Asami Sato made her way through the noisy and busy factory of Future Industries, where workers were assembling and testing various models of cars. She dodged a forklift that was carrying a pile of metal parts, and heard someone shout at her to watch out. She ignored the commotion and headed towards the design office, where her father Hiroshi Sato was waiting for her. She entered the office and closed the door behind her, shutting out the loud sounds of the machines. She greeted him with a smile and a hug, then looked at the blueprints on his desk.
"Wow, this looks amazing, Dad. What is it?" she asked.
"It's the latest model of the Sato-mobile, my dear. It's going to be the fastest and most efficient car ever made. It has a hybrid engine that runs on both electricity and gasoline, a sleek body that reduces drag, and a state-of-the-art navigation system that can avoid traffic and hazards." Hiroshi explained proudly.
"That sounds impressive. But can I make a suggestion?" Asami said.
"Of course, you can. You're my daughter and my best engineer. What do you have in mind?" Hiroshi said.
"Well, I noticed that the car has a lot of curves and ornaments that make it look stylish, but they also increase the weight and the air resistance. I think we should simplify the design and focus more on functionality than aesthetics. That way, we can improve the performance and the fuel efficiency of the car." Asami said.
"I see your point, Asami. But you have to understand that aesthetics are also important for our customers. They want a car that looks good as well as runs well. If we make the car too plain or boring, we might lose some potential buyers who value appearance over functionality." Hiroshi said.
"I don't think that's true, Dad. I think people will appreciate a car that is reliable, durable, and eco-friendly more than a car that is flashy, fragile, and wasteful. Besides, we can always add some colors or decals to make the car more appealing without compromising its performance." Asami said.
"Maybe you're right, Asami. But how can we be sure that your design will work better than mine? We need some evidence to back up our claims." Hiroshi said.
"That's easy, Dad. We can just test a small scale model of our car in the wind tunnel and see which one has better aerodynamics. The one with less drag will have more speed and less fuel consumption." Asami said.
"Very well said, Asami. You're a smart and creative engineer, just like your mother was. I'm proud of you." Hiroshi said.
He pressed a button on his desk and a bell rang in the factory, signaling one of his employees to come to his office. A few moments later, a man in a dirty and greasy jumpsuit entered the office, wiping his sweaty face with a rag. He looked at his boss with a mix of curiosity and respect.
Hiroshi handed the blueprints to the employee and instructed him in a firm tone. "Take these plans that we designed and produce a small scale model of each one. Then put them in the wind tunnel and measure their drag coefficients. Report back to me as soon as possible."
The employee nodded and saluted. "Yes, sir." He said. He quickly left the office, clutching the blueprints in his hands.
Asami and Hiroshi smiled at each other and hugged again. They felt a bond of love and respect between them, as father and daughter, and as fellow engineers. Asami was about to graduate from the University of Republic City with a degree in engineering, and Hiroshi was proud of her achievements and ambitions.
"Thank you for your input, Asami. I'm glad we can work together on this project." Hiroshi said.
"You're welcome, Dad. I'm happy to be part of this amazing team. And I have some good news for you. I passed the last test and I'll be graduating from the university soon." Asami said.
"That's wonderful, Asami. I'm so proud of you. You've worked hard and achieved your goals. You're smart and talented, just like your mother was." Hiroshi said.
Hiroshi sighed and rubbed his temples. "Well, we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we got a contract from the military to research and develop some new version of the mechanized suits that were used in the Hundred Year War. It's a big project and a big paycheck. The bad news is that we have to compete with other companies that are also trying to design their own versions. And I'm not sure if I want to follow in my father's footsteps and make weapons for war." Hiroshi said.
Asami frowned and looked at him with concern. "Dad, are you sure you want to do this? Do you think Mom would approve of us making weapons for war? She always wanted us to use our engineering skills for peaceful purposes, not for violence." Asami said.
Hiroshi nodded and hugged her. "I know, Asami. I know. But it is what it is. We need money to live and to keep this company running. And we also need to help other people in this country by giving them jobs and opportunities. We're not making weapons for war, we're making tools for defense and security. That's how I justify it to myself." Hiroshi said.
Asami listened to her father's explanation and felt conflicted. She understood his reasons, but she also felt uneasy about the military contract. She decided to change the topic and asked him about the civil side of things.
"Dad, how are the sales of our cars going? Are we still ahead of the competition?" Asami asked.
Hiroshi smiled and nodded. "Yes, we are, Asami. Our cars are the most popular and the most advanced in the market. Other companies are trying to catch up with us, but they can't match our quality and innovation. And you've been a great help with that, Asami. You've done some amazing work on improving the safety and the performance of our cars. Like the prototype that I sent you last week. You made some brilliant changes to the design." Hiroshi said.
Asami blushed and thanked him. "It was nothing, Dad. I just did what I thought was best for the customers and the company. But I have to admit, it's been stressful lately. University life is not easy, you know. I have to balance my studies, my projects, and my social life. Sometimes I just need some time to relax and have fun." Asami said.
