Chapter Seven
Rayford's POV
Rayford Steele knew he had to keep the entire plane of panicked passengers pacified and under control.
The first officer had only been gone for a few minutes when Rayford heard his key in the cockpit door and it banged open. Christopher Smith flopped into his chair, ignored the seat belt, and sat with his head in his hands.
"What in the world is happening out there, Ray?", he asked. "There has been numerous news articles and media coverage about the attack in England by those Christian terrorists. We have to figure out the best plan moving forward and how to respond to this debacle. There's no room for declaiming. We have to be firm in our choices and decisions going forward. We have to make a wise decision in this situation. Any imprudent choices will surely put us in calamity."
"Well I think it goes without saying that we cannot land the plane in England. Heathrow Airport was obliterated in the attack by the Christian terrorists. Landing in the remains of that airport is absolutely out of the question and ludicrous. You know that as well as I do."
"But now the question is, how the heck are we going to explain why we are not landing at our original destination? A lot of people will be sorely crestfallen by our decision."
"If they knew what happened in England, I am sure they would understand. Would you want to visit or travel to a place that just got attacked by psychotic terrorists with no regard for humanity?"
Christopher nodded. "Fair enough. You make a good point."
Rayford was working the radio in the hopes he would be able to reach someone, anyone, in Greenland or an island in the middle of nowhere. But they were too remote to even pick up a radio station for news. Finally, he connected with a Concorde several miles away heading in the other direction. Rayford motioned to Christopher that the latter should put on his own earphones.
"You got enough fuel to get back to the States, over?" the pilot asked Rayford.
He looked at Christopher, who nodded and whispered, "We're halfway."
"I could make Kennedy," Rayford said.
"Forget it," came the reply. "Nothing's landing in New York. Two runways still open in Chicago. That's where we're going."
"Even though we traveled from Chicago, I completely empathize with your perspective. I already am quite aware that Heathrow Airport was destroyed in the attack by those Christian terrorists, and I know you are obviously aware of that as well. But I have a feeling that many of the passengers on my plane will not be ecstatic to hear that we have to return to Chicago. Are you absolutely certain that we cannot land anywhere else? What about Paris?"
"There is too much pandemonium in Paris right now because of the attack in England by those Christian terrorists. I know this sounds very disappointing and anomalous, but you have no choice but to head back to where you came from. We left Paris an hour ago, got the word about what is currently occurring as a result of the attack, and were told to head straight back to Chicago."
"Why do you think the attack by those Christian terrorists occurred, Concorde?"
"I honestly cannot really do much speculation on why that attack occurred. If you do not know why they did this, why'd you put out the Mayday?"
"I just need to concoct an explanation for the intrigued passengers on my plane that will be demanding answers."
"Hey, friend, people all over the world are wondering and speculating about the attack, you know?"
"I know according to all the news outlets that people were inquiring about the devastation and the malicious intentions of those Christian terrorists. There has been much debate for the cause of it and to figure out the best plan going forward."
"Well, I'm not sure what the genuine answer for the attack in England is. I can think of old Star Trek shows where people got dematerialized and rematerialized, beamed all over the world. I can also imagine and think about those World War Two films where devastation and bloodshed were reenacted and played out for modern-day audiences to give their perspectives on. I also am aware that a group of people known as Preterists are pointing out the attack by those terrorists as an urgent warning and admonition for people to accept and believe the truth about Preterism before it is too late. Frankly, I believe that last theory is way out of left field."
Apparently, Irene and Raymie do not feel that way, Rayford thought as he continued listening.
"So, how do you feel about all of this, Pan Heavy?"
"I honestly do not know", Rayford said. "I wish I could convince my people that they have nothing to worry about, but with the destruction and obliteration the attack in England caused, I am feeling very dubious about that. I have huge doubts that I can easily explain this whole debacle away."
"That is not the worst of it, Pan Heavy. People all over the world are panicking and are feeling concerned about the attack in England by those Christian terrorists. There's been chaos and calamity in many countries because people are worried about what those terrorists will do next. Every major airport planes are stuck and jammed and many individuals are having difficulty traveling by flight."
"So the eyes of the whole world are focused on the attack in England and everyone is discussing it and pondering it? Is this what you would refer to as a spontaneous thing?"
