Page 5 of Airborne
Heather faced Nathan. She’d waited in line with two other people who’d volunteered to help those infected by the virus. The Good Samaritan law applied to all of them who gave reasonable aid.
“I’m FBI, Houston.” She displayed her creds. After he read her ID, she stuck it back into her jean pocket. “How can I help?”
“We need a miracle. I’ve never experienced a sickness outbreak of this magnitude. If it hadn’t been for the extra freight freeing up thirty seats, we wouldn’t have availability in the rear economy section for the sick.”
“We’re in a holding pattern?”
“Yes, over New York City and not headed over the Atlantic.”
He didn’t have to finish his thoughts. The aircraft might be seen as a danger to any country including the US. Who was she fooling? The entire crew and passengers jeopardized the safety of American citizens on the ground. “I’m sure we’ll hear of plans to land soon,” she said. “The every-fifteen-minute updates help ease the nervous jitters.”
“In the flight deck, the captain is on SATCOM with flight ops determining a course of action. The goal is a combination of speed and locating proper facilities both for the aircraft and the passengers.” He nodded at a beverage cart near him stacked with paper towels, cleaning fluid, plastic gloves, tissues, and plastic bags. “I’d take a double shot of anything to avoid the virus. But we can’t serve food or drink as long as there’s threat of contagion.” He drew in a sharp breath. “It takes as long to spiral down into a city below us as it does to cut a straight path descent to a city a hundred miles away.”
“Looks like we’re a flying ambulance, racing the passengers toward the best and fastest medical care for a large volume of people.”
“I’m counting on it. Sad thing is if we divert to another airport, more innocent people will be infected. What other flights have been targeted? Makes me question what ground control will determine.”
Heather refused to discuss his statement. “I’ve reported our situation to the FBI and given them multiple updates. No news of any other outbreaks in Houston or other flights.”
“Something contaminated this aircraft.” He clenched his jaw. “I don’t understand. Our air-filtration system is stellar.”
“Does the same system handle the flight deck?”
“There’s a pack that goes to the pilots and one to the rest of us. But both packs are combined and constantly filter recirculated air.”
“Regardless, when the pilots use a lavatory in business class, they’re exposed on a smaller scale.”
What was the plan of action for infected pilots? Some aircrafts were equipped to fly, even land, through computer technology. She’d read nothing indicating this model had that technology.
If the plane didn’t land soon, more people could die.
Nathan studied her. “What’s the FBI calling the problem?”
“Not confirmed. They will notify the pilot once the groundagencies finalize a plan.” The virus reeked of weapons of mass destruction—WMD—and terrorism, but Nathan would find out soon enough how federal officials termed the virus outbreak.
“A shout-out to whatever deity you support might help.”
“I’ve been praying to God since the first infection.” She pointed to business class, where Mia had joined a small group. “People are gathered to pray in clusters near the front.”
“In seat belts?”
“I assume so. A flight attendant is with them.”
“An attendant has a massive headache and nosebleed.” Nathan gulped, the sound of despair. “How did this happen since takeoff? I watched these people board. They looked healthy, happy.”
Chad had relayed frightening stories about how rapidly viruses spread in third-world countries. He’d explained excruciating pain often accompanied the symptoms, but his description hadn’t captured the vivid torment around her.
“Those versed in emergency medical care are strategizing how to help us,” she said.
“Do they understand every minute that ticks by means another infected passenger?”
“I’m sure they do, but their path forward has to protect ground-based medical and law enforcement personnel from the virus while ensuring it stays contained.”
Nathan tied up a plastic bag filled with paper products used to clean up the sick. The stench tore at her stomach, and she turned her head.
“Are you trained for emergencies?” Nathan said.
“A little. I want to help.”
