The next morning, Griffin Rock awoke to bright sunshine and a cloudless sky, bathed in a light sea breeze. The day promised to be ideal, and Dani couldn't have asked for better weather for her favorite activity.

At the table, the atmosphere was relaxed. Cody was snacking on cereal, Kade was eating pancakes at an impressive speed, and their father was sipping his coffee while scanning the local news. Dani, for her part, opted for a light breakfast : a slice of toast, a little jam and an orange juice.

- Not too heavy this morning ? Cody remarked.
- I'll jump in an hour. No question of ending up sick in the air. Dani replied, shrugging her shoulders.

Kade burst out laughing.

- For sure, throwing up at 13,000 feet would be really classy.
- Very funny, Kade. Let me know when you have the courage to try it yourself. Dani retorted, finishing her orange juice.

Charlie intervened with an amused smile.

- Okay, you two. Dani, be careful, as always. And Kade, try not to provoke your sister before she jumps out of a helicopter.
- No problem, Dad. Dani replied, getting up.

She left the kitchen and headed towards the room where she stored her equipment. The metal cabinet gleamed slightly in the morning light. Dani opened it to reveal her carefully hung wetsuits, harness bag, altimeters, and other accessories.

She spent a few minutes selecting her gear for the day. After choosing a fitted sky blue suit with orange accents to match her helmet, she grabs her altimeter, goggles and harness bag. Once equipped, she carefully checked each part: the straps were well adjusted, the main and reserve sail handles were in place, the altimeter, attached to her left wrist, was working perfectly.

Finally, she placed her helmet on her head and adjusted the microphone to communicate with Blades in flight.

- Perfect. Ready to take off. She whispered with a satisfied smile.

Dani quickly climbs the stairs leading to the roof access hatch. When she opened it, sunlight flooded the platform, and Blades, already in helicopter mode, greeted her happily.

- Hello, Dani ! Ready to conquer the sky ?
- Always, Blades. And with weather like this, it's going to be an incredible experience. She replied, approaching.

Blades excitedly spun his blades.

- Come on board, partner. We have a meeting with the clouds.

Dani grabbed one of the side handles and climbed nimbly inside. She got into the cabin, adjusted her safety harness, and placed her hand on the control panel.

- We're taking off.

Blades took off slowly, leaving the platform and rising into the sky. The view of Griffin Rock grew smaller and smaller as they gained altitude, and Dani felt adrenaline rush through her.

- 13,000 feet, is that okay with you ? Blades asked, consulting his instruments.
- Negative, I would like to test at 16,400 feet. Let's go.

The duo set off on new adventures, the crisp morning air promising them a memorable experience.

As Blades continued his ascent into the clear sky, Dani, still seated in the cabin, observed the altimeter attached to her left wrist. The numbers were climbing quickly, and she could already feel a slight difference in the air.

- Dani, we are approaching 13,000 feet. I remind you that from this altitude, the air begins to become rarer, and the temperature drops by approximately one degree every 500 feet. At 16,400 feet it will be around 59 degrees. Blades informed, his voice slightly concerned.

Dani smiled as she looked out the window, admiring the spectacular scenery below them.

- No problem, Blades. I want to test my limits today. But to make it more comfortable, pressurize the cabin a little from now on and turn up the heating slightly. I want my body to gradually get used to the change.
- Excellent idea. A light intake of oxygen and a temperature adjusted to 59 degrees is perfect for you. the Autobot replied, immediately activating the necessary systems.

The cabin filled with slightly warmer and better oxygenated air, a touch that Dani appreciated.

- That’s why I love you, Blades. You anticipate everything. She called, adjusting her helmet to be ready.

Blades responded with a modest laugh.

- And I am always impressed by your courage. Going up to 16,400 feet for a jump is something. But don’t forget that it’s also a test of your ability to adapt. If you feel the slightest discomfort, tell me immediately.

Dani gently patted her partner's metal wall.

- Count on me. I'm in good hands, or rather good blades.

As they climbed, the temperature outside continued to drop. At 14,750 feet, Dani felt a slight tension in her body, but she remained focused and relaxed. She regularly checked her altimeter and made sure all the straps on her harness bag were adjusted perfectly.

Before arriving at the target altitude, Dani adjusted the goggles attached to her helmet, making sure they were positioned correctly around her eyes. Once satisfied, she tested the microphone built into her helmet to check the radio link with Blades.

- Blades, this is Dani. Microphone test, can you hear me ? she asked in a clear voice.

Blades responded instantly, his tone reassuring.

- Got five out of five, Dani. Your voice is perfect. Everything works flawlessly.

She smiled, satisfied with this confirmation.

- Awesome. We leave nothing to chance. If I need you up there, I want to make sure you can hear me.

Blades virtually nodded.

