(Montecito, California)

Out on the second floor terrace of Ephesus West, a table was set with candles, illuminating the evening air with an amber glow. There was seating for six, as Daniela, fresh from her shower, reported to the balcony at eight o'clock sharp. Aisha, carrying out a basket of bread, met her standing at the railing, looking out and admiring the afterglow of the sunset. The dark silhouetted hills to the east still gave the California coast the ambience of an island at the edge of the world. She told Daniela to make herself comfortable, as the others would be there shortly.

Within several moments the professor, Emel, and two other females strolled out onto the terrace, deep in conversation. The new guests were both comfortably dressed, but professional-looking in their simple attire. One of them was an attractive, African-American in her late thirties, and the other, an older woman with well-quaffed graying hair, perhaps a contemporary of Professor Vasiliou in age and occupation.

Emel smiled at Daniela and proceeded with a formal introduction of her to the guests.

"Ladies, this is Daniela, whom we are very happy to have been entertaining these past days. She drove down earlier from the Bay Area and has been invited to this meeting tonight."

Both women smiled genuinely and nodded at her. Daniela was slightly taken aback at the word 'meeting,' yet she returned their smiles cordially. She could sense they were actually pleased by her presence and suspected they somehow had anticipated meeting her.

"Daniela, I want to introduce you to Dr. Belinda Brame-Harris. She heads up our Otrera Institute for Progress in Massachusetts. It's the 'think tank' I was telling you about."

The elegant, dark-skinned woman reached out and took both of her hands warmly.

"And just this month she's opening a new West office very near to you in San Francisco."

"Pleased to meet you," Daniela said nervously. She noted the trim-figured woman seemed very natural, confident and relaxed. She then glanced into the eyes of Professor Vasiliou for support. Nefeli nodded back to her reassuringly.

"And with Belinda this evening, is Professor Michelle Jacobson. From Stanford. Again, she's from up your way," continued Emel.

Another amiable hand reached out to her while the stout woman smiled a warm greeting and commented about the lovely night.

"Michelle is an old friend of ours," added Nefeli. "She's been my colleague in classical studies and a fellow archaeologist for years."

"Nice to meet you, both," came Daniela's subdued response.

The women all took seats around the table where there was, conspicuously, one empty chair. Daniela wondered about this only momentarily until Aisha walked out carrying a bottle wrapped in a white towel. Behind her, feigning to be hidden, marched Myrsini, with her characteristically springy steps. Daniela could see she wore a charming, cobalt blue shift, and her hair braided into little ropes—tied back, classically. As Myrsini dramatically sprang out from behind Aisha in a moment of mock revelation, the two women surprisingly jumped up from their chairs and ran to greet the girl with hugs and kisses.

"It's been about a year since they've seen her here at the house," Emel explained to Daniela under her breath. She herself was still smiling full-heartedly at the emotions expressed by the new guests over Myrsini. The women both seemed honestly moved by her presence. As they escorted the girl to the table, holding her hands and lovingly adjusting her braids, the Stanford professor was seen to be wiping her eyes nostalgically.

"She's matured so much!" The Boston director enthusiastically told Emel.

"And so beautifully!" Added the woman from Stanford, continuing to dry her eyes with the back of her hand.

Aisha opened the bottle of champagne and poured it into each glass. Another young woman was behind them, who looked from her trained physique to be from the security detail. She carried a tray with salads and sauces to the table. Still another appeared, following with more platters of cooked dishes. The table was laid out with a sumptuous array of vegetables, bowls of soup and pastas.

As the women had all taken their seats, it was the lady of the house who spoke up.

"I would like to make a toast to our achievements and growth tonight," Emel said, formally. She held up a glass toward her guests and each of the women mirrored her movement in silence."

"And to the continued media coverage of our efforts . . . especially these last phenomenal days," Nefeli added."

They all drank quietly.

"Myrsini . . . you have inspired this in all of us," she added affectionately.

"All over the world we're seeing rapid changes," Dr. Brame-Harris added happily.

Myrsini grinned back at them, humbly, then gingerly tasted her own glass of Champaign with a grimace.

The women all laughed.

The ensuing meal was accompanied by tales from all the women of Myrsini as a small child and how she had charmed each of them. The girl seemed to take delight in each of the testimonials, laughing animatedly at several of the protracted stories. She went on to speak animatedly about her horse, her future plans to attend high school, university, and of course, her fond memories of the brilliant summers in Greece on the island of Andros with Nefeli.

