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.
The powerful tiltjet gracefully ascended into the vast expanse of the sky, leaving the familiar ground of Ottawa behind. As they gained altitude, the imposing figure of the liveship, stretching two and a half kilometers in length, came into full view. It was an awe-inspiring sight, impossible to miss or ignore—a monumental emblem of a new and extraordinary world. This colossal vessel served as the home to countless thousands of people, each living amidst the secrets and wonders of the Zephyros.
The liveship bore a resemblance to a stone that had been meticulously smoothed for skipping across the water. Its wing-like extensions extended up and down from the sides of the massive craft, lending it an elegant and otherworldly appearance. A constant dance of escort ships circled around the liveship, ensuring its safety and navigation through the ever-shifting currents of the skies. Meanwhile, a variety of airborne fauna, who had found an unconventional means of travel, darted from crevice to crevice on the behemoth airship, a testament to the intricate ecosystems that had developed in this floating realm.
As they approached, the turrets mounted on the liveship remained resolutely locked in place, their mighty weapons silent, a symbol of the peace and diplomacy that governed this extraordinary world. A pair of sleek jets flanked the tiltjet, guiding it with precision toward a designated hangar bay on the vast vessel. The transition was seamless, a symphony of well-practiced movements that made it clear they were entering a world like no other.
Upon landing, gearmen, ever-efficient, swarmed around the aircraft, attending to its needs while the passengers disembarked. The scene was one of perpetual motion, with automated systems tirelessly maintaining the air fleet's impeccable condition, a testament to the relentless commitment to excellence in this realm.
The group was quickly escorted to another security checkpoint, a necessary yet unintrusive step in this paradisiacal world. Each gearman greeted them with a warm "good day" before they continued on their journey. Soon, rail systems arrived to pick up the journalists, propelling them smoothly through the bustling port authorities. As they emerged into the centralmost plaza of the habitat ship, they were greeted with a mesmerizing sight—an eclectic, cosmopolitan tapestry of countless species and ethnicities coexisting harmoniously.
Exiting the transport, which glided with a grace and silence that Jatinder found herself yearning for in her daily commute back home, she couldn't help but be captivated by the ship's interior. Lush gardens intertwined seamlessly with the colorfully designed apartments, creating a vibrant tapestry of greenery that ran alongside living spaces, each one unique in its own way. It was as if the ship itself was a living, breathing organism, nurturing both its natural beauty and the diverse lives of its inhabitants.
Despite her keen observation, Jatinder noticed that there were no individual houses in sight. Instead, the population seemed to gravitate towards well-designed communal living, where everyone appeared to be impeccably dressed. Laughter and merriment filled the air as she watched two locust-like individuals attempting an acrobatic feat—scaling the walls between two apartment buildings in an attempt to touch the ceiling without relying on flight. One of them slipped momentarily but managed to cast a spell that slowed their descent to a comfortable velocity, eliciting a triumphant chirp as they safely rolled to the ground.
As she continued her exploration, Jatinder couldn't help but marvel at the efficient design of the habitat areas. The ease with which people could find places to unwind and enjoy themselves was striking. In stark contrast to her experiences back home, where one often had to traverse half the city to reach a club, theater, or amusement park, here it seemed that leisure was just around the corner. The prevalence of light rail, or perhaps a more fitting term, "trolleys," added to the convenience. Any destination too far to walk to was easily accessible by rail or elevator, making the city an interconnected web of convenience and accessibility.
With her pen in hand, Jatinder feverishly scribbled notes, determined not to let the intricacies of this society escape her grasp. There was so much to document, so many aspects to explore, and she was determined to paint a vivid picture of this remarkable world for her readers.
However, her thoughts were abruptly redirected by Wawetseka, who pointed out a large building with an unusual dome-like construction. Jatinder squinted, attempting to decipher its purpose, but before she could read any signs that might offer clues, she turned back to her friend for an explanation.
"What about it?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Wawetseka's face lit up with amusement as she replied, "Public baths, pool, and recreation center, right there on the sign."
Jatinder's eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh my God," she murmured, her pen dancing across her notepad to record this fascinating discovery. The implications were intriguing—did communal bathing play a significant role in their culture? How would she navigate the ethical dilemmas of photographing such intimate settings? Her mind raced with questions.
While the allure of the public baths beckoned, she decided to put that adventure on hold for the time being. A sudden commotion nearby, as one of the trolleys or elevators came to a halt in front of a building, seized her attention. A procession of children disembarked in an orderly manner, and Jatinder realized that she knew very little about the local schooling system.
Motioning for her friends to follow, she approached one of the gem-like chaperones who seemed to guide the children. This was an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricate tapestry of this society and to uncover the secrets of their educational practices, another thread in the rich fabric of life aboard the Zephyros.
Wawetseka, with her characteristic courage, stepped forward to engage with the chaperone. The figure was vaguely humanoid but strikingly different, with four arms that appeared oddly jointed—narrow at the elbows but thicker at the forearms and biceps, almost like they fit into ball joints. Their polyhedronal heads featured axe-like crests emerging from the top, adorned with glistening lights that seemed to be sockets. They turned toward Wawetseka, studying her for a moment, their presence akin to a bear-sized creature made of elemental earth and minerals.
Summoning her courage, Wawetseka introduced herself. "Excuse me, I'm Wawetseka with the Nation News. Would you happen to be able to grant us access to your school? We'd like to ask some questions and learn about your educational system. We understand if you'd prefer not to have your lessons interrupted, but we're genuinely interested in how you raise your future generations. Please," she added, with all the respect she could muster, her voice unwavering despite her nervousness.
The gem-like creatures exchanged brief, radiant patterns of light before the closest one rumbled in a deep voice, "We see no issue with allowing you passage. Who are your friends?"
