Good Flight

Ron settled in for a long international flight. High over the Pacific and six hours into the flight, reading made Ron tired. He put on his headphones, closed his eyes and leaned back unaware of the danger he was in.

Ron traveled for business so much he never had time for a family. He felt at home up in the air, his home away from home. Other than turbulence, Ron never had an unpleasant experience up in the air. And he didn’t expect any either. With his frequent flyer miles he was always treated like royalty. But there are some things the airlines cannot control.

Shortly after liftoff scientists issued a vortex warning. As you may recall, Earth has experienced vortexes recently, areas of null space that turn all mammal males into females nearly instantaneously. The scientists were not worried since the vortexes would strike somewhere in the Pacific Ocean before harmlessly drifting back out into outer space. The odds of a vortex hitting an airplane were very small.

But not impossible. While Ron drifted off to sleep his flight raced toward the approaching vortex cluster. Without warning a vortex passed through a small section of the plane. The plane did not shake or tremble. It was all silent. Even the pilots were unaware they were struck. Ron was the only passenger hit by the vortex. He felt nothing and kept sleeping.

When the flight neared its destination Ron awoke. He knew something was not right. It took him a few moments to realize what happened. True professional he is, he continued on his business trip closing the deal for his employer. He had his name changed to Shelly to make it easier for people he worked with. He still works massive hours and travels a lot. At least now he gets more opportunities for companionship.