Season 1, Episode 2: Takeoff

Bill Parker carefully guided the plane as it took off into the air. He wasn't worried in the slightest about operating the plane. He had been doing stuff like this for over twenty years. He felt safe to assume that he had completely mastered everything about properly flying a plane. Bill made sure safety instructions were shown to the passengers on the entire flight through the video screens.

As the plane reached the air, the passengers were allowed to move around.

"I need to use the restroom", String Becker muttered as he hurried out of his seat.

While the plane was on auto-pilot, Bill took out a photo of him and Allison holding Ben after his eighth birthday. How small he was back then. Bill looked forward to seeing his wife and son after he finished with this flight.

Rohit Sharma had struck up a conversation with Sandy Comstock.

"I'm a business entrepreneur", Rohit said. "I'm planning on going to a conference in England."

"Man, I'm going to write about some interesting sights in London", Sandy said.

"Have any family?", Rohit asked.

Sandy took a deep breath before replying.

"No", Sandy said. "My parents both died two months ago in a plane crash. This is the first time I've traveled by plane since their deaths."

"Oh", Rohit said. "Sorry to hear that." Rohit felt sympathy for Sandy. Rohit's own mother died when Rohit was just one year old.

"My parents were strong believers in Christianity", Sandy said. "Before they died, they said that Jesus was going to return again soon."

"And what do you think?", Rohit asked. He wanted to know the other man's point of view about the Christian lifestyle, but that didn't mean he would immediately sign up to be a Christian.

"Honestly, I don't believe in any of it", Sandy said. "My parents were good people, but the Christian stuff isn't for me. I just don't understand how God can love us if he just sits in heaven doing nothing. Plus, it's so boring and monotonous."

Well, Rohit had to admit those were valid points.

In second-class, Larry Levine was talking to Jozie on his cell phone.

"How are the kids?", Larry asked.

"They're doing great", Jozie said.

"Are they sleeping?"

"Well, Marcus is still awake, but Kyle fell asleep five minutes ago."

"Well, when you get the chance, can you tell them…"

"Sir", Sally Graves, one of the flight attendants on Flight 248, interjected as she walked past Larry's seat. "You are not allowed to use your cell phone during the flight."

"Sorry, Jozie, I'll have to call you back", Larry said before he hung up his cell phone and put it away.

Eddie Exton turned to the passenger on his left, a 23-year-old man named Gordon Bernall.

"What are you planning to see in England?", Eddie asked.

"I'll probably just tour London and check out some amazing sights", Gordon said, shrugging with indifference, seemingly.

Kade Gordonhurst and Pete Alessandra had struck up a conversation of their own.

"What are your favorite bands?", Pete asked Kade.

"I can't really say for sure", Kade said. "There are so many of them, and it's really difficult for me to decide which ones are the best."

"What type of music do you like?"

"Rock, hip hop, pop, rap", Kade said.

"Who are your favorite singers?", Pete asked.

"Again, can't say for sure", Kade said. "But the Christian bands you see in the world today are lame."

Pete nodded in agreement and smiled.

A few hours later, dinner was taking place.

As Rohit started to eat the chicken in his tray, he noticed the passenger sitting next to him on his right had bowed his head and started silently praying before eating.

"I don't mean to bother you, sir", Rohit said. "Are you religious?"

The other man smiled at Rohit. "Yeah. Been a Christian for 13 years."

Rohit politely introduced himself.

"My name is Harold Irvington", said the Christian man. "What religion are you?"

"I'm a Muslim", Rohit said.

"Oh, I see", Harold said.

"What's it like, being a Christian?", Rohit asked.

Harold said, "I feel so much joy. Living for Jesus. It feels wonderful in my opinion."

Rohit didn't bother arguing with the man. The Christians seemed pretty brainwashed and easily manipulated.

"Well, that's wonderful to hear", Rohit said as politely as possible.

Zoey Harper watched as Wishy Walters bowed his head and prayed.

"Lord, bless this ravishing meal and watch over us on our journey. Take care of us. I know for you, any imaginable task is possible. Watch over Zoey. I know you love her."

Zoey and Wishy then began eating. Zoey thought her boyfriend was sweet, but easily misguided by his faith, which didn't seem to mean anything.

Joyce Dancer was enjoying the chicken she was eating. Joyce was looking forward to talking to celebrities when she set foot in England.

Meanwhile, in the cockpit…

Bill was in a conversation with Marlene Kingston, one of the flight attendants.

"How's Allison?", Marlene asked.

"She's doing great", Bill said. "I can't wait to speak with her again."

Little did Bill know of the events that would take place only two hours later.

The passengers of Flight 248 would never expect the events that would occur. A shocking twist of events.