The Doorkeeper's Mind

by E. L. Morrow

  “Suppose when you wake up tomorrow you can no longer read English? You still understand what people say, but the words on a page or screen are meaningless. How would you react? What would you do?”

  “You mean I had some kind of stroke that affected only pattern recognition?”

  “Okay, if you must make it a possibility.”

  “The first thing I would do is call medical.”

  “Suppose they tell you there is nothing to be done? You must live this way for the time being.”

  “Well, I’d start figuring out how to use hearing and speech to compensate for my lack of reading. I would put an audio translator on my computer, communicator, and DK console. Then I would start reading/hearing everything I could get my hands on about my condition.”

  “Would you be depressed?”

  “Of course, reading is a primary way I learn.”

  “Would the depression keep you from learning?”

  “No … well, I don’t think so. Maybe for a while if the doctors tell me the change is permanent….”

  “And, have you been told your condition is irreversible?”

  “No. It might come back. I’m going to see a specialist in a few weeks.”

  “I didn’t know some physicians specialize in reading energy.”

  “Oh, he’s a brain specialist. I haven’t told you. Back in December, they did a brain study on me. Allison thinks she can pinpoint which synapses are firing when I’m reading energy patterns. So, there is a baseline for comparison.”

  “That sounds promising. Is this doctor aware of your abilities?”

  “Not fully.”

  “Your foster mother is your usual physician. Does seeing someone new increase your anxiety?”

  “A little, but my security team is vetting him. Besides, you and Dr. K are both new in my life—that’s worked out well.”

  The conversation continues. Marie is reminded to use her meditative practices and to call Ava if her mood darkens. Antidepressants are offered and declined.

  Vivi and Marie arrive at Keith and Brandon’s room. They are not surprised to find Sharon and Alangro at their bedsides. Everyone is healing well. The new treatment for skin exposed to excessive cold is proving more effective than anticipated.

  The boys are all skin except for shorts—following each treatment they must remain in open air for an hour. The girls are wearing robes since their procedures were earlier in the morning. There will be one more round of treatments, before they can be released about 7:00 pm.

  Sharon says, “There’s still a possibility of infections. Our immunities are low, so we can’t go back to the dorms. We are not sure where we can go.”

  Marie understands they hope Vivi will let them stay at her place. She also knows that four teenagers with their raging hormones under the same roof is unwise. After some discussion and PCD conversations it is determined that Alangro will stay with Marie and Sharon with Lexie.

  The doctor enters and explains the restrictions, and follow-up visits required. She asks for questions. Keith asks, “How long before we can have sex?”

  Sharon blushes at the question, but she is pleased he still wants her—because she wants him.

  “The danger is for the ladies—more than you guys. Infections are to be avoided. Plus, their breasts will be incredibly tender in a few days—like a triple period. Nothing for at least a week. That includes masturbation—don’t even think about it. Of course, now you won’t be able to think of anything else.

  “I’ll examine each of you in a week. We’ll discuss precautions then.” After a few more instructions about creams and physical therapy, the doctor leaves.

  Despite their bronze pigment, I notice both young women are blushing. I wonder if that’s one of the shades only I can see? I want to assure them it’s all right, but that might increase their embarrassment.

  Vivi says, “If I had this conversation with my aunt listening in, I would be uneasy. So let me be clear. I knew the two couples had planned a special night. In fact, when we learned you had not checked into the hotel, we knew something was wrong and started looking. I did something similar when I was your age—in fact, I was younger when I had such an evening planned.”

  Marie says, “When you’re cleared for vigorous activities, Vivi and I will provide you a weekend at a resort: spa treatment, couples massages, breakfast in bed—the works.”

  Vivi says, “Great idea. Just because we aren’t getting any sex, doesn’t mean we’re opposed to it.”

  Everyone laughs.

  At lunch Marie, Vivi, and Danzella discuss how pleased they are with the progress of the young people. Once the meal is finished Danzella excuses herself to check the perimeter, and complete some travel arrangements.

  Vivi is troubled. The good news about her nephews and their intendeds only partially covers her anxiety.

  “I’m eavesdropping on your thoughts,” says Marie, “you are troubled about something you don’t want to tell me.”

  “I met with my supervisor this morning. It is clear that my position as team leader/supervisor of the Asset Disruption Corrections Initiative Task Group is compromised. It would be dangerous for me, my family, and team members if I continue. Of course, it will take time to locate and train my replacement. You probably picked up on my disappointment. It will mean my relocating. I can’t stay in financial here, and I don’t want to change careers at this time—maybe in a few years, but not now. That is why I’m discouraged.”

  “Well, I happen to need a CFO for WEEL. You’ve been my unofficial advisor, why not take the job. Unless you think it might mess with our friendship. Technically you would be working for me, but I respect your expertise. What do you think?”

  “I was concerned about moving affecting our friendship.”

  They continue the discussion and decide to return to the subject within the next week.

