The Doorkeeper's Mind

Copyright 2019 by Leigh C Earley

All rights reserved. This book nor any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in book reviews.

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing 2019

ISBN: 978-1-57397-408-9 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-57397-409-6 (E-book)

http://ELMorrow.com

Earleybird Books

This story is dedicated to the dreamers, thinkers, and planners. Dream something that isn’t but might be. Dream a tomorrow that’s better than today—for all people. Dream the possible but not-yet and many will tell you it’s silly, impractical, or bound to fail. So, what? Dream anyway.

Without a dream, thinking and planning become stuck in the muck of whatever issue grabs our attention at the moment. But without thoughtfulness or plans the dream remains a vapor that blows away with the morning breezes.

If you dream of a world with greater compassion, acceptance, respect, and equality, then this book is dedicated to you. May your mind be opened to new possibilities.

This book is also dedicated to those who may be looking for a dream to get excited about. If that is you, perhaps you’ll share the Doorkeeper’s dream.

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The author gratefully acknowledges the encouragement of friends, colleagues, and readers. Especially the Wichita Senior Center’s Writing Craft group, Starla, Monica, Mary Elise, and Margrete O’Neall. You are among a select group – and I thank you.

Note to the Reader

There are date, day, time, and location indicators at the beginning of many chapters and some scenes. These may be particularly helpful in the first ten and last five chapters.

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An Appendix contains a list of main Characters and a Glossary of terms.

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The Sheltered Cities Novels

The Doorkeeper’s Secrets

The Doorkeeper’s Mind

The series begins in 2094. Most people live in a sheltered city protected from the harsh environment. The necessity of working together in order to survive became clear 50 years earlier. Economic justice, enhanced collaboration, reduced competition, and working for the common good are outcomes of The Plan adopted by most states, and several nations.

Powerful forces are aligned to usher in a return to the biased economic policies of the previous centuries, (now referred to as the age of confusion) and its greed. To them, the young Doorkeeper and her colleagues are merely a nuisance to be swept aside. But how far will they go to silence the young idealist who warns of deception, and the seasoned scientist fighting to prevent a pandemic of deadly diseases?

Table of Contents

The Watchers

Stop-the-Lies

Change of Scenery

The Next Surprise

Another Piece of the Mystery

Back to Toronto

A Few Days at the Office

The Raven's Nest

A Game Changer

Friendship

Truly Unbelievable

Counseling

The Other Guys

Invitation

Treasure Hunt

Seek and Find

The Box

The Second Envelope

Wake Up

The Raven's Egg

Red Letter Day

Apprentice

Help Wanted

Flying Lessons

Almost Betrayed

Normal?

Apprentice Arrives

Lexi's Journal

Doing Some Good Work

The V Club

Surprise: Marie's Journal

Meet Your Enemy

Could This Enemy Become a Friend?

What Next?

Miami

The Prom

Hospital

A Shower and a Clean Room

Dr. Andrew Mark Winder

Depressed Again

Being Recognizable is Hazardous

A Birthday Trip

Are You My Brother?

Past and Present Make a Future

This is Not a Drill

What Does Dr. French Know?

Working on the Breakthrough

Will Greed Win Again?

It's All Over but the Shouting And a Few Questions

Characters

Glossary

THE

D OORKEEPER’S

Mind

One

The Watchers

Baltimore

2094-09-14, Tuesday

When your enemy is invisible; your survival depends on camouflage. Disappearing in plain view is an ability she has cultivated. No one she meets gives a second glance the woman who crosses the hotel lobby to the elevators. Most people see a slightly overweight woman in her early forties, who is glad another day is ending.

The colors of her Smart Outer Garment indicate she is a Doorkeeper Supervisor. The smudges of forest green, platinum gray, and deep red identify the Door Services Sector while the predominance of black denotes the wearer as a Supervisor.

Ninety percent of the hotel’s guests don a version of these Smart Garments, usually called SOGs. These bulletproof, fireproof, tamper-proof outfits are familiar to anyone living in a Structured State. Most SOGs contain bright, eye-catching colors and patterns. Hers is unusually bland—part of being unnoticed.

