"Stay Steady, Folks, We're Experiencing Some Air Turbulence."

by Stovohobo

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There was a small tremor as the nose of the plane wavered through the dense storm. Sheets of snow battered the windows along the cabin, and the pilot’s voice came over the loudspeaker.

“Stay steady, folks, we’re experiencing a little air turbulence.” There was a click. “I don’t know what I’m telling them. This plane should have never left the ground in this blizzard.”

The passengers stared at each other in disbelief. Apparently the pilot had not put the microphone totally in its holster. No response came from the co-pilot.

“Ma’am?” I said, gesturing to a stewardess. “I need a hard drink.”

She shook her head. “Not while we’re in turbulence.” She looked just a little less scared than the passengers.

In all of five seconds, the pilot cursed, the plane dipped threateningly, then rocked back and forth as if God was reaching his hand down through the snow clouds and using it for a baby rattle. The lights flickered and went out; oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling.

People screamed. So did Harriet.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. "Stay Steady, Folks, We're Experiencing Some Air Turbulence."

    Maleghast's Buddy Icon Maleghast

    Posted 6 months ago

    Oh Bravo! And thanks for writing a prequel :-)

    I particularly like the God and rattle riff – really evocative imagery there. applause

  2. "Stay Steady, Folks, We're Experiencing Some Air Turbulence."

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 6 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Lovely job giving a more concrete, grounded prequel to Maleghast’s stunned and disoriented piece. Hilarious bit with the intercom not quite turned off.

  3. "Stay Steady, Folks, We're Experiencing Some Air Turbulence."

    Tad Winslow's Buddy Icon Tad Winslow

    Posted 6 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Excellent story stovo. I fly frequently but will never feel comfortable during turbulance. I like how you make the passengers (and readers) feel uneasy through the captains mistake. And the way you reveal the condition of the weather and the reason to worry with dialogue is skillful and crafty.

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