Join by Viola Grace

and exhausted, she joined her bond mate in their bed.
    Even in his sleep, he rolled toward her and wrapped around her. Brigs smiled and relaxed against him, letting his warmth unknot her back.
    Tomorrow, everything would change.
     

Chapter Eight
     
     
    Brigs was wearing her formal uniform with the embroidered, sleeveless robe. This occasion called for it.
    An emergency drop from Yacaro had eased her mind. Uniforms with specific adaptations for the variety of talents had appeared in a box that was delivered from the spaceport.
    The shuttle landed and the recruits emerged one by one. Kardu, Urgan and Deniali were the first ones out. Mishka, Ranyo and Lefari came out after. Lefari was a surprise, but when the news of Brigs taking a bond mate circulated, he suddenly became available. Apparently, mating with a son of Ideera Landik meant that Brigs was worthy to protect their men.
    When all six of her charges and her mate were standing in front of her, she raised her head. “Welcome one and all to the first Jaluum Guardian base. Here, you will find that you are able to use your skills unfettered by prying eyes. Mishka, use the waters around to practice; Lefari, there is a stone outcropping where you can practice fire. Ranyo, the grounds are yours to play with. Urgan, you are our healer. Every bruise, cut, ding and crack should be checked out if you are up for it.”
    Urgan grinned and bowed low.
    “Kardu, we have set up pressure plates in the practice room, and you can blast them all day and they can take the hit. I want you to practice variety in your pressure waves, and finally, but not least, Deniali, I want you to bring the storms in the dome set aside for that purpose. There are water tanks lining the edges and drainage has been arranged for when you bring the rain. If you follow me, I will give you a tour and then show you to your quarters.”
    The gathered assembly bowed as one.
    “Oh, how silly of me. Solos is responsible for crafting the structure we are about to enter. As he is already a Guardian, please offer my first mate all due respect.” She smiled politely and turned her back, walking into the entry spoke of the base.
    They were off to a very good start.
     
    One month after they had assembled, they were officially available for duty. Brigs was manning the com unit when the call came in.
    A major firestorm was approaching a farming area. It was spreading rapidly, and they needed help. It was time for the first Guardian mission but not all of them could be included.
    “Kardu, Deniali, Mishka and Solos. Suit up. You have a mission.”
    Two minutes later, they stumbled into her office, fastening their battle suits. Solos paused. “Where are we going?”
    “The information is being transferred to the skimmer. We need to get you in the air. There have been no casualties as of yet, but that might not remain the case. There is a wildfire moving across the land and heading into farming areas. You are going to take care of that fire, now go.”
    They left, and Solos winked at her as he headed out.
    She blew him a kiss and told the local authorities that the Guardians were on the way.
    With her mate in the air, she sat back and watched their progress toward the fire. Urgan came up behind her and rubbed her shoulders. By Jaluum standards, they were engaged.
    Urgan had the room on her left, Solos had the room on her right, but Solos had built a connecting door.
    “Why didn’t you send me with them?”
    He worked at the knot that always came up on her left shoulder.
    “You are second wave in any emergency. Ranyo and you can be dispatched when the fire is out. He can grow whatever will grow as fast as he can to restore the area.”
    “Why not Lefari?”
    “He has not yet learned to call fire, only to start it. He is working on summoning, but I will save that for a building fire, not a wildfire that could consume him.”
    Urgan’s massage was not of the healing nature, simply direct pressure.
    Brigs groaned.