Chapter 19 : IF-401 ‘Eastern Ghost’ (3)

[Registration Number] IF-401

[Object Name] The Ghosts of Eastern

[Object Class] Low

[Risk Level] Friendly

[Imagination]

The ghost of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 is an urban legend related to the crashed passenger plane.

The main story is that the ghosts of the captain and first officer, who died in the accident, were sighted on other aircraft that had installed recycled parts from the crashed plane.

These ghosts were often seen conducting safety inspections and similar actions.

These stories gained significant public attention in the late 1970s, leading the airline to dismantle and dispose of all parts salvaged from the crashed plane.

[Reality]

IF-401 refers to spare parts recovered and repurposed from the wreckage of the L-1011 TriStar aircraft that crashed in the Florida Everglades National Park on December 29, 1972.

IF-401 exhibits no structural or functional abnormalities and operates identically to other non-anomalous parts from the same manufacturer.

IF-401 is divided into IF-401-A through IF-401-E:

IF-401-A: In-flight meal cart (its left front wheel was damaged at the time of recovery but was repaired before reuse by the airline).

IF-401-B: Landing gear.

IF-401-C: Galley coffee maker.

IF-401-D: Integrated in-flight meal cooking equipment, such as ovens.

IF-401-E: Cargo hold lift door.

The parts of IF-401 themselves do not display any anomalies.

However, when IF-401 components are installed in an aircraft that meets the dictionary definition of an “airplane” and is functionally compatible, an anomalous phenomenon occurs inside that aircraft.

Specifically, individuals will encounter IF-401-1 and IF-401-2 inside the plane.

IF-401-1 and IF-401-2 are humanoid entities that externally resemble standard white men.

They possess intangible physical characteristics and do not age.

Their appearance is not perceived in a conventional manner; instead, people simply accept that they have “always been there.”

Even individuals who possess prior knowledge of the deceased crew members cannot identify these entities unless they engage in direct conversation.

IF-401-1 is a humanoid entity resembling Captain Bob Loft, who died in the accident.

He is usually seen sitting in a seat or inside the avionics bay. Individuals who have spoken with him describe him as a “cheerful and talkative man.”

IF-401-2 is a humanoid entity resembling Flight Engineer Donald Repo, who also perished in the crash.

He is typically seen in the cockpit or near the landing gear in the cargo hold.

Those who have attempted to converse with him suggest that he is a reserved individual.

If an aircraft attempting takeoff has a defect that could lead to a crash, IF-401-1 and IF-401-2 will appear before the pilots and verbally warn them.

This includes defects that are not visible to the naked eye.

There has never been a recorded case of a crash occurring after the defects identified by the entities were successfully addressed.

If the aircraft possesses a defect that is beyond the pilot’s ability to resolve and is certain to cause a crash, the entities will strongly oppose takeoff.

While they cannot physically or mentally intervene to prevent the aircraft from taking off, any aircraft that does so against their warnings will inevitably crash.

This characteristic functions as a “self-fulfilling prophecy,” meaning that even if individuals learn the exact nature of the defect and take preventive measures, it cannot be avoided.

Damaged IF-401 components can be retrieved and repaired in a conventional manner for reuse, restoring their normal functionality.

It remains unknown what happens if the components are completely destroyed.

However, as this could potentially lead to the loss of the entities, any attempt to find out is strictly prohibited.

For additional information on IF-401-1 and IF-401-2, refer to document 401-1-A.

Appendix-1:

The World Psychic Association offered to purchase one of the IF-401 components for $75 billion, but the offer was declined.

Since IF-401-1 and IF-401-2 cannot exist simultaneously on multiple aircraft, it would disrupt active operational missions if one of the components were removed.

Note: “Those bastards think they can buy anything with Chinese money.

Why don’t they use their precious mainland cash to kill IF-684 too?” – Director U

I looked at the Western ghosts bowing their heads before me with displeasure.

The plump snake was still trembling in fear inside my arms.

How dare they do this to a creature whose entire existence is filled with positivity?

Let’s hear their excuses.

These attempted murderers— no, attempted snake-murderers.

At that moment, one of the two Western ghosts, who had been bickering, stepped forward.

Was his name Repo?

The very man who almost turned Plump Snake into a star in the lake.

“First of all, I sincerely apologize.

I never intended for this to happen.”

Hmph, talk is cheap.

If I hadn’t been here, Plump Snake would be dead.

Still dissatisfied, I made sure to show my discontent.

“At this rate, we’re all going to explode and die.”

The other ghost, who had been silently bowing his head in regret, also stepped forward.

The ghost I initially thought was admirable—

Loft, wasn’t it?

