The Time Tablet

In a lab inside the heart of Mt. Kilimanjaro lived an African woman named Zuri who was scrambling to find the perfect birthday present for her nephew Kenan in the United States.

"Oh, where is it? Where is it? Just my luck to lose the Time Tablet on my nephew's 12th birthday. I can travel through any era I want to with no trouble but can't even keep up with a device".

"Think Zuri, think! Wait a minute! I remember where it is now!

Zuri strolled to her bookshelf and searched through her collection.

"Ah here it is the Time Tablet. I'm glad I found this. I knew when Kenan came of age, he would be the next keeper of the Time Tablet.

Suddenly a big explosion happened and a man in a green hooded robe with the Ku Klux Klan symbol on the left side of his chest appeared out of the smoke.

Who are you, asked Zuri.

The name's Jango Savage. I've traveled from the year 3023 to get the Time Tablet.

I recognize that robe, you're a KKK Grand Wizard. Why do you want the Tablet?

Normally I wouldn't explain myself to a ni**** woman, but since you won't be around for long. I'll tell you.

A thousand years from now the Ku Klux Klan is a fraction of what it used to be. With the KKK's existence limited to almost nothing, the title of Grand Wizard is pretty much redundant. So, I paid some scientists to let me use their time machine to locate the device known as the Time Tablet. I'm going to use it to stop Abraham Lincoln from issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and make sure the Confederacy wins the Civil War. That way you worthless ni****s are never free and remain slaves forever.

So, you want to alter the outcome of the Civil War and keep black people enslaved? Not a chance.

I didn't plan to leave here empty handed.

Jango Savage pulled a ray gun and fired a heat laser at Zuri who barely dodged it. It singed her right shoulder.

Zuri kept dodging the shots until she fell and dropped the tablet.

Zuri reached for the Time Tablet, but Jango stomped her hand and pointed his ray gun at her.

Jango grabbed the tablet and began the time warp sequence.

Hehehe. It's time for the Ku Klux Klan to rise and take over America. Let's see Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863. So, I just need to go to the time when it was first created who was... September 22, 1862. Okay, I'll go exactly one week before then to make sure it's never drafted.

Zuri jumped up and grabbed Jango's wrist.

Stop! Doing this plan of yours could drastically change history if you succeed.

Get your hands off me!

Jango smacked Zuri to the ground with his backhand.

You're right I will change history. Once Lincoln and the Union fail to win the Civil War. You ni****s will serve the Confederacy forever.

A time portal opened, and Broder walked through with a sinister smile.

Zuri isn't? Personally, I have to thank you if I hadn't done my research on the Time Tablet in the future. None of this would be possible. See ya.

Jango laughed maniacally as the portal closed.

No! I have to get help. Zuri scrambled through her cabinets and found an older, slightly beat up version of the Time Tablet.

I didn't think I would have to use this old thing again, but it's better than nothing.

Meanwhile in Orlando, Florida, Zuri's nephew Kenan was setting up for his birthday party with his friends AJ, Gabriel and Lance.

Ooh this party is gonna be great, said Kenan.

You said it bro. Pizza, music, a Fortnite tournament and a double chocolate cake. Nothing can ruin this, said AJ.

The four of them heard the doorbell.

I'll get it, said Kenan.

Kenan opened the door to see his distressed Aunt Zuri.

Aunt Zuri! Kenan gave his aunt a big hug.

It's great to see you too, nephew, and happy birthday.

What's wrong? You like you've seen a ghost.

Worst. History itself is about to be altered and it involves the return of slavery.

Say what? Maybe you need to lay down for a bit.

Kenan's friends walked in to see what was going on.

Kenan, I have to tell you something. I am a Chrono Mage. A guardian of time. I oversee the balance of the past, present and future.

A Chrono Mage? What world are you from the Lord of the Rings, asked Lance.

Not funny, said Gabriel as she punched Lance in the shoulder.

Ow! That hurt!

Nephew when you came of age a device known as the Time Tablet was to be entrusted to you and start your training to be a Chono Mage. The Tablet allows you to travel to any time period you want from the dinosaurs, to ancient Eygpt to World War II to even the future.

Really?! Cool!

Where is it? Can we see, asked AJ.

Zuri pulled out the old, damaged tablet and the smile on the kids' faces dropped.

