Escape From Progress

By Perry D. Defiore

Domed cities have sprung up across the US and have even begun to be built in other countries, advertising a utopian lifestyle-no sickness, no unemployment, and perfect weather all year-but the population is divided on living in this perfect futuristic world and have insisted on living outside the enormous cities. Which lifestyle will dominate? T

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781648956492

Perry D. Defiore

This is Perry's eighth book. He has started his ninth book, which will be the fifth of his Ralph Mullen adventures, which will be entitled I Die to Live. Perry has extensive knowledge in the area of sciences, which include environmental sciences, ocean sciences, astrophysics, and cosmology. He was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Book preview

Book 1

Chapter 1

The Departure

A soft upbeat sound drifted into Jeryl’s ears at exactly 0600 hours. He waited through a couple of songs before he pushed away the soft blue satin sheet, swung his feet to the left, and pushed himself to an upright position. After some rather important yawns and stretches, he shuffled his tall, muscular, but thin frame off the sauna. He sat on a synthetic seat contoured to fit his bottom, his body weight applying the pressure to engage the mechanisms to release a fine mist from all points of the small room through thousands of small orifices. He closed his eyes and let the warm mist with disinfectant soak his body for exactly three minutes, then a warm air dried him for exactly three more minutes.

Feeling clean and refreshed, he went to his closet and extracted one of several smocks whose only difference was the color. He smiled to himself. This was his big day. He had reached his eighteenth birthday. He had lived in this apartment since his ninth birthday when he had left the Development Center. Today would be the start of his great adventure, or as his guardian referred to it, an unfortunate necessary journey to enhance your education for your future responsibilities.

It was Saturday, May 22nd, of the year 3043. He pulled out a blue-and-silver smock that donned a patch above the left breast that read Administration, and orange initials that read JE were on his collar. He slipped into a pair of silver fabric shoes that had a blue A on the outside of each shoe.

Jeryl had worked in the Administration Wing since his ninth birthday, and he, along with three others of his same age, was under the guardianship of Koral, a man of great austerity in his field since the age of forty-five. Koral held the position of executive director of administration, a very high office of Solarius’s city government. It was an honor to be selected to apprentice under him as one of the four would be Koral’s replacement upon the time of his disposal. Jeryl had graduated from the dome city’s Excelsior University at the age of sixteen. The last two years he had worked long hours in each department of the Administration Wing earning his title as junior executive before the other three competitors. He excelled in the latest G-3LX computer system.

He opened the top drawer in his closet to take the programmed nourishment, a green tube, a yellow tube, and a brown tube. While he ate, he looked around his compact apartment to say farewell to the four light gray walls, the dark gray carpet, and the chrome bed. He was to meet Koral at 0800 hours in his apartment, so he gathered the necessary items he had laid out last night and placed them in a soft silver backpack, then checked his soft black briefcase.

Koral had his Certificate of Permission to leave the domed city of Solarius and a sum of money, as they called it outside. He had only read of the cities outside the dome over the last four weeks, their currency called the dollar, from books Koral had loaned him. Their civilization seemed so crude and primitive, but he was curious to experience it firsthand so he could understand why so many people preferred it to his impeccable, organized city—a city free of disease, violence, crime, a city with computerized climate control, a city that supplied you with your every requirement to sustain life, entertainment, and transportation. It seemed from the books the outside people needlessly suffered a lot. He would have two weeks to find answers to all his questions. His future responsibilities, Koral told him, would require him to make occasional trips to the closest outside city called Livington for important economic tasks which he did not have knowledge about as yet.

Jeryl remembered reading about the Disease of 2742, where someone from an outside city entered Solarius without sterilization procedures and brought a variety of diseases that resulted in the death of forty percent of the entire Solarius population of minors, mostly children under the age of ten. This disaster created the creation of the Reproduction Center.

The doorbell rang. Jeryl’s stomach knotted up as he opened the door cautiously. His guest stood tall and erect, suited in a smock of the same color as Jeryl’s. An orange emblem was on Koral’s right breast that read Director in black. Koral had short gray hair, and his body was more massive and muscular than his prodigy’s.

