“That’s above my pay grade,” she said, slightly ruefully. “I just do what my government tells me to.” Government. She could see the word sinking its barbs in, the implications flowering in the pilot’s imagination. “There is a diplomatic situation. Once it is resolved we will return you, your passengers, and your aircraft to your original destination, with apologies. You are not hostages and we will provide compensation for delays and damage in accord with the terms of the Montreal Convention.”
