The Mile High Club

[chanaud]

OOC: This is an open thread. People's Airlines need pilot, co-pilot, flight attendants, and passengers. I just have one rule for this thread. In order to avoid hi-jacking by frequent posters, and to give everyone a chance to form a plot, I ask that you do not post more than twice a day. Otherwise, anything goes. And, oh, yeah, one other thing - have fun! <grin>

Today is Josie’s first day as a flight attendant and she was feeling nervous. Her reflection in the mirror didn’t exemplify the nervousness that she was feeling. No, it reflected a cool, calm, tall, slender woman dressed in her straight navy skirt, and white, crisp blouse buttoned all the way to the top, and held together with a simple navy scarf.

She was disappointed that she was given the late night flights, but she knew she was a rookie, and she had to bid her time until she was considered seniority. She, however, was lucky enough to receive the international flights. And, she was simply ecstatic to find out she was listed crew on the flight from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Tokyo International Airport.

Japan! Josie’s couldn’t believe it. She’s never been out of the country, unless of course, you consider Mexico, which no one does. Every time she thought about it, butterflies tickled her ribcage. She prayed that she can perform her duties with the least bit of mishaps as possible.

Josie took a deep breath as she did a final look over in the mirror. Hair held back tightly in a tight bun. Check. Nothing between the teeth. Check. Fresh breath. Check. Uniform ironed perfectly. Check. Makeup perfect. Check. Perfect practiced smile. Check.

Yes, she was ready. Ready for People's Airlines.

She strolled through the crowded airport and followed the signs to People’s Airlines. A quick glance to her watch indicated that she timed it perfectly with 10 minutes to spare.

At the terminal, she saw a two-uniformed men and a flight attendant talking closely, and smiling as if they’ve known each other for a long time. Josie took a deep breath before she approached them.

“Hi, I’m Josie Anderson, your new flight attendant.”

 

[catlover]

Frank

I dreaded the long flight to Tokyo. I had compared prices and discovered that JAL (Japan Air Lines) was a lot more expensive trhat other choices. On Peoples Air I could go business class for what coach would cost on JAL, so I went to LAX to get my flight to Tokyo, asdding several hours to the trip plus the layover time in LA

So, I was already tired and cranky when zI checked in for my flight. Sitting there in the waiting area ready to board, I did notice a really attractive stew, and that at least made me look up from my book and fantacize about getting her alone in a lavaory or up in the upper lobby.

I looked back down into my book "Everything you Know about Love and Sex is Wrong", by Pepper Swartz. I happenned to be in a section about monagamy and how stuid it was, and I thought this would be a good time to put all she says to good use.

 

[gaigirl]

Kate

I couldn't help but drag my feet down the boarding ramp and onto the airplane to Tokyo. After five weeks at home on vacation, I dreaded not only the long flight back home, but even more, the return to real life that the trek signified. Back to my job as a university English teacher, and back to fulfilling Japanese society's expectations of wife, mother and PTA groupie. No wonder I'd had to drag my feet. "Oh well," I thought, "At least I am in Business Class instead of my usual steerage. Thank God for frequent flyer miles."

I settled into my seat, and watched the other passengers board and find their seats. Gratefully accepting a cocktail from the attractive hostess, I wondered who would be seated next to me. I let myself drift into a mental scenario about how I could extend my summer vacation for just a few more hours with an intriguing stranger. Judging by how lucky I had been in the extra-curricular department over vacation, I knew that destiny would not let me down this time either. I sipped my drink and allowed the alcohol to fill me with confidence that the now empty seat beside me might well have been assigned to that one last fling.

 

[catlover]

I sat there reading my book waiting for them to call the flight. Thye title is in big bold print easily seen, and I was sure there were people staring but I didnt care. I read until it was time to board, and then got on and found my seat.

I was please to find I had the seat next to a nice looking caucasian woman. On a flight to the orient one never knows who your seatmate will be. I sat after stashing my carry-on bad, but retrieving my book. She took one look and started to laugh and said she had read it, and asked what I thought of it.

