The Lonely Earth - Earth ISOT into Magitek fantasy

Chapter 13: Back to School

Ottawa, Canada - 210 Hours Post-Worldshift

The brisk breeze tugged at Jatinder Nandra's coat as she gazed up at the sprawling flotillas of airships that had become a fixture above the Canadian capital. These magnificent vessels, detached from the Coronia's primary fleet, were no longer the marvels they once were. Reality had set in, and the time for work had arrived, although Jatinder and her friends clung to the excitement of securing a ticket on board.

"So, what're we likely to find here?" Jatinder asked, her voice tinged with anticipation. Her hands delved into her pockets, seeking warmth as she continued to watch the airships lazily traverse the sky. The airships were here for trade and to engage in critical negotiations with the Canadian government, and the need for efficient docking was paramount. The airships parked themselves with precision, ensuring minimal disruption to the bustling helicopters and air traffic below.

Wawetseka, her companion and fellow journalist, turned her attention from the majestic airships to Jatinder. Her eyes reflected a hunger for the truth, a desire to peel back the layers of hearsay and propaganda that had engulfed the Zephyros. "You've got hot takes from everyone about what's aboard," Wawetseka replied, her tone measured but resolute. "I want to see for myself without having to guess what's propaganda and what isn't."

As a journalist, Wawetseka was driven by an insatiable curiosity about life within those colossal ships. It wasn't enough to merely recount what was being said across the spectrum of voices in Earth's society and the media. She yearned to experience the Zephyros firsthand, to immerse herself in its realities, and to capture its essence through her words. This opportunity, to step onto one of these airships, was nothing she had ever imagined she would be doing anytime soon. Yet, she understood the importance of having a native Canadian voice among those who would be peppering the Zephyros' citizens with probing questions.

"Personally, I want to see where we can go from there," Michael Hudson chimed in, his eyes ablaze with excitement as he joined the conversation. He was a young Afro-Canadian with a deep curiosity about the distant land of Teraga, and his enthusiasm was infectious. "They say they've got connections to many other parts of this world, and I want in on that. We have a planet a million times bigger than Earth, maybe more... and we're going to be the first generation of Canadians to explore it. That, to me, is what's exciting about this."

Michael couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries of Teraga, its culture, governance, and the tantalizing possibility of visiting it one day. His anticipation for the trip was palpable, and he eagerly pointed out one of the tiltjets descending to meet them and other members of the press, their entrance into this new world marked by the welcoming embrace of a foreign sky.

As the door of the tiltjet opened, gearmen in their distinctive attire greeted the press and ushered them inside the spacious yet utilitarian vehicle. It was evident that these tiltjets were designed for short hops rather than indulgent luxury, but their warm color palettes seemed to radiate a sense of comfort and welcome. The trio of Jatinder, Wawetseka, and Michael took their seats, surrounded by a larger group of officials and fellow journalists.

One of the gearmen conducted a swift scan of the group, and a kobold sorcerer, bearing an air of mystique, performed a second verification. "Everyone here seems to be who they say they are, proceed," the sorcerer declared, instilling a sense of confidence in the security measures. It was a seamless process, a testament to the surreal nature of their journey into the unknown—a paradise beyond imagination.

Once the group was securely strapped in and air traffic control from both Canadian and Atericil authorities had given their clearance, the tiltjet ascended once more. The anticipation was palpable as the vessel soared into the endless expanse of the skies. Each passing moment brought them closer to the Zephyros, a realm untouched by the experiences of those below, and held within its floating cities, the promise of discovery and adventure.