Yeah right. This is supposed to be some kind of time traveling device, Lance said.

It's an older model but don't let the appearance fool you it's still functional. The new one which was Kenan's birthday present was stolen by a Ku Klux Klansmen from the future. He plans to have the Confederacy win the Civil War and continue slavery forever.

What, the kids yelled.

It's up to us to stop him.

I don't know Auntee. I didn't plan on traveling to the 1860s to stop a KKK member from the future on my birthday.

Don't worry I'm coming with you. What kind of aunt and Chrono Mage would I be to send a bunch of kids through time?

The kids glanced at each other and nodded their heads in agreement.

Okay, we're in, said Kenan.

I'm still skeptical about this whole thing. If we really are time traveling to the Civil War era, you, AJ and your Aunt Zuri might not be totally welcomed there, said Lance.

You're probably right but if we don't stop Jango Savage slavery will be forever, said AJ.

I hear you. Let's get started.

Alright then. Jango said he was going to prevent the Emancipation Proclamation from happening which was made official on January 1, 1863. Lincoln created it on September 22, 1862, and the old tablet picked up his location seven days before.

So, we travel to September 15, 1862, asked Gabriel.

Precisely, said Zuri.

Zuri typed in the date and the tablet began to glow with a green vortex swirling everyone.

Whoa! Okay I'm getting really scared now!

Are you convinced now Lance, asked Kenan.

Shut up!

Before the group knew it, the vortex sucked them into a green portal in a blink of an eye and Kenan's mom came into the kitchen with his birthday cake.

Okay who's ready for some birthday--where is everyone?

Oh man this is so freaking cool, said Kenan.

Hey what are all these images to the side of us, asked Gabriel.

They are various events in history from wars to crusades to movements and you kids are seeing it first-hand.

Cool. Hey there's the March on Washington and World War II, said AJ.

I see the Old West with real life cowboys, said Lance.

The Time Tablet started beeping.

Oh, we're arriving.

A new portal opened, and the group landed in a cotton field.

We're on a cotton farm. Does that mean?

Yes, nephew we're in the year 1862, the height of the Civil War.

Darn it! How did you track me here so soon!?

Zuri and the kids turned around to see Jango Savage on a horse.

I take it this is the Jango guy, asked Gabriel.

I thought the KKK only wore white hoods, asked AJ.

I'm a Grand Wizard boy. I don't know how a ni**** woman and a bunch of brats tracked me down but that won't matter. A big battle is about to happen, and I intend to make sure the Confederates win.

How are you gonna do that, asked Kenan.

With this pamphlet. Jango points at Lance. I'm gonna make it so where a white boy like your "friend" there won't have two words to say to you. See ya.

We gotta stop him, said AJ.

Aunt Zuri, Jango said something about a big battle. What was he talking about, asked Kenan.

Hmm let me see. Zuri checked the old tablet that was crashing a little bit.

According to the tablet we're in Sharpsburg, Maryland. The location of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest event in American History with 22,727 soldiers dying in the conflict. The Union won the battle but had heavier casualties than the Confederates, and it was the deciding factor for Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

Wait, over 20,000 people died? Not sure if I want to continue with this adventure, said Lance nervously.

Don't worry Lance as long as we don't get caught in the middle, we should be good, said Gabriel.

I suspect that pamphlet is some sort of strategy that the Confederate army can use to win the Battle of Antietam. If Jango succeeds, then the Confederates will capture Washington DC and President Lincoln, which are southeast of where we are.

So, if the South wins this battle, then they win the Civil War and slavery continues, said Kenan. No time to lose, let's go after him.

How? In case hadn't noticed Jango was on a horse, said AJ.

This is a farm, right? Shouldn't it have horses?

The group looked around and Gabriel noticed a corral of horses in the distance.

Anyone up for a ride?

The group snuck into the corral and dashed after Jango on their horses.

Meanwhile Jango arrived at the Confederate base.

Who are you, asked a Confederate soldier.

Easy soldier, I'm merely here to meet with General Robert Lee, said Jango.

Are you serious? You can't waltz into our base and speak with the general just like that. Who do you think you are?

The catalyst to the Confederacy winning the Battle of Antietam and the Civil War.

Fancy talking doesn't get you anywhere, although I do like the hooded get up.

