Ch4: Welcome to Republic City
2020
There was a loud crack and a bright flash which burst just outside the windows of the cabin. The 747-400 rocked slightly, just minor turbulence compared to when planes first started flashing through the rift. The lights flickered slightly, but the four Pratt and Whitney jet turbines continued to hum and whir constantly, no strain and no sudden pitch increases from the thrust being suddenly increased. The jumbo jet emerged from a thick cloud, soaring into the partly cloudy afternoon skies. Now, passing between worlds, a process long perfected over the decades, was something almost taken for granted.
"Huh, you ever read about this dad?" Jinora asked her father, Tenzin. The family of airbenders were seated in premium economy, just by the wings.
Tenzin took the magazine with the historical trivia article from his eldest daughter, one of the youngest airbending masters of all time. "Hmm, the Battle of Los Angeles, 1942." He tried recalling, but to no avail. Tenzin was not well versed in the history of the Mechanical World. To him the world of his father and of the thousands of generations of airbenders before was more important to him to study, research, and uphold.
"It's not based on the Hollywood movie," Jinora plainly clarified, her eyes narrowing. "You don't need to pretend, dad. I know you don't know too much about their history."
"I'm sorry, you're right. But! Enlighten me, Jinora. What happened in this event?" he diverted.
"Well," she began, setting the magazine on the extended tray table. The article, in a Japanese publication, was written mainly in Japanese, understandably. But her language studies were paying off, and she could now summarize the main points. "In 1942, the US defensive positions stationed around Los Angeles, California, began picking up signals and spotting a supposed attacking force from the Japanese. The US Army quickly mobilized and began to open fire on the potential attacking aircraft, firing until eventually it was learned that there was nothing there! Though there was significant damage dealt to the surrounding areas from shell fragments."
"Of course, radar technology wasn't as in depth as it is now, back then," Tenzin replied.
"Well according to this, some soldiers claimed seeing larger planes, like a four engine bomber. And others say they saw numerous fast moving planes, like fighters. And this story tends to also make waves in the UFO communities," Jinora added on.
"Just tensions from the ongoing war, probably. At that time, Pearl Harbor had just happened…hadn't it?"
"Well yes, but…" Jinora theorized. She took a sip from her cup of orange juice and looked out at the massive wings of the 747, a four engine plane. "Do you think, with all the research and tests and the still-iffy technology of transiting the rift with spirit energy..could the answer be more simple? Could our actions, not necessarily our actions, but, our actions now, be causing problems in the past?"
"I don't think so," Tenzin assured. "Your grandfather worked extensively with the US and other nations' scientists to fool-proof the jump technology mounted to ships and planes. I wouldn't doubt his work. He put a lot of effort into finding old scrolls, you know."
"Yes," the young master droned. She had heard many many stories of her grandfather through the years. Many repeated.
Jinora put the provided black headphones back on her head, and plugged the AUX cord into its slot in the arm rest of her chair, flicking through the inflight programming.
First came the news.
"...Finally looking at the forecast for this weekend, Republic City should expect clear sunny skies for the most of the day, but with some light cloud cover rolling in over Air Temple Island towards the later evening…
Click.
"...the Dow Jones showing to be down two percent, with the NASDAQ closely following this downward trend. From the other world, the Republic City Stock Exchange is showing a steady one-percent upward shift this morning, likely as a result of the increased oil exports for the Mechanized World recently agreed upon between the Earth Empire and Fire Nation with the US and European Union.
Cabbage Corps's ticker, now steadily recovering and showing a promising upward trend in their stocks. The company has just moved to buy back another five thousand shares of their stock this week, which is sure to increase their price per share in the coming weeks. Bulls are advising to accumulate Cabbage Corps shares at the current prices before their projected increase in share pricing; this comes ahead of the recently revealed move to expand production and potentially open an automobile factory in India in the coming fiscal year. Bears advise to hold off on any drastic purchases of stock until more information of the enactment of such plans are presented.
Meanwhile, Future Industries continues their dive with low public support and a similarly low stock price to accompany it. Despite recent efforts by current Future Industries chairwoman, Asami Sato, to rally the support of investors and the public for her 'New Direction' plan for the company, opportunity and orders for their once well-selling Sato-mobiles, turbo-prop aircraft, and even their defense contracts, have steadily declined in the years of the majority of the 2010s. This comes still from Future Industry's controversial support and role in the mobilization of the radical terrorist group, the Equalists, over seven years ago in 2013. The company's founder, Asami Sato's father Hiroshi Sato, continues to serve his forty-five year sentence in United Republic maximum security penitentiary."
Click. Asami must be having it hard these days, Jinora thought. The airbender family were sympathetic to the struggles of the family friend. The airbending teenager hoped Asami and company's trip to Los Angeles would be beneficial for the three of them, for Korra too.
