Free FireDance by Viola Grace Page B

next three days. They have a need for a manipulator of your type and from some of the messages I have been sent, they have a way to get you out of the suit. It might not be pleasant, but it will let you free.
    I have to say that this is the best news. I am close to cracking through the restraints of my suit now. The temperature in the dome is already rising, and it is my fault. I need to get out of here before I cook them all.
    It will be soon.
    “Yes, I know how she feels. I just wish she would get that stick out of her ass now and then.”
    They chatted about world events on Resicor and continued flickers of quick-as-thought conversation through their link. Siblings were special and not even the most astute of scanners could catch their thoughts. It wasn’t a projection, simply a transmission along DNA lines.
    “I like the green hair, Hahvi. It is very striking.”
    “It did this last summer. I like it. It is festive.” It was the holiday season, and she was happy that her anniversary came at this time. It made her feel less alone to have one visitor, even though they were in the throes of planning their annual Freak Fest in the dome.
    The gong shimmered and the guards came in. Haloor sighed and got to his feet. “Have a good holiday, Hahvi. I will be back next year for our visit.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek and waved farewell.
    The guards drew their weapons, and she turned and walked back to the dome. So, someone is coming for me, are they? She wondered if they would make it before the holiday.
    She would put together some gifts, just in case.

Chapter Two
    Grinning and laughing at the assembled inhabitants of the dome, Hahvi smiled over at her fellow council members and winked. There was a lot of call for frivolity. It was desperately needed.
    A batch of four new talents—two men, two women—had been brought in within the last three days. They were depressed, anxious and desperately homesick. Hahvi could see that their suits were of the new variety, and she grinned.
    In the mind bursts that she and Haloor shared, the details of the new suits had been explained. It was a relief to know that the folks in the new suits had a chance at life once they were removed. The old guard like her were completely grafted to their suits. You couldn’t pull off the suit without removing skin.
    The four newcomers were desperately unhappy with their situation. According to Wahli, they were talents with strength, a toxic dart, living hair and weather control.
    The council was watching them closely. The first week was the danger zone for one of two outcomes. Either they would try to break out or they would try to commit suicide. Neither was a good thing.
    Water, extra rations and freshly grown vegetables crowned the tables. Flowers and vines lined the walls of the council hall, courtesy of the horticultural talent. It was a lovely and festive gathering, but Hahvi missed the snowy cabin where her siblings would be huddled near a fire with their spouses and children.
    She heard a peculiar noise and turned her head. The chirp repeated, this time followed by, “Hahvi Karuda, report to the entryway.”
    Her suit was wired with a com device, but this was the first time it had spoken to her outside of the visiting days.
    The rest of the council turned and looked at her. Urik nodded. “We wish you well, Hahvi. Send word if you can and live happily if you can’t.”
    A round of hugs brought another angry voice from her collar, but she ignored it and took her time.
    When all of her friends had been given a hug and kiss, she turned and began her solitary walk to the entryway and the next phase of her life.
    The man that greeted her was made of stone or so it appeared. He wore a tight bodysuit with a flowing robe over it, looking attractive and formal at the same time.
    “Hahvi Karuda?”
    She inclined her head. “I am.”
    “Are you an elemental?”
    “I suppose. I have an affinity for the heat of the ground beneath my feet.” She