Flight 317

By Brian Leslie

The anticipation hung thick in the air as Flight 317 took to the skies, carrying its passengers towards a sun-drenched paradise. Among them were Sarah and Alex, a young couple reveling in the glow of their recent nuptials, eager to bask in the romantic splendor that awaited them. As the city lights dwindled beneath the ascending aircraft, Sarah's excitement was tinged with a fleeting sense of trepidation that she quickly dismissed.

But the fickle hand of fate would not be denied its due this fateful night. A violent jolt rocked the aircraft, sending tremors of panic rippling through the cabin as the plane veered treacherously off course, hurtling towards the ominous maw of a gathering storm. 

In that eternal moment, time seemed to still as Captain Thompson's eyes widened in abject horror, his valiant efforts to steer them clear proving futile against the implacable forces of nature. With a sickening crunch of twisting metal, the aircraft collided with the volcanic behemoth, unleashing a maelstrom of smoke, ash, and terror that flooded the cabin.

Amidst the cacophony of screams and the acrid stench of scorched metal, Sarah and Alex clung to each other, their bodies pressed together in a desperate final embrace. The deafening roar of the plummeting wreckage drowned out all else as the plane's shattered remains hurtled towards the unforgiving earth.

In those last fleeting moments, a profound serenity enveloped Sarah, banishing all fear as she held Alex's trembling form, whispering fervent vows of eternal love. And then, in a blinding flash of light, the world fell silent, the echoes of their devotion lingering like spectral sentinels in the empty sky.

The wreckage lay strewn across the smoldering volcanic landscape, a twisted monument to the fragility of life and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Miraculously, Sarah and Alex had survived the initial impact, though their battered bodies were pinned beneath the mangled debris.

As the minutes ticked by, the world around them began to fade......

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: May 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224925582

Brian Leslie

Brian Leslie is a Nationally Recognized Coercive Interrogation Expert, Commercial Fiction Writer and Best Selling Author. He is regularly retained by Federal, State, and Military Courts on high-profile murder cases throughout the United States. www.brianlesliemedia.com 

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

The anticipation hung thick in the air as Flight 317 took to the skies, carrying its passengers towards a sun-drenched paradise. Among them were Sarah and Alex, a young couple reveling in the glow of their recent nuptials, eager to bask in the romantic splendor that awaited them. As the city lights dwindled beneath the ascending aircraft, Sarah's excitement was tinged with a fleeting sense of trepidation that she quickly dismissed.

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In the cockpit, seasoned pilots Captain Thompson and First Officer Reynolds manned the controls, their skilled hands guiding the plane through a dense veil of clouds. Though an aura of unease permeated the confined space, their years of experience had honed their ability to remain steadfast in the face of turbulence, both literal and metaphorical.

––––––––

But the fickle hand of fate would not be denied its due this fateful night. A violent jolt rocked the aircraft, sending tremors of panic rippling through the cabin as the plane veered treacherously off course, hurtling towards the ominous maw of a gathering storm. Captain Thompson's deft attempts to regain control were thwarted by the relentless onslaught of turbulent winds, while First Officer Reynolds' frantic calls for aid went unanswered, the storm's fury disrupting all communication.

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Sarah's slender fingers entwined with Alex's in a desperate embrace as the inky clouds engulfed them, the anguished cries of their fellow passengers a haunting refrain. A blinding flash of lightning revealed the nightmarish visage of a smoldering volcano looming directly in their path, its fiery maw agape to receive them.

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In that eternal moment, time seemed to still as Captain Thompson's eyes widened in abject horror, his valiant efforts to steer them clear proving futile against the implacable forces of nature. With a sickening crunch of twisting metal, the aircraft collided with the volcanic behemoth, unleashing a maelstrom of smoke, ash, and terror that flooded the cabin.

––––––––

Amidst the cacophony of screams and the acrid stench of scorched metal, Sarah and Alex clung to each other, their bodies pressed together in a desperate final embrace. The deafening roar of the plummeting wreckage drowned out all else as the plane's shattered remains hurtled towards the unforgiving earth.

––––––––

In those last fleeting moments, a profound serenity enveloped Sarah, banishing all fear as she held Alex's trembling form, whispering fervent vows of eternal love. And then, in a blinding flash of light, the world fell silent, the echoes of their devotion lingering like spectral sentinels in the empty sky.

––––––––

The wreckage lay strewn across the smoldering volcanic landscape, a twisted monument to the fragility of life and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Miraculously, Sarah and Alex had survived the initial impact, though their battered bodies were pinned beneath the mangled debris.