Surprisingly little was mentioned by Myrsini of her proficiencies with the Turkish and Greek languages, her math tutor's hard-won praise, or all her medals and ribbons earned in the martial arts, the swim meets or riding competitions. Never was her phenomenal genetic origin even brought up or the mere significance of whose biological characteristics she was now the unprecedented facsimile of.

Following the full meal and these light domestic discussions, the youngest member of the dinner party was sent off, lovingly, to take her SAT History test and to retire for the evening. This left the four women to discuss other, potentially more pressing matters in Daniela's presence.

"I must be honest, Daniela," Professor Vasiliou said, speaking in a louder voice, for the benefit of all the women. "When you showed up yesterday, I immediately invited Michelle and Belinda to fly up from the City for this meeting tonight. I could see it was an opportune time to make what we all feel is a wonderful proposal."

Daniela was speechless. She could not image what Nefeli was referring to or about to announce.

"Ladies, as we have discussed on other occasions, Daniela has been fully briefed on the existence and commitments of the society. She's been appraised with an overview of its history, and she will become even more aware of past details and our current operations internationally."

The director of the Institute in Boston smiled, sipped her Champaign once more, and nodded pleasantly toward her with anticipation. It had just occurred to Daniela as she watched the graceful, manicured hand hold the wine glass that all the women were wearing the same broad silver ring she herself wore that night. All these rings no doubt carried within them the hidden engraved emblem—denoting their affiliation with the Penthesilea Sisterhood.

"And I must remind you," continued Nefeli, "Daniela has come to us under the most curious but propitious circumstances, which Emel and I have always felt were somehow couched metaphysically and inspired in some, as of yet, inexplicable way."

"She singlehandedly found the hidden coordinates of the Scamander River tomb while coming to Athens surreptitiously," Emel added. "Which I had left purposely in the most obscure location. It was back in our days of research and future discoveries."

Daniela was suddenly breathless. She did not know how to react to these embarrassing comments.

"And let's not forget, ladies . . . how she located me on Andros where no one, not even my former students or colleagues were absolutely certain of my whereabouts."

"But most importantly, I think you will find Daniela a very gracious and agreeable young lady," continued Nefeli. She's forthright and deeply willing to help us."

Emel reached inside her blouse and took out the little stone horse, dangling from its leather loop. She unclasped it and took out the small memory chip which had been hidden inside it.

"She brought us this information when she left Greece. At Nefeli's request she carried it with her through the airports and customs, risking confiscation and being questioned."

The two other women nodded at Daniela for this deed, seen obviously as a test of her loyalty.

"And from what we've seen, ladies, of her behavior and independence . . . she seems truly committed to follow this path with us."

This last humbling compliment was a description which Daniela could not herself deny. The two guests smiled as they looked across the table at her, and she took their approving expression as a sort of congratulations for all she had become.

Professor Vasiliou turned to her directly. "Today, Daniela, you were briefed about Myrsini's origins. They were no doubt a shock to you . . . as they would be to anyone . . . and will be for many in the future."

Daniela nodded.

"We understand this, Daniela. Few are completely ready to comprehend what our bio-engineering team successfully accomplished eleven years ago. Nevertheless, the breakthrough was bound to occur at some point in the future of gene science, and we are just very privileged to have been able to apply it first to our needs."

Emel weighed in. "We are, after all and as females, creators of our own species. We are healers and progenitors. I am certain this desire to bring back someone of great importance even if only for their symbolic power was a wish foreseen thousands of years ago."

"We have created that miracle . . . and it will be no doubt for the good of women everywhere."

Daniela looked into the faces of the others. Their countenance suggested they were completely in line with Nefeli's provocative words.

"And besides," Belinda added, speaking to her directly for the first time, "we are so much more now. I understand you were shown the archives today, the research lab and repository where Penthesilea's remains are now preserved and protected."

"Yes. I was."

"What you are not aware of," she continued, "is how quickly this new age for women is coming about. It's virtually emerging out of the shadows. And it's happening worldwide. The international media are now buzzing with stories of other remarkable programs our women have created and are maintaining."

"Some improvements have had to wait thousands of years to come about," Michelle from Stanford explained. Our efforts are now accelerating them."

"So, ladies . . ." Nefeli interrupted. "With all that in mind . . . let us present to Daniela the proposal we all already have discussed online."

Daniela took a deep breath. She had no idea what further would take place—what was meant by 'proposal.'

It was the professor from Stanford who continued, speaking to her comfortingly.

