ve tested them against simulated weapon attacks,” Elder Nettle explains. “The barriers can withstand anything Thornridge deployed during the first conflict.”
“What about new weapons?”
“Constant adaptation. We monitor their development and adjust our defenses accordingly.”
The practical concerns reveal how thoroughly the Thornridge conflict affected every aspect of community life. But they also demonstrate the comprehensive approach that’s emerging from our forced cooperation.
“How long before the full system is operational?” Oren asks during a brief break in discussions.
“Six months for basic networks,” Raegan estimates. “Full implementation probably requires two years.”
“Assuming continued cooperation.”
“That’s the challenge. Maintaining alliance during peacetime when immediate threats aren’t obvious.”
Theodore nods in agreement. “Collective security always faces that problem. Vigilance requires sustained commitment that’s hard to maintain.”
“Which is why the information sharing needs to provide ongoing value beyond crisis response,” I point out. “Trade coordination, resource sharing, cultural exchange. Make cooperation beneficial during normal times.”
