/ ABOUT /
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the story of NUKONA CODE
PART I : 2053 : “LIGHT IN THE SKY & TRAVELING TIME”
Nukona Martin finally opened his eyes and found himself in a hospital bed - next to a hologram of vital signs. Out the window, he noticed a giant, glowing spotlight in the sky that read with flashing colors:
“2053—Keep Austin Weird!”
It was like the Bat-Signal. The mayor displayed this light in the sky celebrating local businesses, cultural diversity, and the Free Week Music Festival in Austin, TX that started years ago in 2003.
Meanwhile, everything was a blur. The last thing Nukona remembered was a collection of guitar picks, that had fallen out of his bag, while driving. But, he had no idea how much time had passed since then.
He noticed his favorite laptop was hovering to his side, along with his other possessions, on the nightstand next to his bed. Then, he noticed a badge on the nightstand that read:
“MAX GREENSEN, VIP, BACKSTAGE, ALL ACCESS PASS”
A nurse came into the room. She was wearing blue scrubs.
He heard her sickly sweet, sing-song voice - as it began calling his name. It sent chills up his spine. He started to struggle and panic, as a strange woman was intruding into his hospital room. Whoever she was, her name tag read, “Lucy”. She greeted Nukona, as he opened his eyes.
“Nukona. There you are! Hi honey. You’ve been asleep for hours and hours. How are you feeling? Can you talk at all? You’re all banged up! I’m so relieved that you’re still alive. I can’t imagine anymore fun nights without you, honey. You were so amazing the other night. I’ve got a new rock song waiting for you and it’s right here!”
Lucy smiled and winked, with a seductive look on her face, as she took off her scrub top and pointed to her chest. She was wearing a black crop top that read: “I KISSED THE SINGER” in hot pink letters.
Nukona struggled to utter words. Then, he realized something wasn’t right. He was unable to speak. He was known for his “rock ’n’ roll”, sultry singing voice. But, Nukona felt that something devastating had just happened, and maybe those days were over.
He grabbed for his laptop, in attempts to communicate a response, by typing with his right hand. His left hand was weighted down with an IV, tubing, and tape.
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Nukona typed: “Who in the HELL are you? Where am I? What happened? My neck... my throat is in so much pain!”
Lucy read the response on his laptop, then responded with a mischievous tone,
“The doctor will be in later today,” Lucy said. “They’re going to discuss surgery options. Let’s keep an open mind for what’s going to happen. But I’ll be with you, by your side, through it all.
“Oh! And don’t forget about your favorite hovering laptop,” to which Nukona thought was an odd comment, since the laptop was literally in his hands. It’s almost as if Lucy was making small talk, trying to establish a connection with him.
"If you’re feeling better, then you can work on new music, if the mood strikes. I know your hands are probably sore. Awww my poor baby! But, if you’re up for it then it’s here.
“You’re so sexy when you work on new music, honey!” Nukona cringed.
he pulled the hovering laptop back and typed another response: “Please. Stop calling me ‘honey’. And stop talking to me like I’m a booty call. I’ve never seen you or met you before in my entire life!”
Lucy read the response and commented, “Oh sweetheart. You must have hit your head real hard in that car accident. It’s me! I’m your girlfriend - Lucy!”
Lucy took her nurse badge off of her scrub top, then shoved it in Nukona’s face, as if it would help him remember who she claimed to be.
Then, she commented over her shoulder, as she walked out with her scrub top and badge now back in place.
“Get some rest. The doctor will be in soon.”
***
The doctor stepped into Nukona’s hospital room several hours later. “Mr. Nukona Martin, I’m Dr. Liam Boyd.”
Nukona studied the tall man, in the white coat, standing by his bed. He took a deep breath, then typed a message, loaded with all the unanswered questions in his head:
“Doc, please tell me what in the HELL is going on! I have no idea where I am, what happened, or how I got here.”
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The doctor read and seemed shocked. “No one has told you yet? I don’t know any easy way to tell you this. You were involved in a major car accident, treated at another facility, then transferred to our hospital for more advanced care.
“Nukona, I regret to inform you that the accident has left you with vocal cord paralysis. It’s very unlikely that you will be able to, well, sing again.”
