Science Fiction
From Another Time - Chapter 3
Chloe saw the palace from afar as she opened the small window from the palanquin. It's a mesmerizing sight now that she is seeing the palace. There's something different from its vibe now that you are back in Hanyang. Hanyang is the old name of Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty. Everything around this place looks like what she saw in Korean Dramas. Although there are a lot of differences as well now that she's back in time. "Chloe, what are you doing?" James asked with a worried tone. "I'm just checking how accurate the Korean Dramas were." She replied and went back to her seat. "This is cool! They thought I'm the king around here." James said and smiled widely. "That hanbok suits you well, Your Highness!" She said and giggled. Then they realized that the palanquin is no longer moving. The king's guards have stopped so Chloe opened the small window again. She tries to see what's happening. "Chloe, what do you see? Are we already in the palace?" James asked curiously. "Yes, we're already here!" She replied and excitedly opened the small door. "Chloe, be careful!" James said in a concerned tone but she seemed excited to see the palace. When Chloe went out of the palanquin, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. The palace looks grander now. Although she visited Changdeokgung place the moment that she arrived in Korea. It looks more mesmerizing now that they are in the Joseon Dynasty. James grabs her hand as they both look admiringly at the Changdeokgung palace. Although she was surprised by his gesture, she just allowed it. She understands that he might be a little scared right now. So she just let him hold onto her hand to make him feel better. "What if they found out that they were not from here and I'm not a real king?" James asked her in a very low voice. "Stop saying that! Just think that we're inside a Korean Drama and this is your palace!" She suggested. James looks like he's thinking about what she just said. His grip on her hand becomes tighter and then it becomes loose again. He did that a few times as if trying to squeeze out some courage from her hand. "Your Majesty, do you want me to walk you inside your chamber?" The king's advisor asked him. "Yes, walk me there but I'm bringing my lady with me." He replied in Korean. Chloe can't understand Korean so just smile when the old man looks at her. The king's advisor leads the way to the king's chamber. James is still holding her hand so she knows that he's still nervous about what's happening. "Wow…" That's all she can say the moment they see the grand interior of the king's chamber But James looks like he's not even impressed. If he's acting right now, she has to commend his talent. Although she already knows that he's also good at acting. Chloe always watches his YouTube content along with his guests. "I will ask the maid to bring you some refreshments. Pardon me, Your Highness!" The advisor excused himself. James just flicks his hand to inform him that he allows him to be excused. Chloe is still busy looking around the chamber. Although she's just pretending to be busy. She doesn't want the king's advisor to notice that she's not from Hanyang. "What did he just tell you?" She asked James after the advisor left. "He said he will tell the maid to bring us some snacks. Wait a minute, you can't understand Korean?" James suddenly realized. "I can only understand a few words." She admitted to him and felt embarrassed. "Unbelievable! Why are you even here?" James chuckles. "Because I'm a Korean Drama fan!" She replied. "I thought you're more of a KPop fan!" James said while still laughing. "I like Korean dramas better, especially the historical ones." She informed him. "Are you for real? I also like historical dramas! You have good taste!" James looks happy to see another historical fan. The maid called out to tell them that their snacks are ready. James ordered the maid to get inside in his king-like tone. Chloe giggled and tried to control it when the maid got inside. Three of them are holding trays of cakes and pastries. The other two are holding the tea set and coffee pot. James thanked all of the maids and it made them blush. He ordered them to give you some privacy. Chloe can't understand what he is saying, so she just takes the coffee pot and starts pouring it into a cup. "Finally, I can have some coffee!" Chloe felt relieved that the maids were gone. "Wait, you like coffee better than tea?" James asked as if it was a big deal. "Yes, I can't function properly without coffee!" She told him while she put on some sugar. "I can't believe we have a lot in common!" James commented as he started sipping his black coffee. "I think we have more in common than just being both coffee lovers." She replied and sipped her coffee. "I wonder why they served both? In the historical dramas, they only serve tea." James wondered. "Yeah, I noticed that too! Maybe the king likes coffee as well." She concluded. "It's really weird that we both end up here. I wonder if the storekeeper is okay. She's the last one I saw before the blackout happened. But when it gets bright again, I end up with you!" James said as if imagining what happened. Chloe almost choked on the cake she was eating. How can she tell James that she is the same woman he was with? Maybe she can just tell him when the time is right. What matters is that she's young again. "Yeah, it's so weird!" Chloe pretended that she also thinks the same way and eats more cake. She can't get why he didn't even consider the fact that she is the same person as the storekeeper. But it will complicate their situation more than it already is. It's better if she just plays along and deals with being in the past with James. Maybe when they wake up tomorrow, they will be back in Seoul.
