11. Before the Jump.

Birdi-Q's gaze sharpens – infinity in focus – facing the beyond. A brief shrug, mechanical attitude, offers no comfort. Her insides? A storm, fluttering like a flag in the field before the battle, like a trembling pennant high in the wind. Last flickering thoughts pulse wildly between doubt, hope, and determination.

Her feet still hold contact, toes clawing around cold steel, opening, and letting go.

And then? Nothing but the jump... ➜