Dr. Boyd paused then finished sympathetically, “I am so very sorry, Sir!”
Nukona stared back at the doctor. Then, he put his head down and covered his eyes with his right hand, and shook his head over and over again.
The doctor continued,
“But Nukona, there is one option that you might be interested in. Although, it’s going to involve an immense amount of, well, sacrifice and soul searching for you.”
Nukona looked up with hope and optimism in his face. Then, he typed up a response to the doctor on his hovering laptop:
“I’m listening. What’s the catch?”
“Nukona, let me step out of clinical mode for a moment. Are you familiar with science fiction characters like Marty McFly from ‘Back to the Future’, the T-800 from ‘Terminator’, or the NASA Pilot from ‘Interstellar’?”
Nukona started typing: “Of course. I’m a total SciFi nerd. But what does that have to do with me?”
Dr. Boyd continued, “I’m part of a medical team that has partnered with NASA for a top secret project. Hmmm, how do I say this? Well, okay, if I may, I have a question for you. Maybe you’ve heard about recent rumors, advances, and new progress in technology concerning time travel. But, do you believe that it can be done successfully?”
Nukona began typing again: “Well, I still can’t imagine how this has anything to do with me. But, never say never. Yeah, I could believe in time travel.”
Dr. Boyd responded, “Please listen closely to what I’m about to say. Our medical team could potentially repair your vocal cords. It would fully repair your talking voice. And, it would repair your singing voice by converting it to something ‘glitchy and robotic’ - something similar to autotune. I think they call the device, or instrument, a ‘vocoder’ in music jargon.
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“But there would be a catch. To receive this newly developed technique—not available to anyone else at this stage—you agree to travel to the year 2019 on a mission with supreme importance.”
“This seems shady. This feels like coercion”, Nukona typed.
“That’s an ugly word,” the doctor replied as he read Nukona’s typing. “This is as much a political decision as a medical one. It’s out of my hands. You are, of course, free to reject the deal.”
“But why me?” Nukona typed: “Why am I the best candidate for this bizarre time travel mission?”
“You want the details?” Dr. Boyd asked.
“Yes. But get to it. The timer starts now.” Nukona typed.
Dr. Boyd responded, “We know you’re the perfect match for our time travel mission because our previous time travel mission was already successful in the distant past.”
Nukona looked intrigued. Dr. Boyd paused then continued,
“You see, Nukona, we were given a code from an Ancient Latin prophetic source, that envisioned you were the chosen one for this time travel mission. And the code was:
‘NukonaNatusXII.II.MMXXIII-DateExAccidenteVocalistXII.XXVIII.MMLII’.
“‘Natus’ is Latin for ‘born’. ‘Date ex accidente vocalist’ is Latin for ‘date of the vocalist accident’.
“Why are you the chosen one? Maybe it’s something genetic. Maybe you have a certain ability that will deliver success. Maybe, deep inside, you’re more tenacious than others. Or, maybe it’s simply because you’re moldable, trainable, and able to adapt.
“But, either way, that is your name in the Ancient Latin prophetic code. 12-02-23 is your birthday. And, your accident happened about two weeks ago - December 28th. Pretty strong coincidence, don’t you think?
“You stay here in 2053 and hope for the best with your new life, without rock music and singing. Or, you join our mission because, let’s be honest, it’s pretty obvious that this Ancient Latin prophetic code has your name written all over it... What do you say?”
“If you’re for real,” Nukona typed, “then what do I really have to lose? If I stay in my own time, I won’t have any more rock music career. No life. No livelihood. No where to go. But I need
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time to think about all of this, alone. And the creepy nurse, or whoever she is, that was in here earlier, Lucy - she isn’t helping your cause. I’ve got a bad feeling about her. Her nurse badge ID ended in: ‘666’. That number has shady written all over it. She says she’s my girlfriend and acts like we’re lovers. But I’ve never seen her or met her before in my entire life. I would know. So nice try.”
Dr. Boyd responded, “Well Nukona, I understand. However, I’m just the doctor. You did hit your head in that car accident. And you’re on medical treatment. Either way, I have nothing to say about your interactions with this Lucy. Maybe you’re imagining these interactions because we don’t have a nurse today named Lucy.
