Maria Gonzalez took an involuntary step backward, nearly colliding with the beverage cart. Daniel Foster let out a low whistle. You’re the CEO? Vanessa’s voice had risen an octave, her face draining of color. Yes, Thomas confirmed. And while I’m extremely disappointed by what I’ve witnessed today, this isn’t about my position.

This would be equally unacceptable if I were any other passenger. Greg had gone very still, the implications of the situation clearly dawning on him. Sir, Mr. Bennett, I assure you, we had no idea. That’s precisely the point, Thomas cut in. You shouldn’t need to know who I am to treat me with basic respect. That’s the foundation this airline was built on.

The cabin phone rang again. This time, Greg answered it, his yes, Captain audible to everyone nearby. He listened, nodded, then extended the handset to Thomas. Captain Reynolds would like to speak with you, sir. Thomas took the phone. Jim, yes, I’m fine. He listened for a moment. No, don’t turn back.

Continue to San Francisco, but I need you to be aware that I’m implementing protocol zero effective immediately. Another pause. Yes, companywide. I’ll handle the ground logistics from here. Just focus on flying the plane. He handed the phone back to Greg, whose face had gone from pale to ashen. “Protocol zero.

” He repeated the words, barely a whisper. Thomas nodded once. “Protocol zero.” The gravity in his voice conveyed that something momentous had been set in motion, though only Greg seemed to understand exactly what it meant. William Crawford could no longer contain himself. “Excuse me,” he interjected. But what exactly is protocol zero? Thomas turned to face the other passengers, his expression solemn but resolute.

Protocol zero is an emergency procedure that temporarily halts all Skyream operations for institutional reset. As of this moment, no new Skydream flights will depart until further notice. Planes currently in the air, including ours, will continue to their destinations. But the entire Skydream network is essentially grounded.

A collective gasp moved through the cabin. Even Sarah Anderson, who had been firmly on Thomas’s side, looked shocked. “You’re shutting down an entire airline because of this?” William Crawford asked incredulously. “No, Mr. Crawford,” Thomas replied. I’m temporarily halting operations because what happened here isn’t an isolated incident.

It’s a symptom of a larger failure, one that directly contradicts everything this company stands for. He turned back to Greg and Vanessa, who stood frozen in horrified realization. This isn’t about punishing individuals. It’s about acknowledging that somewhere between our founding principles and today, something fundamental was lost.

and I refused to operate an airline that doesn’t live up to its promise of equal respect for every passenger. The cabin fell silent as the magnitude of Thomas’s decision sank in. Thousands of flights, tens of thousands of passengers, an entire corporate ecosystem all paused because of what had transpired in these few cubic feet of cabin space.

Sir Maria Gonzalez stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. I want you to know that not all of us. I mean, I noticed what was happening and I tried to. She stopped, seeming to realize that her small intervention had been too little too late. Thomas nodded to her, his expression softening slightly. I know, Maria, and that’s why I believe we can fix this.

But first, we need to acknowledge that there’s something broken. His phone buzzed with an incoming text. He checked it quickly. Operations control has confirmed protocol zero implementation. All departures are now on hold. Greg looked physically ill. Mr. Bennett, please. My career is not my primary concern right now. Thomas finished for him.

My concern is ensuring that no other passenger experiences what I just did. My concern is making sure that Skydream actually lives up to its name and its promise. Daniel Foster leaned forward. So, what happens next to the flights to these guys? He gestured toward Greg and Vanessa. Thomas considered the question. Throughout his career, he’d learned that the most powerful moments weren’t about punishment or revenge.

They were about transformation. Next, he said, “We rebuild starting right here, right now, in this cabin. Before we dive deeper into what happens next, comment below with your thoughts. Have you ever witnessed or experienced something similar? And if you believe that respect should be non-negotiable, hit that subscribe button and give this video a like.

The next few minutes will reveal how one man’s principled stand transformed an entire industry. For a long moment, the cabin remained suspended in shocked silence. The mundane sounds of air travel, the steady hum of engines, the faint chime of a call button from economy seemed to belong to another world entirely. In this space, time had compressed around the gravity of Thomas Bennett’s decision.

