He turned to Elara and Aisha, his eyes shining with an intensity they recognized. "Remember that operation where I saved the three former Russian fighter pilots who refused to bomb innocent civilians? The ones hunted by their own government, the ones I helped vanish from the map, giving them a new life under my protection?"
Elara nodded, remembering an encrypted report Daniel had received and a long night in his secret office. "Yes, I remember. You brought them into your network, said they were valuable assets."
"Valuable is an understatement," Daniel said, a grim smile. "They're the best. Fighter pilots with years of combat experience, capable of maneuvering any aircraft in any conditions. And most importantly, they have a code of honor. They refused to slaughter innocents, putting their lives on the line for their principles. They owe me their lives, and their loyalty is absolute. They're the only ones I'd trust to fly the A390. They're the only ones who understand what it's like to be a 'ghost' when the whole world is against you."
Aisha nodded approvingly. "An excellent choice, Daniel. Men of honor and skill. They will be a powerful addition to your team."
Daniel picked up his satellite phone again, his fingers typing rapidly on a holographic keyboard that appeared on his wrist, invisible to anyone who didn't know how to activate it. He sent encrypted messages to three different contacts, his instructions short and to the point. Within minutes, confirmations began arriving, responses equally brief and efficient.
"They'll be here in Japan in less than 24 hours," Daniel announced, satisfaction in his voice. "Ready to take command of our new home. And to take us to Dubai in two weeks for our wedding." He looked at Elara and Aisha, a glint of adventure in his eyes. "Get ready, my wives. The journey is just beginning. And with the A390, the world is our playground. And our fortress."
The promise of a grand, safe, and adventurous future hung in the air in the cabin. The A390, the "machine" that defied the limits of engineering and imagination, was more than just an airplane. It was a symbol of Daniel's power, the complexity of his life as a "Ghost," and his unwavering commitment to protecting his family, which now expanded to include two worlds and three hearts.
The morning sun flooded the A380 cabin, and the smell of fresh coffee mingled with the gentle scent of jasmine that still lingered in the air. Elara and Aisha watched Daniel, who, satellite phone in hand, seemed lost in thought, his expression focused as he processed the latest information. The revelation of the A390, the flying fortress that would soon be his new home, still resonated in the air, the promise of unprecedented power and safety.
Daniel put away his phone, turning to the two women, an enigmatic smile on his lips. "The pilots I called will be here soon. The three Russians. And as for the other pilots already with us, the ones you know from the A380…"I have complete confidence in them, Elara. They are as loyal and competent as the new ones. They've been with me for years.They're part of my closest team. They've always known that, in my world, trust is everything. They understand that what we do, and the tools we use, are beyond the ordinary. They never question, they just deliver with mastery."
He walked to a panoramic window in the cockpit, looking out at the hangar, where the maintenance crew moved with the precision of a Swiss watch.Of course I'm not going to put four attack helicopters on the plane right away., not even one," Daniel said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. The idea of four helicopters inside the aircraft seemed as audacious as the A390's very existence. "But," he continued, turning to them,a somewhat treacherous smileforming on his lips, "Who knows, maybe one in the future for an extreme emergency? The garage will be more for storing vehicles and other necessities we need, and of course, my security personnel's vehicles. For specific missions, for access to remote locations, or simply for discreet ground movement. Those tactical vehicles, specially adapted for different terrains, are essential for my ground operations. They are not as visible as helicopters, but they are equally important for my mobility and the discretion of theShadow Network."
Elara and Aisha exchanged a knowing smile. Daniel's mind was always several steps ahead, planning every contingency. He would never fully reveal his intentions, maintaining the aura of mystery that surrounded him. The "garage" was a crucial detail to the Ghost's operations, a way to ensure that, upon landing anywhere in the world, his team had instant mobility and resources.
Daniel picked up the phone again, his fingers dancing over the holographic keyboard. "Now, an important detail, and a little surprise for our King. He'll appreciate the gesture, and it will further solidify our position."