Lieutenant! What's going on here?

Confederate General Robert E. Lee stepped out of his quarters to see what was happening.

General Lee! It's an honor to meet you face to face.

What's your name stranger?

My name is Jango Savage. I'm here to help you win the upcoming battle and secure Confederate rule.

How do you plan to do that?

With this pamphlet.

Jango handed the pamphlet to Robert Lee who examined the details written on it.

What is this?

It's the Union army's battle plans for Antietam. Follow that pamphlet and you'll be able to counter their attack. Your army needs to stay a solid unit instead of splitting up; plus change the direction of your invasion.

Hmm. How do I know you aren't playing us for fools.

That pamphlet is from the Union base and written by General George McClellan himself. I narrowly escaped with it.

Don't listen to him sir. He could be their spy.

At ease lieutenant it has the Union symbol printed on it. I doubt this fellow would commit treason like this if he was a spy.

You seem to be dedicated to the Confederate cause, and if this does give us the advantage, we'll use it. But what do you gain from this?

Nothing personal I just want to keep those no ni**** slaves from ever thinking about being free. Where I come from, they run businesses, own houses and some even tell us white folks what to do as our boss at work. It's an abomination I tell you. Follow those plans and win this battle so the Confederates will rule America.

I like your dedication, and if this means keeping our society the way it's always been. Then you have my trust, because I rather die before I take orders from a ni****.

Excellent.

Kenan and the gang were watching from a hill over the camp.

Darn it we're too late. Jango already gave Robert Lee the pamphlet, said Kenan.

I fear we are about to witness a devastating blow to our future, said Aunt Zuri.

How did he get here so fast, asked Gabriel.

Jango must have used the fast forward feature on the Time Tablet, something the old one is missing.

Great, how are we going to stop a guy who can instantly skip through time, Lance complained.

I don't know, the only thing we need to do now is to get the tablet away from him, said AJ.

Kenan thought for a minute.

Maybe we don't have to get the Time Tablet yet. That pamphlet holds the Union army's battle plans.

So, said Lance.

So, if we can somehow convince the Union to alter their strategy, then they can still win the Battle of Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation will still go through.

I like that idea Kenan and we can use the old tablet to take a video, said Gabriel.

Why not it doesn't hurt to try, said AJ.

Aunt Zuri go for it.

Zuri started recording Jango and Lee's conversation and exchanging of the Union's battle plans which lasted for 20 minutes until the dusk fell.

Alright we got the video. Now what?

Now we ride to the Union base and show them video AJ, said Zuri.

I hope they won't be freaked out seeing moving pictures, said Kenan.

I just hope we're not in over our heads, said Lance.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Lance.

Well kids let's ride.

The group got on their horses and rode all night until they made it to the Union base.

Civilians are not allowed in our camp, go home, said a Union Captain.

Wait, the Confederates know about your battle tactics. If you fight tomorrow with your old strategy the South is going to win, said AJ.

How do you know that, said General George McClellan who stepped out of his quarters to see what was going on.

A man named Jango Savage, a....Confederate spy got a hold of your plans, and the South is going to launch a counterattack to defeat you and take over the North, said Kenan.

Ridiculous, our numbers are greater, and we already have Lee's Order 191 so we already know when and where the Confederates will strike. Besides if we've been on the losing end of this war so far and the Second Battle of Bull Run was devastating enough. President Lincoln has been on my back for a while now, so it's imperative we win this battle to turn the tide of this war.

Look man we're sleepy, hungry and my butt hurts from riding a horse all night. So don't you dare snub us, said Lance.

Please what if we show you that the Confederates are changing plans as we speak, said Zuri.

Union soldiers started mumbling in confusion.

And how are you going to do that?

With this, said Gabriel.

She showed the video of Jango handing the Union intel to Robert Lee.

What is this contraption and how are the pictures moving?

Let's just say we're not from around here, said Kenan.

General McClellan watched the video and his eyes stretched wide open.

Impossible. The Confederacy knows our moves now. Blast it!

That's why the Union needs to change strategy A-S-A-P, or else the South is going to win, said Zuri.

General McClellan turned his back and thought to himself.

Hmm...alright. Normally I wouldn't take advice from a colored woman and children when it comes to military combat. But if it means winning the Battle of Antietam then you have my confidence.

