The story revolves around Victor Navarre, a man from the fictional country of the Edge of the Skin, who becomes stuck in a New York airport terminal after his country ceases to exist due to a coup. Victor is unable to enter the United States or return home, and he is forced to live in the airport terminal. Despite the challenges he faces, Victor forms connections with the airport staff, including a flight attendant named Amelia, and finds ways to occupy himself, such as learning English and collecting cart returns.
As the story progresses, Victor becomes a local celebrity among the airport staff, and they begin to help him in various ways. He also becomes embroiled in the personal lives of the staff, including Frank Dixon, the head of security, who is trying to advance his career.
Eventually, Victor's situation is resolved, and he is given the opportunity to return home. However, he is given a one-day visa to visit New York, and he uses this chance to fulfill his father's last wish: to collect the autograph of Benny Hals, a famous jazz musician. With the help of his friends, Victor is able to complete his mission and return home, bringing closure to his story.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Victor of Navarre flew to New York to fulfill the last will of his father.
2. While Victor was in the air, a coup d'etat occurred in his country, and the new government was not recognized by the United States.
3. As a result, Victor's passport was no longer valid, and he was unable to enter the United States or return to his own country.
4. Victor was stuck in the airport terminal, where he met with the head of security, Frank Dixon.
5. Frank Dixon explained the situation to Victor and took his passport and return ticket.
6. Victor was given food coupons, a pager, and a key card, and told to wait in the terminal for the situation to improve.
7. Victor began to wait, but soon realized that he was without food or shelter for the night.
8. He met a flight attendant named Amelia, who helped him get a job with a group of airport workers.
9. Victor became friends with the workers, including Enrique Cruz and Gupta.
10. Victor learned that Frank Dixon was retiring and that his position was up for grabs.
11. Victor was asked to translate for a passenger who was arrested for carrying medication without papers.
12. Victor discovered that the passenger was carrying the medication for his sick goat, not his father.
13. Victor was praised for his translation skills and became a local celebrity among the airport employees.
14. Victor asked his friends to find out more about Amelia, and discovered that she was seeing a married man.
15. Victor made a gift for Amelia, a fountain made of battered platters.
16. Amelia broke up with her married boyfriend and began to fall for Victor.
17. Victor told Amelia the truth about himself and his trip, including his father's love of jazz and his quest to collect autographs.
18. Amelia understood that Victor was the only man who didn't deceive her, and she kissed him.
19. The war in Victor's country ended, and he was able to return home.
20. Amelia returned to her married boyfriend, but helped Victor obtain a visa to visit New York.
21. Victor was given a chance to visit New York, but refused, wanting to visit the city on his own terms.
22. Frank Dixon threatened to fire or deport Victor's friends unless he agreed to return to his homeland.
23. Victor gave in and agreed to return home, but Gupta intervened and stopped the plane from taking off.
24. Victor finally completed his quest to collect autographs and returned home.