Dr. Watson opened a document on her screen.
“My team has been gathering data since your story broke. In the last decade, Elite Jets and their partner companies have had zero Black board members.”
“Less than one percent of their executives are Black. Their client list is even worse.”
“And their treatment of employees is abysmal,” added James. “I’ve had several former Elite Jets workers reach out to me since this started.”
“The stories they’re telling...”
“That’s our angle,” Patricia interjected. “We gather these stories, document the pattern.”
“Show this wasn’t just one incident. It’s their entire business model.”
Alicia listened as her colleagues brainstormed strategy. These were people who had faced similar battles, who had built empires despite systemic resistance.
Their support meant everything.
“I can have my foundation fund an independent investigation,” offered Marcus. “Professional researchers, completely above board.”
“We’ll build an airtight case.”
“My legal team will coordinate,” Patricia added. “We’ll make sure everything is documented properly.”
“They’ll try to discredit any evidence we present.”
Dr. Watson straightened in her chair.
“The association can organize forums across the country. Let other executives share their experiences, show the scope of the problem.”
“And I’ll mobilize tech leaders,” said James. “We need to counter their digital attacks.”
“I know the best cybersecurity experts in the business. Black-owned firms they won’t expect.”
As they talked, Alicia’s assistant, Sasha, moved quietly through the room, taking notes and occasionally whispering updates in Alicia’s ear. The support staff at Rhodes Aviation was working late, implementing the new security measures and documenting financial records.
“We need to think bigger than just Elite Jets,” Alicia said during a pause in the discussion. “This is about changing the whole private aviation industry.”
“Breaking down barriers that have existed for decades.”
“Exactly,” agreed Marcus. “We turn this attack into an opportunity.”
“Show how their old boys’ network hurts innovation, limits growth, and ultimately costs them money.”
“Speaking of money,” Patricia added, “we should look at their investors. How many pension funds and institutional investors are unknowingly supporting discriminatory practices?”
“That could add real pressure.”
The discussion continued for another hour, crafting a comprehensive strategy. By the end, clear action items had been assigned.
Marcus would launch the investigation. Patricia would coordinate legal resources.
Dr. Watson would organize community outreach. James would handle technical support.
“Thank you all,” Alicia said as they wrapped up. “This means more than I can express.”
“We stand together,” Dr. Watson replied firmly. “They thought they could isolate you.”
“Instead, they’ve awakened a network they never knew existed.”
After the last screen went dark, Alicia sat back in her chair, processing everything. Sasha appeared with fresh tea and a stack of notes from the meeting.
“That went well,” Sasha said, arranging the papers on Alicia’s desk. “Did you see how quickly they all mobilized?”