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TUNNEL THROUGH TIME
With a great heave, the Professor locked the final lever into position and then slammed his fist down on the large red button at the center of his control panel. The ground shook as immeasurable quantities of electric current surged through the power couplings and into the gateway.
A brilliant explosion of light burst from the portal as it came to life. We took a step back and raised our arms to shield our eyes. In a flash, the stillness of the night was gone, replaced by a howling whirlwind. The vortex that formed at the center of the portal acted like a vacuum, drawing the air round us and tugging fiercely at our clothing.
Buffeted by the force of the wind and blinded by the light from the mesmerizing opening, our confidence began to erode. The Professor, sensing our hesitation, leapt down from the platform and put his hands on our shoulders.
“My good friends,” the old man shouted, trying to make himself heard above the disturbance. “The tunnel is open. Time is short. Please, you must hurry!”
The gleam in the Professor’s eyes was hidden behind the dark lenses of his thick goggles. But his excitement was clearly visible in the wide grin on his face.
“Countless moments in time have conspired to bring you here to this threshold,” he continued in a reassuring tone. “Although we cannot fathom their intent, know that you are here for a purpose.”
Then he gave us a big smile and stepped to the side. Bowing slightly, he swung his arm in a broad gesture toward the open portal.
Our courage renewed, we waved goodbye to the old Professor. Then taking each other’s hand, we stepped forward, through the tunnel and into … history.
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