Geared Up Read Free

think of a way to block the flames before entering the school. They wanted to rescue the kids, but their entry into the sealed space would have caused incalculable damage to the folks in danger.”
    The prosecutor frowned. “You interfered with the Guardians.”
    “No, I stayed out of the cordoned-off area, went in through the tunnels and did my work without anyone seeing me, with one exception. The Guardian pursued me underground. I did not come to him. I did not offer my assistance, nor did I force them to accept it. I repaired the building’s systems as requested and before scheduled. I will present my bill to the school district by the end of the month.”
    The gasp from those in the room at large was synchronized.
    The judge asked, “You would charge for saving lives?”
    “Of course not, but that was not what I did. I repaired a system that I was contracted to repair, just a little earlier than planned. I am not a Guardian, I am not a hero, and I am not an employee of the city. I am a woman who has a skill with mechanical structures, and as everyone in this court knows, it is only against the law if I use it to interfere with the Guardians, endangering myself or others.”
    The judge smiled. “It appears you know your rights.”
    “It was covered in my Citadel training. Know the rules of any world you live on.” Niad inclined her head. “I was an excellent student.”
    The prosecutor spluttered. “Your honour, she interfered!”
    The judge sat back. “I find that she did nothing more than her contract called for. The timing was coincidental, and the result fortuitous. Niad Wyfirth is free to leave.”
    The gavel slammed down, and Niad sighed. She didn’t have her com or money. She was in for a long walk.
    She nodded to the judge and left the courtroom, with the administrator gaping at her and the prosecutor frantically speaking to Guardian Tauron. The apology was obvious in her voice.
    Niad was surprised when Tauron arrived at her side.
    “Miss Wyfirth, may I offer you a ride home?”
    She grimaced. “I suppose since you are the reason I am here that it is only appropriate that you take me home.”
    He smiled ruefully. “I did not anticipate this response. You did not do anything wrong.”
    She held up her hand as folks stopped to stare at them. “Enough. I know what my place is here. I will continue my work and deal with the fallout of my being hauled off in cuffs. Just take me back to my neighbourhood.”
    His lips tensed, but he nodded. “Right. Address?”
    She rattled it off, and they left the courthouse. His vehicle was parked in the VIP stall, and it had its own guard. The riot runner was in good shape, but it could use a tune-up. She said as much.
    She sat in front of him, and he held the controls around her.
    “Would you consider a position at the base?”
    His words were rumbled in her ear as they lifted off and cruised a few feet above the paved streets.
    “What position?”
    “Mechanic and occasional Guardian? It appears that you have a skill set that has been overlooked in the past. I would like to see you use it.”
    “Why now?”
    “I have my reasons, but I am guessing you do as well.”
    “Why would you say that?”
    “Three times. You applied three times and were rejected out of hand. You were going to apply for a fourth, weren’t you?”
    She shrugged. “Of course. I have more training in disaster and combat situations than most of the Guardians in operation around the globe. I have been pushed to the edge and pushed back. All I wanted was a chance to give back to my people.”
    “I will give you that chance. Give me a week and wait for the messenger. You will be a Guardian.”
    She sat in silence and thought about what he had said until he stopped in front of the shop and dismounted from the runner. He helped her off the seat with a careful grip on her hands.
    “Thank you for your help today, Citizen Wyfirth. We could not have brought them to safety without you.” He spoke