“Anyway. Back to what I was saying about your mission. If you do decide to join this mission, I’ll be there participating in the surgery. But, before you depart for your time travel mission, you need to be introduced to Professor Jack Thaxton. He’s the physicist, the engineer, and, quite honestly, the genius behind the time travel aspect of this entire mission.
“We will plan to perform the procedure to repair your vocal cords later this week. Then, we are giving you two weeks to digest all of this and recover from all of your recent traumatic events - including the surgery.
“Then, we will allow you another two weeks for you to meet with Professor Jack Thaxton and prepare for departure - concerning your time travel mission to the year 2019.
“Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I have other patients to see. I’ll leave you to rest, think about the mission, and your decision.”
Dr. Boyd left the room while Nukona was left alone with his thoughts. Then, just as he was beginning to process, the eccentric nurse, Lucy, sneaked back through the door. There was something off about her. She gave Nukona a bad feeling as if she had nefarious, ulterior motives - as did the equipment she carried in her back pocket.
Lucy smirked as she asked, “So how did your conversation go with Dr. Bird?” Nukona was confused and typed another response: “Do you mean Dr. BOYD?”
Lucy halted, frozen as she realized her own mistake, while reading the response, “Yes. Well, anyways. So are you going to go on this mission? Are you going to go save the world or whatever? You don’t really believe in this ‘Ancient Latin prophetic code’ nonsense, do you?”
Nukona responded with a push back attitude on his face, as he typed a response: “You know what? I’ve decided that you can take your ‘groupie’ crop top and your phony nurse badge. And, you can go —”
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Lucy grabbed the hovering laptop and threw it aside.
She sassed back, “Oh honey. Why are you making this so hard for everyone, including yourself? Maybe you’ll change your mind, and come to your senses, after you wake up later. I love you. You love me. You and I are meant to be. You don’t want to stay in 2053? Then, it looks like we have to do this the hard way.”
Lucy pulled a syringe out of her scrubs and injected the dark pink fluid into Nukona’s IV. ”Just. Relax. This really is for the greater good... if you’d just comply.”
Nukona’s anger faded as his eyes grew heavy. The last thing he saw was Lucy’s glare burning with malice. In her hands was a retinal scanner used to “sign” legal documents.
***
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PART II : 2019 : “DESTINY & ANXIETY”
Nukona opened his eyes in a hovering Taxi, next to his bag of belongings. Then, he wrestled in his seat, “Woa! What? What’s happening?” He paused for a split second,
“Oh my God! My voice is back!”
He started to search his bag for anxiety pills. Then, he noticed something was different on the back of his neck. He touched it with his finger and it felt like a healing incision. He remembered Dr. Boyd talking about the surgery. But, why was there a healing incision on the back of his neck? What did the back of his neck have to do with repairing his vocal cords?
A robot driver greeted him, “Good morning, Nukona Martin. Are you comfortable in the back seat?”
Nukona ignored the question, as he had other things to be concerned about, “Where am I? Where are we going?”
The robot driver replied, “Destination is the residency of Jack Thaxton in Westlake.”
Nukona arrived, at Professor Thaxton’s luxurious home in Westlake, an affluent Austin suburb. He rang the doorbell.
Professor Thaxton greeted him, “Ah ha! Yep. You look like a musician. Although, I was expecting some piercings or wild hair, since they said you’re a rock musician.”
Nukona commented with a defensive tone, before he stepped into Professor Thaxton’s house, “Look, Professor Thaxton, I don’t know what’s going on or how I got here. One minute, I was in a hospital bed, with a Dr. Boyd talking about this crazy time travel mission. Then, I found myself in a Taxi. Now, I’m here. And, I still don’t really know why. So, to say the least, I don’t know how I really feel about you or any of this yet.”
Professor Thaxton replied, “Fair enough, kid. Let’s talk about it over coffee. I don’t mean any harm. I’m just the physicist and the engineer, honestly. Come on in. I’ll tell you everything I know.”
The professor paused then continued, “But first, tell me, what do you know about time travel?”
Nukona rolled his eyes, then stepped inside the house, with hesitation in his steps.