That was convenient. She was obviously Amerian, and it gave us something to talk about in that very long time in the air. we talked back and forth, and seemed to agree with everything the author was saying, and both of us thought she expressed herself very clearly and well. Of course it helped that we both agreed with what she had written. She borriwed the book long enough to look up something she remembered. and then shared it with me. From that time until we took off we passd the book back and forth - pointing out things that we particularly liked and agreed with. We both talked about our marriages, and she told me she was returning from a long vacation in the US, during which she had a little tryst with an old lover. I took a look at her and almost asked if she wanted another during the flight, but she told me she was staying the night of arrival on Tokyo in a hotel, and it was virtually a wrtten invitation for me to join her

The cute stew was walking down the aisle checking seatbelts etc, preparatory to take-off. I put thyr arm between our seats iup, and we sat close together, esach holding the book with one hand. As soonj as thre lane was in the air and the lights dimmed, I had a good idea where our hands adjacent to esch other would be

 

[Eroticus]

Ace Harper - Captain

OOC: Former fighter pilot who left the service for the big bucks of the airlines, Frank “Ace” Harper quickly became a 747 Captain on the new People’s Airline. Early forties, 6 feet, 185 pounds, dark hair, deep blue eyes, dashingly handsome.

IC: I arrived early. I always made a point of meeting each member of the crew, giving them a little pep talk, talking to the maintenance crew and personally supervising the preflight checkout with my co-pilot and navigator. . I always made it a point to remember people's names and a little bit about their personal lives. It was these little touches that counted and made people want to work just that little extra that made a difference.

I was moving through the cabin greeting the flight crew individually when I was introduced to a new stewardess named Josie. She was clearly excited about her first flight. I was impressed with her youthful exuberance. I grasped her arm firmly and gave strong words of encouragement in a deep voice while looking into her eyes. She was quite good looking. I made a note to get to know her better once the flight was underway.

In the cockpit I said hello to my co-pilot Emily. She was attractive, divorced, in her mid-thirties and no shrinking violet to anyone. We had flown together before and had very few secrets between us. The Navigator was a young man in his late twenties who had just joined the airline. I winked at Emily. This was shaping up to be a good flight.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Station Chief Thor

ORD....and a flight on People's Airlines...what a drag. At least the Company paid for First Class at my grade. I had arrived an hour ago from DC - a simple intermediate stop - the most basic tradecraft. As I settled into my seat I thought about all the places.......and faces in my past. But now, I was at the apex of my career. The DCI had just selected me to be the Station Chief in Tokyo (yes, we do have intelligence operations in 'friendly' countries). I had started in 'Nam - recruited by Air America to fly black operations. I had quickly moved from airplane jockey to more 'cloak and dagger' operations.

My first priority is to improve the intelligence on terrorists operating in Japan and the rest of the Asian theater. My passport was diplomatic, of course. I chuckled to myself..."Deputy Assistant Attache for Commerce" had a ring to it....albeit describing a completely empty position.

I settled back into my seat....anticipating that I would be asleep in the sleeper bed shortly after the evening meal.

 

[phatcat]

OOC: Hope this doesn't make too many male roles but wth...

Mike is 6'1, slim-to-average build, late 20's, with finger-length wavy brown hair. Having won an a trip to Tokyo for 2 through a radio station contest he was going to propose to his fiancee on this trip had he not caught her cheating on him with his best friend, in his own house no less, and sent her packing. Seeing as it was a couple of days before the trip, he thought of inviting one of his buddies but decided against it, determined to turn his life around with this trip the starting point. He cashed in the other ticket and the ring and packed light, looking to find solace in the land of the Rising Sun.

IC: I couldn't wait for the plane to take off so that I could ask that pretty stewardess for several of those tiny bottles of liquor they are always giving away for free in First Class. It hadn't been a couple of days since my dear fiancee showed me exactly what she thought of our 2 year engagement, and already I was looking at my options. Having never cheated on her during that entire time, I was going to bounce back starting by promptly renewing my membership in the mile-high club. All I needed now was a willing member and looking around I could see quite a few choice looking opportunities - I once again mentally patted myself on the back for having the presence of mind to request an isle seat.

