When Castor turned three, he joined the nursery at Silvring Hall.

Though I outwardly tolerated his presence, I despised him. He was a playful child, and irritatingly good-natured. No matter what I did to get him in trouble, he never held a grudge. Instead, he followed me everywhere, laughing and throwing his small arms around me. He called me 'Si', only able to say the first syllable of my name, and it peeved me.

Worst of all, everyone else adored him. Even Mrs. Lancier carried him around on one hip, and talked to him sweetly.

I never liked being coddled. I was a Blane, and we deserved only the most decorous respect. Castor was young, but he didn't behave like a son of our esteemed name.

I avoided my brother whenever I could, and spent most afternoons outside, training my mastiff to fetch and retrieve. I hoped Duke would become a reliable companion on my seasonal hunting excursions with Father.

As I grew older, I tried to remain important in Father's eyes. I craved success more than anything, and the status and influence which were my birthright.

Father took me on many of his business trips, traveling between the homeworld, Luna, the orbital colonies, and Mars. I met the most powerful people in the worlds, and learned how my family was connected to them. In time, I discovered who our allies and competitors were. I made myself indispensable to Father, and he prepared me for a pivotal career in Blane Industries.

On a bright morning, when I was eight, Father and I boarded our family's private shuttle. Our valet and a robotic staff accompanied us. It was a streamlined vessel, of the chromed and curvilinear style popular among the off-world colonies. Glimmering arcs and ridges adorned the fuselage, wings and tail swooping in graceful crescents toward the fusion rocket cowlings.

I chose my favorite seat beside the circular viewing window. While the valet adjusted my restraints for the launch, I watched the ground crew rushing about outside. I still wore my protective glasses, as my condition had never been cured. The doctors had long since given up on the idea of eradicating it, and instead focused on perfecting the eyewear. My current pair bore round filtered lenses, mounted into enhanced frames.

Duke lay at my feet, panting loudly. I was allowed to bring him this time, which pleased me.

Father took the seat across from me, suave and composed in a dark blue three-piece suit. His tie was of the rusted brown hue belonging to our company's standard.

My woolen brown plaid knickers were buckled at my knees, with a matching belted jacket and flat cap. I wore a rust tie like Father's, and the robots had polished my laced boots to an immaculate shine.

We often conversed about the agenda for our imminent meetings during these flights, but Father was distracted. The graying points at his temples had splintered further into the glossy perfection of his dark hair. He looked older since I'd last seen him, his expression weary as he spoke to an array of faces on the pale-washed holographic display of his wristcom.

The engines accelerated to a piercing drone. Our valet ushered Duke into the kennel for take-off,  then secured himself into a seat in the service bay.

Father disconnected from his conference call with a heavy sigh. He stared out the window, resting his clean-shaven chin against one palm as we taxied along the runway. We soon entered the massive airlock shaft, and the doors closed behind us.

There was little delay for a priority vessel such as ours. The rockets were shrill, vibrating through the cabin. I clung to the armrests, excited as always. The blurred rush gave way to a tilted view of the lunar surface, as our craft circled higher into orbit. Vast stretches of the arcology dome receded, a synthetic scar along the barren silver landscape.

Once we were clear, I released Duke. He laid his head in my lap, his brown eyes devoted only to me.

Father paced for a few moments. He removed a cigar from the gold-plated case in his pocket, and the valet promptly lit it for him. Then he leaned against the window with one arm, his eyes searing blue against the reflected glow of the Moon and Earth.

"I'd originally decided not to bring you today, Silas," he said. "But at the last minute, I realized it would be good for you to come."

I glanced at him, perplexed. "Why?"

"I've sheltered you and Castor, in many ways. But I think you're old enough to understand what the outside world faces. Hence, I'm bringing you to Moskloberg."

It was the capital city of the Pruessian Empire, and the home of the infamous dictator known as the Kaezer. "We're going to visit the enemy?"

Father nodded once, and puffed his cigar. "Their leader, Hir Anzelvik Kaezer, passed away recently. And now, his son, Hir Wilhauf Kaezer, is calling the most influential names in politics and enterprise to hear his proclamations. I want you to witness it, so you'll understand what we're up against."

From my lessons, I knew Earth was at war with the Pruessians. The conflict had lasted for decades. It was a highly divisive topic among the orbital society, as to how much support should be given, and to which side. Blane Industries conducted very limited business on the homeworld, following the sanctions of an interplanetary trade treaty.

"Has Hir Kaezer really built an army of robots?" I asked. "Everyone's talking about it on the Net."

