Became a Dragon kidnapped by Humans

IF-401

Eastern Airlines Ghost

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The ghost of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 is an urban legend related to a crashed passenger aircraft. The main story involves the ghosts of the deceased captain and first officer being sighted on other planes where parts from the crash were reused, primarily performing safety checks. These stories gained significant public attention in the late 1970s, leading the airline to dismantle and dispose of all salvaged components from the accident.

IF-401 refers to spare parts salvaged from the wreckage of an L-1011 TriStar that crashed and was destroyed in Everglades National Park on December 29, 1972.

These parts exhibit no structural or functional anomalies and perform identically to standard, non-anomalous parts manufactured by the same company.

IF-401 is categorized into five distinct parts:

<ul>
<li>IF-401-A: In-flight food cart (Recovered with a damaged left front wheel, but repaired before reuse).</li>
<li>IF-401-B: Landing gear.</li>
<li>IF-401-C: Galley coffee maker.</li>
<li>IF-401-D: Integrated in-flight meal preparation equipment including ovens.</li>
<li>IF-401-E: Cargo hold lift door.</li>
</ul>

While IF-401 parts themselves show no anomalous properties, when they are reused as components in a pre-defined “aircraft” compatible with their functions, anomalous phenomena occur involving entities designated IF-401-1 and IF-401-2.

IF-401-1 and IF-401-2 appear as humanoid entities resembling standard Caucasian males. They possess incorporeal bodies and do not age.

Their appearances cannot be perceived through normal means; it feels as though they have always been there. Even individuals familiar with their ‘living’ counterparts cannot identify them without direct conversation.

IF-401-1 takes the form of Captain Bob Loft, who died in the original crash. He is typically seen sitting in the avionics bay or passenger seats and is described as pleasant and talkative.

IF-401-2 resembles Donald Repo, the deceased flight engineer. He is usually spotted near the landing gear in the cargo hold or cockpit and appears taciturn based on attempts at conversation.

If any defect capable of causing a crash exists in an aircraft attempting takeoff, IF-401-1 and -2 will verbally warn the pilots. This includes defects invisible to the naked eye. No crashes have occurred after successfully addressing issues pointed out by these entities.

In cases where hazards cannot be resolved within the pilot’s capabilities and would inevitably lead to a crash, the entities strongly oppose takeoff. While they cannot physically or mentally prevent takeoff, any aircraft ignoring their warnings will inevitably crash. This property exhibits a self-fulfilling prophecy-like compulsion that cannot be arbitrarily avoided even if the exact hazard is identified and addressed.

Damaged IF-401 parts can be repaired through conventional methods and reused normally. The consequences of completely destroying any part remain unknown, but such actions are discouraged due to the risk of losing the entities.

Additional information about IF-401-1 and IF-401-2 can be found in Document 401-1-A.

An offer from the World Psionic Association to purchase one IF-401 component for $75 billion was declined due to the limitation of having IF-401-1 and -2 present simultaneously only in one aircraft, potentially hindering active operations.

I glared unhappily at the Western ghost bowing before me.

Tonton-i, the snake, was still trembling in my arms, clearly frightened.

How could you reduce Tonton-i, that headstrong creature, to this state?

Care to explain yourselves?

These attempted murderers… no, attempted snake-murderers.

One of the two arguing Western ghosts stepped forward – wasn’t his name Repo?

The one responsible for nearly turning Tonton-i into Lake Star.

“First, let me apologize. I’m sorry. That was never our intention.”

Ha, smooth words.

Without me, Tonton-i would be dead by now.

I remained discontent, openly displaying my irritation.

“Oh dear, if we continue like this, we’re surely going to explode…”

Then the other ghost, who had been standing behind with a regretful expression, stepped forward. The one I initially thought was commendable – called Loft, right?

“By any chance, is this incident related to some kind of chicken allergy for the young divine beast? If so, we truly apologize.”

That raised my ears – what did he mean by “divine beast”?

Is Tonton-i really a divine beast? This powerless creature?

Are you a divine beast?

“Divine beast? What? Don’t know.”

His response indicated he had no idea what a divine beast was.

