The aircraft’s actual altitude remained stable.
The primary display was wrong.
Laura suddenly understood.
This wasn’t just a mechanical failure.
Someone—or something—was feeding the aircraft contradictory information.
Then she noticed another detail.
A small diagnostic code appeared in the corner of the display.
Laura stepped closer.
Her breath caught.
She had seen that code before.
Not during her final mission.
During the investigation afterward.
The official report had called it an isolated equipment failure.
Laura had never believed that explanation.
She whispered:
“No…”
Andrew looked at her.
“What?”
Laura pointed at the code.
“This is the same system involved in my accident.”
Nobody spoke.
The first officer stared at her.
“You’re saying this aircraft has the same fault?”
Laura shook her head.
“I’m saying the same failure signature is appearing six months after that investigation was supposedly closed.”
Andrew’s eyes narrowed.
“Could it be coincidence?”
Laura looked at him.
“Maybe.”
Then another warning appeared.
Her expression changed.
“No.”
“What?”
“This isn’t coincidence.”
She leaned closer.
“Someone installed a system update.”
Andrew stared at her.
“What does that mean?”
Laura looked toward the cockpit door.
Then toward the passenger cabin beyond it.
“I don’t know yet.”
Her voice dropped.