"...discussion within the Earth Empire continues as we approach the third year anniversary of the death of Queen Hou Ting. Prince Wu could not be reached for comment as to the planned proceedings of ceremonies surrounding the murder of his great aunt by the radical anarchist, Zaheer and his small terrorist organization, the Red Lotus. The heir to the Earth Kingdom's ceremonial throne was recently arrested last Sunday for alleged assault and battery, as well as destruction of property, following a tantrum-like outburst at a Ba Sing Se meeting hall after some attendees refused to acknowledge his inherited authority of the kingdom. The charges against Prince Wu have been dropped and settled outside of court.
The current leader of the Earth Empire and former captain of the Zaofu metalbending guards, Kuvira, could not be reached for a live interview while she is still currently abroad on diplomatic and trade meetings in Japan, however KRPC was able to obtain an exclusive letter of comment from her main office in Ba Sing Se.
'While the Earth Empire will hold a modest and respectful vigil and ceremony with respect to the heritage and history that the Earth Queen represented in our culture. It is our belief that the people of the Earth Empire, and the world for that matter, should continue to focus on the long and never ending road to future progress and prosperity.
With the fate of Zaheer and his radical group as the example, we, as a modernizing and ever-strengthening nation, will never again allow for such terrifying and dangerous criminal acts to go unchallenged and unpunished, harming our communities and our friends and families, ever again. It is through unity, the eventual unification and centralization of all cities, towns, and villages, within all areas of Earth Empire Sovereignty, that we will go farther, achieve more, and finally have safe peace of mind, free from fear of criminal harm or imperial conquest.
As a nation of tens of thousands of years of history. I say we should take this time, of change, and of remembrance, to look back on our origin and our history, our story, but not forget to keep moving forward. Undeniably, our nation has had many problems of corruption, scandal, and failures, in its history, including many within the old monarchy. So while looking to the past, and remembering who we are and where we came from is important, it is also important to leave the problems where they belong: in the past.
Today we may struggle, but tomorrow, united, we will prosper.'
Profound words by the Earth Empire's current standing leader during its time of reform and unification, affectionately known to many between the worlds as the 'Great Uniter,' Kuvira's approval ratings within the Earth Empire, as well as Republic City, is soaring through a significant positive trend, outclassing that of Prince Wu; the current heir to the Queen who is proposed to supposedly take over from Kuvira upon completion of her reunification duties. It remains a question as to how that shift of power may happen, if it will happen, and how its citizens are to react if it does happen."
"I know who I trust at the helm of such a massive national operation," said another newscaster at the desk as the camera panned out. "Picking between a decorated and accomplished servicewoman, and an entitled, recently arrested, prince…"
"I just might second that opinion after that event.
This concludes the afternoon news update. Coming to you live from Republic City, this has been KRPC Fox 12. We'll see you tonight," the lead anchorwoman closed.
Jinora hadn't noticed that her father had been listening in and watching the same news channel on his monitor simultaneously. "See, I don't like how they do that," he quietly vented out.
"Do what?"
"They always have that commentary at the end. The casual back and forth between them as the camera zooms out. It's passive and subtle, but they are swinging the opinions more in those last thirty seconds- Opinions that are already leaning to one side during that report," the son of Aang ranted.
"Dad. I know you aren't the biggest fan of the Earth Empire seemingly paving over the old and traditional Earth Kingdom. You know I am also skeptical too, but you have to admit…Prince Wu..doesn't make it easy for people to like him," Jinora had her opinions, but was generally good at seeing other points of view. "And we may question her methods, but for those affected Kuvira does put out solid results."
Tenzin sighed, "I know. I just don't like the way she unifies the towns and territories. I've heard it can be..aggressive."
Jinora agreed. From what she has heard, watched, and read, the Earth Empire Army was responsible for most of the slow but steady intake and unification of Earth Kingdom territories into the Empire. She wondered what wasn't making it into the papers or the daily broadcasts. But she also knew how much, and for how long, the poorer, or lesser known citizens of the Earth Kingdom had suffered with crime, criminals, and other forms of corruption. It was a notable problem during the three-hundred-plus year life of Avatar Kyoshi, and it was even a problem during her grandfather's time as well. Even if Jinora's hunch that the Earth Empire Army may be using a sledgehammer approach to dealing with rogue clans, radical groups, and criminals, it would be hard to find much opposition to it. After centuries of dealing with such problems, heck..after mere months or weeks of dealing with loss, and physical and financial burden, and suffering, one could easily see how this was long overdue.
"This tea is cold," Tenzin exhaled, slightly still on edge from the broadcast. "Excuse me," he called, waving his hand at the cabin attendant all the way at the front of the cabin.
