Skyward Ambitions

It had been four months since Furina's unforgettable first commercial flight, taking passengers from Marcotte International Airport to Bourou International Airport on a sleek 737 MAX. That flight marked the beginning of her ascent, not only in the cockpit but also in the eyes of her colleagues and mentors. Since then, Furina had logged hundreds of hours as a first officer in the 737 MAX, cementing her reputation as one of the most promising young pilots in Air Fontania's history. Her natural talent and sharp instincts had earned her glowing praise, and now she stood on the brink of yet another milestone: her type rating training for the Airbus A320 family. This rigorous training covered multiple variants, including the A320 NEO and both the CEO and NEO versions of the A321.

Though still a first officer, Furina's name was already being spoken with reverence across Air Fontania's pilot roster. She had become a symbol of excellence, someone her peers admired and her superiors trusted implicitly. But her ultimate goal loomed large on the horizon: the captaincy of her own aircraft. To achieve that title, she needed to amass 1,500 flight hours. Each hour brought her closer to that dream.

The suburbs of Narbonnais were blanketed in silence, still clinging to the tranquility of the pre-dawn hours. It was 4:30 AM, and most of the city lay in slumber. Furina, too, was fast asleep, her chest rising and falling with the rhythm of deep, undisturbed rest. Her alarm hadn't gone off yet—she was scheduled for a routine passenger flight at 8:00 AM, leaving her with a few more hours to recharge.

As she shifted onto her left side, her phone began to vibrate against the nightstand. The faint hum broke through the quiet, but Furina stayed motionless, clinging to her last moments of rest. The vibration stopped, and silence returned. She exhaled softly and buried her face into her pillow, only to be rudely awakened once more—this time by her phone's persistent ringtone.

Groaning, she fumbled blindly for her phone. The screen's glare pierced through the darkness, illuminating her sleepy features as she squinted to read the caller ID. It was Clorinde. Her heart skipped slightly; Captain Clorinde didn't make casual calls this early in the morning.

She accepted the call and pressed the phone to her ear. "Hello?" she mumbled, her voice raspy with sleep.

"Furina? It's Clorinde," the familiar voice came through, calm but purposeful.

Furina sat up slowly, rubbing her temple with her free hand as the haze of sleep began to lift. "Yes, Captain? What's going on?"

"Sorry to wake you so early," Clorinde began, her tone apologetic but firm. "But we've got a special flight today."

Furina blinked and ran a hand over her face, trying to chase away the lingering grogginess. "Special flight?" she echoed, her curiosity piqued.

Clorinde chuckled softly, sensing Furina's interest. "Tomorrow morning, we're taking delivery of Air Fontania's brand-new 737 MAX 9. It's the first one in the fleet, and I've already put together the crew for the occasion. Two captains and two first officers. It'll be me and Chiori as captains, and you'll be paired with Lynette."

Furina's brows lifted, and she felt a rush of excitement override her fatigue. "Where? When?" she asked, now fully awake.

"The flight we're taking today is bound for Seattle International. It's a scheduled passenger flight, so we'll be flying out with other passengers. Departure is at 12 noon. Be at Marcotte at least an hour or two beforehand," Clorinde explained. There was a pause before she added, "Once we land, we'll pick up the aircraft at Boeing Field the following morning."

Furina's lips parted slightly as the realization of the opportunity sank in. Delivery flights were rare and prestigious—being chosen for one was a big deal. "Alright," she murmured, nodding to herself even though Clorinde couldn't see. "I'll see you then."

"Good," Clorinde said with satisfaction. "Get some rest, Furina. Tomorrow's going to be a big day."

With that, the line disconnected, and Furina lowered her phone onto the nightstand. She stared at it for a moment, the glow of the screen fading into the darkness. She exhaled deeply and flopped back onto her pillow, closing her eyes to reclaim what little sleep she could. Her mind was buzzing with thoughts of the flight ahead, but exhaustion still had its grip.

"Tomorrow," she whispered to herself, a small smile forming as her eyes fluttered shut.

