The Woman looked around the cabin.
There were multiple empty seats.
“Why should I?”
The Pilot glanced toward the Wealthy Passenger.
Then leaned closer.
“Because I don’t want a disturbance before departure.”
The Woman almost smiled.
“There wasn’t one until she demanded my seat.”
The Wealthy Passenger stepped closer.
“This is exactly what I meant. She’s being difficult.”
The Woman turned toward her.
“I’m sitting quietly.”
“You’re creating unnecessary tension.”
“I haven’t moved.”
The Pilot interrupted.
“That’s enough.”
His voice hardened.
The Woman studied him.
He had made his decision.
Not from policy.
Not from safety.
From convenience.
He had identified the passenger he believed would be easier to push.
Unfortunately for him, he had chosen incorrectly.
The Pilot pointed toward the rear cabin.
“Take your bag and move.”
“No.”
The answer was quiet.
That made him angrier.
“Excuse me?”
“I said no.”
The Wealthy Passenger gave a disbelieving laugh.
The Pilot stepped closer.
“This is my aircraft while I’m in command.”
That sentence interested the Woman.
She repeated it.
“Your aircraft?”
“Operationally, yes.”
“Interesting.”
“Stand up.”
The Woman remained seated.
The Pilot reached toward the flight folder carried beneath his arm and slammed it onto the empty seat beside her.
“Get up. Move to the back before I have you removed from my aircraft.”
The cabin went completely quiet.
Even the Wealthy Passenger seemed surprised by the volume.
The Woman slowly closed her book.
Then she reached down and zipped the outer pocket of her backpack.
“Your aircraft?”
The Pilot pointed toward the aisle.
“Yes.”
The Woman looked directly at him.
“You should’ve checked who signed its purchase order.”
The Pilot's expression shifted for an instant.
Then arrogance returned.
“I don’t care who you think you know.”
He struck his palm against the seatback.
“One more smart remark and you’re off this flight.”
The Woman reached into her backpack.
“Perfect.”
She removed her phone.
“Call operations.”
The Pilot laughed.