Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 17

The second winter in the ration camp was colder than the first. Transportation was hindered by a week-long blizzard, which tried the patience of many. Completion of the prototype was delayed by a lost shipment from Pruessia, much to Hir Zilejager's dismay.

When the specialized parts finally arrived, the team rushed to install them.

At first glance, the new robot resembled the assassin. Its serpentine body was formed of five interlocking, detachable segments. Built of steel frame plated in copper, brass, and chrome, it was shorter and more flexible than its predecessors. Each round section walked on four articulated legs, similar to Krept. The prehensile feet were layered with the same fibrous strands that propelled the assassin model. It was able to shift formations rapidly, adapting to environment and necessity. Another innovation was the ingenious layering of the weaponry within the compact structure. The powerful mini-hydraulics and durable batteries were Hir Zilejager's own inventions.

The first official test was conducted in the arena. The robot displayed its hardware and functions without flaw. It performed well when conjoined, and as a synchronized group of five when it divided. Constructed into each segment were automatic weapons, standard tripwire grapplers, and the slicer blades of both forerunners. It even had flamethrowers, a feature inherited from Krept.

"We're ready to show this unit to the great leader," said Hir Weingert.

Hir Zilejager beamed. "Indeed. I'm traveling to Moskloberg in a few weeks, to make the presentation. See that we obtain media of the highest quality."

"Of course, sir." Hir Weingert saluted.

Moskloberg was the capital of the Pruessian Empire, the home of Hir Kaezer himself.

"I want to thank Civilian and Sprestok Fairpoole," Hir Zilejager said. "You've both proven invaluable to my research. It's rare to find a family as talented as yours."

All of the Pruessians stared at them.

Hir Weingert's lips curled into an obvious sneer, as he looked Lily up and down.

She ignored him. "Thank you, sir."

Daddy gave a dignified nod. His expression was reserved, but satisfied.

A week later, Lily realized the extent of the praise. She was awarded the next rank, due to Hir Zilejager's commendation—promoted from Sprestok, to Korenzdit. It meant rooted in Pruessian. Established, and ready to grow. The next advancement would be to the youth corps. At that level, she received free passage around the camp, and she'd be able to move about her registered zones without a driver or trooper accompanying her.

The honor renewed her confidence. Though Hir Zilejager was her captor, he was a fair and intelligent man.

Early spring arrived, along with her thirteenth birthday.

Daddy began work on a mysterious project during his assigned breaks.

She tried to peek, but he always moved to block her view.

He raised a finger, and gave her a playful smile.

She laughed. But the laughter changed to awe, when he presented the gift a week later.

He offered her tool bag with a wink that afternoon, indicating something special was inside.

She searched through it, and discovered a round metal object, just big enough for her palm. It was a polished brass and copper sphere, with an activation switch at the hinge. When she turned it, a lid sprang open, revealing a wondrous sight.

A glass oil container, cut in half, formed a dome for the liquid world within. The Pruessian oil company's logo was a rising sun, the embossed rays fanning in a frosted pattern across the surface. Four small whorls of copper appeared at the edges, and a fifth in the middle. They blossomed into metallic lily flowers, and released a shower of glittering flakes. The smaller petals unfolded into diaphanous butterfly wings.