July 9th, 8 PM.
An Airbus A330 pierced through the dark clouds, its lights flickering as it entered Mexican airspace.
The pilot received a radio call:
"This is the First Flying Battalion of the Northern Mexico Military District. I am Commander Gerhard Barkhorn, ordered by the National Palace to escort you. Welcome, Minister Malcolm Rifkind!"
The pilot of the Airbus A330 picked up the aviation intercom and expressed some thanks before hanging up, signaling the co-pilot to inform the leader.
On the plane sat British Defense Minister Malcolm Rifkind, a British Conservative Party politician and a Member of Parliament for Kensington. A seasoned politician who served as a minister in the Cabinets of Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, including as Secretary of State for Scotland.
Wearing glasses and reading a newspaper, he saw the crew member trot over to relay the message from the Mexican Air Force.