The guy next to me looked 'serious' and not to be bothered so I dispensed thinking up an excuse to start a conversation. In the seat across from me a woman had struck up a conversation with a man next to her about some book, the title of which I could only partially make out but was sure it said something "Love and Sex is Wrong"... I thought it was a shame and would have proved it to the lovely lady at the first opportunity. But first I was going to get the attention of the spotless flight attendant, who had introduced herself as "Josie" when I boarded. After all, she had offered her services if I "needed anything" and I was certainly going to take her up on that.

 

[gaigirl]

Kate

"Everything you Know about Love and Sex is Wrong," I said, when I saw the title page of the book the man who landed in the seat next to me was reading. He laughed. "Is that an accusation?"
"Actually, I just read that book, and I thought it was great. What do you think? How far are you? I love her take on monogamy, especially."

While we were chatting about the book, referring one another to the parts we liked, and introducing ourselves, the guy seated on the aisle across from me looked up, and I realized he was listening to us. I had noticed him when he was boarding, but being involved as I was in conversation, aisle guy hadn't yet hit the top of my priority list. As I caught his eye, I smiled, and he smiled back, although there was something about his response time that was a little slow. "Aha! Recently burned in affairs of the heart", I thought. Shame too, because he is drop dead gorgeous. Wavy brown hair, late 20's, tall with an average build. Of course, the guy sitting next to me isn't bad either, but he reminds me just a little of my dad. Fun to talk to, but I hope he doesn't get any ideas about me. I had probably already told him too much, as we were discussing the book. I had told him that I had had my first affair during the summer, that I lived in Japan, and that I wasn't all that thrilled about returning. I also told him, to my regret, that I was staying in a Tokyo hotel upon arrival, as I couldn't connect the same day to my final destination-- Sapporo. The trick now was to let the guy across the aisle know that I would welcome an opportunity to chat with him as well. Thought I should grab the first opportunity to introduce myself. Best way to communicate my intentions and limitations with my nice but fatherly seat mate was to keep myself as open as possible.

I leaned out a little into the aisle and said, "Hi there. I'm Kate."
"Hello yourself. My name is Mike."
"What takes you to Tokyo today?" I asked, and he proceeded to tell me.

 

[Nemo200]

Kai

ooc:mind if i join

icc:
Kai eyed the new stewardess she was a pretty woman.. Maby this fligth to Tokyo could be intresting for once,
She was on her way home to meet her realtives Kai was half japanese/american, the man who was sittig next to Kai looked tired he seemed to be a pilot of some sort and he seemed in away pleased whit himself Kai smiled anddecided to read a little she took up a book from her bag

 

[phatcat]

Mike

While everyone waited for the flight crew to finish up the pre-flight checklist, I picked up a magazine from the seat-back pocket in front of me and pretended to flip through it, listening in on the conversation across the aisle. Everytime I heard the woman's pretty laugh, I'd involuntarily look up, breaking the pretense that I was reading anything.

The next time I looked up, I was caught off-guard because the woman was smiling at me a brilliant white smile. You've been out of the game too long, Mikey, you are getting rusty, I thought to myself, as a grin settled across my face.

"Hi there. I'm Kate." She made the first move.. and here I thought this was going to be awkward!

"Hello yourself. My name is Mike." I responded, coupling it with a 'hey there, gorgeous' look.

Kate went on to ask me the usual questions and I pieced together for her the events prior to this trip.

After carefully listening as I spilled my broken heart, she looked at me for a moment shaking her head,

"That is one sad story. Please forgive me for being so forward, but from what you tell me I don't think she ever loved you. You strike me as the kind of guy who goes head-over-heels for women, am I right?"

