The second winter in the ration camp was colder than the first. Transportation was hindered by a week-long blizzard, which tried the patience of many. Completion of the prototype was delayed by a lost shipment from Pruessia, much to Hir Zilejager's dismay.

When the specialized parts finally arrived, the team rushed to install them.

At first glance, the new robot resembled the assassin. Its serpentine body was formed of five interlocking, detachable segments. Built of steel frame plated in copper, brass, and chrome, it was shorter and more flexible than its predecessors. Each round section walked on four articulated legs, similar to Krept. The prehensile feet were layered with the same fibrous strands that propelled the assassin model. It was able to shift formations rapidly, adapting to environment and necessity. Another innovation was the ingenious layering of the weaponry within the compact structure. The powerful mini-hydraulics and durable batteries were Hir Zilejager's own inventions.

The first official test was conducted in the arena. The robot displayed its hardware and functions without flaw. It performed well when conjoined, and as a synchronized group of five when it divided. Constructed into each segment were automatic weapons, standard tripwire grapplers, and the slicer blades of both forerunners. It even had flamethrowers, a feature inherited from Krept.

"We're ready to show this unit to the great leader," said Hir Weingert.

Hir Zilejager beamed. "Indeed. I'm traveling to Moskloberg in a few weeks, to make the presentation. See that we obtain media of the highest quality."

"Of course, sir." Hir Weingert saluted.

Moskloberg was the capital of the Pruessian Empire, the home of Hir Kaezer himself.

"I want to thank Civilian and Sprestok Fairpoole," Hir Zilejager said. "You've both proven invaluable to my research. It's rare to find a family as talented as yours."

All of the Pruessians stared at them.

Hir Weingert's lips curled into an obvious sneer, as he looked Lily up and down.

She ignored him. "Thank you, sir."

Daddy gave a dignified nod. His expression was reserved, but satisfied.

A week later, Lily realized the extent of the praise. She was awarded the next rank, due to Hir Zilejager's commendation—promoted from Sprestok, to Korenzdit. It meant rooted in Pruessian. Established, and ready to grow. The next advancement would be to the youth corps. At that level, she received free passage around the camp, and she'd be able to move about her registered zones without a driver or trooper accompanying her.

The honor renewed her confidence. Though Hir Zilejager was her captor, he was a fair and intelligent man.

Early spring arrived, along with her thirteenth birthday.

Daddy began work on a mysterious project during his assigned breaks.

She tried to peek, but he always moved to block her view.

He raised a finger, and gave her a playful smile.

She laughed. But the laughter changed to awe, when he presented the gift a week later.

He offered her tool bag with a wink that afternoon, indicating something special was inside.

She searched through it, and discovered a round metal object, just big enough for her palm. It was a polished brass and copper sphere, with an activation switch at the hinge. When she turned it, a lid sprang open, revealing a wondrous sight.

A glass oil container, cut in half, formed a dome for the liquid world within. The Pruessian oil company's logo was a rising sun, the embossed rays fanning in a frosted pattern across the surface. Four small whorls of copper appeared at the edges, and a fifth in the middle. They blossomed into metallic lily flowers, and released a shower of glittering flakes. The smaller petals unfolded into diaphanous butterfly wings.

"Let's get to work, happy birthday Sunshine I'm sorry the gift is late." Daddy said.

Her mouth hung open in awe, fingers tightening around the snowglobe.

Both of them had learned much from the Kaezer's technology. The incredible workmanship in her hand was the culmination of Daddy's skill.

His eyes glistened. "I love you," he said, not caring about the drivers.

A refined and affected voice broke the moment. She plunged the gift back into her tool bag, before Hir Weingert saw it.

"Hir Zilejager has departed for the homeland," Hir Weingert said. "This leaves me in charge of the project, as the next officer in rank." He walked with his chin high, overcoat flowing behind him like an ebon banner. As he stopped to observe them, he reminded Lily of a sly bird, swooping on brash, dark wings, to feed upon the efforts of others.

Neither she nor Daddy paid him any mind, and continued getting ready for their shift.

"Hmph." Hir Weingert lingered a moment longer, then retreated to his office in the adjacent corridor.

She hid the snowglobe that night, tucking it inside her uniform drawer at the dorm. Daddy had taken the risk and care to make it for her. It was like a treasure, a part of him that she could hold and admire anytime she wanted.

