The trio stood before the imposing NASA headquarters, their gazes fixed on the building that had captured their friend.
"How are we going to get inside without being thrown out?" Rachael asked, her eyes drifting to the spot on the street where Djuma had been captured.
Meanwhile, Stefan's gaze was drawn to the rooftop, the source of the unsettling events from the previous night.
"What is this place, anyway?" Stefan asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"It's NASA—National Aeronautics and Space Administration. They're a government agency made up of astronauts, scientists, and engineers, focused primarily on research and space exploration."
Stefan and Rachael flinched in surprise, their eyes snapping back to Christina. "How did you know that?" Stefan asked.
"You're kidding, right?" Christina replied. "With my dad as the chief scientist here, it'd be ridiculous if I didn't know."
"Of course. And you can't enter the building dressed like that," a familiar voice interrupted their conversation.
The trio turned to face the speaker and saw a suited figure of an NPS agent approaching them with purpose.
"Raymond!" the trio exclaimed in unison.
"What brings you here?" Stefan inquired.
"He works here. Have you forgotten?" Rachael reminded him.
"Oh, that's right," Stefan said, folding his arms.
"You coward!" Christina exclaimed. "How could you abandon us last night in the face of danger?"
"As if I invited you to get into a dangerous situation in the first place," Raymond scoffed. "I'm alive and kicking, thanks to my ability to stay out of your harebrained schemes."
"And we're what? Dead?" Stefan retorted.
"You can't compare yourselves to me," Raymond said. "You may no longer be minors, but you all have influential parents. You'll get through whatever you do. It's your friend you're saving, not mine."
"And so?"
"That's not the case for me. One mistake could put me behind bars—or if I'm lucky, I might just lose my job."
"I'm the only one left for my mother; I can't let her live in this dangerous world alone." His gaze swept over the trio's attire, and a lopsided grin spread across his face. "You really think you can get through those doors dressed like that?"
Christina rolled her eyes. "Why do you care? Did we ask for your help?"
"Aren't you here to rescue your alien friend?"
The trio exchanged stunned glances.
"How did you..."
"Trust me, I'd prefer to stay out of this, but I'm cornered. If I don't cooperate, I'll face consequences—losing my job would be the least of my worries; my life could be on the line."
His words left the trio wondering what Raymond knew and what his true intentions were.
Raymond checked his wristwatch, noting the time: 8:31 a.m. "Follow me; we're running out of time," he said, striding toward the building's underground garage.
Christina, Stefan, and Rachael stared at each other for a moment before reluctantly trailing behind him. As they caught up, they walked alongside him.
"Do you guys have a plan?" Raymond asked, ensuring they were within earshot.
Christina shrugged nonchalantly. "We go in, rescue our friend, and get out. What more do we need?"
Raymond halted abruptly, his face grim for a moment. "Dear lord, are you guys kidding me?!" He burst into laughter, shaking his head. "Seriously? You think it's a cakewalk?"
His amusement faded, replaced by a serious tone. "Every room, office, corridor, elevator, and staircase is equipped with CCTV cameras. There are nine floors, each with about eight NPS agents. And you're going in without a plan?"
"If you have a better plan, please share it. We desperately need any help," Rachael insisted.
Raymond went silent, his eyes scanning the garage. He led them toward a sleek black van parked in the shadows.
Without a word, he unlocked the van and slid open the side door, revealing an array of high-tech gadgets and equipment.
The trio exchanged hopeful glances, sensing that Raymond might be more invested in their mission than they initially thought.
Raymond stepped into the van and closed the door behind him, leaving Christina, Stefan, and Rachael outside, enveloped in uncertainty.
"What's he planning to do? Shouldn't he at least brief us on his strategy?"
"Let's not rush him, Christina. He's willing to help, after all."
Stefan's furrowed brow reflected his lingering doubts.
"Something doesn't add up. He didn't witness last night's events. I distinctly remember him leaving before everything unfolded," he said. "But how did he know we're here for Djuma?"
"He likely knows about Djuma's capture. He works in the building, after all. We're the only ones Djuma can trust, right?"
Stefan's concerns persisted.
"Yes, that's true. But why do I feel like Raymond's withholding information?"
"I have the same feeling," Rachael agreed. "Everything seems too well-prepared, as if it was planned beforehand. I'm starting to question whether Raymond is trustworthy."
Just then, the van's door slid open, and Raymond emerged, his expression unreadable.
"Think what you want," he said. "I've already told you – I'm doing this to stay alive. My motives aren't altruistic; it's self-preservation."
He produced neatly folded uniforms from the van and handed one to each member of the trio.
"Go to the back of the van and put these on," he instructed, gesturing toward the van's rear. "It's our new plan. We need to move quickly."
Stefan took the uniform and examined it. "What kind of outfit is this?"
Rachael frowned as she unfolded hers, her expression changing from hope to disappointment. "You can't be serious..."
"For real? With all the equipment and gadgets in the van? We're going in disguised as cleaners!?" Christina said, frustration evident in her voice as she shot daggers at the uniform.
"Wait a minute. Are you thinking of going inside as an assassin or instigator of chaos? What did you expect to do with all the equipment and gadgets?"
Christina rolled her eyes, irritation clear on her face as she glared at Raymond.
"It's NASA we're dealing with, guys—one of the most secure facilities in the country," Raymond emphasized, his tone underscoring the gravity and complexity of their mission. "You can't reasonably expect us to infiltrate the premises and rescue your friend as if we're invisible. That's simply not feasible."
He paused, surveying the trio. "This plan, though unorthodox, is better than the nonexistent strategy you had in place. Now, let's get moving. Please proceed to the van's cargo area and change into your disguises."
With a sweeping gesture, Raymond invited Stefan to enter the van through the sliding door. Though hesitant, the trio complied, each entering through a different entrance while Raymond remained outside, vigilant.
Minutes passed, and the van's side door slid open once more. Stefan emerged, now transformed into a convincing NASA cleaner, complete with uniform and accessories.
Almost simultaneously, the rear door swung open, revealing Christina and Rachael, similarly attired.
"Wow! The cleaner uniforms really bring out the best in you all," Raymond remarked, sarcasm lacing his voice as he wore a mock grin, which only served to irritate Christina and Rachael. The girls shot him contemptuous glances and hissed in unison.
"Are we ready to proceed?" Stefan inquired.
"Oh, wait a minute..." Raymond said as he reached into the driver's seat. He produced three mask covers and distributed them among the trio. "Ensure your faces are fully concealed. We can't risk facial recognition compromising our mission."
With the masks securely in place, the group was now poised to embark on their daring rescue operation, disguised as harmless cleaning personnel.
"If confronted by guards, you'll be the one to speak," Raymond said to Rachael. "Your voice has a slightly masculine tone, which might help avoid raising suspicion."
Rachael nodded, and Raymond reached into his back pocket, producing three identification cards. "You'll need these to gain entry," he said, distributing the IDs among the trio.
Their eyes widened in astonishment as they examined the cards, which bore their names and images.
"What the hell!?"