by E. L. Morrow
The Moderator, Dr. Edmonton, will serve a two-year term. During her service, she will be addressed only as Moderator or Madam Moderator.
She accepted the role on July 1, 2094. On July 3rd, an uptick in hostilities toward those engaged in shepherding critical medical research data was detected. Doorkeepers are an integral part of that process.
Back in ’91, efforts to derail important research was detected. The studies targeted the staunching of numerous “viruses” before they can cross into human infection. The opponents used a high-tech method of attack: intercepting and corrupting the data during electronic transfers.
The researchers switched to a low-tech approach: hand-deliver computer disks or paper copies using couriers. After some deliveries were detained or intercepted, the Research Guidance Board contacted the governing boards of Doorkeepers (DK), Transportation, and Central Services for assistance in moving data.
In April 2092 agreement was reached between DK, Central Services, and Research organizations. It took some months to establish the networks, vet possible participants, and create protocols in case things went wrong. Each person carries the package only a short distance and hands it off to someone else. The couriers usually are unaware how the item reaches them or where it goes after they drop it. Over 800 packages reached their destination in the year beginning June 2093. Some are small bits of data, others quite extensive. Only a handful of people know where the packages end up. Initially, multiple routes were used and at times dummy packages went through to confuse those spying on the network.
When the opposition figured out the strategy, they managed to disrupt three of the four main delivery routes, removing nine individuals in just ten days. The missing people are presumed dead, likely tortured for information they could not supply. The second round of kidnappings occurred just six weeks ago. Evidence points to several potential disrupters, including a senator, his staff, plus others recruited to intimidate.
Since the network operates without sanction from the economy or any economic sector, security assistance is either covert or from private sources. The secrecy is deemed necessary to protect the integrity of the process. However, recent infiltration into the network’s ranks has reached alarming proportions—a primary reason for today’s special meeting.
“I call this Meeting of the Raven’s Nest to order at 9:00 am September 19, 2094. As you all understand, this is an emergency session; therefore, no reading of minutes, or regular reports.
“We have only four items of business:
“1. An amendment to the By-Laws—already circulated to each of you.
“2. The report of the Nominating Committee to fill vacancies.
“3. Report of the Strategies and Long-Range Planning Com-mission on how recent developments impact our timeline.
“4. A report from the newly formed Acquisitions Task Force, an ad hoc task force, created under the Chair’s authority, to understand what the recent material acquisitions mean for our service.
“Before beginning our work, I take a moment of personal privilege to thank each of you for adjusting your schedules on short notice to be here today. These are critical days. We have influential enemies. The departure by unnatural means of three Raven Society members including two of this group underscores the danger. Our opponents seemingly will stop at nothing to dismantle the Structured States. Thanks to recent indictments there is a window of opportunity we dare not miss. I also thank you for observing the dress code for this gathering. I for one will be glad to get back into my Smart Outer Garment and hold my communicator. Security tells us our foes are capable of finding one’s identity from our SOGS or PCDs, track us and then listen to conversations in our vicinity. So, thanks for leaving your identifying garments and devices behind and wearing this clothing.”
Dr. Cleveland raises his left hand to request the floor—a courtesy accorded any member. Everyone expects his question, concern, or statement of conscience regarding nearly every issue. When acknowledged he says, “Madam Moderator, I believe I speak for us all when I say, thank you for arranging this meeting so expeditiously.” Others agree verbally, or by nodding their heads; some seem surprised at the supportive tone of Cleveland’s remark.
The chair acknowledges the gesture and continues, “First is the adoption of the agenda. Are there any comments?”
Dr. Cleveland again, this time in his more traditional role, “I would like to hear the other reports before discussion of the bylaw change.”
This question was anticipated. The Moderator responds, “As you know, the bylaws require that any proposed amendment must be considered ‘… on its merit, without regard to how other business may be impacted.’ This proposed amendment disregards the age restrictions for Raven Society, or Nest membership, provided the following three conditions are met:
“1. The candidate demonstrates exemplary competence as a Doorkeeper.
“2. The candidate demonstrates a commitment to procedures and ethics of Door Services in a manner that draws positive public attention to the work and role of Doorkeepers.
“3. The candidate has made significant contributions to under-girding and strengthening the Door Services community.
“Otherwise the standard ages of 30-years for the society and 35 to serve on the Executive Committee remain.”
After a few more comments the agenda is adopted, and the discussion turns to the Proposed Amendment.
Questions are raised about how the requirements will be interpreted. After learning that the final arbitrator will be Raven’s Nest, the group is ready to vote. At 9:50 the amendment passes unanimously.
Nominations are needing to fill two of the twelve positions on The Raven’s Nest. There are also three vacancies in the larger Raven Society.
They start with the Executive Committee vacancies. The first nominee is Sonya Marquez, a 58-year old member of the 120 for five years. Dr. Marquez was a counselor before becoming a Doorkeeper, served as a Supervisor and now Instructor in DK training in Pennsylvania. Dr. Kim von Throne (known as Dr. Toronto at the gatherings) projects her picture on the wall and reads her credentials from a paper file. Four members know her. Her work is spoken of approvingly. The preliminary vote is taken at 11:15.