Who are you calling colo--ah!

Gabriel elbowed AJ in the stomach to cut him off.

1800s remember? Just deal with it, she whispered.

Men prepare for battle tomorrow and get these five some food and somewhere to sleep. I also want to know more about these moving pictures with sound.

I'd be happy to tell you, said Zuri.

Yes! I'm starving, said Lance.

The group settled at the Union base until September 17 came and Union soldiers were deploying east and west of Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Wow, it's about to be a major throwdown today, said AJ.

Yeah, and we still need to get the Time Tablet from Jango, said Kenan.

Well kids sometimes you need to take the direct approach. Let's go find him, said Zuri.

The group set out on their horses away from the battlefield and saw Confederate troops marching around Antietam Creek.

Whoa, that's a lot of rednecks, said Lance.

Language boy said Zuri. We have to get around them somehow.

Hey, I see Jango, said Gabriel. He's with Robert Lee on the cliff.

Good eye Gabriel. We're gonna need a distraction.

Everyone turned to look at AJ.

Oh great. Fine, what do I have to do?

AJ we're gonna need you to lead Robert Lee and his two soldiers away while we jump Jango for the Time Tablet, Zuri instructed.

Hmm chased by the Confederate general and his two lackies who hate black people. What could go wrong?

Just get in position, said Kenan.

AJ begrudgingly made his way to the hill.

Kenan, Lance, Gabriel and Zuri waited and witnessed the brutality of the Battle of Antietam. Union and Confederate soldiers were fighting like lions. Blood, gunshots, and explosions scattered all over the battlefield with bodies dropping like flies.

Oh man. I've never seen that many dead bodies in life, said Lance.

War movies are nothing compared to the real thing, said Kenan.

I freak out when I scrap my knee. Seeing all this blood is seriously terrifying, said Gabriel.

Stay calm kids let's just focus on getting the Time Tablet, said Zuri.

A cannonball narrowly misses the group as a small explosion burst in front of them.

Oh yeah, getting blown up is a perfect way to stay calm, said Lance.

Jango and Robert Lee were too busy watching the battle to notice AJ approaching them.

Something's off. The Union is winning. They're not following the battle strategy you gave me, said Robert Lee.

I assure you general, the Confederacy will in this, said Jango.

For sake, we better. Our numbers were already lower than the North's, and if we lose this fight. I'll kill you myself.

Understood.

No doubt that ni**** woman and those brats have something to do with this, Jango thought to himself.

Hey guys! The Confederates suck and are a bunch of dirty jerks.

Who does that boy think he is, asked one soldier.

Wait a minute. I recognize his face. He's one of those meddling fools trying to stop us from winning the war, said Jango.

Men capture him, screamed Robert Lee.

Yes Sir!

Uh-oh gotta go.

AJ turned around on his horse and ran away from the Confederate soldiers.

Not bad. He managed to get rid of two of them, said Lance.

Let's make our move for the tablet kids.

The gang slowly creeped towards Jango while his back was turned.

Gotcha! Hahaha. Did you really think your pitiful plan was going to work, asked Jango.

Jango waved his pistol in front of the group, stopping them in their tracks.

Is that a rhetorical question, asked Gabriel.

Quiet! You have interfered for the last time. The Confederates will win the Battle of Antietam and take over America.

Not if we get that tablet, said Kenan.

Not if I kill you first, said Jango.

Speaking of which, hand over your tablet. You're too dangerous to have one yourself.

An idea popped in Zuri's head.

Oh, you wouldn't want this old beat-up tablet Jango. You already have the new and improved one.

Do you think I'm a fool? Give me the tablet now!

Okay, okay, here.

Aunt Zuri no, said Kenan.

Zuri winked at Kenan.

Zuri gave Jango the old tablet.

Ah finally.

Jango threw the old tablet on the ground and stomped on it.

Well, there goes our only way out of this place, said Lance.

There can only be one Time Tablet and it is mine. Now it's time to get rid of all of you.

You're more ruthless than I thought Jango, killing a woman and children said Robert Lee.

It's the only way. Any last words?

Zuri smirked at Jango.

Five actually. Time Tablet activate paradox mode!

What?

The Time Tablet started glowing red and released electric bolts that shocked Jango's entire body.

