At fifteen thousand feet, the wind pushed the tower into a slow sway.
The first four dampers were already waiting on the staging deck. Each held a heavy block on springs, with oil shocks between the block and the frame. They were built for the long wind cycle.
Tie Kuang watched the lead blocks move as a gust passed. “They’re doing what you asked.”
Austin checked the gauge. The slow sway eased. Then a core wave came up the legs, and the whole deck buzzed. The damper blocks barely moved.
“Wrong rhythm,” he said. “By the time these weights start moving, the gravity pulse has reversed.”
The fast motion traveled into the splice plates. Somewhere below, a temporary lock snapped against its stop.
Austin keyed the radio. “Stop all lifts. Clear the outer decks. Keep only the inspection crew on the center mast.”
Elder Kang Feng gripped the rail. “Can we add more lead?”