Father sighed. "It's true. And, at your grandfather's behest, I've provided much of the raw materials for its construction. The important question is how far this new Kaezer will push his campaign, now that he owns the largest force of men and machines in the known worlds."

While Father brooded, I passed the hours perusing various hubs on the Net. The display in my glasses revealed interesting information about the Pruessian Empire. I was more curious than ever.

We returned to our seats for the transition to terrestrial flight. It was always a loud, bumpy ride, even with our shuttle's advanced stabilization systems. When we reached cruising altitude, the propellers extended from their shafts along the wings and nose, bringing a persistent hum.

I disconnected from the Net to watch the scenery unfold. Earth was a place of contrasts--full of danger and beauty, more volatile than the shielded colonies. My life offered little deviation from its rigid protocols. On the homeworld, something new always awaited, with wondrous surprises at every turn.

The shuttle descended through wispy clouds, as the iron-gray sea churned below. A stretch of jagged mountains appeared in the distance.

The pilots signaled with an agreeable chime over the intercom. "Our destination is in sight. Please be seated, and secure all persons and belongings within the proper restraints."

We readied ourselves for the final approach.

Duke whined through the gate of his kennel. He was always restless before a landing. I shared his anticipation.

Father and I watched the horizon through the window. His cigar had long since burned out.

I spotted the approaching objects before anyone else, my eyesight tuned for hunting. "There's a cavalcade ahead."

"Consider it our warm welcome," said Father.

Dozens of rotorcraft and zeppelins surrounded us, and aerial robots dove about in frenzied murmurations. I saw the weaponry mounted at their sides when they raced by. The enemy's guns were aimed, though they remained docile. As we drew closer, I noticed the brazen emblem on the sides of each vessel, red on a circular black background. It portrayed a clenched fist, with a sword and gear wheel beneath.

"That's new," Father said. "It appears Wilhauf has altered his late father's symbol. Stay close to me today, Silas. I'm uncertain what lies in store."

We reached land, and met a line of imposing cliffs, sprawling into a range of saw-toothed peaks. Blue sky mingled with wind-driven clouds in stark comparison. The steep ledges opened into a narrow fjord, a corridor winding into the mysterious abode of our foes.

A foggy bank confronted us. Then, the passage became an inlet, walled with lofty ridges. The mist dissipated in a spectacular view.

Moskloberg rolled across the harbor and valley, as far as one could see. The first noticeable structure was a towering bridge over the waterway, arched in steel cables and concrete. Surface traffic rushed across in precise lanes, like insects in a crowded hive. The metropolitan center claimed the tallest rise, mega-scrapers radiating around the imperial complex at the top.

Our escorts swerved aside, opening our route to what could only be described as a palace. I'd seen photos of it before, but nothing could compare to its actual magnificence. Two white-paved roads led through a wooded preserve at the front, with a canal ribboned between. These ended at the pillared entry of an immense great house, several stories high, layered in stepped edifices of ivory and stone. Opulent gardens and their curled symmetry extended behind it. Banners flapped atop every parapet and flagpole, the Kaezer's insignia ruling the flawless skyline.

The whine of reverse thrusters announced our touchdown upon this hostile yet beautiful country. I got a closer look at the local architecture, and noticed many peculiar stave and lintel buildings, their timbers carved in traditional Pruessian style.

The shuttle jostled along the private airstrip, and onto a busy landing field. Several minutes later, we came to a standstill, the sound of the engines diminishing to a hushed whirr.

I attached the lead to Duke's studded leather collar.

Father placed a pensive hand on my shoulder as we disembarked. "No matter what we encounter, you must remember something. There's always a price for power, and I've had to pay my due over the years. Your grandfather and I have bashed heads over this madman. If it were my choice, we'd be far away from this place. But duty, like power, requires sacrifice."

I didn't reply, puzzled by Father's musings.

We emerged from the shuttle and proceeded down the boarding ramp. A group of Pruessian troopers met us, dressed in striking black overcoats and peaked hats. They stomped and saluted in unison, with a fleet of brass and copper-plated robots in formation behind them. Security robots scanned our party before we were allowed to pass. After a few minutes, they accepted us, and fell into step beside our service staff.

Though Father strode with his head at an arrogant angle, I marveled at the illustrious greetings we received, trying to absorb every detail.

Duke's claws ticked in compliant rhythm against the pavement. I rested my palm against his tawny back, more assured with him at my side.

We entered the official grounds and climbed marble steps onto a breathtaking plaza. It was much bigger than it looked from above. Throngs of people and robots scurried about, conversing in the guttural sounds of the Pruessian language.

