EXT. DAY. PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DESERT, 3 KM ABOVE GROUND
Image of a Clear Sky. Slowly, the Picture Dissipates.
Lara (Voice Over)
I will never forget the day I arrived in New Jericho. Even today, the monotonous hiss and gasps of the trolley still resonate in my ears when I remember eagerly clinging to the window and peering out through the dusty glass as a mere 16-year-old. The top two-thirds of the window is occupied by the vivid blue sky. From a height of three kilometers above the ground, the view of the desert appears to gradually transform into a yellowish-green terrain.
Lara (Voice Over)
As we flew above cloud level, gradually approaching a remote spot hovering in the air, we caught sight of a cluster of trolleys suspended without any visible support. A giant pole that functioned as an axis held a remote control that was rotating, with most of the trolleys connected to it either directly or indirectly through a system of slender metal wires, exposed steel beams, and ladders. Located at the base of the colossal pole was a sign that we gradually neared, revealing an illuminated display visible day and night that indicated: "Settlement Name: New Jericho, Population: 160."
The flying trolley gradually ascended the colossal pole, revealing the rooftops of the interconnected trolleys. At the pinnacle of the trolleys, a unique box was mounted with multiple antennas extending in all directions, spaced out at predetermined intervals. This "hedgehog" device facilitated the trolley's suspension in mid-air. Beneath the city, the white clouds extended, and beyond them, they could observe the extensive Earth, situated three kilometers beneath them, adorned with patches of green, yellow, and brown.
INT. DAY. WITHIN THE FLYING TROLLEY
Inside the trolley were seated three individuals: Lara, the pilot in an orange jumpsuit, and Tom in a blue jumpsuit. The pilot occupied the central position of the trolley, with the control levers located between his legs. Meanwhile, Lara and Tom sat on opposite sides of the trolley, gazing out the windows at the scenery beyond.
Lara (Voice Over)
I glanced over at Tom, who was sitting next to me by the second trolley window, as quiet as always. I had already gotten to know him well enough to sense that beneath his calm exterior, a constant turmoil was brewing. I didn't know Tom very well yet, but I was ready for whatever mission he had in store for me. I kept stealing glances at his face and grew to appreciate his tanned facial features: his lips, his straight nose, and his alert eyes. I was certain that Tom knew how to laugh, how to live. I was sure of it. However, in the situation in which I met him, he was a mere shadow of his former self.