A quarreling couple fight prejudice, physical attacks and bad air during an oppressive plane flight.

Excerpt from the story

U. S.  SCARE

All I wanted was to get home but the airline ticket clerk told me,  "I'm sorry, Sir, that will require a $50 change fee.  And, Sir"—she punches computer keys—"it's a a $266 dollar Ticket Re-issue, if you want to go on the earlier flight."

            "You mean, it's 50 dollars plus 266 to go on this fight?  It's only two hours earlier.  I was told I could fly standby on the shuttle."

            "Yes. But, no standby on this particular ticket, Sir.  It was purchased for connecting destinations." She ends with an inpatient twang in her voice, and examines her fingernail for good measure. "Do you want the change?"

            "Just to get there two hours early, forget it."  Then, I reconsider my approach with her, and say quietly:  "Look, can't you just get me on this flight?  They told me when I called I could fly standby on any of the shuttles.  You can't just slip me on...?  Please?"

            "No, Sir.  It won't work that way.  The whole ticket changes."

            "But, you really could just let me on this flight...if you wanted.  There are empty seats.  It's the same thing, can't you cut me a break? My family, my kids would really benefit and appreciate your understanding. It's the same thing...just two hours earlier."

            "Sorry, Sir."

            The thought of spending two hours at a New York airport wasn't appealing but I fought the temptation to throw a tantrum and stuffed back my anger, hoping it was destiny's way for me to meet a new woman or an old friend or someone that helps my career, or another useful way to spend the time.

            Instead, I told the clerk, "I'm sure if I was an important person you would do it."

            "Someone who was important would probably just pay the change fee, Sir," she replied with a wide patronizing smile.  I wanted to pick up the ticket counter and drop it on her flat head.

 Read the rest of U.S. Scare in the upcoming Fast Fiction FlightBook, Antigravity  

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