The atmosphere between the three was one of serene complicity. The intensity of the early morning had given way to a deeper understanding, a bond that had solidified. Elara felt more comfortable than ever with Aisha, and the dynamic between them seemed naturally fluid. They talked about their imaginary wedding preparations in Dubai, laughing about the challenges of organizing a real event in just two weeks, while Daniel's mind already turned to the next urgent matters in his world.
Suddenly, the sound of a discreet alert from Daniel's console pierced the soft hum of their voices. It wasn't the usual alert from his "Shadow Network," but a specific tone, reserved for a very select contact. Daniel, who was hunched over a holographic map of global air routes, looked up, a gleam of recognition in his eyes. His console screen lit up with an encrypted caller ID, the sender's name just a string of random characters, but to Daniel, perfectly decipherable. It was a call he'd been waiting for a long time, a surprise that promised to change the rules of the game.
He pressed a button, and the voice, deep and reverberating, filled the office, coming directly from the high-fidelity speakers embedded in the ebony walls. "Ghost," the voice said, without formality or name, just the nickname Daniel used in his most exclusive circles. The tone was respectful, with a touch of relief and even a hint of weariness. It was theGift from Airbus.
Daniel, with a barely perceptible smile that betrayed great satisfaction, leaned back in his ergonomic chair, his eyes fixed on the screen where a wave of data began to stream. "My friend," Daniel replied, his voice calm but with an intensity that matched his interlocutor's. "To what do I owe the honor of this... early call?"
There was a sigh on the other end of the line. "Anticipatory, you say, Ghost? I'd say what you asked for is madness that defies all laws of engineering and bureaucracy. But... it's done. TheA390 is ready."
Daniel's eyes lit up. He had been waiting for this news, but the confirmation, and the speed with which it had been delivered, was a testament to the power of his connections and the magnitude of the favor the Airbus owner owed him. It was a debt that dated back to a critical event in the past, a favor so great that not even blood could repay it, a situation where Daniel's intervention, as the "Ghost," had saved the reputation and perhaps even the very existence of the tycoon's company.
"Ready? So soon?" Daniel asked, his tone genuinely surprised, though he knew his requests were always treated with the highest priority. "That's... impressive, even by your standards."
"Impressive is an understatement, Ghost," the Airbus owner replied, a tired laugh escaping. "The plane would only be officially launched between2027 and 2028, but it was built specifically for you. Every screw, every panel, every system was supervised with the utmost urgency and discretion. There was no room for error, no room for questions. And no, it doesn't have the same name as your current A380. This is... a whole new chapter in aviation." He paused, and the sound of a cup being placed on a table could be heard. "It's twice as tall, twice as long as the A380, and with far more capacity for... your needs."
Daniel tilted his head, imagining the colossal dimensions of the new plane. The A380 was already a flying fortress, a palace in the sky. Twice as big... this was unimaginable to anyone other than Daniel.
"I designed it to havethree floors, Ghost," the Airbus owner continued, his voice now tinged with professional pride. "Not counting the garage. Yes, the garage. And six engines.Six engines, from Rolls Royce, to ensure sufficient power and the speed you demand. It will have an estimated range of about12,000 km cruising altitude, allowing nonstop intercontinental flights that can cross from Japan to the United States without the need to refuel. Think about it, Ghost. From Japan to Los Angeles in the blink of an eye, with all the comfort and safety a man of your... position demands.
Elara and Aisha, who were in the living room, heard the conversation through the cabin's internal speakers, which Daniel had forgotten to mute in his haste. Their eyes widened. An A390? Twice as big as the current A380? Three stories? It was such an absurd concept for commercial aviation that they could barely process it.
"Modular spaces, Ghost," the Airbus owner continued, the technical details flowing effortlessly. "The aircraft allows you to create diverse areas, tailored to your taste. Imagine:a master suite with a king-size bed, a private bathroom with a shower, a whirlpool tub, and a dressing area that rivals a luxury boutique.Five master guest suites, each with queen-size beds and private bathrooms, for your most important guests. And ten additional executive suites, also with queen-size beds and private bathrooms.
