Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 10: Meeting Chun Lee

Chapter 10: Meeting Chun Lee

Day 1

Welcome address of the Empress

The Imperium Union National Anthem

The Pledge of Loyalty

Imperium Union Forum

When I woke up, it was already morning. I rescanned the scheduled events that shall happen today which is the Day 1 of the Bicentennial Foundation Week of Imperium Union. Medyo nalito ako sa pangalan din ng event dahil Imperium Ball ang buong alam ko, pero ang totoo pala ay ang nabanggit ko kanina. Though people usually refer to it as the Imperium Ball na lang, but the actual name of the events that shall happen all-week is the Bicentennial Foundation Week of Imperium Union which aims to celebrate, recall, and reminisce the past where the world was in anarchy, and when the world was finally united with all that is left of it through the Imperium Government, creating the Imperium Union.

Anyway, the events that shall happen today will happen tonight which means that we still have the entire day to rest as well, I did not try to call Lag anymore as I think he was still fast asleep and I guess he was tired.

Instead, napagdesisyunan kong mag-iwan na lang ng mensahe sa kaniya. Hindi ko na siya aabalahin pa gaya ng ginawa ko kanina. He deserves to rest too.

Lag, I will be going around Imperium Capital—I hope I do not get lost, since we still have free time until tonight where the actual opening ceremony shall be commenced. I did not bother waking you up anymore since I kept you up late last time. When you wake up, leave a message so I will know and come back. Also, I will be leaving my GPS tracker so that you’ll know where I am, and so that if I am lost, you will know where to fetch me.

After sending this message to Lag, I immediately went to the bathroom in order to prepare. Naligo ako (and to be honest, I did not need to move as there were these weird machine hands that scrubbed my body, put shampoo and conditioner to my hair, it felt weird and foreign, as all I had to do was simply stand) at saka tumungo sa Tech-Wardrobe. Gaya rin ito ng nasa mansion ni Lag. Natuwa naman ako dahil dito, it feels like I am a designer myself. Though there are also default design for clothes already, ang ginawa ko na lang ay pumili ako ng plain na design ng bestida, at saka nag-conceptualize ako ng mga bulaklak na siyang nakaimprinta sa bestida. It was a black dress that fell until my knees like waves of the sea, and I decided to wear black sandals with flower designs on top as well. I do not know but I felt like wearing black for this day... And I remember my promise to Ingrid that from now on, I shall wear things that will constantly remind her, and probably of myself, of what the old world looks like... Though this was just artificial as well, at least there is the thought which accounts for it all.

Tumingin ako matapos ang ilang sandali sa aking repleksyon sa Tech-Wardrobe.

Proceed to another transaction?

Yes or No

I raised my hand and pointed the No option, bigla namang nawala ang liwanag ng Tech-Wardrobe at bumukas ito. Lumabas naman na ako at doon at saka naglakad papunta sa pinto. I am amazed by this technology that allows you to get dressed effortlessly, and you can use your mind to bring into life whatever it is that you are thinking of. It felt like I was connected to this machine, and this machine will read the idea that I have, encrypt it into its system, decode it, and put it into work. But at the same time, nakaramdam ako ng kaba dahil ibig sabihin, may teknolohiyang kayang magbasa ng iyong iniisip. Wala na talagang privacy sa mundong ito.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng aking kuwarto at saka lumabas na, tumanaw ako sa saradong pinto sa tabi ko kung saan naroroon si Lag. I decided to start walking towards the elevator after, ang marmol na sahig ay kumikinang base rin sa kung saan ako umaapak. It was majestic and beautiful. The corridors seem long as well, and I guess this floor is where they keep their guests as I also encounter some who are coming out and entering their respecting rooms—they were all well dressed, and minimalism was nothing here. I felt out of place, as I was not grandly dressed. I prefer the minimalistic style. Tumigil ako sa harap ng isang elevator, awtomatiko namang bumukas ito at bumungad ang isang robot na siyang pumipindot sa mga buttons.

