Free Rebellion by Sabine Priestley

turned inland toward Watersedge. The town sat at the interior of a massive open-mouthed bay. Below the town, sheer cliffs dropped over three hundred feet to the ocean surface—a spectacular sight. The elevation tapered off near the mouth and white sand beaches stretched for miles on either side of the cliffs.
    Every couple hundred yards or so massive staircases zigzagged down from the town to the water below. A suspended boardwalk with shops and restaurants had been cut right into the rock face near the water’s surface. The bay provided a relatively calm harbor, and a bustling marina took up one end of the impressive landscape.
    The water was light blue and surprisingly clear. Unlike Earth, which continued to consume dirty energy sources, Mitah had clean fuel, harvesting solar, wind, and tidal forces. It showed in everything from the sky to the ocean.
    “Dani, check it out.” Ria pointed to the ocean below.
    Enormous ridged-backed creatures swam near the surface in a group. Ria counted sixteen before giving up. She snapped a picture with her com so she could research them later.
    They were nearing the far side of town. Below, the streets were full of activity and the three miles of the Summer’s Ball venue were clearly demarcated as pedestrian only. They soared over the streets, then into the mountains behind. The air smelled of forest as they landed at the front of a large, white stone estate. Vast lawns with perfectly trimmed gardens surrounded the place and butted up against the forest behind. An explosion of multicolored flowers covered the grounds. The smell was irresistible.
    A swarm of servants were tending to the luggage when Rucon and Mara stepped out of their vehicle. They made a striking pair with Mara’s small frame and jet-black hair against a red blouse, contrasting with Rucon’s white shirt and blond locks. Ria filed out last and followed the others to meet their hosts.
    Darl and his wife, Sherla, stood at the bottom of the steps that led to the entrance of their home. Pillars lined the front porch and two massive statues of some weird, long-legged animal sat on either side of the stairs, guarding the entrance.
    It was a bit over the top for Ria’s tastes but the overall effect was nice enough.
    Where Rucon had stayed fit over the years, Darl was a bit on the soft side. His wife fit the image of a rich, powerful spouse. She was in a dress suit with blond hair perfectly styled and elegant jewelry that sparkled as she moved.
    Ria stepped up at her turn and reached out to shake.
    Darl surprised her with a kiss to the back of her hand. “And you must be Ria. Rucon told me about his team on Earth.”
    Ria waited for the comment on her size, but thankfully, it didn’t come. She smiled, retrieved her hand, and turned to his wife.
    Sherla shook her hand with a surprisingly firm grip. “It’s nice to meet you, dear.”
    “I’d like to welcome all of you to our home,” Sherla said. “Our staff will show you to your rooms. I’ve put you all in the same wing, which I hope is convenient. Please, make yourselves at home. We’ll be having a light meal at six in the dining room before we go into town for the opening ceremonies. Feel free to come and go as you please during your stay. Simply ask one of our staff and a cruiser will be brought around for you. All you need to do is enter your destination and the autopilot will drop you off and park until you’re ready for them to return.”
    Nice. Ria winked at Dani. They were both eager to get into the first of their new outfits. Abuzz with the anticipation and energy of all those in the town below, she followed the rest into the house, and they made their way to the guest suites.
    A little over an hour later, Ria stood looking at her reflection. The opening ceremonies were all about fun. Attendees were encouraged to let their creativity soar and to dress in the spirit of the event. Ria selected a silver bodysuit made of shimmering fabric that fit perfectly and