Four hours after Clorinde's early morning call, Furina was awake and bustling with activity. Today wasn't just another flight—it was her first international trip outside of Teyvat, and the anticipation simmered just below the surface. She stood in her room, meticulously packing her luggage with two days' worth of clothes, erring on the side of caution. A mix of excitement and nervous energy coursed through her as she folded her outfits and placed them neatly in her suitcase.

Once satisfied with her travel clothes, Furina turned her attention to her pilot bag, gathering all the essentials she would need for the flight. She double-checked her belongings: pilot's license? Check. Tablet and device chargers? Check. Passport? Triple-check. After carefully organizing everything, she placed the pilot bag on top of her suitcase, finishing it off with her trusty pilot headset.

"That's all set and done," Furina muttered to herself with a nod of satisfaction. "Better get changed."

Without wasting another second, she selected her travel outfit. Comfort was her priority for the long journey ahead, so she opted for a simple long-sleeve shirt, a pair of skinny jeans, and her usual black flats. It took her only a few minutes to change, and once dressed, she set about ensuring her house was secure before leaving. She checked each window, confirming they were locked, and made sure the curtains covered them completely to prevent any prying eyes. Then she moved on to the doors, ensuring every one was securely locked.

Finally satisfied, Furina returned to her room, grabbing her luggage and pilot bag before heading to the main door. Stepping outside, she locked the door behind her and made her way to her car—her prized 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. Opening the frunk, she carefully placed her luggage inside and closed it securely. Then she swung open the driver's side door and climbed in, placing her pilot bag on the passenger seat. As she fastened her five-point harness, the excitement of the day started to feel real.

Furina pressed the ignition, and the roar of the 5.0-liter V10 engine filled the air. The car hummed with power as she backed out of the driveway, merging onto the quiet streets of Narbonnais. As the city slowly woke up, Furina began her hour-and-a-half journey to Marcotte International Airport.

The drive was anything but smooth. Heavy traffic clogged the expressway leading into the city, with long lines of vehicles stretching into the distance. Even the highway toward the airport was packed, adding to the delay. Despite the obstacles, Furina kept her cool, navigating the chaos with precision. By the time she reached Marcotte International, it was precisely 10:00 AM—right on schedule.

Pulling into the airport's parking area, Furina parked her Lamborghini and retrieved her luggage from the frunk. Dragging her suitcase behind her, she strode toward the entrance of Terminal 2. Inside, the terminal was a hive of activity. Passengers bustled about in the check-in lounge, voices blending into a dull hum of excitement and anticipation. Furina scanned the crowd, her sharp eyes quickly spotting Clorinde standing near the airport's timetable display, her crew gathered around her. Without hesitation, Furina waved and began weaving her way through the crowd.

Clorinde noticed Furina approaching and turned to wave back. A small smile played on her lips as Furina finally joined them.

"Good morning, Furina," Clorinde greeted warmly.

Furina nodded, setting her luggage down. "Good morning, Clorinde."

Captain Chiori, another senior pilot, turned to her with a grin. "Nice of you to join us, Furina."

"Nice to see you too, Captain Chiori," Furina replied politely.

Lynette, the second first officer on the team, gave Furina a small wave. "Good morning, Furina!"

"Good morning, Lynette," Furina said, her excitement now evident in her tone.

With everyone present, Clorinde clapped her hands lightly to gather their attention. "Alright, now that everyone's here, let's start the briefing." She pulled out a folder and glanced at the group. "Our flight to Seattle is a scheduled passenger flight, as you know. The airline booked us business class tickets, but our seats are spread out across the cabin. It shouldn't be a big deal—remember, we're passengers today. This is Fontania Flight 51A, and the flight time is approximately nine hours. So, get comfortable and relax, okay?"

The group nodded in unison.

Clorinde handed each of them their tickets. "Alright, let's head to check-in."

Furina, Chiori, and Lynette each accepted their tickets, and the four of them proceeded to the check-in counters. The process was smooth and efficient, and soon they had their boarding passes in hand. Next, they passed through the airport's security screening. Furina felt a twinge of nerves as she always did during this part, but everything went without a hitch.