Vanessa Thompson was the first to break the silence, her professional composure cracking under the weight of realization. Mr. Bennett, I can only imagine how this must have felt. But grounding the entire airline. Surely that’s an overreaction. We made a mistake. A terrible mistake, but this isn’t about a mistake. Thomas interrupted gently.

A mistake is serving the wrong drink or misplacing a bag. What happened here was the manifestation of something deeper. A fundamental drift from our core values. His phone buzzed again with incoming messages. operations confirming the halt of departures. Marketing requesting guidance on public statements. His executive assistant coordinating an emergency board meeting.

The machinery of corporate crisis management was already in motion. Thomas set the phone aside. 5 years ago, he continued looking not just at Vanessa and Greg, but at all the passengers listening intently. I would have been personally served by the lead flight attendant who would have known exactly who I was because we were a smaller operation then.

3 years ago I might have been recognized by half the crew. Today I boarded anonymously as I often do to experience Skydream as our customers do. He paused his gaze level. What I discovered is that somewhere along the way, as we grew and hired thousands of new employees, as we added routes and aircraft, we lost something essential.

The promise I made when founding this airline, that every passenger would be treated with equal respect, regardless of appearance or background is no longer being kept. Greg Sullivan had moved back slightly, as if physical distance might somehow insulate him from the situation. Sir, I assure you we receive extensive training on customer service.

And and yet, Thomas cut in when faced with a passenger who didn’t fit your mental image of first class. Your instinct wasn’t service, but suspicion. That tells me our training has become a script rather than a value system. Sarah Anderson nodded in recognition. Classic implementation gap, she said. Organizations often have the right policies on paper, but the lived experience reveals the true culture.

Thomas acknowledged her insight with a nod. Exactly. And culture isn’t changed through memos or reprimands. It requires something more fundamental. His phone rang again. His CFO this time undoubtedly calculating the financial impact of protocol zero. Thomas declined the call. There would be time for those conversations later.

Sir, it was Maria Gonzalez, her voice steadier now. May I ask what happens to the crew? To all of us? The question hung in the air, layered with implications. Thomas recognized the fear behind it, not just for individual jobs, but for livelihoods, for stability, for futures suddenly thrown into uncertainty by his decision.

Thomas felt the weight of responsibility pressed down on him. Thousands of employees, from pilots to ground crew to office staff, would be affected by protocol zero. Passengers with critical connections, important meetings, family events, all would face disruption. The financial cost would run into millions.

The media storm would be intense. For a brief human moment, Thomas questioned himself. Was this too extreme? Was he overreacting to a personal slight? Could there be a more proportionate response that would address the issue without such widespread consequences? He closed his eyes briefly and in that darkness saw his mother’s face, her quiet dignity as she mopped floors, walked upon by people who never truly saw her. He remembered her words.

Just once, I want to fly. When he opened his eyes, his resolve had crystallized. “This isn’t about punishment, Maria,” he said. “This is about renewal. Every Skydream employee will participate in a comprehensive recommmitment to our founding principles. Some may choose to leave, that’s their right, but those who stay will help rebuild something remarkable.

” William Crawford scoffed. With all due respect, Mr. Bennett, you’re talking about paralyzing an entire airline because two employees were rude to you as a frequent business traveler. I have to say that seems wildly disproportionate. It may seem that way from your perspective, Mr. Crawford Thomas replied evenly.

But then, you’ve never had your belonging questioned simply because of how you look. You’ve never had to prove you deserve a seat you’ve already paid for. Crawford’s face reened slightly. That’s not I mean I understand it was inappropriate, but you were recognized by name when you boarded. Thomas pointed out your drink preference was remembered.

You were treated as valued and welcome while I was treated as suspect. That’s not just inappropriate, it’s a betrayal of what this airline stands for. James Wilson leaned forward. I fly dozens of airlines for business. Mr. Bennett and I have to say what you’re describing as Sky Dream’s founding principle isn’t the industry standard.

Most airlines have tiered service by design. First class gets better treatment economy less so. Skydream was never meant to be standard. Thomas replied, a hint of uncertainty crossing his face for the first time. We built different service tiers. Yes, better seats, better food, more space for higher fairs. But the one thing that was meant to be consistent across every cabin was basic human respect.

A passenger in the last row of economy deserves the same recognition of their worth as someone in 1A. He paused, running a hand across his face. At least that was the vision. Now I’m not sure what we’ve become. Daniel Foster nodded enthusiastically. That’s why I started flying Skydream exclusively last year.

