Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 16

Along with summer came a stifling heat. It was difficult to work in the afternoon, when the sun was at its worst. She traded off with Daddy to rest.

The design committee produced a working schematic, and began constructing the prototype. The Pruessians worked with them closely, which made it difficult to talk to Daddy.

It had been almost a year since their surrender, and still no news from Delia, or the Fist of Heaven. She often wondered if everything had failed. Maybe the space colonies had allied with the Kaezer, and all hope of freedom was lost.

Uncertainty threatened her resolve. Why hadn't Ben contacted them? She watched daily for any sign of hope.

One humid afternoon, she attended a special event in the great hall. Hir Kaezer appeared in a live boxing match, broadcast on oversized screens and walls for all to see.

A known traitor was brought into the ring, a Pruessian man who had dared to speak against the dictator and his regime.

The Kaezer always presented himself as a strong and capable warrior. He stood before the cameras in full glory, muscled and gleaming with perspiration.

The dissident cowered in the opposite corner of the ring.

A bell clanged, and the fight began. The crowd stood and cheered.

At that moment, she caught sight of Clarence.

He was close, only three bleachers down.

She knew who would win. The fight was always rigged.

The poor opponent was helpless against the severe left hook of the great leader. Blood, spit, and sweat flew.

Hir Kaezer raised his arms in triumph, a knockout victory.

The crowd went into an uproar. Many hugged each other in celebration.

Lily clapped along, all the while moving toward Clarence. In the mad jostle, no one paid attention. She elbowed her way through.

Clarence sat quietly, staring at the screen with empty eyes.

Her heart pounded as she grabbed him by the shoulder.

He gasped when he saw her, and they embraced. It had been so long.

"I miss you, Lily," he said. "Is Daddy okay?"

She kissed his cheek. "He's fine. He misses you, too."

"I wish we could all fly away," Clarence said. "To anywhere but here. Will Delia come back for us?"

"I hope so," she whispered.

They had to separate, as the masses dispersed. The drivers would be looking for her, to escort her to the station.

Clarence stared over his shoulder, as they were forced apart in the press.

It seemed so long ago that she'd been able to hug her family. She and Daddy always had to maintain their distance. Sometimes they sneaked a touch of the hand or shoulder. But she wished she could hold him, and feel the comfort of his arms around her.

She tried to stop crying, as she followed the drivers to the station, and decided to sing instead. Music always made her feel better.

Hir Zilejager's project had progressed well.

Daddy's practical skill was the most advanced among the team, and they consulted him on much of the physical assembly.

Lily and Daddy spoke decent Pruessian, now. It was a required study for all prisoners, young and old.

On a hot evening in late summer, she took a short break from her programming tasks. She poured herself some water, and reclined on a nearby chair.

Daddy labored over the framework for the latest prototype. Various pieces lay in an organized sprawl on the workbench, the bright lights reflecting in the round panes of his goggles.

Hir Zilejager and the Pruessians were in a meeting with a superior officer.

She heard the sound of footsteps, and Hir Weingert approached.

Alarmed, she stood and saluted.

Hir Weingert was difficult to understand. He acted indifferent most of the time, even disdainful. Other times when they were alone, he was cordial. She found this behavior irritating, but she was forced to display respect.

"At ease, Sprestok Fairpoole," he said. He filled her empty cup, and handed it to her. "Have another drink. You work so hard for your age."

She took the water, but refused to meet his gaze. Though he smiled, the rest of his face was apathetic. He made her uneasy.

He sat beside her, folding his hands in his lap. This was the closest she'd ever been to a Pruessian. She could smell the polished leather of his boots, and the oily scent of tonic in his sleek, dark hair.

"May I ask you a question?"

She nodded.

"I understand that you arrived here with a Pruessian man, named Benjamin Keene," he said.

She swallowed. "Yes, sir."

"Tell me what you know of this gentleman. I hear he is of the Schnegiryov family, though he grew up among the space colonies."

"I don't know much." She skirted the truth. "He assisted us in getting out of the strongholds, and into the care of the great leader. We're grateful to him for this."

Hir Weingert laughed. He slipped a gloved finger beneath her chin, and studied her closely. "You're an asset to our beloved leader, Sprestok. A pretty face, along with intelligence. And I daresay, you're far more clever than you pretend."

She averted her gaze, wanting to get away from him.

"There's no reason to be afraid," he said, in a snide voice. "You have many friends here." He didn't say that he was one of them.

"I need to return to work, sir." She saluted, said the required slogan, and hurried back to her duties.

She didn't trust any of the Pruessians, and Hir Weingert least of all. From that day forth, she avoided any unnecessary contact with the arrogant young man.

Autumn brought the blessed coolness that made work more bearable.

She didn't know the exact date of their arrival in the ration camp, but she knew that a year had passed. Though it was discouraging, there was no time for regret. Nothing could be reversed.

On a chilly afternoon, when only the robots were on guard, Daddy broke her misery with long-awaited news. "Time to test these pistons out, I've finally received a message from Ben," he said.

She gasped, drawing the attention of the drivers, and waited until they weren't interested to reply.

"Let's have a look at them, please tell me everything."

He glanced about, to be sure they were still alone.

"Take care with that connector, Delia and the others are sending supplies to the resistance and are still planning our escape."

The sound of voices and footsteps announced the arrival of the Pruessians.

Daddy smiled, and winked. There was still hope.

She watched the skies often, through the cheerless windows of the dorm, or while passing between the labor zones. Any day, she hoped to see their allies above, coming to rescue them at last.