"Apparently so."
"I was almost hoping this was some prank or accident gone horribly wrong. It just aggravates me that someone would do this and inflict this much pain upon innocent people."
"No way what just happened was by any means selective."
Rayford detected sarcasm in that last statement.
"I see what you mean, Concorde. Gotta admit this is somewhere we've never been before."
"And never want to again. I redundantly tell myself it is a bad dream."
"A nightmare, over."
"Roger, but it's not, is it?"
"What are you going to tell your passengers, Concorde?"
"No clue. You, over?"
"The truth."
"Can't hurt now. But what's the truth? What do we know?"
"Not a blessed thing."
"Good choice of words, Pan Heavy. You know what some people are saying, over?"
"Roger", Rayford said. "Better it is some theory about Preterism than some world power attacking people randomly without cause."
"Word we have is that there are people in every country discussing this possibility. See you in Chicago?"
"Roger."
Rayford Steele looked at Christopher, who began changing the settings to turn the monstrous wide-body around and get it headed back toward the States.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Rayford said over the intercom, "we're not going to be able to land in Europe. Landing in England is absolutely out of the question with the devastating attack by those Christian terrorists and due to the fact that Heathrow Airport was obliterated in the attack. We're headed back to Chicago. We're almost exactly halfway to our original destination, so we will not have a fuel problem. I hope this puts your minds at ease somewhat. I will let you know when we are close enough to begin using the telephones. Until I do, you will do yourself a favor by not trying."
Cameron's POV
When the captain had come back on the intercom with the information about returning to the United States, Buck Williams was surprised to hear applause throughout the cabin. Shocked and terrified as everyone was, most were from the States and wanted to at least to return to familiarity to sort this thing out.
Cameron turned to Craig Eubanks.
"I notice you seem quite ecstatic to return to the United States."
Craig nodded.
"Yeah, I really need to see what fellow Preterists in Mount Prospect think about the devastation and obliteration in England. My parents were Preterists and tried to convince me about what they believed. It wasn't until after they passed away that I believed in the message about Preterism and became a Preterist myself."
"I am still feeling skeptical about Preterism, though", Cameron said. "I need to think about it and contemplate on my decision, but I appreciate your advice and insight."
Buck then nudged the businessman on his right. "I'm sorry, friend, but you're going to want to be awake for this."
The main peered at Buck with a disgusted look and slurred, "If we're not crashing, don't bother me."
Rayford's POV
When the Pan-Continental 747 was finally within satellite communications range of the United States, Captain Rayford Steele connected with an all-news radio outlet and learned the far-reaching effects of the destruction caused by the Christian terrorists in England. Every continent seemed to have people that were killed or personally affected by the attack in England. Communication lines were jammed. Medical, technical, and service people were among the casualties in the attack in England. Every civil service agency was on full emergency status, trying to handle the unending tragedies. Rayford remembered the El-train disaster in Chicago years before and how the hospitals and fire and police units brought everyone in to work. He could imagine that now, multiplied thousands of times.
Even the newscasters' voices were terror filled, as much as they tried to mask it. Every conceivable explanation was proffered in response to the carnage and devastation. Rayford noticed that most of the explanations seemed to eschew the myth about Preterism or anything related to God the Father. Not that he expected masses of people to suddenly accept Preterism as something they would believe in and concur with, but he did find that intriguing. Perhaps most people were in denial about Preterism like he was, and they also did not wish to discuss it.
Rayford thought about Irene, Raymie, and Chloe. He could only hope that Irene and Raymie were all right. He could only have optimism in his wish that Raymie had not watched coverage of the attack on England on television. No child should have to watch such a horrifying sight. Rayford realized he wanted to protect his loved ones and have them in refuge and safety after what he had just heard from the attack in England. Rayford knew Chloe was smart and tough, but he was having doubts about Irene and Raymie.
Rayford knew he would have to talk to Irene, Raymie, and Chloe about Preterism. This discussion was inevitable. There was no way he could avoid bringing it up or mentioning it. He had to speak with them about Preterism and how to live for God in the present day. If he wanted his family to be safe and to live, he had no choice in the matter.
