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.

She pointed to the other motorcycle. "One of you must drive. I don't care who."

Ben seemed nervous. "Wouldn't taking one of the larger transports be safer?"

"These were easier to steal." She smirked. "And Miss Swann told me once, that you race motorcycles."

"She told you, what? I haven't raced since I was eighteen."

"Just get on," Fru Haeveka said. She wore a wristcom, and spoke to someone by audio only. "We're on our way. Deploy unit six, to the southeast target."

A man's voice replied. "Unit six deployed. Estimated impact time, two minutes. Over and out."

Rain fell, tapping against their helmets, and pelting the ground.

Fru Haeveka pointed to a large overhang across the runway. "We're headed for the nearest sub-portal, over there. Hold on, and keep up."

Ben rode, and Daddy took the sidecar.

With a few kickstarts and soot-choked exhaust plumes, the motorcycles sputtered to life.

Fru Haeveka dropped a heavy supply bag into Clarence's lap. It was partially open. They saw a large gun within, and the assortment of knives and other sinister looking objects beneath.

Clarence tightened his hand around Lily's.

Fru Haeveka accelerated, and dodged through a crowded area, with a sharp dart left, then a lean right.

Lily was glad the sick pill had worn off, as she had to hold on firmly. The rain misted her goggles. She wiped them with one sleeve, to keep her vision clear.

Ben and Daddy swerved beside them.

Ahead, a bunker suddenly burst into a cloud of fire and mayhem. The howl of the sirens was replaced by a rattling emergency alarm. They stopped at the mouth of the sub-portal for a moment, as the building formed a blazing pyre several stories high.

"There goes unit six," Fru Haeveka said. "When Rulf's toys meet mine, the blast is contagious."

"Why are we going deeper into the camp, when we're trying to escape?" Ben asked.

She gave a wild grin. "You'll see."

Daddy glanced over his shoulder. "Look sharp. Three walkers are headed our way."

Fru Haeveka extended a hand to Clarence. "Fetch me the rifle."

His fingers shook as he opened the pack.

Sensing the urgency, Lily reached around, and retrieved the weapon for him.

Fru Haeveka loaded the rifle with a strange, shiny bullet. "Keep your heads down," she said.

They ducked, and covered their ears.

Fru Haeveka fired, then sped down the ramp after Ben.

There was a crash, and some stumbling sounds behind them, but the hydraulic hiss and thud of large footsteps still pursued.

Fru Haeveka spoke to her wristcom. "Rulf. Walkers, on our tail."

The brash male voice returned. "Understood. Break for the far corner, launch seven. We'll meet you there."

The tunnel curved constantly downward and to the left. The motorcycles whined an echo against the smooth concrete walls.

Lily looked back, and saw that the walkers still charged after them.

They emerged into an enormous subterranean bunker. The ceiling was near invisible in the shadows above. Racing along a utility lane, they passed between two rows of huge, dark structures. At first they appeared to be buildings, but she glimpsed roadwheels and track alongside them. With a start, she realized they were the biggest vehicles she'd ever seen.

Fru Haeveka veered right, down a narrow corridor. She stopped, and helped them out of the sidecar.

A man rushed toward them, wearing a technician's coveralls. Hir Volbergh's amiable face and blonde handlebar mustache were recognizable in the flickering panel lights.

Fru Haeveka pointed to a nearby stairwell. "Take the children in there, quickly," she said.

He took Lily and Clarence by the hands.

Ben screeched around the corner, and halted nearby.

"Follow them," Fru Haeveka said.

Everyone pressed into the dim, enclosed passage.

Fru Haeveka knelt, with her rifle clasped under one arm. She removed a spherical black grenade from her belt, and pulled the pin. As the robots turned the corner, she tossed it, and dove into the stairwell.

The blast shook the walls and floor.

Soon after, dust and smoke drifted toward them, with the clatter of demolished metal settling to the ground.

"Well done," Ben said. "You've alerted the system to our presence."