––––––––

For one agonizing hour, they clung to the precious threads of life, their voices soft and strained as they reminisced about the winding paths that had led them to each other. Memories of childhood escapades, family gatherings, and the first blush of new love intertwined in a bittersweet tapestry, each recollection a cherished treasure to be savored in the face of their grim reality.

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As the minutes ticked by, the world around them began to fade, the once-vibrant hues of life yielding to a monochrome palette of grey. Yet, even as the light dimmed in their eyes, the radiant warmth of their love burned ever brighter, a beacon that would guide them through the encroaching darkness.

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And when the final whispers of their mortal coils dissipated into the ether, their souls remained entwined, an unbreakable bond forged in the crucible of tragedy. For in those last moments, they had found solace in each other's arms, their love a transcendent force that defied the cruel vagaries of fate, etching their story into the annals of eternity.

CHAPTER 1

Sarah and Alex, newlyweds in their mid-twenties, sat hand-in-hand in their assigned seats, barely able to contain their excitement. The airplane cabin buzzed with anticipation of the upcoming journey. Sarah's hazel eyes sparkled as she leaned in close to her husband, her brunette hair cascading over her shoulder.

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Alex, I still can't believe we're actually going, she whispered excitedly, her voice a hushed tone. I can't wait to explore the beaches and try all those delicious foods.

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Me neither, he replied, his blue eyes full of adventure. I've been dreaming about this honeymoon for months, and now it's finally happening. His fingers tightened around hers, his spontaneous nature reined in by his devotion to Sarah.

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Meanwhile, in the cockpit, Captain Thomas Tom Thompson, a seasoned pilot in his mid-fifties, adjusted his headset as he communicated with air traffic control. With decades of experience under his belt, his hands were steady on the controls, his salt-and-pepper hair reflecting the wisdom that came with his years of flying. His chiseled jawline set in determination, Captain Thompson knew the safety of his passengers was his top priority.

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Air traffic control, this is Flight 729 preparing for takeoff, he said calmly into the headset.

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Flight 729, you are cleared for takeoff, came the reply.

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Roger that, Captain Thompson responded, reaching to adjust a few switches on the control panel.

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Beside him, First Officer Amelia Reynolds, an accomplished co-pilot in her early thirties, busied herself with the pre-flight checks. Her short blonde hair was tucked neatly behind her ears, and her friendly demeanor put everyone at ease. Amelia's quick wit and resourcefulness made her the perfect partner for Captain Thompson, and she shared his unwavering dedication to passenger safety.

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Captain, all systems are ready for takeoff, she informed him.

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Excellent, he replied, his voice steady and confident. Let's get this bird in the air.

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Back in their seats, Sarah couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety as she thought about the upcoming flight. Her past experiences left her cautious in new situations, but she refused to let that dampen her enthusiasm for the trip.

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Alex, do you ever get nervous before a flight? she asked quietly, her eyes searching his face for reassurance.

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Sometimes, he admitted, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. But I know we're in good hands with Captain Thompson. He's one of the best.

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Sarah smiled at his words, feeling her fears dissipate as she focused on the excitement of their honeymoon. Together, they watched the world outside their window begin to change as the plane taxied down the runway, their hearts racing in anticipation of the adventure that awaited them.

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Maria Alvarez, a kind-hearted flight attendant in her late forties, moved gracefully through the cabin, her long black hair swaying gently with each step. Her warm smile and nurturing presence put passengers at ease as she assisted them with their belongings and ensured their comfort.

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Excuse me, Maria? a timid voice called out.

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Maria turned to find a young woman struggling to lift her heavy carry-on into the overhead bin. Of course, let me help you with that, she said, effortlessly hoisting the luggage into its place.

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Thank you so much, the grateful passenger replied, returning Maria's genuine smile.

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No need to thank me, it's my pleasure, Maria said, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

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As the plane began to taxi down the runway, the increasing vibrations sent tremors through the floor while the sound of the engines roared to life. The atmosphere within the cabin crackled with anticipation and excitement; even Maria couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the miracle of flight.

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Alright, everyone, she announced, addressing the passengers with a gentle authority. Please make sure your seat belts are fastened and your tray tables are stowed. We will be taking off momentarily.

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From her seat, Sarah glanced over at Alex, her eyes wide with excitement. This is really happening, isn't it? Our honeymoon is about to begin! she