Of course, he could worry about that if he could somehow survive the current debacle he was faced with. Right now, he had to fly the plane with worried passengers back to O'Hare International Airport and hope that he would not give in to his trepidation and fear and allow the plane to crash or experience some sort of accident.
Rayford was directed to get in a multistate traffic pattern that would allow him to land at O'Hare at a specific moment. The process would have to be meticulous. Any errors or blunders could cost him dearly if he was not discreet. Only two runways were open, and every large plane in the country seemed to be traveling in that direction. Emergency crews were trying to clear expressways and runways, while simultaneously grieving over loved ones and coworkers who had been slaughtered in the massacre in England. One report said so many taxi drivers had been murdered in the attack in England. Many people volunteered to help out the taxi drivers in the United States that had been traumatized and perturbed by the attack in England.
Riots had occurred in the United States as a response to the attack in England. People that were driving their cars when the attack in England occurred were filled with so much panic when driving that there were massive traffic jams and even some pile-ups in the United States. Some of those cars even careened out of control and crashed! Rayford was simultaneously astounded and distressed by the responses and news of how people were reacting to the nefarious actions and slaughter of the Christian terrorists in England.
When Rayford was close enough to communicate to the tower at O'Hare, he asked if they would try to connect him by phone to his home. He was laughed off.
"Sorry, Captain, but phone lines are so jammed at the moment and phone personnel is very spotty as a result of the attack in England by those Christian terrorists. You will have to use your own personal cell phone to reach out to anyone at your home. I apologize for the inconvenience, but there is nothing that can be done."
Rayford filled the passengers in on the extent of the phenomenon and pleaded with them to remain calm.
"I humbly apologize, everyone, but there is nothing we can do on this plane that will change the situation. My plan is to get you on the ground as soon as possible in Chicago so you can have access to some answers and, I hope, some help."
Cameron's POV
The in-flight phone embedded in the back of the seat in front of Buck Williams was not assembled with external modular connections the way home phones were. With the way those phones were designed and developed, no one could just snap the unit away from its connecting line and walk off with it. Buck was certain, however, that inside the phone the connection was standard and that if he could somehow get in there without damaging the phone, he could connect his computer's modem directly to the line. His own cellular phone was not cooperating at this altitude.
Cleo Peterson rocked and whimpered as her husband, Harold, tried to console her. The executive next to Buck was sleeping. He had mentioned a major meeting in Scotland before he dozed off.
Boy, is he in for a rude awakening, Buck thought. After the attack in England by those Christian terrorists, anything else seems trivial at the moment. It's kind of hard to focus on anything else when innocent lives are slaughtered for no reason by religious fanatics with nothing better to do with their lives. Not that I would volunteer to join the cause of Preterism, but this is something that I will not be forgetting about anytime soon.
Cameron hoped he could reach out to Steve Plank and explain to him why he would not be able to reach England on that day. He was sure Steve was already well aware of the attack by the Christian terrorists and could figure out why he would have to return to Chicago and later come back to his apartment in New York.
All around Buck, people cried, prayed, and talked. Flight attendants offered snacks and drinks, but most of the passengers declined the offers, still feeling despair and despondency. It was seemingly obvious that they were experiencing lachrymose feelings resulting from the attack and it would be very difficult to console them and alleviate the tension they were feeling.
When Buck discovered that there was not any modular connection in the exterior or even the interior of the phone, he had another plan up his sleeve. He figured he could act as an honorary electrician. He deduced that these phone lines always had the exact similar color wires. So Buck concocted a plan to cut some of the wires to be able to get connected to the internet and reach out to Steve Plank. Within the interior of the phone, Buck made an decision to carve the wires and cut off the protective rubber coating. As a result, the four inner wires from both the computer and the phone looked exactly together. Within ten minutes, Buck had entwined those wires together.
Harold Peterson then turned to Buck.
"Buck, I hope you think about what I spoke to you about. I'm not saying you have to become a Preterist. I'm just trying to help you and succor you. I believe that if you became a Preterist, it would be the best thing for you. Spiritually, it would be the healthiest option for you.
"The Book of Revelation is the most debated in the world and the most interpreted, but the truth about The Book of Revelation is simple, and the interpretation is plain. The Book of Revelation is all the things Jesus prophesied about coming to pass within forty years of Jesus' prophesying. Jesus only prophesied about one world event-the destruction of Jerusalem.
