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often?”
“This is my first time in Mr. Jones’s suite. I’ve been providing members of his family some firearms training.”
“I’ve caught a couple of episodes of Top Shot ,” said Colton. “Six years is a pretty good run.”
“Thanks,” smiled Donaldson with a tip of his beer. “I was thrilled with the opportunity that the History Channel gave me. Between the various challenges and the variety of contestants, I have the chance to provide decent entertainment for their viewers while informing people about the safe use of firearms at the same time.”
Colton polished off his sandwich and chased it with the last of his IBC. He thought about the raging debate in America over the ownership of guns and the Second Amendment. Colton believed in and supported the Constitutional right to bear arms. He was also convinced that guns didn’t kill people but, rather, people killed people. Like most Americans, however, he hated to read about mass shootings and the deaths that resulted. As an emotional issue, the debate created a political divide in the country, which Colton tried to avoid. Politics and business didn’t mix very well.
“Well, congrats, Colby,” said Colton. “You’ve really parlayed your appearance on Survivor into something great. Your success takes initiative, which can’t be taught in school. Keep it rollin’!”
“I will. It’s nice to meet you,” said Donaldson, who suddenly turned his attention to the television monitor showing CNN. “Dadgummit! I’m supposed to fly to Anchorage in the morning for filming.”
The monitor contained closed-captioning of a reporter discussing a breaking news announcement from the FAA. Colton pushed his way past the overstuffed leather chairs to get a better look at the details from the report.
CNN’s headline read Geomagnetic Storm Warning . Colton considered turning up the volume to hear the details, but only he and Donaldson were watching. The closed caption would have to suffice.
“ The FAA, after receiving reports from NOAA, has redirected dozens of flights that were routed from Alaska to some of the northernmost regions of Canada. All flights scheduled to fly across the north pole have been rerouted.
“ NOAA advised the FAA that one of its satellites witnessed an ultraviolet flash from a solar eruption and data indicated it to be a C-class solar flare. Although relatively common, the FAA felt it was necessary to reroute the flights out of an abundance of precaution.
“ Stay tuned to CNN for further updates. ”
A voice interrupted Colton and Donaldson as they watched the report. “We knew that some of the Air Canada flights would be affected by this,” said Martin Hart, a sitting member of the American Airlines board of directors and also a guest of Jerry Jones. “Several airlines didn’t fly polar routes today, and we adjusted the flight pattern of a few of our flights as well.”
Colton turned to greet the man. “I’m Colton Ryman,” he said, extending his hand.
“Marty Hart, I’m on the board of AA.” He shook Colton’s hand. “How’re you, Colby?”
“Fine, sir,” replied Donaldson as the men exchanged handshakes. “Will my flight to Anchorage be affected?”
“Probably not. We’ll take a more southerly route on most flights as we continue to monitor the situation. These solar flares happen all the time. Most of them are G1 or G2 storms which usually accompany a C-class solar flare like this one. But even the G2s can impact low Earth satellites, radio comms, and cause navigation issues. We adjust accordingly.”
“That’s good,” said Donaldson. “I was supposed to fly out this morning but chose to hang out with you guys. My friends at Pilgrim Studios would turn me into a range target if I missed that flight.” The men laughed, but Colton turned his attention back to the television monitor.
The advisory scrolled across the bottom of the screen. He was due to fly home on Friday morning after the football game,