Kim Taehyung’s fingers moved quickly over the flight control panel. He flipped the Autobrake switch to "MAX" and ensured the Speed Brake Lever was armed. Beside him, his co-pilot adjusted the Flaps to 30 degrees. The final approach was underway. They were coming in to land, and every movement needed to be precise.

Taehyung reached for the radio transmitter and pressed the Push-to-Talk button. His voice, calm yet resolute, filled the cockpit. "Incheon Tower, Korean Air 370, descending to 3,000 feet on final approach, requesting landing clearance."

A moment passed before the response crackled through the headset. "Korean Air 370, Incheon Tower, cleared to land on runway 33L. Wind 320 at 8 knots. Surface is wet. Proceed with caution."

"Copy that, cleared to land runway 33L. Korean Air 370," Taehyung acknowledged, his voice steady. He released the button, glancing at his co-pilot, who nodded back at him.

Taehyung switched the PA system to address the passengers. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are beginning our descent into Incheon International Airport. Please ensure your seatbelts are fastened, tray tables stowed, and seats are in the upright position. We will be landing shortly."

With that, Taehyung leaned back in his seat, exhaling a slow breath. His hands gripped the yoke. He had done everything he needed to, and all he could do was pray for all that would come next.

---

On the ground, the SWAT team was already in position. The tension was thick, but Yoongi’s focus was razor-sharp. He climbed the ladder of the fuel tanker, its cold metal rungs biting into his gloves. He peeked over the edge, seeing his team members huddled inside the empty tank, the space where fuel would normally be replaced by the anxious breath of trained operatives.

The tanker was their Trojan horse. The plan was simple yet risky: sneak the team onto the tarmac under the guise of a routine refueling operation and take control of the situation before the hijackers knew what hit them.

"Kim Taehyung contacted ATC. They'll be landing any minute," shouted Hoseok, gaining Yoongi's attention.

"Get into position, Hobi," he instructed, his voice firm. There was no room for error now. They had only one shot at this.

Hoseok slammed the door of the fuel tanker shut and turned to the driver, a seasoned operative who knew the stakes. "Drive at your normal speed. Don't hurry. Don't rush. We can't afford to alert the hijackers," Hoseok advised, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The driver nodded. "Yes, sir."

Hoseok's cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, seeing Namjoon's name on the screen. He answered, "Joon?"

"I trust you, Hobi. You and Yoongi... get my sons out of there."

Hoseok's grip on the phone tightened.

"You know we will."

——

[To be continued . . .]
15 August, 2024