PR211

Chapter 7: Levitating in the Air

Riah exchanged glances, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, as we prepared to skydive over the expansive and discreet dunes near Dubai. Our descent, masked by the vastness of the desert, aimed to attract minimal attention. Cyrus's contact would be waiting with a car to swiftly drive us to the Burj Khalifa upon landing.

The last few hours of the plane ride were a surreal experience. In this futuristic aircraft, speed blended seamlessly with tranquility, creating a sensation I had never encountered in my numerous flights before. It wasn't just fast; it was a shift in reality, an effortless glide through the skies that defied the conventional expectations of air travel. The usual vibrations and hums associated with passenger jets were replaced by a near-silent propulsion, leaving me in a state of suspended disbelief. It was as if we existed in a dimension where the laws of physics graciously bent to the whims of this advanced technology.

Amidst this marvel, the aircraft seamlessly navigated through the anomaly-infected skies, an avoidance dance orchestrated with precision. The onboard systems hummed with purpose, ensuring our path remained undisturbed by the invisible threat that had claimed countless others. As we prepared for our clandestine skydive, the paradoxical calm of the futuristic plane's speed lingered, imprinting the journey with an indelible sense of wonder and a subtle reassurance of our safe passage through the enigmatic anomaly.

"1 minute," Cyrus's voice crackled in my ear, breaking the contemplative silence inside the futuristic cabin. His directive snapped me to attention, and I glanced around, noting the focused expressions of the team.

Cyrus had provided us with earpieces, a conduit for communication in this covert operation. The small device nestled in my ear, connecting me to the strategic orchestrator of this intricate plan. His voice was a steady guide, providing crucial instructions in our mission to defy the anomaly.

As I absorbed Cyrus's command, my eyes flicked to Riah across the room. She acknowledged the imminent jump with a simple, "Ok." Her response, seemingly directed at no one in front of her, concealed the hidden connection we shared through the discreet earpieces. It was a silent assurance, a subtle nod to the intricate dance we were about to perform in the Dubai skies.

Riah stood across the room, donned in a form-fitting jumpsuit tailored for our solo skydiving mission. The sleek garment, designed for optimal aerodynamics, hugged her frame as she prepared for the thrilling descent. Accompanied by a communication-enabled helmet and protective goggles, she was equipped for the daring plunge through the air. Securely strapped to her body, the essential parachutes promised a safe landing, and the snug harness held all the necessary equipment. As we geared up for the imminent freefall, the room buzzed with the anticipation of the unconventional journey ahead.

As I observed Riah preparing for our unconventional mission, a surge of excitement and disbelief swept through me. An unexpected smile played on my lips, and in the quiet recesses of my mind, I mused about the irony of fulfilling a longstanding desire in such an unforeseen manner. I had always wanted to go skydiving, envisioning a thrilling tandem jump with professionals guiding the way. Yet, here I was, on the precipice of an unprecedented solo descent through the skies—an unexpected twist to a dream I never thought would unfold quite like this.

"30 seconds," blared the voice in our earpieces, a sharp reminder of the imminent leap into the unknown. As the anticipation intensified, Riah turned to me with a steady gaze, her question cutting through the mounting tension, "Jett, are you ready for this?"

I nodded to Riah, a silent affirmation. As the blaring countdown continued, my mind drifted back to the previous day in the lab. I vividly recalled Cyrus's words as he explained the intricacies of the plan. "To maintain our secrecy," he had emphasized, "we're opting for an unconventional approach. The aircraft doesn't resemble a standard plane, so we must attract minimal attention. You'll be making a discreet exit mid-air, and upon landing, a swift pickup will ensure you reach the Burj Khalifa without a trace. Remember, your public identity must remain deceased. The success of our mission hinges on maintaining the illusion of your demise." The weight of his words lingered, underscoring the gravity of the clandestine journey we were about to embark upon.