That explanation alarmed her.
Commercial operations could request aircraft availability.
It could not decide whether technical work met applicable maintenance requirements.
Tessa requested the records.
Some arrived.
Others didn't.
Then she found the duplicate serial number.
She contacted the maintenance organization named on the invoice.
A representative confirmed that its shop had performed certain work.
But the specific component replacement listed in Ashford's summary did not appear in the provider's original records.
Tessa asked for clarification.
The answer remained incomplete.
She didn't conclude that every aircraft was unsafe.
She did conclude that the records couldn't be relied upon without further examination.
She contacted the safety office.
Then Noelle.
When the CEO called from the board meeting, Tessa explained what she'd found.
Noelle listened carefully.
Then asked.
“Which aircraft are affected?”
Tessa identified the tail numbers associated with the questionable work orders.
Seven aircraft required immediate records reconciliation before the company could confidently confirm their maintenance status under the relevant procedures.
Noelle closed her eyes.
Seven.
The company operated a much larger fleet, but seven represented significant capacity.
Grounding them would disrupt customers.
Cost money.
And worsen the financial pressure already threatening the business.
She took a breath.
“What do you recommend?”
Tessa answered without hesitation.
“Until the required maintenance documentation and actual status are verified, I recommend withholding those aircraft from service.”
For a moment, Noelle stared toward the table.
She thought about Gavin's threat.
The financing deadline.
The board's fear.
Then she remembered her father's voice.
An aircraft doesn't become safe because the customer is important.
She opened her eyes.
“Do it.”
Tessa hesitated.
“Seven aircraft?”
“Yes. Follow the proper operational and maintenance-control procedures, coordinate with the responsible flight and maintenance personnel, and don't release any affected aircraft until the applicable requirements are satisfied.”
For several seconds, the line was quiet.
Then Tessa spoke.
“Thank you.”
Noelle frowned.
“For what?”
“For not asking me to find a more convenient answer.”
The words struck her.
She looked toward the boardroom.
The directors were waiting.
Some would be furious.
Others would be frightened.
But she knew the decision was necessary.
She took a breath.
“Tessa, keep every original record. We need to understand whether this is a documentation failure, incomplete work, or something more serious.”
The maintenance director agreed.
Then ended the call.
Noelle returned to the board.
She informed them of the operational hold.
The reaction was immediate.