ZMP Sector 15 – 10:11 A.M. / 1611Z

                Ted looked at his radar scope, smiling at the Transways fourteen data block.  His mind started to drift to Sue and his vacation in Hawaii, but a radio call quickly brought his mind back to work.  After giving instructions to several aircraft, Ted realized that the V-Freight aircraft was still on a radar vector.
                “Vee-Freight eight seventy one, re-cleared direct Fort McCoy, traffic no longer a factor.”
                Art heard the instructions and responded, “Vee-Freight eight seventy one, cleared on course.  Thank You.”
                Art turned the Merlin toward Fort McCoy and reset the auto-pilot.  After the Merlin was back on course, Art looked out in the direction of Fort McCoy.  He could see that there were clouds forming in the Mississippi River area and spreading East toward the airport.  Art reached for the microphone to ask for a lower altitude, but, he could hear that the controller was busy.
                Ted spoke again to Sue’s flight.  “Transways fourteen heavy, due to crossing traffic, climb and maintain flight level three seven zero.”
                After receiving acknowledgement from Transways fourteen, Ted went on giving clearances to the numerous aircraft that were departing from the Minneapolis airport and entering his sector.
                “Northstar five, cleared on course, climb and maintain flight level three-three zero….Universal sixteen forty three, turn right direct….Northstar seven oh one, increase speed to mach point seven six….Transways three sixty seven, contact Chicago Center on….Jetstar four six Alpha, climb and maintain….”
                Ted scanned the scope constantly as the radar picture changed.  He looked at Transways fourteen’s data block as it appeared to stop it’s climb at flight level three-three point eight.
                Art was waiting for a break in transmissions, so he could ask for a lower altitude.  He was seventy five miles from Fort McCoy when he heard the call.