When the plane finally docks at the gate, there is this sudden increase in points of contact with the static real world. Just minutes prior to this moment the only connections between the ground and the machine seemed purely visual. Then the first touch of the ground. More or less violent, but reduced to the tires, tiny points of contact for large, large machines.
Only at the gate do these ultimate swiss army knifes open all their blades. All the interfaces can be used now. All hatches are open. Gases, liquids, baggage, humans are allowed to flow relatively freely between inside and outside of the bubble. Until the moment comes to seal the bubble again and to bring the inside to a place far, far beyond the horizon.