A casual observer might easily overlook her, but there is nothing casual about his observations. He is convinced that what he sees is a disguise. Beneath it resides the slim, attractive, 19-year-old he has been hired to locate and if possible detain. Capture will not be possible since it took until yesterday to find her. His attempt to follow her today was thwarted, as she entered a pod, and apparently never emerged. He realized too late she must have changed her appearance while onboard and emerged unnoticed. His employer must never learn he made that rookie mistake.

She steps on the elevator heading for the eighth floor. Room 803 is her destination. All his efforts to gain access to her suite have been unsuccessful—it seems someone is present even when she is out. After managing to tap into the hotel’s cameras, he found this room and several others on the same floor to be on black-out, something only FBI or CIA can accomplish. The woman has impressive connections.

Believing she will leave tomorrow morning, his best hope is to take advantage of activity around her departure to get close enough to place a pinhead-sized locator button on her luggage. He then expects to track her bag all the way to the aircraft. Once the destination is determined, he will report to his boss. Presumably, someone will be at the other end to follow her—but that’s not his problem.

While keenly observing his quarry, he fails to notice the two others watching him as he watches her. Now he is the one being followed as he makes his way out of the Xavier’s lobby. His goal is a windowless white van in the parking area across the street.

Surveillance equipment located inside will allow him to view all coming and going from room 803, for that matter the entire hallway. As he opens the back, he is lifted into the van by four muscular arms, who join him inside.

He is surprised to hear a woman’s voice. Change of plans Mr. Davenport. Or is it Burnbalm today?

Two

Stop-the-Lies

Blog to be posted 09-16-2094

All I ever wanted to do was open people’s doors, keep their property safe, and assist with emergencies. But here I am taking on those who would rather undermine progress than improve the future. It shows what can happen when you pay attention, do your job, and speak up. (Most of us remember this mantra from primary school.)

I’m Marie, the Doorkeeper in Wichita, Kansas, who challenged the speakers from Grog Institute, to tell the truth. Their presenters attempted to mislead the hearers into believing they had inside information about anticipated changes to The Plan. In the process, they give false names for themselves, their organization, and their so-called research methods. I merely pointed out their falsehoods.

Since that event, questions are being asked about who I am. I will try to answer the three I’ve heard most often.

How did I come to be in my position?

I completed my Masters of Door Facilitation in June 2094. As is customary, my one-to-two-year role as a Teaching Assistant began July 1st. On August 15th I was asked to take an emergency placement at Residential Sector 86, in Wichita. I accepted by repeating what I had been taught, It is my pleasure to serve. Next time I will think longer before answering.

How did I learn all I told in the Open Forum?

Because my predecessor was unable to provide the customary briefing, I had to learn what I could from electronic files and what others could tell me. As a result, I discovered three things.

First, Dr. Phillip Walton, my predecessor, did not die of natural causes but was kidnapped and murdered. The assailants entered his home at night, using an ill-gotten Universal Keycard.

You know everyone living in a structured city no longer needs a physical key. Doorkeepers let us in and out of our homes. Retired people or service personnel use keycards to enter, but the card must be recharged after each use, to work again. Well, back in the early days of the change, someone decided to create some Universal Keycards to open any door at any time. A few were created before the idea was scuttled, and the cards were collected. Only one card escaped destruction. That is likely the one used during the kidnapping of my predecessor.

Second, a weapon was used to kill a Security Officer on my watch. We soon learned the weapon had been developed in a clandestine operation, using tax dollars. Its purpose? By-pass the safeguards in our Smart Outer Garments. The same Universal Keycard I mentioned before was used to gain entrance through a vacant home to the common area bounded on all sides by houses. The intruder then hid in a resident’s home to await his return from the fitness center. Two Security Officers arrived before the resident returned; one officer was killed the other seriously injured.

Third, with the help of Security personnel, we identified Dr. Walton’s kidnappers and traced a particular van they had used. When the same vehicle was spotted in Wichita, its ownership by the Grog Foundation could be confirmed. Researching the organization’s agenda makes it clear their focus is to bring an end to the current economic justice principles. A few rich and powerful people want to dominate the world again.

