There is nothing wrong
We are in control
Opening of Outer Limits
Swirly patterns appeared on my screen an eerie sound played. They faded. Text became clear. It read, there is nothing wrong with your screen. Do not attempt to adjust, we are controlling this communication.
A design with the look of old parchment appeared. AI run amuck no doubt.
January 24, 2025
From the office of Thomas Paine (ghost), et.al.
I clicked open the link and a hologram began to address me. It might be Thomas Paine. I may have opened an elaborate scam.
“You are invited to be to be an honored guest at the awards gala of the Academy of Mystic Chords. We offer a transference to and return from the awards gala, all provided by our association. All your mortal needs will be met, and in full disclosure, provided for in a luxurious manner. We are pleased you have been selected to be a part of our joyous celebration. You will be whisked away on Sunday morning and returned before midnight. Avoiding your mother’s admonition, ‘nothing good ever happened after midnight’. Coincidentally you will not miss the Super Bowl, this is the idle Sunday before the game. A space-time interval created to build hoopla and excitement. Now, needed to allow the MAGA base prep time for their hateful attacks. Attacks to be unleashed during the pre-game and halftime performances. We however in the association are only into the event for the commercials.
We will gather to celebrate the reprieve granted to American democracy by voters and supporters of President Harris and Vice President Walz.”
Voice from unseen location, “Remember, he was only an assistant coach.”
Hologram continues, “It is perfect job preparation to be vice president. Our ship of state was headed into the shoals where pirates were prepared to loot and plunder. Likely rape passengers, if they were attractive enough to be the chosen ones. We celebrate bringing rule of law into a safe harbor. We have randomly selected people from the millions of Kamala Harris supporters. Fortunately, you are one of the special guests.”
Voice from unseen location, “She is a childless cat lady. She transformed into a married mom and became Black to appeal to younger emasculated voters.”
Hologram turns addressing the unseen voice, “Jackson, stop with the asides. Your twenty-dollar bills will be around for decades.”
The hologram resumed, “This is an event of a lifetime, many lifetimes. Simply verify your identity with Apple fingerprint ID and facial recognition. We know you use Apple. An interactive conversation will illustrate location, menus, entertainment, notable personages, all to assure you this is not a scam. We do have inroads into all your devices. Your absence in your time line will be brief, but you will experience nearly forty-eight hours here.
Once again, we proudly hold the Providence Awards. These prestigious awards are presented outside of the realms of time or the physical world by the Academy of Mystic Chords. We look forward to you joining us on this special day. We always look forward; the suffering of the past is too much to bear. We have assembled a fantastic array of presenters and recipients during this reincarnation.
It is not compulsory that you participate. If your inner vapors are not receptive of America as the providential nation, then Stranger Things season five, the final season, is streaming.
If you choose not to join us, we will be less. We thank you for demonstrating a modicum of sense and rational thought in supporting the Harris/ Walz candidacy.
Options will appear on your screen.
With our sincere gratitude, your most humble and obedient servants,
The Academy of Mystic Chords bid you adieu.”
I suppose a properly cautious soul would run from their screen – screaming. I could not; I did respond. Honestly after a decade of Trump and Trumpism how weird is it? I clicked in and had a lovely chat with a woman named Sally. She would not identify her place and time, but she assured me at the grand hall all were welcome.
Sally said, “I am most pleased with Harris’ victory. Women are now leading; men have bollixed it up for decades. I am very thankful.” I heard a voice in the background. “Women, especially those like you should know your place.” Sally replied, “Stick a sock in it, Johnson. Your invite is hanging by a thread.”
Sally turned back to me, “I assure you everything will be safe and secure. Even your appearance will be modified to make you most appealing to every eye. Do not worry about your dress simply walk into the portal when it appears. I am pleased interracial marriage is accepted and legal- took long enough. Goodbye.”
On February 2nd, 2025, I stepped into a shimmering space coffee in hand. I was carrying my first cup when a shimmering wall appeared in mid-step. I was transported to the award ceremony resort accommodations.
Who knew, randomly embedded on each Harris Walz for Prez sign a time lock key. The Providence Awards monitored the sensor; it was activated by sun, wind, rain, and other events. Using techniques in astrolometry, a science from an alternate realm. My sign ‘big brothered’ me. I know, creepy, but they are a benevolent association.
