You are cordially invited

[time_goes_by]

Who: OTA!
Where: The Keller house (A large Victorian House)
When: Evening

Janie wasn't surprised when Phillip asked her to do something in addition to her list of things to do regarding the campground incident, including helping in the lab, getting set up for shooting lessons, and getting supplies. He wanted to throw a dinner party for something he'd done at work. He asked that she hire a catering service and send out invitations.

After getting more information from him, she discovered that his company had discovered a way to make cheaper transitior radios. They would sell for $29.95, and the company was certain that would increase sales.

She thought the party was nice, but knew that part of it was to alleviate some of the mystery of the place. Phillip's family had once been rich and well-known, but over the years they had begun to fade into obscurity. When Phillip's pretty wife died sixteen years ago, he closed off the mansion and was rarely seen until several months ago.

Hours that could have been spent learning how to kill things, or studying so she could understand more science were spent cleaning, closing drafts, and giving out invitations. She was sure to give Mr.Chow one, since she was rather fond of the grumpy old man, almost begging that he come to the party. There was the bridge club, because they were her best friends, and all of the high society people, since Phillip insisted on it. She also invited Gloria and the people she'd seen around Rev.Templeton's church. Lynn was instructed(against Phillip's wishes) to invite as many friends as possible.

She was told not to invite anyone from the Texaco, so of course, she did. It would be a lively party, and she hoped to get her friends alone for at least a few minutes to talk about things.

Comments

[lancaster_industries]

In a nonjudgmental tone, Eric commented, "Besides, ladies aren't generally expected to handle the shooting responsibilities. But civil defense... you know, maybe if you were interested in that sort of thing, you could have a good reason to learn. All part of being a responsible citizen, defending the homestead against the Communists, all that such. And would explain why you're snooping around places where you oughtn't -- all part of ferreting out Communism. Isn't that the American Way or something?"

[max_ine]

She gave Katie and Janie a smile as the idea Eric was giving them sunk in.

"Maybe we can start a women's civil defense class at the firing range. I bet Fred could teach us all the basics. And that'd be a good reason for all the women of the town to go down and get some practice in. Doing our civic duty and all that.

I know I want go get some practice in. I've got Joe's service pistol at home, but I'm not all that good with how to use it."

[katherine_the_great]

Katie pondered. "You know... that could work." She cast a glance over her shoulder at where Chester was still chatting amiably with his new buddies. "If I sold it right, I could even get Chester to help. He likes feeling important..."

[time_goes_by]

"And... If we stuck a poster up for those radios, I'm sure Phillip would put some money towards it." said Janie, liking that idea. "He's trying to improve his image. That's why we're having this party. Oh, I've been stocking supplies too. We'd started, since he's having that bomb shelter built, but I thought with everything happening, it would be smart to gather as much as we can."

[katherine_the_great]

"I suppose I should go mingle, just in case the boys come looking for me," Katie said, eyeing the wives' group. "I actually recognize Mrs. Daugherty from church, at least."

[time_goes_by]

"The cow." Janie said, in a low voice "I- um. That might be a good idea. They just get quiet when I walk over there."

[katherine_the_great]

Katie nodded. "Just let me know if anything interesting comes up, hmm?" She smiled, and headed off to join the cacophony of churchwives, her cheerfully bright expression mirroring those of the others already in conversation. "Mrs. Daugherty, that dress does wonders for you!"

[max_ine]

"She's a braver woman than I am," Maxine said as Katie departed. She avoided the society women whenever possible - they always looked down on her for being a working woman and a single one at that.

She gave a wan smile. "Anyhow, I think that's a great idea - stocking up and getting prepared and getting this women's civic club started. Because whatever is going on, being prepared is a good thing."

[lancaster_industries]

'Speaking of stocking, boss, maybe we should stock some supplies at the shop?' Eric inquired.

[vito_marchese]

"I had that idea in mind, myself," Vito said with a smile. "Some additional hardware and supplies. We'll get that round looked at, too ... I hope that Red bullet came from that local shop, because otherwise, we're going to have a lot to worry and wonder about."

[max_ine]

"Yeah, we should see what that Seth fella has to say about it," Maxine said, agreeing with Vito in regards to the bullet.

Like just about everyone in town, she'd heard commercials for Seth Arms on the radio. It sounded like there was an awful lot of variety there.

[time_goes_by]

"If it's something serious, could you give us a call?" asked Janie, to Vito and Eric "I assume it'll be you two, unless we all make it a trip, and you tell him what we're doing with the ladies civil defense."

Janie frowned for a moment at Lynn and Nica, who were huddled together.

"Anybody else want another drink? Something to eat?"

[max_ine]

"I'm fine with letting the guys handle it-- we'll have enough to do rounding up the women and getting them to agree to go to Fred's."

Maxine figured while the guys were working on that it was up to her, Janie, and Katie to get the women together.

[lancaster_industries]

"Somehow I think if Vito and I turn up anything interesting, you'll hear about it soon enough," Eric said to Janie, with a cheeky smile.