Hiroshi nodded sympathetically. "I know, Asami. I know. You've been working hard and you deserve a break. Why don't you do something that you enjoy? Like watching some pro-bending games? You're a fan of that sport, right?" Hiroshi suggested.
Asami's eyes lit up and she smiled. "Yeah, I am. Pro-bending is awesome. It's exciting, thrilling, and unpredictable. I love watching the teams compete with their bending skills and strategies. But why are you bringing this up now, Dad? You never seemed interested in pro-bending before." Asami said.
Hiroshi chuckled and winked at her. "Well, I have a surprise for you, Asami. Future Industries has decided to sponsor one of the pro-bending teams for the upcoming national tournament. And I want you to choose which team we should support." Hiroshi said.
Asami gasped and looked at him in disbelief. "Really? You're kidding me, right? That's amazing, Dad! Thank you so much! But how can I choose? There are so many good teams out there." Asami said.
Hiroshi shrugged and smiled. "That's up to you, Asami. You're the expert on pro-bending, not me. Just check out some games and see which team you like best. Then let me know your decision and we'll make it official." Hiroshi said.
Asami thanked her dad for the opportunity and hugged him again. She was excited to choose a pro-bending team to sponsor and watch them compete in the national tournament. She wondered which team she would pick and how they would perform.
Her father got a call and walked over to his clean table. He picked up the phone and answered it.
"Hello, this is Hiroshi Sato, CEO of Future Industries. How may I help you?" He said in a professional tone.
Asami could hear a faint voice on the other end of the line, but she could not make out the words. She decided to leave him alone and explore his office.
She walked around the office and saw loads of books on the shelves. They ranged from history to engineering, from fiction to non-fiction, from ancient to modern. She was impressed by her father's wide range of interests and knowledge. She picked up one of the books and opened it. It was about the history and the ideas of democracy in the world.
She remembered one time her professor who came from Qianchan talked about the greatness and advanced technology of that country, which was incomparable with the United Republic and the Fire Nation. He talked about some smart scholars from Ba Sing Se who got tired of the corrupt monarchy and wanted to give power and voices to the people. They led a revolution that overthrew the force in the south and established a republic based on democratic principles. They also initiated an industrial revolution that transformed their economy and society with inventions such as electricity, railways, telegraphs, and automobiles.
She lost track of time as she immersed herself in the history and the ideas of democracy in Qianchan. She did not notice that her father had finished his phone call and was looking at her with a smile.
"Alright, General, you have my word. I'll send you the prototypes as soon as possible. Thank you for your trust and support. Goodbye." Hiroshi said and hung up the phone.
He walked over to Asami and tapped her on the shoulder. She looked up and saw him.
"Oh, Dad, you're done with your call. Who was that?" Asami asked.
"That was General Bumi from the United Forces. He's the son of Avatar Aang and Katara. He's also the Chief of staff. He's a very important and powerful person." Hiroshi said.
"Wow, really? That's amazing. What did he want from you?" Asami asked.
"He wanted to discuss the details of our contract with him. We're working on a project to research and develop some new versions of the mechanized suits that were used in the Hundred Year War. He's interested in seeing our progress and our prototypes. He also told me that he had some questions from General Iroh from the Fire Nation, who wanted to work with us on a similar project. He said he would accept their offer and give us a share of the contract. He said he trusts our expertise and our quality. He also asked me some questions about our military technology and our security measures. He was very polite and professional. We had a good conversation and ended the call."
Asami nodded and said, "Oh, that's complicated. It sounds like you have a lot of pressure and responsibility on your shoulders, Dad. How do you feel about working with the Fire Nation? Aren't they still recovering from the 100 year war?"
Her father nodded and said, "Yes, I know, Asami. You told me that your grandparents came from the Fire Nation after the war ended and moved to the United Republic to start a new life. You were born and raised here, but you still have some ties to your ancestral homeland. How do you feel about working with the Fire Nation? Well, I have mixed feelings, Asami. On one hand, I respect their culture and their history.
"They have made some remarkable achievements in science and technology. They have also changed a lot since the war. They have become more democratic and peaceful under Fire Lord Zuko and his daughter Fire Lord Izumi. You heard about the civil war that I told you, right? Back in 100-120 AG, Ozai fanatics tried to overthrow Fire Lord Zuko and restore the old regime? That was a terrible conflict that almost dragged us into hell." I said.
Asami listened to me attentively and nodded. She understood my dilemma and my emotions. She said, "I see, Dad. That's a tough situation to be in. But I think you're doing the right thing by working with them. You're not making weapons for war, you're making tools for defense and security. You're not supporting their violence, you're promoting their peace. You're not betraying your values, you're honoring your heritage. You're a good man, Dad. And a good engineer." She said,
Hiroshi smiled and hugged her. "Thank you, Asami. That means a lot to me. You're a good daughter. And a good engineer." He said.