21
"You're beautiful!" Eve exclaimed, self-consciously attempting to smooth the clothes she had been both sleeping in and wearing the previous day.
"Thank you for the thoughtful compliment", was the reply. "Although upon preparing for this visit, my goal was only to be respectful toward those I were to meet."
"Miravati", Etta continued, "is an ELFS."
Eve drew even more attentive. "An elf!? That explains it! Do you...live in the forest?"
The odd response of this girl dressed in short skirt and unnecessary makeup briefly confused Etta's new visitor, who looked toward her host for direction.
"Not an 'elf' from make-believe, Eve. An E.L.F.S. - the East London Federation of the Suffragettes. Another organization, similar to my NUWSS, working toward women's rights."
"Oh." Eve replied in disappointment and embarrassment. "My mistake."
"But the ELFS also work to provide for all those who are overlooked and unnoticed, men as well as women and children." Etta continued. "Equal rights cannot come to women unless they are granted to all. Is that correct, Miravati?"
"Yes, society will remain unbalanced unless all are equal. We provide social, educational, and work opportunities to those with no where else to turn. And we continue to protest, but always in a non-violent manner."
The talk of equality, opportunity and balance reminded Diana of the traditions of Themyscira; until Miravati described her society's non-violent actions.
"It is difficult for all to be equal when power is held by those unwilling to share. To convince by force may be the only reasonable action." Diana commented. "It is important all be provided voice, and opportunity, by any manner necessary."
"Yes, ah..Diana? I am happy you agree all must have opportunity. However to initiate violence is never a reasonable action. Violence only leads to more violence, resulting in the betterment of none."
Puzzled by this woman who stood and spoke as a warrior yet opposed combat, Diana braced to defend her position just as Etta's voice demanded attention.
"Miravati" Etta interrupted, hoping to avoid what could become a lively debate between her two friends, "Hiravati couldn't come this morning, also?"
"No Etta, for I to depart without announcement is accepted...but for Hiravati to accompany me would invite question. My parents continue to follow many customs of their homeland, and in India Hiravati is too young to socialize without a chaperone...and that I, as her sister only a few years beyond her age, am an unacceptable chaperone."
"That's unfortunate. However, you're here and," Etta looked toward Diana and Eve, "she's agreed to help in our plan!"
"Etta tells me you intend to stop the attacks and crimes which have been directed toward women." Miravati added, turning to Diana. "Mistreatment of any is wrong; against those lost and forgotten, it is immoral. I will help in any way possible; however I am uncertain how my presence will assist."
"I question this, also", Diana thought. "Thank you, Miravati, for your offer. However the men we seek have shown they hold no hesitation toward violence. If one should attack with a knife, or gun, or other weapon, the strengths and victory of us all may depend upon the strength of one. I am trained and skilled and have fought in the Great War; our companion Officer Sandsmark is a member of the Women's Police, accustomed to detaining criminals...Eve..." Diana considered her words, "is but a child. She cannot be expected to possess similar skills."
"Not that I won't try." Eve replied so quietly she hoped none would hear, but loudly enough none could overlook.
"And Etta", Diana continued, "is, as she has stated, unafraid of placing her fists into cuffs."
"IF the situation requires, Dear."
"Certainly. But, Miravati, even with your best intentions, if you are unable, or unwilling; to take direct actions; or even to protect yourself..."
Miravati replied before Diana could finish her statement. "I am able to protect myself. As well as others who may, in fact be unable."
Diana's brow winkled and eyes narrowed. From when she was a child, within a few moments she had often sensed and understood those only recently met; however Etta's friend remained a mystery. "How is it possible to decree non-violence, yet claim the ability to protect not only yourself, but others?"
"Both my sister and I have completed the courses in ju-jitsu, Diana." Miravati remained composed, showing neither defense nor aggression toward Diana's combative questioning. "Father did not think it appropriate, but mother believes it is not safe for women - particularly those of our type - to present ourselves in public without possessing a manner of protection. From the news of these past weeks, perhaps she is correct. To protect oneself, as well as defending those with no defense, if necessary and when there is no alternative, is not beyond our teachings."
"Yet,..." Diana began, now more engaged toward a mental and verbal conflict with a skilled opponent than with the original purpose or any results of that battle, was cut short by a brisk knock at the front door.
"Oh! And I wasn't expecting anyone else!" Etta declared, thankful for the intrusion.
"Maybe it's Officer Sandsmark." Eve announced, perhaps a bit too emphatically, growing uneasy in what, again, appeared to be Diana arguing with someone who did not see things her way.
"...and stopping these black-hearts is more important than my shoulder!"
Etta opened the door to in fact find Officer Sandsmark, surprisingly in the midst of a scolding by her companion, a woman certainly younger in years than her appearance suggested. Dressed in clothing once commonplace but fashionable, now threadbare and patched but clean, Kate's companion completed her statement with finality, stomping her right foot - wearing a boot worn and rough - for emphasis.
"Etta!" Kate announced, relieved. "I hope I haven't arrived too early. With all the work still to do, and such little time..."
"Actually, everyone else is already here. Come in," Etta answered, only now realizing her small front room and limited chairs may be insufficient for her number of visitors.
"Etta, Diana, Eve...ladies" Kate began, even as she and her companion were removing their coats, "I've brought with me Therese Akter. Miss Akter," signifying each as she spoke," this is Etta Candy; Diana Prince; Eve Brown; and...I don't believe we've met?"
"Miravati Mukerjea. A friend of Miss Candy."
"Oh, very nice." Kate replied. "Miss Akter has volunteered - insisted, actually - to help."
"But she is injured." Diana stated.
"This?" Therese replied, indicating her bandaged left shoulder and arm supported by a sling. "It's nothing. Got it all fixed up at hospital."
"Miss Akter", Kate began...
"Mrs. Atker. And it's Tess. Nobody calls me Therese. Not anymore." the new visitor interjected, her voice lowering in resignation.
"Tess", Kate continued, "as Mr. Holmes notified us on his recent visit, is the latest victim."
"Lawd. I mean, that's awful. I'm sorry."
"While Mr. Holmes indicated he had already interviewed Tess and she had little more to say, I thought my visiting with her, woman-to-woman, might reveal any information she might be hesitant to share with a man." Kate concluded, sitting on the couch next to Eve.
"Mr. Holmes's been very good to me, settin' me up in hospital and all." Tess offered, taking a seat next to Kate even as the other women, also, found their chairs. "And I've no complaints. But he seems more interested in workin' out his own ideas than listenin' to others. But when Kate came by - at first I think she's goin' to arrest me or something - and then she says there's a whole group of women that's goin' stop these attacks - that's for me, I say. And I take myself out of bed and tell Kate she's not leaving without me and here we all are. When do we spring the trap?"