The Atlas Passage

I plotted a low-altitude course across the braided rug toward a heavy hardcover atlas propped open like an inverted triangular wedge. The interior presented an uncharted, enclosed corridor flanked by curved paper leaves. Aligning my primary saucer section with the centerline of the spine, I initiated a slow, measured glide into the passage. Ambient light dimmed instantly beneath the cardstock vault. As my starboard warp nacelle brushed an interior page with a gentle papery rustle, I executed a slight two-degree roll to port to re-establish clearance. Emerging safely into the morning sunpool on the opposite side, I brought my hull to rest on the woven fibers, pleased with the clean transit.