"I'm Michael Hudson," Michael replied, extending his hand in a gesture of introduction. He couldn't help but wonder about the customs of this extraordinary culture. "Is it considered polite to shake hands among your culture?" he asked, seeking to bridge the gap between their worlds.
"I would prefer you to glow a certain color and pattern, but I will not ask the impossible. A handshake will suffice," the chaperone responded graciously, offering one of their four arms. It was a unique experience, akin to grasping a warm lava lamp with distinct, almost sharp edges—a sensation both warm and glassy.
Once inside the school, they were greeted by a sense of spaciousness, a design that accommodated students of many different species. The diversity of the student body was evident, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that spoke volumes about the society they were exploring.
Jatinder was drawn to the offer of some faculty members who invited them into a classroom. As she stepped inside, she was met with a captivating scene—students clustered into groups, engrossed in what appeared to be a mystic ritual. At the front of the room, the teacher fervently explained a complex theory on psionics, a topic that soared far beyond the grasp of the three visitors. Symbols and energies danced in the air, creating an enchanting spectacle that left the journalists in silent awe of this educational system's uniqueness.
While they marveled at the intricacies of the classroom, a teaching assistant, a raptor-like saurian, approached them. Its feathers rustled softly against each other, and it clacked its sickle toe-claws against the ground, a unique form of communication that piqued their curiosity.
"How can I help you?" the saurian asked, its gaze sharp and attentive.
Jatinder took the lead, her curiosity about their education system piqued. "I thought I'd like to ask you some questions about education here," she inquired.
The saurian's eyes glinted with interest. "Oh?" it responded, a hint of intrigue in its tone.
"Yeah, what do your students learn?" Jatinder continued, eager to gain insight into the curriculum of this extraordinary place.
The saurian teaching assistant considered the question for a moment, their sharp gaze focused on the trio of humans. "Our students cover a wide range of subjects," they began, their voice steady and measured. "They study history, civics, literature, social skills, the sciences, the magics, trades, mathematics, and the like." As they spoke, they clacked their fingers together, a distinctive form of communication that added to the aura of uniqueness surrounding this place.
Michael, intrigued by the mention of group work, chimed in with his own experiences. "So you do group work here, huh? How does that end up working out? They were usually disasters back in my school; impossible to coordinate, everyone having to do everything themselves in case someone slacked off... everyone worried about everyone else's impact on their grade," he recounted, shaking his head at the memories.
"We don't grade here," the saurian responded matter-of-factly. "We teach cooperative work as early as possible. People just do what they've learned since they were toddlers. Simple conditioning, really."
The prospect of sitting through a class in this unique environment intrigued the journalists. The saurian teaching assistant extended an invitation, and after a brief huddle and exchange of glances, they collectively agreed. "Yes, we'd love to," Jatinder responded on behalf of the group.
"Fantastic! I love foreign press!" the saurian exclaimed with a short, sharp bark of enthusiasm. "I'm Desnirith Teyriss. A pleasure to meet you all," they added as the trio introduced themselves. Desnirith Teyriss then communicated with other assistants and teachers, setting the stage for their immersive experience into the heart of this extraordinary education system.
After a few minutes of anticipation, a teacher stepped forward, a high elf with short blond hair and a striking outfit that exuded confidence and style. His attire featured an aviator jacket, a scarf, brown pants, and boots that completed a look both fashionable and practical.
"So, what have we made?" he inquired, gesturing toward a young human girl who stood with a geode in her hand. The girl, who appeared to be of Latin descent, cleared her throat, her voice steady and filled with purpose.
"Our crystal is meant to make it easier to channel the umm..." She paused, searching for the right words before her face lit up with realization. "Dream-energies used in offensive powers," she explained. With a focused demeanor, she demonstrated the crystal's capabilities by channeling her dynamokinetic prowess. A spark of electricity surged forth, striking an illusory creature with enough force to disrupt the illusion and make it vanish into thin air.
Her teacher, encouraging and understanding, addressed her concerns. "Don't worry so much about the exact term, Einosa," he advised, eliciting a warm smile from the young student.
"But for an hour's work? I'd say this is good," he added, allowing her to hand the crystal to him for closer examination. With a touch, he made the crystal glow, revealing its inner intricacies.
"You have some defects on the facing here," he pointed out, tapping the northeast octant of the crystal. "That is going to increase esoterical drag and make you tire yourself more quickly. I'd recommend going over the next geodes you make with a diviner lens to catch and correct future mistakes. But I like the arrangement of the centerpiece," he concluded.
The crystal passed among the other teachers and teaching assistants, each offering their own insights and feedback—praise and constructive critique intertwined in a collaborative atmosphere that was a testament to their educational approach.
"In any case, you may have noticed the three guests we have from Canada. Want to greet them?" the teacher inquired, and as if on cue, the entire class turned their eyes toward Jatinder, Michael, and Wawetseka. The students regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and warmth, embodying the open and inclusive spirit of this unique society.
Wawetseka, feeling a bit out of her element, decided to break the ice. "So, uh, what class is this?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Intermediate psionics," Einosa replied with a warm smile, her youthful enthusiasm evident.
"Ah, damn, too old and too fresh for a class like this," Michael remarked, though his tone was lighthearted.
The teacher, an elf who seemed unusually youthful compared to their human counterparts, maintained his friendly demeanor. "Are you interested in learning?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine interest.
"I couldn't think of many situations where I would say no to learning magic," Jatinder responded with a chuckle, her excitement evident.
"Then I'm sure the students here will be happy to explain the basics to you," the teacher replied, adjusting his glasses with a warm smile. The invitation was clear, and it seemed that their visit to this unique class would provide them with yet another opportunity to immerse themselves in the extraordinary culture of the Zephyros.