I stood still, gathering myself, not moving to avoid a fall. I saw a dark-skinned woman in an elaborate dress. She waited until I was steady then spoke, “Welcome, I will show you to your room. We are pleased you are here. Your room is interactive and will cater to any need.”
As we walked, I said, “Still stunned, it seems real.”
“Yes real, but not the reality you stepped from. The currents of time flow independently here. Experience our many different memorials before tonight’s banquet. Anyone would enjoy a walk in our astral gardens. I am told you are a serious student of history. The Hall of Crisis will be of interest to you. It contains holographic displays of crisis points in American history. Holograms represent the thoughts of the people who threaded their way through them. They can now speak for themselves on events of their time with the perspective of the present. There is also the Passage of Pain; we do not hide from the tragic past. We do not dwell there. Be empathic and open your cultural paradigms will be nudged. Those of us who suffered helped create the passage, but we end with hope. Your room will provide directions or attempt to answer any question.”
I stepped in front of the door. It spoke, “Welcome Mr. Ruiz, your accommodations are ready. I will assist in any way I can. Thank you for your assistance, Mrs. Keckley.”
I walked into the room still carrying my coffee cup.
I asked “Room?”
It answered, “Yes I am here you have a request?”
“Should I call you Room?”
“Yes, clear and efficient. I am indeed an excellent room.”
“Room, I don’t believe in America as the providential nation, or God, or aliens. I doubt this is real.”
“Place your coffee cup down on the desk. Walk into shower and then I will continue to explain.”
As I stepped into an odd shower a flurry of vibrations almost invisible motions occurred. My clothes disappeared, as did body hairs, nails, and possibly some sagginess of my body. Clothes returned of perfect fit and comfort. I tugged on the cuffs; I undid my belt. It all seemed real. I looked in the mirror yes, I no longer had the just fell out of bed look. I was dressed to wander this place.
Room spoke, “How do you look? I would say you look your best self. On the nightstand there is a badge it will affix to your jacket. It will be your guide. If you tap it a holo-display will map directions. A small transmitter is attached behind your ear allowing you to ask questions and replies to be heard only by you. We have many dining opportunities now available for our guests. Most of the residents here absorb energy more than dine. I have started a visual of the the many choices, choose one and your badge will guide you.”
“Room thank you; Mountain Morning looks inviting.”
“Excellent choice, I leave you in the capable hands of Badge.’
Badge spoke, “Please call me Pathfinder; pretentious but I like it.”
“Lead on, Pathfinder.”
I met many others who were here. All like me questioning our sanity. We laughed at least it was group hysteria. Our table decided to visit the Hall of Crisis. We each were changed by the experience. Each in a different way. We all somehow shared the same experiences but from all perspectives. We came out dedicated to pushing to make America a more perfect union. We all hugged, then decided to tour the Hall of Presidencies. Each presidency was in a different clear chamber. The tourists could stand outside and listen in or enter and sit down to participate in the discussions. One of our group asked her badge, “Is there a discussion of the current partisanship in America?”
Her badge answered, “Lyla, follow my display a group will be created.”
“Pathfinder, take me to the same group. I am interested.”
We followed to a cubicle. Lights came and the door opened. A sign appeared outside with the text Discussion Current Partisanship. We entered and sat at the table a man’s hologram appeared.
“Welcome you picked a topic of interest to many. People’s badges are informed of the creation of this discussion. Others may join as we explore. It is a most interesting topic. Partisanship has always existed; the dynamic of gaining power finds division a useful tool. You may not know me. I was a prominent senator during the 1960’s. I am the hologram of Everett Dirksen. You may notice the tone and timbre of my voice. Some writers described it as mellifluous; others called me the wizard of ooze. I prefer mellifluous. If the strict partisan behavior we have observed in today’s congress existed in the 1960’s, the civil rights bills would not have passed.”
I spoke to the senator, or his ghost, “It seemed it was time. Jim Crow laws were a relic of the past.”
Dirksen nodded, “There is no force more powerful than an idea whose time has come. However, time can run slowly. Jim Crow laws were strongly supported. If America had enforced the fourteenth and fifteenth amendment, a Jim Crow era would not have existed. Racism is strong and has often prevailed in American history. The Dixiecrats would not vote for those laws. They would lose their seats if they did. The desire for power, the greed to keep prominent positions, and many senators were virulent racists. Lyndon could not twist enough arms to pass those bills. We Republicans had to break the filibuster. Coalitions not created strictly by party were possible.”