"It won't matter," Fru Haeveka said. "In a few minutes, everyone will know we're here."

"I don't understand," said Ben, frowning.

"There's a supply base, about five miles east of the camp," Hir Volbergh said. "That's where we'll meet with Miss Swann and the others. But first, we're catching another ride." He grinned, and drew his standard-issue pistols.

As the air cleared, they ventured into the corridor.

The walkers lay in heaps of char, with scraps of the motorcycles smoldering between.

"That's how I deal with things." Fru Haeveka said. "Nothing but a mess to clean after."

They returned to the vast bunker, staying close to the wall, behind one of the large vehicles. There were at least a half dozen in this chamber. Each was about eight stories tall, and covered in fortified layers of steel armor. Hatches along the sides indicated that they were used as transports, and outfitted with heavy artillery. Colossal rows of drills protruded in ringed layers around a large one at the nose.

"Burrowers," Daddy said, awestruck. "I've only heard about them. Entire cities fell before these monsters. They're the largest robots ever built."

"And now, we'll drive one," Hir Volbergh said.

"I wasn't aware we have that sort of clearance," said Ben.

Fru Haeveka lit a cigarette. "We have a new friend who does." She whistled, and waved.

A thin man in an officer's long overcoat approached. He lifted the brim of his hat, revealing his pointed features.

Ben shook his hand. "Hir Zilejager, it's an honor to have you with us."

"I've recently discovered that my colleague, Hir Gruendmann, is allied with your Fist of Heaven," Hir Zilejager said. "Hearing his reasons convinced me to aid you, along with the fine examples presented by my peers." He glanced at Lily and Daddy, and his expression held admiration. "I have something that belongs to you, Korenzdit. Krept 1A, come."

The robot emerged from a nearby corridor, and scuttled toward them.

"Transfer." Hir Zilejager returned it to Lily, with a single wave. "Fully armed and fueled."

She smiled. "Thank you, sir." Having Krept made her feel stronger.

"Let's go," Fru Haeveka said. "Our time grows short."

They approached the nearest burrower.

Hir Zilejager placed his hand against the access panel. It lit, chiming green with recognition, and the adjacent portal slid open.

"I haven't driven one of these since my early training," Hir Volbergh said, joining Hir Zilejager in the open cockpit. "This will be fun."

It was close to an earthquake in starting, but the immense engines soon settled into a steady retort.

They drove slowly toward a large ramp. It ascended at a gentle grade, with side passages leading to the surfacing chutes.

Hir Volbergh piloted, and Hir Zilejager spoke all of the necessary commands for navigation.

Lily realized these giant machines required a partnership-an operator, and a programmer to manage the system.

"Only a little further through these tunnels, then we'll dig," Hir Volbergh said. "How far to the perimeter?"

Hir Zilejager flicked a sensor-tipped finger deftly in air, his uncovered eye darting as he observed what must be a constant flow of data. "Just ahead. We must proceed at least seven hundred forty-nine yards upon our present course, to clear the barriers."

Hir Volbergh yelled over his shoulder. "All of you, find a helmet. This will be jarring."

When the time came to bore through the soil, everyone chose a seat, and fastened the restraints.

The massive vehicle angled upward, and the noise and vibration was unbearable. The helmet had ear protectors, which thankfully muffled some of it. After several agonizing minutes, they broke free.

"Offensive approach," Hir Zilejager said. "Robots, off stern and overhead. Prepare to engage." His voice was methodical as he recited swift lines of Pruessian code.

Hir Volbergh tossed a few switches along the control panel. The screens before him flashed with alerts and targets. "None can stop this transport," he said, laughing. "They're like fleas against the dog."

It was a Pruessian expression, used when futility was amusing.

The cabin shuddered. Artillery collided with their armored sides, but only specialized ammunition would pierce it.

"You see, Mr. Keene," Fru Haeveka said. "This is more efficient than flying an aircraft through swarms of drifters."

