Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 24

Earth was a beautiful sight from orbit, glowing blue like a precious sapphire gem. It was dizzying at first, to be so high, realizing that the ridged brown and green patches were towering mountains, and scorching deserts. The scattered clouds reminded Lily of a painter's wispy brush strokes across the homeworld's broad surface.

She and Clarence delighted in the novelty of weightlessness. They laughed and played, as they drifted around the cabin.

It was more disorienting for Daddy, with his blind side. Eventually he adapted, and could move about with care.

After a flight of several hours, the shuttle docked at an orbital station owned by Blane Industries.

The airlock whirled open, and four security officers in rust-brown uniforms greeted them. The company's logo was displayed proudly across the bay door, a stylized sphere with a silver arc slicing around it. Blane Industries oversaw several divisions and services, but the majority of its business was in off-world mining.

They were escorted to a private boardroom. A long conference table of rare, costly wood stretched down the center. The outside wall was transparent, a tinted viewing window spanning the length and height of the room. It provided an expansive panorama of the dock they'd just arrived from, and the tranquil planet below.

A slim young man stood before it, silhouetted against the filtered sunlight. Hands folded behind his back, he watched the freighters and trade shuttles coming and going. He was young, appearing about twenty. His dark hair was oiled sleek, with a finger wave at the front. Sideburns tapered to needle-like points along the angles of his jaw. He wore a full-length coat over his suit, the upright collar spanning into a pleated geometric design down the lapels. His acute brown eyes swept over them, observing without lingering.

"Greetings," he said. "I'm Silas, Mr. Blane's eldest son. Please, have a seat. You all must be exhausted, after your harrowing journey."

"Thank you," said Ben. "We wouldn't have succeeded without your father's aid."

Silas lifted his chin, his voice smooth and accommodating. "Blane Industries has always supported your cause, Mr. Keene. There were many hurdles to overcome, in persuading the colonial officials, but we can discuss this later. My father had urgent business on the Vestal Coil. We'll meet him there this evening. In the meantime, please make yourselves at home."

Several shiny domestic robots entered, bearing platters of fruit, cheese, bread, steaming pots of tea, and chilled carafes of water.

They partook of the appetizers graciously.

"I've prepared private cabins for you," Silas said. "We have four hours until departure, and you may refresh yourselves as you like. I assume you won't mind sharing with your children, Mr. Fairpoole?"

Daddy bowed his head and smiled. "Not at all. Thank you, sir."

Everyone departed to their rooms soon after.

Fru Haeveka called to Lily in the corridor. "I have something for you. I almost forgot." She reached into her pack.

"Tell me it's not another bomb," Lily said.

Fru Haeveka laughed, and presented the snowglobe Daddy had made.

Lily gasped. "You rescued it from the dorm. Thank you so much."

"You're most welcome." Fru Haeveka laid a strong hand on her shoulder. "It's been an honor to work with you, Korenzdit. Call on me anytime."

Lily headed back to her cabin, and heard nervous laughter.

Ben and Delia were entwined, leaning against the entrance to her cabin. Delia moaned softly, clutching at the stiff black fabric of his medic uniform. "You have your own room, darling. This is a rather awkward..." She was interrupted by his kisses. "...time, and place."