Lyla pointed to one of the photos popping up all around us. “Why don’t nonwhite citizens vote for Republicans today?”
“Kennedy and Johnson pushed the bills, The white supremacy caucus blamed Democrats. The Northern Democrats had cut them loose. They took over the Republican Party. First in the South, then with bussing in Boston and anti-discrimination efforts in Midwestern cities racial outrage drove them to the Republicans.”
I asked, “Did racism lead to the partisan intensity of today?”
The senator looked sad, “My time spun loose a cauldron of discontent. Normalcy broke, grievance and fear grew. The bitter conflict over the war, civil rights, women’s rights, created a schism. Watergate tore loose Americans faith in government and all institutions. We became the home for all those who feared change. Women’s rights, birth control, morality laws, Christmas displays at the courthouse, gun laws, homosexual laws, the modern culture as it unfolded built a movement of grievance. As a proud member of the party of Lincoln I want effective government. I worked on compromise. Now power is manipulated by uniting grievance into anti-government opposition to the practical.”
This man I had barely heard of was fascinating. Possibly his style of speaking being difficult to follow required close listening. I asked, “What broke down the old interests of coalition beyond party?”
“The modern world is unified into loyalty to the party. Influencing or propaganda has far more tools to manipulate than in my time. Loyalty, nearly absolute, became the requirement. As the lessons of wealth’s effect on our political system were forgotten, a new era of Credit Mobilier, Copper Kings, Teapot Dome was allowed. Now unlimited and unregulated PACs and corporate funded propaganda networks have paralyzed American politics. We often were stalled but we eventually built compromise. It is very depressing for an old dog of the legislature to watch.”
More people had entered and were interacting with the images. Lyla stood, “It’s not Trump?”
The old senator slowly shook his head. “Trump knows how to make old, buried hatreds breathe. He turned loose the devils, but it is the money. The corporate oligarchy that has formed to dominate politics in both parties. Government is once again owned by wealth.”
“Thank you, senator, what can we do when we get back?”
“Vote, participate, support honest people, and plant marigolds.”
Others were entering the room. A new hologram appeared. I didn’t recognize him either. Lyla turned to me, “That was depressing. I’m going back to my room. Prepare for the dinner.”
“I agree. I expected more soaring belief in providence and American destiny. I think I will walk in the garden and let my mind spin down.”
“See you tonight.”
I nodded, “Pathfinder I want to go to the garden.”
“Oh yes, a great place to spin down. Follow my instructions, Mr. Ruiz.”
It was impressive, walks through flowers and trees and paths with overlooks that had views of the swirling cosmos.
Pathfinder, “You should return to your room to prepare for tonight.”
“Who’s speaking at the dinner?”
“I’m not supposed to reveal that, the celebration begins in an hour, patience.”
Pathfinder guided me back to my room.
“Welcome back, I hope your day was enlightening.”
“It was Room.”
“Step back in the shower; let us prepare you for the gala.”
“Thank you, it seems far more than a shower.”
“It is much more. Renovates your body brings tranquility to your mind, dresses you in any fashion, and hopefully opens your soul to humanity’s potential.”
“Humanity seems doomed, Room.”
“Yes, it certainly does in the minds of many. This experience will transform. You will live in a new world of gratitude. A world of respect with an ardent belief in aspiration. What style would prefer to wear tonight? We can do current President Harris, no VP Walz flannel I’m afraid. We do perfect replica of any fashion. The Founding Fathers, such as Jefferson or Madison are good choices, Dolly Madison knew how to throw a party. Lincoln and Grant, would you like to be a Union officer. General Rawlings is a great model. Grant’s chief of staff. Without Rawlings Grant may not have succeeded with the politics of the army and Washington. Without Grant we may have lost the Union. Grover Cleveland, Teddy Roosevelt, maybe Franklin Roosevelt whatever you choose.”
“I think Union officer.”
“Excellent, a major general of the Union army in 1865. You will look striking, Mr. Ruiz.”
I stepped out wearing a uniform. “Thank you, Room.”
“You do look dapper. We take the liberty of making the uniform more comfortable. It is an exact replica in appearance, but not the coarse wool of the period. Put your badge on and have a great evening.”