Ahhh. Jango looked at his right hand which was holding the tablet fade away.

Wha-what did you do to me?

The Time Tablet was built with a fail-safe mechanism called paradox mode. This feature sends a shock that taps into your bloodline and erases one of your ancestors from existence.

Wait, that means I was never born.

That's right.

N000!

See ya Jango, said Kenan.

I hate you ni****s so much.

Jango's entire body turned to dust as he disappeared into nothing.

Woohoo! Jango's gone baby, screamed Lance.

Aunt Zuri, you are awesome, said Kenan.

I have moments, Zuri replied as she picked up the Time Tablet.

That paradox is cool and scary at the same time. But yay for us, said Gabriel.

Hate to break up this celebration but I know more about this "tablet".

Robert E. Lee pointed his dual pistols at the group.

Oh yeah, I forgot about this guy, Kenan.

Jango said that you had knowledge of not only the Battle of Antietam but the result of the entire Civil War through the contraption of yours. That means you can help the Confederacy win every battle there is, so you're coming with me as prisoners of war.

Great we get rid of one psycho just to face another one, said Gabriel.

Careful girl. Unlike Jango, you're more useful alive instead of dead but that doesn't mean I am above getting answers through more...extreme measures.

I don't like the sound of that, said Lance.

Put your hands behind your back.

Are you serious, asked Kenan.

Robert Lee fired a bullet at the group's feet.

Does it look like I'm kidding boy?

Alright we'll put our hands behind our back. Now kids, said Zuri.

Zuri held the Time Tablet behind her back and signaled Kenan to take it.

Oh, I see.

Kenan slowly took the tablet from his aunt with Robert Lee noticing and entered 2023.

Well, I don't have all day, get a move on!

You're right about one thing: generally we are going to move but not with you, said Zuri.

What are you talking about?

Kenan now!

Kenan activated the warp sequence, and the group was sucked into the time portal.

What in th-this is bloody witchcraft!

Sorry dude but time waits for no man. Except for us, yelled Kenan.

AJ, who was still being chased by the Confederate soldiers, was also sucked into a time portal.

Whoa, looks like it's time for me to go guys. Have fun losing the Civil War!

Impossible, what madness is this?

The time portal opened up and everyone dropped into Kenan's living room.

Man, that was close, nice going Kenan, said Gabriel.

Yes, you've made your aunt proud, said Zuri.

Wait. Where's AJ? Lance asked.

Everyone looked around for their friend.

Oh no. He was separated from us. Do you think he's lost in time or something?

Don't worry the Time Tablet can trace his location at any point-

Hey!

AJ stumbled into the living room.

Next time someone else is the distraction. How come I had to be warped in the bathroom?

AJ! Everyone screamed as they ran to hug him.

Well, I like this appreciation.

This is great and all but what about the Battle of Antietam, asked Kenan.

Oh right, said Zuri.

Zuri checked the Time Tablet.

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest event in American history with over 20,000 casualties. However, it ultimately resulted in a victory for the Union army and was the deciding factor for Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and end slavery in the Southern states.

I don't believe it, we saved history. We actually saved history, screamed Lance.

Alright, yelled everyone.

Good can't imagine living as a slave for the rest of my life, said AJ.

I gotta say this is the most exciting birthday I've ever had. Even better than Busch Gardens, said Kenan.

Everyone gave each other high fives and Kenan's mom walked in.

Oh, I was wondering where all of you ran off too, and... Zuri! It's so great to see you. When did you come in from Africa?

Oh, not too long-ago sis.

Well, we can catch up in a minute. Who's ready for some birthday cake?!

Woo. You don't have to tell me twice, said Gabriel.

The kids followed Kenan's mom into the kitchen, but Kenan grabbed his aunt's hand and pulled her towards him.

Aunt Zuri wait.

What is it Kenan?

You said earlier I can begin my training to be a Chrono Mage. When do we start?

Next week. I think we had enough time traveling for today. Plus, we just stopped a psycho Ku Klux Klansman from the future who tried to keep slavery alive. So, today we not only celebrate saving history but your birthday as well nephew.

Thanks Aunt Zuri. Hey guys birthday boy gets the first piece of cake remember!

Hehehe. I love that boy, he's gonna make a great Chrono Mage.