Chapter 17
"Command, this is AF80002, we have fifty percent power on both engines. We are traveling are half speed, but remain on the original flight path. We estimate arrival in Perth in about four hours, barring any other problems. Our fuel status is stable, but will be low on touchdown. We do not know the cause of the problem, and do not feel comfortable flying this plane back. We are requesting a backup plane to be sent immediately, with a maintenance crew, to Perth and to transport our passengers' home. AF80002 Over."
"Roger AF80002, this is Command. Please update status of all passengers. Over."
"Command, this is AF80002. All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for. No issues. AF80002, Over."
A big sigh of relief went through those gathered in Leo's office.
"Roger, AF80002. Australian Air Force Jets will be intercepting you shortly and escorting you back to Perth. We will let them know you have communication restored."
"Roger, Command."
Jed looked at Leo and Leo could just tell what the President was going to say. "Leo, any chance of getting a satellite phone to Abbey? For just a minute? Just so I can hear her?"
Leo shrugged his shoulders and nodded to Sam. "Sam, call General Barker at Andrews and pass along the President's request, will you? And ask him not to make the request through the main channels. Thanks." Turning his gaze back to his best friend, Leo answered. "We'll see. Go back to your desk and wait. If we can get it though, then I'll route the call there."
"Thanks, Leo. I owe you one."
"I can't promise anything, Mr. President."
"I understand, Leo. But I have to try."
Deborah and Abbey had been nervously chatting for a couple of hours when there was a knock on the door and Nia entered with a phone in her hand. "Mrs. Bartlet, the pilot has restored communication with Andrews, and the President would like to speak with you."
Abbey smiled for the first time since she had first learned of the plane's trouble. "Thank you, Nia," as she reached for the phone. Deborah stood up, grabbed her life jacket, and both she and Nia left the cabin to provide the First Lady some privacy.
"Jed?"
"Abbey?"
They both spoke at the same time, and laughed when they realized that they had.
"Okay, Abbey, you speak first."
"I'm fine. Are you?"
"Yes. But I'm so worried about you."
"I'm fine, too. I'm being well taken care of. The Service is on top of things and the pilots are experts in what they are doing. I'm not worried about anything. Have you told the girls?"
"No." Jed lied to her. He knew if he told Abbey the truth she would get mad at him for upsetting them. But he needed their strength to help him get through this.
He continued. "I'm waiting until you're on the ground safe in Perth. They can't do anything and since it the middle of the night here, there's no point waking them up. It's staying out of the news, and I'm glad of that. By the way, I'm thinking of sending Air Force One to get all of you. Can you handle that luxury?"
"Does that mean you're personally coming to get me?"
"Well, I'll have to ask Leo and see what my schedule looks like, but I sure would like to come." Softening his voice, he continued, "I love you, babe. Please stay safe."
Trying not to get emotional, Abbey started to say. "I love…" but was distracted by noise outside her cabin. Her door flew open and the last words Jed heard was "Mrs. Bartlet…now!" before there was dead silence.
Jed dropped his phone and ran into Leo's office. Leo was on the phone with someone and the look on his face told Jed all he needed to know. He knew what Leo was going to say.
Leo hung up the phone and stood in front of his President. In front of his best friend. "According to Andrews, the plane has dropped off the radar."