By Jaymie Suh2 years ago in Chapters
From Another Time - Chapter 2
When the lights come out again, Chloe realizes that it's not the blackout that caused it. She can see that it's still daytime. But then realized that she was still holding James' hand tightly. She immediately let go of him and pretended that nothing happened. "What just happened and who are you?" James asked, looking at her as if he saw her before. "I'm the hanbok shopkeeper!" She replied to him wondering how he could forget it right away. James stares at her with a suspicious look. But she chose to just ignore him and get out of the dressing room. It feels awkward to be with a 26-year-old guy in a small room. Maybe it's the reason why she's still not yet married at 40. She just doesn't trust any guy around her. But the moment she got out of the dressing room, she noticed that something looked different. Tom is no longer around and the managers are also missing. She can see that there are other people outside now. But everyone is wearing a hanbok in different styles. James decided to come out after fixing the hanbok that he was wearing. He glanced at the mirror for the last time to admire how it looks on him. He remembered the shop attendant telling him that it was made for a king. He felt like one right now and decided to go out. He's excited to see how Tom would look wearing a hanbok. He never tried it before and it will be a great theme for his channel. But he just can't ignore the girl who just hugged her inside the dressing room. Maybe she's just another fan and just wants to hug him. James can't help but smile thinking that his fans will go that far just to be with him. He loves his fans so much although he's a bit scared to have a stalker following him. There's a lot of them and if there's one around here, they will follow Tom for sure, not him. But you will never know what they're thinking. Although he will be happy if that girl is a fan. He can look for her if she wants to take a picture with him. That's the best fan service he can give his fans for their support. But the moment he got out of the dressing room, there was nobody around the shop anymore. "Excuse me, James, I think we have a problem!" Chloe tries to catch his attention. "There you are! It's okay, don't be afraid. Do you want to take a picture with me?" James asked her in a concerned tone. She looks at him confused about whatever he's trying to say. Maybe he got shocked from seeing the crowd outside. It is also surprising for her but they all look like they're just going along with their normal day. But they are not tourists to this part of Seoul. "Stop kidding around, James! Look, there are a lot of people out there and I don't think they are here to try our hanbok!" She informed him. James decided to check out what the girl is talking about. Of course, she follows him just in case you're in trouble. Being a foreigner is not easy, especially if you're working. They might ask for her working permit and she doesn't have one. "The king is here! Greetings, You're Majesty!" A woman just bowed at James all of a sudden. James backs out from the middle-aged woman who suddenly just went down on her knees and bowed at him. The crowd followed suit and that's when Chloe realized that something went wrong from that blackout earlier. She takes a glimpse in the mirror and sees that she looks young again! "Hey, what's going on?" James asked in a panicked tone. Chloe is so happy to see her 26-year-old self again. It's hard to take her eyes off the mirror. Then she realized that's why James asks her earlier who she is. He didn't recognize her younger self. Even she can't believe that this is happening to her. "Your Majesty, what are you doing in this shabby place?" One of the crowd asked James. "Wait, who are you?" He asked in Korean. "Good heavens! What did you do to our king? He can't seem to remember his most trusted advisor!" The old guy asked you. Chloe has a sudden realization of what's happening. They might have been transported to the Joseon Dynasty! It's obvious because of how people look from the outside. Even the place looks old once again. But, she's thankful that she looks young. "Lady, please wear some proper clothing! We have to bring the king back to the palace now!" The old man ordered her. Since Chloe already knows what's going on, she didn't protest anymore. Instead, she looks for a hanbok that will be perfect for a lady from a rich family. She has seen everything she needs to know from all the K-dramas she binge-watch before. They will never know that she is a peasant in the modern world. "What do you think you're doing!" James asked her the moment she got out of the dressing room. "Just play along! I think we went back to the Joseon Dynasty And they thought you were the king. I told you, that hanbok makes you look like a king!" She whispered to him. "What are you talking about? I didn't even know who you were! How can you say that to me before?" James asked in a panicked tone. "Oh, I'm sorry, Your Majesty! My name is Chloe. I'm here to serve you for whatever you need." You introduced yourself while giggling. "Don't I look pretty with this pink hanbok?" She added. "Yeah, it looks pretty on you!" James looks at her intently and approves of her choice of clothing. "Your Majesty, we need to go back to the palace. The Japanese will be here soon!" The old man dragged James out of the shop. "Chloe, you have to come with me!" James says and grabs her hand. "Lady Chloe, make sure that you take care of the king while we transport him to Hanyang." The old man ordered before you get inside the royal palanquin.