Her frankness startled me, more so since she was right.
My stare more than answering her question, she went on,

"What you need is a rebound fling to get your confidence up," and as she said this she gave me a slow wink.

Taking cue, I reached across the aisle and took her hand, tickling her palm while indicating the ring on her finger with my thumb, I asked,

"And he doesn't mind?", knowing full well she had already confided, with the help of her cocktail, to her bookish passenger the high point of her summer vacation.

 

[gaigirl]

Kate

"And he doesn't mind?" Mike asked me, as he fingered my wedding ring.

"We sort of have a don't ask, don't tell policy." I answered. "Actually, I think he probably does mind on some level, at least I wish he did mind, or at least notice. I guess it depends on how far I go with my flings, or whether or not they have any impact on my husband, which I don't intend to allow to happen, but whatever his feelings or thoughts, I am far more interested in taking responsibility for getting my own needs met than I am in waiting for him to meet each and every one of my needs. It's all in the book". I turned to Frank, and asked him if I could borrow his Pepper Schwartz book to show Mike.

"This book is about relationship myths. It has changed my life. I bought hook line and sinker into monogamy, forsaking all others, etc. etc. until death do us part. Where did it get me? To Frustrationville. Tell him, Frank." I looked over at Frank, urging him to join the conversation.

"Marriage is one thing, flings are another. I love my husband, and I love our life together, but he is Japanese. He sees marriage differently than I do, and he seems to be stuck in a couple of ruts. I'm tired of waiting for him to find his way out, and I don't think my sexual identity is an area in which I'm willing to compromise. That doesn't mean I jump at every chance to get laid, but it does mean that I no longer am willing to deny myself or my own needs just for the sake of my marriage vows. What he doesn't know or notice while he is doing his own soul-searching doesn't hurt him. In the meantime, I only get one life to live, and I have decided to live it fully. Does that make sense?" I asked.

I hoped that Frank would support what I had just said with some comments of his own. I knew that Frank completely understood, but his experience was different from mine, and although I thought Frank and I understood each other on this point, I still cared about what he thought, and moreover, I knew that Mike had just been burned by the woman he trusted, and probably wasn't quite ready to hear the justifications of the unfaithful. On the other hand, if anything was going to happen on this flight, it probably made sense to just spell it out and answer the questions as directly as possible. I was interested in the possibilities of what might happen on the flight, but I knew I had no intention whatsoever of leaving my husband.

While Frank was considering what to contribute to the conversation, if anything, I continued.

"It is great to feel wanted, and attractive, and sexy. You can call it cheating, but I see it differently. It is feeling wanted and attractive that makes me attractive. The fact that your fiancee slept with your best friend, in and of itself, doesn't mean you two aren't suited for one another, or that you couldn't work it out if both of you wanted to. You might want to look at why she did it, and what she was trying to achieve. If you had an opportunity to express with another woman what you felt you needed to express, but could not share with your partner, maybe because of her limitations, it wouldn't necessarily lessen yur love for your fiancee, would it?"

I hoped Mike would understand, and that Frank would also contribute his point of view. The thing about infidelity that can haunt is that the guy who is the other half of the tryst knows exactly what he is getting in the faithfulness arena.

 

[phatcat]

OOC: gaigirl, I was hoping you'd say he didn't mind in a sentence or two. =) (Sorry, I know the hint at the end of the post was a bit vague.)


IC: "...does that make sense?"

"Of course. After all, your husband and you have an agreement. My ex-fiancee and I never talked about it, although the situation is entirely different. When I look back, she truly wanted to break off the engagement, and laughing at me when I saw her and my best friend, she accomplished exactly that."

Kate went on about relationships and marriage and I could see she was really into this book. All the while I wondered how this lucious woman could fit into Japanese society. I could see why she wanted to get away from it all every so often to get back to the states. I nodded as she talked all the while thinking how I'd love to show her her philosophy suited me fine. Maybe after the plane took off, I would.

