Possible Clues:

• Number turning up to get space on aircraft not through yet?
• Working hard, around for ages waiting for reply
• Like a frustrated caller or cargo deck passenger?
• Not progressing
• Temporarily not talking to someone, in a way
• Listening to Muzak, perhaps
• Postponed number going around vessel's cargo area
• Waiting to get through to someone?
• Listening to repetitive music, maybe
• Waiting to talk to switch support