By Jaymie Suh2 years ago in Chapters
From Another Time - Chapter 1
James already missed performing on stage. That's the main reason why he became a rock star. But because of the pandemic, every concert and world tour has been canceled. He was able to have several albums along with his band. But still, all they can do for now is to meet their fans online. So, they always make sure to have a lot of video content for their fans. He's widely known as James Seo, the rock star. That name sticks to his fans better. He's a Korean who grew up in the US. Then went to South Korea for his concert. He has no idea that he will end up stuck there. He was born on February 10, 1995, which makes him 26 years old at the present year. He started with the band when he was just 16. James spent a long time preparing for his dreams to finally become a reality. He exerted a lot of time and effort practicing only for the concerts to be stopped by the pandemic. But he's trying to be patient along with his members. They are making sure that their fans will always be updated. James stops that flow of thought since he's done taking his shower. It seems that he always spaced out whenever he's taking a bath. He goes back to reality as if he was able to be in another place at that moment. He decided to stop reminiscing for now since he needs to go out and meet Tom today. They are going to shoot an hour from now. It's for his vlog since he started one recently. He wrapped a towel around his waist and started preparing. It doesn't take long for him to be ready to go out. He called his manager to tell him that it was time to leave. They will go together to the location where he will be meeting Tom. He's one of his closest friends around here. James feels a little excited about this shoot. He hasn't seen Tom for a while and this will be the best time they can catch up. Tom is an artist and his place is located in a different area. So, they don't see each other often. They have to make sure that they will shoot this new content in a quiet place. That way, they can make sure that they will not be seen by fans. It's their collaboration for them and also to be safe from the virus that is still around. James' phone beeps and he sees that there's a new message. He checks it and that makes him smile since it's from Tom. He seems to also be excited about today and said that he is already on his way to the location. He gets out of his apartment building right away and sees his manager's car waiting outside. He's wearing a black shirt today with a matching black mask and also a black cap. It's easier that way since there will be clothes for him to wear on the set. "Let's do this!" James told his manager. His manager happens to be the manager of his band. James is the vocalist and bassist. The other guys will have their schedules for today. It's sponsored content and it's located in a secluded area of Seoul. After driving for a while, they stopped in a parking lot. He immediately noticed that there were people who were wearing hanbok. It's Korean traditional clothing that was popular during the Joseon Dynasty. James got excited since he remembered that he had also done this with Mark before. They wore hanboks for their photoshoot. It will be a great experience for Tom since he never tried hanbok before according to him. "James!" Tom shouted and waved at him from the hanbok shop. He runs towards him since he's also excited to get started. This hanbok shop looks oddly familiar to him. Although they had never gone to this place before. It's not that popular compared to the one he visited with Mark before. "Hey, what's up? Long time no see!" James asked in his American accent. "I'm great! I'm so excited to see you!" Tom replied in his British accent. Tom grew up in London and moved to California when he was 14. That's where they met and became classmates in high school. But he moved to Korea for an opportunity to become an artist. He's a painter and good at it. "Are we going to wear hanbok today?" James asked. "Yeah, I think so!" Tom responded. Their manager gave them the go signal and they both entered the hanbok shop. It's odd since it looks like a foreigner is managing the shop. They saw a beautiful woman preparing the hanboks that they could choose from. "Nuna, you're not from here are you?" Tom immediately asked her. That made her blush to see two handsome guys. She recognized them because she's a rock fan and also an art enthusiast. But instead of talking, she just nodded at Tom's question. She finds them more attractive than those on YouTube. James is already busy browsing the hanboks that she prepared for their visit. She just volunteered to watch this shop for her boss from the inn. Surprisingly, today is the day when these guys are coming. "Nuna, what do you think of this one?" Tom asked for her opinion. He's flirting with her now. "Try the green one!" She suggested and tried her best to remain professional. "Wow, you have good taste!" James commented and was impressed by her suggestion. "Well, I just think green suits him best. You should try the golden-yellow. It will make you look like a king!" She suggested. "Sure, thanks Nuna!" James smiled very sweetly at the shopkeeper. He also thinks that she is beautiful and it's such a pity she looks older than him. If not, he will make his move right away. Not that age matters to him. He's just afraid that she might be married already. He doesn't want to be in trouble. "Let's go wear them now so we can start shooting!" Tom suggested. James agreed and the shopkeeper assisted them to the changing rooms. But she suddenly remembered that James' hanbok has a missing part. Being 40 made her forgetful and she rushed to get it. "James, I'm sorry but there's a missing piece for that hanbok! I have it here!" She called out to him. "Nuna, can you just get inside? I need some assistance." James responded. She hesitated for a moment but decided to enter anyway. After all, it's her chance to be with James up close and personal. Then she saw him without his shirt on and tried to look away from those yummy biceps. "Can you put this on for me, please?" James asked nicely and she willingly obliged. But the moment she did, an earthquake suddenly happened. She panicked and hugged James. Then, all the lights went out!
