“Lips?” Befuddled, It asked, “What are they for?”

“To focus the eye,” an instructive voice replied.

Curious, It leaned forward while layers continued to build. A hefty ping and a burst of red and they were complete. It felt their shape but was unimpressed.

“They improve nothing,” It said.

“We must continue.”

Three pings and It knew to raise its arms. Feathery ribbons drew down its figure. Dark, woven material spun together from neck to knee.

“This is called?”

“A dress.”

It moved its arm and the material flowed in pleasant waves. This brought a smile to It’s wine-colored lips.

“You are pleased?” The voice asked.

Smiling, It said, “This is me, but it is not me. But when I move, this moves.”

“To keep the eye’s attention.”

“And that’s good?”

“Very good.”

“Then you may continue.”

It played with the new “dress” and a light hum pulsed. The platform below It gently rose. The source of elevation was an array of beads coalescing underneath Its feet. Translucent to opaque, they filled from within then fused to form a sloping shape from toe to ankle. 

It leaned forward, became unbalanced, recaptured its footing and examined the enclosures around its feet.

“This is inefficient and my balance is compromised.”

“You will adapt. Now you must mimic.”

Light chimes announced a holographic copy of It appearing. The duplicate immediately walked about the room.

“Study.”

Still head; shoulder protraction; hip lateral motion; foot placement; turn.

“The recent addition, “heels”, are essential to this exercise. Try.”

It attempted to move as the hologram moved, feeling jolts and hearing taps with each landing. The experience was disquieting, yet sparked a notion.

“Fascinating,” It declared.

Running its hand up the side of the heel, over the flowing dress and across painted lips, It was flushed with a notion of something strong.

Before It was told, It understood and announced, “This will produce ideas they cannot control.”

“Yes.“

“They are distractions,” It declared.

“Of great effect.”

“Will they be enough?”

“To achieve all ends.”

“And what will they call me?”

“Woman.”