by J Niessen
*****
07: Purgatory
“You caught my attention in the helicopter, Garrison,” Adelle whispers in his ear. But as Opal, I’ve been the one making most of the decisions during this latest jungle training exercise.
Our thoughts are divided at this moment. Adelle considers alternative possibilities. For instance, what could happen if Garrison were to give in to her seductiveness. I examine the actions I would take to appease my lust for human destruction. Given Adelle’s proficient knowledge of the physics involved with this computer program room, we float (as if we were a gust of breeze) close enough to Garrison to where we nearly become one with him.
During our moment of clarity, as Benson is strangling us, a message comes through the Purgatory. It’s a nagging series of orders we will never get out of our head, unless we reveal this information to its intended receiver. First we need to set Garrison’s mind at ease.
“I removed the last challenger for you,” Adelle sweetly informs.
The sophisticated feminine voice, which has instructed us on our exercises, broadcasts: “Please gather your belongings and exit.” The lush jungle setting we’re sounded by then disappears and we stand alongside Garrison in a combined, plain holding tank.
The notion that there are loopholes in this program is intriguing, when you wonder what other kinds of glitches we are able to take advantage of. We must establish a closer trust; revealing information needs to be shared with Garrison to develop a better friendship. It’s evident he’s the one we will have to rely on to get us what we want, and not Charlie.
I wonder if Garrison notices the alluring resemblances Adelle has to the famous actress, as she slips out of the jungle fatigues she has on to reveal the flattering strapless white dress worn underneath. She bends over to unclothe from her white stockings, briefly shakes her hand through her dark, feathered, shoulder-length hair, and then admits to our newest prospect…
“I have to tell you, though,” Adelle gently moves closer to Garrison, leaning in as if to share a secret on her tippy toes, her hand goes to his chest, monitoring his heart beat, kissing the air beside his ear “you used the reset too late. Benson went into the other realm first. You found a glitch in the program. It allows the two of us to exist without having to eliminate one another, because technically Benson doesn’t exist. He’s in a place beyond our existence of time.”
Garrison quickly reacts, and finds Adelle no longer standing so close “If he’s in a different place, how do we get there?” Despite his alarm and hesitation, he’s warming to Adelle’s enchantment; it shows in his body language and the intrigue reflected on his face. I could try and fake it. But Adelle does a better job at charming others. “There’s no better way to explain it. Tell him the message we received” I instruct Adelle. She neatly folds her fatigues…
“You need to get to The Hector. She will be able to clarify what’s going on, and may be able to get us caught up on Benson.” Garrison’s captivated appearance changes to a bewildered stare. It’s possible he’s under the assumption we would be partnering up together, after the informative favors we’ve gifted. The mention of The Hector is no doubt confusing to him. I encourage Adelle to be mindful of what she is saying, so that it has a lasting impression on him. After all…we are relying on Garrison to succeed!
“The Hector is in the other realm, where the cascade canyons are. Vera Boas is the name of the realm…you need to go to.” With the clothes placed neatly aside Adelle gently reaches out with her hands cupped together, as if earnestly hoping to receive something…
“If you can, find the engagement ring set that Benson took from me, and return to me with it, so I can safely get out of here.” Her hands fold together and she holds them to her chest.
Garrison reveals what’s perplexing him…“Aren’t we going together Adelle?”
“You know we can’t” I remind her and prompt Adelle to answer back…“No.” Directing with an open hand she turns his attention to one of the walls “You need to step through the doorway on your own. Please don’t keep me waiting too long, sugar.”
We notice by the amount of time Garrison is spending at the computer, that he probably needs help getting through the details of the next contract. We join him and help to clarify the verbiage presented on the monitor, built into the exit door, needed to be signed once read.
Adelle encourages “Go ahead and use your thumb scan to proceed past the Agree page.”
Nervousness and excitement stirs in our tummy, making me feel sick, as the lock of the exit door unlatches. I enjoyed being the one in control of killing Charlie. Now it’s up to Adelle to take charge in the matters to come. My prize is so close. It will take constant practice to mimic these endearing qualities Adelle utilizes, once I have a body of my own, when seduction is needed to control others. For now I digress from Adelle’s thoughts, to be left with my own.
