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th floor, and jutting
landing platforms every 10th floor for ultralites, many of which cruised and
glided on precisely controlled paths around the city at all hours. Far below,
people were just visible in the last hours of daylight, walking through
designated greenspaces and shopping areas. The odd seabird flashed through
the fading light between buildings, heading inland from the sea a few miles
away. Occasional glimpses of indicator or brake lights betrayed Hydrogen
powered Automobiles filling the roads as always. There was more than enough
room for everyone on under and overground public transport, but predictably,
many had refused to give up the independence of their own vehicle.
The overpowering size of the city, and the number of people occupying it
with the same dreams and aspirations as Hijiri's meant that the odds of making a
mark here were slim to virtually non-existent.
Slowly but surely the scales were tipping towards leaving.
The days until Friday passed quickly, between school, friends, study and
work.
Half an hour early, Ellen bade Hijiri's parents goodnight before taking an
evening transport to Charlenes block. Ultralites were patiently recharging,
wings folded upwards in the takeoff gangway to save room, like fighters on
ancient aircraft carriers. Ell
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