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Nukona replied, “Next to nothing, really. I know this mission involves time travel. But I don’t know how or why. Although, I have to be honest with you, the anticipation is killing me!”
The professor chuckled, as he started to give him more details, through the presentation of something ambiguous, “Have you ever been to Six Flags?”
Nukona replied,“Uhhh Yeah? Why?”
The professor continued, “Well, believe it or not, time travel is just like an amusement park or a museum in the future. In the future, people travel through time for fun, for recreation, for vacation, for get away purposes, maybe even for their honeymoon. It becomes just another spectator sport. Although, there are guidelines and regulations that come with these time traveling ‘excursions’, if you want to call them that.
“But, unfortunately, with freedom comes responsibility. And, when this freedom falls into the wrong hands, bad things can happen. Corrupt things. Evil things.”
Professor Thaxton looked at Nukona and sighed deeply, “Nukona, I think Dr. Boyd already mentioned to you that he and I are part of a team, appointed by the federal government and NASA, that consists of doctors, physicists, and engineers?”
Nukona nodded. “Yes. That’s why I’m here. Again, the anticipation is killing me, professor. What is this all about?”
“Nukona, our team has reason to believe, after traveling into the future, that a man named Max Greensen starts hijacking time travel ‘excursions’, sabotages their destinations, and leaves them stranded on a New Earth. This New Earth is intended for an ultimate hope and future, after the Earth we know now is out of resources and proper habitation status for facilitating human life. But, Max Greensen leaves these time travel tours stranded on this New Earth, without the essential life-sustaining elements that are needed for mankind to survive.”
Nukona interjected, “Max Greensen? How do I know that name? I can’t put my finger on it.”
The professor continued,
“I don’t know, kid. But, anyway. Back to what I was saying. This Max Greenness is corrupt. He’s jaded, bitter, blood thirsty, shameless, greedy, and...”
Nukona interjected again, “I get it. This Max Greensen is a scum bag. So, what’s the mission?”
“Ok Nukona. So the time travel mission starts in the year 2019. And please remember, please be aware, the times get super crazy and chaotic in the year 2020. The Corona virus pandemic, God almighty, I had to live through it. It was not fun at all. And, God forbid, we talk about it too much. Everyone beat it like a dead horse for at least two years. It was political and then the
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internet made it even worse with misinformation...” Professor Thaxton paused, “Anyway, where was I?”
Nukona spotted the weight that was burdening Professor Thaxton’s comments, as he lost his train of thought, “The time travel mission starts in 2019?”
Professor Thaxton continued, “Ah yes. Thank You. So in 2020, things will potentially get very lonely and disconsolate. And, I imagine this will especially be true for you, since, unfortunately you are an anomaly - a time traveler. But, my best advice to you is - don’t lose focus! Things will get better two or three years later. Use this time wisely. Write lyrics, record, study, get to know the times you’re living in. Enjoy yourself! But, don’t lose focus and don’t forget your two mandates!”
Nukona responded as Professor Thaxton paused, “Ok, go on.”
“Nukona, your first mandate in 2019 and beyond is, not only to continue your rock music career. But, it is imperative that you identify Max Greensen, study his every move through history, and create whatever kind of intervention is necessary, to prevent the event when he starts to hijack recreational time travel.
“I would love to give you a photo of Max Greensen. But, there are none available. Apparently, he is very sneaky and elusive. But, the others on the team have reason to believe that he is probably your age - give or take a few years. Although, he might be the ‘Doogie Howser’ type, when it comes to physics, engineering, and time travel. So even if you find him at a young age, do not be deceived, he could already be up to no good.”
Professor Thaxton continued, “Nukona, in the near future there’s also a famous, public figure and an author named Xavior Viviano. His writings and public retorts are all very clever. Maybe you’ve already heard of him before. He tends to visit colleges and universities in their ‘free speech zones’.
“Personally, I don’t believe in everything he says or talks about, because I’m more of an agnostic. But, there’s no denying that Xavior Viviano makes a historical impact, in the future. He’s a powerful voice and influence for world peace and hope - after things get very dark and cruel, to be honest with you.