By Jaymie Suh2 years ago in Chapters
Journal Of Webster Zirkman 2
CHAPTER TWO We pull the truck into a maintenance shed. And I start to grab some equipment, but Aber stands and look toward the storm. I suggest that it might turn away from the station. It didn't seem to be moving directly at us. He says we need to check the schedule for the next transport out and walks into the station. As I follow, we hear the station speakers blast a notification.
By J smith kirkland2 years ago in Chapters
Journal of Aber Crombie 2
CHAPTER TWO Today we chose 323 degrees for our trek. My WristWear has a compass showing the cardinal directions and 360 degree graduations. As long as the communication satellites are working around any planet, it is extremely accurate. Herbert has an old physical nautical compass given to him by his grandfather, whose grandfather gave to him, and so forth. It shows magnetic north. It also has an inner circle with the 32-point compass rose corresponding to the 0 to 360 degree graduations. It's a pretty cool antique. We occasional compare the readings along our walks. They are always the same.
By J smith kirkland2 years ago in Chapters
Journal Of Webster Zirkman 1
CHAPTER ONE “The instruments are going crazy!” I watched as Aber rushed from one device to another. I told him to stay calm. We could figure this out. He froze. Then collecting all his strengths, calmly but with decided confidence and extreme urgency, he looked me in the eye and said we had to run. Something was about to come through The Rip. Something big. He didn't know what it was, but he didn't think we should be standing in it's path.
By J smith kirkland2 years ago in Chapters
Journal Of Simon Hebert 7
CHAPTER SEVEN I have made a file about the people Webby marks. It contains more info that I should ethically have collected, but I justify it to myself by saying it is for science. It has to be done to understand The Rip, a never before seen cosmic anomaly. That's what I tell myself as I prepare to send it to Aber before I leave for Marvin's planet tomorrow. I am asking him to see what he can find out about them on that side. My suspicion is that they all no longer exist there. I also suspect that he and I no longer exist here on this side. But for some reason I am having trouble getting up the nerve to ask Pretentious for our histories.
By J smith kirkland2 years ago in Chapters
Journal Of Simon Herbert 8
CHAPTER EIGHT The others are thinking about how to let people know they might be late at their destinations. I am wondering if this is one of those ten day storms, and what will happen if it hits this station. I realize I have neglected to contact Aber. I was thinking I could do that after the others left, but I feel some urgency now.
By J smith kirkland2 years ago in Chapters
Stand Against Injustice and Remain Just: A Call for Humanity
Stand Against Injustice and Remain Just: A Call for Humanity In a world filled with complexities and inequalities, standing up against injustice is one of the most powerful actions we can take. The notion of “do not tolerate injustice and do not do injustice to anyone” is a moral directive that challenges us to lead lives rooted in fairness, compassion, and responsibility. When we stand against unfairness, not only do we protect others, but we also preserve our own integrity. This article explores why opposing injustice is crucial, how it shapes our society, and how small, compassionate acts of justice create ripples that inspire and transform lives. The Impact of Injustice: Lessons from History Throughout history, societies that tolerated or engaged in injustice have seen division, suffering, and eventual downfall. The examples of civil rights leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. stand as a testament to the power of resisting oppression peacefully. Gandhi, in his struggle for India's freedom, demonstrated that one need not resort to violence to oppose injustice. He faced imprisonment, discrimination, and physical threats but remained steadfast in his resolve for a free and fair India. His resistance was not just for his benefit but for the freedom and dignity of millions. Dr. King, inspired by Gandhi, took a similar stance against racial discrimination in America. His non-violent protests, courage, and resilience inspired countless others to fight for equal rights, sparking a movement that transformed American society. Both leaders exemplified the value of standing against injustice, teaching us that even in the face of severe adversity, one should never remain passive or indifferent. By following their example, we recognize that true strength lies in upholding justice without imposing harm on others. Everyday Injustice: Turning a Blind Eye or Taking a Stand? Injustices happen daily, not only in grand political or historical contexts but also in everyday situations. Consider the small yet significant acts of injustice we might witness—bullying at school, mistreatment in the workplace, or discrimination based on someone’s appearance, background, or abilities. Each time we see someone being marginalized or wronged, we face a choice: to ignore it or to take a stand. Standing up doesn’t always mean confronting an oppressor directly. Sometimes, it’s about offering a supportive hand, a listening ear, or simply standing beside someone who is struggling. An inspiring example is a story from an ordinary workplace: a new employee, often ridiculed for their slow learning pace, felt isolated and discouraged. One colleague noticed this treatment and decided to reach out, helping the new employee learn the tasks with patience and encouragement. This act not only helped the newcomer succeed but also changed the office culture, encouraging others to be more compassionate. The Courage to Act: Why It's Easier Said Than