RPC Authority

Object: RPC-916-9122

Date of Retrieval: 22/12/2019

Date of Origin: May 2013

Language: Modern Traditional Chinese, with certain Modern English borrow words.

Researcher in charge: Dr. Turtle Leung

<Begin Log>

With your newfound [superpowers], I presume you'll want to correct every [embarrassing] mistake you've ever made since you were a child? Maybe that one time you accidentally pulled your friend's pants down in a playground? Or that time you stayed in the "fun" part of Ocean Park⁵ for too long and delayed your entire class' departure for nearly 15 minutes? Well, of course not.

Of all the fucking idiots that I've written [handbooks] for, you seem to be the only one with the ability to change the timeline. And I'm going to give you some simple advice on it; DON'T YOU FUCKING IDIOT. JUST DON'T.

I don't know how many regrets with the past you have, do not do anything. I don't think the timeline will collapse onto you or that you'll be buttfucked by [time enforcers] or whatever, but that you'll probably screw up your life even more. The only good thing about this is that while you can override your own consciousness, you won't accidentally destroy your own consciousness.

Besides, waking up in one consistent place with the same person is a [luck] that I have come to treasure. I shudder at the thought that Cassius might suddenly forget that I exist, and not from both of us being [blackout drunk].

Then again, you'll probably ignore my fucking ramblings, right? Going back in time so you don't get a F in the Chinese A-Levels⁶, right? Really bitter about it, I see you are. Come on, it was supposed to be 2 years ago.⁷ Get the fuck over it. I don't care that it means being stuck in [London]⁸ for god knows how long, being unsure whether you would ever get to return home. I see that "fixing" the A-Levels is the only thing you've been thinking about for the last two years, and as a result you're not going to listen to a single fucking thing that I say.

I'm going to take a moment to stop giving time travel advice and say this. Get over it, you cunt. I know you made it into the top 8% and are bitter about not being able to get into a university in Hong Kong, but stop dwelling in the past. Hell, maybe this is one of those "blessing in disguise" things that the priests keep yapping about.

Back to the topic of changing the past, it means you'll relive some of these moments out of necessity. Yeah, by the time the changes reach you (which take forever, by the way) nobody you know will remember this since you've wiped the old timeline, but you'll still remember them. And [be embarrassed] by them. So just don't change anything, ok? My life writing The Time Traveler's Handbook is already hard enough, I don't need someone who breaks the [closed loop] to mess with time even more.

<End Log>

Object: RPC-916-9122

Date of Retrieval: 22/12/2019

Date of Origin: May 2013

Language: Modern Traditional Chinese, with certain Modern English borrow words.

Researcher in charge: Dr. Turtle Leung

<Begin Log>

Date of A-Level: 25/03 (arrive few days earlier? adjust)

-Need to google exam paper + answer (done, embed within book before departure)

Time travel during exam,
(+) memory, + google immediately

Time until being affected? 2019 (6 years)

Risk of compromised: Too good, surprise
(Do only good enough, no change other exams!!!!)

Get Mark 6⁹ money?

Check results on 30/06!

[BLANK SPACE REDACTED]

Reading: D
Writing: E
Listening: D
Speaking: E

Estimated date of change, 2019

FUCK YES

<End Log>

Discovery: RPC-621 was placed under Authority custody on 08/12/2015 when the partner of Researcher Brooks surrendered to the Authority. RPC-621 has exhibited awareness of its anomalous properties since 23/05/2013, and was recently made aware of the existence of the Authority after discussing its anomalous properties with Researcher Brooks.

Interviewed: RPC-621
Interviewer: Researcher Eliza Brooks
Date: 08/12/2015
Foreword: As Researcher Brooks was largely responsible for the entry of RPC-621 into Authority custody, Researcher Brooks was allowed to interview RPC-621 until the arrival of personnel specialized in temporal anomalies. Researcher Brooks is the partner of RPC-621.

---

<Begin Log>

Brooks: RPC-621, good afternoon.

RPC-621: Eliza, I'm a bit confused.

Brooks: Luke, you always are.

RPC-621: Hey, go fuck yourself.

Brooks: (Chuckles) You've been designated RPC-621 by the Authority.

RPC-621: What does that mean?

Brooks: It's what people here will be referring you to as.

RPC-621: Sure.

Brooks: I told you that the Authority deals with anomalies, and that it's best to register with them than to face them on their terms.

RPC-621: Well, how much longer do I have to stay here?

Brooks: Well, I'm sure my superiors will figure this out. Probably not for long.

RPC-621: Ok. We'll see each other again after this, right?

Brooks: Yeah. If not, then my secret plans to abandon you have succeeded!