"Dad! There's a call button for that, you're disturbing the other passengers," Jinora reminded. The nearby passengers were indeed staring at them, their traditional robes would keep the nearby onlookers attention too.
"Oh! That's what this button is for?"
Jinora pressed her index and middle fingers against her forehead. Sometimes her dad would be embarrassing in public, not knowing how to 'read the air' as the Japanese put it. The cabin attendant came over and knelt beside him anyway.
"Mr. Tenzin, how may I be of assistance to you?" She asked politely. The attendant was hiding the fact that she was in a bit of a rush, likely she had to make an announcement soon. Jinora looked at her uniform, a dark gray skirt, beneath a light gray blazer, blue shirt, and a light blue silk scarf around her neck. There was a blue stripe which lined the jacket's sleeve seams, and piped the skirt's rear vent as well. Her long black hair had been tied up into a bun and secured with numerous hair clips and hairspray as it had a bit of shine. She was pretty, Jinora thought. 'Hasegawa,' her name tag read.
"Sorry for the disturbance. I was just wondering if I could get a fresh cup of tea," Tenzin asked.
"Certainly, I'd be happy to get that for you. Please wait just a short moment," she politely replied in Japanese. Since they had passed into the Bending Realm, all languages were universally understood, to the benefit of Tenzin. "Anything for you as well?" she gestured to Jinora.
"No, I am okay. But thank you for offering," Jinora replied, using her best Japanese.
"Oh! You're Japanese is very good," the attendant replied. She turned back to Tenzin, "I will be right back with your tea," she acknowledged before promptly heading down the aisle. She promptly returned with a cup of hot green tea. For tea brewed on a flight, it was to Tenzin's approval. He relaxed in his chair, going over the talking points and thinking of the audience impact of the 'Airbenders for Peaceful Resolutions' event he and his family had attended in Hiroshima; a weeklong event around Japan that they were finally returning from.
Ping! A chime dinged in the PA system throughout the gracefully-aging jumbo jet. The kanji characters for 'in-aircraft announcement' popped up on the individual screens as all programs were paused.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Captain Kaito Takeda, commanding officer of this flight. We have finished passing through the rift, and have re-emerged-….-kilometers southeast of Republic City heading northwest. We are maintaining an altitude of thirty-six-thousand feet above sea level. We are expecting clear skies and smooth flying conditions for the remainder of the journey, however we ask that you please keep your seatbelts fastened in case of sudden, unexpected, turbulence. The target time of arrival at Republic City International Airport is approximately 4pm local time, and the weather report at the destination is showing clear skies and a current temperature of twenty-degrees-celsius…or sixty-eight-degrees-fahrenheit.
Thank you for flying with ANA, and our Star-Alliance Partners, today. Please enjoy the remainder of the flight, and do not hesitate to ask our cabin attendants if there is anything we can provide to you," the captain concluded, before the quiet click of the phone returning to the receiver could be heard as the broadcast cut off.
The pause was brief however, as another announcement shortly came through.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the voice of one of the attendants patched through. "We are anticipating the descent into Republic City to begin in the next hour. At this time we would like to conclude our in-flight shopping services. Thank you for your purchases. I would like to take this time to remind passengers to have their disembarkation and immigration cards and forms filled out in order to process at Republic City. Please make sure you have the correct forms for international travelers, or citizens of the United Republic, as well as the correct version for benders or non-benders. Please contact a cabin attendant for any assistance required in filling out these forms.
At this time as well, please make any trips to the washroom, in a timely manner, as the lavatories will be closed during our descent and final approach into Republic City. Please also note that the staircases to the first class cabin on the second deck at the front of the aircraft will also be closed at that time.
Cabin attendants, begin initial landing preparations," the chief purser concluded as the broadcast ceased.
That's where she recognized the attendant from! Jinora recalled now from the push-back announcement. Hasegawa-san was the chief purser, leading cabin attendant of the flight, she recalled her voice.
Jinora turned to her father, she could already see him mentally preparing himself for the descent. Truth be told, Tenzin tended to be nervous and on edge during commercial flights. Glider and sky bison flights were perfectly fine to him, despite their lack of safety restraints and engines, but being strapped to a gigantic flying metal tube rocketing through the skies at hundreds of kilometers per hour at such oxygen-bare heights made him nervous; especially since he had no input whatsoever in any of it. But she knew there would be entertainment in the bank-rich final approach into Republic City, watching her father wince and tense up, regardless of how smooth it would be in reality.