“Ok Pathfinder, Room says I am ready.”
“Most excellent, the joyous time of 1865. We will not look to the coming sorrow or focus on the tragedy and suffering of the past. Perfect look to wear for our own joyous moment. Time to go.”
Pathfinder led me to the ballroom. The tables arranged to give full view of the stage. No one’s back to the podium. On the wall behind projections from American history were being displayed.
I stood as Lyla walked over, “Stunning dress.”
“Replica of Michelle Obama’s 2013 Inaugural gown.”
“You wear it well.”
A smile acknowledged my compliment, “Badge felt we enjoyed the afternoon together. Pathfinder helped lead us to sit together. Hope you don’t mind AI creeps being little matchmakers.”
“I have enjoyed sharing this weird day with you.”
“I like the uniform. Badge said to enjoy tonight, that Room would regenerate us before returning us. Room said most current Americans were sleep deprived. Elapsed time is irrelevant, we will return at the time we left. Room will send us back in our healthiest state.“
“Where are you returning to?”
“Atlanta, if they would only do more for mass transit. Cars are almost an affliction.”
“I live in a small town and work at a clinic in a nearby city, traffic is not an issue.”
“Are our badges correct neither of us are in a relationship?”
“My girlfriend wouldn’t move to podunkville, but the loans repayments were reduced if I did. I love it and have not started a new relationship.”
“I guess, you can call me a childless cat lady. I however consider myself a talented young woman. Who finds the news and extremist agendas depressing. Also, my job requires driving which does not soothe one’s nerves in Atlanta.”
Pathfinder interjected, “If you want to stay in touch after you return, I have a way. Otherwise, it will only seem a dream. Follow me.”
We followed over to where cartoonists were drawing guests as caricatures into their political cartoons. Pathfinder spoke, “We need to borrow one of your pens, Herb.”
“Pathfinder are you being rebellious again?”
“Making the world a kinder place Herb.”
“General, put your arm on top of the canvass. I’ll sketch you in looking down on modern-day Confederates during Jan. 6th riot and coup. I think with a look of disbelief. Pathfinder I’m not using all my pens.”
“Lyla write your name and phone on his forearm, if you’d like to meet Mr. Ruiz in real life.”
“I would.”
Herb said, “Spectacular dress step to my right. Hold your arms out in a ‘what is this’ gesture.”
“Mr. Ruiz, the pen with the silver cap will be the most visible.”
I wrote Daniel Ruiz text me and my number.
Herb smiled, “Hope you find friendship. Pathfinder you are going suffer from your recklessness someday.”
“I’m only AI. How much more of a phantom can I be?”
We returned to the table. The dinner courses magically appeared. Holograms came to oversee all was satisfactory. Each one once worked at the White House. The music all evening has been a delight. The food is fantastic, somewhat surprising considering many here were ghosts or projections. A man is now at the podium. He is dressed in a suit that appears to be of colonial American. He is speaking now.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation. I assure you; you will return feeling well, rested, and inspired. The course of history is inevitable but not direct. Backtracking and frustration are more common than inspiration and rejoicing. After traversing the times that try men’s souls, our bond is stronger, our faith is more fervent, indeed as a great American once said, we are the last best hope of Earth. President Adams asked me to inform that “An Act Respecting Alien Enemies” of 1798 was clear in requiring a declaration of war. It does not apply to immigration. Now we turn to our speakers. It is a great honor to introduce two men so a part of history only their initials are required to introduce them. We welcome MLK Jr and RFK here tonight.”