Finally, they made their way toward Terminal 2's Echo Gates. As they approached their designated gate, E20, the sight of their plane—a majestic Boeing 777-300ER—came into view. The massive aircraft gleamed under the airport's floodlights, its livery shining proudly as ground crews swarmed around it. Fuel trucks, catering teams, and engineers were hard at work, preparing the aircraft for the long-haul journey ahead.

Furina paused for a moment, taking it all in. She couldn't help but feel a rush of awe every time she saw one of these engineering marvels up close. Even though she wasn't flying this one, just being a part of the experience was enough to stir the passion within her.

"Looks like our ride is getting ready," Chiori commented, her voice laced with enthusiasm.

Clorinde nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Nine hours to Seattle on that beauty. Let's make the most of it."

With that, the group moved toward the boarding area, ready to embark on their next adventure. Furina couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement for what lay ahead. This wasn't just any flight—it was the start of something extraordinary.

S

atisfied with her little mental pep talk, Furina straightens in her seat and presses her back against the soft cushions. The gentle hum of the engines fills the cabin, providing a soothing white noise as the aircraft settles into taxi. Furina lets out a small breath, trying to relax as her eyes wander around her immediate surroundings.

As her gaze drops to the magazine pocket in front of her, something catches her attention—a glimpse of a glossy cover peeking out. Her heart skips slightly as a familiar image appears partially in view.

"Is that what I think it is?" she murmurs under her breath, leaning forward instinctively.

Her hand hovers near the pocket, fingertips grazing the edge of the magazine. But just as quickly, she pulls her hand back and settles against her seat again.

"No… not now, Furina. Settle in first," she mutters to herself. A small smirk tugs at the corner of her lips. "You've got nine hours to read the thing anyway."

With a shake of her head, Furina decides to focus on the here and now.

Thirty-five minutes later, the aircraft has taxied to its departure point. Furina glances out the window as they hold short of Runway 26R at taxiway T11, waiting for their turn. She watches with casual interest as a company Airbus A330-300 bound for Sumeru begins its takeoff roll, its engines roaring as it ascends gracefully into the sky.

Before long, it's their turn. The Boeing 777 begins moving forward, rolling out of T11 with a deliberate right-angled turn onto the runway. Now perfectly aligned with 26R, the aircraft comes to a momentary stop.

A quiet anticipation fills the cabin as Furina feels the subtle vibrations beneath her seat. Then the familiar, thrilling sound of the GE90 engines spooling up to 50% fills the cabin. The vibrations intensify as the engines stabilize momentarily before the pilots unleash 100% thrust.

The takeoff roll begins.

Furina feels the force of acceleration push her back into her seat as the massive aircraft gains speed. Every bump and groove of the runway is felt through the cabin floor. She grips the armrests lightly, not out of fear but out of a visceral excitement that never seems to fade no matter how many times she's experienced it.

The nose lifts off first, and she feels that familiar sensation of weightlessness as the aircraft becomes airborne, leaving the ground behind. Seconds later, the muffled thuds of the landing gear retracting reach her ears, followed by the smooth quietness as the drag vanishes.

They're officially airborne.

As the plane climbs through the lower layers of the atmosphere, Furina lets out a small breath of relief, a hint of a smile gracing her lips.

Hours pass. The aircraft cruises comfortably at FL340, gliding smoothly through the skies. The in-flight map on her screen shows they've already crossed into U.S. airspace. The journey is well underway.

Furina adjusts her seating position, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. As she settles back into her seat, her gaze drifts back to the magazine pocket.

It's still there.

This time, she doesn't hesitate. Leaning forward, she reaches for the magazine and pulls it out of the pocket. It emerges back cover first, and Furina turns it over with curiosity, placing the magazine on her lap as she reclines into her seat once again.

Her breath catches for a moment as her eyes land on the front cover.

There, staring back at her, is herself.

It's the latest issue of Teyvat Aviation Magazine, and she's the cover feature. The image shows her standing confidently in front of an Air Fontania 737 MAX, her signature black flats visible below her professional uniform. Next to her photo, the bold title reads:

"Air Fontania's Young Prodigy."