In the few times she had flown commercial, the justification for doing so rarely exists since airbenders could fly with either their sky bison or gliders, she enjoyed watching the landing at Republic City. Seeing numerous airbenders on glider maneuver around each other when approaching an Air Temple was cool and fun, but seeing the same coordination and close formation done by planes hundreds of times the size of a person and a glider do it, was intense.
"Cabin attendants, prepare for landing," Kaito Takeda broadcasted to his cabin crew. He promptly set the handset back in its receiver to communicate with his copilot. "Passing ten-thousand," he reported. "Reduce speed to two-five-zero-knots."
"Landing lights on," his partner reported, flicking on the wing mounted landing lights; the jumbo-jet equivalent to a car's headlights. "Spoilers extended."
"Republic City Approach, All Nippon six-one-four heavy, two-hundred kilometers southeast of Yue Bay at ten-thousand feet, inbound for landing, requesting ILS approach any runway at Republic City," Kaito called out on the radio.
"All Nippon six-one-four heavy, expect the ILS approach, Runway two-five-left at Republic City. Turn left heading two-seven-zero. Reduce speed to two-one-zero-knots. Descend and maintain five thousand," the controller instructed.
"Roger, expecting runway two-five-left. Reduce speed to two-one-zero knots, turn left heading two-seven-zero, descend and maintain five thousand, All Nippon six-one-four heavy," he read back.
"Spoilers extended," the copilot called out. The rushing thunderous sound of the air flowing over the wings being impeded by the extended airspeed spoilers could be heard inside the jet, as well as the reducing thrust from the engines. "Extending, flaps five degrees."
There was a loud whirring sound, the sound of the hydraulics in the wings moving the large trailing flaps in the massive wings. The 747's leading edge slats also began to unfold and extend forth. Just over the right side of the nose of the aircraft, the waters of Yue Bay, and the nearby metropolis that was Republic City, started to come into view. And with it, the flight crew could also see the many aircraft which filled the skies in and around the city. The approach to Republic City International was a smooth but intense zig-zag pattern which took planes around Yue Bay. The airport was always experiencing chaotic order, as planes from all over the Bending realm and, at peak arrival and departure hours, planes arriving post-rift-jump from the Mechanized World. There were Boeing Triple 7's, and 787's arriving from the mechanical world, as well as smaller 737 jets arriving from local airlines as well. The king of the skies, the Airbus A380 made visits as well, flown by carriers such as Emirates arriving from and departing back to Dubai, or Lufthansa with services to and from Frankfurt, Germany. Several older and more antiquated passenger liners, mainly used by Bending-World-based carriers, could be found too; older Boeing 707's used by the Fire Nation's flag carrying airline, West Dragon Airlines, and even older twin engine propeller aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3 still being used by smaller lines like Kyoshi Island Lines, or Omashu Air Cargo.
The near-bankrupt air transit branch of Future Industries, Sato Air Service, was also relegated to older planes, or in-house designs; they hung on with moderately priced passenger and cargo service, but the carrier has taken a significant hit since 2013 and has long fallen out of favor. A far cry from when Future Industries was the leading airline of the Bending Realm; their Boeing 707s were starting to show ancient signs of wear, and were very outdated.
Captain Takeda listened carefully at the swarm of broadcasts coming through over the frequency. All there was to do in these situations was to maintain their current heading and wait for further instructions. Outside, all around them, planes, jumbo jets, of all sizes; and both commercial and individual planes; climbed, descended, and made all sorts of synchronized and coordinated turns at the direction of the ATC. It was like a ballet in the sky of massive scale. Air Temple island was now directly ahead and coming up below their nose, the typically large structures of the island seemed miniature from this height. And diagonal from it, centered amid the downtown district to the right, Republic City Airport to the left, and Air Temple island directly beneath, was Avatar Aang Memorial Island; the towering metal and stone structure of the past Avatar overlooking the city also seemed quite small. Directly ahead of the aircraft, built on the shores of the Mo Ce Coast, west of the Downtown District, was the large and bustling passenger hub: Republic City International Airport; though it would not be a straight shot to the airport as there was still a long approach route to follow.
Just as they had cleared Air Temple Island, another broadcast came through. "All Nippon six-one-four heavy, turn right heading zero-six-zero. Descend and maintain four thousand." Almost a 180-degree turn to starboard.
"Turn right, heading zero-six-zero. Descend and maintain four thousand, All Nippon six-one-four heavy." Captain Takeda gently pushed the thrust levers forward slightly, the four engines thundering and whirring at the increase in thrust, and gently turned the yoke to the right. At his careful input, the Queen of the Skies, majestically dropped her right wing to a steep angle and the jumbo jet began its turn towards the city. Passengers and crew were now staring directly down at Air Temple Island just off the edge of the right wing. Tenzin could see the strict and chaotic wooden gates used for Korra's airbending training below. They had just been restored.