“If the little divine beast happened to have a chicken allergy, then I sincerely apologize.”

…What?

My ears perked up at the unexpected words.

Divine beast?

This thing?

This powerless, dumb Plump Snake?

“Divine beast?

What?

No idea.”

Plump Snake responded without a clue.

There’s no way this stupid-looking creature is a divine beast.

“If you could simply tell us what to be cautious about, we will take care not to repeat this mistake.

Just please understand that there was no malice.”

Hearing that, I turned to Plump Snake.

“What exactly made you almost pass out earlier?”

“Surprise.

Extreme.

Fear.”

…So it really just passed out from pure shock?

Hmm.

Now that I think about it, this situation is really annoying.

I’m a dragon—a god—so why am I acting as a mere translator?

And why are they speaking to me so informally?

Even if they’ve lived longer than regular humans, that only applies to human standards!

They should be showing respect!

“72—!”

I was about to slam my tail on the floor, but then I realized I was wearing pajamas.

No tail.

I just mimicked the motion.

The Western ghosts seemed to somewhat understand my intent.

If it had been Kang Hana, she would’ve just annoyed me further.

The ghosts exchanged serious glances and began discussing.

“At this rate, we can’t take off, and we’re 100% guaranteed to crash.

Do you understand why?”

“It seems to be from Eastern culture…

Should we try communicating in a local language?”

Total misfire.

I don’t even process languages normally in the first place.

If I had to learn a new language every time someone invented one, I’d have gone insane by now.

Besides, in my ears, Repo’s speech already sounds like polite speech.

Not that he’s doing it properly…

Seeing them struggle with awkward attempts at formality was amusing.

“Gyaoo.”

Since their efforts were pointless, I waved them off.

“I believe it means ‘stop that.’”

“Understood.”

I vaguely remember that Western languages don’t have strong distinctions between formal and informal speech.

This was just… me being petty.

They disturbed my rest and almost killed Plump Snake.

I already knew their apology was sincere, so dragging this out further was pointless.

But I wonder if Plump Snake feels the same?

“Can I forgive them?”

“Forgive?

Yes.”

Hmm.

Still so positive.

Hehe.

Then can I lie down on you again?

“NO!”

Such a dramatic reaction.

I soothed him while sending calming thoughts.

The Western ghosts—well, I didn’t sense any malice.

Looked like a simple accident.

So I sent them away.

“Phew, the cause of the crash has disappeared.

Thank you for your forgiveness.

I’m glad the misunderstanding was resolved.”

Rustle.

Before leaving, Repo left something for me.

Plump Snake, who had been sulking, immediately turned his attention to it.

What was it?

Hmm…

By smell, cooked chicken.

As I unwrapped it and shook it lightly, Plump Snake looked up at me with sparkling eyes.

“Ancestor.

Ancestor!

Food.

Want.

Please!”

My belly’s already sticking out, and yet he wants to eat more.

Is he gonna burst at this rate?

I was seriously worried.

…Eh, no way.

I gave him celestial energy, even if just a speck.

He should be fine.

I handed the food to Plump Snake’s mouth.

“Ancestor!

The best!”

Chomp chomp.

The way he wolfed it down—if he weren’t a snake, I’d worry he’d choke.

He’s really enjoying it.

Is it that delicious?

Curious, I asked.

“Yes!”

Huh.

Now I’m a little curious too…

I sent a thought to Plump Snake.

“Open your mouth for a second?”

“What?”

“I need to check something.”

“Okay.”

Beep—!

Plump Snake opened his mouth wide.

Let’s see…

I quickly snatched the piece of meat from his mouth and popped it into mine.

“!!!”

I felt a shocked, flailing sensation from inside my arms, along with a shrill squeal.

“Ancestor?!

Ancestor?!

Mine!

No!

No!”

Munch, munch.

The meat was good quality, but the seasoning was weak.

Kinda bland.

From my arms, I kept hearing distressed squeals—

“Kweeeng! Kweeeng!”

Alright, alright.

I won’t eat it.

I spit it out.

Gwek.

“Ancestor, Anc—…”

Plump Snake stopped sending his thoughts mid-sentence, staring at the chewed-up meat in utter despair.

In response, I sent a thought back.

“Want this instead?”

Sure, I already swallowed all the juice, but it’s still meat…

I casually held the remains of the meat near Plump Snake’s mouth.

Then—

CHOMP!

“Gyao?!”

The moment I pulled my hand back, Plump Snake was dangling from my wrist.

Ah.

He bit me.

“Ancestor… bad… really… bad…”

Oh, come on.

It happens.

Now, how am I supposed to soothe him so I can use him as a pillow again…?

“Gyao.”