(Both laugh)

<End Log>

---

Interviewed: RPC-621
Interviewer: Dr. Turtle Leung
Date: 10/12/2015
Foreword: Researcher Brooks was allowed to monitor the interview.

---

<Begin Log>

Leung: Good afternoon, RPC-621. Is referring to you as "RPC-621" ok?

RPC-621: It's ok for now, but try not to make that too much of a habit, I suppose. Call me "Luke" after this, please.

Leung: Understood. For this interview, you will be referred to as "RPC-621". RPC-621, when did you acquire the anomalous temporal traits?

RPC-621: Um… what does temporal mean? Eliza?

Brooks: It means "time travel".

RPC-621: Ok then. Hmm. Sometime in May of 2013, I realized that I had possessed the ability to time travel. It was about this time that The Time Traveler's Handbook¹⁰ manifested.

Leung: Understood. How were you made aware of our organization?

RPC-621: Well, as it turns out, Eliza's been working with you guys for 8 months. And she suggested that I submit myself to you guys before you guys show up and kill both of us.

Leung: Well, I suppose it is lucky that Researcher Brooks just so happened to work for the Authority.

RPC-621: I suppose.

Leung: So, RPC-621, why were you willing to surrender yourself to the Authority?

RPC-621: Well, did I have a choice? This was the only option that allowed for me and Eliza… I mean Researcher Brooks to not be separated by you guys. We could run away, but how far could we go?

Leung: RPC-621, I would like to commend you for doing the right thing. I suppose that is all for today…

RPC-621: So, what will happen to us?

Leung: Unfortunately, you are most likely going to have to stay with us.

RPC-621: Dr. Leung, would I be able to see Researcher Brooks again?

Leung: I don't know.

Brooks: Dr. Leung, this is not what we discussed!

Leung: Well, I can certainly assure that your further cooperation would help. I'm going to discuss this with my superiors first.

(Dr. Leung leaves the room.)

Brooks: Luke, I am so sorry…

RPC-621: You don't have to be. I did sign up for, well, this thing that you dragged me into.

(Researcher Brooks chuckles.)

Brooks: Yeah, yeah. Look, whatever happens, I'll be there with you.

RPC-621: Thanks. I know.

Brooks: That's what we do, according to the instruction manual, right?

RPC-621: Yep. (chuckles) If only they gave an instruction manual into what to do when you somehow become a time traveler.

Brooks: Or what to do when your boyfriend is about to be permanently detained by your boss.

RPC-621: Wait, permanently?

Brooks: Possibly.

RPC-621: God fucking damnit, I know you'd be the death of me.

Brooks: Well, too bad.

RPC-621: Can you come in and take a picture of us? I want something to remember us by.

Brooks: Luke, I'm still working. I can't.

RPC-621: Shame. Professionalism is a bitch.

(Dr. Leung returns.)

Leung: I've discussed with my superiors. If you cooperate, I do not see any reason why Researcher Brooks would be stopped from meeting you.

RPC-621: Ok then. Seems reasonable, I suppose.

Brooks: Luke…

Leung: RPC-621, I have to say that I am surprised at your lack of response. It might not be appropriate to say this but your life as you know it is over.

RPC-621: My life as I knew it… well, there aren't a lot of jobs for Physics graduates¹¹, and not a lot of affordable housing for broke Physics graduates. Honestly, as long as Eliza isn't taken away, I'm good with anything.

Leung: Excellent. Well, I suppose that's enough for one day. Have a good day, RPC-621.

RPC-621: No worries, Dr. Leung.

<End Log>

Interviewed: RPC-621
Interviewer: Dr. Turtle Leung
Date: 12/12/2015
Foreword: Researcher Brooks was allowed to monitor the interview.

---

<Begin Log>

Leung: Good morning, RPC-621.

RPC-621: Dr. Leung, good morning. More questions?

Leung: That is correct.

RPC-621: Well before I begin, I would like to ask about me and Researcher Brooks.

Leung: Ok then.

RPC-621: How often will we be able to see each other?

Leung: Depends on how much you cooperate with us.

RPC-621: Elaborate.

Leung: Oh no, we won't be running tests that are, well, too unethical. We would just require your guarantee that you will not use your anomalous traits for anything unless explicitly requested.

RPC-621: You mean, you want me to work for you?

Leung: Correct. The chronology is a… well, it's a clusterfuck. The existence of time travelers confuse it even more so. With someone who has the ability to change it, I am sure we can advance our understanding of temporal anomalies by god knows how long.

Leung: Besides, there are moments where people make… careless mistakes that get lots of people killed. I suppose you can help send a message back so people can be warned.

