The Division

As I soar above the New York metropolitan area, the sprawling cityscape unfolds. I feel a flutter in my stomach. I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation for what lies ahead as I embark on this road trip to the South. Alone. Although there’s no better way to break in my “new” 3000 Celestial Cruiser. It was a tough journey to not only track down this collector’s item, as it's now over 60 years old, but it was even harder to find one that works. Most of the beginning models of flying cars have an extensive list of mechanical problems. Which makes my new 3000 Celestial cruiser even more rare.

 The car's exterior is colored in a matte dark grey which gives it an air of sophistication and mystery. The sleek and aerodynamic design, reminiscent of an older model of a bullet, hints at its incredible speed and agility. As you step inside you are transported to a realm where the boundaries between driving and flying are seamlessly merged. The interior has had its upgrades including a cockpit equipped with an array of digital touch screens and holographic displays. As well as a panoramic canopy allowing optimal view of the gleaming blue sky. However, it’s what lies below that makes the ride more thrilling.

Among the glistening high-tech skyscrapers and floating bridges lies central park. Doesn’t look like a park anymore though. Sad through the advancement of technology in the north we couldn’t protect or preserve our beautiful nature. What was once grounds to an abundance of greenery, towering trees, and meandering pathways with inviting benches now lies dirt and gravel. Almost desert-looking. The city abandoned its duty to protect mother nature and now it blends into the concrete jungle that encircles it.

Much of the north is in a similar state as central park. Which is all being viewed as I travel along the main air path to the south in search of what lies over the wall. After the separation of the north and south in 2098 the United States took a drastic turn for the worse. From what I’ve read throughout my school courses it seems that the north and the south have always been divided. Dating all the way back to 1861 when the American Civil War began. Which appears to have started over a political debate with the abolishment of slavery and the expansion westward. The conflict was settled when the Confederate army surrendered but the battle between politics and opinions continued to drive a wedge between the two regions. Continuing through the 2000s to the late 2000s there was a constant battle between them. Listening to my grandmother’s firsthand accounts of the separation from the United States was like delving into a living history book. As a child, I would sit in awe, hanging on to her every word as she revealed the tales of the great South and the North divergence. Where one region wanted to expand forward with technology, and another feared change.

It’s easy to reflect on our elaborate history as I fly above our beautiful country. Although, I’ve always wondered. What is it like on the other side of the wall? The Republican army won’t allow flying cars due to the fossil fuels and gases being detrimental to the crops. The north hasn’t had to worry about that for decades as they’re no crops or vegetation to kill. I kick my gear from cruise to supersonic as I leave the New York Metropolitan area. As I check the holographic compass is facing south, I continue to switch the autopilot feature on to travel along the central airway. This allows me to marvel at the states that pass quickly below. I don’t see the other Northern states very often as it doesn’t make much sense to leave my home where I’m in my comfort zone. The allure of staying within the confines of what I know has always been strong. This is pushing the boundary in a teasing good way.

As I continue my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities this road trip has presented. I can’t help but think, will there be Unity in the near future? When put into thought or maybe even said out loud it doesn’t seem such an outlandish idea. Im sure many others across the nation have asked themselves this same question. Although I’m fairly certain there will always be those amongst us who crave and love the divide. I ponder this thought as I flutter around in the new car. Exploring and taking a new insight into what I can rightfully say I own and fly.

As I arrive at the Mason-Dixon Wall the flutters in my stomach have turned to a pit. The wall stands taller than any other skyscraper I’ve seen and is vastly more extended than my eyes can deceive. Little specs of military men stand across the wall with larger-than-life weapons which I take as my cue to turn off autopilot and land safely before the wall. I turn on the main gear to stall my airspeed. I concentrate on touch down with the main wheels which involves me holding back the elevator pressure and allows for an easier aerodynamic breaking. “We have touch down ladies and gentlemen,” I utter to myself. My body lets out a long sigh of relief but the thoughts of what lies behind the service door creep slowly into my brain. Taking a deep breath, I cross-check the door and allow it to slowly release onto the ground. The air feels different here- cleaner, fresher. The scent of untamed nature surrounds me is a stark contrast to the urban scents of the north. I take a step out and gaze upon the mighty wall. I start to question my judgment. Is this safe? Am I doing the right thing? I then remind myself, I’m here to bridge a divide between the North and the South in my own unique way.