"It's clever. But, how far can this thing go?" Ben watched the screens intently. "Those robots aren't going to leave off easily."

"We can roll about five miles," Hir Volbergh said. "Hopefully, we'll have just enough fuel."

"Incoming, north-east," Hir Zilejager said. "Colonial land ships."

"Our friends from space intervene again," said Hir Volbergh.

They crowded around to watch.

Three vehicles rolled toward them, nearly as large as the burrower. Their broad, durable bodies tapered to a streamlined tail, with cannons and turrets reaching for the sky. They drove in the opposite direction, allowing the burrower to pass between their formation. There were several muffled blasts, as they fired at the enemy robots.

"There's the base," Hir Volbergh said. "Let's take it up, as far she'll go."

Hir Zilejager redirected all systems to the new route, and they climbed the winding road.

A huddle of bunkers and supply silos stood on an isolated ridge. As they reached the top, they saw the ruined buildings. The space fighters had devastated this location, as well. Smoke and ash rose to the sky, casting a dark layer against the foreboding rain clouds.

There was a desperate sputter and lurch, and the burrower came to a halt.

"The fuel tanks are depleted," said Hir Zilejager.

"Right on the doorstep," Ben said. "A perfect delivery."

"It isn't over yet," Fru Haeveka said.

"Are you expecting trouble?" Hir Volbergh asked.

"Call it an instinct. We should proceed with caution." She strapped on a belt of knives and ammunition, and loaded her rifle. "I'll survey the area, and return shortly. Keep this for me until I return, Rulf." Handing her bag of weapons to Hir Volbergh, she stole out of the burrower, and into the shadows of a nearby building.

"Will she be okay by herself?" Clarence asked.

Hir Volbergh laughed. "Ilse works best alone. She's one of the most sought-after assassins in the known worlds."

"She worked as a double agent before Black Sky Day," Ben said. "And now she fights for us."

Lily remembered Fru Haeveka's dagger, flung into the portrait of the Kaezer, and shuddered.

After a few minutes, Ben's wristcom chimed. He answered, lowered eyebrows betraying his calm demeanor.

Delia appeared. "We're positioned at the south end of camp. Water tower number twelve. Meet us as soon as you can."

"Gather what we need, and let's get moving," Ben said.

They sheltered next to the service entrance of a partially collapsed bunker.

Krept followed, a gleaming contrast to the drenched black of their uniforms.

"There's the water tower," Daddy said.

"Stay close to cover," said Hir Volbergh. He tossed Fru Haeveka's pack over his shoulder, and drew his pistols.

After a sprint across a muddy thoroughfare, they ducked against the wall of another building. They stole across the remnants of the base, as stealthily as they could through the mire, until they reached the designated spot.

The water tower was part of a circle of similar collectors, raised on spindly supports high above the base. The Pruessian numeral twelve was painted across the side.

There was no sign of their allies.

Lightning streaked overhead, and Lily glimpsed movement in its flare. A figure beckoned to them from a nearby hangar.

Krept trilled in recognition.

"Delia's over there," Lily said.

Everyone ran to meet their long-lost comrade.

Delia was soaked, as they all were. but she seemed not to mind. She hugged the Fairpooles, and gave a warm greeting to Hir Zilejager and Hir Volbergh. Then she found Ben's arms, and an eager kiss.

"There's been another deviation of plans, but it's for the better," Delia said. "Follow me." She pushed the hangar door open, and they entered.

The lights blinked under the wrath of the storm wind. It was nice and dry inside, though warmth seemed to be an impossibility in this ruined base.

An enormous freight shuttle filled most of the hangar. It was similar to others Lily had seen, with a curvilinear fuselage, propellers and wings unfolding in a polished arc. Rocket cowlings swelled out at the tail, aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Most intriguing was the bold company logo on the sides, a swirl of white letters against a starry blue background. Honeysett Incorporated was an off-world freight and courier company, which everyone knew well. It had been a household name on Earth, before Black Sky Day.