“Please speak the floor that you want to go to.” It spoke with its monotonous voice.

“Ground floor.” Sagot ko naman. Sumunod naman ang robot at saka pinindot ang ground floor. From the 78th floor, we descended towards the ground floor. The elevator was transparent, and it showed the landscape of the entire city as we were so high in the sky—I am amazed that this city-ship managed to carry this amount of weight and not sink in the middle of the ocean, but I guess there must be turbulent energy somewhere beneath this city-ship that also manages this and ensures it. This city, though, for sure, has been wasting a lot of energy ever since. We were at the most central part, and I realized that the Palace we were at was a hotel for guests, and I guess the top-most part of it was also a landing point for aircrafts. I guess the same is for other buildings in this place. They have utilized every space that they can afford... I can understand that knowing the limited area this ship has.

The architecture of the place was also beautiful, it was more sophisticated than Ancora City—I guess it is because this city-ship is where the richest men lives, and this is where the Astarria Family resides as well. Hindi naman tataguriang pinakamayaman na siyudad ito kung hindi dahil doon.

“May I inquire where I can get a map of the city?” Tanong ko sa robot.

It seems to analyze my inquiry, after a few seconds, it spoke. “Please show your M-ring so that I can transfer the detailed map of Imperium Capital.” Saad nito, sinunod ko naman ang utos ng robot. I let out my finger and showed my M-ring, matapos ang ilang sandali ay biglang nagkaroon ng tila laser-lights mula sa mga mata ng robot, at biglang kuminang ang aking M-ring, a few seconds later, I heard this beep that seems to be emitted by my ring which is something only I can hear, and the ring glowed.

“Transferring of Imperium Capital Map—initiating, 10 percent, 20 percent, 40 percent, 80 percent, 100 percent—transferring success.”

Kasabay nito ay biglang bumukas ang elevator, we were already in the ground floor. Kompara sa koridor ng ika-78 na palapag, mas maraming tao ngayon dito sa ground floor. Sobrang lawak ng Palace Hotel—akala ko rin talaga kanina ay ito na mismo ang palasyo kung nasaan nakatira ang mga Astarria, I was wrong.

Lumabas na ako sa elevator, I rotated my ring as well and it emitted this hologram feature that only I can see. The ring, after all, is also connected to all of my senses... Kaya tanging ako lang ang makakaalam kung ano ang pinapakita nito o pinaparinig.

I tapped on the map of the city, and it showed a full-scale landscape and details of Imperium Capital in 3-dimensional style—I was amazed as I can see everything here already, and it seems that there is no longer a need to explore the city personally as I can simply just scan through the map. There is also a blue dot that had a radar that was somehow moving depending on the direction that I was pointing my ring at. Alam ko na agad na ang bughaw na tuldok na iyon ay kung nasaan ako, when I zoomed the map where the dot was at, it stated Palace Hotel. It was located at the northern side of the city-ship, ang gitna naman ng city-ship ay ang Imperium Stronghold, alam ko na agad na dito nakatira ang Astarria Family, at sobrang lawak nito—it seems like this will be the place as well where the events shall occur.

Because I was looking at the hologram while walking, hindi ko napansin na may tao pala sa harap ko. I bumped into a random stranger, and I fell on the ground with a faint humph. Naramdaman ko ang pagbagsak ko sa malamig na sahig, at ang bahagyang pagsakit ng aking likod na tumama sa marmol.

“Ouch...” I sighed and looked at the stranger that I bumped into. “I’m sorry...”