Done Taking a stand against injustice often comes with personal challenges. It might mean going against a popular opinion, risking your own comfort, or even jeopardizing relationships. In some cases, it can bring threats or retaliation. Despite these challenges, those who choose to speak up often discover a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Imagine a young student who decides to report a case of bullying, risking social exclusion to protect a fellow student. This act might isolate them temporarily, but it also sets an example that encourages others to act with kindness and courage. Over time, such choices shape the moral fabric of our communities. A society becomes stronger when individuals choose to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Stories of Compassion and Justice: Small Actions, Big Changes Examples of small actions that resist injustice remind us that everyone has the potential to make a difference. Consider the story of a woman who, upon noticing the discrimination faced by street vendors in her city, decided to use her voice. She started a social media campaign sharing the stories of these vendors, highlighting their struggles and contributions. As her campaign gained support, it brought awareness to the unfair treatment they faced, prompting local authorities to create a fairer environment for these vendors. Similarly, there are countless stories of individuals standing up to social stereotypes, challenging discrimination against people with disabilities, different races, or gender identities. Each act, however small, contributes to a ripple effect that impacts society. This commitment to fairness fosters empathy and respect, essential qualities that a compassionate society needs. Balancing Justice with Compassion While it’s vital to stand against injustice, it’s equally important to approach it with compassion. Fighting injustice doesn’t mean confronting every instance with anger or retaliation. Instead, it involves a balanced response that seeks to correct wrongs while understanding the complexities of each situation. Many times, those committing injustices are products of ignorance, bias, or societal conditioning. Approaching them with patience and empathy can lead to more lasting change than aggressive confrontation. For instance, if someone harbors prejudices against a particular group, a calm conversation might open their eyes in ways that hostility cannot. When we address injustice with an open mind and a genuine desire to understand, we create the opportunity for education and growth, both for ourselves and others. The Strength of Unity in Justice Taking a stand against injustice is most effective when done collectively. Communities that uphold values of fairness and respect can create a supportive network where individuals feel safe to raise their voices. By supporting each other in this way, we cultivate a culture of mutual trust and accountability. A beautiful example of collective justice is when neighborhoods come together to support marginalized individuals, like families affected by poverty, or children who cannot access quality education. People unite to offer resources, mentorship, or financial assistance, building a system where everyone has a fair chance at success. Such communities become a beacon of hope, showing that when people act together, they can overcome the harshest inequalities. Creating a Legacy of Justice Imagine a world where children grow up in an environment that teaches them to stand up for what's right, to treat others with fairness, and to lend a hand to those in need. The values we instill in the next generation will shape the society of tomorrow. By setting examples of justice and kindness today, we create a legacy of compassion that will guide future generations. When we choose to oppose injustice—no matter how insignificant it may seem—we send a message to those around us. Our actions tell our friends, family, and colleagues that fairness is non-negotiable, that respect is essential, and that kindness is strength. By fostering these qualities in our homes, schools, and workplaces, we create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate lives. Conclusion: Our Collective Responsibility To live by the principle of not tolerating injustice and not doing injustice to anyone is to commit ourselves to a life of integrity and empathy. It is a pledge to act in ways that protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of all. While the journey may not always be easy, it’s one worth taking because it builds a world we all want to live in—a world where everyone feels valued and respected. Whether it’s helping a bullied child, defending a marginalized colleague, or challenging social prejudices, each act of justice is a powerful statement. Together, these actions can build a society where no one is subject to injustice, and everyone is inspired to be just. In the end, we find that when we give justice to others, we receive peace and purpose in return—a reward that cannot be measured but one that changes lives.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Chapters
Journal Of Aber Crombie 5
CHAPTER FIVE I didn't have to prompt Herbert to ask where exactly it was we were supposed to be going. Marvin looks very confused by the question. Herbert explains that we had been waiting for our transport for days now, and the names of our intended destinations. Marvin, initially not at all phased by two strangers entering his secret laboratory on a deserted planet, now looks at us as if we were unidentifiable creatures who crawled out of the shadows. After a moment, he asks what planets we came from. I am from Valko, and Hebert is from Tiozeven. Our answers do not seem to make him any more comfortable.
By J smith kirkland2 years ago in Chapters