The difference was noticeable, or it was until recently. Thomas’ phone vibrated again with a text from his executive VP of operations protocol zero fully implemented. All departures halted. 247 aircraft currently airborne will continue to destinations. Contingency plans activated for stranded passengers. The scale of what he had set in motion hit Thomas with renewed force.

Protocol zero had been established years ago as a theoretical emergency measure, a complete operational pause that could be triggered only by the CEO in extreme circumstances. It had never been implemented, had existed only as a worstc case scenario in crisis management documents until today. Vanessa, who had been silent for several minutes, suddenly spoke. Mr.

For Bennett, I Her voice caught. I want you to know that I never intended. She stopped again, seeming to realize that intentions weren’t the point. Thomas regarded her thoughtfully. “Vanessa, do you know why I created Skydream?” She shook her head mutely. “My mother cleaned floors at JFK for 22 years,” he said.

“She watched thousands of planes take off, but never boarded one herself. Not because she didn’t want to fly, but because the experience wasn’t designed for people like her. It wasn’t accessible. It wasn’t welcoming. It wasn’t respectful. The cabin had gone completely silent. Every passenger intent on his words. When I founded this airline, I made a promise that we would be different, that every person who boarded our planes would be treated with the same level of basic respect regardless of their appearance, background, or ticket class. That

promise is carved into the cornerstone of our headquarters. It’s printed on the first page of our employee handbook. It’s the reason many of our passengers choose us over our competitors. Thomas’s voice remained steady, but the emotion behind his words was palpable. Today, that promise was broken, not just to me, but to every passenger who has ever felt unwelcome or unworthy because of who they are rather than how they behave.

and I cannot will not allow Skydream to continue operating until we have recommitted to that founding principle. Greg Sullivan, who had remained frozen in horrified realization, finally spoke. “What can we do?” he asked quietly. “How do we make this right?” Thomas regarded him steadily. That, he said, is the first step, acknowledging that something needs to be made right.

The next step is harder and it starts with honest reflection. As Thomas prepared to continue, the captain’s voice came over the intercom. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Reynolds. I’ve just received confirmation that we’ll be continuing to San Francisco as scheduled. However, I want to inform you that Skyream has implemented a temporary operational pause.

This will not affect our flight, but it does mean there will be no further Skydream departures today. We’ll provide more information as it becomes available. A murmur rippled through the cabin as passengers processed this announcement. Thomas felt the gravity of the moment pressing down on him a decision made in principle that would have realworld consequences for thousands.

Yet, even as the magnitude of those consequences registered, he felt an odd sense of peace. After years of building an airline centered on respect, he had been faced with a moment that tested his commitment to that principle, and he had chosen to stand firm. His phone buzzed again the board chair this time.

That was a call he would have to take eventually. But for now, Thomas Bennett remained focused on the microcosm within this aircraft cabin, where a small moment of discrimination had catalyzed something much larger. The real work was just beginning. Do you think Thomas made the right call with protocol zero too extreme or exactly what was needed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe for the of this incredible story.

Mr. Bennett. Vanessa began her voice steadier. Now, I want to apologize sincerely for how I treated you. There’s no excuse. And I You’re right, Thomas interrupted gently. There isn’t an excuse, but there is a context in understanding that context is crucial if we’re going to address the real issue.

He unbuckled his seat belt and stood turning to face the firstass cabin. Every eye was upon him. Passengers, flight attendants, even a few curious faces peering from economy through the dividing curtain. In that moment, Thomas was acutely aware that he was no longer just a passenger in seat 2A or even the CEO of Skydream. He had become the focal point of a larger conversation about worth belonging and institutional values.

For those who don’t know me, he began his voice carrying easily through the cabin. My name is Thomas Bennett. 15 years ago, I founded Skyream Airlines with a simple but radical premise that air travel should be accessible and respectful for everyone, regardless of their background or appearance. He paused, noting the mix of expressions around him, curiosity, surprise, and in some cases, dawning recognition.

I didn’t come from the airline industry’s upper echelons. I grew up watching my mother clean the floors of this very airport, dreaming of a day when she might board one of the planes she helped maintain. She never got that chance. Thomas moved into the aisle, his presence commanding but not intimidating. Today I boarded this flight as I occasionally do anonymously to experience Skydream as our customers do.

