shuhaige
Chapter 42
Chapter 42
It was an across-the-board veto against Madison becoming a captain.
Among the dissenters, there were two or three who stayed neutral, and one or two who quietly supported Madison.
The man at the head of the table had been silent throughout the meeting, leaning on the arm of his chair, a hand propped against his temple, perusing a document rested on his lap.
Only when the conference room fell silent did Ethan lift his gaze, landing it on a senior manager.
The focus of his attention was Frank, the Flight Department manager, in his forties with a jovial face and thinning hair, but his features retained a youthful appearance.
Frank was one of the few who supported Madison’s case.
Feeling the chairman’s eyes on him, Frank sat up straighter and cleared his throat, “The matter may not warrant such a heavy debate This recent refresher training at the base was conducted according to military aviation standards. We had agreed beforehand that the top three performers would be directly promoted to captain. The Civil Aviation Authority has approved this. To pass such a rigorous test with top marks is a testament to a pilot’s true skill.”
“Every organization has its protocols. Mukino Airlines has never altered its standards. If she becomes a captain this time, what about the future? She hasn’t even met the required 2,700 flight hours to apply for the captaincy. How are other equally stellar co-pilots supposed to feel about this?”
Frank chuckled, “If that’s the case, then what was the point of the assessment? Why bother testing against military standards? Might
as well have told everyone from the get-go that regardless of their test scores, they wouldn’t become captains.”
After saying his piece, his smile faded, and he leaned in with an authoritative air, “Since everyone is referencing regulations, I shall too. It was clearly stated before the assessment that passing equates to a captaincy. If we don’t honor that commitment, what would she think? That Mukino Airlines doesn’t keep its word, or the Civil Aviation Authority doesn’t? Bear in mind, several airlines are already courting Madison, including Air China. A senior official from Air China personally called to say that if we don’t have a place for her, they would gladly offer her a position with a lucrative package.”
“We at Mukino Airlines urgently need competent pilots, especially with the increasing number of international routes. Cultivating our own aviation talent is a boon. I fail to understand the fuss over
standards. She outperformed many skilled pilots, led her team. through sea fog to Jingzhou, and saved the entire Mukino Airlines crew. That’s the mark of an exceptional pilot!”
His words had the others lowering their heads.
Madison had indeed become an overnight sensation.
Leading a helicopter rescue team through such treacherous weather, she risked her life to save their chairman and all crew
members. What more was there to debate?
To deny someone’s efforts and excellence over mere technicalities was disheartening.
After Frank finished, he sneaked a glance at the chairman.
Seeing no reaction from the man, Frank spoke up again, “Let’s vote once more.”
Reluctantly, the executives who had initially disagreed now raised their hands.
Frank counted, “Good, that’s the majority. Then let’s proceed with the hiring process as per the regulations.”
The executive in charge of hiring nodded, “Understood.”
It was then that Ethan set his documents aside, scanned the room, and, without a word, stood up and left.
After the chairman’s departure, the room remained still.
Frank was the first to get up and leave.
“Hey, Frank,” the hiring executive called after him, “Aren’t you worried about shareholder dissatisfaction for supporting Madison like that?”
Frank scoffed, “Don’t talk to me about shareholders. Please remember who the real boss is. As the Flight Department manager,
my primary duty is to select the best pilots for the company. Secondly, as an employee, I do and say things the boss can’t handle or express. That’s how you survive in this world. Get it?”
The younger executive seemed to have learned a lesson, noddin repeatedly.
In that situation, it wasn’t appropriate for Ethan to voice a personal opinion. But that didn’t matter; Frank would speak on the boss’s
behalf and fend off others with reason.
The boss being pleased meant good fortune for Frank.
Returning to the Flight Department, Frank received a call from
Finance, “Manager Xiao, your year-end bonus will increase by thirty percent.”
Frank’s smile nearly split his face, “Great, great! President Grant is too generous.”
The finance manager chuckled, “Well, President Grant said you earned it.”
“I’ll keep up the good work!”
After hanging up, Frank flipped through Madison’s file, grinning ear to ear, “My little lucky star! Don’t worry; I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of!”
Madison heard about the strife her candidacy had caused within Mukino Airlines’ management from somewhere.
She seemed utterly unfazed.
Now officially recruited by Mukino Airlines, the three successful candidates were dining in the restaurant, ready to leave the training
base after their meal.
The old military pilot, called Brian Jones, was addressed by everyone simply as Brian.
Brian consoled her, “Don’t mind what others say or think. We just need to excel in our duties, and our records will stand out. Besid we didn’t become pilots for fame but for love, for the dream. If yo good enough, no one can stop you from soaring high.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Madison felt a warm reassurance inside.
And having dealt with the bothersome affairs involving Lucas, her tolerance seemed to have reached new heights; these negations
couldn’t touch her.
Leaning back in her chair, she idly tapped her water glass, “Don’t worry about me, Brian.”
A touch of arrogance in her voice.
Madison didn’t give those dissenters a second thought.
During her time at the training base, with every flight, she felt her
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soul come alive.
In places unseen, Madison’s spirit was indomitable, unshakable.
She was ready to fight for what she wanted, no longer submissive or patient.
“All right, you two take care on the road. See you at the company.”
Outside the training base, Brian bid farewell to the two younger
recruits.
The third-place finisher, Henry, seemed cheerful-a given,
considering he was only thirty-four.
After Brian left, Henry offered, “Where are you headed? Let me give. you a ride?”
Throughout their time there, Madison had almost become the
beloved of the group, her senior colleagues protecting her without a hint of competitive malice.
Madison didn’t want to impose, “It’s okay, I can manage. It’s not and you…”
Henry suddenly pointed towards the distance to the right, “That over there, isn’t it waiting for you?”