The Doorkeeper's Mind

by E. L. Morrow

  “Ha Ha … Ha, Ha, Ha. Come to Daddy, you beautiful greenbacks …. Come home where you belong.”

  He continues his jubilant response, as the centers from Charleston, West Virginia, and Chicago also start rolling in. He opens a bottle of Champagne. Of course, he must celebrate alone, since everyone else on board is his inferior.

  In seven and a half minutes the New York accounts are empty, and the system selects Atlanta as the next victim.

  The General thinks, “Today is the beginning of my greatest achievements. For one time only, I’ll invite the buffoons on board to celebrate with me.” He reaches for the all ship microphone, but before he can speak there is a change. The numbers have stopped changing. Everything seems to be frozen.

  “What the hell! $28,297,252,817,447.08. Where’s the rest of it.”

  Then another message on the Minneapolis screen.

  Illegal Transactions Detected

  Recover?

  Yes No Later

  Again, someone clicks “Yes.” The numbers began rolling the other way. Now Atlanta, Chicago, Charleston and New York figures are increasing as The General’s total decreases.

  “No! Stop! I’ll move it out of this account.” He types the codes required to transfer funds into three other accounts that he believes are hidden from the prying eyes of governments or the economy.

  He watches dumbfounded. In less than half the time it took to collect 28.297 trillion, it disappears, back to the centers from whence it came.

  A final message appeared on the Minnesota screen.

  Unauthorized Fund Transfers Located

  Recover?

  Yes No

  Someone clicks Yes, and 288 billion that The General claims as his own rolls away. The money had been funneled to him and stashed away as “dark money” for his illicit projects and luxurious lifestyle.

  After his earlier attempt to transfer the trillions to his reserve accounts failed, he forgot to sever the link to his target accounts. Now realizing his error, he unsuccessfully attempts to disconnect. This final action gives Rudy’s band of traces exactly what they need—The General’s location.

  Forty-Nine

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

  Wichita

  2095-09-22, Thursday, 10:00 pm

  Dr. Norris stops by 36 Jasmine to give Marie an update.

  “I’ve been in touch with many of our friends today. Security 53 in Omaha; Detective Fenton J; Allison, Rudy, Mr. James Calhoun, and Vivi. I even had a few words with Dr. French.

  “Dr. T. Thompson has been relieved of his night monitoring duties. The Financial Sector created a new office of Electronic and Systems Oversight. He is the head of the department and is hiring staff this week.

  “Financial Sector Guidance Board located at least one mole. He protested being arrested. It turns out, the arrest saved his life. An assassin showed up the next morning at his home to kill him—so we have a second arrest in that case.

  Another 106 phony technicians were arrested, worldwide. They were in the memory stacks of Financial Centers. They all tell the same story: their job was to keep anyone from disconnecting the computer feed. We will need to wait to find out how the judicial system resolves all this.

  “The 288 billion recovered from The General’s ill-gotten gains will be used to make an additional ‘correction to asset distributions.’ You know about the deception and outright theft at the time of the switch from dollars to credits?”

  “Yes, Vivi told me.”

  “I only knew part of it. She laid out the whole picture explaining the work of her unique division in Wichita ‘correcting’ the discrepancies. Mr. James Calhoun added that the funds found in The General’s accounts were taken from the economy as an ‘overpayment’ because of their bogus activities. Current thought is to use those funds to add about a 15% correction.

  “Security 53 said when they reached the ship (about 25 minutes after the recovery process concluded) no one was on board.

  “UN, US and Australian forces converged on the coordinates almost simultaneously. Food was found in the galley, ready for serving. The electronic equipment on board is state-of-the-art, plus some things unavailable even to the military. They’re working to recovering the ship’s travel log. This vessel does not show up on satellite or radar scans. The small flotilla surrounding it shows up on both, but not ‘his ship.’ Rudy and some of his pals are heading to the site, to discover what makes it invisible.

