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needs, but it is coded to my work as an Emergency Rescue Specialist, Mechanical Specialist, and of course, being one of our kind.”
    Mrvon nodded eagerly. “I would love to see it.”
    Niad pulled the suit out of her pack and laid it out on the worktable nearby. She explained the features, and Mrvon and Membon took actual notes as she went through the details.
    Her mother’s family was surprisingly friendly, considering who she was. They didn’t know that. In a matriarchal society, the daughter of the eldest daughter should have been shown the family secrets. She felt a little wistful, but her life had taken another path.
    At their direction, they helped her onto the small square stand and began to use light to measure her body from all angles.
    Mrvon scowled. “Is your chest being compressed by the suit?”
    “It is, but that goes along with most bodysuits. I don’t mind. It keeps them out of the way when I am working.”
    “Would you mind an armoured plate across your torso?” Membon looked at her curiously.
    “As long as I can keep free range of movement, you can do whatever you like.”
    Tauron spoke up. “Just give her suit the same kind of treatment you do for mine.”
    A feminine voice came out of the house. “Don’t you be offering directions on our work, Guardian. Stick to saving lives.”
    Tauron bowed as the older woman came out of the structure. “Madame Skarrow, it is good to see you again.”
    The older woman was moving slowly, but she smiled. “You are lying, but it is nice to hear.”
    Niad’s heart tripped in her chest, and she was very glad she had put her mask on before they travelled. Tauron had his own on, and it had been a reminder that she wasn’t just herself anymore. She was a Guardian.
    “So, is this the new Guardian I have been hearing so much about? She hardly looks like she could do all of those harrowing manoeuvers.” Madame Skarrow—Niad’s grandmother—walked toward her with a curious eye that took in everything.
    Mrvon made the introductions. “Dearest, this is Guardian Wyfirth. Guardian, this is my wife, Niada Skarrow, matriarch of our family.”
    Niad swallowed and smiled. “I am pleased to meet you, Madame Skarrow.”
    The woman stopped in her tracks. “You remind me of someone, Guardian.”
    Niad quirked her lips in a wry grin. “I get that a lot, Madame Skarrow.”
    “Please, Madame Skarrow makes me feel old. Call me Niada.”
    Niad nodded. “Niada, then. It is an honour to meet you.”
    The woman came forward and took her hands. The gloves between them didn’t faze her. “I could swear that I know you, child. If it weren’t for your eyes...”
    She blinked rapidly as the woman stared at her face.
    The men were staring at them.
    Madame Skarrow linked arms with her. “Come inside and have some refreshments, dear. I am sure that Tauron knows what is necessary for your suit.”
    Niad didn’t know what to say. She was being dragged into the building without being able to stop the force of will that had her by the arm.
    “This is our design centre. We do all of our custom work here.”
    Madame Skarrow took her past design tables with swatches of fabric and patterns pinned to them. “We have been a family of textile designers as far back as the ninth century.”
    “Wonderful.”
    Niada murmured quietly, “Why are you wearing lenses, Guardian Wyfirth?”
    “You noticed that?”
    “Even at my age my vision is keen. I can see the details in every material, and your eyes are covered by coloured lenses.”
    “I congratulate you on your keen observation.”
    “You know, if you weren’t wearing the lenses and the mask, you would be the image of my daughter.”
    “Membon’s mother?”
    Niada waved her hand in the air as they continued through the workshop. “That woman contracted with my son on the chance that he would inherit everything. I meant my daughter Mlina.”
    “Lovely name.”
    The matriarch led her into an office and pushed her inside. With a