As you see, I learned what I did by doing my job.

Where have you been since the interview on September 6th?

Many of you heard the interview with Teresa Graves, broadcast on the same day the indictments were handed down. What you may not know is Dr. Walton left clues allowing me to locate his final wishes. His Last Will and Testament contained a considerable surprise. I find myself responsible for managing three companies created to produce a computerized kitchen appliance storage system.

Therefore, I had (and still have) a great deal to learn. You may wonder why anyone would leave such a valuable product to a total stranger. As it turns out, Dr. Walton knew me quite well. He read all my work for Door Facilitation studies and found that we shared the same values. Though he expected it to be a year later, he nominated me to be his replacement.

Door Services granted me special assignment status to get up to speed on the operation and my responsibilities. Since Door Services will receive all net funds after expenses from the production, it seems an appropriate trade-off.

The Guidance Committees of several services asked me to write a weekly blog. So, you will be hearing from me for a while. Of course, you are invited to respond, or raise questions.

With her first blog ready for posting, Marie forwards it to three Sector Supervisors for their approval. Assuming no criticisms, it will post the following day. If there are suggestions, she will make the changes and re-submit it the same gatekeepers. It is essential that every supporting group be satisfied with the content before publication. After all, this is a quasi-official site speaking with more authority than just one person’s opinions.

A few minutes until my next responsibility. I’m behind on my journaling, so I’ll use the time to catch up a bit.

Attaching the proper memory chip to her computer and navigating the security she opens the appropriate section.

Section: What I’m Learning About Myself

Date: September 14, 10:20 pm EDT

I feel like a hypocrite. I lead the charge against the detractors—who would undermine The Plan—with all the positive gains it brings to most people alive today. So, I write to counter their lies. All the while, I keep secrets—some would say I’m deceiving. At the very least I’m shaping the narrative by omission. Example: my deceased predecessor is alive under another name in another city—well, his body is.

According to the law, Phillip Walton is deceased. The person he was no longer exists—brain damage took him away. What a cruel way to die—being put in an unsupervised medical-coma—which naturally failed. While the body lives, the mind that made him an electronics genius is gone.

But to legally declare him dead, and act on his Will would have taken weeks of court hearings and a battery of medical tests. The Certificate of Life Completion issued by the doctor who put him in the deep coma was already available. It allowed quicker action on his Will. Admittedly my part in deception is minimal. Those older, and hopefully wiser than me, took the lead. They said, and I think they’re right, we can’t afford the time—we must act now before his murderers get away. As it turned out, we lost the most important figures—Bluefoot and his two henchmen. But just the same, I knew about the shortcut and though it is best for all concerned, still it’s not the whole truth.

A second example: it’s deceptive when I say something happened one way, but it was my reading of energy trails that gave the answer. The public can never learn about this talent. Most people wouldn’t believe it anyway. But the detractors know about the project to create the perfect soldier. Likewise, the counter program, established by forward-thinking scientists who wanted intelligent, aware, and compassionate people of peace.

So, if the Anti-Plan people found out about my abilities what would they do? Try harder to kill me? Worse yet, attempt to force me to work for them?

I didn’t ask for these gifts, but I can’t ignore them. I’ll die before intentionally using them to hurt others. I didn’t ask to be born the culmination of generations of selective matching of specific qualities. I won’t throw away what others risked so much to protect.

But is it too much to ask for some normality in my life? A few friends close to my age, the possibility of building a mating relationship; at the moment I’d settle for understanding why sex is such a big deal.

So, I have two full-time jobs: one as a Doorkeeper, another as the CEO of Phillip’s three companies. In my so-called spare time, I’m the organizer of the Stop-the-Lies movement. All I need to do is save The Plan, ensure the safety of the economy, finish Phillip’s work, and figure out what my gifts can do. Then maybe I can plan my life.

Am I overwhelmed? Yes. Do I think I can do it? Of course; I’ve mastered every challenge thrown at me so far. I’ll get along OK, as long as I don’t trip up and give something away that makes me look dishonest. I may need to give up sleeping for a while. Am I happy? Well, yes.