What I discovered was deeply troubling. When I wasn’t recognized as the CEO, when I was just another passenger who happened to be black, I was treated as if I didn’t belong in first class. I was questioned, scrutinized, and made to feel unwelcome in the very airline I created. Vanessa and Greg stood with downcast eyes, the public nature of this revelation clearly uncomfortable for them.

Thomas didn’t take satisfaction in their discomfort, but he recognized the necessary discomfort of truthtelling. “This isn’t about public shaming,” he continued. “It’s about acknowledging a reality that many passengers face daily, not just on Skydream, but across the travel industry. It’s about recognizing that despite our best intentions, despite our written policies and training programs, we have failed to truly embed our core value of equal respect into our organizational culture.

Sarah Anderson nodded in recognition. As someone who works in corporate diversity and inclusion, she said, “I see this pattern frequently. Organizations often have the right language in their mission statements but struggle to translate that into consistent lived experience for customers and employees. Exactly. Thomas agreed.

And that gap between what we say we believe and how we actually behave is what protocol zero is designed to address. Daniel Foster raised his hand like a student in class. So what exactly does protocol zero mean for everyone? Like practically speaking, Thomas appreciated the question’s directness.

Practically speaking, it means every Skydream flight currently at a gate is staying there. Planes in the air, including ours, will continue to their destinations. All passengers affected by cancellations will be rebooked on partner airlines or provided hotel accommodations. He checked his phone briefly before continuing.

For our employees, it means a complete operational pause while we undertake a comprehensive recommmitment to our founding principles. This isn’t just about additional training. It’s about rebuilding our culture from the ground up. William Crawford, who had been uncharacteristically silent, finally spoke. Mr.

Bennett, while I understand your disappointment, don’t you think this response is extreme? The financial impact alone must be staggering. It is. Thomas acknowledged. Our CFO has already informed me that protocol zero will cost approximately $12 million per day in direct operational losses, not counting the potential long-term impact on customer loyalty and brand reputation.

Crawford’s eyebrows rose at the figure. And you’re willing to absorb that kind of loss over this incident? This incident, as you call it, is merely a symptom of a deeper issue, Thomas replied. And yes, I am willing to absorb that cost because the alternative, continuing to operate an airline that has drifted from its founding values, would ultimately be more costly, not just financially, but morally.

James Wilson leaned forward in his seat. I’ve been in business for 30 years, Mr. Bennett, and I’ve never seen a CEO take such a dramatic stand on a matter of principle. It’s unexpectedly refreshing.” Thomas smiled slightly. “My board of directors may have a different perspective when we meet tomorrow, but leadership isn’t just about quarterly results.

It’s about standing firm on the values that give an organization its purpose.” Maria Gonzalez, who had remained near the galley, finally spoke up. “Mr. Bennett, may I ask something? Of course, Maria. What happens to the employees who were involved in in situations like this? Her eyes flicked briefly toward Vanessa and Greg before returning to Thomas.

It was the question hanging unspoken in the air. What consequences would there be for the flight attendants who had questioned Thomas’s belonging in first class? The traditional corporate response would be swift termination. a public statement about zero tolerance, perhaps even using Vanessa and Greg as scapegoats to demonstrate the company’s commitment to its values.

Thomas considered Maria’s question carefully. Throughout his career, he had seen how organizations often addressed symptoms rather than causes, how they sacrificed individuals to protect institutions, how they confused punishment with accountability. That’s an important question, he said finally. and the answer might surprise you. Vanessa and Greg aren’t being fired.

A ripple of reaction moved through the cabin. Vanessa’s head snapped up in disbelief while Greg’s expression transformed from resignation to confusion. Instead, Thomas continued, they’ll be at the center of our rebuilding process. Because this isn’t about removing a few bad apples and pretending the orchard is healthy.

It’s about examining the soil in which those apples grew. He turned directly to Vanessa and Greg. You’ll work directly with our newly formed culture renewal team, sharing your unfiltered perspective on how and why today’s events unfolded. You’ll help us understand the gap between our stated values and our lived practices. And if you’re willing to engage in that process with honesty and commitment, you’ll help shape the sky dream of tomorrow.