- Of course. I'm always here for you, Dani.

- Dani, we are at 16,400 feet. The outside temperature is 3 degrees. The wind is stable, and visibility is perfect. I'll open the dome as soon as you give me the green light.

She took a deep breath and checked her equipment one last time.

- It's perfect. Open the dome.

Blades activated a mechanism, and the dome slowly opened, letting an icy wind enter the cabin. Dani felt the difference immediately, the cold air rushing around her.

- It's curdling, but nothing I can't handle. She said, raising her voice to cover the sound of the wind.

She stood up and positioned herself at the opening, ready to jump. Before launching, she turned to Blades.

- Thanks for everything, Blades. See you later, on the ground.

Blades responded with a mixture of enthusiasm and seriousness.

- Good luck, Dani. Enjoy the jump and be careful. I will be there to welcome you.

Dani raised her thumb as a sign of confidence, then, without hesitation, she launched into the void, ready to take on this new challenge at 16,400 feet above sea level.

Adrenaline exploded through Dani's veins as she launched herself into the void, the sensation of being in free fall from 16,400 feet above sea level incomparable. The bitter cold surrounded her, but she was focused, totally in tune with the present moment.

She tightened her arms against her body and pointed her feet downward, entering a dive position to speed her descent. The wind roared around her, and she felt her heart beat faster as she hurtled downhill at breakneck speed. The altimeter on her left wrist flashed at 14,435 feet, then 13,780. She watched carefully, knowing that at 13,000 feet she needed to slow down to breathe easier.

When the numbers reached 13,000 meters, she spread her arms and spread her legs to adopt a star position, letting the air break her fall. Her breathing became steady as she grew accustomed to the altitude, the rush of euphoria fading into a sense of exhilarating calm.

- Dani, how are you up there ? Blades' voice boomed through his helmet, clear despite the roar of the wind.
- I'm doing great, Blades. I have slowed my fall, the air is perfect. You have no idea how magnificent it is from here. She replied, her tone tinged with wonder.

Dani took a quick look at the altimeter: 12,465 feet. She took advantage of this comfortable altitude to perform some acrobatics. She folded her arms alongside her body and did a series of rolls, rotating and twisting, her booming laughter echoing in her helmet.

- Dani, what are you doing ? Blades asked, amused and slightly worried.
- Barrels ! she shouted happily. I'm enjoying it, Blades ! It’s amazing to be so free in the air.

She straightened her body and spun 360 degrees to admire the view. Below her, Griffin Rock stretched out like a miniature model, bordered by the ocean glistening in the morning light. The mountains in the distance formed a majestic backdrop, while the sun illuminated the colorful rooftops of the small town.

- It’s so beautiful… she whispered almost to herself.

She dove again for a few seconds before rebalancing, spreading her arms and legs again to slow down. At 2,500 meters, she began another series of tricks : fluid loops followed by a helical turn that made her spin.

Blades watched every movement from his stationary position several miles behind.

- Your acrobatics are impressive, Dani. But don’t forget to watch your altitude.

She nodded, although he couldn't see her.

- Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on my altimeter. Thank you for watching over me.

The altimeter flashed : 8,200 feet. Dani decided to enjoy the scenery for a moment longer. She spread her body into a star shape, breathing deeply in the fresh air as she took in the view beneath her feet.

- It's the kind of moment that makes you realize how incredible life is. She whispered, more to herself than to Blades.
- I'm glad you're happy, Dani. You look so happy up there.
- I am, Blades. Thank you for offering me this opportunity.

As the altimeter approached 5,900 feet, Dani prepared for the next step: opening her main sail. But for now, she was still enjoying, savoring every second of this dance in the sky.

The altimeter on Dani's wrist reached 5,775 feet. She held out her right hand towards the hand-deployer, a small fist of fabric matching her black and cobalt blue harness bag. With a confident motion, she pulled firmly, feeling a slight jerk as the main sail unfurled above her in a burst of blue and black, drawing a dynamic pattern in the clear sky.

The wind around her calmed almost immediately, replaced by a calming floating sensation. The rapid descent had turned into a graceful dance, each movement of the sail responding fluidly to his adjustments on the directional handles.

Unbeknownst to her, Blades had quietly left his post at altitude when she reached 6,560 feet, beginning a rapid descent to land on the roof of the barracks. From his position, he used his optics to observe her as she activated her sail. When he saw the matching color and the perfect timing of its deployment, he couldn't help but be impressed.

- Wow, it’s so precise… and this sail is magnificent ! he muttered to himself.


As an Autobot, he had an advanced understanding of speed and distance calculations, but he could only admire the ease with which Dani manipulated her equipment.


