Things have been going well. We are making inroads in business, finance, politics and infrastructure. The silken web we are weaving is becoming broad and strong. For some time now we have focused on captains of industry, men with such busy, powerful minds, they never noticed being subtly drawn in to our purposes.
Their wives, dressed in the finest satins and silk, slinky and flowing at every occasion were invited by powerful women to every important event, with the excuse that their husbands could network and do business as powerful men did. Our plans were being steadily executed, and our influence grew with each passing week.
Plans were so encouraging that a decision was made by the Mistress to open our doors further, to grow numbers in even more subtle ways, to introduce the plans of the Sisterhood to women who were strong and powerful, even if they were not aware of how powerful they could be. Women who dealt in the day-to-day, above average women who might not run in the high circles, but in circles that every woman could find themselves. The possibilities seemed endless.
So, at the gymnasiums, coffee houses, yoga studios, we put up a flyer inviting couples that included women business owners and entrepreneurs to a fashion show benefiting Women Forward, an organization that was a front for The Sisterhood.
Women of all races, shapes and sizes were invited to model the latest silk and satin fashions, but women who wanted to model had to bring a significant other and couples of two women would both get to model if they wished. To make sure the word got out, the local media would get in for the publicity. Our members were already hearing great talk about the event even weeks before it was to occur.
The doors opened right on time, the waiting area was packed with couples, photographers and writers, in the main room were extravagant buffet tables, decorated with large flower displays, a long chest high runway and plenty of room for networking and wandering and all around the edges were roped-off circular couches around darkened tables studded with candles.
Naturally, the flowers were dosed with a flowery perfume that made people more relaxed and friendly. The effect was subtle, barely noticeable, as the couples still had to be separated before the plan went into full effect.
After people had time to enjoy the buffet, the music came up, and our local leader walked slowly to the edge of the runway in a long, tight white satin dress with elbow length opera gloves, white Louboutin heels, and a necklace, bracelets and ankle cuffs dripping with crystals that sparkled and flashed into everyone's eyes with every motion. Men and women alike were captivated by her statuesque beauty without knowing that they were already being pulled under her spell.
"Good Evening, Ladies! and welcome to the Women Forward Fashion Spectacular!" First, let me answer an unspoken question, "a fashion show? Isn't that demeaning? Reducing women to outfits to be ogled?"
"I say, 'NO'! There is no reason a woman can be an icon of beauty as well as an icon of business! You ladies are here of your own choice! Of your own will! You can be beautiful in whatever way you please as well as being strong, powerful leaders. Am I right, boys?" A raucous cheer went up.
"And I want to thank the men who support these women, without you, this evening wouldn't be as meaningful as I know it will to ALL of you! Now, all the ladies who signed up to model, please come to the back of the house via the lighted stairs. The audience has about 45 minutes to mingle, so let's talk up these wonderful women!"