The Perilelles

Chapter 2: Repurposed

The next morning, Avi made her way to the R&D Department to help Cerise with her demonstration as promised. Although she was upset by Project Helion taking priority away from Soké, she could not help but feel somewhat honoured being asked to showcase its potential. She found herself walking taller that morning, even saluting the soldiers she passed with a hearty "g'mornin'". She believed that Doris was right: she had to act more like a Soul. For Doris, the morale of the troops was most important, a philosophy which Avi found herself willing to continue. She remembered how Doris, despite her old age, proudly wore her Soul uniform throughout the base, checking in with every department and seeing how everyone was doing. In a way, she was the Military's cheerleader once she was too old to serve in combat, despite her powers being as sharp as ever. It rejuvenated Avi's pride.

Avi heard skipping approaching her from behind, which stopped directly beside her and shifted to the clacking of small heels. She glanced over to see a familiar, brunette ponytail bouncing in rhythm with the young girl's steps. Even with the extra height from her heels, she was only eye-level with Avi's shoulders.

"Good morning, Aviromia," the girl said while staring at her telecommunicator. She was fixated on the schedule displayed on its screen, and let out a huff when she finished reading it. She placed her device into the pocket of her beige dress, which was garnished with a bright sash that ran across her chest. The Foedusian crest embroidered into the sash proudly signalled her status as a Soul.

"G'mornin', Phoebe," said Avi. "What's the huff about?"

"The training that the General wants me to do is ridiculous! I already know so much of what they are trying to teach me, yet I am still required to participate."

"That's just part of the job, I dunno what to tell ya." Avi chuckled. "Maybe they just wanna refresh your skills, or keep 'em in peak condition?"

"Whatever their reasoning is, I do not need this schedule of boring classes ruling my life. I have already proven to them that I am more than capable of using my Being. I have spoken with every animal they brought in, could control them with no problems whatsoever, and even did the same to my instructor for good measure. Oh! You will not believe the memories I found in his mind. They are... priceless!"
Avi let Phoebe ramble, nodding and agreeing when she thought it was appropriate. Phoebe, the youngest of the Souls at sixteen, joined the Military two weeks before Soké's amnesia-inducing incident. Joining the Military's ranks, according to rumours, was an act of unity to show that her family's mega-company, Shimoh Inc., was willing to stand with the planet's defense force, regardless of the protests and controversy. However, Avi knew the truth behind the so-called 'publicity stunt', but she was pinky-sworn to secrecy by Phoebe. She and Cerise were the only two people that the young girl minded which, while flattering, came with its own set of consequences. One of which, as Avi discovered, was her incredible fascination with gossip and the humiliation of others. Cerise argued that her taste in music was her biggest flaw.

The anxiety of ending the conversation came when the R&D Department began approaching. Avi walked slower to give Phoebe more time to finish her endless stream of consciousness.

"... so then he passed it to her, and she just totally lost it!"

"Well, ya better make sure no one else hears about that, or you might find yerself in more trouble than you can handle," Avi said.

"Everything will be just fine, as long as everyone else minds their own business."

"Right, right." Avi stopped just in front of the heavy door leading to Cerise's department. She placed a gloved hand on its shiny surface, resting her weight on it. "Well, I hope trainin' doesn't getcha too down. I'll leave you to it."