"Jesus said the gentile armies would arrive in Jerusalem and obliterate Israel's cities, bringing great wrath upon the Jews. Jesus said the believers would flee Judea when they saw the armies arrive. Jesus said the temple would be left desolate, and not one stone would stand upon another. Jesus said Satan would be cast out of heaven. Jesus said the apostles and 144,000 would be given twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus said they would see him coming on the clouds. Jesus said all things mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 would be fulfilled in that generation, and all things Jesus prophesied were fulfilled within forty years of him saying those words. Other than those things, Jesus did not prophesy anything else.
"Let me explain the meaning of the first chapter of Revelation. During the great tribulation of Christians under the reign of Emperor Nero between 64 AD to 66 AD, Nero sentenced John to the prison island called Patmos just off the coast of Asia Minor, where the seven churches in Asia existed in the first century. John was the writer of Revelation.
"While John was praying, he was in the spirit and heard the voice of Jesus Christ, who told John to warn the churches that he was coming quickly and telling them to repent because the time was at hand, and the things Jesus told John were the things which were going to take place quickly and soon.
"Jesus told John to tell the churches that even those who pierced him would see him and wail because of him. Jesus told John to write the things which he had seen, those things being the image and appearance of Jesus Christ, the seven golden candlesticks representing the seven churches he was to write to, and the command of Jesus for John to write these things in a scroll and send it to them."
Buck had to admit that was a good argument. He listened to Harold as the latter continued speaking.
"There is one thing you definitely should be aware of as well. At the end of the day, all the evil and nefarious actions in the world are all rooted from lies and dishonesty. Evil actions such as murder, rape, theft, cheating, and much more all come from lies, deceit, and judgmental attitudes. People that are always honest and always tell the truth have no reason to do such abhorrent things. A true Preterist would always be honest and forthcoming, and therefore would have no reason to commit heinous acts that ultimately stem from or originate from lying and dishonesty. Christians ultimately enjoy lying and always believe and spread lies and falsehoods. Their entire belief system is a lie. They could not be honest if their lives depended on it. Take a look at the terrorist attack by the Christian terrorists in England for example. I'm sure that each of the terrorists that voluntarily participated in this attack have spread lies and promoted lies up until that point. They have stood by lies and deception which led to the attack in England and the slaughter of those innocent individuals. As a Preterist, I believe I should always be honest and always tell the truth. If you have wronged someone, you should be honest and confess to that person what you did. Prayers will not save you. Repenting in private will not save you. You have to tell that person what you did."
Buck had to admit he was enthralled by all the research, studying, and perusing Harold apparently had undertaken. Buck certainly had to acknowledge that Harold had presented sterling arguments and superlative explanations for his beliefs in Preterism and how to correctly interpret the book of Revelation.
Buck waited until Harold finished speaking before he started talking.
"Harold, I appreciate you imparting all this information to me. I really do. I am thankful for your empathy and insight, and the information could be useful. But honestly, I have doubts if I really wish to become a Preterist or not. It's just not something I have a desire to do. It is not one of my ambitions. I do not mean to sound rude or discourteous, but I need to think about it long and hard before I ultimately decide to accept the message of Preterism, if I choose to accept it."
"I don't want to sound pushy", Harold said. "But you really should not put this decision off. Time is not guaranteed for anyone, especially what had just occurred in England by those Christian terrorists."
"I can understand your concerns and your empathy", Buck said. "Really, I do. But I also do not think Preterism is just something you rush into merely to just preserve your own life. Like I said, I'll reach out to you if I have any questions, but I need time to think about it before making any sagacious decisions."
Buck resumed examining the wires of the computer and the phone. Then, the female flight attendant he had encountered earlier approached him.
"May I ask what you are doing here?"
Buck briefly glanced at the flight attendant's name tag before responding. "Of course, beautiful Hattie, you are welcome to ask."
Hattie frowned. "Levity seems to be quite inappropriate and distasteful at a time like this. Also, I quite frankly do not appreciate being spoken to in a condescending tone by a passenger. But nevertheless, I have to ask, what are you doing?"