What else worries me? My biggest concern—this whole movement is based on the perception of my integrity. If I show my feet of clay, the entire thing could collapse. Then the deceivers will seem as credible as The Plan’s supporters. That’s the scary part.

I leave for Toronto tomorrow.

Three

Change of Scenery

The trip to Baltimore was necessary to follow up on documents left by her predecessor, Phillip Walton. Only a highly skilled Doorkeeper could decipher the clues. Among other things, Marie uncovered a letter which must be presented, by her, to Phillip’s attorney before his Last Will and Testament can be opened. In addition to the will, an extensive collection of documents had been entrusted to his lawyer and long-time friend, Miranda Crayborne. Only during the reading of the will, did Marie learn of her responsibility for the continuation of Phillip’s groundbreaking work.

Miranda also delivered access to a trove of documents Phillip had collected and secured. When combined with others, his resourcefulness helped bring indictments against several sworn enemies of The Plan.

As indicated in her blog, Marie is responsible for managing several companies created by the genius of Phillip. Three of the factories produce a unique storage system collectively marketed as Compact Kitchens. The potential is well beyond storing kitchen appliances. Phillip recruited investors to get the project up and running. The plan is to repay investments before any other applications are contemplated. Income from these units will benefit Doorkeeper’s work.

The fourth, not mentioned in the blog, is given entirely to Marie: an incomplete facility to produce robots for the operation of the other three. All four production plants are located in or near Toronto, Canada.

To prepare for this task, she has spent hours of conversation with Vivi, her friend in the financial sector. And more time on a crash course in business management. Marie now needs to see the operations first hand.

Once on board her flight, Marie spots her newly assigned security chief, two rows back and on the other side of the aisle. They formally met last night. Danzella Reynolds stepped in when it became clear that Marie’s safety required a dedicated Security Service. Her security chief’s first act had been to report The ‘investigator’ who has been attempting to follow you will be otherwise occupied during our departure.

Marie thinks, it seems indulgent that two other people must fly with me to keep me safe. But at the moment, I must be grateful, not practical. Because others are looking after my safety, I can concentrate on what I need to learn.

While on the plane, I have time to do a little more journaling. Keeping track of my thoughts, feelings, and questions has never been more critical. There’s so much going on I need help organizing my energy.

Journal Section: Events

Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2094.

I left for Toronto this morning. Travel into Canada is a bit complicated. I’ve been scanned using the assumed identity of CF Fields: the persona Phillip created for times when he needed to be undetected. I must continue to use an alias, for a while. Too many people are looking for Marie. We don’t want my whereabouts easily tracked for the next couple of weeks.

The problem—I don’t have a passport as CF Fields. So, getting into Canada could be an issue. The solution is for me to pack away my disguise and travel looking like myself. The make-up artist gave me different color hair, plumper cheeks and neck, and a larger torso. She even increased my feet and ankles to match the rest of my appearance. While in the airport I needed to avoid my face being viewed by a security camera. Easy enough: stay in a clump of people, always present a side or back view to cameras, and walk slowly.

I left Baltimore as CF Fields. Arriving in Toronto, I will be Marie Cranton. I have a Passport as Marie; in fact, I have two—one US and one UN. If anyone suspects I might leave the country, they would try to trace me using my US Passport, so I’m using the United Nations document for the first time.

I’m still reeling from all I’ve learned in the last month including my multiple citizenships. Because I was born in a United Nations Research Protectorate, I have two passports. Who knew I would need them so soon?

Changing the subject. Interesting thing. While looking through the last few documents left by Phillip, I found a deed to an office building in Toronto. It turns out to be close to Dr. Throne’s home, which is helpful since I will be staying with her. I would hate to attract attention to her location. Because of the threats to her safety over the years, she remains out of view.

A month ago, if someone had suggested that I would be in charge of a multi-million-dollar operation—let alone four of them—I would have declared them insane. In her letter, Berry, my birth mother, wished for me an exciting life. I’m still getting used to the fact that Allison, who raised me, knew my biological mother all this time. Lots of surprises so far. I wonder what’s next?

