Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 18

Hours went by, grating at Lily's weary mind. Myriad columns danced upon the screen in her display, fusing into the combat protocol matrices. She'd learned much more Pruessian code since working for Hir Zilejager. At this point, she probably knew more than Delia did.

She seethed at Hir Weingert and his erratic tyranny. The other Pruessians didn't behave like this. Murky yellow light spilled from his office door, creating a single patch of illumination against the wall of the shadowed corridor.

They had to wake at dawn for their classes and drills. Why was he taking so long to check on them? This wasn't fair, or warranted.

She stopped a moment, and removed her display, looking around at Daddy.

He was hard at work on the frame for the second prototype.

Since the drivers weren't present, she abandoned all care. She approached, and spoke directly. "You look exhausted. I can finish this on my own."

"No," he said. "I won't leave you alone with that brute."

She looked around, making sure they were still unsupervised. Then she reached for him, her heart pounding, and they met in a long-desired hug. It was a simple thing, once taken for granted. She buried her face into his strong shoulder, and sobbed.

He kissed her cheek. "It's okay. I'm here, Sunshine. I'll always be here for you."

A mechanical hum and clink announced the approaching drivers.

Lily rushed back to her seat, and donned her display device, acting as if everything was normal.

The robots beeped to each other in their private electronic language, and assumed their usual observant formation.

Tension hung in the air. There was still no sign of Hir Weingert. He was probably asleep in his office.

She sighed, and resumed her tedious job. Her anger kept her awake, over the next few hours.

Not long after midnight, she heard Daddy put his tools down. "I'm taking a short rest break," he said, glancing at the drivers. He sat on a chair in the corner, folded his arms, and closed his eyes.

Not long after, she used the lavatory, and washed her hands in the pitcher and basin near the door.

The station was silent. Her own breath seemed to echo through the vast, dark space. She glanced at Daddy.

He still dozed in the corner, chin slumped. The brim of his black civilian cap covered his face, his chest rising and falling with his snores.

She didn't want to disturb him. In another hour, the job would be finished. Then she would go to the office, and wake Hir Weingert herself. The man had to be sleeping in there. She couldn't think of any other reason for his inattention.

It was too quiet, and made her nervous. She hummed to herself, to ease her troubled mind. Returning to the robot, she picked up her display.

She heard the flap of a long coat, and the precise step of boot heels. Hir Weingert drifted out of a shadowy corner, and walked toward her. It was as if he just appeared.

Fear seized her, and she stumbled to say the words of the required greeting. She saluted, trying to at least appear enthusiastic.

"Be at ease," he said. "You've proven much today. I'd like to have a little chat, before I dismiss you and your father."

She nodded once, but kept her eyes down, and her temper in check. She had a bad habit of saying things in anger, and regretting them later.

"You're a smart girl," Hir Weingert said, moving closer. "I think you and I are much alike."