Furina's cheeks flush a deep pink as she takes in the sight. This is the first time she's actually seen the magazine. She knew about the feature—of course she did. Two months ago, she'd posed for the photoshoot at an apron in Marcotte International Airport, standing in front of the 737 MAX she had become so familiar with. They had even snapped some photos at Poisson Regional with her beloved Piper Comanche 250. But seeing the final product? That was something else entirely.

Her hands tremble slightly as she flips to the feature article. The title jumps out at her immediately:

"The Sky's the Limit."

Beneath the headline is another photo of her, this time seated in the right-hand seat of the 737 MAX cockpit. She's poised, her right hand resting casually on the overhead panel, her face carrying an air of quiet confidence.

Furina stares at the image for a moment, her heart swelling with pride and disbelief. Then she begins to read.

The article, written by Chronie, is a detailed exploration of her journey so far. It talks about her early fascination with aviation, her relentless drive to become the youngest commercial pilot in the world, and the natural talent that had propelled her to where she is today. Chronie's words are both factual and glowing, painting a picture of a young woman whose potential seems limitless.

She begins to silently read the Article:

With demand of airline pilots in Teyvat Skyrocketing to an all time high, There are no shortcomings to young cadet pilots in Teyvat, fresh from Flight School. Comparing numbers from the previous year. Enrollments to Flight Schools are up by 45% from Last Years 23%

Furina begins to read the article about her Background. A Photo is also included of herself posing with her Piper Comanche.

From the Backyard to the Cockpit

Furina De Fontaine's journey to becoming the youngest commercial airline pilot in the world is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in the outskirts of Fontaine, Furina grew up far from the aviation industry. Her parents both worked in the Court of Fontaine, with no ties to the skies she would one day call her domain. However, her proximity to Marcotte International Airport's Runway 26R planted the seeds of her dreams.

"Watching those massive jets fly over my head every time I played in my parents' backyard was something. Hearing the roar of jet engines day and night felt like a treat," Furina recalls.

While the constant parade of aircraft sparked her interest, it was her uncle, a Royal Fontaine Air Force pilot who commanded a Dassault Rafale M, that cemented her ambition to take to the skies. Yet, not everyone in her family was on board with her aspirations.

"My dad always told me I didn't belong in the air, that I belonged in the justice system, bringing justice. But my mom supported me all the way. When I told her I wanted to be an airline pilot, she was right there with me. Now, ironically, my dad brags to his colleagues that his daughter, Furina, is an airline pilot!"

At 15, Furina began to immerse herself in aviation knowledge. However, she had to wait until her 18th birthday to legally begin her private pilot license (PPL) training. The moment she turned 18 on October 13, she wasted no time enrolling in Fontaine's premier flight school. In just four months, Furina earned her PPL, finishing as the top student of her class.

She didn't stop there. Furina swiftly pursued her instrument rating and multi-engine licenses. The final hurdle was her commercial pilot's license (CPL), which required completing a course and amassing 200 hours of flight time. To meet this challenge, Furina enrolled in a CPL program and purchased a 1958 Piper Comanche 250 to log the necessary hours. Over the next two years, she diligently worked toward her goal. Earlier this year, she proudly earned her CPL license—a testament to her determination and skill.

Joining the Ranks at Air Fontania

Furina's exceptional performance didn't go unnoticed. Both the Teyvat Air Commission and Air Fontania had their eyes on her achievements. Air Fontania was eager to bring her into their ranks, but there was a catch: the minimum age requirement for an airline pilot in Teyvat was 21. Undeterred, Air Fontania sought special permission from the Air Commission to make an exception. The request was granted, and at just 20 years old, Furina became Air Fontania's newest First Officer.

"Before departing Poisson, my CPL instructor handed me a contract at the dispatch office. It was from Air Fontania. They wanted me to join their ranks after I completed my CPL. I was stunned. I never expected them to offer me a contract based on my performance. I just flew the way I normally do, but I guess it was special enough to grab their attention!"

Furina began her type rating training on the Boeing 737 MAX series. Her performance during training left Air Fontania's Chief Pilot, Captain Clorinde, in awe.