Days soon lengthened into the clear radiance of spring. She spent more time outside, with the other youth. Exercise always relieved the tension and doubt in her mind. Now that she was the rank of Korenzdit, no one bullied her. She'd elevated herself above most of them. They left her alone, as picking on a higher rank earned dire punishment.

With Hir Weingert left in charge, the pressure to meet deadlines amplified. Though his obsessive monitoring motivated the team to work harder, everyone hoped Hir Zilejager would return soon.

Weeks went by, and Lily was near to losing her mind.

Even the Pruessians argued that Hir Weingert pushed them too much.

She was fluent enough to understand what the other technicians said, and overheard two of them gossiping one evening.

"That Weingert boy acts like he's the Kaezer himself," one said.

"He's not what he seems. Don't trust him," the other replied, leaning close.

They looked about, and saw Lily.

She nodded politely, and continued working.

"Korenzdit Fairpoole," one of the men said. She remembered that his name was Hir Volbergh. He was a little older than Daddy, with graying blonde hair and jovial blue eyes.

"Yes, sir?"

"How much Pruessian do you speak?"

She took a deep breath, and answered as best she could. "Enough to one day become a civilian, in the new cities of our great leader."

They laughed, as if she'd told the funniest joke ever.

Hir Volbergh walked toward her.

She saluted. "Seigh till Hir Kaezer!"

"No, no," he said. A smile lifted his jaunty mustache. "It's not necessary when a co-worker approaches you, only when Hir Zilejager is near. Or, sadly, when Hir Weingert is." He reached into his pocket, and withdrew a sealed envelope. "This is a new concept for the prototype. Would you please look, and share it with your father? I'd like your opinions of it."

She lowered her hand, slowly took the envelope, and put it in her pocket.

Hir Weingert strode in, and everyone stood and saluted him.

"It's almost the end of the shift," he said, looking around expectantly. "I'd like to see your reports for the day."

As each was handed in, Hir Weingert waved them free to leave for the night. But he stopped Daddy and Lily, with an extended arm.

"I've only received one report from you. Where is yours, Korenzdit Fairpoole?"

Lily gulped, and was about to reply.

Daddy intervened, speaking firmly in Pruessian. "Sir, we've been filing a joint report ever since we started here. Why does my daughter need her own?"

Hir Weingert answered in their language, just as firmly. "I stated, in writing, over a month ago, that each member of the team was to submit an individual report to me, at the end of their shift. I've overlooked it for a while now, in hopes that you'd eventually comply. But alas, you haven't, and neither has your girl."

Daddy's jaw tightened. "We can generate one for you. It won't take long."

"I don't think you understand." Hir Weingert gestured to his drivers. "You'll stay here, and I'll tell you what I want you to do."

The robots surrounded with the grinding of gears, and the click of threatening mechanisms within their hulls.

Daddy threw up his hands. "Yes, sir. We await your further instruction."

"Thank you," said Hir Weingert. "Now, I want to see what the prototype can do."

It seemed Hir Weingert had lost his mind.

Daddy glanced at her, and his eyes warned.

She blinked once, signaling that she understood the situation.

They demonstrated the prototype within the arena.

Hir Weingert clucked his tongue, and crossed his arms. "This is the behavior of a child's toy. A program you run to display the latest modifications. How far along are you with the actual combat protocol, Korenzdit Fairpoole?"

"I've barely started, sir."

Hir Weingert snapped his head about. "Barely started...are you joking? It's been a month since Hir Zilejager left. And all we have to show is this poor excuse?"

Neither she nor Daddy answered.

"How long will it take to complete the protocol?"

She looked at the ground. "A day, maybe two."

Hir Weingert smirked. "Ah. You'll stay overtime tonight, and tomorrow, if needed. And you'll finish for me by week's end."

"Yes, sir."

She set up her display, and slipped the navigation sensors onto her fingertips.

"You're free to leave, if you wish, Citizen," Hir Weingert said. "I have your report. I only need hers."

"I'll stay, and catch up some other work, as long as she's here," Daddy said.

Hir Weingert waved his hand, with a genteel curve of his wrist. "Suit yourself. I'll be in my office, and I'll inspect your progress later." He left them alone, taking the robots with him.