Chapter 20: The Return Journey

"Port side, lower twenty-seven centimeters, descend evenly," announced a worker on the high platform, dressed in striking red and black attire, waving two red flags to relay the ground control's commands to the skyboat floating above: "Target East Dock 2, speed seven Ka, turn right fifteen degrees, reduce height by thirty Ka, slow to four Ka, continue descending, prepare for buffer, activate the reverse propulsion Array, stop."

The massive skyboat, guided by the semaphore, glided smoothly into the air harbor and landed on the specially shaped dock. Slowly, the multiple doors on either side of the skyboat opened, and the workers, who were ready on the dock, quickly boarded to commence their duties.

In the eastern outskirts of the City of Knowledge, there is a highly guarded area completely enclosed by high walls, accessible only through two main gates. This area remains under close surveillance twenty-two hours a day, and anyone without access permission is kept out at the gates.