They fly in formation. Much more efficient, say the people who study such things. Gets them where they want to go a lot quicker. Not so much wasted energy. And every goose serves a purpose in that formation.”
-- Henry (Chapter 6)

Importance: Henry uses the example of the geese to describe the way the scientists and doctors need to work together to be at their most efficient. This example also demonstrates the way that animals are sometimes able to work in cooperation better than humans can.

He also recognized that the identification of the first victims of the disease — gay Muslims with HIV — was likely to cause a pandemic of its own — one of hysteria.
-- Narrator (Chapter 6)

Importance: Henry fears that once people learn that the victims at the Jakarta camp are gay Muslims who are infected with HIV that they will be more concerned about the religion and sexual orientation of the victims than the disease...