The second nomination is Marie Cranton, age 19, who is not a member of the Raven Society—having served as Doorkeeper for forty days. Only three Nest members have met Marie: Dr. Kansas City (Dr. Stanley, Dean of her school), Dr. Wichita (Dr. Norris, her Supervisor) and Dr. Toronto (Dr. Throne, Head of Placement). They address Marie’s qualifications as just adopted. When the floor opens to questions, two others state they served as reviewers during Marie’s Door Services Facilitation training. Both share the perception “… she may be the best Door Services student since the program’s inception.”
Many questions follow. “Won’t this sudden fame go to her head making her insufferable?” Dr. Kansas City recounts that often, “… Marie would be the only one with the appropriate answer, but she never volunteered until everyone else had an opportunity. Then Marie would say, ‘I read somewhere…’ or ‘I seem to remember…’ minimizing any embarrassment of those who missed the point.” Dr. Wichita speaks of her first day on the job. “She credited everyone else with her successes and shrugged off her pivotal role in saving at least three lives in her first twelve hours….”
Then comes the critical question. Dr. Atlanta asks, “Why not just add her to the 120? She is young; there will be an opportunity for her to serve here later. What’s the rush?” Nominating Committee members and the Chair look at each other to see who will answer this one. It falls to the Moderator. “There is a steep learning curve, and the sooner we get Marie on that curve, the better. Recent events have accelerated our timeline. To not make her one of the twelve now is to risk that there will not be an opening in time.”
“You mean, you think she’s the one?”
The Moderator looks to Dr. Wichita, who answers, “Yes, we do. It’s not me. I trust everyon
e has seen the videos of the Stop-the-Lies event. The section leaders, myself included, had lost the students. If the vote had been taken in that room before she arrived, the Structured States would have been history.
“We requested Marie stay away for her safety. But she sensed what was happening and took the risk to come, entering the swamp full of lies created by master manipulators and rescued us from the alligators that were eating us alive.
“She is the first of the new generation. She is key. She needs our knowledge—we cannot give it to her until she is part of this group. Besides, vacancies on the Nest are infrequent—which one of us wants to die or be assassinated to create a vacancy?”
The final question: “Do you believe she will accept?”
“Yes. The candidate will question the full implications, but in the end, I believe, she will accept this role of service.”
The vote is unanimous. At 12:20 the group breaks for lunch. After reconvening, the group will vote to induct Marie and two others into the larger Raven Society.
Nine
A Game Changer
Near Vancouver, B.C.
2094-09-25, Saturday, 1:00 pm PDT
Created in 2083, the Strategies and Long-Range Planning Commission is an inter-sector/discipline-study group. It is designed to facilitate high levels of information sharing and support. But most importantly, it ensures a consistent strategy for the support of the Common Good and combatting Anti-Plan propaganda. Confidentiality is key to SLRPC’s success (often pronounced “slurp”).
Each of about a dozen “executive/guidance councils,” such as Raven’s Nest has one or more members on SLRPC. No one knows from their team who might be serving. Nor do individual Commissioners possess the identity of others in SLRPC. Complex procedures are in place to assure the authenticity of each participant. If they need to meet face-to-face, identities are shrouded.
Most meetings are held electronically using super-secure communication channels. No physical record is made of the meetings. Participants may reach relevant data only through a secure database requiring 11 layers of security which change daily.
While the work of the SLRPC is hidden, their findings, conclusions, and proposals are openly shared with all Guidance/Executive Committees, even those without representation on the Commission.
Part of the group’s strategy is to create open two-way communication with all executive groups; minimizing tendencies toward myopic or self-serving behaviors. Input is sought from a broader cross-section of the economy.
The SLRPC report is distributed to the Raven’s Nesters. Since no one has seen it ahead of time, it is read aloud. Each member reads one paragraph in turn. Questions or concerns are noted during and after the reading. Three Commissioners (from other sector’s teams) are available to address such concerns and will be contacted when reading the text is complete.
The document highlights the series of rapid changes since the first of August. Also, the potential threat posed by the escape of Senator Bluefoot and three of his staff.
They caution against assuming the indictments will bring an end to the Anti-Plan activities. The opposition still possesses significant reserves of cash, influence, and potentially unknown destructive devices.
The work of Research and the data transfer network are lifted up for recognition and appreciation.
Attention focuses on the referendum scheduled for November 2099 on the continuation of The Plan.
In conclusion, it is believed the next attempts to undermine The Plan for the Future will be attacks on economic justice. Also expected are efforts to fan the flames of discontent for those feeling a lack of freedom living in a Structured State.
Specific actions are requested or proposed to particular groups.
Research is asked to step up their lobbying efforts to bring public awareness to the threat posed by five clambering viruses (as they are called). Anti-Plan forces are blocking public awareness. The sector’s Guidance Board estimates they could use another thousand researchers, and three to five facilities worldwide.
