The next morning, Kaiser went to the port of Alexandria, from where he was to head to the academy. At dawn, merchant ships were docking at the quays, while merchants unloaded cargoes. On the other side, a group of individuals wearing a distinctive uniform walked excitedly toward the air transport terminal. Kaiser, walking calmly, followed the group of students.
After a few minutes, he reached a vast paved esplanade. There, a dozen aeroplanes were lined up. Their structure was reinforced by a metal frame and equipped with fixed wings, wide and thick, designed for lift. Under each wing, two pulsed crystal engines were embedded in aerodynamic nacelles; they emitted a deep and regular hum, ready for power-up. A line had formed in front of the nearest aircraft, where a conductor was scrupulously checking passes.
Progress in the queue was quick and efficient. Around Kaiser, conversations flew between the new students.
