There is a long silence. A pair of airline representatives sit with the seven survivors, each numb with shock. Everyone is too raw with residual fear to show any emotion. They sit on folding metal chairs in an empty room, too bright from the fluorescent lights. Beneath their obvious trauma resulting from the catastrophe, each feels uneasy by Jackson's presence.

The others sit away from Jackson and Lex. Jackson appears wrought with guilt. He checks the others out of the corner of his eye.

Ms. Twist, Nathan, and Eric glare at Jackson. Taylor averts her eyes from Jackson to bury her face in Nathan's shoulder.

Jackson, frightened as anyone over what has happened, tenses, defensive and scared. With soft-spoken strength, he said, "You're looking at me as if I caused it. I did not cause this."

Ms. Twist, Nathan, Taylor, and Eric maintain their uncertain expressions with strained apprehension, as if not wanting to 'dabble in the occult,' but needing an immediate answer.

Ms. Twist broke the silence. "Is everyone dead? Are there any survivors?"

Jackson is taken aback by the question, yet even his best friend looks at him for an answer. "How would I know? You think I'm some sort of-"

"He's not a witch," Melissa interrupted Jackson.

Jackson, relieved and thankful, turns to her. Melissa looks back at him, not with fear or repulsion, but with knowledge of an unwanted but irrefutable connection.

Causing a startle, the door opens. Everyone's head whips reflexively toward the entrance. The strange event of the flickering lights is quickly forgotten. A half dozen men and women entered the room, displaying official badges and passes. All but two are dressed in casual clothing, having been called in from home: the pair being F.B.I. special agents Daley Marin and Abby Fujimoto. Howard Seigel and Don Hawks are representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board. Eileen Whale and Jack Arnold are members of the Euro-Air "Trauma Team"

The officials are sympathetic and calm, exuding the confidence and security trauma victims look for at this time.

"Hello. I'm Howard Seigel, National Transportation Safety Board vice chairmen. We've notified your families and they are on their way. Does anyone feel they need medical attention or spiritual counseling at this time?"

Ms. Twist reacts, snapping, "Have they found any survivors? What's going on?"

Seigel is calm, yet honest, carefully honest. "The cause of the explosion is undetermined. Nassau County authorities are on the scene. Naval search and rescue are en route." Seigel gestures. "And that's all we know."

The group slips deeper into despair.

Agent Marin said, "We understand how you must be feeling at this hour. And although we know it may be difficult, we must ask you some questions regarding today's events while it's still fresh in your minds."

The survivors dread the thought of recounting the horrible experience, yet collectively are ready to cooperate.

Agent Marin continued. "It may be valuable to our rescue attempts, or any potential…criminal investigation." The agents, F.B.I. badges displayed in their pockets, turn their eyes, suspiciously, toward Jackson. Jackson reacts, puzzled, as he realizes the agents are focused on him.

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Fujimoto and Marin are direct and professional, with no hidden agenda in searching for the truth. Seigel and Hawks from the NTSB are behind them taking notes.

"You said," Fujimoto checks his notes, "'Listen to me. This plane will explode on take-off.' How did you know that?"

Jackson looks up, nervous, not about suspicion toward him, but trying to explain what even he doesn't understand. He started, "I got this…feeling…a weird feeling…I can't explain it…"

"Did you take any sedatives before boarding, or on the plane? Sleeping pills?" Marin questioned.

"No," Jackson said. "I saw it. I saw it." Tears well as he grows frustrated trying to convey the unique experience.

Being trained, veteran officers Fujimoto and Marin observe and allow him to talk.

Jackson continued. "Not like a dream. More than that. I experienced the plane exploding…It was so horrible…I know what they all went through tonight."

The officers remain quiet, gauging his explanation.

"I'm not a psychic. I've never had this happen before."

The officers study him-unsure, yet careful. "Did this 'weird feeling' have anything to do with you saying you wished Nathan McHugh was on the plane…just before it exploded?" Fujimoto asked.

Jackson looks up, stunned. He didn't even recall this until now. "No!"

"Then why'd you say it?" Marin questioned without hesitation.

Jackson considers, owing them an explanation. Then he realizes. "Because…I…never thought it would really happen."

Marin leans forward. "If that's the case, Cody…why did you really get off the plane?"

Jackson considers this, confused and emotional.

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"My brother…told me to keep an eye on Jackson. He stayed…and I went to make sure Jackson was okay." Lex whispered, as if just now realizing, "He told me to get off the plane."

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"Robert Russel told me to get back on…but I told him to go." Ms. Twist pauses guiltily. "I sent him back on the plane."

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Marin said, "No one forced you to get off the plane. You told us you aren't friends with any that did…so, why did you leave the airplane?

Melissa looks up with total resolve. "Because I saw and I heard Jackson. And…I believed him."