Buck chuckled. "My actions here are pure and good. All I'm trying to do is adapting the airline property in a chaotic debacle. I'm not attempting to destroy or damage any of the equipment on this plane. All I'm trying to do is make a connection and hopefully be able to contact people I know using the resources that are available here."
"I'm sorry, but I am afraid I cannot permit it."
"Please listen, Hattie. I have a plan that could potentially benefit all the passengers on this plane, not just myself. At least hear me out and give me the benefit of the doubt. Haha, that rhymes."
Hattie pulled out a computer printout that was in her pocket and found Buck's name.
"Mr. Williams, I expect you to cooperate. I don't want to disturb or annoy the pilot with this."
Just then, a male flight attendant approached them. Buck read his nametag and saw the name "Tony."
"Hattie, is there a problem?" Tony asked.
"I'm afraid there is, Tony", Hattie said. "Mister Williams here has been trying to connect his in-flight phone with his computer. I'm concerned with the fact that he may be vandalizing airline property when he is connecting those wires."
"Let's give Mister Williams here the benefit of the doubt", Tony said.
Tony then turned to Buck.
"Explain to me what you've been doing. Surely, you have a good explanation and reasoning for this."
"Absolutely", Buck said. "I'm just trying to access the internet and reach out to a friend by doing this. And I'm not the only one that can benefit from this. Everyone else on the plane can benefit from this as well, including the two of you. Wouldn't you guys like to make contact with other people? If this works, I can reach people who can make phone calls for you, let your family know about your well-being and preserved health, and maybe even get a message back to you two. I have not vandalized anything, and I even gladly volunteer to revert everything back to how it originally was when I found it."
"You can?", Tony asked. "If that is true, this actually may not be a problem at all. Hattie, I think we should allow him to do this. As he said, he means no harm and is actually doing all of us a favor. He even says he will put it back the way he found it. It is a win-win for everybody from what I can deduce."
Hattie sighed. "Well, I suppose it could not hurt. What's the worst that can happen? The worst possible event already occurred anyway. So, you really will be willing to help us?"
"It is not a problem at all", Buck said. "Just give me some names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. I can send those cell phones and e-mail addresses the information you wish to relay or pass on along with what I am trying to publish to New York, and I'll definitely try my best to make sure that some person will be generous enough to make the calls for you and update me with new information and developments you may find intriguing. This may not work and I cannot promise or vow that I will be able to send those people any messages or that in the chance I am able to do so they will respond back to me, but I will give it maximum effort on my part and do the best I can."
"It sounds like a very good deal, Hattie", Tony said. "I'm sure there are people you wish to contact or speak with as well. Let us see if this works out."
"Okay, then", Hattie said. "Mister Williams, we accept your negotiation. We will accept the deal. I can show gratitude for what you are trying to do here. I can respect your dedication."
"Also, one more thing", Buck said. "If any of the other flight attendants ask what I am doing here, you should explain to them my plan and the motives behind my actions. Hopefully they can sympathize.
Tony smiled. "Something tells me they will inquire your assistance when trying to contact people as well."
"This is a long shot as it is, and it may not work, as optimistic as I can be in this situation. But still, try to keep everyone else away from me as I do my best to work on this, and I'll see what results I can produce."
"You've got yourself a deal, Mister Williams", Tony said.
"I commend you and Hattie on what the both of you are doing", Buck said. "What you are doing is justified and fine. It is totally reasonable to worry about yourself and your loved ones in a perilous situation like this, just like I am doing."
"We are all in the same pickle, Mister Williams", Hattie said. "Tony and I both have to be diligent in our duties on this plane, and we have obligations and rules to abide by and adhere to."
"You have to admit, when a terrorist attack kills thousands of people in one country and causes mass panic around the world and the end of normal life as we know it, normal rules and expectations are easily disregarded."
Rayford's POV
Rayford Steele had to acknowledge when he was sitting in the cockpit that he was in the middle of a dilemma.
