Chapter 27 Part 4
"Oh, over to that place eh? It's not very well defended, and the guy who lives there is not exactly the most aware citizen. Some folks call him eccentric whereas others opt for the title of crazy. Either way, you'd be better off coming with us."
"I appreciate the offer, Prilock," said Sal. "I think that place is the best place for me though--despite the surety that the man inside is crazy."
As Sal said these words, he allowed his eyes to follow the familiar path toward the Rogue's abode once more. As he did so, he caught sight of the door opening, and of who he was sure was the Rogue stepping out. He could just barely make out the Rogue placing his hand over his eyes to shield them from the sun. It appeared he was looking in the direction Sal was now standing. The Rogue tossed his hand up in greeting, then turned around and went back into the house.
Sal felt more motivated than ever to get back to the Rogue's place. Now, especially, since the Rogue had just greeted him and walked back in with no outer acknowledgment of knowing who he was. Had Sal stepped into some alternative dimension where not even the Rogue knew who he was? If so, Sal was in deep, deep trouble.
"I've got to go now, Prilock," said Sal.
It was about that time that the environment crackled. Schoolchildren once played with what was termed a Van De Graaff Generator. The generator had a belt that ran inside it and generated static electricity in large quantities. It was a fun experiment for kids, although at times painful because of the shock that a good-sized generator could deal. Most of the time though, it simply made their hair stand on end, and their peers would point and laugh. Yet, if someone's hair stood like that on a stormy day, it would be no laughing matter because lightning was a lot like nature's Van De Graaff generator. It worked on the same principles--electricity seeking to go from one place to another to achieve an equilibrium that had been temporarily disturbed resulting in a gradient of charge. When equilibrium was sought, it was dangerous to be in the path of it--unless one wanted to be struck by lightning. When the air crackled, it felt indistinguishable from lightning--except there was no storm. The appropriate action was hard to derive.
"Get DOWN!" shouted Prilock and threw Sal to the ground.
As Sal's face became acquainted rapidly with the ground, he felt some sizzling hot energy pass above him. Sal was within literally feet of liberation, but time was working against him. As a restriction, there is nothing more persistent than time--no foe more unconquerable. He could still see the Rogue's house, but it might as well have been a mile away. Whatever was going on, it didn't show signs of stopping anytime soon.
"DOWN GODDAMNIT!" Prilock shouted.
