"Excuse me... sir? Ma'am? Would you please step this way?" The TSA agent beckoned to the newlyweds. "Random security check."
"Random my ass." grumbled the young man.
"Quiet, honey. I'm sure it's nothing." said his bride calmly.
The agents began rummaging through their luggage, carelessly tossing aside expensive jewelry and silk garments.
"It's because we're Arabic, isn't it?" said the young man accusingly.
"Aladdin!" his wife scolded.
"I know you've been sheltered all your life sweetie, but this is how the world is." Aladdin said irritably.
"Sir, would you mind explaining what this is?" the agent pulled out a spouted brass pot. "A gravy boat?"
"It's a lamp." Aladdin said tersely.
The agent shook it "Is it empty?"
"No, but-"
"I'm gonna have to confiscate this. No liquids over three ounces aboard the aircraft." The agent casually tossed the lamp into a bin.
"Be careful with that!" Aladdin grabbed the lamp and the agent tried to snatch it back. Instantly smoke poured onto the concourse.
"Security alert! POssible bomb in corridor E!" Sirens wailed and panic struck the line of travelers.
"Master!" Boomed an ominous voice through the smoke. "What is your will?"
"For the love of Allah!" moaned Aladdin.
"What the hell is that?" asked the frightened TSA agent.
"It's my genie." Aladdin explained. "he lives in the lamp."
The agent slowly pulled out her mobile phone and snapped a picture of the ethereal being. "You're gonna have to buy an extra ticket for him."
