Peri (TOS-BN)

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Peri is a young girl who lives in the lower levels of the battlestar Galactica, specifically in the area known as the Devil's Pit. She befriends Boxey during his time hiding in the ship's depths and becomes involved with Dwybolt's theater company.

Background

Peri is a tough, streetwise child who has adapted to the harsh life in the Devil's Pit. She is described as a small girl, probably about Boxey's age, with dark blonde hair that appears darker due to streaks of dirt and grease. Her features are small, including a little pug nose and thin mouth. Her face is round with "a certain toughness in the set of it." Her body is described as thick and squat, and she walks with a swagger that immediately distinguishes her from the well-groomed and polite children of the upper levels of Galactica.

Peri has a confrontational personality and takes pride in being rude, telling others "I like being rude. It's my style." She demonstrates the ability to switch between crude street language and more refined speech patterns, suggesting an underlying intelligence despite her rough exterior. She claims there are "no such thing as friends" in the Devil's Pit, reflecting the harsh environment in which she has grown up.

Life in the Devil's Pit

Peri lives as a quasi-orphan in the Devil's Pit, the lowest and most dangerous section of Galactica. She has a close relationship with an elderly man who also resides there, calling him various nicknames like "fatso," "buster," and "Lord Hotshot," despite his thin appearance. Their relationship appears to be one of mutual affection disguised as antagonism, with the old man attempting to correct her grammar while she deliberately provokes him.

She is knowledgeable about the Devil's Pit's geography and social structure, explaining to Boxey that the ongoing conflicts there began when someone started a fight and others got involved, creating a state of perpetual but relatively harmless warfare using makeshift weapons. She describes the residents as people who "get their kicks from terrorizing others" but notes that "nobody gets hurt much usually" because "nobody down here's any good at war."

Peri knows about the secret resources of the Devil's Pit, including a functioning food dispenser that "only me and Peri know about," which she shares with the old man. She also understands the transport passages that connect different parts of the ship, explaining their history and current abandonment to Boxey.

Friendship with Boxey

When Boxey arrives in the Devil's Pit as a runaway, Peri initially shows disdain for him and his mechanical daggit Muffit, calling the droid a "badly designed stuffed animal" and a "toy factory reject." She has little patience for Boxey's more privileged background, showing scorn when he mentions his father is a fighter pilot.

Despite their initial antagonism, Peri proves to be a loyal friend to Boxey. When they are captured by members of the Devil's Pit Warrior Elite, she demonstrates her fighting skills by ramming her head into a warrior's stomach and working with Boxey and Muffit to escape their captors. She calls Boxey "Box" as a nickname, which he initially accepts but later requests she call him by his full name.

Peri guides Boxey through the dangerous areas of the Devil's Pit and helps him avoid various conflicts. When they discover voices coming through the walls from the upper levels—specifically Apollo searching for his missing son—Peri attempts to prevent Boxey from calling out to his father, recognizing the danger their discovery could bring. However, she ultimately promises to help him find a way to reach Apollo if that's what he wants.

Theater Company Involvement

Peri's life takes a dramatic turn when she and Boxey encounter Dwybolt's theater company. When discovered watching the theatrical preparations from a walkway, Peri quickly fabricates a story about being orphans from a refugee ship who stowed away to reach Galactica. Her quick thinking and acting ability impress Dwybolt, who is looking for child actors for his productions.

Peri becomes immediately stagestruck by the theater environment, finding it "the most fun she had ever had." When Dwybolt offers them roles in his company, she enthusiastically accepts on behalf of both herself and Boxey, despite his hesitations about being recognized. She assures him that makeup and costumes will provide adequate disguise.

During their time with the theater company, Peri develops a relationship with Shalheya, one of the leading actresses. She demonstrates remarkable perceptiveness about adult relationships, correctly identifying that Shalheya is in love with Dwybolt despite the actress's attempts to hide her feelings. Peri proves to be a natural performer and becomes fully integrated into the company's activities.

Combat Skills and Resourcefulness

Throughout her adventures, Peri demonstrates considerable fighting ability and street smarts. When confronted by a "scruffy-looking warrior" who attempts to assault her, she struggles fiercely, manages to bite him, and coordinates with Boxey and Muffit to overpower their attacker. After the successful fight, she compliments Boxey on his fighting skills, telling him "You got a good right hand for a puny type, Boxey."

Her knowledge of the Devil's Pit's layout proves invaluable for navigation and escape. She can quickly identify safe paths and knows where various resources can be found. Her ability to move stealthily through dangerous areas makes her an excellent guide for the less experienced Boxey.

Relationship with Authority

Peri shows a complicated relationship with authority figures. While initially distrustful of adults from the upper levels of the ship, she quickly warms to the theater company members who treat her with respect. She shows particular antagonism toward Baltar, whom she encounters during rehearsals, calling him a "muddlehead" when he treats both children rudely.

Her use of Devil's Pit terminology, such as referring to the upper levels of the ship as the "speckled skies," demonstrates her complete integration into the lower level culture. This linguistic distinction highlights the social divide between the different areas of the ship and Peri's position as a representative of the marginalized population.

Final Fate

When Boxey is eventually reunited with Apollo and chooses to return to his normal life, Peri faces a decision about her own future. Though Boxey invites her to come live with them, she declines, saying "No. Not my kind of life, Box." When he corrects her to use his full name "Boxey," she smiles and complies. Faced with choosing between returning to the Devil's Pit or staying with the theater company, she expresses uncertainty but leans toward remaining with the performers, finding their work "fun."