Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 11

Their last sight of Delia was the escape vehicle hurtling towards the stars. The fiery engines grew smaller, the higher it went.

Ben whispered. "Farewell again, my love."

Daddy laid Clarence onto the ground.

Ben knelt beside them, solemn, but he was thorough in his examination. "He was struck in the head, when we landed. His breathing is shallow, but his pulse is regular."

Lily peeked through the foliage, watching the crash site. She heard the enemy's approach, well before she saw them. The hum of thrust rotors preceded the transports, the drifter robots whining alongside.

"This isn't good," Ben said, as he inspected the swelling along Clarence's skull. "He's bleeding internally, and I don't have the necessary equipment. I'm afraid I can't do much more for him."

Lily gulped. "Is my brother going to die?"

"If he doesn't receive the proper treatment soon, it's likely."

Daddy slumped to the ground. "There has to be something we can do."

"There's an option," Ben said with hesitation. "But I loathe to even mention it."

"Tell me." Daddy looked desperate in the moonlight.

"Surrender to the Pruessians. Their medical knowledge is superior to ours, like their robotics."

"How can you even consider such a thing?" Daddy sounded angry. "They'll kill us on sight."

Ben sighed. "Not necessarily. The Kaezer prefers taking prisoners, when he can. His ultimate goal is to convert his enemies, and create a new society. It's merely a suggestion. You may decide, Mr. Fairpoole. I'll abide with whatever choice you make, seeing as my fate has been thrown in with yours."

"I don't have the strength to make this decision, Sunshine," Daddy said. "You know what will happen, if we turn ourselves in. They'll take you away from me, and there's no guarantee that they'll save him. I'll leave this up to you. I trust your judgment, more than anyone else's."

Lily could scarcely breathe. The Pruessians were the murderers of her family, and the destroyers of her home. The alternative would be that they flee, and search for the resistance. Finding someone to treat Clarence might be impossible, if they took that route. She looked at her brother's still, pallid face, and knew what to do.

"Let's take him to the Kaezer," she said.

Daddy nodded, and grasped Clarence's hand.

"It's settled," said Ben. "Krept should follow behind us, to appear passive."

Lily agreed.

I have one last call to make," Ben said. He spoke a name to his wristcom. It chimed pleasantly, and the holographic display flared blue and silver above his wrist. A man's face appeared, stern, with a finely curled mustache.

"Mr. Keene, we're on schedule to retrieve you," the man said. "How goes the flight so far?"

"We were shot down mid-launch. Magnus and Mrs. Reider have been killed in action. The Kaezer is far more efficient now, in his surveillance. Be cautious in any approach."

The man shook his head. "I'm sorry to hear this."

"Indeed. It's a great loss. However, the mission still stands. Miss Swann launched the emergency rocket, and needs to be retrieved as soon as possible. The vehicle can sustain her in orbit for about twelve hours. Please, find her, and take her to the Vestal Coil."

"Affirmative, Mr. Keene. But what about you, and the others you're bringing up?"

"We're taking our chances with the Kaezer, for the sake of a young boy's life."