  “A helicopter took off from the deck, probably within minutes of the last transfer. There is a difference of opinion about whether the chopper was intended for their escape or landed and took off in a matter of minutes. Again, no satellite pictures show a chopper, coming or going.

  “The UN is currently in charge of any documents or computer hard-drives on board. They promised to share everything with Financial and Security.”

  “So, what’s next? The General escaped again, where do you think he will surface?”

  “I was hoping you could give me some ideas,” says Dr. Norris

  “In my dream, he was at Allison’s. I think we must strengthen the research efforts. Bluefoot said The General wants to be able to claim credit for the research. If so, we need to be sure the centers like Cyclops are protected.”

  “Already in process. Cyclops is being used as a template for the other centers.”

  Marie says, “Changing the subject—how is Dr. French?”

  “He’s making progress. He said to me, ‘I remembered. My mind is full but jumbled.’ Allison said he tripled his daily vocabulary since the incident. His identity is still a secret, and he seems to enjoy keeping it that way. He said, ‘cloak and dagger—at my age. Who would think it?’”

  The conversation continues as they reflect on the ramifications for Doorkeepers and the Stop-the-Lies movement.

  I was so intimidated by this man, dean of all supervisors. So many expectations. He now feels more like a wise father figure than a critic. Of course, he is romantically interested in Allison, my mother. But his interest in me is genuine. I think it would be the same if I had different relatives.

  Friend interrupts the conversation, “Marie, a text message from the untraceable website arrived.”

  Norris asks, “The one Bluefoot set up?”

  “Yes, it is.” To Friend, she says, “Read it please.”

  “’G will be at LAX, between October 5th and 10th, 2096. Next time we talk, I’ll explain how I reached him before your friends. ‘Till later.’ Signed, ‘Not your enemy.’ End of message.”

  THE END

  MARIE WILL NEED ALL HER TALENTS, KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, AND FRIENDS TO MEET THE CHALLENGES IN

  THE DOOR KEEPER’S KEYS

  AND

  THE DOORKEEPER’S VISION

  A ppendix

  Characters

  Alangro – Brandon’s date for the prom.

  Ann – Undergraduate Student in Ecological Studies.

  April – Undercover identity for Marie. Full name April Cynthia Vine – low-water agricultural developmental expert.

  Ava – Counselor, specializing in “mating issues for women.”

  Barns, Dr. Bulla – Chief Assistant Researcher at Cyclops.

  Bird, F. – Flight Instructor.

  Bluefoot, James Jefferson Carver – US Senator. Indicted on corruption charges but fled before his arrest.

  Brandon – Vivi’s nephew. Living with her while in university.

  Burnbalm (aka Davenport) – Detective. Hired to find Marie in Baltimore.

  Candy – Personal Pleasure Service Worker who assisted Ava in Surprise Sessions.

  Carlton, Rudy – Head of Security for Cyclops Institute. Former CIA Agent. One of the founders of Not-A-Dozen Security. Substitute father for Marie after Jamison Ward’s death.

  Charge, Dr. Ellen – Current Moderator of Raven’s Society.

  Claersia – Student assigned to Rowena, Activation Specialist
s.

  Clara – Duncan Hanger’s mate.

  Clive, Astoria – Instructor and curriculum developer for WEEL.

  Cle, Dr. Jeffery – Cyclops 3rd Assistant Researcher. Specialties endocrinology and brain function.

  Cotton, Carlos Clearance – Former spokesperson for Senator Bluefoot. After the indictments works directly for The General.

  Dart, Derwood – Head of President Earldrige’s security team.

  Derrick, Dr. Walter – Professor of Life Sciences at WSU. A supporter of the Plan. Joins the Stop-the-Lies organizational team.

  Detective 23, Fenton J – Chief Investigator for sector 86 cases.

  Detective 93, Lisa – Works with Detective 23.

  Finnegan, Jasper – Birth name of The General.

  Forest, Amy – Secretary of State during Earldrige’s term.

