Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 5

The entire militia was gathered in the yard. Their forces numbered two hundred forty-five men and women, with several recent recruits from the Unfortunates. The robotic fleet consisted of seven functional Krept models, and three captured walkers.

Lily found Daddy, and grabbed his hand. "Is it another drill?"

"I don't think so, Sunshine. Stay close."

She felt numb, and whispered in his ear. "We saw a big cloud of smoke from the Lookout. It was way down the valley, near Hills Port."

He tightened his grip on her hand. "Don't say anything, until the captain gives orders."

Captain Rutherford addressed them from the steps of the administrative building. "We've just received news from Hills Port," he said. "It's a confirmed attack by the Kaezer. A squadron of rotorcraft bombed several targets around the town. We don't know how extensive the damage is yet, or if there were any casualties. The militia shot down one enemy vessel, and took another robot into custody. In any case, we're all on high alert, until further notice. It's a mandatory blackout for the next forty-eight hours. I want the first two squadrons formed out front. You'll alert the citizens, and help them as needed."

Delia approached Lily and Daddy. "We need to cover all of the windows and doors in the station," she said.

As they entered, they found Gabriel, Ed, and Arthur huddled nearby.

Ed sat on a supply crate, with his face buried in his hands.

Delia walked slowly towards them.

Arthur watched her blankly, and Gabriel glared.

"Mr. Richmond," Delia said. "Do I recall that you're from the town which just suffered the attack?"

Ed's dark eyes were wary. "Yes."

Delia took a deep breath, and sank to one knee. There was no sign of her usual snobbery. "I'm sorry," she said. "If there's anything I can do to help..."

Gabriel interrupted. "You can stop pretending you care."

Ed simply nodded. "Thank you for your concern, ma'am. I'd like to request the afternoon off, if it isn't any trouble. I'll catch up my work tomorrow."

"Granted. Return when you're able. I'll inform the captain that you've taken a leave of absence."

"Thank you, Miss Swann." Ed saluted, and departed promptly.

"I've been wrong, about many things," Delia said, and turned to Gabriel. "I owe you an apology, Mr. Crowley."

"You don't owe me anything." Gabriel gave her a contemptuous look. "You're an outsider, you'll never understand."

Daddy took a step toward Delia. "I'm not from Harmony Valley, either," he said. "I was born and raised in Chelworth, and was accepted into this community when I married Mayla. Are you going to antagonize me, as you do Miss Swann?"

"You're still from Earth," Gabriel said. "She's one of the tyrants from the sky, too proud to set foot on the soil that feeds them. There's a big difference."

Delia paced with thoughtful steps. "I do come from one of the elite families on Celestine," she said. "My father is the main financial supporter of this robotics project. The Precinct ordered me to Plumgrove, to assist the militia in strengthening its defenses. And my family funds the research, forcing me to stay, because they want to separate me from my fiance."

Gabriel raised his eyebrows, yet said nothing.

"My father has disowned me for choosing to marry against his wishes. However, there's a greater reason the illustrious Mr. Swann has continued to fund us. He has much interest in the resources of Harmony Valley, and pressures me to promote his business agenda here. The plan is to weaken the resolve of your farming cooperative, and bring it under his control. I've thwarted his efforts every time, and I'll continue doing so."

Gabriel smiled, a slight lift to one corner of his lips. "So, you're an outsider among the outsiders? That's an interesting perspective, I'm sure."

"Interesting is one way of putting it." Delia addressed them with conviction. "This latest attack on Hills Port is a reminder that we must stand together, and prepare for the arrival of the enemy. Are you all with me?"

A united cheer resounded.

Delia looked triumphant. "We're finally a team," she said.

The War was no longer just a story in the news, or gossip at the market place. This was an attack on their own, and it reinforced the actuality of the Kaezer.

Later that evening, Lily helped Clarence with his lessons beside a single lantern, since the fire couldn't be lit. Mama and Nana had covered all of the windows with thick blankets.

Daddy went to bed early, exhausted after the long day, but Lily was too worried to sleep.

Nana tapped her on the shoulder. "I see that frown of yours. Come sit with me."

Lily sighed, and sat on the edge of the quiet, shadowy hearth. "What's going to happen when the War comes to Plumgrove, Nana?"

"Not when it comes. It's already here," Nana said, hugging her with one shawl-draped arm. "I don't know what the rest of this old town will do, but I know what I'll be doing. Once that Kaezer fellow rolls in, I'm going to be singing, and smiling, and I'll give him a good punch in the nose. You just stick with me."

She laughed at the thought of Nana hitting the enemy.

"That's right, baby girl. Don't forget, you take after your Nana. You have a special gift. Music is a power all its own. Your songs can bring smiles on a cloudy day. Break a heart, or heal it. Your voice can even help you find love, when there seems to be none. You look at me like I'm crazy, but just you try it. You'll see that it's true one day."

Lily hummed herself to sleep that night, and her fear lessened with song, just as Nana had promised.