 

[Sharp Rarely Flat]

[No message]

 

[Eroticus]

Ace Harper

The cargo was all loaded, passengers aboard and doors closed. We finished the pre-flight check and received clearance to pull out from the gate. The 747 taxied through the maze of runaways and off ramps unti we were in a position for take-off.

I told the flight crew to be seated and pulled into position on runway number 6. The tower said go. We reved the engines and began the slow acceleration to take-off speed. At the right moment the nose lifted off the ground and we were airborne and climbing.

The ascent through the clouds was a little bumpy, but we finally reached our intial cruising altitude of 31,000 feet where it was smooth. Later we would be climbing higher as we burned off fuel. I flipped open the microphone to the passengers.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I've turned off the seatbelt sign. We expect a smooth flight for the next 12 hours. Sit back and relax. You have the world's finest crew serving you. Don't hesitate to ask for anything. And please enjoy the flight."

I looked over at Emily and winked.

"All yours sweetheart. Keep the tip up and your eyes on the ball."

She gave me a wicked smile, then took the controls.

"You know, I'm getting really hungry. When the Stewardesses finish seving dinner, would you ask the new one named Josie to bring us something to eat? I'd like to see if she has what it takes to be a stewardess on People's Airline."

 

[catlover]

frank

Apparently Kate wanted me to be part of the conversation, but since she had let go of her half of the book, turned away from me and started chatting with the nice looking young man across the aisle, and even reached up and put the arm rest back down between us, it was obvious she didnt consider me a playmate

Personally I didnt think playing outside the marriage vows was cheating at all. As long as it was strictly a physical relationship, an outsider fuck wasnt breaking the wedding committment - as long as it didnt endanger the marriage.

But, I didn't feel like talking about it, especially to a young person who had just broken off an engagement. If the two of them wanted to play, fine. Id just watch the movie or catch some sleep while they did what they might want to do

So, I turmed away, turned off my light, and leaned back thinking about what might have been, and about that cute stew with a bunch of men working nher over, including me. as the center of attention in an orgy

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Station Chief Thor

'I must have dozed off...' Blinking rapidly, I glanced out the window at the passing scenery. As we climbed, I noted the pilot was not asking TRACON to avoid the buildups.... 'He must have had his last job flying DC-3's for Air Botswana,' I grumbled to myself.

The seat next to me was empty, of course (the Company always buys two seats to avoid the idle conversation that could compromise security). As Captain Krunch had turned off the seatbelt sign, I wandered toward the forward rest room and the galley.

 

[gaigirl]

Kate

I was feeling a little self-conscious after waxing on and on about the book. In retrospect, I could see that the one who needed convincing was myself, not Mike.

Frank had turned off his light and closed his eyes, and I sensed that our conversation might also be over, which saddened me.

I pushed away thoughts of what would be waiting for me once I returned home. I knew I would be counting the days until I could come back to the US again, where the culture suited my newly found philosphy for philandering. I decided to concentrate on the things about Japan that I do apprecite and like, and try not to dwell on what I was leaving behind.

"Japan is such a safe country". I told myself. "All these flag wavers in the US since 9/11 seem a little over the top. Americans seem so focused on being victims of terrorism that they don't want to look at the possible reasons they were a target in the first place".

I knew it was best to keep those thoughts to myself. If I had discovered anything in the several years I had lived in Japan, it was that I am an easily identifiable "outside person" there, but I am becoming more and more of an outside person in my own country, and the US doesn't feel like "home" any more than Japan does.

"But hey, I'm not back home yet!" I thought. I closed my eyes, and began to imagine the possibilities. First, there was Mike, across the aisle. For that matter, there were lots and lots of possibilities in the first class cabin... "How many people would fit in the lav at the same time, anyway? Where else is there for an encounter besides the lav?"

I conjured up a nice sexy scenario which included all the passengers I could see from my seat. Frank, Mike, the Stewardess, the little Japanese girl who was reading, and the man sitting next to her. As I imagined the various positions of six people stuffed into a tiny loo, I smiled, and had to shift position in my seat to accommodate the sudden turn on that had hit straight between my legs. Just then, the plane hit some turbulence, and the bumping and bouncing added to my stimulation.

