by E. L. Morrow
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 Air.
Marie steps to the chair where the former president remains. “Mr. President, it is such an honor to meet you. O
bviously, you have gone to a great deal of trouble to arrange this meeting. I hope I can live up to whatever it is that you expect of me.”
“My dear, as I told you before—my name is Jim. And my job is to help you. You have already exceeded any expectations I might’ve ever had about you. Well, it took some effort to arrange this meeting. It seems I can’t go anywhere these days without a contingent of 17: security, doctors, therapists, cooks, drivers, communicators, and Amy is always with me—by her own choice. Can you imagine that? But meeting you in person is well worth the trouble.”
Dr. Forest interrupts, “I hang around with you, by choice, because you have one of the most brilliant minds on the planet. I hope a little of that will rub off on me. By the way, there’re only nine people who travel with you. It seems like more because The House has a staff of five.”
It is clear that these people like each other and have fun together. It is also clear from reading energy trails that they are working on big plans. There are two major projects. Somehow, I fit into those plans. But how? What can I contribute?
Marie is shown her room, which rivals a luxury suite in the most elegant hotel. Danzella is in an adjoining room with a connecting door through the clothes closet. Harry, her other security who drove the follow-car, is on the other side—no connecting door.
Lunch was a delicious salad of greens and seafood, with steamed asparagus, crescent rolls, and pecan pie for dessert.
After lunch, Marie is led to a smallish office where Earldrige has been working. A small desk has two laptops and three PCDs, along with open books, and several thick file folders. On the shelves behind the desk, several books are lying flat, and a voice recorder is also visible. Two comfortable chairs are on the front side of the desk. Both Marie and Jim, as he insists on being called, sit in these chairs, facing each other. An attendant, introduced as Bryan, assures them that all the devices are off.
From 1:15 to 6:00, with only a few breaks, the two talk. First, Marie is asked about her life goals, favorite places, willingness to take risks, commitment to The Plan, political preferences, religious faith, and values. He wants to hear why she wanted to be a Doorkeeper, her opinions on science, and worst nightmare for the nation. Along the way, she becomes aware that her answers please him. After a little more than an hour, Earldrige says, “There is a reason behind all my questions. I need a ten-minute bio break. When we return, I’ll start explaining.”
When they return, he says, “I had a lot of information about you, from your mother, Allison, as well as Rudy and Phillip. What I heard sounded too good to be true. For my peace of mind, I had to confirm what I’d been told is accurate. You are what they said and much more. What I want to tell you now can only be shared with a person of your wisdom and commitment.”
In the next four hours, the former President tells Marie how he knew Allison and Phillip. It seems that Rudy prevented an assassination attempt against Earldrige shortly after The Plan had been adopted. Partially because of that, Not-A-Dozen now manages all his security. Marie learns about key individuals in a dozen different places who will provide her accurate information. She receives contact information, secret websites—and all the codes she will need.
They talk about what the detractors might be up to next and how to counter it. Speaking about the Stop-the-Lies movement they strategize about an organization to keep Marie in charge but take much of the load off her. She has several ideas. Jim likes her ideas and adds a few more.
Feels strange to be strategizing with the best planner of this century. Earldrige gives of himself freely. Of course, he has a keen interest in the success of Stop-the-Lies.
After a break about 4:00, the subject changes again. Jim says, “Our top priority must be keeping The Plan in place in the US and Canada. At the same time, I’ve been working—with a lot of assistance—on adapting the economic plan for the entire planet. You need to be aware of this initiative because the detractors anticipate what’s coming.”
He hands her a memory chip and continues, “This contains our work to date. It will work on only the previous generation of computers—a security feature. I believe Phillip left you one of those?”
“Yes, he did.”
“We are about 80% complete. I welcome any ideas you have to help.
“The detractors falsify by making-up so-called unintended consequences to create a rationale for their proposals. However, there are some consequences we did not foresee as we developed The Plan.
“When we designed the economic principles, we knew it would not remain US only for long. We believed Canada would join soon, and they did. But we were surprised by how quickly some larger economies joined. The ink was hardly dry on the Canadian agreement when England and Germany jumped on board. With Germany, the rest of the European Union had a back door of sorts.