"Of course we can understand your anxiety and uncertainty about all this, Daniela. All of it has come into your life so suddenly. Some of us have been involved with PS for almost fifteen years. And for us it was a gradual process. You are not to be faulted for your fears. Or any hesitation you may be feeling about becoming so involved so quickly."

It was a reassuring comment which Daniela needed at that moment.

"What we are proposing to you here tonight, is an offer of employment." Daniela laughed, a little giddily. "You mean . . . as in . . . a job?"

"Actually, yes," Belinda responded, her beautiful dark face expressing excitement. "All of the projects within our main society have been created as 'non-for-profit entities.' And due to the generous support of our sisters worldwide, we are working under a very robust and sustainable budget today. That means we are able to hire professionally the best and brightest women to work in our various divisions."

"That's correct," Michelle added, facing Daniela directly. "Belinda's new offices of the Otrera Institute in San Francisco are currently being staffed. We're looking for the some very talented and loyal ladies to head up this department. You can probably predict that as our society makes a bigger footprint in the world of business, technology, and social services we are in need of greater and more effective public relations."

"PR happens to be something we have decided to focus on these past several months as the phenomenon of the Penthesilea Sisterhood moves from its historically secretive status to a more visible and publically recognized entity. We just feel as we have gotten stronger, it's time to become more transparent."

"Yes. And as we are not universally known or currently well-understood, this will take time."

"And considerable efforts to enlighten the world about the necessary changes happening from within," Professor Vasiliou expressed.

"In a sense," chimed in Emel, "it is already happening." We're seeing some very positive public support for some of our enterprises and activities . . . particularly our stance on international violence against women."

"Refugee assistance and medical attention to women and their children are also making the news, especially now when so many refugees are arriving on foreign shores."

"This is becoming evident as we speak," Belinda added. "While several of our NGOs are making headway into the massive numbers of displaced women and their families."

"But we still fight the old battles," Nefeli continued, her voice sounding agitated and a little dejected. "There are certain agencies from various governments out there newly grappling with just who we are. Why we refuse to let some time-honored conditions and practices against women stand."

Daniela swallowed nervously.

"So . . . which agencies are those?"

The women all looked at one another and smiled in some private way.

"Most of the world's intelligence communities, Daniela. You see they were always developed and run predominantly by a certain gender. And naturally, they have some very suspicious ideas about us today." The women nodded at her delicate handing of the answer.

"But this too is changing," added Belinda. We've been extremely successful this past year in infiltrating those organizations with our own. Bringing in a more balanced and less paranoid response to our operations."

Daniela nodded in satisfaction.

"You see, this position you are being offered, Daniela, is all about that. The job is with the Public Relations division of the Penthesilea Sisterhood to better facilitate awareness worldwide of who we are and what we do. We wish to make better inroads to the public as to what we offer women on so many fronts. How our progress seems to be taking hold."

Daniela was becoming immediately impressed by the proposal—firstly by their faith in her and secondly by the challenge it offered. It was no doubt a bold stance to take head on the negative public opinion about the organization. She had witnessed it first hand through Nicasio's and Professor Simon's reactions The work of PS could easily be feared, she could see, and held suspect by many people—mainly men, who would only interpret its agenda as competitive and threatening. Working to overcome that image seemed to her an inspiring task.

Nefeli explained further. "As you are aware our society is hitting all the front pages now and international news coverage for its work and results. The dots are being connected from our agencies and NGOs to whom we actually are. And for generations who we have been. Some purveyors of those media, usually their male dominated owners, are simply uncomfortable with an all-women's front sharing in power and politics of the world. But it's a reality now and they are obliged to cover it accurately."

"You see, Daniela, just as we have divisions handing crimes world-wide against women, their health and legal issues, we now are forming this public relations campaign to bring our work more fairly into focus. We also wish to become even further empowered politically through these efforts in order to have a greater number of high profile women supporting us. This is already happening in the entertainment industry and in the world of women's sports and athletics. World leadership is high on our agenda now to achieve parity with males and to expand a positive perception of us among the general public.

It was the professor from Stanford who continued. "Through this PR arm of the Otrera Institute of Progress . . . which will now operate on both coasts, we plan to counteract any expected negative publicity that might emerge as we go more viral."

Emel added softly. "We believe the time of total secrecy as a society benefitting women is coming to a close. It is no longer necessary to exist or be pushed underground. We have become a force worthy of operating in the light now."

