Page 9 of Airborne
“I value your perspective.”
“Okay. It appears the virus begins with a severe headache accompanied by fever. The people who’ve verbalized their symptoms complain of muscle and joint pain followed by nosebleeds, vomiting with blood, abdominal cramps, and in the severe stage, respiratory distress. Something has to be done now.”
“What are the reactions of the people who aren’t showing symptoms?”
“Frightened. A few are busy making others comfortable. Others are glued to TV and electronic screens. I assume to avoid what’s going on. The aircraft has Wi-Fi, so passengers will have access to live news reports and CDC press releases. If anyone here is responsible, I haven’t seen any indications.”
“Thank you,” Jordan said. “The CDC will provide medical information to the public through our website. It will contain FAQ and methods of contacting the CDC.”
SAC Bischoff picked up the conversation. “Dr. Radcom will be part of a task force with the FBI to coordinate communications with the media. I’ll send a detailed report to everyone. Dr. Radcom has a plane to catch to New York.”
Heather closed her eyes. Jordan was a man who loved God above all things. Surely his commitment meant he’d work to end the virus and help those who suffered.
Turbulence threatened her balance, and Nathan righted her, odd since they were circling in a holding pattern. Within moments the pilot requested everyone to take their seats with the familiar instructions to fasten their seat belts. Jordan and SAC Bischoff would have to wait for her passenger interviews until the plane stabilized.
CHAPTER FIVE
HEATHER REPEATEDLY TOLD HERSELFthe queasiness came from turbulence or her pregnancy and not the initial signs of the virus. She didn’t detect a fever. Neither did her nose bleed.My baby must survive.
Passengers remained in their seats while flight attendants tended to the sick. They wore face masks and disposable gloves, but what about the passengers? Holding wet paper towels to their mouths and noses was a nuisance, and few adhered to the safeguard. So little time had passed, but each moment brought pitiful cries that promised to haunt her the rest of her life. The bleeding and death were etched in eternity.
True to her word, she monitored everyone, but the pilot insisted passengers remain in their seats. She pulled her phone from her bag and read an email from ASAC Mitchell time-stamped five minutes ago. He wrote the welfare of the American people took priority, which meant critical medical attention for the ill on board the plane. With the various agencies’ involvement, everyone faced a lengthy ordeal in New York. She anticipated the furious responses from those who hadn’t been infected but would be transported toa quarantine facility, like the scruffy-beard man and the woman with him.
If only Heather had an idea what or who had initiated the dreadful disease. Instead helplessness sank into her flesh. All she could do was offer a sliver of hope to the sick and their companions.
Mia leaned back against the seat and appeared to sleep. Perspiration trickled down the side of her face while she held a tissue to her nose. Blood had seeped through and dried, showing her head position had stopped the blood flow. Others were too weak to keep their heads tilted.
Please, God, not this sweet lady. We’ve known each other for a few hours. She’s prayed and cared for the sick and been a friend.
Heather spoke Mia’s name, and the woman turned to her while maintaining an upward chin. “I learned the plane is being diverted to JFK. Once we land, you’ll see a doctor. Lots of them.”
“Feels like we’re being stalked by an invisible demon.”
“We are, and I’m scared, too.”
“I’m ready to be pricked and a thermometer stuck anywhere they want to put it.”
They laughed, a sweet reprieve from reality. How quickly relationships forged between people tossed into a crisis situation.
“I keep praying, but the arguments against God rush me,” Mia said. “Look around us at the people who are too sick to move. It’s unspeakable. Why does God allow it?”
Heather wished she had a theological answer. “Good overcomes evil, even when we don’t think it’s possible.”
“Are you convinced?”
“I’m trying. Faith means I don’t have to understand, just accept. But it’s hard, and I’m angry.” Heather’s annoyance with God surfaced months ago. One critical problem after another surfaced between her and Chad after she’d worked so hard. Her thoughts halted... She longed for God’s intervention in her life, and Chad’s decision had drawn her closer to Him. The latest tragedy on theplane compounded her confusion about where God fit. Yet, hope in His desire and ability to make matters right was her only grip on faith.
“My husband witnessed hundreds of people in Africa fall victim to virus outbreaks—many men, women, and children died,” Heather whispered. “He’s worked with Doctors Without Borders, and he’s talked about so much suffering. After his first trip, he returned home determined to complete his doctorate in microbiology and immunology. He denies a good God who allows senseless deaths and says science paves the way for the good of mankind.”
Mia replaced her tissue with a clean one—the blood flow had slowed to an occasional drip. She dropped the soiled tissue into the disposable bag in the front seat pocket. “No one deserves a nightmare illness. We boarded a plane with no thought of the outcome. Passengers and crew looked forward to opportunities for work, play, or a return home to families.” She offered a thin, shaky smile. “My husband says I overthink things. Perhaps I do. My point is, what good can God make of unspeakable agony? Will we live to thank Him?”
Heather wished she could promise more light in their miserable darkness. “Hold on, dear one.”
“I must for my family’s sake. Are you pregnant? I’ve seen you hold your stomach.”
Heather hadn’t been aware of the gesture. “Must be a subconscious reaction. And yes, I am.”
“The protective action is instinctive. We mothers will do whatever it takes to keep our little ones from harm.”