Elara and Aisha looked at each other, mute shock on their faces. Fifteen suites in total? This was more than a luxury boutique hotel. The scale was simply stratospheric.
"And it doesn't stop there," the Airbus Owner's voice continued. "A main living room with comfortable sofas, a giant-screen TV, and a surround-sound system that would put any movie theater to shame. A fully equipped office with a work desk, ergonomic chairs, and state-of-the-art videoconferencing equipment, so you can run your... empire from anywhere in the world. A dining room with seating for up to 12 people, with in-flight service worthy of a Chef's Table. A fully equipped kitchen, worthy of the best restaurants, with an oven, stove, and industrial-sized refrigerator and freezer. And of course, a full bar area with selected drinks and snacks."
Daniel closed his eyes for a brief moment, absorbing the details. He'd provided the specifications, but hearing his request materialize was something else. This wasn't just a plane; it was a flying fortress, a global operations center disguised as luxury.
"And for your leisure," the voice continued, "a private cinema with reclining seats and a large screen, just as you requested. A spa with a jacuzzi, sauna, and massage room. A workout area with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. And a spa for five people at a time, because Ghost needs to relax too, doesn't he?" There was a hint of irony in the Airbus Owner's voice.
"The garage, Ghost," he said, now with a tone of triumph, "we finally got what you wanted. It has capacity for up tofour attack helicopters, without the need to dismantle them. To get an idea of the scale of the size."
Daniel let out a small laugh. This was what he wanted most. Four attack helicopters built into his private aircraft, ready for any contingency. This was the pinnacle of security and responsiveness.
"The standard color is your favorite," the Airbus owner said, "but this one has a better option, Ghost. If the plane crashes, a specific part detaches, transforming into an escape pod, and there are parachutes for your total safety and that of your occupants. It's the most advanced technology in flight safety."
Elara and Aisha's eyes widened. An escape pod with a parachute? The sheer magnitude of that plane, and the cutting-edge safety technology, defied comprehension. They were talking about something that sounded like something out of a science fiction movie, but it was becoming reality right there, for Daniel.
"He will be in Japan tomorrow afternoon," the Airbus owner announced. "Our engineers will be there for the delivery and for the training of his crew. This aircraft needsthree pilots, Ghost. The complexity of the navigation and operational systems requires a larger and highly trained crew. So, you'll need to call on more of your trusted personnel."
Daniel was already one step ahead. "Understood. Thank you for your promptness, my friend. The debt... is noted. And the trust, reinforced."
"I never doubted you, Ghost," the Airbus owner said, his voice lighter. "And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sleep for a week. Good luck with your new... aircraft." The line went dead.
Daniel turned off the console, turning to Elara and Aisha, who were watching him with a mixture of shock and admiration. "Well, it looks like we'll have a new flying home soon," he said, a satisfied smile on his lips.
Elara stood, walking toward him, her hand on his chest. "Daniel... an A390? Twice as big? Three stories? Attack helicopters? An escape pod?" She seemed to be trying to process the information. "That's... that's insane! No one in the world has anything like that!"
"And no one will know except you and your trusted team," Daniel replied, his voice thick with his usual secrecy. "It's the perfect tool for my operations. Maximum discretion, unparalleled security, and the ability to move and operate anywhere in the world, without relying on airports or structures. The Shadow Network needs a headquarters that can move with me."
Aisha approached, her eyes shining. "It's a masterpiece of engineering and... strategy, Daniel. My brother will be impressed. And much more at ease knowing his sister is in such a safe plane, with such defensive capabilities." She thought of the four attack helicopters. "It's a flying fortress."
"Exactly," Daniel agreed. "And about the pilots…" He paused, his eyes fixed on a distant point, his mind already selecting the right names. "I need pilots who are more than talented. I need unquestioning loyalty, experience in high-stakes situations, and an unshakable moral compass. And I already know who to call."