Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 4

During the summer of Lily's ninth year, the War escalated as never before. The Pruessian Empire controlled a large portion of Earth, and expanded its ruthless campaign. Five nations remained defiant, including her own, Amerixca.

Massive robotic forces overwhelmed entire cities, in random attacks across the globe. The numbers of the Unfortunates swelled a thousandfold, and it was difficult to provide for them.

Lily felt most useful with the militia. She excelled in her programming tasks, and soon worked with all of the robots, including Krept 1A. One line at a time, she created the foundations of the operating systems, and Delia layered in the more advanced structures. She even learned some of the bewildering Pruessian code, when they modified the enemy walker.

The Krept units were sleek and lethal. They dominated all of the assimilated enemy robots. If the Kaezer set his greedy eyes on Plumgrove, he'd find a tough fight waiting.

Days shortened, and winds grew chilly. The orchards of Plumgrove's namesake changed to radiant hues of red and gold. Harvest time brought many traditional festivities, which the citizens loved.

Delia didn't like the cold weather. She complained about the dreary clouds and rain, and snapped daily at Gabriel, withdrawing to her office at odd intervals.

One crisp fall morning, Daddy was discussing the latest Test unit with Ed and Arthur.

Lily was eager to start her shift, and headed to the programming area. Hearing hushed voices, she hid behind a rack of parts, and slowly peered around the corner.

"I'm not coming home, Ben," Delia said, sounding miserable. "Not for a long time. The Celestine Precinct just extended my incumbency by at least six months."

A man's voice answered. "Your father will rejoice at the news. But we'll marry soon, my darling. He can't stop us."

"I want nothing more." Delia leaned against the wall, speaking to the communication device she always wore on her wrist. The hologram of a handsome young man's face glimmered before her.

"When the War is over, I'll come for you," he said. "I love you."

The hologram faded, and Delia trembled with quiet sobs.

Lily felt guilty for eavesdropping, and waited a moment before she approached.

Delia turned, her eyelashes damp. "Hello, Lily. Are you ready to learn more structural code today?"

"Yes, ma'am." Wanting to cheer Delia up, she tried a compliment. "Thanks again, for teaching me. I like working with you."

"I appreciate that," Delia said. "It helps to see your smile each day. You're like a ray of sunlight. Plumgrove is so dark this time of year, isn't it?"

"Sometimes it is. There's lots of rain in autumn. Then the snow falls, and we get to sled down the hill, out back of the house." She paused. "You can come, too, when winter gets here. It's really fun."

"You're kind to consider me," Delia said. "But snow doesn't suit me. My home is a controlled climate. We have warmth and light all the time. I can't adjust to this gloom."

"Have you been to Lookout Point? It's just behind the station, not a long walk from here. You can see all of town, and the orchards with their fall colors. I'll take you there, if you want."

Delia was about to answer, but Gabriel and Daddy approached.

"Miss Swann, we need a word," Gabriel said, in a flat, angry voice.

She lifted her chin to its usual haughty level. "Certainly."

Daddy crossed his arms. "We've installed the rocket turret, but there appears to be an issue within the system. It just gives an error chime."

"Very well, I'll have a look at it. Pardon me, Lily. I'll return in a moment."

Lily put on her display visor, and inspected the new robot's system. She recognized most of the visual structures now, making navigation easier.

A few minutes later, she heard Delia's furious approach.

"I won't be subjected to such rude treatment, Mr. Crowley."

Gabriel shouted, following her. "Rude treatment? Why don't you have a look in the mirror, and figure out why your nose is stuck to the ceiling? I've had it. Threaten me all you want."

Delia's voice trembled. "Stand aside, please. I'm taking a walk with Lily."

Lily removed the display, confused. "What's going on?"

"We're going to the Lookout place you mentioned." Delia said, her lips pressed in a firm line. "Right now."

"Oh, okay."

Daddy gave her a perplexed look, as she and Delia left the station.

"I have to get away for a while," Delia said. "I respect you, and your father, but I refuse to be insulted by the others."

Lily was about to reply, but decided against it. They trekked away from the headquarters, and up the wooded slope behind it.

The trail wound along the tallest hill in Plumgrove. It was muddy after morning rain, but it didn't bother Delia. She stepped from rock to ledge with careful vigor, and hopped puddles easily.

They reached the top, and stopped for breath.

The vista faced east, toward the horizon, as far as one could see along Harmony Valley. Plumgrove occupied the westernmost tip. It was also the town furthest inside the valley's enclosure, surrounded by rolling bluffs on three sides, and the narrow strip of farmland between.

Lily loved the breathtaking view. This was the best time of year for it. Several famous painters and photographers had come through Plumgrove over the years, to capture its autumn grandeur.

Many fields were hidden under the camps of the Unfortunates, but the plum orchards blazed in full glory that afternoon. The clouds broke in puzzled gaps against the hilltops. Dramatic pillars of sunlight touched the valley floor, illuminating fiery patches among the shade.

"I love the color of those leaves," Lily said, pointing. "That pinkish red, up the outer slope. That's the Tuxbury orchard. They grow some of the sweetest fruit around."

Delia stared in silence.

Lily liked her, and looked up to her in many ways. After a year of working with her, she knew that the arrogant Miss Swann was a mask presented toward others, especially toward Gabriel. Most people assumed she was aloof because of her affluent background. In truth, Delia Swann was a lonely, homesick person, in a town that disliked her for where she came from.

Many of the citizens of Harmony Valley opposed the orbital colonies. Mama told Lily about it, once. All of the land here was privately owned, but the larger space-based corporations often pressured the locals to sell exclusively. The farmers refused, and organized an independent conglomerate. Big business was forced to step down. The towns were proud of their freedom, and the tight-knit nature of their community.

Lily thought it was important to explain the antagonism. "Mr. Crowley and the others all come from Harmony Valley," she said. "The space colonies are unpopular here, and Celestine, your home, is one of the most disliked. Since you haven't been nice to the team, they think you're conceited."

Delia smirked. "So, that's it? I assumed it was because I'm a woman, with authority over them. Perhaps it isn't so extreme."

"It's still extreme. Sorry to tell you, but I thought you should know why they're angry."

"Thank you for being honest, when no one else has." Delia put an arm around her. "And for bringing me up here. I haven't seen anything this lovely in a long time, and so rarely on Earth."

Lily smiled. "You're welcome."

"Let's go back," Delia said. "We have work to do, and I have apologies to make."

They started down the trail, when a noise like thunder shook the ground. Running back to the ledge, they saw a sky-high plume of black smoke, billowing further up the valley.

Sirens wailed over Plumgrove.

Fear gripped Lily's heart. "What's happening?"

"I don't know," Delia said. "We must return to headquarters at once."