“So, to prevent change fatigue from breaking down the structure we found it necessary to put some interim principles in place. The Plan will not work unless the culture absorbs the Five Principles. Economies that are used to strong-handed leadership find Community, Respect, and Vigilance harder to incorporate into their education and thinking. Nations with atheistic leadership find Faith difficult to adopt. And of course, capitalistic societies have problems embracing the principle of Common Good above the desire for individual gain.
“The wealthy who opted out of The Plan soon exploited nations where the laws did not protect their citizens from economic slavery.
“Therefore, we are now setting up a track for the smaller economies to participate and obtain the economic justice protection for their citizens. We must make it work without forcing them to turn into structural clones of Europe or America.”
They talk about some of the specifics. Jim emphasizes the importance of Japan in the continuation of the globalization of the economy. After discussing who else’s input might be productive, they are told it is time for the evening meal.
Five
Another Piece of the Mystery
After dinner, everyone stands as the former President gets slowly to his feet. His arthritis must be troubling him. Turning to Marie, he says, “I’ll see you in the morning. I leave you in the capable hands of Amy, and of course, if you need something, all you need do is ask.” Then he does something very unexpected. Stepping to Marie, he wraps his arms around her, in an embrace. She reciprocates, and they hug for what seems like a minute. When he finally begins to pull back, he kisses her on the cheek.
Amy’s eyes are like saucers. This means something to the others, but I’m unsure what. Jim says, “I hope that wasn’t too forward. If so chalk it up to a senile-old-man overstepping his boundaries.”
“Not at all. I was surprised … but … honored.”
Marie suggests that she and Dr. Forest walk the grounds. Security is contacted. Their path through the gardens will end at a gazebo. While they stroll, Marie is assured that her host is not ill, but his regular work and briefings schedule an end to each day at about 10:00 pm.
Marie asks, “You seemed surprised when the President embraced me. Can you say why?”
“I believe you are the first woman he has touched, other than a handshake, since his wife was killed. He’s very fond of you.”
“And I of him. I wanted to be sure I hadn’t broken some protocol.”
“Of course not. I was surprised by the show of affection. Now, to the primary topic of our conversation. You need to be aware of what the detractors are doing to thwart the Plan. I will be contacting you as things change or new frontiers arise.”
During the next two hours, Dr. Amy Forest, former Secretary of State and advisor to Presidents, discusses seven trouble spots plus two situations being closely watched. The rich and powerful, colluding with The General, are attempting to incite rebellion or, in one case, prop up a dictator friendly to their cause. Dr. Forest provides details, tactics being used, and the quiet working of the UN and relief organizations to prevent the uprisings.
“The detra
ctors hope to have several of these situations heat up in the few months prior to the vote to renew The Plan. Congress will then be bullied into committing funds to enter or support one side or the other. If the Congress says no, they will holler and scream that The Plan makes it impossible for our nation to respond to a humanitarian crisis. Painting themselves as champions of the people may seem farfetched to us, but some will be convinced.”
“They are masters at deception. They can use enough smoke and mirrors to persuade many.”
“Correct. That’s why it’s important for you and Stop-the-Lies to be ready to respond with facts. We will give you all the ammunition we can. If you need something—ask for it.”
The next morning following breakfast, Marie again met with Jim. The session had been billed as her chance to ask questions.
She says, “My only question is when do you speak out in support of The Plan’s renewal?”
“We hope none of the conflicts Amy told you about will become life destroying. But if it happens, I will speak out against those who started it all. We wait. In the meantime, you are our voice. As soon as I take the stage, the detractors will know I’ve been feeding you information. Our ability to get new information from some sources will dry up.”
They converse a bit longer. There are still unanswered questions, but Marie’s not sure how to ask them, or if she wants the answers yet.
They leave at 10:30 am, returning to Toronto. I’ll be back here again. Not sure why, or when—but I will.
Six
Back to Toronto
Toronto
2094-09-16, Thursday, 2:00 pm
After returning the rental vehicles to the Toronto airport, Marie’s party boards the Terminal Transfer (TT) system. Getting off at the third connection hub they join a PIC (Public-In-City) line. Finally, arriving at Dr. Throne’s home with two carry robots maneuvering luggage for three people, they find an assistant to admit them.