Bahagya akong napatitig sa makisig na lalakeng nasa harap ko. He seems to be around my age, and he looked kind of Chinese... But of course, in this time, there is no such thing as these races already—no more concept of Asian, American, African, or such. No more Filipinos, Chinese, or such. Just Imperials, in general... However, there is a sub-nationality depending on the country where you belong—those under Uno are called Unon, Duo are Duon, Tre are Tren, Qua are Quan, and Cin are Cinn. Those, on the other hand, who reside in this artificial paradise, the Imperium Capital, are called Capitan—and they are regarded highly—as of course, they are the richest and the most powerful. A city where such men lives... I am sure they have also clustered themselves accordingly to who is the most powerful noble, and the balanced, moderate, and the lowest noble.

Anyway, basing on that, I think this stranger that I bumped into belongs to the country Uno, which used to be China... And that makes him an Unon.

“Sorry...” Saad ko muli matapos ang ilang sandali ng pagtitig ko sa kaniya. Hindi ko alam, nagmukha akong tangang nakaupo sa sahig na tumitig sa mukha ng isang estranghero. He looked gorgeous and perfect! Gosh! Siguro puwede siyang maging modelo kung nasa panahon pa ako noon, parang si Lag din. His slightly disheveled hair, his thin but full eyebrows that were clean, his eyes that seem to be sharp because of its slit-like shape, his small pointed nose, and lips—this man is like a person who was carved in perfection, and I cannot help but wonder if he was synthetic, or everything is purely natural just like Lag’s. But of course, that would be offensive to ask him, right?

The man held his hand out for me, at nagdalawang-isip naman ako. Ngunit tinanggap ko naman ang kamay niya at saka niya ako tinulungang tumayo. “You okay?” He asked with a smile, showcasing his perfect set of teeth.

I smiled simply and nodded, “yes... I was busy looking at the city’s map, which is why I was not able to see you standing there...” Nahihiya namang saad ko, bahagya siyang tumingin sa kamay niya matapos ang ilang sandaling pagkakatitigan, at doon ko na-realize na nakahawak pa rin ako sa kaniya kahit na nakatayo na ako. Bumitaw naman agad ako, I awkwardly smiled and the man chuckled.

“I am Chun Lee, and you are?” He asked.

“Primrose Nightingale, I mean... Primrose Ghani.”

“Are you new here?”

I nodded, “yes, my first time.”

“That explains why...” Aniya, but he didn’t mean any offense when he stated that. “Be careful next time and make sure to look at where you are going, alright? It is a crime to cause commotion, and you may be sanctioned accordingly if the person you bothered files a report... But rest assured, I won’t.”

I nodded and smiled awkwardly, bahagya ko ring inayos ang ilang nagulong hibla ng aking buhok. “I really am sorry...”

“It is really okay...” He replied. The way he carried himself was somehow like Lag too. They had the same aura. I guess he is one powerful individual as well... And I guess everyone here are, but what I also realized is that there is also a stratification among the rich, there is the higher elites, which composes of the Astarria Family and those connected to them, then the middle elites, I guess Lag belongs here, and the lower elites. “From what country are you from?” He asked, trying to continue the conversation that we had.

“Tre.” I smiled.

“What city there?” He asked once more. “Sorry, I just find it unusual to be hit by someone. This is first time, I am intrigued.”

I laughed, “Ancora.”

“I see... You must be with Lucius, then?”

Tumaas naman ang isang kilay ko, “you know him?”

“Yes. We are acquainted,” ngumiti siya matapos ang ilang sandali, “anyway, why are you not with him?”

“He is still asleep,” sagot ko naman, “I actually am his sister.” I smiled after. “I left early because I feel like exploring this place... But then, I got this 3-dimensional map from the robot at the elevator, so I guess there is no need, but still, I want to see things for myself as they are.”

“Wait, you’re his sister?” He asked once more, totally ignoring the rest of the things I stated, and I nodded. “Ah, but you don’t look anywhere near him.” He stated, still unto the part where I said I was Lag’s sister.

“I was adopted.” Sagot ko naman, “so, we are not really blood-related, just by documents.” I explained.

“Have you eaten your breakfast?” Tanong ni Chun matapos ang ilang sandali, “if you want, I know a good place in this city that sells delicious foods.”

