It was so strange just how much easier it became…how much better the entire world seemed to become simply because Periclase had a General again. She had missed it far more than she realized, and had done a…somewhat decent job of convincing herself that she didn’t miss it, that she didn’t need the guidance of anyone, didn’t need the praise, didn’t need the support…but.

Damnit. She really did.

After leaving Lopezite’s office, Periclase felt as though she were walking on air. Her heart was light, her steps were light and she just…felt as though she could do anything. Of course that meant she decided to meet her quota…no. Exceed her quota for the night. It was surprisingly easy with the mood that she was in, and as Periclase slid the energy into subspace, she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Lopezite would be proud of her. She would make sure he was proud of her, and she would swiftly rise to become his favorite subordinate, no matter what it took.

He wouldn’t replace her with some other pretty young senshi…he wouldn’t…whatever.

If she could earn another promotion…she wouldn't have to worry about all of that. She could have her own pretty young senshi…she…

Stopping dead in her tracks, Periclase’s eyes widened with the thought, the simplicity of the thought.

…When she earned another promotion, she could. She could have senshi that she took care of. She would be the General…or…or whatever. It…was utterly appealing and she wanted it.

With a joyful laugh, she shed her powered form and headed back to the store she had stopped at just a few nights ago. What a difference a mood could make. It was the same cashier, and Daphne gave a nod of greeting before going back towards the freezer section and spending yet another five minutes or so deciding what to get, though this time her choices were a chocolate ice cream with marshmallow, caramel and little chocolate fudge fish, and a mixture of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with cookie dough and brownie pieces.

Tonight wasn’t about feeling better, tonight was about indulgence. And goodness gracious, Daphne was planning on indulging.

She grabbed another half gallon of milk and even went so far as to snatch a couple of bags of chips along with some rather overpriced onion dip before heading to the cashier, not a single bottle of alcohol in sight.

The treats were paid for without any comment and then Daphne was on her way home, swinging the bag lightly as she hummed some kind of a cheery tune…it was some song on the radio but she couldn’t truly place it.

Honestly though. What a difference a mood could make. What a difference a new connection could make…

…And in the future…what a difference that she would be able to make…and if she had her way, she would never leave anyone as lost and alone as she had been left.

Not on her life.