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interested in the Guardian project and to check into Deniali’s marital status. Things were different on Jaluum, but bonding was still in the society, they just didn’t limit the bond to two.
    A few people came out to greet them, and Solos stepped forward to make the introductions.
    “Good afternoon. My name is Solos. I am the companion of the recruiter for the Nyal Imperium special projects.”
    The head of the household smiled with a friendly grin. “Welcome to our home. Please, come inside.”
    Brigs walked calmly across the yard and followed her host into the house. Solos was right behind her. Having him with her was actually a good idea. He could break the ice with the isolated folk of Jaluum.
    The family invited them in and the matriarch smiled. “Well, dear, what can we offer you?”
    “Your hospitality is generous, but I wish to ask Deniali a few questions, if that is allowed.”
    The young woman standing behind the matriarch blinked in surprise. “Me?”
    The matriarch gestured and Deniali took a seat.
    “This is where I ask a few questions, and when I leave, what is said here will go no further, there is no danger of discovery. Your decision is final and yours alone.”
    Deniali nodded.
    The matriarch gestured again and the rest of the family cleared the room. “Tell us, lady, what do you recruit for?”
    Brigs smiled. “My name is Brigeet and I am a representative of the Guardian project. Three years ago, there was a weather anomaly in this area that preceded Deniali being sent to a medical centre with intense headaches. She remained in the med facility until the rains had stopped and the drought was over. I believe that she has a weather talent.”
    Deniali blinked and swallowed.
    The matriarch looked resigned. “I have been waiting for this day.”
    Deniali rubbed her neck. “I had to do it.”
    Brigs smiled. “I know. That is why you are on the recruitment list. You put your community above your own safety. That is a characteristic that I have been looking for.”
    The matriarch leaned forward. “Where would my granddaughter be posted?”
    Brigs smiled. “Here. There is a new Guardian outpost in the works and it will be here on Jaluum. With the strong community ties of your population, it would be best if the Guardians were all locals, so that is our goal. A minimum gathering of three Guardians will staff the base.”
    Deniali bit her lip. “I do not have much control over it yet. I have been practicing in the barn, but it takes a bit of effort to roll a cloud in.”
    Brigs nodded. “I understand. You have not been able to practice properly. It is a side effect of having a great power. I can guarantee you a place to work on control and a sizable income defending your world.”
    The young woman’s eyes widened. “Income?”
    “Yes. As Guardian, you would have an income, uniforms and meals provided as well as access to vehicles and the ability to visit your family on days off. You would still be on your world and still have everything familiar. If you are interested, I will give you my com link and I will return in a few days with a contract if you are inclined to sign on.”
    Deniali blinked. “Just like that? You don’t want to see me in action?”
    “I would love to, but that is not my primary function. I recruit members and they agree or not depending on their confidence level. If you would like to show me, I would love to see it.”
    Deniali looked toward her matriarch and got a nod.
    They followed the young woman to a barn that showed signs of lightning strikes. Inside, Deniali tucked them into an observation booth that had been reinforced, and the young woman quickly moved to the centre of the barn.
    “She seems eager to show us her talent.”
    “You are one of the few who can accept it on its merits. She is trying to impress you.” The matriarch spoke from behind them.
    Brigs blinked. “Impress me?”
    “Certainly. You are the most powerful female she has ever met. We have been