In hindsight, today would be seen as the most memorable day of Tobias Moss’ exceptional life. Having recently celebrated his 54th birthday, Tobias was esteemed by colleagues, loved by his family, and had published his first book two months back. The sweepstakes that had followed the President’s much-anticipated swearing in ceremony were those the publishing world had not experienced in quite some time. Most serious publishing houses coveted the autobiographical account of Tobias’ rise to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and after signing a lucrative contract with the highest bidder, he completed the project within six months and was now intent on living up to the expectations held by many. 

Following Tobias’ admittance to the prestigious bench, he had secured the continued advancement of his family’s legacy, a legacy that began more than four generations back, when John Stuart Mill published On Liberty. Tobias was indeed from the same lineage that had produced one of few social-literary landmarks adopted as a cornerstone to political academia. He was not simply the most recent addition to the Supreme Court; he was adding a chapter to a rich lineage and would be distinctly affecting the scope and direction of various highly controversial issues. 

Tobias was a just man, whom up until now considered himself upstanding and morally responsible; quintessential characteristics for a man in his position one might conclude. He led a life worthy of any man’s objective admiration. Following what could arguably have been considered the busiest year of his professional career, he decided to do something he had wanted to accomplish since his college years; he would finally go skydiving. Considering his age and the scope of responsibility he would now have weighing upon his shoulders, Tobias figured it was now or never. It was not unprecedented for a man of his age and professional standing to seek out such an adrenaline-driven activity, but there were many close to him that could not rationally grasp why he was going through with it. Tobias had grown accustomed to proceeding with decisions in face of numerous naysayers; he certainly did not expect to be void of them as he looked to willingly jump from an aircraft ten thousand feet above ground level. 

Tobias had completed the preliminary training that goes along with such an activity and had opted to jump solo as opposed to being strapped to an instructor. He had been assured that with the recent improvements made to his jumping gear, there would be virtually nothing to worry about. Consensus was that his own anxiety and fear would represent the only possible deterrents to an enjoyable experience. He had flown to his home State of Oklahoma to undertake this adrenaline rush, and could not wait to experience the ultimate freefall.