“Your treat?” I grinned, sidetracked with the original plan of exploring the city. But I guess having breakfast with this person is a good idea, given the fact that I am also starting to feel hungry. Maybe after breakfast, that’s the time I shall go and explore the city.

“Sure, my treat.” Aniya matapos ang ilang sandali habang nakangiti pa rin sa akin. He offered his hand once more, and I awkwardly held it. Naglakad na kami palabas ng hotel kung saan may itim na hovercar ang naghihintay na.

“Mayor Chun Lee,” a man greeted, yumuko ito kay Chun at saka tumingin sa akin.

“This girl is my guest.” Aniya matapos ang ilang sandali, at tumango naman ang lalake. He seems like he is working for Chun.

Pinagbuksan na niya kami ng pinto at sumakay naman na kami.

“Take us to Garden of Eve now, and while we are on the way, contact Garden of Eve, and state that I have a company with me so they can adjust the reservation and the meals.”

“Noted, Mayor Chun.”

Sumakay na kami pagkatapos, agad namang lumutang sa ere ang hovercar at saka gumalaw. I looked at the sceneries that we were passing by through the window, and I was mesmerized because of how elegant the city actually was. Hindi ko maiwasang mamangha. Everything here is manmade, it felt like I was in a utopia, however, the reality is far different... The actual world was actually in an apocalypse, and dystopia.

I sighed.

I rotated my M-ring after, and decided to leave a message to Lag.

I am with your friend, Chun Lee. I accidentally bumped into him at the Lobby of Palace Hotel, and he invited me for breakfast in this place called Garden of Eve.

“So, Prim, how old are you?” Chun asked.

“400 years old.” I replied without blinking an eye, dahil doon ay bahagya namang natawa si Chun. It seems like he has taken my serious answer as a joke, and that is also the time that I realized, that of course, it will not make sense for him. “Err, sorry, a bad joke,” I laughed, “I am 20 years old. How about you, Mayor Chun?”

“Ah, just Chun is fine.” He smiled, “I just turned twenty-five today.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, “happy birthday, then!”

He grinned, “thank you, Primrose.”

“Just Prim is fine.” I smiled at him.

“Alright, then, Prim.” He replied, “to properly introduce myself once more, I am Chun Lee, and the mayor of Lexus City in Uno.”

Tumango naman ako, “may I know how many cities are there in Uno?”

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo niya, as if telling me that is should be common knowledge already.

“Uhm, three cities. Every district or country has three cities, that’s like the most common and most known knowledge.”

I chuckled, “right, I was just joking.” I replied, hiding away the fact that I actually did not know because I was not from this world, or time.

“I see, you have a different sense of humor.” Chun laughed. He seems like a nice guy. Magaan din agad ang loob ko sa kaniya gaya kay Lag, ang pinagkaiba lang siguro ay medyo naninibago lang ako... Sa lahat ng bagay. I am just happy I keep on meeting nice guys here.

“Do you mind exchanging contacts with me?” Chun asked after.

Umiling ako, “let’s exchange and be mutuals.” I smiled. We let our M-rings connect, and we exchanged contact.

Chun Lee would like to connect. Accept or reject?

I accepted.

Chun Lee is now a part of your contact. Do you want to leave a message? Yes or no?

I declined.

“Now we are friends, anyway, if you need anything or have any questions, you can just contact me.”

“I appreciate the offer, you too.”

“I’ll keep this in mind.” Chun said. Saktong ito ay tumigil na ang hovercar sa harap ng isang restaurant at pinagbuksan kami ng manservant ni Chun.

We hopped out, then Chun directed the driver to just park and that he will just notify him when we’re done eating. Tumango naman ito at saka nagmaneho na paalis.

“Let’s go?”

I nodded. I read the signage ‘Garden of Eve’ which was in neon glowing colors, and then we entered it and were greeted once more by servants.