"When I conducted simulator sessions with Furina, she not only performed by the book—she exceeded expectations. Most cadets make mistakes during training, which is normal. But Furina was different. She was confident, methodical, and precise. She knew exactly what she was doing," Captain Clorinde shared.

During her real-world training, Furina's touch-and-go landings at Marcotte International Airport's Runway 26L were nothing short of flawless. While other cadets struggled, sometimes even risking damage to the aircraft, Furina's landings were exemplary.

"She was the last cadet to perform touch-and-go's. Her approach was smooth, her touchdowns were soft, and her centerline alignment was perfect. Every landing was within the touchdown zone, and not once did she float the aircraft. It was something you'd expect from an experienced captain, not a cadet," Clorinde added.

Furina's check ride was equally impressive. Captain Clorinde tested her with challenging scenarios, starting with a stormy approach into Bourou International Airport.

"I threw everything at her—rain, thunderclouds, wind shear. At 300 feet, we encountered a downdraft. Without hesitation, Furina initiated a go-around, citing an unstable approach. Most cadets hesitate in that situation, unsure whether to continue or abort. But Furina didn't stutter. She called for a go-around with complete confidence," Clorinde recounted.

Furina passed her check ride with flying colors, officially beginning her career as a commercial pilot.

A Sky Full of Possibilities

At just 20 years old, Furina has already made history as the youngest commercial airline pilot in the world. Her remarkable journey proves that even the loftiest dreams are within reach.

"Becoming a captain is, of course, the ultimate goal," Furina says. "But one day, I'd love to fly for the nation's flag carrier, Air Teyvat. Who knows? I might change my mind and stay with Air Fontania—I love this profession. Besides, the sky's the limit. Anything is possible."

With her skill, determination, and passion, Furina De Fontaine's future in aviation is undoubtedly as bright as the skies she commands.

Furina slowly closes the magazine and covers her face with it, her face practically red from reading it. She moans quietly, shifting uncomfortably in her seat as she wiggles her legs. "Why did they have to write it like I'm some damn celebrity?!"

The flight continues smoothly without any hurdles.

Hours later, they arrive at Seattle Tacoma International Airport. The crew breezes through immigration with no issues, collects their luggage from the carousel, and grabs a taxi to head for the hotel in Everett, near the Boeing Everett Factory, where Boeing manufactures the 747, 767, 777, and 787.

Another hour passes, and the crew has already settled into their hotel rooms. Furina, now changed into her sleeping clothes, walks over to the window and opens the curtains, revealing the expansive view of Boeing's Everett Plant. She takes this moment to snap a quick selfie. She grabs her phone, strikes a pose with one hand pointed toward the plant, and captures the image. Satisfied, she heads straight to bed—knowing a long flight lies ahead the following morning.

The following morning, it's flight day. Furina just stepped out of the shower, already changed into her usual pilot's uniform: a crisp white polo shirt, black pants, flat shoes, and her silver wings pin along with three striped epaulets. After spraying on some perfume, she tucks it away in her pilot bag. She then walks over to the bedside table, picks up her watch—a silver Speedmaster with a navy blue NATO strap—and secures it snugly on her left wrist. She looks at herself in the mirror, striking a confident pose.

"Time for breakfast, sunshine. Then off to Boeing Field," she mutters to herself.

She grabs her phone, wallet, and the room keycard before hauling her luggage out of the room. She makes her way to the elevator, presses the button, and waits. The doors open, she steps inside, and presses the button for the ground floor, followed by the close door button. The doors shut, and the elevator begins its descent.

Moments later, Furina arrives at the hotel lobby. She first hands over the room keycard to one of the personnel at the front desk, then heads toward the dining area for breakfast. She spots her crew—Clorinde, Chiori, and Lynette—and waves. Chiori sees her and waves back.

She sets her luggage beside Clorinde's, Chiori's, and Lynette's, then settles into a seat at their table.

Clorinde glances at Furina with a smile. "Good morning, Furina."

Furina nods politely. "Good morning, Captain."

She then turns to Chiori and Lynette. "And good morning to you both."

Lynette and Chiori both nod in return.

A waitress approaches Furina's side, and she places her breakfast order. "I'll have whatever they're having," she says.