“His powerful voice and influence inspires a culture-alerting movement and a symbol. This symbol is an X next to an hourglass, or two triangles connected to each other. The symbol represents living in the moment, living life to the fullest, and enjoying every moment as if it were our last. Because many people lose their loved ones, in the future, without a trace. And, we highly suspect that these happenings point to Max Greensen’s evil schemes.”
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Professor Thaxton paused again, then said, “Nukona, I may not have to spell this out for you, but Xavior Viviano and Max Greensen are rivals, adversaries, and enemies. The world becomes dark, cruel, and apathetic due to Max Greensen and his evil, negative influence on the morale of mankind. But, Xavior Viviano, his words are a strong, tenacious voice pointing to world hope and a bright, new future.”
Nukona nodded and responded, “Got it. Greensen, BAD. Viviano, GOOD.”
Professor Thaxton laughed, ”That’s exactly right, kid. Ok. So let’s talk about your second mandate in 2019. And, when I say second, I don’t mean it’s the least important part of your mission. Both mandates are contingent upon each other. And, you will understand what I’m trying to say here, real soon.
“Nukona, in the year 2019, there is a young woman named Holly. And, she just so happens to be the grandmother of Xavior Viviano. It is imperative that we preserve Holly’s lineage. Because Xavior Viviano eventually becomes such a powerful voice and influence for world peace and hope in the future.
“So, your second mandate is to find Holly, when you arrive in the year 2019. Our team has reason to believe that Holly will be working at the 24 Diner in Austin, TX. You can find her there. Give her this note, along with this wristband and ear buds. The wristband will function as a playback video. After she watches the video, that our team has recorded, she will understand what she needs to do.
“Anyway, here is a photo of Holly, provided by the team, for you to keep.”
Nukona’s jaw dropped, “Oh. My. God! She’s SO gorgeous! I mean... Seriously! She’s literally the most adorable face I’ve ever seen. It’s weird though. I felt like I’ve already met her before. She looks so familiar.”
Nukona responded as he was thinking out loud, “As I’m looking at this photo, I think I’m finding a way to face all my fears and anxieties. Sometimes conquering our fears means forgetting about ourselves, and facing a sea of the unknown, with a leap of faith, for the sake of someone else.”
Nukona took another look at Holly’s photo, mesmerized by her face which looked so familiar, then put it in his pocket for safe keeping.
Professor Thaxton continued,
“Okay, well, that all sounds good, kid. I think we’ve covered all the drama and conflict in your mission. Now, let’s move on to the fun science and the geeky details. I understand you’re already a musician and an engineer, so I think you’ll understand, holistically, what I have to say. I won’t go into the details of how, necessarily, but I’ll focus on the what and maybe even the why.”
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Nukona replied, “Fair enough.”
Professor Thaxton lead him into a massive room in his backyard, with a setup that looked like something straight out of a Star Trek transporter room.
“I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of approaches to time travel in movies,” the professor said. “But, I’m comfortable with only one ‘vehicle’ at this time. I don’t have time to go into the science of it all. All you need to do is trust me, which I hope you do, and do exactly as I say.”
“Right. I’ve known you for an entire hour or two. Sure. I trust you. Yeah.” Nukona commented with sarcasm.
“You can trust me, kid.” professor responded, “I’m a go big or go home kind of guy.”
Professor Thaxton handed Nukona a pair of gloves. “Ok. So. These gloves are like an access badge for time travel. They’re intricately designed and engineered to talk and communicate with my other devices during time travel.”
Professor Thaxton continued with his explanation as Nukona looked at the gloves.
“Here’s the drill: During your surgery, the medical team installed a small, flat chip in the back of your neck and just below your head—very inconspicuous. It’s like a thin piece of film. And when I give you the cue, you will raise your arms and hands in the air, creating a 3-point triangle. This will allow the gloves to connect with the chip in your neck, so they form a communication with your body as a whole.”
Nukona deadpanned. “Didn’t know about this chip that was installed inside of me. I was drugged before I could agree to anything. But I guess it doesn’t matter now. I’m here. And, I’m an all or nothing kind of guy. So let’s do this.”
