Post 2 - Proof

This is Maria Somerton, Project Key for Moonstone Tour July Fourth 2015, documenting my delivery of Proof-of-Fact to prospective indigenous TAG, Jeff Bennett.

I elected to use a printed newspaper as the Proof-of-Fact.

In accordance with established protocol, I traveled from Friday, May 1, 2015 at 8am, to Monday, May 4 at 10am, to purchase a copy of the Seattle Times newspaper.

I brought the paper back with me to May 1, to my Seattle apartment.

I laid the newspaper out on my desk. Taking a separate piece of white paper, I wrote my name, phone number and email address, then wrote the words “CALL ME” in large letters. I placed my note in the middle of the newspaper, and folded the newspaper into thirds. It folded neatly, tightly and was easy to carry inconspicuously.

I put the newspaper in my messenger bag, waited until 3:45pm, then transported to Seattle Central College. I knew Jeff would be teaching a class at that time, so I waited outside in the hall. I was a little nervous just standing there, looking like I had no purpose. As students began to exit, and the last one came out, I felt an unexpected resolute calm come over me. I walked into the classroom—Jeff looked like he didn’t recognize me at first. I went up to the front of his desk and took out the folded newspaper.

“Maria,” he said, as a look of recognition came across his face.

I put the newspaper on his desk. He picked it up. His eyes flashed to the top of the page. He didn’t say anything. I waited for a moment, as he studied the page.

“You asked me yesterday if I could get you proof.”

“Proof that you’re a time traveler?” he asked.

“Yes, this is your proof.” Jeff looked back down at the newspaper. “Take this home with you,” I said. “Read it. On Monday, when the information in this newspaper is history, call me—if you want some answers.”

Jeff looked lost. I smiled at him briefly before I turned and proceeded out of his classroom. I did an immediate corner-transport just outside his door.

Post 1 - Unlocked

This is Maria Somerton, Project Key for Moonstone Tour July Fourth, 2015. I unlocked the year 2015, according to protocol. The door released, and I arrived at Victor Steinbrueck Park, at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. My exact arrival was at 9am Pacific Time, on April 30, 2015.

I transported from the park directly to my assigned 2015 residence, located at 1401 5th Avenue West, on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. I found my accommodations to be in beautiful condition: a fully equipped kitchen stocked with food, fresh linens on the bed, towels and toiletries neatly set out in the bathroom.

After unpacking, I prepared to attend a late afternoon class, “How to Navigate Social Media,” taught by our prospective TAG, Jeff Bennett.

I transported to the campus of Seattle Central College at 3:50pm, ahead of the 4pm class. I had no problem finding the classroom. After entering and taking my seat, I noticed that of the 12 people in the class, most looked to be well over 60 years old.

Jeff introduced himself and gave us a brief overview of his credentials and teaching experience at the college. He asked us to go around the room, introduce ourselves, and talk about what we each hoped to take away from the class. Most of the students wanted to learn how to use technology, specifically social media, to stay in touch with their friends, children, or grandchildren. They wanted help setting up Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter accounts. I was the only one in the class who wanted help setting up a blog. I told the class I needed to start a blog for my work. Everyone was very friendly and supportive.

Jeff introduced me to an Internet tool called Blogger. He helped me with some of the basics, and I started to write the blog content you see in the text boxes at the top of the page. 

Jeff projected a computer screen onto the wall and demonstrated how to set up Facebook and other social media applications. He later went to each individual computer station to help each student one on one.

Working independently, I focused my attention on choosing a template, blog layout, and textbox placement. I was making good progress creating content. Later, when I noticed a lot of the class shutting down their computers, I looked at the clock, and a familiar rush of panic hit me. I so hate doing this. I always get nervous. I told myself to breathe.

I slowly shut down my computer, gathered my things, and deliberately took my time as I waited for the rest of the students to leave. Jeff was sitting at a computer station at the front of the room. I waited for a minute before approaching him.

I walked to the front of the room, and pulled a chair near where Jeff was sitting. He said he was sorry, having felt he had neglected me, and he asked if I needed any additional help.

I said, “Yeah, I do need your help.” I told him, “I need to talk to you about something that’s gonna make me sound…crazy.”

“Well,” Jeff said, with a bit of a laugh. “I work, ride my bike, walk around—right here at the corner of Pine and Broadway. There is nothing you’re going to tell me that’s any crazier than what I’ve already experienced. So, let’s have it.” 

“Okay. I am a time traveler from 400 years in the future. I work for a travel agency called One World Over Time, and we plan to bring guests to this Time Zone. We’re going to need some help navigating the Internet and learning about the culture of 2015.”

We fell into a predictable silence. Jeff looked up at the ceiling—I waited for the referral to a mental health professional. Then, something extraordinary happened.

Jeff leaned forward in his chair and asked, “Can you get me proof?”

And I said, “Yes. I can.”