Scorpio

Posted on Fri Jan 20th, 2023 @ 6:38pm by Unawakened Juliette Erickson

Mission: Tales of the Unawakened
Location: Malibu California

*TV Commercial*

Micheal Erickson began speaking. "Californians. I am asking for your vote this November, and I am also asking you to give thought to the issues and problems facing our great state. We have problems with homelessness in our state, shanty-towns appearing in our state overnight rife with poverty and lawlessness. And now the Mutant Phenomenon. We are living in uncertain times. I understand that there is fear in these days. You are wondering what I will do for California, we must instead ask ourselves what we can do for California. What we can do for one, and what one can do for all."

As a Lawyer I defended many Californians from the Pharmaceutical and Health Care industries that abused them, and failed them. Taking their hard earned money, and delivering malpractice. As a District Attorney. I found new ways to prosecute and fight the criminal underworld while refraining from filling San Quentin Prison with more and more inmates. I encouraged our Legal System to do better.

As Mayor of Sacramento. I confronted the Mutant Phenomenon. Removing dangerous mutants from the streets before they could harm communities and our schools with dangerous acts of mutant violence that could turn schools into war-zones. I did this because I am a father myself, who wants to protect his family."

Erickson moved to embrace his wife and children. Juliette had to act like she loved her father. But it was acting, she was tired of it. And she was good at Lying. Good at pretending, along with the rest of Micheal Erickson's family in being the perfect American family. Perfect American family.... This was beneath her.

"Vote for Micheal Erickson on election day, and make a difference in California for the future."

"And Cut."

Juliette stopped smiling and walked over to pick up a bottle of water as her father examined the scene. "Your smile needed to be more convincing." Alice noted as she looked at Juliette. "I know ways to get you in a good mood, Juliette."

"You mean whoring yourself, Alice? Thank you, but I don't need your friends." Juliette mentioned. "But you are good at that, spreading your legs for everyone father needs seduced. How else does someone get elected Mayor."

Alice looked at her and then turned to leave. Juli went back to drinking water. Peter and Jake were talking about girls at their college campus. The fratties did more drinking there than homework.

"Jeez Sarah, we've been at this for eight hours. I hope father is satisfied with this one." Juli mentioned as she took a draw from a bottle.

Her father overheard and walked up. "It is good, Juliette. You acted well."

"Did I get you elected governor?" Juliette noted. "Do you want to know how hilarious I find this? Lying with every breath. Pretending we are saints. And you giving that Kennedy speech. You promise change, but deliver shit. As usual, father, you fail to disappoint me."

"And you've earned more of what I have Juliette. Influence, money, and a reference to the US Air Force Academy. With your intelligence, you'll become their finest cadet. Of course Harvard Law School might be a more fitting alma mater." Micheal noted.

"I am not Alice, Father." Juliette mentioned.

"But you do have your uses. Make sure you keep on being useful. And you will have your dream of being the first woman on Mars.. Do not forget who signs the checks and greases the palms." Micheal noted. "And get a ring on your finger, Juliette. Virginity is unbecoming."

"So I have to be a whore in the Air Force to walk on Mars." Juliette said quietly as her father walked away. "Not only does poison enter my body... poison enters my soul.... poison enters my heart."

"Poison, Poison, Poison." Juliette walked away towards her car.

"I got the talk too, Juli." Sarah mentioned.

Juli looked at the Moon... "And all I want to do is join the Air Force. Loyally serve my country. Become a pilot. Maybe join NASA. And all it costs me... is my freedom." Juli mentioned.

"You know what will happen if you refuse." Sarah noted. "Remember what happened to our aunt?"

"Suicide..." Juliette mentioned. "We don't have a choice, Sarah. If that man becomes Governor, Senator will be next. Eventually he'll get himself on the Cabinet as Secretary of State. And then our freedom will be permanently dissolved. Sarah.. He'll push me through the academy, and buy every promotion when I'm in the Air Force just to get me in a position of authority. Then I won't be flying an Orion Capsule to the moon. I'll be sitting at a desk." Juli noted. "Giving speeches and blathering about climate change so he can get elected somewhere else."

"Remember what will happen if you refuse." Another voice noted. This time it was the perfectly dolled face of her mother. "Juliette, you have to think about survival. Freedom, Liberty... Equality... It's a lie for people like us. An illusion for the masses."

"And if I were to find it?"

"You would be dead."

"Your talks are always so morbid... Mother." Juli got into her convertible and started it. Driving off. She needed to be alone. With the stars. The only thing that calmed her was seeing the universe and things she would never experience. The wonder and mysteries she yearned for. But could never explore.

*Outside Malibu*

Juli was far enough from the city to finally see the stars. Outside of Victorville. These times she could get away. And be alone. Were treasured, in the desert with only the animals to keep her company.

She then began screaming in the desert. It was her way of getting all her family's corruption out. Falling to her knees she screamed again.

"I just want to be a good cadet!!! I don't want to succeed all the time for his benefit. I want my own life without his corruption!! Why do I have to be here."

She would spend the rest of the night in her convertible with the cover pulled up over the car. Watching Star Trek. The only thing was, people had a choice in the Federation. Science Fiction was an escape for her.

TBC