  Forty-One

  Being Recognizable is Hazardous

  2095-06-12 through 23

  Every four to six weeks Marie travels to one of fifty major cities to hold a Stop-the-Lies events. The hope is to keep her voice and presence before the people so the momentum of support for the Plan will not fade. After bringing Dr. Samuel Trent on board to help create the grassroots organization, the pressure on Marie decreased.

  Dr. Samuel turns out to be a world-class organizer. Through his network of friends and associates, dozens of supporters have been signed up in each metropolitan area. The local STL Committees focus on readying for local events. Hotlines for questions to counter the lies disseminated by the other side are established in over one hundred locations.

  In each forum, local, respected, scandal-free leaders speak on behalf of the structured economy and refute the opposition’s published disinformation. Fifteen or so grassroots events are scheduled for each year, in addition to the ten or more directly involving Marie.

  When she is to be in attendance, additional security is required. Danzella, her team, grassroots leaders, and local security are vetted and engaged in each location. Assuming assassins are lining up waiting for the next opportunity to get at Marie keeps everyone on their toes.

  It’s time for another appearance, this time in the Chicago area. Each trip includes sessions with a variety of groups over several days. These are in addition to larger Public Forums, and media interviews.

  On this trip, she will also meet with University faculty of the Department of Leadership and Organizational Development and sit in on two classes. That same evening, she will train 180 volunteers from the DK school to give a survey/interview to a cross-section of the country. All this relates to Marie’s Doctoral study.

  It makes for a busy week.

  However, this trip is different. On Saturday evening, June 18th, the chartered aircraft is readied for take-off. Anyone observing (someone is always watching) would assume Marie is on board the plane heading back to Wichita.

  Actually, a student with the same body co
nfiguration as Marie became her double. In her later years, the student will write in her memoir of “the day I saved Marie Cranton’s life. All I did was step onboard a plane dressed like Marie, sit down, and enjoy a forty-minute flight, circling back to the north and landing at a different airfield. Then, of course, I couldn’t tell anyone for 15 years.” It will be two years before the decoy learns what she has accomplished.

  Security confirms high confidence of a ground-to-air attack on her plane. They also identified, within a square mile, the origin of the strike. Satellites are trained on the anticipated launch area in western Kansas. The aircraft activates a radar invisibility mode and launches a drone the size of a dove. This decoy-drone is equipped with electronic enhancements to give off a radar image and identification signals matching the larger craft. It even creates a holographic projection providing the appropriate appearance to anyone looking down from above, including satellites.

  A split second after the bomb’s launch the area is bombarded by communication blockers, to prevent anyone on the ground from telling others what did or did not happen. Helicopters bring in an Arrest Force of 200 crack anti-terrorism security.

  The raid results in 81 arrests, seizure of tons of munitions including tax-payer-built weapon components, and a sophisticated command center. Only four deaths—all by self-administered cyanide capsules. Using high-energy stunning weapons prevented other suicides.

  Interrogations later confirm that most believed they worked for a super-secret government agency—established to preserve American Security. Only those who had poison capsules knew their true employer to be The General.

  The missile launched at the drone masquerading as the chartered aircraft is detonated to appear it had taken the plane down. The drone released debris consistent with that make and model aircraft. Anyone watching by radar or other means sees an explosion and the plane disappear.

  The news services carry reports of a terrorist weapons factory having been raided and dismantled. Over the next ten days, the information is released about a clandestine operation and their suspected targets. All details are meant to reassure The General and his cronies that none of the loyalists had given up any information.

  No mention is made to the public of an air attack. By prior arrangement, Marie disappears for the next three weeks. No new blogs are posted. Door Services never comments about the whereabouts or absence of any of its associates. Her absence from Sector 86, Wichita, is noticed by some, but her Apprentice “has no information to share.”

  Similarly, her security agents and co-pilot remain out of public view for even longer. Debris reaching the ground was cleaned up within two hours. The General’s observers are intended to conclude a cover-up. No detail is left to chance.

  Those wanting the Doorkeeper silenced will be unable to confirm her destruction or survival. When resurfacing three and one-half weeks later, Marie will walk with a slight limp for a few weeks. All her colleagues act like nothing is out of the ordinary, adding credence to the assumed cover story that she somehow survived the explosion, and underwent treatments during her absence.

  But that remains in the future. For now, we must return to Marie’s actual whereabouts June 18-23.

  At the time her stand-in is boarding the chartered aircraft, Marie is being driven to a private neurological center near Elgin, Illinois. This is also the first use of her new security persona.

  Rudy Carlton taught her how to protect herself from before she entered school. He slips in and out of different identities, each with its own set of Smart Outer Garments, passports, work-histories, travel records and financial accounts. Maintaining them requires regular attention.

  Marie inherited the cover identity C. F. Fields from her predecessor. It is still available as a back-up, but her security team wants Marie to have a cover that’s more controllable. Her new alternate-reality is April Cynthia Vine, an expert on low-water agriculture development.