There’s no way Tonton-i, making such a foolish face, could be a divine beast.

“If you inform us what precautions we need to take, we’ll remember them. Just understand that we have no ill intentions.”

Hearing this, I asked Tonton-i:

“Why did you almost pass out earlier?”

“Fear. Very much. Shocked.”

So he fainted from sheer surprise?

Hmm…

But this situation bothers me. Why am I acting as an interpreter when I’m a dragon and a deity?

And why is he speaking casually to me?

Even if ghosts live longer than ordinary humans, that doesn’t justify such disrespect.

Show some respect!

“Gyaaoo!”

I tried to slap the floor with my tail, but remembered I was in my pajamas and had no tail. So I just pretended.

It seems the Western ghosts understood my meaning approximately.

Had it been Kan Hana, she would have only irritated me further.

The ghosts began discussing seriously again.

“Look here, if we continue like this, we won’t be able to take off and are destined to crash. Do you understand why?”

“It seems to be related to the Eastern style… How about trying to communicate in the languages used in that region?”

Completely off the mark.

Besides, I don’t even understand “language.” How could I possibly memorize all the new words that appear every time I close and open my eyes?

Moreover, Repo’s words already sounded respectful to me.

That’s not how you use honorifics…

Despite their awkward attempts at politeness, I knew something.

Because I vaguely remember my human days, I’m aware that in the West, casual and formal speech aren’t clearly distinguished.

This is just… spite.

I’m annoyed that they disturbed my rest and nearly turned Tonton-i into Lake Star.

I already know their apologies are sincere.

There’s no point in unnecessary arguments since I lack the energy anyway.

Though… Tonton-i, the victim, might think differently.

I asked if forgiving them would be alright.

“Forgiveness? Positive.”

Ah, so everything is approved…

Hehe, then can I go back to sleep?

“Negative!”

The reaction was intense.

I sent soothing thoughts, apologizing and telling him to calm down.

Since the Western ghosts… didn’t feel malicious and the incident seemed accidental, I sent them away.

“Huff, finally the cause of the crash has disappeared. Thank you for your forgiveness. It’s fortunate the misunderstanding has been cleared up.”

“… Here.”

Crunch.

Then Repo left something behind before departing.

Curious about what had caught Tonton-i’s sudden interest, I checked.

Hmm…

Judging by the smell, it seems to be cooked chicken.

As I shook the package open, Tonton-i looked at me with bright eyes.

“Progenitor! Progenitor! Food! Want! Please!”

Already bloated, and he still wants more? Isn’t his stomach going to burst?

I seriously worried.

…Nah, probably not. After all, I’ve bestowed upon him even a speck of my divine power. He’ll be fine.

I fed the food to Tonton-i’s mouth.

“Progenitor! Best!”

Gobble gobble.

Watching him devour it so hastily, if he weren’t a snake, he might have choked.

He’s eating it so happily.

I became curious and asked.

“Positive!”

I see.

Hmm… I wonder what it tastes like…

I sent a telepathic message to Tonton-i.

“Would you mind opening your mouth once?”

“What?”

“For confirmation.”

“Positive.”

Peep~

Tonton-i opened his mouth wide.

Let’s see…

I quickly snatched the meat from inside his mouth and put it in my own.

“!!!”

Ignoring the startled squeak and wriggling from my arms,

“GYAAAO?”

Mm, it’s definitely good quality meat, but perhaps the seasoning is too light. The taste is bland.

There’s continuous grumbling from my arms. Got it. I won’t eat anymore.

I spit it out.

Grumble…

“Progenitor, Progenitor…”

Tonton-i stopped sending messages and stared hopelessly at the meat…

To which I replied telepathically.

…Do you want this?

Though I’ve already chewed and swallowed all the juices, it’s still meat…

“…”

Seeing the speechless Tonton-i, I brought the “meat” to his mouth.

Then,

With a loud crunch,

“Gyaaoo?”

When I pulled my hand back, Tonton-i was hanging from my wrist.

Oh no.

I’ve been bitten.

“Progenitor. Bad… Really bad…”

Aww…

It’s understandable.

But how should I console him to go back to sleep…?

“Gyaaoo…”