RPC-621: If I work for you, does it mean that I get to see Eliza more often?

Leung: That is correct.

RPC-621: I'm in.

Leung: RPC-621, I would like to thank you for your swift cooperation. I'll ask some extra questions and we should be done for today.

RPC-621: Shoot.

Leung: In your copy of The Time Traveler's Handbook, there is a list of times that you have displaced yourself. Most of these were negligible things such as avoiding traffic or buying the correct gifts for Researcher Brooks, so we're going to overlook this.

Leung: There is, however, one incident that I would like to ask about. On the 23rd of July, 2013, you traveled to the 25th of March, 2011.

RPC-621: Oh, fuck.

Leung: RPC-621, I presume your reaction suggests that it will be detrimental to cooperating with the Authority.

RPC-621: That's the day I took the fucking A-Levels for Chinese. Give me a second. Fuck.

Brooks: Luke, what is it?

RPC-621: I think I don't fail the A-Levels anymore.

Brooks: That sounds like a good thing, I don't see why…

RPC-621: Without failing the A-Levels, I don't come to the UK. Not coming to the UK means that I don't meet you.

Leung: And subsequently, you don't surrender to the Authority…

RPC-621: Ma'am, I'd like a moment of silence. Fuck.

Brooks: Why did you change it?

RPC-621: Because failing the A-Levels ruined my life!

Brooks: Well, changing the past might have ruined ours!

RPC-621: Well, it was the 23rd of July, 2013. I'm pretty sure that was before we met each other.

Brooks: Can you change it back?

RPC-621: I just did a few seconds ago.

Brooks: What's going to happen now?

Leung: Please, we're still recording…

RPC-621: It means that I stay in Hong Kong and never meet you. It means that the timeline will catch up to us and make you forget about me.

Brooks: Fuck. Goddamnit!

Leung: May the two of you…

Brooks: Why didn't you tell me?

RPC-621: I forgot!

Brooks: How?

RPC-621: I don't know!

Brooks: Look, how long until it catches up with us?

RPC-621: I changed it in 2013, so it should catch up in 2018 or 2019.

Brooks: Fuck.

(RPC-621 begins sobbing. Researcher Brooks enters the interview room and embraces RPC-621.)

Leung: We're terminating the interview. We'll manage the other details afterwards.

<End Log>

---

Closing Statements: Researcher Brooks was subsequently reprimanded for unprofessional behavior.

Registered Phenomena Code: 621

Object Class: Beta-Yellow

Hazard Type: Temporal Hazard, Sapient Hazard

Containment Protocols: RPC-621 is currently contained within Site-009 within an enlarged living quarters. No fewer than two ASF personnel are to be stationed outside of the containment chamber of RPC-621. Researcher Brooks has been granted access to RPC-621 at all times.

Due to the current employment of RPC-621 by the Authority, RPC-621 is to be provided with a salary of [REDACTED]. A GPS tracking device capable of sending an emergency signal to all Authority receivers has been embedded within RPC-621.

The copy of RPC-916 possessed by RPC-621 has been photoscanned and has been returned to RPC-621. A copy of this document has been inserted within RPC-916.

Due to the potential of a chronological shift¹² for RPC-621 on 22/12/2019, the aforementioned containment protocols are to be disregarded after 22/12/2019.

Usage of RPC-621 has been authorized when all of the following circumstances have been achieved:

• The cause of the incident is within 5 days of the incident
• The incident will cause no fewer than 20 deaths
• The incident will cause a major breach of information security

After approval, the consent of RPC-621 is required for RPC-621 to be utilized.

Thanks to RPC-621, the Authority's understanding of temporal anomalies has advanced by an estimated 5-10 years.

Interviewed: RPC-621
Interviewer: Dr. Turtle Leung
Date: 23/12/2019
Foreword: According to Document 621-1, RPC-621 was made aware of the Authority in 2015, as the partner of RPC-621 was under the employment of the Authority. The changes induced by RPC-621 have indirectly resulted in the Authority being not in possession of RPC-621.

---

<Begin Log>

Leung: Good morning, RPC-621.

RPC-621: Ah, good morning Dr. Leung. Good to see a familiar face in this timeline.

Leung: I presume we have met before in another timeline?

RPC-621: Yes.

Leung: In which case, I will get to the point. We have read Document 621-1 and RPC-916-9122, and we have some questions.

RPC-621: Go ahead.

Leung: What's it like to use your abilities?

RPC-621: Are you asking me what's it like to time travel?

Leung: Correct.

RPC-621: Well, I close my eyes and just kind of "will" myself to time travel. By the time I wake up, I simply appear at another time.

Leung: Understood. What was it like, going through a chronological shift?