Vanessa’s eyes had filled with tears. “I don’t I don’t understand,” she managed. “Why would you want me to stay after what I did?” “Because firing you would be easy,” Thomas replied simply. “It would allow everyone to believe that the problem has been solved, that it was just a matter of individual behavior rather than institutional culture, and that would be a comfortable fiction.

” He addressed the entire cabin again. The uncomfortable truth is that Vanessa and Greg aren’t outliers. They’re symptoms of a culture that has drifted from its moorings. And fixing that requires not exclusion, but inclusion, not punishment, but transformation. The captain’s voice came over the intercom again.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Reynolds. We’re beginning our initial descent into San Francisco. At this time, we ask that all passengers return to their seats and fasten their seat belts. Thomas nodded acknowledgement and returned to his seat, buckling himself in. The revelation of his identity and the implementation of protocol zero had transformed the atmosphere in the cabin.

Passengers who had been strangers an hour ago were now engaged in thoughtful conversation about what they had witnessed. Sarah Anderson was deep in discussion with James Wilson about corporate culture change. Daniel Foster was explaining the significance of Thomas’s decision to another passenger. As the plane began its descent, Thomas’s phone buzzed with a text from his executive VP of communications media getting wind of protocol zero requesting statement.

How do you want to frame this? Thomas replied simply truthfully. The mountains surrounding the Bay Area came into view outside his window. 15 years ago, he had flown this same route on Skydream’s inaugural flight, filled with hope and determination to build an airline unlike any other. An airline where his mother would have felt welcome and respected had she lived to see it.

Today, he had taken dramatic action to ensure that vision didn’t fade into corporate rhetoric. The cost would be high financially, reputationally, perhaps even personally. The board might question his judgment. Shareholders might demand his resignation. Industry analysts would certainly criticize the decision as excessive and emotionally driven.

But as the plane descended toward San Francisco International Airport, Thomas Bennett felt the rightness of his choice settle over him like a mantle. Some principles were worth the cost of upholding them. Some promises needed to be kept even when especially when keeping them was difficult. Equal respect was non-negotiable. That had been true when he founded Skydream, and it remained true today.

Whatever came next, Thomas knew he had honored that core truth. The wheels touched down on California soil, and a new chapter in Skydream’s story began. Have you ever had to make a tough decision to stand up for what you believe in? Share your experience in the comments below. And if this story resonates with you, make sure to like and subscribe for more powerful stories of principle in action.

The seat belt sign dinged off. The cabin filled with the familiar sounds of arrival overhead bins, opening phones, powering on the rustle of belongings being gathered. But underneath these ordinary noises ran a current of something extraordinary intense conversation, fertive glances toward Thomas, the hum of a story taking shape in real time.

Thomas remained seated, responding to the barrage of messages and calls that had accumulated during the flight’s final descent. His executive team needed guidance. The board demanded answers. The press wanted statements. But before addressing any of that, Thomas had one priority. Captain Reynolds is requesting to speak with you, Greg Sullivan said, approaching Thomas’s seat with noticeably different body language than earlier respectful rather than confrontational, perhaps even a touch differential.

He’s waiting by the cockpit door. Thomas nodded, gathering his notebook and phone. As he stood, passengers throughout the cabin watched with undisguised interest. Some nodded in respect, others seemed unsure how to react to the CEO who had just grounded his own airline. James Wilson extended his hand as Thomas passed.

“Bold move, Mr. Bennett. If you need allies in the corporate world during the fallout, my firm stands ready.” “Thank you,” Thomas replied, shaking his hand. “I suspect we’ll need all the allies we can get.” Sarah Anderson was already on her phone. My team specializes in institutional culture renovation, she said, passing Thomas her business card.

We’d be honored to contribute to Skydreams renewal process. Thomas accepted the card with a grateful nod. Even William Crawford, who had been skeptical of Thomas’s decision, gave a grudging nod of acknowledgement as he passed. At the front of the cabin, Captain Jim Reynolds waited a veteran pilot who had been with Skydream almost from the beginning.

His weathered face showed concern mixed with respect. “Thomas,” he said quietly, using the familiar address of a longtime colleague rather than the formal Mr. Bennett others had adopted. “Dadquarters is in chaos. The board is convening an emergency session.” “Are you sure about this?” Thomas clasped the pilot’s shoulder.

