In the nick of time - WSF2023 just for fun

There had been a serious mistake... Janu had calculated the variables down to the hundred-thousands of a percent.

The gargantuan column of Kelebite should fall just as he predicted, exactly.

The right cuts were made, the exact tolerances were noted, every single factor was included - and discussed.

Yet there it stood... almost defying reason... a 20000 ton mass of stone balanced on what appeared a single point of axis that made his mind ache.

Senya leaned over the table, overlooking the site saying, "I don't get it. The math was perfect, we missed nothing."

"I know," Janu said... "but it's not moving at all... I can't explain it."

A couple of engineering types were looking on from a corner of the tent, "Should we make a pool on when it finally does fall?" Half in jest. Janu was not amused. Senya waved them silent with a grimace...

Janu then yelled with force and volume in his voice.

"Everybody out now!"

They all hesitated momentarily, glancing at one another.

"Now!" Janu barked.

They all briskly went to the exit flap, and loitered outside. Janu emerged last shepherding them towards and into the elevator... closing the gate and saying "I have a really bad feeling..."

The elevator hummed into life, lifting them to the surface... as they rose there was a sudden piercing ring followed by a deafening "BOOM" ... as they looked through the elevators grating door the all saw the giant pillar, laying over the gap, atop a flattened tent, with a ring of dust rolling out from where it once stood.

They all looked at Janu... and he said "We got lucky."

The End

It looked so lonely on the front page with no flags or comments, I had to give you both.

a reply to: Moon68

Most kind.... but I'm used to it. Thank you.

a reply to: Maxmars

Well, I enjoyed the story too.

Big baby

Good read, want to know more.

a reply to: Maxmars

You met the thematic criteria, gave me characters, palpitations, and made me look up "Kelebite". Trademark it lol.

That was pretty good.
I like the idea of something as chaotic as chance having a proper effect on our lives.