Four

The Next Surprise

Toronto

2094-09-15, Thursday, 10:15 am

Everyone gets through customs without a hitch. The kiosk questionnaires posed no concerns. Luggage inspection also raises no questions.

The cover story developed to explain Marie’s disguise materials would have included her attendance at a Class reunion of my Secondary school. The Class of 2084. And the body shape modification items could then be explained as, … necessary for a comedy routine. I do an impersonation of one of our favorite teachers. It’s all in fun. But the cover story was unnecessary.

Leaving with their luggage, Danzella tells Marie, You need to call Rudy to confirm some changes.

Marie calls Rudy Carlton, the Security Chief for Cyclops. Rudy is an ex-CIA Agent who joined others leaving that Agency or the FBI to start a private security firm called Not-A-Dozen Security (initially there were 11 of them). Rudy took on Cyclops, a medical research center, but maintains a founder’s status with Not-A-Dozen.

After Marie’s father, one of the co-founders of the Cyclops Institute, was killed Rudy became her substitute male role model and protector. It was Carlton who set up security all around Marie while she was in school, and again when moving to Wichita. He kept her safe for 19 years, but now she needs more protection and presence than Rudy, alone, can provide.

Danzella recognizes that Marie will accept the changes from him. It would be foolish not to question last-minute changes to a previously developed plan of action. Anyone who has met Marie understands that she is many things—but foolish is not one of them.

Rudy answers his communicator, Who is the one person you would most like to meet?

Living or dead?

Alive.

That’s easy, President James Earldrige, he’s always been my hero.

Now don’t call attention to yourself when I tell you—you’re going to see him today.

Marie gasps and says, You’re not joking!

No. D has the directions and passwords. I’ll observe by satellite, and Harry will be a follow-car until you arrive. Your Toronto host knows you will be a day late arriving. They conclude the contact.

After traveling for two hours, they reach a compound owned by a former Prime Minister of Canada. It has been used similarly to the way Camp David functions in the US. The security is impressive. The whole complex is built into the side of a hill.

The former President had called Marie following the airing of her interview with Terresa Graves. After their brief conversation, Earldrige determined to meet Marie as soon as possible. Somehow, he learned she would be coming to Toronto; logistics were all that stood in the way of a face to face meeting.

Arriving at 12:30 pm, Marie is ushered into a library. Three others are present: two standing and one seated. President Earldrige speaks first.

Welcome, Marie. I don’t believe you’ve met Dr. Amy Forest. Amy was my Secretary of State. She helps me keep informed about the world and where the Anti-Plan folk may be putting their efforts. She will complete your briefing after the evening meal. Indicating the other gentleman, he continues, And this is Derwood Dart, my head of security. He’ll tell you about the peculiarities of this location.

Dart says, If you need to reach me, dial 4-4 on any of the house phones. Your communicators will not work on these grounds. If you must make a call contact me and I’ll create a ‘hole’ in the dead zone. If you want to leave the house for any reason, let me know. I will coordinate with your security to keep everyone safe.

What kind of greeting is this? What briefing? Can’t leave the house? Am I a prisoner here? No, just high security. Is the President still in danger?

Earldrige continues, I’m sorry. I see we caught you off guard. You were expecting to find an old man who would talk your ear off about things that happened long before you were born. But where are my manners? I’ve lost all the social graces I might’ve once possessed. Please, let’s greet one another. You may want to freshen up before lunch, which will be served in about 15 minutes. We won’t do any business until after we eat.

Dr. Forest steps forward and greets Marie with warmth and genuine interest. This must seem overwhelming, but I assure you we want to help lighten your load, not pile more on.

"Well, thanks. I’m confused about the briefing."

There are several situations in the world you need to be cognizant of. It’ll all make sense after you’ve talked with Jim.

Dart offers his hand and says, I think you know a man named Rudy. He and I go a long way back. Marie instantly reads from his energy trails. He and Rudy worked together to form Not-A-Dozen Security. They maintain connections with each other and the organization. That’s how Rudy got word that President Earldrige would call after my interview on New