In article . net,
"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote:

"Roy Smith" wrote in message
...

It's bizarre that he should even ask this, but don't let it get to you.
The only thing I can think of is he suspects you're in some kind of
trouble and is trying to figure out if he should handle you as an
emergency. Tell him something that'll make him happy, and get on with
flying the airplane. Tell him you're diverting due to weather. Declare
minimum fuel if you think it'll make a difference. If he's not taking
the hint, just tell him straight out what you need, "Request clearance
to Podunk Municipal and vectors to the ILS". If he's still not taking
the hint, request immediate clearance.


I wouldn't tell him anything that isn't true.

Neither would I, but the OP said "I realized I might have to reverse
course to escape, but did not have enough fuel to get home for sure."

It may not quite fit the AIM definition of "Minimum Fuel", but anytime
you can say "escape" and "not have enough fuel" in the same sentence,
that sounds close enough to me.