“More sure than I’ve been about anything since founding the airline gym. It’s time to reset.” Reynolds nodded slowly. You know I’m with you. Most of the old guard will be. It’s just he hesitated. Protocol zero was designed for extreme situations. Security breaches, safety failures. This is a failure of our core mission, Thomas replied firmly.

That’s extreme enough. The captain seemed to accept this. What’s the next step? I’m convening the executive leadership team at SFO’s conference center in 30 minutes. I need you there. The flight crews respect you and we’ll need that influence in the days ahead. I’ll be there, Reynolds promised. And Thomas, for what it’s worth, your mother would be proud.

The simple statement delivered without sentimentality, but with genuine feeling caught Thomas offg guard. A brief but powerful wave of emotion washed over him. Pride, grief, determination, all mingled together. He nodded once, unable to trust his voice for a moment. As Thomas made his way off the aircraft, he found Maria Gonzalez waiting near the exit door.

“Mr. Bennett,” she said quietly. “I wanted to say, I’m sorry I didn’t speak up sooner when I saw what was happening.” “You did speak up eventually,” Maria Thomas replied. “That matters. Will we will the company be okay?” The question held layers of concern for her job certainly, but also for the airline itself, the community it represented.

“We’ll be better than okay,” Thomas assured her. “We’ll be authentic” again. He stepped into the jet bridge where his executive VP of operations, Hector Ramirez, waited with a tablet showing realtime updates on protocol zero implementation. 247 aircraft safely grounded at 63 airports, Hector reported without preamble.

Partner airlines are accommodating our stranded passengers. Hotel arrangements confirmed for those who can’t be rebooked today. Social media is exploding with speculation about why we’ve halted operations. Thomas nodded, processing the information as they walked briskly through the terminal, and the team assembled at the conference center as requested.

Laura is having palpitations about the financial implications. Jennifer is fielding press inquiries, but holding firm on no comment until you provide direction. They pushed through a side door, avoiding the main terminal where passengers and press might recognize Thomas. A company car waited to transport them to the airport’s executive conference facility.

The board chair called three times. Hector continued as they settled into the back seat. She’s not pleased. Thomas had expected as much. Eleanor Wright had been a steadfast ally in building Skyream, but her focus had always been financial performance rather than cultural integrity. She would see protocol zero as a dangerously disproportionate response.

I’ll speak with her after the executive meeting. Thomas said, “First, we need to align the leadership team.” The car pulled up to the conference cent’s private entrance. Thomas took a deep breath, centering himself for what would undoubtedly be a challenging meeting. The decisions made in the next few hours would shape Skyream’s future institutionally, culturally, and financially.

Inside, the executive leadership team waited around a large table, their expressions ranging from confusion to concern to outright alarm. Laura Blackwell, the CFO, was furiously working on her laptop, likely calculating the financial damage. Jennifer Tate, head of PR, was fielding non-stop calls. Her normally composed demeanor showing signs of strain.

Hector took his seat at the table, leaving the head chair for Thomas. The room fell silent as Thomas entered. These were his trusted colleagues, the men and women who had helped build Skydream into a major carrier. They were smart, dedicated professionals, and they were clearly bewildered by the sudden implementation of protocol zero.

Thank you all for assembling so quickly. Thomas began taking his place at the head of the table. I know you have questions. I know headquarters is in chaos. I know the board is demanding explanations, but before we address any of that, I need to tell you what happened on flight 218 today, and why it necessitated such a dramatic response.

For the next 15 minutes, Thomas recounted the events in first class, the subtle and then overt questioning of his belonging, the assumptions made about his ability to afford the seat, the clear disparity in how he was treated compared to other passengers. He detailed not just the actions, but the underlying attitudes they revealed.

This isn’t about two flight attendants making poor judgments, he concluded. It’s about a culture that has drifted so far from our founding principles that those judgments seemed appropriate to them. It’s about the gap between what we say we value and what we actually practice. Thomas Bennett.

Eleanor Wright’s voice sliced through the room as she burst through the door, her face flushed with anger. Have you lost your mind? The board is in an uproar. Protocol zero over a customer service incident. This is corporate suicide. The room fell silent as Eleanor stormed to the table. As board chair, she rarely attended executive meetings unless specifically invited, but the implementation of protocol zero had clearly shattered normal protocols.