He dialed the King's number again, and the call was answered almost instantly, the monarch's deep, authoritative voice echoing in the cabin. "Daniel, my son. Is there a problem with the preparations? Don't tell me Rashid is already making things difficult." There was a hint of amusement in the King's voice.
"No, Your Majesty, not at all," Daniel replied, his voice taking on a tone of respect and deference, but with an underlying lightness. He looked at Elara and Aisha, a smile on his lips. "Actually, I'm calling to discuss a matter of our culture."As part of our culture, and a duty, the man must give his father-in-law a gift worthy of the bride, father."Daniel called the King "father," a touch of intimacy that denoted the depth of their relationship.
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. The King, a man of tradition, no doubt appreciated the gesture. "A gift? Daniel, you've already given us the greatest gift of all, which is your loyalty and your family."
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, this is a gift that also meets your needs," Daniel continued, his voice holding a tone of formality. "I happen to bechanging planes. My new Airbus A390, even more advanced and safer, will be in Japan tomorrow afternoon. And my current A380..." He paused dramatically, a mischievous smile spreading across his face, which Elara and Aisha could see. "Can you send two pilots to take my A380?"
The surprise in the King's voice was almost audible. "You're offering me your A380, Daniel? This is... a gift of epic proportions, my son. It's a palace in the sky! It's fit for a head of state!"
"It is worthy of the King who welcomed me as a son, Your Majesty," Daniel replied, his voice thick with sincerity. "He is all yours.You can paint it and change whatever you want., of course. Make it your own royal aircraft. But, a little warning, Your Majesty," Daniel said, the tone of playfulness in his voice, but with a touch of veiled seriousness. "Be careful, there are some 'toys' on their wings that go BOOM." Daniel let out a soft laugh, an inside joke that only he and the King, who knew Daniel's capabilities as a "Ghost" in his protective role of the royal family, would understand.
The King laughed, a deep, powerful sound. "Ah, Daniel. You never cease to amaze me. And I appreciate your... caution. Yes, I will send two of my best pilots to fetch the A380. It will be a formidable addition to our royal fleet. And a lasting symbol of our alliance. Your generosity is unparalleled."
"It's an honor, Your Majesty," Daniel said. "And by the way, the new A390 also comes equipped with the same defense system as the previous one, only with significantly more ammunition." He didn't need to elaborate, nor did the King expect it. The mere mention of a "system" to the King, who was already aware of Daniel's technological and security capabilities, was enough. He wouldn't reveal the exact level of the arsenal on board to anyone, only that the protection was guaranteed and enhanced.
The King seemed pleased. "Excellent, Daniel. Safety is paramount. I feel more at ease knowing that you and my daughters will be even more protected. May Allah bless your journey and our union. I hope to see you soon in Dubai, my son."
"Soon, Your Majesty. See you in two weeks," Daniel replied, the call ending with a soft click.
He looked at Elara and Aisha, his eyes shining with the satisfaction of a plan well executed. "Well, ladies. The King is on board. And now we have the perfect excuse to switch planes and keep our wedding private. He'll send the pilots tomorrow to pick up the A380. And we'll be ready for the A390."
Aisha smiled, her almond-shaped eyes shining. "Dad will love the A380. It's a grand gesture, Daniel. And he'll see it as the greatest proof of your loyalty and your intention to fully integrate into our family. You're a master at bridging worlds."
Elara nodded, admiration clear on her face. "You've truly thought of everything. It's an elegant and practical solution that solidifies your position with the royal family while keeping us safe. And my parents... they will be amazed by the story of the Prince and Aisha, and even more so by your generosity to the King."
Daniel walked over to them, sitting back down on the bed, and pulled them into a hug. The touch of their warm skin, the scent of their bodies, the complicity in their gazes. "My queens," he murmured, kissing Elara's forehead, then Aisha's. "With you by my side, I can move mountains. And planes, apparently." He laughed, a deep, satisfied laugh.