Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 14

The first week passed quickly.

She was assigned a third tier bunk, on the dorm floor occupied by girls aged ten to seventeen. Every morning was the same routine. She was up at dawn. Then, it was wash, dress, breakfast, drill, Pruessian language and cultural studies, exercise, and lunch. Her shift at the robotics station began right after, and ended past nightfall.

All children in the Kaezer's custody knew what was expected. She had to love the great leader, and learn to be a citizen in his new society. There were ranks to achieve within the education system. As a new recruit, Lily was Nevyet, the Pruessian word for newcomer. Her instructors reinforced the low rank with constant pressure and scorn.

The other girls harassed her just as often. One of them pushed her on the recreation yard, during an afternoon of scheduled exercise.

"You think you're better than us, because you work as a technician." The older girl's voice was derisive. "Better learn your place, runt."

Lily's temper flared. She hated bullies, and Daddy had always taught her to defend herself. She scrambled to her feet, and shoved back. "Better learn some manners, brat."

A collective gasp from the onlookers only fueled the conflict.

The girl swung a fist, and hit Lily in the face.

Lily reeled a moment, but her anger numbed the pain. She rushed her assailant, and threw a punch into the girl's stomach.

Whistles shrieked, and the field attendants broke up the fight. Four drivers arrived as well, to ensure the truce.

Lily and her rival were delivered to Fru Haeveka's office. They sat side by side beneath the tall caretaker's intimidating scrutiny. A domestic robot brought an ice pack for Lily's swollen face.

The office was even messier than the desk in the foyer. Papers and books lay everywhere. Too many monitors and cabinets were crammed together, and the stale odor of cigarettes coated the paneled walls. Carefully framed and centered, a portrait of Hir Kaezer flaunted its precise, famous grin above the clutter.

Fru Haeveka glowered. "Why do you fight when you know it is against the rules, Sprestok Larson?"

The other girl shrugged. "Don't know." She refused to meet eyes with the caretaker.

Fru Haeveka sighed. "This is two counts against you within three months. You will behave accordingly, or you will face the council. Which do you prefer?"

The choice was obvious. No one wanted to be brought to the attention of the council, the ruling power in the camp.

Fru Haeveka dismissed Sprestok Larson, with a warning and a mediocre punishment.

Then she turned to Lily. "Fighting. I had expected better from you, Nevyet Fairpoole. You are highly spoken of by many."

Lily met the caretaker's shrewd gaze. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I'll contain my temper next time."

"Hm. Very obedient." Fru Haeveka's smile was reserved. "But is this your true conviction? We shall see. One hundred push-ups, and one round. If you fight again, this goes up. I trust you will behave, now."

"Yes, ma'am."

Lily dreaded the mandatory boxing. She wasn't good at it. With her wounded face, it would hurt even more. She was forced to endure a single disciplinary round, with another girl of similar build. She took a beating, but it was over quickly.

Aside from the rigorous classes she was forced to attend, the Kaezer encouraged participation in athletics.

The Pruessians were mad about boxing. Amateur bouts happened all around the camp. She witnessed them often, as she passed between the dorm and the robotics station. They were usually started by bored troopers seeking entertainment.