Looking out the side of the cockpit down below, Kaito made note of a passing 777-300ER, flown by American Airlines crossing in a straight line beneath them, a vertical clearing of just three hundred feet between the planes. The wings leveled out as the plane completed its turn, and once again Aang Memorial Island came into view, this time off the left wing of the jet.
Soon they were over the Kyoshi Bay Bridge to the east of the downtown district, crossing the south delta which separated Future Industries from the rest of the city. Directly ahead in the distance was the Dragon Flats District, historically one of the poorest boroughs of the city with the largest concentration of non-benders. Off-world influence has drastically enhanced the area, and wealth as well as quality of life have improved, but the area still has a rougher experience than downtown. Down below and to the right was the main Future Industries facility, on the docks of the Industrial District.
"All Nippon six-one-four heavy, reduce speed to two-zero-zero knots. Turn left heading three-two-zero. Descend and maintain three-thousand-five-hundred," ATC called.
"Reduce speed, two-two-zero knots, turn left heading three-two-zero, descending to thirty-five-hundred, All Nippon six-one-four heavy."
"Spoilers extended," the copilot again called, pulling the speed brakes lever.
As Kaito initiated the leftward bank, just ahead he saw another 747-400 rocketing across their former course heading, with just one hundred feet of vertical separation between the two massive planes. Speedbird 7152, a British Airways flight from London to Republic City. He must have passed through the Atlantic Rift Point about an hour ago, Captain Takeda thought, as he watched the paralleling flight glide past. After completing the turn and levelling out the wings, the British flight was just ahead of them off their starboard-bow; Kaito still inwardly referred to positions using maritime terms, a trait he had picked up from his grandfather. They were just a few hundred meters behind the UK-originating flight. "All Nippon six-one-four heavy, be advised to nearby traffic."
"Roger, I see them, All Nippon six-one four-heavy," Kaito acknowledged.
Central Station, the main rail terminal for Republic City, was now directly below them. From here, people can catch local subway lines around the city, local and rapid train lines to nearby neighborhoods and neighboring cities, or catch a bullet train, also referred to as shinkansen, to farther cities in the Earth Kingdom. Originally established by as a joint venture between the Japan National Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad back when Republic City was still developing, the operation of passenger trains was inherited by JR East after the JNR was broken into private companies, hence where the Bending World began inheriting, building, and operating shinkansen train services across the expansive Earth Kingdom. Nowadays, the East Japan Rail Company has delegated operations and maintenance to its subsidiary entity: the Republic City Rail Authority. But the influence remains at more levels than just at the corporate and decision making level.
To the left, City Park, largely drawing inspiration from Central Park in New York, was easily visible, even amid the towering skyscrapers. Directly behind the park were the large domes of city hall. In the distance, off the port-bow was the last visual landmark used when flying a visual approach, Harmony Tower. The locally known and favorite spot for couples and romantic ventures. Sure enough, Captain Takeda has been to that tower over the years various cabin attendants, even other pilots, before he married his wife.
Opposite the coastline that Harmony Tower stood on, anchored down on the docks just past the Silk Road Bridge, was Battleship Yamato. The former IJN capital ship, former US Navy battleship, and former United Forces battleship had been finally decommissioned after seventy-two years of service, and with the support of President Raiko, the overhauled, and several-times-refitted, battleship was turned into a museum ship, housed in Republic City. At her stern flew the flag of the Rising Sun, a large one fit for a battleship. But atop her halyards near her smoke stack, she flew the American Star Spangled Banner, Japan's Hinomaru, and the flag of the United Republic, symbolizing her service with all three nations' navies. Restored and fixed to the bow, Yamato's bow ornament, the golden chrysanthemum crest, the seal of the Japanese Emperor, had been returned to the ship following her decommissioning from the US Navy in 1975 following the conclusion of the Vietnam War, and the subsequent end to being called USS Montana, BB-65, and Yamato's commissioning into the United Forces' Navy the same year. Captain Takeda had listened to many stories about Yamato from his grandfather when he was a young boy. Many were great, glorious, or awe-inspiring, but not all were favorable historically. Now the ship, long associated with the connection of both worlds, and former embodiment of Japan's naval might, served the rest of her days as a floating museum and as a popular venue for city events.
Kaito was old enough, and had been flying with the company long enough that he had seen Republic City change over the years. It grew, and developed more and more. Parts of it had been destroyed with various events, only to be rebuilt quickly in the immediate aftermath. But likely the greatest change, that the forty-five year old airline pilot looked down on was the endless spirit vines that had entangled the city back in 2015.
"All Nippon six-one-four heavy, reduce speed to one-eight-zero knots. Turn left, heading two-seven-zero, descend and maintain three thousand. Maintain three thousand until you are established on the localizer. You are cleared for the ILS approach, runway two-five-left at Republic City."
