The trio, still dumbfounded by how the situation turned out wasted no time as they hurried after the woman.
Upon entering, they found themselves in a small antechamber. To their left stood a door, likely leading to the expansive area where visitors normally congregated. Ahead, a staircase ascended, flanked by an elevator area adjacent to the first step.
The woman who had intervened earlier stood patiently by the elevator, awaiting its arrival. Her gaze settled on the trio, who struggled to conceal their lingering fear.
Their eyes darted nervously around the space, drinking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The woman's composed demeanor offered a measure of reassurance, but the guards' confrontation still lingered, casting a shadow over their fragile confidence.
"I was under the impression that your commencement date was Monday," the woman said. "What brings you here ahead of schedule?"
The trio remained quiet, hesitant to respond.
The woman's face transformed from curiosity to approval. "I suppose you're eager to get started. I commend your enthusiasm; keep up the excellent attitude."
However, her next question pierced the air, laden with expectation. "Where's the fourth member of your team? I recall you were assigned four personnel."
Rachael recognized the urgency to respond, and If she didn't act now, the suspicion would only intensify, jeopardizing their entire mission.
Her mature was voice was the trio's best hope to alleviate growing suspicion. Stepping forward, she nudged her cart closer to the woman.
"Unfortunately, he won't be joining us today due to personal reasons," Rachael replied, choosing her words carefully.
However, she wasn't careful enough. She's going to implicate them all.
The woman's eyebrows arched, seeking clarification. "He or...she?"
"I mean...she. Sorry for the mistake," Rachael swiftly said, her heart in her mouth.
The woman pondered momentarily, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "No matter. Welcome to NASA. I'm Grace, your guide and point of contact. I'll show you to your workstation now."
As the elevator arrived with a gentle ding, Mrs. Grace stepped inside and beckoned the trio to follow. Once they entered, she pressed the number 4, illuminating the button for the fourth floor. The elevator doors slid shut, enveloping them in an expectant silence.
"May I pose a question, Mrs. Grace?" Rachael inquired, breaking the short-lived silence, her gaze meeting the woman's.
Mrs. Grace nodded graciously, a faint smile hinting at her receptiveness. "Please, don't hesitate. What's on your mind?"
"How were you aware of our arrival?" Rachael asked. "As you mentioned earlier, our official start date is Monday. I wondered how you knew we're being questioned by the guards."
"A notification appeared on my computer screen indicating that the new employees were experiencing difficulties accessing their workplace," Mrs. Grace explained.
"By the way, why are you wearing nose masks already? You haven't even commenced your duties," she added.
"We're merely exercising caution. As cleaners, vigilance is essential," Rachael replied swiftly. "One more question, if I may. Do you have any idea who might have sent that message to you?"
Mrs. Grace paused momentarily before shrugging. "I assume it was from my superiors or possibly the Employee Relations Division," she replied. "Though I can't be certain, whoever sent the message undoubtedly have interest in you guys."
"Oh my goodness, it's Djuma!" Stefan whispered to Christina, his initial fear seemed to have dissipated, replaced by awe-inspired fascination.
Christina shook her head in disagreement. "That might be the last favor from Raymond," she whispered back.
The elevator's ding punctuated the tense silence, signaling their arrival at the fourth floor. Mrs. Grace stepped out, expecting the trio to follow.
"Listen carefully, team," she began. "The building has nine floors, each with its own dedicated cleaning team. From now on, you'll be responsible for the fourth floor's maintenance. Understood?"
The silence that greeted her was unsettling.
"Are you guys even listening to me?" she asked and turned back, expecting to see the trio behind her, but found no one.
"Where are they?" she muttered, her gaze darting to the elevator display. "The seventh floor?!"
Exasperation crossed her face.
"Why didn't they come out after me?" she grumbled as she frantically pressed the elevator key, but it was too late. The doors had already opened on the seventh floor.
"Impossible!" she hissed disdainfully. "That's a restricted area for them!"
Despite her stout frame, Mrs. Grace hastened to the stairs, taking the steps two at a time. Her urgency underscored the gravity of the situation.
"No, no, no!" she panted. "This can't be happening!"
Meanwhile, as the elevator doors slid open on the seventh floor, where Dr. Idris' office is located, Christina led the way out.
Their eyes locked onto the two NPS agents stationed outside Dr. Idris' office.
Christina took a deep breath to calm herself. "Stay calm, act natural. We're getting Djuma out, no matter what," she said to herself, but Rachael and Stefan were prompted to a simultaneous nod.
The trio grasped their cart handles and proceeded down the hallway. The NPS guards' menacing gazes halted them.
"What brings you here?" one guard growled.
"Do you guys clean twice in the morning?" the second guard chimed in. "Aren't you here a few hours ago?"
Fear flashed across the trio's faces as they trembled back.
"Dammit!" Stefan whispered.
Rachael swiftly summoned her courage and stepped forward.
"Dr. Idris personally requested our presence," she explained, her voice shaking. "He mentioned his office requires additional cleaning due to unforeseen circumstances."
"I believe there's been a miscommunication," one guard stated. "Dr. Idris strictly prohibits cleaners from entering his office. He handles the cleaning personally."
"We're done for," Stefan gasped. "What's the backup plan?"
"There's no Plan B, the only plan is to rescue Djuma, no matter the cost," she replied.
"Take off your nose masks, please," one of the guards commanded.
"You sounded... strange for some reason," the second guard said. "Hurry up and take off the masks."
Tension escalated with each passing second as the trio remained silent. The guards' suspicion now confirmed, one of them stepped forward to investigate.
The trio's was being suspected, and their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.
Stefan and Christina retreated a step, frantically thinking of an escape plan. But Rachael's feet seemed rooted to the spot, paralyzed by fear.
The guard approached her, his hand outstretched, poised to remove her nose mask.
"No! No! No! No!" Rachael's voice cracked, her desperation echoing through her mind.