Meanwhile, thethree Russian pilots, who had arrived silently at the mansion in the early hours of the morning, were now in the adjoining hangar, under the supervision of Airbus engineers. They were imposing men, with the austerity of those who lived under the weight of secrets and dangers. Their dark uniforms, without identifying insignia, contrasted with their skin marked by years of service and the sharp intelligence in their eyes. Sergey, Ivan, and Dimitri—the names Daniel had given them in their new life—absorbed every detail of theA390. The aircraft, with its futuristic silhouette and colossal proportions, was both a challenge and a masterpiece. They studied the control panels, the intricate navigation systems, and the complexities of the six Rolls-Royce engines with the reverence of someone handling something both technological and mystical.
The Airbus engineers, impressed by the speed with which the Russians mastered the most complex concepts, answered all their questions with the patience of those who knew they were dealing with aviation geniuses. The A390's vast and imposing garage already housed the luxury and tactical vehicles, gleaming under the hangar lights.Bugatti The Black Car, theLamborghini SC20, theLamborghini Revuelto, a Ferrari SF90and toFerrari F80– all in deep black with pristine white interiors – looked ready for action. Beside them, theRolls-Royce Cullinanand theMercedes-AMG GT Track Series, including the custom models for Elara with her license plate and name, were a vision of power and elegance. TheKawasaki Ninja H2R, black and aggressive, completed the fleet, promising speed and adrenaline.
Daniel, dressed in a gray sweatshirt and running shoes, watched the scene from a private mezzanine in the hangar, alongside Elara and Aisha, who were dressed in casual, comfortable clothes. The smell of metal, oil, and the faint ozone of electronic equipment filled the air. He pointed to the monitors displaying telemetry data from the planes, explaining to Elara and Aisha the capabilities and logic behind each system.
"The beauty of this aircraft," Daniel explained, his voice soft but gleaming with passion, "is not just its size, but its versatility and responsiveness. Imagine, we can land almost anywhere in the world, and have a fleet of high-performance vehicles ready to move us discreetly and safely, or to allow my security teams to operate with complete autonomy." He gestured to the vehicles. "These vehicles aren't just for show. They are extensions of my capabilities. And, of course, they ensure that you two move with maximum comfort and safety wherever we are."
Elara felt admiration bubble in her chest. Daniel wasn't just a billionaire; he was a strategist, a man orchestrating an invisible empire. The magnitude of his intelligence and his ability to turn visions into reality fascinated her. "It's like having our own personal army and a mobile base," she murmured, her voice filled with awe.
Aisha nodded, her eyes shining. "It's the manifestation of a silent power, Elara. My brother always talked about how Daniel is able to move the world without anyone noticing. This plane is proof of that." She looked at Daniel, a touch of reverence in her gaze. "You really thought of every detail, Daniel."
"Every detail is crucial when operating in the shadows," Daniel replied, his eyes fixed on the Russian pilots who now seemed at ease in the A390 cockpit, their fingers moving precisely over the controls. "They are integrating quickly. My confidence in them is unshakable. They are the best the world of military aviation has to offer, and their loyalty is forged in the fire of sacrifice."
As the day faded into a palette of colors across the sky, Daniel's mansion and hangar became a hub of quiet activity. The transfer of assets between the two Airbuses continued, with teams moving boxes of artwork, suitcases of clothing and jewelry, and all of Daniel, Elara, and Aisha's belongings with the precision of a sacred ritual. Each item was treated with the utmost care, as if its integrity were vital to the mission.
The aroma of an evening meal began to waft through the mansion. Daniel's private chef had prepared a sumptuous dinner, a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, served in one of the mansion's more intimate dining rooms. Thomas and Akemi, along with Kenji, were already at the table, their expressions more relaxed after their conversation with Elara.
Daniel, Elara, and Aisha joined them, the atmosphere lighter and more familiar. Conversations flowed about the upcoming wedding in Dubai, the expectations of the trip, and the grandeur of the royal family. Kenji, in particular, was ecstatic at the prospect of visiting a real palace and seeing Daniel's fleet of cars. Aisha's presence, with her calm smile and willingness to share stories of her culture, added a new dimension to the family dynamic.