Professor responded, “Ok. Well, high five, kid! Glad we met and we could have this talk. I think you’re a solid match for this mission. I’ll be monitoring your vital signs. Your personal nurse from the hospital, Lucy, will actually be my assistant - since she’s already familiar with your personal medical history.”
Nukona responded with apprehension,”Wait, what? Lucy? The impostor from my hospital room? Oh God, please no! She was so creepy and shady. She pretended to be lovers behind closed doors. But, I know she’s the one who drugged me in the hospital room, following the details with Dr. Boyd. Then, I woke up in a Taxi on the way here.”
Professor Thaxton responded, “Hmmm. Well, I don’t know anything about that, kid. Lucy is a new addition to our team. I understand that they hired her on, after she took care of you in the
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hospital. She made some heart warming comments during her interview. Sounds like she’s looking forward to more conversations with you, since you were such an easy going and low maintenance patient. Like I said, kid, I’m ultimately just the physicist and the engineer. Anyway. Let’s move on. So as I was saying, I will be monitoring all your vital signs.
“And that’s where THESE come in! Your own personal time travel monitor screen... well... they’re actually glasses. But they will allow me to communicate with 3D images and messages. Here you go, kid! I bet 2019 is going to find those pretty stylish, huh?”
Professor Thaxton handed Nukona a box. Inside the box were two pairs of glasses – two different styles. Nukona tried them on. They were like a virtual screen that showed his vital signs. There was an LED bar that indicated Thaxton was online, ready to send messages. It almost reminded Nukona of the old days with Teams chats.
Professor Thaxton looked down, as if he was forgetting about another somewhat important detail, then he continued,
“Oh, and another thing, Nukona. I already told you about Xavior Viviano. He’s a very important public figure in the future. His powerful voice and influence inspires a symbol, as I mentioned earlier. The symbol is an X next to an hourglass. It represents living in the moment, living life to the fullest, and enjoying every moment as if it were our last.
“So, our team has already discussed that, since you’re a musician, then maybe this time travel mission would be a potential opportunity. It could make an impression or an influence on Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z - maybe even the Baby Boomer generation. The possibilities are endless during your time travel mission to the year 2019 and beyond.
“Our team wants to create a precedence for the 21st century. And, we want to prepare the way for the culture-altering movement, inspired by Xavior Viviano’s writings and retorts, that change the course of history in the future.
“Who knows? Maybe your influence in the 21st century will cause a chain reaction, and inspire an even bigger culture-altering movement, along with another new symbol.
“Anyway... I recommend putting the ‘X and hourglass’ symbol on a guitar, or maybe even wearing a t-shirt with the ‘X and hourglass’ symbol on it, if the mood strikes.”
Nukona replied, “Ok. Yeah. Sure. I’m down with that. I could make that work.”
Professor Thaxton gave a thumbs up then stopped in his tracks, “Oh! Oh! Oh! And how could I forget!”
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“There’s more?”, Nukona asked.
“Oh yes! There’s more.” The professor said, “I want you to meet your new time traveling sidekick, Porter - the name is short for ‘teleporter’.”
The professor picked up a remote and continued, “Nukona, you’re about to embark on an exciting, yet lonely journey. Porter is powered by artificial intelligence. And, although artificial intelligence is very common these days. It’s not as common, in the year you’re traveling to.
“Porter will be available for a conversation whenever you need morale support or simply just to get thoughts off your chest. But, Porter will also be available to inform you of any concerns about who, what, when, where, why, and how. And, he won’t go to sleep unless you command him to do so. He will essentially provide you with what the glasses, or monitors already do. The glasses will be synchronized with Porter’s operating system. But, Porter is more concerned with your mental health and well being, not so much your vital signs, or what I have to communicate with you through 3D images and messages. Although, if he senses your vital signs are presenting a health problem, then he will alert you.
“Porter is simply intended to provide a sense of companionship in a strange and unprecedented environment. And, he’ll be departing ahead of you, during the time travel procedure. I’ve programmed Porter to assess the environment, when he arrives in 2019, so he can can help you speed up the process of getting settled in.
“Just remember, though, he is artificial intelligence. And you may not always like how he answers your questions. But he will always be your loyal robot companion. If his algorithms sense that there’s something you should know, based on how I’ve programmed him and his operating system, he will always verbalize his concerns to you.”