Morning, Jeryl. I trust you are prepared for your journey,

Yes, sir! I only await the certificate and funds, sir. Please be seated. Jeryl pointed to one of two small overstuffed medium gray vinyl chairs. He noted Koral inspect the sky blue shag carpet, the walls, and the smoked glass center table supported by chrome legs. He followed Koral’s blue eyes roam over the computer table and bookshelves. He sensed his mentor was looking for disorganization and untidiness, but he would not find it here. Koral never gave compliments and had few words. His eyes finally came around to meet Jeryl’s, nodded slightly, and took a seat with deliberation. Jeryl seated himself.

I will remind you, Jeryl, that your time limit is two weeks, which will be more than ample time to accomplish your mission. I want you to study the way of life of the outsiders, note their unstable emotions. It will be shocking, but you must learn how to deal with them for we must continually do business with them, especially in the procurement of raw materials for our Manufacturing Wing. Due to this need, we must transfer funds from our system to theirs, which involves us in their banking systems.

Koral reached into his attaché and extracted a manila envelope.

In my hand, continued Koral, is a sum of two thousand dollars in various denominations which are signified on each bill. This is their monetary system. Both their system and our system of credits are based on the same gold and supported by the same US Federal Government, so the ratio has always been one to one, or one credit is equivalent to one dollar. They also have smaller denominations of coins, which we find very cumbersome. They make their lives unnecessarily complicated. You will see this soon enough. Use these funds sparingly and return what you find unnecessary to use. Naturally, keep accurate records as you will have to account for every dollar spent.

Jeryl had investigated in depth, and he wished his mentor would stop talking and leave him get started. He looked at the envelope and felt desperate to open it and extract its contents, but he knew he could not until Koral left. He was not to show any emotion, yet he never experienced such anxiety before. He saw Koral lean forward and carefully pull a folded piece of white paper from his attaché and sit back into his chair.

This is your Certificate of Permission. Koral waved the document in the air. "Guard this well, for it is your only way out of Solarius and in. You are to leave through the exit to the city located at the end of the Administration Wing. That is quite a distance. You are to be at the exit precisely at 1500 hours, so leave yourself enough time to cover the distance. Your tardiness would nullify your journey. The enforcers will escort you to the exit of the Exchange Chamber, which is the final door to the outside. Be alert. The door is electronically controlled to open nor more or less than ten seconds. You will be hit by the bright light from the outside, but you must exit quickly. The door will not open again until enforcers receive permission to open it. They, personally, have no control over the permissions. They receive their orders directly from the Security Office, and the office will program the doors to open.

"Once outside, allow yourself a couple of minutes for your eyes to adjust to the brightness. You will notice a road leading away from the city. You will follow this road for approximately ten kilometers, where you will find a gentleman there to transport you to a dwelling where you will be staying. I expect you will uphold the professional image of our city. Remember, you are an ambassador of Solarius. The man you will meet at the dwelling, or home as they call it, is named Henry Mitchell. I know him personally. Over the years, I have learned to trust him. However, never trust any of the outsiders completely. They can turn treacherous at any moment, so stay alert. Mr. Mitchell will show you the city, his bank, and your quarters in his home. Be extremely cautious of contamination. Be sure to take enough nourishment so you need not partake of their bulk food. Your body systems would react unfavorably.

"Their living habits are unclean, but you should survive the two weeks satisfactorily. If you wish to return early, remember your return is programmed and you would not be able to get into Solarius at another time. If you become ill, they have doctors to treat any illnesses of theirs. Henry will take care of finding the appropriate physician. Be aware of the tobacco they smoke and chew. It is very bad for their health, but many of them use it anyway. Henry does not. They treat their bodies brutally. They drink liquors, similar to ours, but without control. They are generally a disorganized people and totally unpredictable and definitely uncontrollable. You will find out during these two weeks how fortunate you are to be a citizen of Solarius. Be sure to take your time piece as theirs may not be accurate.