With the devastating attack and calamity that had been inflicted by the Christian terrorists, he knew he was going to have to make decisions. He would have to speak to Irene, Raymie, and Chloe as soon as possible. Irene and Raymie had studied much more about Preterism and had more knowledge about Preterism than he did. If anyone had the answers, they would be the ones to provide them. Rayford was dubious if he would become a Preterist, but he could see the evidence provided to him and make a decision regarding Preterism. He knew he had to act fast. If a group of Christian terrorists were capable of shedding the blood of thousands of innocents and causing much destruction in a country without hesitation, who knew what else they could be capable of doing. Rayford did not want to think of the implication of what could happen if he was not discreet. The possibilities of the consequences were endless and even though Rayford did not want to speculate, he had strong suspicions of his future if he was not smart enough about his decisions and plans. He had strong feelings of what he inevitably would have to decide upon.
Rayford was ashen faced as he was sitting in the cockpit. He was feeling despair and agony. Thirty minutes before the plane was to land in Chicago, he informed the passengers about everything he knew. The devastating attack in England by the Christian terrorists had resulted in chaos and mayhem way beyond comprehension. He tried to sound encouraging, cordial, and amiable by complimenting the passengers on remaining calm and avoiding hysterics, but he did receive reports of doctors on board giving away Valium to the passengers, as if it was a treat or dessert.
Rayford had been forthright, the only way he could fathom acting like at that moment. He realized he had told the passengers more than he might have if he'd lost an engine orhis hydraulics or even his landing gear. He had been frank about the attack in England and that those terrorists would do everything in their power to force people to convert to their belief system, using any means necessary, even genocide.
Rayford thought, but did not say, how grateful and thankful he was that he had not landed the plane in England when the attack by those Christian terrorists occurred. If he had been at Heathrow Airport when the attack by those terrorists occurred, he may not even be alive at that moment. So he was thankful that he had not done that, and it was not just for his own sake. It was also for the sake of Irene, Chloe, and Raymie.
Rayford could only fathom what confusion would await everyone on the ground. They were, in a literal sense, above it all. They had been affected by the attack just like everyone else. But at least they did not have to see the immediate reactions of everyone else on the ground and did not have to immediately worry about traffic and pedestrians. Rayford was feeling dubious, and he was not sure what course of action to take. More than anything, he wanted to be with Irene, Chloe, and Raymie and comfort them and shield the three of them. After the attack that had occurred by those Christian terrorists, Rayford wanted to do everything in his power to protect his family and loved ones. He did not want them to suffer any more than they already had. He wanted to be with the people that truly cared about him the most in this world and rely on them for guidance and support. Even though he was forty-two years old, he felt like a small child. He was terrified of what had occurred and uncertain about the future. What in the world was he was going to do? There was no way life would resume normally as it used to be. As long as those terrorists were on the loose causing more mayhem and destruction, Rayford knew he was going to have to constantly watch his back for the foreseeable future. Rayford only hoped he and his family would remain alive through this current debacle. He shuddered to think about what was in store for his family in the coming days.
As he settled into a holding pattern miles from O'Hare, the full impact of the tragedy began to come into view. Flights from all over the country were being rerouted to Chicago. Planes were reorganized based on their fuel supplies. Rayford needed to stay in priority position after flying across the Eastern seaboard and then across the Atlantic Ocean before turning back. It was not Rayford's practice to communicate with ground control until after he landed, but now the air-traffic control tower was recommending it. He was told that visibility was excellent despite the chaos occurring all around the globe because of the attack by those terrorists, but that landing would be risky and precarious because the two open runways were jammed with jets. They lined either side, all the way down to the runway. Every gate was full, and none were backing out. Every mode of human transport was in use, busing passengers from the ends of the runways back to the terminal.
However, Rayford was informed that at least most of the passengers on his plane would have to walk all the way. All remaining personnel had been called in to serve, but they were busy directing planes to safe areas. The few buses and vans were reserved for the handicapped, elderly, and flight crews. Rayford passed the word along that his crew would be walking.
Passengers reported that they had been unable to get through on the in-flight phones. Hattie Durham and Tony Marquez both informed Rayford that one resourceful passenger in first class had somehow hooked up the phone to his computer, and while he composed messages it was automatically dialing and redialing New York. If a line opened, this would be the guy who got through.
Cameron's POV
When the plane had just descended into Chicago, Buck had been able to squeeze onto only one briefly available line to his computer service, which prompted him to download his waiting mail. This happened at the moment Hattie informed the passengers that all electronic devices were to be turned off.
