Last night at the Mega International Group Headquarters, the boardroom atmosphere was tense. The stakes were high, and everyone knew it.
"After carefully studying the situation at hand, we've come up with negotiating with the pirates.
The lives of the crew on board M/V Serene are in immediate danger, and the longer we wait, the more remarkable that danger becomes," Jeff explained to the Board of Directors, his tone serious.
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "I will need a volunteer to act as the negotiator.
Unfortunately, I cannot go myself." He kept the real reason to himself, knowing that his wife would never forgive him if he put himself in harm's way.
"So, who will volunteer?" Jeff asked, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of willingness.
The boardroom fell into a heavy silence. No one moved. The directors exchanged nervous glances, but no hands were raised. The risk was too significant, and everyone knew it.
