Read Looking at Trouble for Free Online

it out for ourselves. If the Imperium doesn’t assign one of us as in charge, we will have to fight for it.”
    Reeda made a heroic effort not to smack herself in the forehead. “Perhaps they won’t want you fighting; it isn’t really in keeping with the idea of Guardians.”
    He shrugged again. “I suppose, but it will be one of us. There are usually only four Guardians assigned per world.”
    She nodded. “Well, enjoy yourself and I wish you success.”
    He stepped toward her and kissed her quickly. “I wish you success in your life, and thank you for the week you have given me.”
    She nodded and looked past him. “You may regret doing that, but enjoy your trip home. It will be good for you to work at defending your own people.”
    He touched her cheek, and she leaned into the small caress. Kimda cleared his throat and Bilro whispered, “Goodbye.”
    She replied. “Farewell.”
    He turned and left.
    She waited until the skimmer was out of sight before she returned to the Citadel and headed for the administrator’s office.
    A bright scream greeted her. Reeda smiled. “Hiya, Fixit.”
    He chuckled and shifted from side to side on his perch.
    Veera looked from her mental companion to Reeda. “How are you, Reeda?”
    “I am good. He’s on his way.” Reeda sighed.
    “Are you ready? This isn’t going to be easy. His species is notoriously pigheaded.”
    Reeda flexed her hands. “I am fine. I will deal with it. It isn’t Bilro that I will have the problem with. It is the other guys that are going to cause me problems. Bilro does want to remain part of their group and that is where the problem will come in. I will have to win them over, and he will follow.”
    “How are you going to do that?”
    Reeda shrugged. “I will do my job as their commander.”
    Veera grinned. “All I needed to hear. Are you packed?”
    “I am.”
    “Excellent. You will beat them home by a few days to let you acclimate.” Veera took a deep breath. “This is a huge step.”
    “I know, but the Imperium agreed to Mother’s demands. I go where she directs me. She rarely makes a false choice.”
    Veera nodded. “I have sent the request to the base. They will be waiting for you.”
    “My list of requirements is ready?”
    “Ready and on Ryamash III. Goodbye and good luck.” Veera smiled.
    Fixit screamed and flapped his wings. Reeda went over to him and stroked his chest. “I will miss you, too.”
    She turned and left the office to get her bag. She had enjoyed her time on Balen, but it was not for her. She had a destiny, and Mother was going to push her into it, as long as the contract was always in Reeda’s favour.
    She went to her quarters, got her bag and left her temporary home. She took a riot runner to the base and met her pilot. The woman was friendly, polite and shared as much as she could about how jumps worked as they left Balen and headed to Reeda’s new home.
    It was odd to be using a different trajectory than the guys and arriving two days before them, but that was space flight for you. The most direct path between two objects depended on their orbits.
    Her pilot promised to get her there ahead of schedule, and Reeda was relieved. She could use all the prep time she could manage.
     
    Being met by the current Guardians was a bit surprising. She smiled at them, and the tall, bald man with the slate-grey eyes stared at her and slowly answered her smile. When the other three saw that their commander was smiling, their shoulders relaxed in relief.
    “Reeda Rrkra? Welcome to Ryamash III.” The commander extended his hand.
    She pressed her palm to his, and a shock ran through them both.
    He grinned with startlingly white teeth and chuckled. “Good talent. Nice and strong.”
    “Um, thank you. Yours as well.”
    “Come with us, child. You are going to have your work cut out for you.”
    She sighed. “I know. I have met them.”
    He laughed and put his arm around her shoulder, laughing and talking casually as they