"Reduce speed, one-eight-zero knots; turn left, heading two-seven-zero; descend and maintain three-thousand until established on localizer, All Nippon six-one-four heavy," Kaito read back, making his final turn to intercept the glide path to the runway.
"Flaps twenty-five degrees," his copilot reported after setting the lever.
"Here we go," Captain Takeda commented. They were now approaching the top of the glide slope.
"All Nippon six-one-four heavy, contact Republic City Tower at one-five-five decimal niner," the Approach controller broadcast finally.
"Contacting, Republic City tower…one-five-five decimal niner, All Nippon six-one-four heavy," Captain Takeda answered before passing that duty of turning the frequency knobs to his copilot to do. "Republic City Tower, All Nippon six-one-four heavy, northwest of downtown at three thousand feet, inbound on the ILS approach Runway two-five left."
"All Nippon six-one-four heavy,follow the traffic on final, number two, cleared to land, runway two-five left," the tower informed.
"Number two, behind traffic on final, cleared to land runway two-five left, All Nippon six-one-four heavy."
The wings rocked gently as Kaito aligned the massive jet with the centerline of the runway. The flashing lights traced the edges of the long strip of asphalt from one end to the other. Before the touchdown markings, several toward extending out over the water further emphasized the runway's direction. "Landing gear," he called out.
"Gear down," the copilot called out. As he pushed the lever to the down position, another loud whirring and rumbling came from beneath as the landing gear wells opened up on the belly of the massive jet as the heavy gear assemblies were slowly extended. "Flaps thirty. Landing spoilers armed." The copilot then took up the phone for the plane's intercom, making the final landing preparations so the captain could focus on flying the approach. "Hasegawa-san, we are now on final approach, direct cabin crew to secure for landing." He promptly returned the phone to its receiver. The flight engineer behind the two pilots, got himself ready for landing as well.
"Two-thousand-five hundred." The aircraft's radio altimeter called out in its computerized voice.
"United seven-seven-eight, when able to turn right and hold short of runway two-five-right. Please expedite traffic on final," Kaito could hear the tower call out. Ahead on their runway, still firing their reverse thrusters, a United Airlines 777-200ER from San Francisco had just touched down on 25L. And simultaneously, at the start of the runway a departing Airbus A330-200 was rolling toward the hold line.
"Acknowledged," the United captain answered. His reversers had just shut and Kaito could already see the twin engine jet starting to veer off to the right runway exit taxiway.
"One-thousand."
"Hawaiian five-five-one, hold short Runway two-five left," the tower called.
"Holding short runway two-five left, Hawaiian five-five-one," the read back called. The white, purple, and orange color scheme of the island airline was illuminated brightly in the setting sun and the taxiway lights. Kaito could identify Pualani, characteristic girl who was painted on all Hawaiian Airlines planes. The A330 came to a halt just before the runway at the hold-short line.
Kaito had almost forgotten that they had pulled ahead of the British Airways flight during that final turn, and were now well ahead of them.
"Cargolux one-nine heavy, cleared for immediate take-off, Runway two-five right," the tower then issued.
"Holding short runway two-five-right, United seven-seven-eight."
"Cleared for immediate take off, runway two-five-right, Cargolux one-nine heavy."
On the parallel runway, ahead of the rapidly incoming British Airways jumbo, the large 747-8 freighter began to quickly roll out and turn to line up with the runway. He couldn't hear it, but Kaito could imagine those four engines roaring to life, as the heavy bird was soon thundering down the runway to clear out of the way of the landing plane.
"Five-hundred." His own plane started to rattle and shake a little as they got closer to the ground and seas beneath. As they approached, items that were microscopic earlier were not just simply small. And the true speed of their jet was now much more apparent as stationary landmarks now whizzed past.
He watched as the adjacent cargo jet climbed into the early evening sky. He was too focused, he almost did not catch ATC yelling at another plane on radio.
"Air space intrusion! All Nippon six-fourteen, traffic alert! Check surroundings immediately!"
"Incoming below our nose on the right!" his copilot spotted. It was a small independently piloted Future Industries biplane which had passed dangerously into the approach path.
"Shit," Kaito quickly rotated the yoke sharply left. The right wing suddenly raised, with much more urgency than during the graceful approach maneuvering. The prop-driven plane buzzed just below their starboard side, still with adequate vertical clearance. Quickly the captain maneuvered to realign his craft.
"Unstable. Unstable."