"What's a Honeysett shuttle doing in a Pruessian supply base?" Ben asked.

"That's what we wondered, too," said Delia. "At any rate, it's going to be our escape vehicle. The one we landed in was ambushed."

Hir Volbergh coughed. "Ambushed?"

"We were attacked by enemy robots, and took cover here," Delia said. "They confiscated our original shuttle, but then we discovered this one."

As they boarded, Fru Haeveka rejoined them. "The enemy is here," she said. "I saw two people, dressed in the uniforms of Myrktilhet. They dashed into the trees, but disappeared before I could stop them."

"It doesn't matter," Delia said. "We're getting out of here."

Delia secured Krept into the cargo hold, then returned to Ben's side.

"Something's wrong," Daddy said. "This place is too quiet."

"The enemy is up to something, undoubtedly," Hir Volbergh said. "But we should launch anyway, as Miss Swann suggests."

Delia's comrades joined them in the cabin, two pilots and an armed female operative.

Lily found a place to sit, and buckled the safety restraints.

The ramp pulled up, and the door sealed. The shuttle taxied out of the hangar. Small, round windows allowed a view of the runway, and the surrounding trees bent violently in the gale.

"There's something big moving over there," Clarence said, as he peered through the rain-flecked glass.

It was impossible to miss. A large weapons platform camouflaged in branches emerged from the shadowy brush. About forty feet long, it rolled into position beside the runway, and a group of troopers surrounded it.

"It can't be," Ben said. "Thulsbek has a railgun, and it looks like he's brought it out to meet us."

Hir Zilejager frowned. "I've only heard of these weapons. An electromagnetic turret, capable of incredible range and velocity."

"It's the same way he shot down my parents and I, years ago." Ben unfastened his restraints, and opened the cockpit door. He shouted at the pilots. "Stop the shuttle, at once."

They halted, the engines still humming.

Hir Volbergh glanced at the bag of arms stowed beneath Fru Haeveka's seat. "Ilse, do you still have the demolitions we were saving? And the emergency detonator?"

"Yes," said Fru Haeveka. "But we need a carrier to get them close enough. It's too dangerous."

A sudden grin lit Ben's face. "We have the perfect carrier," he said. "Can you rig it onto Krept?"

Fru Haeveka laughed. "That's an excellent idea."

Delia paled. "I don't like it."

"Why not? It's our only chance," Ben said.

Hir Volbergh and Fru Haeveka huddled together on the floor, removing a small metal box carefully from her pack.

"Bring the robot, and we'll finish this," Fru Haeveka said.

Delia fetched her beloved machine. She rested a hand against its leg, and her eyes shimmered. "It's like my child," she said.

Ben put his arms around her. "You can build another one, and Krept will be a hero. Isn't that what you designed it for?"

She closed her eyes, and sighed. "All right. Take it."

Fru Haeveka attached the intricate cluster of wiring and explosives to the robot's back.

They opened the shuttle door, and lowered the ramp.

A Pruessian voice yelled over a loudspeaker. "Come out, please. Surrender, and none will be harmed."

Fru Haeveka flipped a small switch, and the device began a ticking countdown.

Delia waved her hand. "Krept 1A. Attack the turret."

The robot beeped acknowledgment, and scampered outside.

Without hesitation, they rushed to secure the cabin, and prepared for launch.

Lily watched through the window, sharing Delia's sadness.

Krept dodged between the flash of enemy fire, careening toward the railgun.

The rockets roared, spurring a powerful jolt forward, and they streaked down the runway.

A snaking column of smoke ascended with them, rising from where the railgun had been.

Everyone cheered, except for Delia. She stared out the window, her fingers pressed to the glass.

Daddy squeezed Lily's hand.

She held her breath and shivered, remembering the time they'd crashed.

There was nothing to stop them, now.

The sunlight was blinding when they broke through the storm clouds, and joy lifted her heart as they soared into the limitless expanse of freedom.