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Things were quiet for a while. Shilin was perplexed: had he really managed to avoid any repercussions? But he already knew too well what the army was like: the generals would never forgive anyone for their own incompetence. Clouds began to gather around the pilot. Rumors reached Shilin from various sources that he was considered unwell: he had gone funny in the head and needed treatment; he ought to be committed. No one was willing to give an official order. His superiors, naturally, sought to cover their own backs, steering clear of records and papers showing what had happened and working to make sure there were no witnesses, no proof, not even a hint. It was obvious which way the wind was blowing: his commanders wanted to have this brazen pilot, who had refused to obey a direct order
