Arielle dropped the gun on the floor in shock at the sight around her. Her hands shook violently as she steadied herself on the cage. Her mind raced as it sought out any possible reason for this, and who could do such a thing. It was clear they weren't really dead, after all a bound form of energy (soul) wouldn't have enough mass to explode. She shook her head violently to clear her mind. This was no time to think about why. She had to focus on surviving this hell. She would have to play along in order to at least stand a chance to live.

She thought of her mothers at home right now. Mimi was probably serving tea to mom right now as she read the latest magazine from the news stand down the street. The small house would look very bright as the afternoon light streamed into the central atrium, and Mimi's bamboo garden would be casting a soft green glow from the sun.

Arielle couldn't let them down. Her mother had lived through hell with her father beating her endlessly. If she could handle that and live in peace afterwards her daughter better damn well be able to do the same. 

Without giving herself a chance to think she hurriedly, and shakily, dropped her bloody clothes and put on the suit that looked her size. Its pressure around her almost seemed calming as she closed it, like a baby being swaddled or her mom's tight hugs she greeted anyone with (integration had not been her strongest suit).

Picking up a gun that resembled a sniper rifle she took deep breaths. She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, just like Mimi had taught her. This was no time to think about what was going on. She made the conscious choice to devote all her thoughts to her wonderful life and a way to get the h*ll out of this mess. She picked up her purse and swung it over her shoulder, pulled out a black scrungie and tied back her hair into a bun. Holding the gun close to her chest she leaned against the wall and took deep breaths, meditating quietly and trying her best to keep her racing mind from going anywhere she didn't want it to.