Genetic Drift by Martin Schulte

anything.  
    Marcus chuckled, “I’ll see you in a bit,” he said as he wiped the tears running down his face from laughter.
    With two hours of the flight remaining, Marcus started to fidget in his seat.  The anticipation was getting the best of him.  A fresh and clean Okoye sat next to him with his head tilted forward, fast asleep.  Just as Marcus went back to reading the magazine on his lap, the plane shook and quickly descended.  Okoye woke up in shock and started to flail in his seat while Marcus gripped the armrests tightly.  The oxygen masks flung out of the overhead and the flight attendant came over the announcement system, “Can I have your attention please?” She paused slightly and then continued to speak, “The Captain has turned on the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign, please everyone, return to your seat.”  
    Luckily, everyone was already wearing their seatbelts and they were safe in the cabin, despite the trauma.  The flight captain shortly came over the announcement system, “Everyone, this is the Captain.  We have experienced a technical malfunction.” Marcus raised his eyebrows as if the captain didn’t need to state the obvious.  “We have just been cleared to make an emergency landing in Charleston, West Virginia.  Flight attendants, prepare for landing.”  
    Marcus guffawed in disbelief, “Great, just had to make this trip even longer…” he muttered disappointedly under his breath.  He lightly shoved Okoye’s shoulder to get his attention.  Okoye sat straight up with his eyes wide open and Marcus asked him, “If we can’t get home in six hours, do you just want to rent a car and drive home?”  
    Okoye didn’t want to wait to get back either, “Sure thing bro, anything to get back… I’m tired of traveling.”  Marcus knew that if there was the slightest delay that he had a backup plan now.
    The plane made its landing without a flaw in maneuvers as the pilot performed splendidly.  As the plane taxied toward the gate area, the flight attendant once again came over the announcement system, “I’m sorry folks, but due to required maintenance, we are not going to be able to continue this flight until tomorrow morning when a substitute jet arrives.  The airline apologizes and will compensate everyone the cost of the flight and will purchase hotel rooms for the night.”  After the announcement was over, Marcus activated the backup plan in his mind.  He and Okoye left the plane once it reached the gate and waited for their bags.  They waited next to the turnstile and the first batch of bags came through the conveyor.  Neither of their bags came through until the second round.  They quickly picked up their belongings and rushed to the rental car counter.  Once they got into the car, it would only be seven hours until they got home.
    After they were done at the counter, they had the keys to victory in Marcus’ hands.  With the plan finally in action, Marcus was confident enough to call his wife, “Baby, the plane had a malfunction and we had an emergency landing.”  
    Her voice was filled with fear and relief, “Thank God you’re alright!  When are you coming home?  Are they flying you out of there tonight?”  
    Marcus spoke with disappointment in his voice, “No, the plane is grounded…”  
    His wife started to plead with him, “Please, oh please, get on the earliest plane and get home,” and then she had an idea, “I am about tempted to come and get you myself!”  
    Marcus was quick to change her thought process as he spoke with excitement in his voice, “Baby, no need.  I got a car and I’m coming home tonight!”  
    Her squeal of happiness came across the phone.  “What time are you getting home then?” she asked with eager anticipation.  
    “It’s a seven-hour drive with gas stops. I’ll get there as soon as I can!” 
    The excitement continued to escalate in her voice.  “That’s so great.   Please hurry, but be safe and I will