You are to return at precisely 0800 hours on the fifth of June, a Wednesday. I suggest you be there waiting at the door for it will open automatically and for only ten seconds. Once inside Solarius, you will immediately be ushered into a decontamination center, which will cleanse your body of any disease-causing germs or bacteria. Our doctors will check all your bodily systems. The whole reentry procedure will take from twenty-four to forty-eight hours, depending on the degree of contamination they find. You will then be studied by our psychologists for evidence of any need of re-indoctrination. Your mind can become contaminated as well, you understand?

Jeryl nodded his head. He was hoping the speech was over.

Good. Ah, yes. There’s another thing I must warn you about. As you know, we have our pleasure rooms for executing sexual pleasures. They do not. They are archaic in their sexual physical functions, and I strongly suggest you do not participate in sexual intercourse with the outsiders. Their unsanitary behavior sometimes leads to their carrying a disease of sorts, which could be very dangerous to your health and dangerous to Solarius. Some types of these diseases can cause excruciating pain. They have a tendency to let their emotions dictate their actions. They have no mental discipline. You will feel your superiority after only a short time with them. Their barbaric nature lends them to condone physical violence amongst themselves. Avoid getting involved. Your knowledge of self-defense should suffice should a problem of this sort arise involving you.

Your time, excellent knowledge, experience, and influence are greatly appreciated, sir. I realize I’m very fortunate to be studying under your expert leadership and to have you as my guardian. I assure you I will uphold the image of the city you have worked so diligently to create and will be an honorable ambassador of Solarius. I will absorb all that’s possible of the outside world. I fully understand this journey is an educational one so that I may serve our city in a more important way, should you see fit to bestow upon me the honor.

You understand everything completely, then?

Yes, sir, absolutely. You have spent much valuable time with your thorough explanations leaving everything very clear to me with the exception of one small detail.

And what is that ‘small’ detail?

Are the excess dollars I return with to be credited to my account as an investment in my future?

Koral smiled and nodded. They will be credited to your account if your performance is satisfactory, Jeryl. I am glad to see you’re thinking logically in light of the emotions of your pending journey.

Koral stood, closed his attaché with deliberation, turned, and walked to the door. Jeryl, relieved the long talk was over, accompanied his guardian to the door and waited cautiously at the opened door until Koral had stepped into the corridor.

Have a pleasant day, sir.

Thank you, I shall, Koral returned. I wish you success on your venture. Good day.

Good day, sir. Jeryl watched the door close with a light hiss. He looked at his watch: 0851. He smiled to himself. It felt like Koral had been here for hours. He had a lot of respect for Koral, but his mentor was so tiresome in conversation. He repeated himself constantly, and his speech was monotone. Jeryl sighed and looked around. He was ready and had about five hours to burn. He sat at his table and opened the envelope. He would busy himself counting the dollars.

Jeryl stepped up to his apartment door and adjusted his backpack straps while he waited for the door to slide open, then stepped out into the corridor. His door slid shut silently. He took a deep sigh and stepped to the railing. Eight floors down he could see the bank and Retail Center of Solarius. The Solarius Bank building was made of glass that was tinted gold and reached the top floor, two floors above his. Solarius’s dome roof seemed to almost touch the bank building. As he walked by the Retail Center, he looked down on a beehive of activity of the residents shopping for their needs.

Time? Jeryl said.

The time is 1330 hours, Jeryl, a voice said from his left waist. Jeryl nodded in silence and kept moving. He took the elevator down to the Retail Center on the first floor. There was an electripath, but Jeryl preferred to move on his own power, which would take him where he was going more rapidly. When he came to the Administration Wing, he turned right and continued until he passed the office building where he worked. There were seat transports on his right attached to the electripath. He pulled one down and placed his weight on it, locking it into place. Once past the buildings, the corridor narrowed significantly, which made Jeryl feel a little uncomfortable.

At the end of the electripath, Jeryl stepped off, his seat silently folding and continuing on its way back to its beginning. There was a small waiting room with only three seats along the left wall. A small gray metal desk sat in its center, a woman in a black smock sitting in a chair behind it. She didn’t look up at his arrival, so Jeryl slid his certificate in front of her. He noted a yellow patch on her left breast that read Security. She read Jeryl’s document without looking up until she finished.