A gallery bordered with velvet ropes marked the area for foreign guests such as ourselves. I followed Father and our entourage inside. No sooner had we arrived, when a shrill whistle hailed us.

"Mr. Blane, over here!"

Father's proud demeanor softened as an older man hurried toward us, dressed in a resplendent long overcoat and bowler. He embraced Father with hearty laughter.

"Good to see you, Archibald," Father said. "I hoped to find at least one trustworthy soul among this rabble."

Mr. Forsyth tipped his hat. "That's for certain. I wonder what the enemy has planned, with this deranged heir claiming the throne."

"I assume we'll find out," said Father.

A middle-aged woman approached, swaggering upon finely strapped pumps. Her disc-shaped hat was an immaculate counterpart to her tailored red dress. She wore a gauzy veil draped over one eye, a display device flickering across it. She disconnected, and tucked the multi-purpose adornment beneath her wide brim.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Blane, Mr. Forsyth," she said, shaking their hands. "I'm glad to find you both here."

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Stonecipher," Father said, inclining his head toward her.

I recognized her name, as Father and Grandfather considered her one of their most important supporters. She was a leading member of the scientific community and a brilliant researcher in her own right. She looked at me and adjusted her spectacles upon her straight nose. "You must be Silas. You've grown so much since I last saw you."

I'd been too young to remember, but I bowed my head politely.

Mr. Forsyth patted my shoulder. "If your son gets any more dashing, Richard, you'll have to beat the girls away from him someday."

"He takes after his mother, which is a sure promise of that." Though Father laughed, his eyes seemed distant.

Confused by the odd shift in Father's mood, I coiled my fingers around Duke's leash.

The adults huddled together and soon fell into an intense private discussion.

There wasn't much to do, so I led Duke to a nearby fountain. He lapped the cool water. I sat beside him, running my hand through the tiled basin.

"Hello," a youthful voice said. "I like your dog."

I met the gaze of a girl about my age. She was a visage of gaiety, dressed in a sailor dress of blue muslin. The squared white collar was trimmed in cheerful red ribbon, complimenting the stripes atop her knee-high stockings. An oversized bow encircled her honey-brown locks, her cheeks and lips the sweet hue of rose petals. I'd never seen such a pretty girl in all my life.

"What's your name?" she asked, smiling shyly.

"His name's Duke."

She giggled, and a hot blush overcame me.

"That's a good name for a dog," she said. "But what's yours?" She sauntered closer, and sat next to me. The light scent of lemon verbena drifted around her, a fresh sprig tucked within the fluffed knot of her headpiece.

"Silas," I muttered, trapped by her golden-green eyes.

"I'm Tamsin. It's nice to meet you. And Duke, too." She paused, and cocked her head in a fetching manner. "May I pet him?"

I tried to be a gentleman. "Of course."

She beamed, and stroked Duke's ears.

He licked her fingers, and she laughed again. "Silly Duke. That tickles."

"I haven't seen any other kids here," I said. "Are you traveling with your parents?"

"No, with my Auntie Mabel. I rarely get to attend splendid events such as this."

"I think it's rather splendid myself. But my father considers it offensive."

Tamsin shrugged. "The Kaezer is a bad man, everyone knows it. I just think it's fun to be here, with all of these incredible things to see."

We soon conversed like old friends. She told me she lived on Earth, in the Amerixcan city of Michigattan. As I was tutored at home, I rarely associated with other children. But I was drawn to her.

I began to ask about her family's business when a gruff, heavyset woman in a matron's dress marched toward us. Her plumed hat angled across a tight bun, her expression haughty. "There you are, Tamsin," she said. "Wandering off, against my orders. Your parents will hear of it."

Tamsin sprang to attention and looked at the ground. "I'm sorry, Auntie Mabel."

Auntie Mabel seized her by the ear. "You'd better be. I have a mind to lash your hide in front of all these fine people."

Father appeared at my side. I sensed his disdain as he looked the brash woman up and down. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Lovejoy. How surprising to find you here."

Her surname was familiar, for the Lovejoys were the greatest rivals to Blane Industries. I scrambled to my feet as quickly as Tamsin had, and pressed to Father's side.

"I see your son has met my niece, Mr. Blane." Mabel Lovejoy's tone was snide. "If you'll excuse me, we have important business elsewhere."

"Goodbye, Silas." Tamsin looked over her shoulder as they hurried away.

I stared after them.

"I want you to stay away from that vile woman and her family," Father said.

I kept my head down. "Yes, sir."

Father glared at the Lovejoys until they were gone, then took me by the arm. "Let's get to our places. The procession is about to begin."