1
'How could it be that all men are not now good and just and fair?'
Diana, Princess of Themyscira, Daughter of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons; Diana, slayer of Ares who in his arrogance had sought to corrupt and destroy mankind; sat across the small breakfast table from Etta Candy who, upon the end of the Great War, had taken Diana into her small London flat, sharing her home these past five weeks. Diana, who Etta knew only as the mysterious woman that her previous boss, Steve Trevor, had sworn Etta care for in case he didn't return from France. Diana, who mourned Steve every day because he never returned.
While Diana did not ask her question aloud (Etta knew little of the battles Diana had fought and nothing of her creation, childhood and training upon Themyscira); Diana held the thought close in her mind and in any way she had considered and reasoned, the resolution could not be made clear. She recognized it best not to engage in any conversation with Etta that would require explanation as that would certainly lead to unnecessary and uncomfortable revelation; besides, as she was so often Etta was occupied in pouring tea and likely believed her companion was thinking of her plans for the day; or in searching for employment; or remembering Steve.
"Now Dear", Etta began in her caring and uncomplicated manner, "remember that Steve left all he had so that we would not be lacking. He was not extravagantly wealthy, but his family does have money. As he is...was..., the only male child, what would have gone to him he willed to us. I received that letter from his father, you recall, of his agreement and offer to care for any needs that may arise. So if you are seeking employment for the income it provides, it's not necessary..."
Across the table from her host Diana sat patiently. Etta had stated the same facts many times yet Diana felt her friend gained a sense of security by reminding that Steve had left to his secretary; and by association to Diana; all he had, leaving the two women wanting nothing. Except for Steve, himself. But he was gone, Diana had finally and after many weeks, accepted. Solely in her mind, alone and apart from anyone in which she could confide, craving the wisdom of those of Themyscira whom as a child she had taken for granted, she had been unable to reveal a situation in which Steve had survived. What parachute or miracle or intercession would have saved him from the explosion above that German airfield? All remained was his watch and the memories. He had said he would save the day, but only she could save the world. At what purpose, if she was to lose him? And even amid that sacrifice, within the world pain and suffering and enmity and evil persists.
"Yes, Etta, Steve and his family have been very generous. But I do not search for duty only to achieve the payment which results; I must find a purpose to fulfill my abilities. I am not accustomed to 'meeting for lunch' and shopping for unnecessary and uncomfortable clothing and attending evening parties simply to meet again the same people I met at lunch. Without duty, I have nothing to fulfill."
"There's always our Women's Meetings. Without all our support, the Society will never achieve our goals of suffrage and equal rights for all women!"
"I do not believe I am welcome at the 'Women's Social' ". Diana recalled the recent gathering when she had been asked to leave because she was 'unnerving' some of the members.
"Not 'women's social', dear; the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. Now that the War's over, things have changed and our goals will certainly be accomplished by the next election!"
Diana had learned Etta had been an active suffragette before the war, and at Etta's urging she had attended a handful of the NUWSS meetings, but felt uncomfortable among so many who advocated change simply by proclamations and disruption rather than combat; and she was discouraged from further participation by the irritation provoked when she'd asked, quite reasonably, how rights for women would be voted into existence when the only women granted the right to vote were often too complacent to care?
"I have heard of places called 'universities' where men of great knowledge study, discuss, and share. They will see value in my knowledge of language and the studies I have completed from the Ancients. I am certain I will find duty among them. Men so wise will look beyond any differences between men and women and value only knowledge. I shall visit these 'universities' and find my place."
Etta offered a cheery caution. "That's all well and good but don't put all your eggs into one basket, dear. Men can be rather...narrow-minded, particularly if they feel threatened."
Diana was perplexed. She had not threatened anyone; and if she had it would only be toward a greater good. And, she neither had any eggs, nor a basket. "Thank you, Etta, I shall keep that in mind and remember not to threaten men by a basket filled with eggs. While I am out, is there anything I can obtain for you?"
"No, I have plenty to keep me busy here." Etta cheerily announced, turning toward the kitchen. "Remember, stuffed haddock and macaroni pudding for supper!"
Diana crinkled her nose in aversion. While in these past weeks she had convinced Etta to no longer serve the flesh of furred animals, even those English foods less savage could not measure against the fresh fruits and vegetables of Themyscira.