Outside, he could hear the siren of a nearby Republic City Police Airship cry out as they pursued the violating civilian craft. Crisis averted, he sighed slightly. But he wasn't done yet; couldn't lose focus now, even if slightly shaken. The flight engineer sighed in relief. "That'll certainly wake up some passengers," Kaito chuckled out loud, making light of the situation.
"Someone get me that guy's tail number," he could faintly hear on the ATC frequency.
"Four hundred." The runway drew closer and closer. Kaito now had one hand on the thrust levers and the other on the controls. There was a slight five-knot crosswind which he accounted for with rudder inputs.
"United seven-seven-eight, cross runway two-five right and contact ground on one-five-seven decimal two. Please expedite traffic on final."
"Crossing runway two-five right, ground on one-five-seven point two, United seven-seven-eight."
"Three hundred."
"Speedbird seven-one-five-two heavy, cleared to land runway two-five-right."
"Cleared to land, runway two-five right, Speedbird seven-one-five-two-heavy."
"Approaching minimums," the altimeter advised. The minimum altitude, the last altitude, that they could safely initiate a go-around. Beyond this height, with such a large plane, they would have to commit to setting her down. "Minimums! Minimums!"
"Continuing," Captain Takeda advised.
"Roger that," the copilot confirmed.
"Two hundred."
They thundered over the shore. Then they glided past the perimeter fences and started to soar over tarmac. The PAPI lights beside the runway showed two red, and two white lights; right on the glide slope.
"One hundred." Kaito began to reduce the thrust slightly.
"Fifty."
He returned all the thrust levers to neutral positions.
"Forty"
The engines powered down and became much quieter. They were gliding.
"Thirty."
Pause. Pause.
"Twenty."
The captain gently pulled back on the yoke, pitching the 747 up slightly, flaring the aircraft. The last move to reduce their descent rate at the last second for a soft touchdown.
"Ten."
He held his breath.
A subtle base-heavy thud came from below as the main gear set down gently on the runway. The cabin vibrated, rattled, and shook.
"Landing spoilers extended," the copilot called out. Atop the wings, the air speed brakes had now fully raised to a near vertical position, increasing the drag and preventing the plane from being able to get airborne.
The nose of the plane was still aloft in the air. Captain Takeda still had to 'fly the nose gear' down to the runway as well. But while he carefully guided the front half of the plane towards the runway, he was reaching for the reverse-thrust levers as well with his other hand. Getting hold of them he pulled those back. The four large jet engines split open, extending backward and closing the exhaust; they were now redirecting the thrust forward, using the engines to also slow the 747 down so as to not burn out the brakes.
There was another subtle rocking as the nose gear finally touched down too. Now the thunderous roar of the engines and the rumbling of the big bird slowing down, was the only noise aircraft-wide.
"All Nippon six-one-four heavy, when able turn right and cross runway two-five right. Please expedite runway exit traffic on final."
"Roger, will do, All Nippon six-one-four heavy." The reverse thrust was now cut, and the engines settled back down to idle. A calm breeze following hurricane winds.
"Once clear of the runway, contact ground… One-five-seven decimal two."
Out the right side windows of the flight deck, as they crossed the adjacent runway, Kaito stared down the approaching British Airways jumbo jet as it came near to setting down as well.
"Retract spoilers, flaps up," Kaito instructed his copilot as they started to roll off the runways and on to the taxiways toward the airport.
"Spoilers retracted. Flaps up," he called back. The copilot started turning the radio frequency dial to ground control's frequency.
"Minna-sama. Republic City kokusai kuukou ni chakuriku itashimashita. Tadaima no jikan wa juu-roku ji, san-bun, de gozaimasu…" he could hear the lead cabin attendant, Kyoko Hasegawa, begin to announce to passengers over the intercom system. It was a formality at this point to speak to the passengers in both Japanese and English now that everyone could understand any language.
("Ladies and gentlemen. We have landed at Republic City International Airport. The local time is 16:03…")
"...This aircraft will be docking at gate four-fifteen-A of international terminal two. From now on you may use electronic devices that emit radio signals, but please refrain on talking on cell phones as a courtesy to other passengers.
Thank you for flying with ANA, a Star Alliance Partner, we look forward to seeing you again," Kyoko concluded her announcement. She looked around the cabin at the passengers, always an admirer of the clothing trends in the Bending Realm and particularly Republic City. Like the world, the fashion senses, and aesthetic of everything and everyone seemed to be locked firmly in the 1940s era. Most of the travellers, either vacationers to Republic City or citizens returning home were dressed their best, in fine or heavy woolen suits. They even wore hats such as fedoras here, it felt like being in a classic noir film to her. Even those used to the significantly casual western styles of the 21st century donned their best dress attire to blend in with the Republic City vibe and locals. Everything and everyone, just seemed very…prosperous and posh. It was a point of enjoyment and indulging the experience for travelers too, an excuse to dress to the nines.