The waitress nods and walks off.

Clorinde gathers their attention once more. "Alright, now that everyone's here, let's have our briefing for the flight. Today we're flying as Fontania 389M, and it's a two-leg flight since we don't have the range for a direct flight to Marcotte. So, our first leg is from Boeing Field to Miami International. Captain Chiori and First Officer Lynette will fly that leg."

She turns to Chiori. "Chiori, for departure, before you retract the landing gear at V2, give a little wing wave on climb out."

Chiori nods firmly. "Understood."

Clorinde continues. "Alright. For the second leg, Me and First Officer Furina will take over. We'll fly from Miami to Marcotte International, over the ocean. By the time we arrive at Marcotte, we'll be close to sunset or nighttime. We'll bring the aircraft to the maintenance hangar for final inspection and any final touches before it enters service first thing tomorrow morning."

Furina nods. "Understood, Captain."

Right on cue, their breakfast arrives. Clorinde claps her hands together. "Briefing's over. Let's dig in!"

The group eagerly digs into their breakfast, savoring every bite.

A few moments later, the group leaves the hotel and enters a van—one provided by Boeing to transport them to Boeing Field in King County. The ride to Boeing Field takes around 30 minutes. As they drive along the road right beside the airport, the crew spots a swarm of freshly configured and painted Boeing 737s parked at Boeing Field, being inspected and prepped, waiting to be delivered to their respective airlines.

Eventually, they arrive at the Delivery Center at Boeing Field. The crew steps out and enters the small terminal, greeted by some of the Boeing delivery staff dressed in business attire. Clorinde steps forward first and extends her hand.

"Mr. Crispin, nice to meet you!" Clorinde says, shaking his hand.

"Nice to see you too, Captain Clorinde," Mr. Crispin replies, shaking Clorinde's hand in return.

Mr. Crispin then gestures toward the lounge. "Let me show you your new aircraft."

The group walks toward an escalator and rides it up. As soon as they reach the second floor, their eyes are greeted by the windows showcasing Air Fontania's brand-new and freshly painted 737 MAX9, sitting at the gate. The crew walks ahead of Mr. Crispin and gathers at the window to admire their new acquisition.

"The aircraft is almost ready to go," Mr. Crispin explains. "The ground crew is doing a final check before you can take it home. We've also loaded up two flights' worth of meals. We know you fellas are in for a long journey home."

Clorinde nods in appreciation. "Thank you, Mr. Crispin."

Mr. Crispin turns and walks away, while Clorinde, Furina, Chiori, and Lynette head toward the jetway and board the aircraft. Clorinde then turns to Furina and Lynette.

"You two can stow your luggage in the overhead compartments. There's not enough room for all four of our suitcases to fit here," she instructs.

Lynette and Furina nod in agreement. Lynette reaches into her pilot headset bag and places it in the cockpit first before heading back into the cabin to stow her bag in the overhead compartment.

Furina takes a deep breath, inhaling the smell of a brand-new aircraft. "You never get to smell a brand-new aircraft at this stage," she murmurs.

Lynette nods, closing the overhead compartment. "No kidding. It's a true honor for us to be chosen to take delivery of a new plane."

Furina agrees with a smile. "No kidding."

Lynette walks back to the cockpit and takes her seat alongside Chiori. The two will be flying the first leg from Seattle to Miami.

Next, the flight dispatcher enters the aircraft and approaches the cockpit, handing over the paperwork. The documents include two sets of flight plans—one for Miami, the first leg, and the second leg heading to Marcotte International from Miami. Clorinde takes the papers and nods.

"Thank you. We'll see you next time!"

The dispatcher nods in response. "Safe travels, guys." He waves before exiting the aircraft and closing the main door. Furina finishes inspecting the cabin and walks over to the cockpit.

"Everything's secured in the back," she reports.

Clorinde nods, settling into the jumpseat. "Alright, Furina. Good work. Take a seat—we're about to push back."

Furina nods and heads back to the cabin, taking a seat in the first row of seats and buckling her seatbelt. She glances at her watch. The needles read 10:45. They are an hour and 15 minutes ahead of schedule, which is perfect.