Research is funded as non-profit organizations by volunteer contributions. Increasing personnel and facilities requires a reasonable expectation of funds being available. Virtually everyone in the workforce for a year or longer gives between three and fifteen percent of their compensation to charitable activities such as Research. An uptick of less than one percent contributions from ten percent of the current supporters would provide the needed resources.
Ethical issues are also cited: people need to know there is a significant threat to all life on earth. Given the Anti-Plan forces recent embarrassments, this is an auspicious time to counter their arguments.
A request is directed to the Door Services Guidance team. The panel strongly recommends that Marie become engaged in support of the current structure and to counter misinformation offered by opponents. The proposed strategy is proactive rather than reactive.
The latter brings much discussion. In the end, members conclude the suggestion is consistent with their thoughts about Marie’s unique role in the DK community. The vote is to concur with the request, pending obtaining the Doorkeeper’s cooperation.
Following a break, they reconvene at 3:30 PM. The Acquisitions Task Force consists of Drs. Toronto, Tokyo, and Cleveland. They begin by explaining Phillip Walton’s Will. “He stipulated that funds generated from properties and inventions of his design are to benefit the Door Services and DK Facilitation Education. Further, he specifies that Marie Cranton shall oversee, manage and serve as Chief Executive Officer for these companies. Finally, he endows one of the companies entirely to her, including decisions about fund allocations.
Dr. Tokyo says, “It seems our friend, Dr. Chicago, developed three manufacturing plants. One makes the Liquid Lava Countertops; a second produces the computer-driven retrieval systems, and the last plant makes the hardware for storage. There are three separate facilities. Once the investors are repaid, all funds will come to Door Services.
“Also, he designed the robots to do the manufacturing and the testing. Those he gave outright to Marie. Phillip secured the investors and the production facility is under construction.”
Dr. Dallas says, “So we are at the mercy of Marie for the robots to run the other three factories?”
“I understand your concern,” says Dr. Cleveland, “I had the same concern until I read Dr. Chicago’s directive to Marie. He was adamant that none of his work ever be available to the military. As you know, such directives die with the writer. However, giving the robot factory to one he believes will honor his exclusion thereby extends its life.”
Dr. Anchorage says, “I am confused. What interest would the military have in compact kitchen designs?”
“I’ll take this one,” says Dr. Tokyo, “The Liquid Lava is harder than diamond, cannot be cut, melted, chipped, punctured, or penetrated by x-rays. Think of the military’s reaction to possessing such a substance.”
“Can’t it be reverse engineered?”
“Phillip hired teams to try to discover how it is made or how to destroy it. All were unsuccessful. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done—but not yet.”
“The government could seize it, citing national interests.”
“That’s why all the factories are outside the United States.”
The discussion continues. Ultimately a consensus is reached. Phillip’s plans are well thought out and cannot be improved at this time.
“Before leaving the subject, it should be noted that Marie developed a business plan designed to repay the investors in three years rather than ten. Once the factories are fully operational, DK Services will realize the equivalent of the income of 1000 people at level 7. Compact Kitchens has already received orders from small food service units and a few individuals to justify full production capacity.”
The Task Force will continue to serve as liaison with Marie and propose appropriate uses for the additional funds. The CEO will be a member of the
group.
As the Nest prepares to close the meeting, accomplishments are reviewed and all express appreciation for the day’s contributions. Moderator notes, “… sensing an air of optimism I have not felt for several years.” Others agree. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. Members begin departing following the meal. Some committees will meet the following day.
Ten
Friendship
Wichita, Kansas
2094-09-25, Saturday, 3:18 am
C. F. Fields deplanes at gate 16 of the Eisenhower Airport, just four miles outside the Wichita shelter. With only carry-on luggage she goes directly to the rental vehicle. The car is reserved in Danzella Reynolds’ name. This is her first trip to Wichita.
Once in the car, with her security chief at the wheel, Dr. Fields begins to morph back into Marie Cranton. All precautions are designed to prevent anyone from recognizing her and spreading the word they saw “the Doorkeeper everyone’s talking about.” Officially Marie never left Wichita. Someone else is doing her regular work because she is on special assignment.
Her alter-ego, Fields, however, departed Wichita on a “non-existent” plane, so “Marie” cannot be logged as having returned. Fortunately, security agents can “jiggle the system” to get her physical body back where the location system believes she has been all this time. Once the vehicle is returned, Marie’s Private Security Chief will move into 37 Jasmine Court across from the Doorkeeper. Everything is ready for her arrival.
Covering my tracks now seems as ordinary as having a cup of coffee. Wichita feels like home. I look forward to some routine. I can’t avoid the public eye much longer, but a couple more days would feel like a gift.
Two letters read in the last few weeks changed Marie’s life. The first one is from her deceased birth mother. Marie learned she is the result of generations of selective mating through a secret project. Berry, her biological mother’s nickname, explained some unique talents, setting Marie on the quest to manage her gifts and use them for the betterment of all.