You are early, Jeryl, she stated matter-of-factly.

Intentionally, ma’am. I didn’t want to risk being late.

Take a seat. She nodded toward the chairs. I will inform the enforcer you are here, and he will come for you when it’s time. She returned her attention to her desk.

Jeryl sat impatiently for twenty-five long minutes before the door behind the desk opened and a large, intimidating man, also in a black smock, stepped out.

Jeryl?

Jeryl looked about him quickly. He was the only one there.

Yes, sir. I am he.

Follow me, please. The enforcer turned and started through the door. Jeryl quickly followed.

When the door closed behind Jeryl, they were in pitch black, but the enforcer spoke.

Any drugs, weapons, or tobacco in your possession?

No, sir, Jeryl responded with wonder.

You have thirty seconds, so be ready.

Jeryl waited patiently, then, suddenly a flash of bright light blinded him.

Go! ordered the enforcer, and Jeryl stepped into the light, his hands giving cover for his eyes. He heard the hiss of the door behind him and turned. It had closed.

Jeryl gave himself time for his eyes to adjust.

Over here, Jeryl, a voice called out from his right.

Jeryl turned his vision to his right to see a white vehicle whose surface reflected the sun’s light.

I am Henry Mitchell. Figured you didn’t need to walk in this heat so I came to your door. Against Koral’s orders, but I don’t always follow orders. Here, put these on. They’ll help the brightness. He held out a pair of sunglasses from his window on the driver’s side.

Jeryl stepped up to the car, retrieved the glasses, and donned them. There was instant relief. Thank you, sir. That is much better.

Hop in the front beside me.

Jeryl walked around and opened the heavy car door and slid into a large cushioned seat of cloth with varying colors of gray. He found it quite comfortable.

Pleasure to meet you, Jeryl. Henry extended his hand.

Likewise, Mr. Mitchell, Jeryl answered. He noticed Henry had long gray hair that was well groomed and wore a black suit with a white starched shirt and plain red tie.

You don’t have to tell my friend Koral about me picking you up here. He doesn’t have to know everything, if you know what I mean. Is that backpack all you brought?

Yes, sir. It’s quite enough, I assure you.

We’ll see about that. Mind if we go by the office first for a couple of hours? I’ll show you around and then we’ll have lunch. You are going to be working there off and on, anyway.

That’s satisfactory, sir. However, I have my own food. I will be glad to accompany you while you have lunch, sir.

Please call me Henry, Jeryl. We are going to be spending a lot of time together over the next two weeks. And you will spend a lot of time with my daughter, Barbara. She’ll be the one showing you around Livington. Unfortunately, I have a bank to run—well, fortunately. He chuckled.

Thank you, sir.

Chapter 2

Barbara

They drove down the lonely stretch of road where Jeryl saw cattle and horses grazing. Henry explained which cows were used for meat and which for milk. Jeryl had seen pictures of these animals, but they looked so much more impressive in real life. They were so big. There were small ponds for the livestock to drink and small troughs for them to feed. It all seemed so serene, but Jeryl’s eyes were affixed to the livestock, their size, how they moved, how they didn’t seem to have a care in the world.

When they came to some houses, Henry slowed down to give Jeryl time to see, explaining this was the outskirts of Livington where the homes were smaller and the owners were of average to below average economical means. This confused Jeryl somewhat because there were no different neighborhoods, no smaller homes, in Solarius, but he remained silent. Finally, they came into the center of Livington, which looked not so much different than the Retail Center of Solarius, except the buildings were much older, made mostly of brick and stone, and the sky extended upward infinitely. That was impressive to Jeryl as he craned his neck to try to see its limits.

Henry pulled up to the Livington National Bank, a two-story red brick building with white wood-framed windows. Henry pulled into the black macadam parking lot and drove to the rear of the building where a parking space was marked with a sign that said bank president.

"Here we are, Jeryl. I opened this bank thirty-two years ago, April of 3012. It