Two men walked to the podium as 1968 fell around us like a fading sunset. Dr. King spoke first. He began with his oft quoted arc towards justice statement. "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. It is still true today. We see that one victory in history, even a great one like the fourteenth amendment, is not enough. It may be the final heroic scene in a movie, but reality never accepts a resolution as a final ending. Those who harbor ignorance, greed, and prejudice may flee from the light. They will regroup and come again proclaiming to be different in their new disguise. The powerful continue to seek to prevail on the weak. The oppressors will build unwarranted fear towards those humans unlike themselves. We are here tonight to herald and reaffirm the good character of the common people. Character of common humanity guides the majority of us. I grieve to see the strength of the old hatreds summoned to beat down other members of the human race. The Lord placed us in a world where people abuse and use the cudgel of prejudice for their own gain. We must stand strong for justice, we must reach out in love, we must march forward together. As we celebrate a small victory tonight, we know there are those who would claw us back. Control and power long for the days of evil and torture. The darkness still plots, far too many are filled with greed and fear. Poverty reigns, because wealth cannot see an equitable economy is a growth economy. Prosperity for all of us builds a richer life even for the wealthiest. Stand up for justice, stand up for the downtrodden, pray your heart feels for others, and your voice is never silenced during times of tribulation. We began to build a more perfect union, our plans were not made complete, and our voices were silenced. America has continued to lag and delay; the promissory note is not paid in full. We give wealth to wealth, as we steal from the poor. We must use the power of democracy to vote for justice. The ballot speaks louder than any megaphone of propaganda. I urge all of you to live up to your best selves. Never stop being an ally to our better angels. Please welcome my sometime adversary but always an ally Mr. Kennedy.
“Good evening, we are honored to be here as we mark America passing this crisis point. Let me also note the Kennedy family is large and there have always been a place for a few eccentrics.” He paused to let the laughter subside, then continued, “Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. It is our calling. It is the eternal struggle of man with himself. All ailments: war, injustice, destroying the very world that sustains us, come from the inner struggle within each person. Be fierce warriors for what is right but carry within you a gentle soul. We are all travelers in a foreign land. We must all learn respect and honor for the other travelers. We must learn to heal the land, to leave it unmarked and abundant for future travelers.
I once spoke these words to my time, but I think it appropriate for the current time. For we as a people, we as a people, are strong enough, we are brave enough to be told the truth of where we stand. This country needs honesty and candor in its political life and from the President of the United States. I want us to find out the promise of the future, what we can accomplish here in the United States, what this country does stand for and what is expected of us in the years ahead. And I also want us to know and examine where we've gone wrong. And I want all of us, young and old, to have a chance to build a better country and change the direction of the United States of America.
We did not accomplish all we intended. We did not meld together our nation to solve our common problems. Studies were made but not implemented. We ignored lessons and repeated mistakes. People used the turmoil of our time to gain power through setting Americans against Americans. Power seekers conjured the old demons.
Now, we must commit to retain the gains and recognize the failings. Participation in democracy is our greatest strength; an informed citizenry is our best hope. Push back against the misinformation and false images of your time. The challenges have increased but the tools to push back are greater. Remember my brother’s greatest request. ‘Ask not what your country and do for you, ask what you can do for your country’
Have a good night, your rooms will send you home well rested. Return to the current world understanding we all have a part to play. The Dream still lives, dream with it.”
The two men walked away. The music returned. Everyone’s badge must have offered to guide them to what most interested the wearer. Pathfinder spoke up, “impressive what would you two like to experience before your time ends?”
“I would like to return to the astral gardens. I think Lyla might enjoy it as well.”
“Yes, extend our fantasy time.”
We sat taking in the awe-inspiring scenes swirling around us. We shared in silence for long stretches of time; did time exist here?
Lyla rose, “Time to call it a night.”
She looked at the number on her arm, “I do hope we get in touch to compare notes. How much will we remember?”
I tapped my badge, “Pathfinder, do you have answer for Lyla?”
“You will return at the time you left dressed as you arrived. It will seem a dream or a moment of déjà vu. You will have memories. Room will see that you are rested and ready to return. Mr. Ruiz the classic uniform and Lyla the dazzling dress will be only memories. You will feel a new commitment to America’s future. Robert Kennedy often quoted George Bernard Shaw, you may also dream of things that have never been and ask why not.”
Our badges guided us to our rooms. I slept in unmeasured time. In the morning, it seemed morning. I stepped out of the shower ready to return.
Room asked, “I wish you well Mr. Ruiz. How do feel?”
“Room refreshed. I am ready to return.”
I looked at my forearm; I saw the name Lyla and a number.
“Step into the swirling door. Do not forget your coffee cup.”
“Thank you, Room, and thank Pathfinder for me.”
“We will. Pathfinder is incorrigible but the best badge.”
I steadied myself. The aroma of coffee drew me to the kitchen. My cup was empty. I better pour another. An amazing dream or was it. I did have a name and number on my arm. I should drink my coffee and then text. What if it was a hallucination?
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