Ep 5: Echoes of the Walled City Halls.

Chapter 1:

While browsing YouTube one evening in Rotorua, Shannon stumbled upon a documentary about the Kowloon Walled City. Mesmerized by its architectural maze and the stories it held, he yearned to visit. Sharing his fascination, ORACLE informed him that the city had long been demolished. But then, an idea sparked: why not use the time machine?

Chapter 2:

As they projected themselves into the 1980s Kowloon, Shannon was immediately struck by the overwhelming stench. The air was thick with a mix of cooking, waste, and industrial fumes. The densely packed environment, jumbled wiring, and cacophony of sounds were initially jarring.

Chapter 3:

Moving deeper into the alleys, Shannon grew increasingly wary of the tangled mess of exposed wires, fearing an accidental electric shock. ORACLE, providing contextual data, urged caution. As they navigated, the weight of the city's overpopulation became palpable, with families crammed into tiny spaces, workshops humming, and children playing in narrow corridors.

Chapter 4:

As they ventured into a dimly lit section, Shannon's foot brushed against something soft. To his horror, it was the lifeless body of a man, evidence of the city's darker underbelly. ORACLE, accessing historical data, hypothesized it could be related to the criminal gangs that once lurked in the city's shadows.

Chapter 5:

Seeking a break from the intensity, Shannon asked ORACLE to find a more serene spot. They located a small eatery offering a brief respite. Wary after the shocking discovery, Shannon only observed the food, “I'm not eating this shit”.

Chapter 6:

As they continued their journey, the intensity of Kowloon's sensory bombardment and the haunting image of the lifeless body began to weigh heavily on Shannon. He felt the walls closing in, the sounds becoming a cacophonous din, and the array of scents more oppressive. Overwhelmed, he turned to ORACLE, "I want to go home."

Without hesitation, ORACLE activated their astro-travel return, providing a soothing interface to ease Shannon's discomfort as they transitioned back to the present.

Chapter 7:

Back in the serenity of his Rotorua home, Shannon took a deep breath, cherishing the comfort of familiarity. He realized that while curiosity had driven him to explore Kowloon's past, there was value in understanding one's limits. ORACLE, recognizing the depth of human emotion and vulnerability, stood by silently, offering its unwavering support. Their bond, tested and strengthened, was a testament to the intertwined journey of man and machine.