The flight attendants moved a Black woman from first class to the last row—then fell silent as she opened her wallet and said, “I am Dr. Simone Carter, FAA administrator.” But her title wasn’t what terrified the airline CEO most. It was the interview file she’d been called in to about thirty seconds earlier.

She leaned towards Simone.

“My name is Rachel Kim. I am a lawyer. You should ask them to document the reassignment.”

Derek’s face hardened.

“This matter does not involve you.”

Rachel smiled without warmth.

“It started to involve everyone when you decided to lead it in the middle of the first class.”

Several passengers were now watching.

A man raised his phone.

Another pretended not to do it.

Simone felt her own phone vibrate inside her jacket.

She glanced at the screen.

SECRETARY HARLAN — POINT

The Secretary of Transport.

She refused the appeal.

For now.

Marianne noticed the movement.

“Ms. Carter, this is the final request. Please collect your belongings.”

Simone looked at her.

“You know my name.”

“It’s in the manifesto.”

“So you also know that I’ve flown Meridian seventy-three times in the last four years.”

Marianne’s eyes flickered.

“You have Gold status.”

« Correct. »

“And Mr. Caldwell?”