Surely in todays times, if the Captain was aware of the on-board scenario, and had made contact with security forces on the ground, this would have been just cause for a "fighter escort" to an alternate airport, especially in US airspace. I also agree that the covert alliance between the F/A and the passengers is a little strange? Why couldn,t one of the on-board federal marshalls make a written description of the "suspect" if it was needed?? A chilling read nevertheless!!