  Earldrige, James – Former President of the US. Prime architect of the Plan for the Future.

  General, The – Name assumed by the manager of the Invincibility Project. Kept the program active and funded by subterfuge and intimidation.

  Gear, Dr. – Physician who attends Marie in the hospital.

  Glandmore, Charles “Chuck” – Former CIA. Removed for dirty practices. Following the indictments works for The General.

  Grace, Dr. – A Doorkeeper Supervisor.

  Grandma L – Dr. Winder’s Grandmother. Teacher of Ethics, Philosophy, and Religion.

  Hanger, D. – Flight instructor.

  Herrington – Door Services TA in Philadelphia.

  Jeffers, Gabe – Alleged boyfriend of C. Vandermeer.

  Judith Barns – WEEL’s office & building manager.

  Keith – Vivi’s nephew. Living with her while in university.

  Kildare, Dr. – Physician at clinic serving residential sector 86.

  Livingwell, Dr. Erick – Spy from the Invincibility group infiltrating the HMP leadership.

  Lexie (Alexia Lane) – Apprentice Doorkeeper assigned to Marie.

  Lim, Jayson – Instructor and curriculum developer for WEEL.

  Marie – Doorkeeper for Wichita, Kansas Residential Sector 86 since August 16, 2094. Credited with starting the Stop-the-Lies Movement.

  Middle, Dr. – Physician treated Marie after being shocked.

  MM (Max Mechanic) – Chief Operations Manager for WEEL.

  Norman – Chief of Security for Dr. Kim von Throne.

  Norris, Dr. Abraham – Chief Supervisor for Doorkeepers (Wichita). Dean of Supervisors. Courted Allison while attending Oxford. They renewed their romance after Marie moved to Wichita.

  Ramies, Hawk – Bluefoot’s new name.

  Rammer, Marcus (aka Edwin Mercer) part of an assassination team sent to Miami.

  Reynolds, Danzella – Security Coordinator for Marie and WEEL.

  Rita – Charli’s Counselor. Reassigned suddenly after reporting Charli’s possible “abnormal abilities” as required by Counseling Standing Order 12.

  Ronnie – Personal Pleasure Service Worker who assisted Ava in Surprise Sessions.

  Rowena – Activation Specialist. Serves sector 86 Doorkeepers.

  Security officer 17, (Dave) – In charge of Marie’s security while in Wichita.

  Sharon – Keith’s date for prom.

  Stevens, Dr. Benjamin – One of the HMP organizers.

  Throne, Dr. Kim von – Placement officer for Door Services.

  Trent, Dr. Samuel – Instructor in Philosophy (secondary) and Pastor of Protestant 186. He becomes the organizer of the Stop-the-Lies activities.

  Vandermeer, Charli – Electronics expert, hired by Marie to manage Ro-Pro-Now.

  Vivi – Financial sector. She becomes Marie’s best friend. Eventually becomes Chief Financial Officer of WEEL.

  Walton, Phillip – Doorkeeper of Wichita Residential Sector 86 until being kidnapped August 12, 2094. Electronic genius. Developed “Liquid Lava,” enhancements to his Personal Assistant, and established WEEL.

  Ward, Dr. Allison (born: Allison Destura Fulbright) – Research Scientist. Founder of Cyclops Institute 2051. Currently working on solutions for seven Clambering Viruses, that seem to be making their way toward infecting humans. The holder of two Nobel Prizes, and three doctorates. She raised Marie.

  Winder, Dr. Andrew Mark – Physician & Brain Specialists.

  Glossary

  Age of Confusion: Any time before the implementation of “The Plan for the Future” in 2059.

  Activation: A process of “matching” the Doorkeeper with the Doorkeeper’s Console for a particular sector.

  Activation Specialist: The professional who comes to the Doorkeeper’s home regularly to operate the Activation equipment and manage the process.

