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blush heated her face. “So, I am not dismissed as an instructor?”
    “Of course not. He is a Guardian. It isn’t like he is another instructor. Starburn is a treasure of the system. He could choose any woman on any world he visits, and he chose you. It is a tremendous honour.” Srevil got a sly look on his face. “The coordinator for the Guardians demanded that you not be relieved of your duties by the way. The Academy head assured them that your contract would not be cancelled prematurely due to this publicity.”
    She sat with relief in the chair in front of the desk that he had offered to her earlier. “That was nice of them.”
    “Yes, but it does belie your earlier statement that it was farewell. Since the Guardians will only be here for two weeks, you may want to take some days off to spend time with him. There is nothing wrong with that.”
    She rubbed at her forehead. “Why is everyone reacting this way? My students applauded me, the kitchen staff wanted my autograph and I was offered a parking space when I don’t even have a vehicle.”
    “The Guardians keep us safe. No one can stop every bad thing from happening, but they are willing to try in any circumstances that raise their heads. The sacrifice that they make is appreciated, and if one of our people can ease their burden in any way, it is up to us to offer them up for that purpose.”
    Hydra couldn’t stop her eyes from widening.
    “Oh. All right. Well, I don’t think that it will come up again.”
    She was getting ready to rise when Srevil’s receptionist came in, flushed with a silly smile.
    “Instructor Graham? There is someone to see you in the outer office.”
    Srevil grinned, and she winced as she rose to her feet.
    Srevil said, “I will have Uli cancel your classes for the next few days.”
    Hydra was drenched in shame as she left the administrator’s office, but she stopped with a jolt when Warp greeted her. “Hello, Warp.” He smiled. “I did not think to meet you again. Would you come with me on a short trip, Hydra?”
    “Where are we going?” She bit her lip.
    “To our base. Starburn wishes to see you, but he isn’t up and around right now.” Concern rippled through her.
    “What happened?”
    Warp offered her his arm, and she took it, letting him lead her out of the admin building and down to a private transport.
    Students and instructors alike stopped to stare at them.
    He helped her inside the vehicle, and she settled against the cushions. A driver lifted off, and without a word, they were increasing height and speed, approaching the sound barrier and then passing it.
    Hydra’s nails were dug into the cushions as the flight took several dips and shudders that she wasn’t too fond of.
    “You don’t fly much, do you?” Warp was smiling.
    “Not if I can help it. Space flight is easier than atmospheric any day.”
    “Right, that reminds me. Starburn was working on a meteor shower last night, and he exhausted himself. He is recuperating at our base, and I thought you would help speed the process.”
    “Wait, he didn’t ask for me?” This was going to be so embarrassing.
    “Not verbally, no. But, according to Breaker, his last thought was of you before he passed out, so I came to get you.” He looked so pleased with himself.
    “I am not a toy to be fetched.”
    “No, but you are the woman he wants. Either way, he is not going to say no. Are you?” She scowled at Warp, but he was wearing an innocent expression behind his mask. She crossed her arms and tipped into him when the pilot took a sudden left and she overbalanced.
    He caught her and held onto her for the rest of the ride.
    An island provided them with privacy and a central launch site for disasters. She had to admit that comic book villains back on Earth had the right idea. It was convenient.
    After a bumpy landing, Warp helped her out of the transport and into a building carved into the side of a mountain. “I am guessing that a previous Guardian did