- Blades, I deployed the parachute ! Everything is going perfectly. I begin my controlled descent. Dani declared into her microphone with a hint of excitement in her voice.
- I saw you, Dani ! he replied, slightly surprised at himself. Did you choose to deploy a little earlier than usual ?
- Yes. I wanted to enjoy the descent for longer, and the weather is so perfect today.

Blades nodded inwardly, agreeing with her choice.

- Good idea. You look beautiful up there, you know ? Like an artist who paints in the sky.

Dani smiled at this, appreciating her partner's compliment. She pulled gently on the left handle to swivel and look out over the ocean that bordered Griffin Rock. The sparkling waves in the morning sun seemed to stretch endlessly, and the green mountains formed a natural crown around the island.

She continued to adjust the trajectory of the sail, playing with the air currents to prolong the experience.

- How long before I land ? she asked, pulling lightly on both handles to slow down.

Blades quickly looked at his internal calculations.

- At your current speed, about five minutes. I'm already waiting for you on the roof, Dani.
- Already ? You came down without warning me! she retorted, half serious, half amused.
- I wanted to see you from the best possible perspective. He replied in a slightly teasing tone.

Dani laughed softly, enjoying his sense of humor. She continued her descent, adjusting her trajectory to land directly on the barracks platform.

As she got closer to the ground, Dani focused more, making sure to keep a perfect trajectory. Her movements were precise, each adjustment of the handles showing her experience and confidence.

Blades watched proudly from the roof, his optics following his partner carefully.

- You handle this like a pro, Dani. He whispered into his comm channel.

She nodded, a confident smile on her lips. The blue and black sail, magnificent against the clear sky, was the last brushstroke of this aerial adventure, until it touched land.

Dani adjusted her angle of descent, her eyes fixed on the roof platform of the barracks. In Autobot mode, Blades stood slightly behind, his optics fixed on his partner, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of trouble.

- Blades, please switch to robot mode. It gives me more space to settle down. She declared into her microphone, while gently pulling on the handles to slow her descent.
- Everything for you, Dani. But be careful, the margin is tight. He replied with a hint of concern.
- Relax, Blades. I'm not a hothead. I know what I'm doing. She assured, a confident smile on her face.

The wind, although light, required constant adjustments to correctly align her trajectory. Dani kept her composure, focused as usual. The challenge was significant: not only was the platform relatively narrow, but the fact that Blades was standing nearby added an extra dimension.

- You're 165 feet away, Dani. You will succeed. Blades announced, his sensors tracking the pilot's every move.
- I know. Thank you for the trust, partner.

At 65 feet, she reduced her speed further, pulling on both handles to stabilize the sail. Her feet were aligned with the edge of the platform, and she adjusted her path slightly to land in the center, where the surface was clearest.

Her boots touched the ground gently, and Dani ran a few steps to absorb the momentum before stopping. She let go of the handles, letting the sail slowly deflate behind her, forming an elegant trail across the metal surface.

- There you go ! A perfect descent and landing. See, Blades ? she said, raising her arms triumphantly.

Blades clapped softly with his metallic hands, his optics glowing in admiration.

- Dani, you are amazing. I'm really impressed.
- Thank you, but you know, I couldn't have done it without you. You're a dream partner, Blades.

Dani began to gather her sail carefully, folding each section precisely to avoid any creases or knots. She put everything back into the harness bag, checking each item to make sure it was ready for the next jump.

Blades, still in Autobot mode, watched her carefully.

- Do you want me to help you down ? he suggested when she finished.
- No, thank you. The hatch is only for humans, but I can manage. Meet me downstairs. She replied with a wink.
- Alright. I go down in my own way. He replied, smiling.

Dani climbed down the access hatch, holding the harness bag in one hand and her helmet in the other. She felt invigorated, ready to face the day after this exhilarating jump.

Downstairs, Cody, Kade, and their father Charlie were already gathered around the breakfast table. When Dani walked in, Cody looked up, a bright smile on his face.

- So, big sister, how was it this time ?
- Magical, as always. And this time, I even took on an additional challenge. Landing on the roof. She replied proudly, placing her equipment in a corner.
- Another typical day for Dani Burns. Kade jokes, rolling his eyes, although his smile betrayed a hint of admiration.

Charlie nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes.

- As long as you stay careful, Dani. We need you here.
- Always, Dad. I never take unnecessary risks. She assured as she sat down at the table, where she was about to relax for a moment, savoring the end of her exercise.

Blades entered the room in robot mode, leaning slightly so as not to touch the ceiling.

- I confirm, boss. Dani is the safest driver I know.
- And you are the best partner. She replied, raising her glass of orange juice.

Breakfast continued in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, although Dani, having already eaten her meal before the jump, simply settled down to chat with her brothers and father, ready to recover from her exhilarating experience. The day, although started with a challenge, still promised to be full of promise for the Burns crew.


To be continued...