Part 9
Professor Maximilian Arturo stood on the mountain which overlooked the entire valley. It had taken him nearly all day to do so, and sunset was fast approaching. Still, it had been worth it all, the view from up here was spectacular, as every crevice, field and plain was clearly visible from this dizzying height. But that was not the only thing that drew the Professor to this pinnacle. A set of collapsable hang gliding equipment in his backpack testified to the fact that Maximilian Arturo was not going down this mount the same way he came up it.
Getting his gear prepared, Professor Arturo's sensible side once again appealed for him not to try this. Still, a little adventure was in order on this otherwise peaceful world. Arturo was finally set and prepared to glide gently back to the earth. Saying a silent prayer for his safety, the Professor jumped from the mountain and began to soar like a bird. Truly, the physics professor had never felt so free; it was as though all care and doubt had been removed.
Revelling in his own enjoyment of the moment, Professor Arturo did not notice as he began to descend rapidly towards the calm water below. Finally realizing something was wrong, the Professor began to panic, which he soon realized was the worst thing to do while hang gliding. He saw himself hurdling towards the rocks near the shore and hoped against hope that he could steer this contraption in the right direction in time. To no avail. As he drew closer and closer to the ground, all he could think was 'It can't end like this', 'It can't end like this'. He hit bottom.
*****
Quinn was drying Wade's hair as Rembrandt and Theodosius Barnes re-entered the spacious house. At the twosome's sudden closeness, Rembrandt could only smile. 'It looks like Barnes was right'.
"Where's the Professor?" Quinn asked idly.
"Yeah, it's almost dark, shouldn't he be in by now?" Wade asked, genuine concern in her voice.
"Don't worry about him, girl. It's not every day a guy gets a chance to go hang gliding." Rembrandt chuckled.
"Miss Wells' fears may not be so unfounded, Rembrandt," Theodosius remarked. "I'll keep a look out for him, make sure he gets in ok."
"Catch anything?" Quinn asked, having up until now forgotten all about what Rembrandt and Mr. Barnes had been doing. He was getting awfully distracted lately.
Rembrandt looked thoughtful. "Only peace of mind." Quinn gave him a strange look, but then let it pass. "That Mr. Barnes really knows what he's talking about, you know."
"I guess sliding really does teach you something about life," Wade remarked, with a smirk.
"Yeah?" said Quinn, teasingly. "What did it teach you?"
Unexpectedly, Wade turned serious. "Who I can count on. Who'll be
there for me when I need them." Wade smiled and looked up at Quinn.
Rembrandt could have sworn he saw a sad look pass Quinn's face and
Wade seemed to notice it, too, but then it passed and his jovial nature
returned. Not for long, though.
Theodosius Barnes rushed through the door. "Come quickly!" he exclaimed.
*****
Maximilian Arturo lie on the beach, unconscious. He was surprisingly unscathed, just a little dazed from the fall. Very odd, considering he seemed to recall being headed for some sharp, protruding rocks. Still, he supposed he had been extremely lucky.
"Thank God you're okay." Quinn said, as his Professor opened his eyes. He then seemed more apprehensive. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I appear to be alright, Mr. Mallory." the Professor said as he staggeringly stood. "Odd, though, I seem to remember falling to my death."
Theodosius Barnes killed the serious mood of the sliders with a slap of Arturo's back. "Well, a man who has escaped death is entitled to the prize catch of the day! What's say we call it a night and get some dinner, huh?"
The Professor chuckled lightheartedly but didn't let his suspicions die. There would have to be some investigating.
As the five entered the house, it slightly shook. "Did you guys feel that?" Wade asked. Nobody was able to answer or needed to, as a greater rumbling began to shake the house, and everything and everyone in it, violently.
End Part 9