Nefeli looked at her and the others proudly. She spoke in a sincere, almost reverent voice. "With the birth and development of Myrsini, we began to inaugurate a more visual and open profile for the Sisterhood. We believe the organization will only now organically parallel her phenomenal growth and exuberance for life. And observing this, we just feel we can do our best work for women everywhere out in the open . . . like Myrsini, developing beautifully in the sunlight."

Daniela was silent. She thought about the gravity of these women's words and the powerful offer they were making to her.

"And so," Nefeli continued. "With your interest in the Amazonian plight historically, your background in graphic arts, and basically your personal commitment to get involved, we are offering you a paid position in the infrastructure of the Sisterhood. Something to capitalize your talents on and to give back something special to us."

Daniela remained speechless.

"You have impressed us, Daniela, in some ineffable way," Emel added. "And we hope you come on board in that capacity. You see, we could use someone in the graphic division of the Otrera Institute who can incorporate the artwork and imagery of the Amazons. Both historically, and to fit into our present profile. Infusing those images and our mission together through public relations. Campaigns for this have already been discussed and are now waiting to be implemented."

"Your work and past experience," Belinda explained, "will take you . . . along with some technically minded young ladies we've hired for your assistance . . . into our proposed websites and social networking platforms. We plan to make them available to the public. And to carry forth this image we speak of."

"Wow." The word seemed to leap out of Daniela. "That does sound appealing." She was trying to contain her elation over what she was hearing. For the moment she was totally unable to respond further.

"So what do you think?" Asked Belinda, beaming at her in reserved anticipation. "Do you understand the offer?"

"Oh yes. And I'm really excited by it. It's . . . perfect actually! But you must know I'm . . . well I do have a job already. But I'm . . ."

The women all looked at one another and smiled.

"Not really in love with that job, Daniela?" Emel asked soberly.

Nefeli hesitated to answer, though she knew too well how she felt about her job in the City.

"We've checked out all of this, Daniela. Your history with Wexler Advertising Solutions. Your coming to Athens . . . your delving into to the Amazon imagery with such interest and enthusiasm."

"And we are aware of your obvious dissatisfaction with your mundane work. Your obligations to continue in deference to your father's associates . . . a lecherous boss. All classic pitfalls of employment fatigue."

"You know . . . all of that . . . about me?"

"Daniela, you must know that intelligence and logistics are just two of our strong points in this organization."

She felt her face beginning to flush with embarrassment.

"You see, Belinda was actually instrumental in developing our PS Intelligence Division. It's now some ten years in operation."

Belinda smiled a bit self-consciously at the comment. She then looked over at Nefeli and seemed to be waiting for some sort of additional teasing.

"In fact, she began years ago," the professor added. "Canvassing mostly Yale coeds and alumni just after they had joined up with the CIA or FBI. Some of those ladies still work for them. But now . . . also with us. Simultaneously."

Nefeli laughed out loud and Belinda looked away guiltily. Daniela could tell that the incident was obviously no joke at all.

"She might be only teasing," Belinda responded equivocally, covering the sensitivity of the matter.

"But seriously, Daniela, we are now hiring in the new PR department of OIP. It's located in San Francisco and we're calling it Otrera West. Our offices are in the Trans America building downtown. Mid-way up on the pyramid. It's got a great view."

"Fantastic!"

"One detail of this offer I should mention," Belinda continued, "and to make your decision possibly sweeter . . . is that we are willing to pay you triple your salary at Wexler for the move. Will you have a problem with that?"

Daniela smiled at the comment. Then laughed out loud when she thought about how absurd the idea was that it would take money to convince her of the offer.

"I would change that job tomorrow for half the money," Daniella candidly said, causing all the women to laugh and clap their hands.

"You would officially be an integral member of the new PR team. . . Graphics and Design Department. We plan to start campaigning for our new worldwide image by next month. All the contractual details can be worked out by the end of this week if you accept the offer."

Daniela looked across the table at Nefeli for some affirmation this was all really happening. The professor nodded subtly but seriously to her.

"I . . . don't know what to tell you all."

"Well, you can always accept, I suppose," Emel said, smiling. Just say . . . 'Yes.'"

"Ok. . . I do! I honestly do accept. I'll take this position . . . and thank you all for your trust in me."

She was surprised at her own immediate resolve to make the decision so independently without any consultation from her family or Nicasio.

All of the women seemed thrilled as well, and held up their glasses in a toast to her. A heartfelt toast to the Sisterhood.

* * *