Was everything okay? No, nothing was okay. She glanced at her watch. 10:14 in the morning, 44 minutes until her scheduled takeoff time, and she hadn't even begun to process the morning's events. Another buzz.
This time, a calendar reminder. Call Robert at 10:15. Robert Chen was Cooper Technologies general counsel, her legal adviser and friend for 15 years. She had scheduled a pre-flight call to review final details of the Nexus systems acquisition. Diane took a deep breath and dialed his number.
Diane. Robert's cheerful voice filled her ear. Ready for your big day. The Nexus team is already assembled in San Francisco. They're eager to sign.
Dian's voice came out flat. Robert, I need you to prepare termination letters. Silence on the other end. Then carefully termination letters for whom? Dian's eyes fixed on Jennifer, who was pretending to organize supplies in the galley.
The entire crew of my aircraft. Captain Richards, the co-pilot, and both flight attendants, effective immediately. Robert's intake of breath was sharp. Diane, what happened? She told him every detail from Chuck at the security gate to Brian in the hanger to Jennifer at the cabin door.
Her voice remained controlled, professional, but Robert could hear the pain underneath. When she finished, Robert was quiet for a long moment. This is discrimination, he finally said. Clear-cut, documented discrimination. We could pursue legal action against the airport, against individuals involved.
Diane shook her head, though he couldn't see her. I don't want legal action against the airport. But I want my crew terminated today. Now, Diane, are you sure? Robert's tone was gentle.
This is a big decision. Captain Richards is an excellent pilot. I'm not defending what happened, but terminating the entire crew will impact your operations. Finding a new crew will take time. Dian's jaw set.
I'm completely sure this isn't about revenge, Robert. This is about standards. These people work for me. They represent my company. If they can treat their employer this way, how do they treat other people?
What does it say about Cooper Technologies? If I allow this behavior to stand, Robert sighed. You're right. I'll draft the letters immediately. Do you want to deliver them personally?
Email them to the crew while we're in flight, Diane said. Effective upon landing in San Francisco. I'll arrange alternative transportation back to Atlanta for them. Another pause. Diane, this is going to generate attention.