NeoTrans Port

Gateway to the Horizon

The NeoTrans Port serves as Horizon City's primary connection for passenger travel to and from the outside world. Located at the eastern wall of the dome adjacent to The Docks, this massive transportation hub processes thousands of travelers daily, from corporate executives on business trips to immigrants seeking new opportunities in the city of endless possibilities.

Architecture and Design

The port's most striking feature is its integration with the dome itself. Massive sections of the eastern wall can open to allow Hyperjets and other aerial vehicles to enter and exit, creating a spectacular visual display as the boundary between Horizon and the outside world temporarily dissolves.

The interior architecture reflects Horizon City's social stratification, with distinct areas for different classes of travelers:

• Platinum Class Terminal: Luxurious private lounges with personalized service for corporate executives and the wealthy
• Business Class Terminal: Comfortable waiting areas with amenities for mid-level executives and professionals
• Economy Terminal: Basic facilities for standard travelers, immigrants, and tourists
• Worker Processing: Separate facilities for processing temporary workers entering the city

Operations and Security

NeoTrans Corporation maintains exclusive rights to passenger transportation in and out of Horizon City, operating a fleet of Hyperjets that connect the dome to major cities worldwide. The most frequent route connects Horizon to Neo Tokyo in less than 5 hours, making it a critical link for business and cultural exchange.

Security at the port is among the strictest in Horizon, with multiple layers of screening:

• Retinal scans and identity verification
• Advanced weapon detection systems
• Customs inspection for prohibited items
• Immigration processing for new arrivals
• Financial verification to ensure visitors can support themselves
• Medical screening, including tests for Degenerative Clone Disorder

Despite these measures, the port remains a potential weak point in Horizon's security, with smugglers, illegal immigrants, and even kidnappers occasionally finding ways to circumvent the systems. The area immediately outside the port is particularly vulnerable, as demonstrated by the high-profile kidnapping of Hana, the Japanese Prime Minister's daughter, who was abducted by terrorists as she exited the facility.

The Public Terminal

The heart of the NeoTrans Port is its public terminal, where travelers can access information, book tickets, and wait for their departures. Public terminals equipped with ChequeIt scanners allow for immediate ticket purchases, while information boards display arrival and departure times in multiple languages.

The terminal also features shops, restaurants, and services catering to travelers' needs, from luxury boutiques in the Platinum section to basic convenience stores in Economy. Currency exchange services offer competitive rates for converting international currencies to Horizon's standard yen.

Cultural Significance

For many Horizon residents, the NeoTrans Port represents both opportunity and limitation. While it offers the possibility of travel beyond the dome, the high cost of tickets means that many lower-level residents will never experience the world outside.

For newcomers like Emi Tanaka, the port serves as the first introduction to Horizon City's unique culture and environment. The transition from the natural world to the artificial ecosystem of the dome begins here, where the last breath of outside air is replaced by Horizon's carefully regulated atmosphere.