RPC-621: It's like, one moment you're somewhere, you see a flash, and you've just been teleported somewhere else. I was just making a cup of tea for me and Eliza and after a flash I appeared in my parents apartment back in Hong Kong.

Leung: I would like to confirm that the only change made that affected your relationship with the Authority was that you changed your results in Chinese for the A-Levels.

RPC-621: Correct. I have not made any changes to "this timeline".

Leung: Ok then. I envy you.

RPC-621: Trust me, you don't.

Leung: Do you remember any advancements made by the Authority in your last 5 years?

RPC-621: Afraid not.

Leung: Shame. Next question, are you willing to work for us in exchange for us locating Dr. Brooks? Dr. Brooks might be working at Site-009, or any other Site. The information you can provide is after all, flawed in our chronology.

RPC-621: If you can find her, then sure.

Leung: We will do our best then. Are there any major geopolitical or economical differences between your original timeline and this one?

RPC-621: Not that I've discovered.

Leung: What about the Authority?

RPC-621: Well, I'm not sure yet but judging by the fact that I recognized you, I think most things should be identical.

Leung: So, I'll assume nothing significant has been changed except for the RPC-621 slot. I'll assume that we haven't entered a new timeline then.

RPC-621: Dr. Leung, everything's changed for me.

Leung: Oh right. Final question. How long until you "return" to your original chronology?

RPC-621: If Eliza, sorry, Dr. Brooks…

Leung: Don't worry, we know that "Eliza" means Dr. Brooks.

RPC-621: Well, if Dr. Brooks' math was correct, I should return on the 17th of November, 2028.

Leung: Understood. 9 years. Wow. That's long.

RPC-621: It is. Please, find her for me.

Leung: We'll see what we can do.

<End Log>

Interviewed: RPC-621
Interviewer: Dr. Turtle Leung
Date: 27/12/2019
Foreword: This interview was conducted shortly after the recontainment of RPC-621.

---

<Begin Log>

Leung: RPC-621, good morning.

RPC-621: Dr. Leung, I know why you're here.

Leung: Exactly how did you breach our containment?

RPC-621: I can time travel. If someone caught me, I can simply head back in time and fix my mistakes by evading.

Leung: So basically, you time traveled many times.

RPC-621: Yep. I found that the change in guard duty was kind of sloppy for today, so I went back to exploit it.

Leung: Ok then. We'd also like to know why.

RPC-621: I'm going to find Eliza.

Leung: Why would you abuse your powers even further?

RPC-621: Because why not? I have to fix this…

Leung: RPC-621, how well do you know your powers?

RPC-621: Well enough.

Leung: And yet this… despite you "knowing your powers well", this happened.

(RPC-621 is silent)

Leung: RPC-621, I certainly have no intention of letting you suffer for the sake of it. However, you've meddled with forces beyond your comprehension.

Leung: There's a reason why we don't mess with time. Literally this.

(RPC-621 remains silent)

Leung: RPC-621, I'm afraid additional security measures will be placed.

RPC-621: That is understandable.

Leung: In the meantime, I suggest waiting 9 years. I am sorry. About Eliza Brooks and anything else. But messing with the chronology…

RPC-621: Well, I'd thank you for that, but as far as I'm aware being sorry won't help me or Eliza. Have a good day, Dr. Leung.

<End Log>

My name is Eliza Brooks. If Luke does this properly, your name should also be Eliza Brooks. And today should be after the 22nd of December, 2019.

In this timeline, Luke should be a person who studied at a university in Hong Kong. As a result, you should have no idea who Luke is.

In my timeline, Luke is my partner. I met him at [REDACTED], which he came to because he failed Chinese in his A-Levels, and we've spent about 5 years together, of which it has been nice. Very nice.

The reason why Luke is coming to your timeline is because Luke is an anomaly. Luke is a time traveler. He can change his own past. And in his misguided attempt to change his past for a better future not knowing what the future might hold, he may have accidentally fucked up ours, with the consequences slowly catching up to us. Luke made a mistake that means the two of us will probably not have met each other in your timeline. Don't blame him for it. He didn't know that we would have met at the time that he tried to fix his life.

I wonder what life you will have led for yourself without Luke. Maybe you would have led a similarly happy life and found yourself someone else. Maybe you'll be lonely. I don't know. If that's the case, please accept Luke. If you don't believe him, then ask him a question about yourself. He will answer.

I'm marrying Luke today. We'll enjoy whatever little time we have left. In about a month and by the time you read this, I'll (you'll) have forgotten about him because I would have never met him.

Luke, if you're reading this, I love you.

-Eliza Brooks, 25/11/2019