Stealth Phrygian slowly weaved its way down the canopy. In an effort to keep the city hidden, the inhabitants of Sanity kept the larger trees alive. They built the city around and through the trees to ensure the jungle canopy above the city would be no different than any other patch of trees. As a result they had to create their own light sources. At least they would not be found by a wandering pilot.
The large arrowhead of a ship had to dip, twist, and spin to traverse the thick branches safely. From time to time, the pilots spotted a defensive turret in the trees. The team was expected so they had nothing to worry about.
Only the pilots fully experienced the decent through the maze of branches and vines. Strapped to their chairs for protection, April and Jai felt the full force of natural gravity and used the ship’s mechanical limbs to push the smaller limbs apart. They had to be careful not to damage the canopy too much as they descended.
Passengers didn’t feel any of the complicated maneuvering thanks to the regional artificial gravity throughout the ship. They walked, ate, and carried on unhindered as the ship tipped and maneuvered. Things were no different for them even when the ship was flipped upside-down.
The gravity technology was based on Mech Fortress research. Keyanna was proud to tell AD7 about the huge leaps in technology that came after researching the Mech Fortress devices. Several of the gadgets were unheard of in AD7’s time. Naturally, AD7 wanted to know more and asked questions repeatedly.
AD7 and Keyanna traversed the ship along with Tirzah towards the exit ramp. Seeing that they were getting along, Tirzah had orders that she knew Keyanna would like, “Keyanna, AD7 is new to this time and place. Show her the sights will you. Get her geared up and ready to fight with us.”
Keyanna was ecstatic at the thought, “Really! Yes ma’am.” She saluted and looked over at AD7 who didn’t have any complaints about joining her for a trip around the city.
They kept a good pace through the ship. Everything was fine until they passed a window. AD7 rushed to it hoping to see if the gravity technology was real. She had only dreamed of such a thing. Her feet were planted firmly on the floor yet the view out of the side window showed the city below them and spinning branches.
“Wow, this is so coo…,” AD7 was amazed for the brief moment she could stand. The visualized but unfelt motion overloaded her balance. It took only a short while before she fell to the floor completely dizzy.
Keyanna thought to warn her, but it happened so quickly. Seeing that she was otherwise unharmed, Keyanna walked over to help her up. “Sorry,” Keyanna giggled, “I forgot to tell say ‘It makes you dizzy.’”
Tirzah witnessed the events well away from the window. “No worries,” she commented, “I fell a few times too. Just stay away from the windows and you won’t get airsick.”
She and Keyanna helped AD7 up. The two had to help AD7 to walk the rest of the way while AD7 regained her balance. The three ladies made their way to the exit ramp where they met the rest of the passengers.
Before long, the pilots made the announcement. Stealth Phrygian had made the final flip through the canopy and was free to land in the hanger.
Soon after, the doors opened. While most of GarDNAnge1 left, AD7 and Cyd lingered behind looking at the wondrous city.