Captain Elena Torres was forty-seven, a highly experienced aviator with dark hair tied neatly behind her head and the calm, direct manner of someone accustomed to handling complicated operational decisions.
She had spent years flying corporate aircraft.
She knew the jet.
She understood its operating procedures.
And she had worked with Naomi's flight operations team during the aircraft's acquisition.
When Elena entered the cabin, Naomi stood.
"Captain Torres."
Elena nodded.
"Ms. Ellis."
They shook hands.
Elena glanced toward Richard, who stood near the cockpit.
Her expression remained professional.
"Richard, the duty manager needs you for a formal discussion."
He frowned.
"Right now?"
"Yes."
He looked toward Naomi.
The owner remained silent.
Richard's eyes narrowed.
Then he collected his flight bag.
Before leaving, he stopped beside Olivia.
He seemed about to say something.
Perhaps a warning.
Perhaps a plea.
But Elena spoke first.
"Olivia, please remain available for the operations review. You've been asked to provide an account of the cabin preparation and passenger information."
Richard's jaw tightened.
Then he walked toward the door.
He descended the aircraft stairs without another word.
Naomi watched him go.
She felt no satisfaction.
Only disappointment.
The man had spent decades earning the qualifications necessary to command a sophisticated aircraft.
Yet he'd allowed arrogance and personal ambition to compromise the trust placed in him.
Elena approached.
"Ms. Ellis, I'm sorry about what happened."
Naomi nodded.
"Thank you."
The captain looked toward the cockpit.
"We're completing an independent review of the aircraft's current readiness, the flight plan, and the crew assignment."
"Good."
"I don't want to make assumptions based on what Richard entered."
"Neither do I."
Elena smiled faintly.
"Then we're in agreement."
Naomi looked at her.
"Are you able to take the flight?"
"Potentially, yes. But only after we confirm the crew, aircraft status, routing, and necessary authorizations."
Naomi nodded.
"Take whatever time is required."
Elena's expression softened.
"Thank you."
Naomi glanced toward the window.
The afternoon sun was beginning to lower.
She had important commitments in Columbus.
But she wasn't going to pressure a captain to depart before the necessary checks were complete.
She had spent years demanding that people report problems honestly.