Ker-Bump-Ker-Bump

You'll have to get off the control panel, says the captain.

Where shall I go? asks the tinker.

There's a seat behind us, says the co-captain. Sit on that.

The tinker hops down from the control panel and onto the seat.

Should we ask her to do up her seat belt? asks the co-captain.

She's too small, says the captain. It would be ineffective.

I could go under the seat, says the tinker.

Good idea, says the captain.

The tinker hops off the seat and slips underneath it.

The turbulence is beginning.

Ker bump ker bump, luuuurch, ker bump!

Yikes! says the tinker.

All under control, says the captain. I'll let the passengers know.

He turns on his intercom.

This is your captain speaking, says the captain. We're encountering some turbulence, but there's nothing to worry about. We're almost through it, and we'll shortly be landing in Changi.

Was that true? asks the tinker.

Of course it was true, says the captain.

Which part of the message concerns you? asks the co-captain.

Where's Changi? asks the tinker.

Singapore, says the co-captain. Which is where you'll get off.

But I'm going to Australia! says the tinker. You do know that?

That will be up to the airport authorities, says the captain. Be quiet please. We're preparing to land.

The tinker is quiet.

She envisions being led off to a special office in Changi airport. And left there.

What if they don't know she's endangered?

She might be allowed one phone call.

Then she'll call Gaius. He'll explain everything.

And it will be all right.

Bump. Whirrrrrr! The plane lands in Changi.

A long time passes.

The passengers are then allowed off.

Another long time passes.

A flight attendant pokes her head in.

Everyone's off! says the flight attendant.

The co-captain and captain pick up their jackets and hats.

And their flight bags. 

The co-captain looks under the seat for the Kroombit tinker.

Who is no longer there.