Chapter 139: Airline Vision

After a week of unconsciousness, Vito Corleone finally awoke. The doctor, having completed his examination, smiled reassuringly. "Mr. Vito, you're very fortunate. Given that you were hit by five bullets, your recovery is remarkable. Now, just focus on resting."

"Thank you, Doctor. Your skill has been crucial to my recovery," Vito replied weakly.

The doctor left, and Vito's family rushed into the room.

His wife was the first to approach, leaning down to kiss him. "Vito, it's such a relief to see you awake. I was terrified when I heard about the attack."

His children—Sonny, Fredo, and Mike—along with his daughter, son-in-law Tom, and adopted son Tom, gathered around him. Vito felt a deep sense of relief seeing them all.

After the initial emotional reunion, the women left the room, leaving only the men. Vito looked at his children and trusted subordinates and asked, "Tell me what happened after the attack."

"Father, the doctor said you need to rest and avoid stress," Sonny said.

Vito waved his hand dismissively. "I'm just lying here. It's fine. Tom, you handle this."

Tom, the family's legal advisor and military strategist, began explaining the events that followed the attack. He detailed Sonny's decision to kill Buno, the son of Philip, the patriarch of the Tatakilia family.

Vito's expression grew troubled upon hearing about Sonny's reckless revenge and Mike's drastic measures. Mike had orchestrated the deaths of Sorasso and the sheriff, using explosives in the restaurant—a move that shocked Vito.

He looked at Mike, who had always resisted the family business. This time, however, Mike had shown remarkable ingenuity in handling the crisis.

Tom continued, explaining how Mike had managed the situation—leaking Sorasso's involvement with drugs to the newspapers, exposing the sheriff's corruption, and stabilizing relations with other families. Vito was impressed with how Mike had navigated the situation, unlike Sonny's impulsive actions.

After Tom finished, Vito closed his eyes, resting as everyone in the room waited quietly.

Eventually, Vito opened his eyes and said firmly, "Sonny, you need to leave. Philip will surely retaliate. Go to Sicily until things settle here. You can return when it's safe."

Sonny was reluctant. Life in Sicily felt confining compared to vibrant New York, and leaving meant his established forces might weaken.

"Father, I…"

Vito's gaze was resolute. "Sonny, I don't want anything to happen to you. You must go."

Realizing his father's determination, Sonny bowed his head in acceptance. "I understand. I'll go to Sicily."

"Good. I'm a bit tired now. Please, everyone, leave," Vito said.

As everyone began to exit, Vito stopped Mike. "Mike, there's something I need to ask you."

With the room now empty except for Vito and Mike, Vito asked, "Are you hiding something from me?"

Mike knew his father was referring to Hardy. "I didn't hide anything. After the incident, I felt a pressing need for help, so I called Hardy from Los Angeles."

Vito nodded, understanding the significance of Hardy's involvement. Mike explained that Hardy had chartered two planes and brought 70 people to aid in the crisis. Hardy's strategic insight and support had been crucial in stabilizing the situation.

Vito acknowledged this with a slight smile. "Mike, you're fortunate to have such a true friend. Cherish him."

"I will, Father. True friends are rare," Mike responded.

---

Two days later, Sonny departed for Sicily, taking refuge with a local gang leader. Shortly thereafter, Fredo was sent to Las Vegas to manage the family's casino—a less risky role given his timid nature.

Now, only Mike remained directly involved in family affairs.

---

On this day, Mike brought Hardy to Vito's room.

Vito greeted Hardy with a warm smile. "Hardy, thank you for all your help with the Corleone family."

Vito's health had improved significantly over the past few days. Hardy had indeed been instrumental in overcoming the crisis, including providing security, assisting in eliminating Sorasso, and stabilizing relations with the other families.

"You're too kind. I'm Mike's friend, and helping out is the least I could do," Hardy said.

As they chatted, Hardy brought up an important matter. "Mr. Vito, I've heard that the military plans to sell some obsolete aircraft at a low price. Do you have any connections in the logistics department?"

Vito's interest was piqued. "I do know someone in the Logistics Management Bureau. Why do you ask?"

"I heard from a friend that the military is considering selling these planes privately. I'd like to inquire about purchasing a few," Hardy explained.

Vito made a call to his contact, Brigadier General Darrell Williams. The general confirmed the sale and offered to provide further details if Hardy reached out directly.

Vito relayed this to Hardy. "General Williams is a key figure in the Logistics Administration. Contact him in Fort Bayver, Virginia. He'll give you all the necessary information."

Hardy thanked Vito and left the hospital with Mike. "How many planes are you considering buying?" Mike asked.

"At least two. If the price is right, maybe more," Hardy replied.

Mike raised an eyebrow. "Are you thinking of starting an airline?"

"Possibly. If I can get enough planes, starting an airline is a viable option. Even if not for passengers, cargo transport is a growing industry. Air cargo is faster and often cheaper than trucking. It could be a profitable venture," Hardy said.

Mike nodded in understanding. If Hardy pursued the airline, it could be a significant addition to his business ventures.