10-02-2012, 09:35 PM
Quote:The airships ranged in size from single-person scampies to long dragonships carrying over a hundred passengers. Most were modeled on animals, such that he saw steam issuing from water buffalo horns, serpent tails, elephant ears, and alligator snouts. While all were rigged with helium-filled bags, these were absurdly undersized and intended only for stability, while the true buoyancy derived from exometal cores in the carriages, which could be turned to a weightless or even anti-mass orientation.
Dedication: I’m dedicating this one to Greg. The initial draft was written during his conquest of China, and his travails with camera equipment were an inspiration. I’ll also make a minor dedication to the pirate contingency on Doom, though I’ve never been entirely sure where the ninja/pirate line falls (I presume you know who you are). As for DM, let me think. Nope, can’t recall putting one iota of his esteemed personage in this one, so he can rest easy.
“Last Crane to Yangzhou” (5,750 words), first draft 1/2012, completed 10/2012
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0yz3z0wdlnh8f6...ngzhou.pdf