Nukona looked at Porter to break the ice, “Wow! I’ve always wanted my own AI robot. “Hello Porter! How’s your day going... or... whatever?”
Porter responded with enthusiasm, “It is my sincerest pleasure to meet you, Nukona. I’m doing quite well and so honored to be your new best friend and sidekick on this epic time travel mission.”
Nukona laughed then responded with sarcasm. “Well, okay, then, thank you, Porter. The pleasure is actually all mine.”
***
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Nukona was resting on a bench in Zilker Park of Austin, TX. He contemplated everything that the professor had already mentioned, as he waited anxiously for a message through his monitor glasses - an update about the details concerning his imminent time travel departure.
Then, he took an anxiety pill out of his pocket and swallowed it.
“Forget everything you think you know about time. It’s basically an illusion. Space and time are one. Think of it like this,” the professor had said. “Time is a function of the universe’s expansion. You know about that, the Big Bang? How the universe began, how it is continuing to grow? Faster than the speed of light, all that?”
Nukona had nodded. He wasn’t a scientist or a physicist like Professor Thaxton. He was a musician and an engineer, although he nurtured an abiding interest in scientific discovery. He had been raised in a Christian family. So, he was personally ‘indifferent’ to the idea of The Big Bang Theory, or the topic of Evolution.
In Nukona’s mind, it was more concerning to focus on evolution of the heart, mind, and body. Creation was an artistic philosophy of innovating ideas, embracing change, making a clean cut from past mistakes, second chances, constantly learning, constantly improving, constantly nurturing the relationships that cultivated who he was or who he would become. He was on the verge of becoming so bitter, after the car accident that lead him to vocal cord paralysis - ending the music career he loved. And, his struggle with anxiety was augmented by all of the new uncertainties. But, now, he felt a new purpose with his music and the time travel mission, not to mention his excitement about crossing paths with Holly.
***
It was 11:30 pm at Zilker Park. And, it was almost time for Nukona’s time travel departure. Professor Thaxton started sending Nukona messages and images through his monitor glasses. Then, the conversation shifted to the weather.
The professor was becoming excited, more animated as he spoke with Nukona.
“Hey kid, you probably heard that there’s a storm coming through tonight in Austin. I want to send you off on your mission, before the storm hits.”
The professor must have been busy! As he appeared on Nukona’s monitor glasses, Nukona noticed in the professor’s video that there was a white board. The white board had an equation featuring the elemental symbols for “Sodium” and “Titanium”. The end result was circled with emphasis, surrounded by other chicken scratch notes. The elemental symbols made Nukona think of the Ancient Latin prophetic code.
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He also noticed a large map of Texas, with an old 100 dollar bill pinned over the northeastern part of the state. A slew of memories hit Nukona, as he recalled that he was named after his grandfather’s hometown in Nocona, TX.
All of the sudden, Nukona had an overwhelming feeling that these images were speaking to him. It was as if these were all signs, an omen, that he was in the right place at the right time.
Professor Thaxton sent Nukona a message:
“Ok, Nukona! Your time has come! Lift up your arms and hands, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and reach for the sky. The time travel process will begin in a few seconds.”
A glow of yellow-orange and silver surrounded Nukona’s head with sparks of green, blue, and purple electricity that surrounded his body. Through the intensity of this departure experience, the only thing Nukona could think of was finally seeing Holly face to face — the mysteriously familiar girl who had captivated his thoughts for weeks. Nukona briefly opened his eyes, as he was curious about the time. The time in his monitor glasses read 12:02:23 am. Nukona began to feel pressure throughout his body, with a tingling sensation through his arms. In the blink of an eye, Nukona vanished into thin air.
***
Nukona’s arrival to the year 2019 had been a whirlwind.
But, he remembered what the professor had mentioned about the year 2020 and lockdown.
So he spent some time hitting up Sixth Street, the Warehouse District, The Red River Cultural District, the Rainey Street Historic District, and other areas of town with large concentrations of music venues. Maybe he could find some inspiration in Austin, TX - in the midst of his time travel mission and mental health struggles. After all, it was one of the most famous and inventive music cities in America. He dreamed about the idea of joining forces with a drummer, a DJ, or something orchestral like a violinist.
