Flight Traces

The rain finally stopped early the next morning. The airport, washed by the rain, appeared hazy, yet the trees along the path shone bright green. Visibility on the ground was sufficiently high, allowing Bian Ji to land on schedule.

Upon returning to the base, the company did not assign the crew any new flights. Regulations stipulated no more than twelve consecutive hours of flying, and flight incidents triggered lengthy investigations during which no other work could be undertaken. Bian Ji thus had a break of indeterminate length, but apart from sleeping soundly on the day of his medical check-up, he remained busy throughout.

Bian Ji was first summoned to the company to report the incident details, then wrote an extensive accident report. Every detail, from meal serving quantities to broadcast timings, and from fire extinguishing procedures to emergency response protocols, needed to be fully documented and clear. During the responsibility assessment phase, any oversight in a single step could lead to penalties for those on duty.

For an incident of this magnitude, after the briefing, there was still field investigation and experimental verification required to analyze the cause of the accident before submitting a report to the Civil Aviation Administration.

By the time all these procedures were completed, half a month had passed.

Before New Year's Day, the investigation and evaluation regarding the crew and attendants finally concluded – everyone was blameless, having handled the situation appropriately.

In the building of the Cabin Service Department, Bian Ji signed the accident determination report but lingered, not leaving immediately.

The middle-aged man behind the redwood desk praised him, "I will immediately consult with the Civil Aviation Administration. You've worked hard; go home and rest well."

Bian Ji, having worked at the airline for ten years, had interacted with leaders of various ranks from the supervisory department and headquarters management, earning the favor of many senior colleagues.

After modestly stating it was part of his duties, Bian Ji called out "Director Liang," seemingly with a request.

Director Liang looked up and asked, "Is there something else?"

"There is indeed a small matter." Bian Ji sat down on the chair indicated by the director's finger, asking familiarly, "Do you know Yang Tianru?"

Director Liang nodded.

Yang Tianru, the third position on AD801, had stood guard at the fire source until the very end, reporting to him.

"Tianru was closest to the fire source this time; she suffered burns to her lower leg skin and a minor ankle fracture due to rescue efforts." Bian Ji pulled out a stack of reports from his file bag, "Their skirts are too narrow, stockings are flammable, and high heels hinder movement, forcing them to take off their shoes and tear off their stockings to run, which not only delays rescue but also poses danger."

The director adjusted his glasses, "So what?"

"So, in addition to our accident report, we submitted a new report concerning changes to the stewardess uniform style and cabin service management. I see it has been over a week since it reached your desk, so I brought it here in case you haven't had time to look at it, for your review." Bian Ji finished speaking, his eyes bending slightly, making it difficult to scold him.

Director Liang suddenly turned serious, leaning forward to look at Bian Ji, "Don't hand it over, I've already read it."

"You've read it?" Bian Ji feigned surprise.