Cellular Civilization/Tess

At the front door of the house Dexamene invited the guards into the house and took them from the entry way to an adjacent room. She had transformed her face into the pattern of the middle-aged woman in order to match the false identity that was now on the deed for the house. "I'm Madeline Beliakoff. May I ask your names?

The two guards showed their police badges, "We are off duty, and for today we are simply employees of Tripod Security." The senior guard commented, "I had not heard that the Bakers no longer live here."

Dexamene said, "I spoke to Mrs. Baker on the phone once, a few weeks ago. I had the impression that this," She gestured around her, "Was all just too much for them to keep up."

The guard continued, "So, who are you expecting for your party today?"

Dexamene replied, "Mostly students from the university."

The two guards exchanged glances. "Uh, that seems rather unusual. And I'm obligated to report all off-campus student parties to the police station and they coordinate with Campus Security."

Dexamene nodded. "That's fine. In case you are wondering, there is no alcohol on the premises."

The guard said, "I'm glad to hear that, but I still do not understand why you, a new resident in town, are hosting a big party for university students."

Dexamene said, "Well, it is not necessary that you understand, but I'll explain anyhow. My daughter has made friends at the university and she invited her friends to come here for a party and those friends have invited their friends...you know how it goes. When I saw that things were growing too big for me and my staff, I hired you."

The guard asked, "Your daughter attends the university?"

"No, not yet. We got to town in the middle of the semester."

"I see, but she has been hanging out on campus?"

"No. My daughter does not "hang out". She uses the library and has attended some public lectures. She has a non-student library card. Many parts of the campus are open to the public."

"Okay, so what do you want us to do?"

"I want one of you to stay down at the foot of the driveway. "All guests should be members of either of the physics club or the computing club or with a friend who is a club member. They should all either know Charles Parker, the president of the physics club, or Jennifer Van Coak, the president of the computing club. Feel free to turn away anyone who looks like trouble...this is definitely for invited guests only. Anyone who arrives by car can park on the lawn along the driveway. One of you should stay at the front door; that's the door you just came in. I call it the front door even though it just around to the side of the house. I expect some students to arrive by bike...send them on past the front door...there is a big barn down in back where they can put their bicycles."

The senior guard looked at his clipboard. "The party starts at seven?"

"Yes, but Charlie and Jenny and one other student will be here early for dinner."

"Is there anyone else we should expect? Additional members of your household who will be in and out? You mentioned staff? What is your daughter's name?"

"My daughter is Lanora. My driver will bring the dinner guests. There should be no other traffic besides the invited guests. Let me show you the house and the grounds...I'll introduce you to my staff. There is just my driver, Andy and the gardener, Alfred..." Dexamene proceeded to show them the house, particularly the recreation room in the basement and then the back yard.

Alfred was in back working by the swimming pool. One of the guards asked, "Are you expecting to use the pool during the party?"

Dexamene replied, "It is fully heated and well-lit. It will be available for use tonight, but I don't expect many of the guests to make use of the pool. It was not mentioned in the invitations."

The guard commented, "My advice is to lock the gate and tell the guests to stay out of the pool."

Dexamene grimaced. "Probably sound advice, but Alfred is a certified lifeguard. I want the guests to feel welcome and nothing here will be off limits tonight....except for uninvited company...that is your job." She handed each of the guards a small radio device. "Please stay at your stations. If you have any trouble, say if someone unwelcome charges past you into the house or onto the grounds, call me."

The senior guard said, "If anything gets out of control, such as people bringing in alcohol, what do you want us to do?"

Dexemene said, "The guests were told to just bring themselves. If you see any alcoholic beverages, feel free to tell people to leave them in their cars." They had returned to the house and were in the main living room near the big circular fireplace. "This will be a 'dry' party. We are expecting most of the guests to congregate in here for conversation or down stairs in the recreation room for video games. If anyone even shows up here tonight smelling of alcohol feel free to turn them away. I want no trouble. If you see trouble, call me right away."

"If there is any serious trouble my first call will be to the police and they will come shut the party down."

Dexemene nodded, "Fine. We are agreed. None of us wants any trouble tonight, just a bit of fun and relaxation for my daughter and her friends. They are all serious and studious young adults and I expect no trouble. I'll appreciate your help to just keep out any possible trouble makers who may have heard about the party and who try to sneak in uninvited. Oh, and feel free to help yourselves to food and drink. I hope you have a relaxed evening."

"Thank you, Mrs. Beliakoff."

Navigation
Here is a map of the chapters: _> Mary –––––––––––––––> Lincoln /              /         PAlbert ––––––––––––––––––––> Andresklo / \                                   /    \      __--> Cathy /     \    /                 \    /        \  /                   \__________>Tess CC –––> Charlie ––-–> Stefi \                        \                    > Lani \                 /       \ _______---> Jenny –––> Thomas Key: CC = Cellular Civilization; most of the first chapter is told from the perspective of Stefiz al-Arabid.