She pricked her ears and heard a low-grade hum of static barely distinguishable from the rattle of the sandstorm outside. "Do we have to be on a particular channel to call for help?"

"I know we need to be on VHF, but I don't know what frequency. There should be a flight manual right here with the information, but the pilot must have removed it.

Let's try turning the dial and seeing if we can raise anyone."

They held the headset between them, so close she could almost feel the heat of his breath, and she turned the dial slowly. When they heard a muffled voice, speaking in Arabic, they stared at each other. Zadir cleared his throat, pressed the mic button and spoke into the microphone. "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday."




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