At any rate, Kyoko was excited to disembark and settle at their hotel. She had aligned this flight to coincide with her time off she had put in for a month ago. Her uniform, although sleek and elegant, was suddenly drab-feeling and a bit too modern for the setting. Suddenly her passengers went from seeming overdressed for a long flight, to being properly attired as with the local surrounding people. That reminded her. Kyoko wondered if Junichiro was currently in town.
Looking out the windows of the aircraft doors, one thing about Republic City, and Earth Kingdom airports was the apparent lack of ground operations trucks. Specifically pushback and pulling tugs and baggage cart tractors. The role of pushing and towing planes, and moving cargo and luggages were filled by earthbenders who moved around the heavy equipment in teams. This was one of the ways Republic City International Airport tried to minimize its carbon output.
She moved to make one final walk of the cabin's aisles before they would pull into the gate. A neutral, somewhat disgusted look on her face as she approached premium economy, a stark difference from the calm smile she wore during the flight. She was already slipping the disposable latex gloves on her hands as she glided down the aisle. This was gonna suck. She brought her heels together as she stood over one pair of window-aisle chairs.
"Are you okay, sir?" she asked, feigning a concerned and apologetic tone of concern. She was very good at selling this. Before her sat the old airbending master she had answered the tea-call earlier.
"Yes," he panted, catching his breath. He was green looking in the face and pale elsewhere. Tenzin clutched at a paper bag he firmly held shut in his hand. He looked up to her after wiping his face. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. And the scene. I kind of.."
"It's fine. It happens to all of us." There was a Japanese proverb for this. 'Even monkeys fall from trees,' which means 'everyone makes mistakes,' or 'it happens to all of us.' But she held her tongue, a master of choosing her words, even though they were innocent. "I can take this for you, if you're alright."
"No no," Tenzin offered. I can take care of this myself. I wouldn't burden you with-"
"It's absolutely fine, sir. Really," she affirmed with an empathetic smile, Reaching into her jacket pocket and opening up a small plastic bag. She really didn't want to, but it was better than accidents involving other passengers when it came time to shuffle in mass or grab bags from the overhead compartments.
The airbending master, hanging his head in embarrassment finally conceded, depositing his into the plastic trash bag. "Sorry, I get so nervous on planes. Sometimes I get a bit queasy."
"I'll bring you some water, after," Kyoko kindly replied, turning on her heel and beginning her march to the galley.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Republic City," she could hear start calling out on the intercom. It was Captain Takeda. "We will soon be marshaled into our gate soon. So please remain seated until the seatbelt sign has been turned off completely. As some of you know, this is the last passenger service flight for this Boeing 747-400 as it is being retired from our fleet after several long years of reliable service. Our cabin attendants will have handed complimentary commemorative postcards by now.
Once again, thank you for flying with us today. We look forward to seeing you again soon."
Tenzin looked up at the card he had received. 'JA8094,' the tail number of the jet, was inscribed over a picture of this plane in its blue and white livery. "Thanks Jumbo," he read plainly. He couldn't wait to get off.
A/N: How was that for a literal fly-through and some world expansion of Republic City and the current affairs of the world? This was a fun chapter to write, mainly for me to somewhat geek out, but also to depict what chaos ATC and airport operations can sound like. (Disclaimer, I have no experience or certifications in either flying or directing, but have played a decent amount of simulators.) I hope I was able to portray some, albeit extreme, ideas of realism in that.
How are we liking the heavily altered and integrated world building as a result of decades of connections between both worlds? Compared to the setting in the first story, 1942, a lot of influences have settled into the original avatar world. It's actually kind of fun and enjoyable to incorporate pieces of our world that we find mundane and simple, but into their world.
I used a map of Republic City, and referenced a 360-degree navigational compass for the navigation parts of this chapter. There was a lot of back and forth switching between tabs to get everything as detailed and canonically correct as possible. It's my hope that, if you really want to, you could trace their approach route on a map of Republic City following the descent and approach vectors. One thing though, as much as I looked I could not find any solid piece of information pinpointing exactly where Kyoshi Bridge is, so I gave up and stated it was the main bridge that linked Downtown to the Industrial District in the south-east parts of the city (where Future Industries was).
Admittedly this is a bit of a filler chapter, but I'm trying to slowly and more thoroughly introduce characters, both OC's and actual characters of the show, with more fleshed out starting points compared to when I introduced my OC's in the first story. Hopefully I am achieving this to a better degree here. I spend a decent amount of time thinking over in my head to make sure the timelines align and are believable, down to figuring out what the ages of the characters are in this different timeline.
Developments and mechanical/bending shenanigans in the next chapters.
Til next time!