Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 23

Lily returned the wristcom to Ben, its rightful owner.

"Everything's going as planned," he said. "We've gained control of the aircraft, but we'll have a hell of a time flying out of here."

"We're aware," said Delia. "The Kaezer has some unexpected friends in that camp. They've been making things tricky."

"It's Myrktilhet. Hir Thulsbek himself."

She laughed. "That pompous old rot, here to deal with us personally? I almost feel honored."

"We don't want the honor of facing him," Ben said. "What's next, in your elusive plan?"

"That was the old plan." She tossed a stray lock from her face. "It's changed again."

"Again?" Ben's voice wavered. "Do you know what you're doing, my love?"

"Of course I do. Wait for the diversions."

A loud explosion rumbled outside, not far away.

Defense sirens wailed.

"I assume that was one of them," Ben said, with a dubious expression.

"Affirmative. Rulf and Ilse have planned a rather explosive party, to lure the enemy's attention. Get off of that aircraft, and be ready. Ilse should be there any moment to pick you up."

"Is there anything else we should know?"

"Yes. Stay alive. And, I love you." She disconnected.

Ben stared at the empty space above his wrist, and sighed deeply. He hurried to the door, opened it, and deployed the ramp. "Let's get out of here."

The operatives declined to go with them.

"It's another diversion tactic," said Osreid.

They hurried outside, while the aircraft taxied toward the runway. Several squadrons of robots followed it, blaring security warnings.

The airfield was in chaos. Smoke and flames rose from a nearby hangar. Robots, troopers, and laborers dashed about.

Another explosion followed. This one was closer to Polneitenzal, atop the nearest hill.

She saw a bright flash across the sky, and a formation of aircraft flew over. They were fast, and chromed to blinding magnificence. The wings curved back, arching gracefully to precise tips. They shot skyward with keening engines, leaving the Kaezer's rotorcraft and drifters behind.

"Space fighters." Ben shaded his eyes with a hand to admire them. "Richard Blane has allied with us. I knew Delia could do it."

Lily shared his excitement, but she also wondered why it had taken so long.

Ben's wristcom hailed again.

There was no hologram, just a blunt female voice. "Meet me at the supply convoy, to the south of you."

They sprinted across the asphalt, still soggy with puddles and littered with wind-strewn debris, and came to a row of parked transport vans.

There was a sharp whistle, and a woman hollered. "Over here."

Shifting smoke obscured their view, but they hastened toward the waving figure.

Two motorcycles with attached sidecars waited for them.

Fru Haeveka sat astride one, wearing a helmet and goggles, and standard worker's coveralls. "Get in," she said.

Lily and Clarence climbed into her sidecar, and strapped on the helmets they found.