Chapter 198: Chapter 150: Qi Zai’s Gift, Meddling
Yang Qi had already anticipated this and quickly replied, "Director, you’re right. I completely understand. Thank you, Director and Minister Jiang, for your support!"
Seeing Yang Qi’s earnest attitude, Huang Zhongmu and Jiang Kai nodded.
Once the decision to release the eagle was confirmed, Huang Zhongmu made a phone call.
Before long, a staff member from the Zoo’s technical department hurried over, carrying a specially made, lightweight and compact GPS tracker.
Yang Qi took the tracker and, following the technician’s instructions, carefully attached it to one of Qi Zai’s ankles, avoiding his joints and blood vessels.
Once it was secure, he double-checked the fit, making sure it was neither so loose it would fall off, nor so tight it would impede Qi Zai’s flight or circulation.
"Qi Zai, don’t peck this thing with your beak or grab it with your claws, understand?"
Yang Qi instructed him using the Basic Spirit Communication Technique.
Qi Zai looked down at the new little gadget on his ankle. He was curious, but he trusted Yang Qi and let out a soft coo from his throat.
’Understood.’
Everything was ready.
With Qi Zai once again perched on his arm, Yang Qi strode out to a relatively open space outside the enclosure, watched by the nervous yet expectant eyes of Huang Zhongmu, Jiang Kai, and the technician.
Stroking Qi Zai’s smooth feathers, Yang Qi said, "Qi Zai, first fly a couple of circles up there, then come back down."
’Yes, Master.’
Qi Zai let out a high, excited screech. His wings shot open, stirring up a powerful gust of air.
Yang Qi thrust his arm upward—
"SWOOSH!"
An agile, gray-and-white figure shot skyward like an arrow released from a bow.
Its powerful wings beat against the air, creating a mighty sound.
Qi Zai rapidly gained altitude, circling high above the enclosure.
He flew while observing his surroundings.
The sunlight caught his magnificent plumage and the crest on his head, making them gleam with a regal light.
A moment later, Qi Zai dove from the sky, heading straight for Yang Qi.
As Huang Zhongmu, Jiang Kai, and the technician watched nervously, he decelerated and landed his talons securely on Yang Qi’s outstretched arm guard. Then, he shifted to Yang Qi’s shoulder, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
"Director, what’s the specific flight plan?"
With Qi Zai on his shoulder, Yang Qi looked at Huang Zhongmu and asked with a smile.
"You kidder, are you testing me or yourself?" Huang Zhongmu chided with a laugh before his expression turned serious. "The plan is simple, but it must be followed strictly."
He ticked the points off on his fingers as he spoke with perfect clarity.
"First, the release will be done in phases. Today’s flight counts as an ’initial short-distance acclimatization flight.’ It’s best to limit his range to the mountain behind the Zoo and the surrounding safe airspace."
"Once he returns, we’ll analyze his condition and the tracking data, then gradually extend the duration and distance of each flight."
"Second, time management. In this initial phase, each flight should not exceed two hours. You can adjust this flexibly based on the season, weather, and your assessment of Qi Zai’s condition."
"Third, real-time monitoring and emergency protocols."
Huang Zhongmu pointed to the tablet in the technician’s hand. "Someone will be monitoring the tracking data in real time. If we detect any abnormal flight patterns—like if he approaches a densely populated area or remains stationary for too long—we’ll activate the protocols. These protocols include an emergency recall from you, a personnel search if necessary, and in extreme cases, we may even consider intervention with safety measures."
"Fourth, behavioral observation and data logging. Before and after each flight, you need to keep detailed records of Qi Zai’s physical condition, mood, and appetite. During the flight, you should also record data like his altitude, speed, active areas, and any hunting attempts, using both the tracker and your own observations. This information serves as valuable scientific data and is crucial for assessing his adaptation."
"Fifth, reinforce his recall training. The tracker isn’t enough. You have to ensure Qi Zai is highly obedient to your recall commands. In the future, when we release him over greater distances and in more complex environments, you must be able to call him back at a moment’s notice."
After he finished, Huang Zhongmu looked at Yang Qi. "So, Xiao Yang? Can you handle it? This isn’t as simple as just letting him stretch his wings. It’s a complete, scientific, and rigorous management process. You have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders."
Yang Qi listened intently and nodded solemnly. "Director, I understand. Your plan is incredibly thorough. You and Minister Jiang can rest assured. I will follow the plan to the letter and see that every step is properly implemented."
He paused for a moment before adding, "As for the recall, I already have some ideas. In addition to conventional whistles and hand signals, I can use some... special methods of communication to establish a more stable homing instinct with Qi Zai."
’Of course, I can’t tell them about a Magical Artifact like the Mother-Child Unity Bell,’ he thought. But both Huang Zhongmu and Jiang Kai could hear the confidence and assurance in his voice.
"Good. Hearing you say that puts our minds at ease."
Jiang Kai patted Yang Qi’s shoulder. "I’ll have someone organize the specific monitoring shifts, data-logging forms, and emergency protocol details and send them to you later. From this moment on, you are officially in charge of Qi Zai’s ’Blue Sky Project’!"
"I guarantee I’ll get the job done!"
Yang Qi straightened his back and replied, the magnificent Beaked Eagle perched on his shoulder.
...
Huang Zhongmu and Jiang Kai had other business to attend to, so they left.
Yang Qi discussed the key recording points for before and after the flight with the young technician, then meticulously filled out the pre-flight data on Qi Zai’s physical condition and emotional state.
With everything ready, Yang Qi gently stroked the smooth plumage of the Beaked Eagle on his shoulder and, activating his Spirit Communication Technique, gave one last instruction.
"Qi Zai, remember, just stick to the forest on the mountain behind us. Don’t fly too far. Come back when the sun is almost at its highest point in the sky."