Minutes later, the aircraft sits idle at the taxiway, undergoing one final check before taxiing to Boeing Field's Runway 14R. Once the flaps, controls, and the before-taxi-and-takeoff checklist are completed, the aircraft begins its slow taxi down to Runway 14R via Taxiway B1. Moments later, it moves off B1 and lines up with Runway 14R before coming to a full stop. One last check is completed, and then Chiori releases the parking brakes. She spools up the 737's LEAP1A engines to 50%, allowing them to stabilize before pushing the TOGA button. The autothrottle responds, pushing the throttles all the way to TOGA thrust—100%. The aircraft quickly gains speed, and before they know it, it lifts off the ground. Once safely in the air, Chiori rocks the aircraft left and right on purpose, giving the aircraft a wing wave—a gesture that signifies a plane's farewell to the place where it was made: Everett, Washington. Their flight home has officially begun.

The first leg is uneventful, and the crew makes it to Miami in just five hours, thanks to tailwinds that push the plane faster at cruising altitude. Their stopover in Miami is only 30 minutes—for refueling and a crew change from Chiori and Lynette to Clorinde and Furina.

While the aircraft is being refueled, Furina steps down from the aircraft to take a closer look at Air Fontania's new acquisition. She walks around the aircraft, taking in the view of the freshly painted 737 MAX9, admiring it.

As Furina stops by the left-hand engine, Clorinde joins her.

"She's a beauty, right, Furina?" Clorinde says with a knowing smile.

Furina nods. "Yeah."

Clorinde glances at Furina thoughtfully. "So, Furina, what's this trip like for you?"

Furina looks at Clorinde with a smile. "The most unique one by far. It's not every day you get chosen to take delivery of a brand-new aircraft—let alone being the first in the fleet."

Clorinde nods in agreement. "I know that feeling. When I was a first officer like you, I was chosen by the chief pilot to take delivery of Air Fontania's first 747-400."

Furina's eyes widen. "Really? What was it like?"

Clorinde chuckles. "Of course. It was any pilot's wet dream. And even to this day, that very plane is still in service with us. With the rise of synthetic aviation and jet fuel prices being so low, 747s are still incredibly viable—domestic or international. They'll always be reliable."

Furina nods thoughtfully. "No kidding. The 747 is loved by every aviation enthusiast in the world. Only if Concorde was still flying."

Clorinde nods in agreement. "Yeah. Come on, let's head back up. We've got one more leg to finish."

Furina smiles. "Alright, let's go."

The two walk together back to the aircraft, heading up the stairs and settling into the cockpit. They depart Miami another 30 minutes later.

The flight to Marcotte Airport is as flawless as the first leg. By the time they reach Marcotte, the sun has begun to set. Furina is given the opportunity to land the 737 MAX9, and she does so smoothly on the runway. As Furina taxis the plane toward the hangar, two firetrucks are already waiting. As she passes Taxiway EM4, the firetrucks turn on their water cannons, creating an awe-inspiring water salute.

Furina leans closer to the front window. "Look at that! A water salute!"

Clorinde laughs. "Absolutely spectacular."

Lynette and Chiori lean in from the front galley.

Lynette chimes in, eyes wide. "First time that's happened to me!"

Chiori laughs. "There will be plenty more to go, young Lynette."

The crew continues to taxi down the taxiway, coming to a stop right by the hangar door. Clorinde shuts down the engines, and the ground crew parks the stairs by the entrance door.

Moments later, Clorinde and Furina step down the stairs as Clorinde strikes up a small conversation.

"Nicely done, Furina. I'm glad I brought you with us today," Clorinde says.

Furina chuckles. "Thanks, Clorinde. I'm honored to join along and take delivery of this new bird."

Clorinde nods. "Mhm. Anyways, good job today. Take the day off tomorrow. Get some rest."

Furina winks. "Thanks, Clorinde. I'll see you around!"

Clorinde winks back. "Likewise, Furina."

The pair parts ways, with Furina heading toward the hangar and then to the parking area. Two days of traveling done, and Furina's first delivery flight is complete. Another Milestone, reached.