"All turned on and nowhere to go", I thought.

 

[phatcat]

Mike

Kate realized she had been leading the conversation for some time, partly, I hoped, due to my engaging smile, She sat turned a bit toward me, and I got the impression her companion felt left out when he made himself comfortable for a nap.

Almost to her relief, she was interupted as the lovely stewardess began to go through the safety instruction spiel. It was obvious she was new to this: her enthusiasm almost assured me that in case of a water landing, the seat cushions really would save me from drowning, no matter the plane diving faster than a submarine.

With the formalities over, Josie went down the aisle taking requests for pillows, headphones and the like when the captain made his announcement. As he finished, it was obvious he forgot to turn the mic off when he turned to his co-pilot and said
"I could really use a blow job and a cup off coffee about now."

Some of the passengers laughed, including me, but Josie turned crimson and ran back toward the cockpit, as I yelled after her
"And don't forget the coffee."

"The pilot must really have things under control up there. Think he'll refuse us a tour of the cockpit?" I asked, turning back to Kate.


OOC: Yes, I know it's a cheap adaptation from GWH, but it's still funny. =)

 

[Tieta]

Leticia Castro...SuperModel!

Leticia Castro gripped the stainless steel sink with both hands and wished again she'd turned down this fucking assignment.
But Victoria's Secret still paid the bills and there were a few more blue chips she wanted in her portfolio before she left the runway.

The plane gave a sickening lurch and she nearly lost it.
Her curse was motion sickness and it was a big curse to carry around for a 'supermodel'.
She popped another dramamine and gave herself another once over in the mirror.
All business, hair swept back severly, gray suit, glasses even but it was hard to hide the voluptuous excesses of that world famous body that had stirred the hearts and raised the erections of men the world over.

Men....

A quick rapping at the door.
"Are you all right in there?"

It was that tall Eurasian stewardess who'd been so quick to
offer her a drink when she took her seat in first class.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine...coming out."
Leticia took a deep breath and opened the narrow door.

 

[phatcat]

*bump*

 

[whatsinanameuk]

I just hate the way Ace still refers to Flight engineers as navogators - that's all done for him by the computers! "Wanna know who keeps this bird flying? Yeh that's right - I do, and don't you forget it!"

Just as wel lhe doesn't have much to do on the flight deck as he's already started his banter on Emily. I like crewing with her - a proper team player and a gifted pilot. Sure, she didn't have the military pedigree of "Ace" but vitually born in a crop duster there's nothing she hadn't done in a plane - and I mean nothing!

Now, checking of the rountine checks on the kneeboard, scanning the panels in fornt of me - absorbed by the intricacy, everything in this graceful flying lady monitored to the last detail, laid out before me ... like ...

 

[mya]

Emily - Co-Pilot

Emily - co-pilot

OOC-divorced with no children, 36 y.o., 5’8" with long blonde waving hair, and blue eyes, 36 C-30-38

IC-
As I arrived for work, Ace greeted me with a handshake holding my hand warmly, a fraction of a second longer than customary perhaps as his eyes held mine. Ace had graced me with his presence once or twice before on a lay over between flights. The situation was one we both enjoyed and he’d certainly helped me retain my self esteem after my ex had left me for another man.

As we reached cruising altitude I flashed a smile at the Flight Engineer. I could see that Ace’s charm had back fired with him. Then again, Ace was much more tuned into the ladies—which was fine by me! I racked my brain trying to remember the Engineer’s name. (OOC—What’s your character name whatsinanameuk?)

My heart fluttered as Ace winked at me. "All yours sweetheart. Keep the tip up and your eyes on the ball." If my memory served correctly, he’d used those exact words in a hotel room in Alaska last month and I couldn’t help but flash my own smile and wink back to let him know I too remembered. And also true to what I knew of Ace, his attention turned to fulfilling his other appetites. "You know, I'm getting really hungry. When the Stewardesses finish serving dinner, would you ask the new one named Josie to bring us something to eat? I'd like to see if she has what it takes to be a stewardess on People's Airline."