  Automated Personal Assistant: Often called Personal Assistant. Sometimes abbreviated APA. An interactive-electronic-device located in the homes of sector members with high levels of responsibilities in the Financial, Security, and Medical Sectors. Doorkeepers, Supervisors, or Guidance Teams members for any economic sector also have an electronic Personal Assistant.

  Auto-Door: An automated system that opens the resident’s door when the Doorkeeper is dealing with an emergency or otherwise unavailable. The system makes an audio recording of the door request, which is checked for errors by a Doorkeeper as soon as practical.

  Biological Parents: Female and male genetic partners who produce an offspring. Conception may be natural or by artificial insemination. Biological Parents if qualified and willing may raise a child together. If unqualified or unwilling the child is placed with Choice Parents. The decision is made (except in rare circumstances) before conception. All parents are compensated for their work as parents and must agree to regular parenting education and support.

  Broadcast News: National and international news coverage. Because of the Truth in Reporting Act, nothing can be reported as fact until confirmed by two reliable sources. Until fact-checked, the report must be labeled opinion. The reporter must verbally state at the beginning and end of the story, “This story is not yet confirmed.”

  Carry Robots: a generic term covering a variety of robots designed to carry specific items ranging from small packages or luggage to thousand-pound beams.

  Central Services: Also called Personal Services. Facilitates resources needed to live including food, clothing, furnishings, maintenance, repairs, home cleaning, and clothing cleaning. They also coordinate the welcoming of new residents; transfer of personal items; and preparation of the home for its new occupants.

  Certification: Ceremonies for the awarding of Certificates at the satisfactory completion of a course of study.

  Charities: The Plan promotes generosity by all citizens. Gifts to Non-Profit organizations are encouraged at all levels of income; required from those at the higher levels. However, to ensure that charities are legitimate, all organizations must be a “recognized Non-Profit” to receive gifts through the economy. The group must state and update (when modifying) their purpose, current goals, active work, hiring practices, and accounting procedures.

  Choice Parents: Mated couples who qualify to raise one or more children. All parents are compensated for their work as parents and must agree to regular parenting education and support.

  Clambering Viruses: Name given to seven new viruses identified for the first time in the 2080s. Currently, they only infect plant and animal populations. However, they appear to be mutating at a rapid rate—each new form is closer to affecting the human populations. Modern medicine has no defenses against any of the seven.

  Clinic: A local medical facility, providing a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. Each Clinic generally serves an area of 12 or more Residential Sectors.

  Community Services: Responsible for the infrastructure of the city including streets, walking paths, transportation routes, parks, construction, security cameras, electrical grid, maintenance and cleaning of the shelter.

  Communicator: common name for the Personal Commun
ication Device. Allows access to websites, text messages, audio conversations, photos, and connection to sector services.

  Compact Kitchens: A design using a computerized storage and retrieval system for kitchen appliances from under counters (and vaults beneath floors) creating openings and lifting them through counter-tops equipped with “Liquid Lava.”

  Compensation: Everyone who participates in the Economy receives compensation. There are seven levels. Movement upward is related to education, job longevity, or significant contributions to one’s chosen field. Movement downward occurs because of incompetence, returning to school to train for a different career or retirement. Movement up or down is generally one level at a time.

  Counseling Sector: Service provided to all residents. Each person is expected to see a counselor at least annually.

  Courtyard: The common area located “behind” each resident located in a four-sided-block. Access is gained by exiting the back door from the ground level of any building in the block. No access is available from the streets. Each Courtyard provides entrance to a Fitness Center. Some contain children’s play areas, picnic facilities, pools, or tennis courts.

  Cyclops: Short for Cyclops Institute located outside Seattle, Washington. The Institute’s focus is on curing or preventing the next round of threatening diseases.

  Daily Routine: Each individual’s daily schedule is utilized by the Transportation and Locations Services. This assures that people safely reach their destinations on time, with a minimum of inconvenience. Individuals may change their routine as needed from any home or office computer, communicator, or request the Doorkeeper to do so (when leaving or returning home).