Ruby’s Fire

“May I?” He gathers Bea’s lustrous blonde hair in his other hand and gently lifts it up to expose the nape of her downy neck. “We inject them here. No unsightly scar or protrusion. Just a quick pinch.”

 

 

Bea flinches and lets out a high squeak of surprise more than pain as he pushes down on the stapler. Funny, as much Oblivion Powder as I inhale, the idea of injecting an implant, however tiny, has me feeling faint. I can’t help but notice that Armonk’s gone from hanging back to the head of the line. The prospect of winning a contest, and money does tempt me to get past my distaste at an implant. Has the contest money changed his mind about staying here? I’m not sure how to get him to talk more, but I’ll find a way.

 

Thorn is the one hanging back. “Want to do this?” I whisper to him. He doesn’t answer, only bites on his fingernails. “It’s worth a ride on a hovercraft,” I say. At that, he follows me.

 

The stapling feels like a spider bite then it’s over. Immediately a blast of news literally explodes in my head.

 

Congratulations, Axiom Contest Entrants! You’re now part of the vibrant community we’re building together in Vegas-by-the-Sea and beyond. Onward to Axiom Dominion. This first step, of developing Fireseed is exciting and will usher in new ways to thrive. We’re counting on you, bright students of the future.

 

Brought to you by Axiom Water Pellets, where thirst is quenched in bursts of color.

 

At this, an animation of pellets rolls across my mind’s eye in candy yellows, blues and oranges. Axiom makes our blue water pellets! Who knew there were so many different ones to choose from? And wow, you can watch films with this amazing implant. Looking around at the others, I see they’re grinning and rubbing their necks. They must hear it too. I glance over at Thorn. His face is lit up for the first time here. It warms me. If he’s happy, I’m happy.

 

That night, Nevada calls us into the parlor. She fields questions about what the Axiom Contest is all about because at dinner a few of us confessed we were confused.

 

“We know it’s about applications for Fireseed, but that’s very general,” Blane complains. “Can you give us specific ideas?”

 

I have to admit, I agree.

 

Nevada toys with one of her green-tinged braids. “It was originally bred for food, but as George said, now that we cultivate the less exotic Fireagar, we all feel that Fireseed’s destined for greater things.” She giggles. “We’re just not sure what.”

 

Bea pipes up. “Can I design clothes with it? They’d be heat resistant. Our own cellular burn fabric’s getting really old.”

 

“Perfect!” Nevada sounds relieved that someone’s figured something out. “You’re already good at that.” Nevada wags her head at Bea’s outfit. “You made your shirt, didn’t you?” Bea beams as others turn to jealously admire it—a ruffled purple design with wide, flowing sleeves. Clearly pleased to have a plan of action, Bea relaxes into her chair.

 

“How about using it in some form of transport?” asks Radius.

 

“Certainly!” This loosens Nevada’s tongue. “What about medical applications, household products, or totally, completely surprise us.”

 

By the end of the session, most everyone’s come up with a rough idea, though unlike Bea, most are keeping it tightly guarded.

 

As I circle the room, extinguishing the storm lanterns—my evening chore—I startle when an unfamiliar news report blasts inside my head.

 

Huzzah, Fireseeders! I trust you’ve come up with great contest ideas. Axiom Inc. will begin delivery tomorrow of advanced tools to use in developing your projects.

 

Remember, colossal ideas win colossal prizes.

 

Brought to you by Vegas Beach—for all of your water-sport needs—whether for hovercraft, air surf or Skye Ride. It’s all good and all Vegas Beach.

 

I’ll have to get used to this, because it’s not going away any time soon. It’s such a new thing to be so connected to the outside world.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

 

The next day George Axiom returns in an equally cheery sky blue suit with coral buttons and his hair blown-out in an even higher platinum up-do. “How are my Fireseeders today, hmm?” We smile vaguely. “That won’t do,” he insists. “Give a loud, enthusiastic cheer!” We cheer on cue.

 

“What exactly are the rules?” Blane asks. “I mean, can we do anything with Fireseed?” He’s obviously not trusting Nevada’s word alone.