After dinner, Daniel pulled Elara and Aisha into his private office in the mansion, where a monitor screen projected maps of the world with numerous points of light, indicating the activities of the "Shadow Network." The space was a blend of cutting-edge technology and comfort, with leather armchairs and soft lighting.
"Well, my queens," Daniel began, his voice more relaxed. "Preparations are well underway. Tomorrow morning, we will depart. The A380 will be handed over to the King's staff, and we will make our first journey on the A390, heading to Dubai." He pointed to a point on the map that indicated the Middle East. "It will be a nonstop journey, with maximum comfort and safety. Russian pilots will be in command, and our familiar flight crew will be there to attend to your every need."
Elara felt a twinge of excitement. The idea of traveling on the A390, the flying fortress, was something that surpassed any fantasy of luxury and adventure. "I'm excited, Daniel," she said, a gleam in her eyes. "I can't wait to see the A390 in flight. And to meet Aisha's family."
Aisha smiled, taking Elara's hand. "It will be an honor to have you there. And my family will be very happy to welcome you."
Daniel nodded. "The King has already sent details of the preparations at the palace. It will be an intimate event, as we planned, but grand in its essence. The entire royal family will be present. And Henry already has all the logistical details for the arrival of your parents and Kenji, Elara. They will be taken directly to the mansion in Dubai. All with the discretion that our position demands."
A comfortable silence hung over the office for a moment, filled only by the soft hum of the monitors. Daniel leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the holographic map. "There's still much to do," he muttered, mostly to himself. "The problems in the US continue to unfold. The 'witch hunt' is just beginning. But for now, our priority is our unity, our family." He turned to the two women, a soft smile on his face. "You are my safe haven, my queens. And with the A390, that safe haven can be anywhere in the world."
He turned off the monitors, the room plunging into a soft shadow. Daniel pulled Elara and Aisha closer, his protective arms around them. The day had been long, filled with preparations and crucial conversations, but the promise of the journey ahead and the strength of the bonds that bound them were the reward. They remained there for a while, wrapped in Daniel's embrace, the future uncertain, but certain that they would face it together, aboard their new flying fortress, the "Ghost," and their queens, ready for whatever fate the world had in store for them.
The next morning in Tokyo dawned with clear skies and crisp air, promising a perfect day for takeoff. On Daniel's private airstrip, adjacent to the colossal hangar, the Airbus A390 hovered in its magnificence, a polished silver beast that seemed to touch the sky. Itssix Rolls-Royce engineswere murmuring softly, like a lazy lion about to awaken. Beside him, Daniel's now-former A380 waited, its silhouette slightly less imposing than its successor's, but still majestic. The King's team, two experienced pilots in impeccable uniforms and the royal flag embroidered on their chests, were already aboard the A380, familiarizing themselves with the systems of the aircraft that would be their new pride.
Inside the A390, the atmosphere was one of anticipation. Daniel's cabin crew, composed of discreet and highly trained professionals, moved with the efficiency of a well-rehearsed ballet. Henry, the crew chief, oversaw every detail, ensuring everything was perfect for the family's first journey aboard the new flying fortress. The air in the cabin was clean and fresh, with a faint scent of new leather and the gentle scent of jasmine, which Elara and Aisha had chosen to scent the air.
Elara, wearing an elegant cream silk travel suit, walked through the spacious aisles of the aircraft, her eyes taking in every detail of the sumptuous interior. The ebony panels gleamed, the silk upholstery of the sofas and armchairs inviting comfort. She stopped atmaster suite, a luxurious sanctuary with a king-size bed dominating the center of the room, adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets and fluffy pillows. The private bathroom, with its whirlpool tub and spacious shower, was an oasis of tranquility. Aisha, in a similar pearl-toned silk ensemble, was already there, admiring the view from the window, a serene smile on her lips.
"It's even more amazing in person," Elara commented, her voice full of awe. "It feels like we're in a five-star hotel, not on an airplane."
"It's Daniel," Aisha replied, turning to Elara. "He doesn't do anything halfway. This is the manifestation of his vision for the safety and comfort of his family." She gestured to the immenseGiant screen TVthat seemed to emerge from the wall, and to thesurround sound systemwhich promised an unparalleled cinematic experience.