Then, one day, Nukona received an email through Porter’s operating system. The email read:
“Hi nukona martin
Rock music changed my life, in a divine way, years ago at a summer camp. I’ve always wanted to reproduce the same experience and pass it on to the masses. But, I’ve never met the right people, as I’m painfully shy and struggle with crowd anxiety.
Although, I recently stumbled across your music online, and felt compelled to message you. So if you’re interested in collaborating and joining forces, even if it’s online and virtual, then I’m your guy. I think we could do great things together.
Here’s a link to my private music. Please let me know if any of this strikes your interest. Cheers,
(10 of 11)
DJ ALIEN SUMMER”
As Nukona browsed through the private music library of DJ Alien Summer, he was immediately thrilled with the idea of working together and forming a band. It felt like a perfect match. The new duo started working on new music right away.
Meanwhile, aside from the duo, Nukona continued to occupy his free time, with everything that Dr. Liam Boyd and Professor Jack Thaxton had mentioned. And, he decided, after all, to make some black shirts with the “X and hourglass” symbol on them. He recalled that the professor had shared this idea, on the topic of Xavior Viviano, because it would potentially be an influence on early 21st century generations. The “X and hourglass” symbol would serve as a reminder that life is short and the clock is running - so enjoy every moment and don’t lose focus.
Sure enough, people would ask, “What’s with the bright symbol on your shirt? Is that an hourglass next to an ‘X’?”
Nukona would smile, laugh, and say, “Oh, a friend gave me this shirt. The truth is out there and I want to believe.” Then, he would smile and wink, assuming most people would get the nerdy reference.
But, then, he would continue, “No, but really. I’ve had some hard series of events happen in life recently. The “X and hourglass” symbol are a reminder to myself that life is short, to enjoy every moment, to seize the day, to follow my dreams, and don’t lose focus.”
Some people would smile and nod. Other people would have a bewildered look on their face. Either way, Nukona felt like the “X and hourglass” symbol was a personal reminder, that his new life was filled with second chances, and an opportunity to potentially change the course of history.
Although, tracking down and identifying Max Greensen proved to be much more difficult than he expected - even after the pandemic lockdown ended.
***
Weeks turned into months and months turned into years. After collaborating in the studio with DJ Alien Summer, Nukona was finally done with recording an album that encapsulated so many of his deepest personal conflicts and mental health struggles, from 2053 and 2019 - everything in between as well.
(11 of 11)
DJ Alien Summer found it hard to believe Nukona’s story about time travel. But, then, he figured, well, never say never. Maybe Nukona is telling the truth.
After all, DJ Alien Summer was really just in it for the music, and hoping to affect the masses through robust electro rock music.
Nukona thought it would make sense to name this rock alternative persona after the foreshadowing and technology revolving around this mission. Nukona Martin needed a nickname that captured every milestone up until now: the Ancient Latin prophetic code that envisioned he was destined for the mission, the monitor images in the professors video that corresponded with the code, the “X and hourglass” symbol, and the vocoder-like device installed in his neck during surgery.
Nukona martin and DJ Alien Summer both agreed and decided on:
NUKONA CODE.
They made plans to release a debut album and called it “Duo Punctum Nulla”. The title was latin for “2.0” - inspired by the Ancient Latin prophetic code.
“Duo Punctum Nulla” was an album about second chances to thrive in life. It also encapsulated Nukona’s enthusiasm about joining forces with DJ Alien Summer, along with his musings of Holly.
Although, as time continued, Nukona started having flashbacks of Holly. And, he continued to realize why she looked so familiar in the photo. One flashback was from while he was in the hospital, still unconscious, as Holly struggled with a strange man in the same hospital room. Then, she vanished into thin air with this stranger - as sparks of green, blue, and purple electricity lingered in the hospital room.
Meanwhile, Nukona wondered if the “VIP PASS” he noticed on the nightstand, in the hospital room, had anything to do with this flashback. And, in the midst of these flashbacks, crossing paths with Holly felt more and more urgent.