  April was born in Australia, in the outback. Her parents were aid-workers, who also researched sustainability. They traveled to various natural and violence-created disaster areas all around the globe. On one of those trips, while April was studying in Japan, their small plane went down on the way to another storm disaster. April was orphaned at age 14.

  The disguise is designed for Marie to apply in 10 minutes, less if assisted by Danzella. When complete the trim 5’ 8”, strawberry-blond turns into a more robust 6-foot brunette five years older. Her two regular SOGs are secured in an intrusion proof case—locking her true identity out of reach of electronic or human snooping.

  Danzella meets the car and ushers April into the suite of rooms set aside for their four-day-stay.

  “Allison is traveling under the name ‘A. Fulbright;’ Rudy is ‘Col. Masters.’ They will arrive in about an hour. Dr. Cle and Harris are already here. Tell me when you’re ready to see him.”

  “I should probably remove my extra height and bulk before showering. They will need to attach and program the sensor pads.”

  “I suggest you keep the dark hair. We have non-identifiable garments to wear while we are here.”

  Just then Danzella received a message that Dr. Cle and his assistant will meet them in the common area in about twenty minutes.

  “Good morning April,” Dr. Cle says, “I don’t think you’ve met Revella. She’s been with us about two years.”

  “Nearly three years, but who’s counting? Pleased to meet you, April.”

  “My pleasure,” says April. “Thanks for coming all this way.”

  Dr. Cle says, “There is equipment here we do not possess at Cyclops. We’re fortunate to work with such sophisticated instruments. Thanks for coming to be our subject.”

  Okay, we are going to play it that way. Probably best that Revella thinks I’m just another subject.

  After twenty minutes, “April” is sitting on a table with only a towel across her lap. Sensor tabs, the diameter of a pencil eraser, are placed on her back, head, and neck by Jeffery Cle; the more personal areas by Revella. After each cellophane tab is attached, it is logged in by the master computer, so it will identify what is being measured by that circuit. In all 118 wireless sensors are connected.

  Dr. Winder is introduced to April between activities. He assures her that they will have time later. He is trying to decide how I can be so special. Something about his grandmother’s prediction. His attitudes and thoughts are all jumbled. I’ll give him some time to settle down and check on him later.

  No matter what the subject does: eat, sleep, read, walk, brush her teeth, converse with a friend, take a test, or exercise, every physical-neuro-chemical change will be noted. With sensors in place, it is time to begin. A variety of ordinary activities occupy the next couple days.

  At noon on Monday, June, 20th “Dr. Fulbright” enters April’s quarters.

  “Remember we always told you never to take an IQ test.”

  “Why do I think there is a ‘but’ coming?”

  “… but … there will never be a better chance to determine your limits … and that may be important. This is a different kind of test, developed for the super genius, like you. It takes an hour and a half. If you take it while all the sensors are still functioning, we will have an opportunity to discover how you think.”

  “Of course, if you believe it will help.”

  The instructions say, “Points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. Answer as many as possible. Timing counts.”

  A scenario partially describes the relationships between five distinct beings who occupy another planet. Each possesses specific abilities. The two most active are in constant competition to control the planet. But their particular gifts cancel each other out. For nine or ten “eplongs” (a time measurement), there is no change. For some unexplained reason, the other gains the upper hand for the next two, three or more eplongs, or as long as a “durish” (another time measurement). Occasionally neither the UssL, or the GlibB will domina
te. Then one of the other three steps in to maintain stability.

  It takes someone with an IQ of 150 twenty minutes or more to absorb sufficient details to begin answering the questions. Seventy minutes remains to answer 1000 questions. No one is expected to finish.

  April starts at 2:00 pm. She completes the questions at 2:31.

  At 3:10, A. Fulbright and Dr. Winder join their subject in a conference room.

  When meeting him earlier, his thoughts were jumbled, as he tried to make sense out of how I could be so different. But now, I don’t need to be able to read his emotions to know he is excited. So is Allison, but she shows it only on her face. Did they find something to get my energy reading back?

  Allison speaks first. “April, we’ve always understood that you are smart. But not in my wildest dreams did I think anyone could be that smart.”

  Winder says, “We need to understand how you answered this test so well, and so quickly. We’ll need weeks to sort through all the data. You read and answered a thousand questions in the time most people—by that I mean geniuses—answer about forty.”

  Silence hangs in the air for a few seconds.

  Then she says, “Well, I guess everyone doesn’t think the way I do. So perhaps you can tell me why you couldn’t do what I just did.”

  Allison says, “When reading four pages of detailed material with new words, and limited frame of reference I look at each sentence for the basic idea. I make a note of what I know for certain, what I might know, and what is still unknown.” She goes on to say how each subsequent concept either adds to or changes what is already known until she can begin to answer questions. Winder indicated the same is true for him.

  April says, “Huh … everyone thinks like that?”

  “I think so.”

  “Well, in every sentence there are one or two important words. So, I pull the word out … then connect with the other important words in sentences before or after. Soon there is a visual map connecting every key concept with all the others, and gaps or overlaps … tells me what to look for in completing the picture.