Last spark from the ashes

Even more than cars, ships need to be able to mind themselves for a few hours. And congested skyways would just be a nightmare.

Blaze stows her helmet at the side of her chair as they curve around. "All right, get ready to find your feet!"

That last applies more to Blaze, since when they materialize on the paving stones she drops a little from her sitting position. They both have a moment to catch their balance in the sudden sunlight and the rush of noise as a ship - their ship, in fact - swoops overhead and climbs back into the sky.

They've landed among the lawns at the front of the plaza, where a sturdy railing separates them from the city view. Ahead some low steps lead to the busy main plaza, between fern-topped pillars and tall red banners shaking in the breeze. The air is crisp and clean and quite chilly.