Taxiing for take-off in the driving rain, cabin staff busying themselves with safety checks and the last minute stowing of bags. Cross check for takeoff. It’s stormy outside and the flight promises to be a rough one, much like the board meeting earlier where they had thrashed out strategies to repel a second hostile takeover bid. Leaving the city, traffic was atrocious, but she got to the airport just in time, with even a few precious moments to spare in the serene executive lounge. Boarding was tedious, but not more so than expected. The third time on a plane today. Time for a gin and tonic – then only 12 hours home.