"Sure thing Ace. But is it my imagination, or has the company cut back on flight crew? If we don’t get some service soon, you just might have to take control of the bird, and I’ll be forced to take care of your both your needs!" I included the Flight Engineer in my lewd grin. "One thing for sure, I’m kind of thirsty myself!"

I checked the instrumentation to ensure all was as it should be. I had a two day FAA sanctioned lay-over in Tokyo at the end of the flight, and I’d booked a week’s vacation on top of that. I was looking forward to kicking back and letting my hair down once we reached Toyko.

I continued to study the cock pit control panel before me. I frowned. "Ohoh," I began quietly and seriously, "Ace! I think you'd better come over here and take a closer look at this."

 

[whatsinanameuk]

Cecil, Flight Engineer

Ace handed over command to Emily, but clearly she didn't want him to leave the flight deck just yet, whatever he had in mind I think she does too, "... take a closer look at this" Yeh, right!

Noting down readings form the panel, checking fuel flow and center of gravity, a corner of my mind thinks of Emily and every other woman who has had that look - sort of interested, but in a way dismissive. As though I'm here yet not here. I think it's my name you know, I've never thanked my parents for it. In a way it's easier to warp myself up in the technology of flying and let others do the human bit. But I'd just like maybe once in a while for a woman to look at me the way they do at Ace.

Balancing fuel to rear feed tanks ...

 

[Eroticus]

Ace Harper - Pilot

I looked at my control panel and all readings were normal. I reset a few switches just to make sure. I got up and leaned over Emily and looked at her panel to see if her readings were different than mine. Speed, weight and altitude were all in good shape - no chance of a stall which was always a danger on the long fully loaded flights. One of her engine power readings was slightly off mine, but not enough to warrant any concern. I tapped it a few times.

“It’s nothing to be concerned with but we may as well not take any chances. Cecil why don’t you do a full system’s check on engine number 3. Just to be safe.”

When Emily looked up at me I saw what I interpreted to be a wicked and mischievous smile on her face. She was up to something which I had a feeling would lead to some inappropriate behavior in the cockpit. In fact, I was beginning to think that Emily had wanted me to take a closer look at something else besides her control panel and had a feeling she was about to show it to me. I stepped around the side of her seat with my hands on my hips. Her face was even with the crotch of my trousers and less than a foot away. I looked over at the “flight engineer”, although I still preferred the term navigator.

“Cecil, I think you’re about to discover why the motto of People’s Airlines is ‘Fly with a smile on your face.’ Make sure we stay on course while I take care of the co-pilot’s hunger pangs. She can’t fly on an empty stomach.”

I looked back down at Emily with a lewd grin on my face.

“Hungry? Thirsty? For tonight’s appetizer we’re serving tube steak with a rich cream sauce. Bone - Appetit.”

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Station Chief Thor

........as I idly leaned against the bulkhead opposite the rest room, my satellite phone vibrated. Although the FAA had a silly rule about wireless phones in flight, the Company ignored that - as well as many other rules. I quickly stepped into the vacant restroom and spoke......"hmmmm, name is 'Ace'....the PILOT, you are kidding......A former member of the Bader-Meinhof terrorist group....GSG-9 wants him too....OK"

I thought for a minute. The pilot, according to a double checked source, was really a sleeper for a terrorist group. He had somehow passed 'vetting' in the Air Force. There was no telling how many accomplices he had on board....especially in the crew. I was alone, but I was armed and had been whisked through security without notifying the carrier.

I thought for a few minutes and decided to bide my time. Bader-Meinhof members were not considered suicidal so the plan must be something other than using the plane as a weapon.

I opened the door and ambled slowly back to my seat....with the empty seat alongside. My ice blue eyes scanned everthing and everyone in sight, but nothing seemed amiss.