I was once flying a northbound VC10 from ASI back to Brize with a pax load of pongos who'd been in the field in Gaberone for quite a while.
Timing was such that a southbound passenger TriStar and a northbound TriStar freighter were due within 30 min of eachother at around our planned departure time. ASI Ops' solution was to keep us and our pax on the ground until both TriStars had gone. To add to the fun, the Duty Mover booted off one of our RAFP (who'd looked after the aircraft at Gaberone) for a 'priority passenger' of her own. I asked whether he could go on the northbound freighter, to which she replied "He can go on the Herc"...
So I suggested that we should get out of their hair and leave before the TriStars. "What? - We'd never get all your passengers through in time". "Why can't you take them direct to the aircraft from their accommodation?", I asked. "Only if you personally vouch for them", came the reply.
So a word with the truly excellent SNCO in charge of his troops. Could he ensure that they'd all be ready, sober and fit to travel first thing in the morning, so that we could get them home 3 hours earlier than ASI Ops' solution? "Yes, SAH! No problem - they won't have more than two tins each tonight and they'll be on parade for the MT sharpish - SAH!".
And lo, that's what happened! Old school SNCOs are truly worth their weight in platinum
As for our RAFP? Well, after departure I spoke to the inbound passenger TriStar and asked if he could have a word with the captain of the northbound freighter to find a seat. Which is what happened - and he actually got home ahead of us having had a very enjoyable trip on the freighter, thanks to the 216 mates.
I love it when a plan comes together!