The next morning, she attended the drill and required classes. When the time came to go to work, there were two additional drivers in her escort. She was uncertain if it was for her protection, or to make sure she behaved.

It was a calm, breezy day in late spring. White clouds sailed across the sky, driven by a persistent wind. She held her cap against it. The maintenance door of the station was open, and she hurried through.

All of the Pruessian technicians were hard at work. The spark of Hir Volbergh's power grinder squealing against metal drew her attention, and the faint, sulfurous odor of diesel exhaust wafted from the arena outside.

Krept acknowledged her with its usual trill, programmed to recognize her on sight.

Hir Zilejager was back from Pruessia, and was in a discussion with Daddy.

Daddy smiled weakly when he saw her. He wore a black leather eye patch to conceal his injury.

She gave the proper salute.

"You may be at ease," Hir Zilejager said. "I wish to speak with you, and your father. Come inside, please." He waved them into his office, and closed the door. His gaunt features were drawn with concern. He addressed them in Pruessian, clasping his hands behind his back. "I appealed to the legislators in Moskloberg, when I received news of your arrest, and they've granted you both temporary asylum. You may continue working until your trial. I'm sure you won't object, as it's more tolerable than losing your sanity in a detention cell."

Daddy bowed his head. "Thank you, sir."

"After observing the security footage, I'm convinced you acted in self-defense." Hir Zilejager paused, and looked at Lily. "If I were in the situation, Civilian Fairpoole, I would have reacted in a similar manner. I...have a daughter, about the same age. Hir Weingert's death is unfortunate, but I daresay he brought it upon himself."

Daddy stared at Hir Zilejager for several seconds, and a quiet understanding passed between them. "I appreciate your consideration, sir. But is it true that we face murder charges?"

"I'm afraid so. Hir Weingert's associates are part of a brotherhood, which protects its own rather vehemently. In the past, they've been known to use subversion and violence in seeking their revenge. I've spoken with your warden, and also to Fru Haeveka. We've placed heightened surveillance around you, and will respond to any suspicious activity."

This explained the reason for the extra drivers in her escort. Her dread and curiosity formed an uneasy blend, and she asked the question that tormented her. "Is Myrktilhet trying to kill us?"

Hir Zilejager shifted his stance. "As you always ask so plainly, Korenzdit, I'll be frank in return. I believe they're capable, and that they will pursue you in this case. Unfortunately, no one knows their motives. All we can do is remain watchful."

Daddy broke the uneasy silence. "I have another concern."

"Go on."

"This injury is affecting my work. I can't see anything on my right side, and I've got a headache from straining my good eye. I'm not sure I can stay on the project like this."

Lily gasped, and grabbed his sleeve with both hands. "No, Daddy, don't leave."

Hir Zilegager watched with a surprised expression.

She let go of Daddy with a start. "I'm sorry, sir. I got carried away, that's all."

"There's no need to apologize." Hir Zilejager smiled. "I have something for you, Civilian. I meant to give it to you earlier, but it's been a hectic day." He opened a supply cabinet filled with piles of robotic parts and tattered notebooks. Bits of paper scrawled with diagrams and intricate equations were tacked erratically to the sides.

He pulled out a mechanical prosthesis, resembling the detached arm of a utility robot. A padded metal frame gleamed along tiny brass joints, articulated to a human torso. Circular panels edged in sensors were set at both ends.

Daddy frowned at the strange object.

"I designed this visual aid, a few years ago, for an officer with failing eyesight," Hir Zilejager said. "This is one of the concept models. It's still functional, and you're welcome to try it."

He adjusted it to fit, then secured it in place with the attached leather fastenings.

It covered all of Daddy's arm, shoulder, and half of his face. He had to remove his eye patch, but the device covered the wound just as well.

Hir Zilejager flipped the activation switch, and it hummed with the warming of compact actuators. He raised a palm at Daddy's blind side.

Daddy twitched. "What the...it just shocked me a little. It didn't hurt, but what does this thing do, anyway?"

"The headpiece, and the outer strip bear enhanced optical sensors. It detects objects and movement on all sides. You'll receive a small pulse, alerting you to the direction and orientation. There's also an automated mode, with this switch here, allowing it to respond for you. It isn't foolproof, but I hope it changes your mind about leaving."

Daddy turned his hand about, assessing. "I'll wear it for the rest of the shift."

Hir Zilejager looked satisfied. "Very good. You should also know, the great leader was so impressed with our prototype, that he's named the model."

Lily and Daddy paused, on their way out the door.

"It's called Roenyet. In your language, it means Swarm."

It was an apt title, for an efficient and deadly machine.

Hir Volbergh approached her, when she returned to her duties. "Did you read the plans I gave you?" he asked.

"No. Hir Weingert took them."

He laughed. "Well, if Myrktilhet sees what was in that envelope, they'll find a misleading surprise."

"You know about Hir Weingert, and Myrktilhet?"

His voice was low, but proud. "I know about everything." He removed a glove, and displayed the star tattoo upon his flexed, defiant fist.

Lily had already guessed that Hir Volbergh was an operative. Along with Fru Haeveka, she wondered who else was working secretly to bring an end to the War.

This ration camp was like a fortress. Escape would be daunting, even foolish. Knowing Delia's penchant for stunts of bravery and risk, Lily presumed it would be an adventure, when the time came for the attempt.

She completed Swarm's combat protocol that afternoon, to the delight of Hir Zilejager.

At first, Daddy seemed to be doing well. Then he accidentally slammed his elbow into the workbench, and shouted in pain.

She went to his side, overcome with worry.

"I can't work like this, Sunshine," he said. "I'm sorry."

Not caring what the others thought, she threw her arm around him. "How can I help?"

"Unless my eyesight returns, my career's finished. There's nothing to be done." He breathed a heavy sigh, and set his tools down.

"What's wrong with the aid device?" she asked.

"This thing just slows me down. It's too stiff."

"Let me have a look at it," she said. She scratched her head, as she puzzled over the detailed circuitry and structure. "These joints are outdated. The newer bearings are more flexible. I wonder if we can make a few adjustments."

A bin of used parts was stored near the door of the station. The utility robots emptied it every week for recycling. Lily poked around its contents, and grinned when she found one of the pieces she needed, a miniature hydraulic cylinder from one of the failed versions of Swarm. It hadn't worked for the robot, but it was perfect for Daddy.

It took hours of tinkering and scavenging. She worked on it during her assigned breaks, making sure that her regular duties and quota were kept. By sunset, she'd enhanced the prosthetic, and Daddy was satisfied with the result.

"It's much better," he said, smiling and moving his arm about.

Hir Zilejager and the other Pruessians were amazed. Even the medics, who checked on Daddy's eye every few days, were stunned by the quality and speed of her work.

The final challenge lay in helping Daddy learn to respond to the aid properly. It was a lot like learning to drive. He was frustrated at first, but he persisted.

For the rest of the week, they worked together on his tasks.

She stood with him, sometimes even sat behind him, assisting him with touch and words. It felt good to be close to him, and to see the satisfied look on his face when he succeeded.

Her memories slipped to the happier times gone by. When she'd first apprenticed to him, he used to sit behind her, guiding her hands and showing her the way. Now, she did it for him.

A few days later, Daddy could perform most basic functions on his own. It was just in time, as their summons to the trial came the next morning.