Perfect World Somewhere

Chapter 13

She woke as the door creaked open, and stretched. Her eyes adjusted to light, and the aroma of food struck her.

Two domestic robots entered, presenting a bowl of something that looked like grits, with an apple sliced at the side. She was famished, and devoured it quickly.

Fru Haeveka arrived soon after, accompanied by two drivers.

"Lily Fairpoole. Follow me, please."

They led her through several hallways and doors, to another sparsely furnished room. She removed her clothing again, and they gave her a towel, which she wrapped around herself. In the next room, she joined a line of several other girls about her age. All were as bald and unclothed as she was. Some stared at her, but most kept their dejected eyes to the floor.

They were herded into a communal washroom. Each received a handful of powdered soap, and a rag to scrub with.

It was an awkward luxury, her first hot bath since she lived in Plumgrove. Rarely was this much water devoted to bathing. The enemy obviously controlled all safe sources. She wondered how many people had surrendered to gain access to this precious resource.

The black coveralls provided were ugly, though they fitted well. A matching cap helped conceal her shaved head. The other girls wore a standard youth uniform, but Lily had a specialized role, as a technician.

No one spoke to her. A few ogled her with contempt. They left the dormitory single file, escorted by troopers and robots, and merged with a throng of boys and girls alike. Everyone pressed through the doors of a large, round building.

Inside was an immense room, lit by the slant of early sun through high, thin windows. Stadium seating surrounded an extensive open floor at the center. An array of screens hung from the ceiling, facing all sides, with a podium of polished black stone below. The Kaezer's emblem was displayed everywhere, the fist, sword, and gear wheel glaring red upon a lackluster black background. War and mechanical prowess were the enemy's strengths.

She claimed a seat among the rows, astounded at how many kids were present. Hundreds, perhaps more than a thousand. All were captives, divided from their families, like herself.

A line of troopers and robots paraded in, assuming a rigid formation around the main floor. Music bellowed over the loudspeaker, a rousing swell of trumpets and snare drums.

The screens flashed on, and the face of Wilhauf Kaezer appeared. He was younger than she'd imagined, with blonde hair pulled into an immaculate topknot, his eyes and smile radiant. He waved to the camera, and a deafening cheer surged.

Everyone raised their right arms, and shouted in unison.

"Seigh til Hir Kaezer."

The murderer of her family was right there, grinning and arrogant before her. She could scarcely move or breathe.

A girl nearby poked her sharply. "Are you daft? Stand up and salute. If you don't, they'll make you sorry."

She stood, and did her best to mimic. Observe, and conform, she told herself, though she wanted to cry.

Then, the lines formed. Everyone marched in a spiral pattern, and sang anthems of praise. She tried not to trip, or step on people's feet, but she didn't know the routine yet. Her ignorance earned many frowns and shoves.

The drill lasted until noon. Afterward, the assembly flocked into a lengthy mess hall, set with rows of cramped steel tables. Domestic robots served soup and bread out of enormous kettles.

She ate in silence, and kept her head down. The others weren't friendly, and she had little desire to socialize, anyway.

Two drivers came to fetch her, much to her relief, and ushered her to the robotics station for her shift.

Hir Zilejager met her at the door with a reserved demeanor. He held a stack of data tablets under one arm, his long black coat buttoned tightly to the collar. His dark hair and mustache were oiled to gleaming perfection.

She saluted, as was required when greeting a superior.

"Welcome, Nevyet," he said, with the hint of a smile. "We have much to do today. Come with me, please."

They walked to the maintenance area where Krept was interred. When they turned the corner, she saw Daddy. Her first instinct was to run and hug him, but she decided to behave.

He wore the black coveralls and cap standard to all working adults in the camp, with his sleeves rolled above rugged utility gloves. His sturdy leather boots were laced to the calf. He turned to Hir Zilejager, and gave the mandatory salute. With his head and beard shaven, he looked sullen.

The Kaezer's regimen consisted of separating parents from children, but Daddy gave her the slightest wink. She knew the mischief he hid behind that gesture. It was always his signal that something was afoot, usually a secret. The idea he'd mentioned earlier must be in play, granting them the chance to work together.

"You and your father are here to reveal for us the workings of this robot," Hir Zilejager said. "We require you to be focused on this task. You will only discuss work-related subjects and requests, and you will provide a preliminary schematic to my translator by no later than sundown."

They had their own shop here, with every tool they needed, for any phase of construction or repair. The task was simple, but the manual labor wasn't. They had to provide the enemy with the secrets of Delia's infamous robot, and it required dismantling Krept to the frame.

The Pruessians watched for a while. As the hours wore on, Hir Zilejager and his subordinates congregated in another room, adjoining the station. Laughter and patriotic singing soon roared out. It sounded like they were having a good time.

Only a pair of drivers stood guard, watching and listening.

"Hand me those cutters, and listen to how I'm talking to you Sunshine," Daddy said.

She gave him a puzzled look.

He winked, signifying another secret. "The cutters, please, say what you need to after the working words and say it all at once like this."

Daddy explained his method, in the same odd manner. The drivers couldn't translate fast enough. Starting with a work-related phrase wouldn't trigger suspicion. Also, if they spoke in quick, long sentences, blending the words, they could confuse the robots. It was perfect for a moment like this.

The Pruessians soon returned, to check on their progress.

Lily and Daddy stopped their hidden conversation, as they couldn't fool humans.

Nevertheless, she laughed to herself. It was thrilling to deceive the enemy.

The translator arrived for their report, as the clock above the door buzzed the end of the shift. He was very young, with pale skin, and a natural blush to his cheeks. The black uniform overcoat hung loosely about his shoulders, with the arched brim of his hat pulled low over precise brown eyes.

He spoke their language fluently, but with a flourish. "I'm Hir Jerik Weingert, the assisting officer to this project. I'm also the translator for Hir Zilejager." He looked over the schematic Lily gave him. "I see that you and your father are an efficient team. You may retire to your assigned lodging. We'll send for you tomorrow afternoon."

She said goodnight to Daddy, and presented the proper salute to Hir Weingert. They're just words, and empty actions, she told herself, and hoped she could act the role of a devoted Kaezer youth.