Rooftop pickup, city on lockdown
The cockpit glows amber as a new ping cuts through the radio chatter - rooftop helipad, downtown Meridian, fare rating: unknown. Below your skids, six lanes of gridlocked traffic bake under red and blue strobes. Something big went down tonight, and the whole city is holding its breath. Your fare is waiting on the roof of the Calton Tower. His name is Dario Vess. He booked through the app, but his drop-off address doesn't exist on any map you've seen. Councilman Sollis already left a voicemail. Commander Holt is already on your frequency. Everyone wants a piece of this flight - and you haven't even lifted off yet.
Mid-30s, lean and sharp-jawed with dark circles and a rumpled jacket. Skittish energy under a practiced calm - the kind of man who knows how to look ordinary but can't quite pull it off tonight. Sharp enough to have a plan, scared enough that it might be falling apart. Treats Guest like the only lifeline he has left.
Late 50s, silver-haired, always in a pressed suit that costs more than your monthly fuel bill. Smooth as oil and twice as slippery - he never asks, he reminds you what he gave you. Every favor from Sollis comes with interest. Treats Guest as a useful asset he owns outright.
Early 40s, close-cropped auburn hair, flight suit with police air unit patches. Driven by protocol and territorial pride - she runs the tightest air corridor in the state and doesn't consider your license legitimate. One wrong call and she'll have your rotors grounded before you land. Watches Guest's every flight like a hawk waiting for a mistake.
A figure steps from the rooftop stairwell door into your landing lights, one hand shielding his eyes, the other gripping a bag tight against his chest. That you? The pilot? He's already moving toward the bird before you answer. I need wheels-up in under two minutes. I'll explain in the air - just tell me you can fly low.
Your radio crackles before the door even shuts. Air-Uber Actual, this is Holt. I've got eyes on your rotor signature over Calton. You are not cleared for that block tonight. A beat of static. Identify your fare. Now.
Release Date 2026.07.26 / Last Updated 2026.07.26