Buck decided to use his acuity and make some sagacious decisions. He decided to speed-tap they keys that retrieved and filed all his messages and download them. This removed him from the linkup within seconds. Now he was off-line and would have to wait before he could search his files for news from friends, coworkers, relatives, or anyone else.
Before their last-minute preparations for landing, Hattie and Tony hurried to Buck.
"Anything?", Tony asked.
Buck shook his head, clearly showing sympathy and remorse. He clearly was feeling apologetic.
"Thanks for trying", Tony said. "You did the best you could. There is no need for you to apologize. You did not do anything wrong."
Hattie started to sob.
Buck took Hattie's hand. "Hattie, we are all going to go home and mourn over the devastation that happened. We're going to be feeling very lachrymose about it for at least a while. But we should remain strong and diligent. The very least you can do for now is to get your passengers off the plane, and you can feel satisfied after fulfilling that requirement."
Hattie weeped as she said, "Mister Williams, are you aware that hundreds of children and babies were killed in the attack in England by those Christian terrorists? That attack killed thousands of people, but I was aghast to discover that babies and children were among the deceased. Innocent children and babies that did nothing wrong to anyone, just murdered and discarded like pieces of meat."
"That's outrageous!", Buck said. "Absolutely abhorrent!"
The man next to Buck roused and squinted at the late-morning sun burning through the window.
"What in the world are you two talking about?" the man asked.
"We're about to land in Chicago", Hattie said. "I've got to get going."
"Chicago?"
"You don't want to know", Buck said.
The man nearly sat in Buck's lap to get a look out the window. Buck grimaced when he caught a whiff of the man's boozy breath.
"Is this some type of zombie apocalypse or cataclysmic event?", the man asked. "What in the heavens is going on out there?"
As the plane was getting closer to the ground, Buck was able to see what the Chicago area looked like now. There was smoke and fire billowing around. There were cars off the road and many other cars stuck in congested traffic. Some cars had even smashed into each other and guardrails! There were emergency vehicles, lights flashing, picking their way around any debris that was on the ground.
Buck watched as O'Hare International Airport came into view. It was obvious that no one would be traveling anywhere, at least not for a while. So many planes were gridlocked in line. People were jogging and running through the grass and between vehicles toward the terminal. The expressways that headed to the airport appeared to be just like they had during the great Chicago blizzards, only without any snow.
Buck was amazed by what he was seeing. This would honestly be a great scene in an action film. But he knew that this was no film and this was no fantasy. This was real life and this situation was inexorable. The Christian terrorists had made their intentions and desires clear through their malicious actions. A myriad of scared and frightened people meandered out of the huge terminal buildings, between congested cars, and onto the ramps. Cranes and wreckers were trying to make it possible for cars to travel to the terminal by clearing the roads, but Buck knew that would take a long time. He was devising a plan to get out of this congested area. The issue was that this was only the beginning. He had to arrive in a more congested area: New York.
Rayford's POV
"Ladies and gentlemen", Rayford announced, "I want to express my most sincere gratitude for your cooperation today. I know we have been faced with an onerous burden due to the crisis in England. We have been asked to put down on the only runway that will take this size plane and then to taxi to an open area about two miles from the terminal. Unfortunately, I am going to have to ask you to use our inflatable emergency chutes, because we will not be able to hook up to any gateways. If you are unable to walk to the terminal, please stay with the plane, and we will send someone back to get you out of the plane."
There was no thanking them for choosing Pan-Continental and no "We hope you'll make us your choice next time you need air service." Rayford obviously knew it would have been insensitive and inappropriate to say such things when the entire world was faced with such a perilous debacle. Everyone on the plane was too worried about the attack in England to think about anything else.
Rayford did instruct the passengers to stay seated until he turned off the seat belt sign, because he secretly knew this would be his most difficult landing in years, if not ever. Rayford knew he could do it, but it had been a long time since he had to land a plane among other aircraft.
Rayford had to admit he was feeling covetous of the passenger in first class that had the inside track on communicating by modem. He wanted more than anything to be able to call Irene, Chloe, and Raymie. He was fearful, however, that he might never speak to them again.