Three hours at Gate 14

Shadow Aiko first. She's the calm one; keep her pace even and her lists crisp: "two options, one apology, no excuses." Then take Marcus's part. He starts in a panic and slows down as the plan forms. Let "This is a disaster" be big, and "One apology" be a small, tired laugh.

1. AikoMarcus, look at the board. Our flight's delayed. Three hours.
2. MarcusThree hours? Then we miss our connecting flight in Dubai.
3. AikoAnd the next one to Berlin gets in at two in the afternoon.
4. MarcusOur presentation is at ten. This is a disaster.
5. AikoLet's not panic yet. First, we talk to the airline desk about rebooking.
6. MarcusAnd then?
7. AikoThen we give the client a heads-up. Better they hear it from us tonight than wonder tomorrow.
8. MarcusWhat do we even say? "Sorry, we're stuck in Delhi"?
9. AikoWe offer two options. We present by video at ten, or we move it to four in the afternoon.
10. MarcusVideo from where? A hotel room?
11. AikoWorst case, from an airport lounge. The lounges in Dubai have quiet rooms.
12. MarcusI hate presenting on video. You can't read the room.
13. AikoI know. That's why I'd suggest four o'clock first. In person is better with a new client.
14. MarcusOkay. You call the airline, and I'll write to the client.
15. AikoDeal. Keep the email short. Two options, one apology, no excuses.
16. MarcusOne apology. I was going to write three.
17. AikoWrite one. They're people too. Everyone's been stuck at an airport.