Christina couldn't fathom how Rachael had managed to get any rest the previous night, considering her own restless night spent worrying about Mike's safety.
Christina's head shook slowly, her expression reflecting Rachael's sorrow and apprehension. "I spent the entire night attempting to reach him, but all efforts proved abortive," she admitted, her voice laced with concern.
Stefan and Rachael released a synchronized sigh of disappointment, their faces etched with worry.
"Then we have no alternative," Stefan declared, his eyes locking onto Christina's with determination. "Djuma needs our assistance now more than ever. He's our only hope to locate and safeguard Mike. We must rescue him from your father's captivity."
Stefan's voice conveyed urgency. "God knows what your father would do to him if he remains there any longer. We cannot afford to waste another moment."
"Yeah, I'm aware," Christina replied, her resolve evident. "That's precisely why we're playing truants today. We're going to help Djuma escape from my father's grasp."
"Let's head to my father's office," she directed. "Djuma should be in his laboratory."
Rachael and Stefan nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. They cautiously scanned their surroundings, ensuring they weren't being surveilled.
After confirming they were alone, the trio set off for the NASA headquarters, their hearts racing with anticipation and concern.
"Are you familiar with the building's layout and security measures?" Stefan asked as they walked toward the nearby bus stop.
Christina shook her head. "I've only been there a few times, I don't know anything about it. However, we need to be cautious. My father has state-of-the-art surveillance."
Rachael's grip on her backpack tightened. "We'll handle it. We just have to save Djuma and get out of there."
Their resolve strengthened with each step, they ventured to the NASA headquarters, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
*****
At the NASA headquarters, Lara entered John's office and greeted him with a respectful bow. "I heard you summoned me, sir?" she inquired.
John nodded, maintaining a keen gaze. "Yes, I need an update on Dr. Idris's findings from experimenting on that monster. Is there anything significant I should be aware of?"
Lara composed herself before responding. "Approximately two hours ago, the entity regained consciousness after the sedatives Dr. Idris administered last night. Notably, it has remained silent since awakening."
She paused momentarily to collect her thoughts, ensuring accuracy. "As observed last night, we verified that intense light environments severely impede its vision. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight noticeably weakens its strength, and it appears vulnerable to conventional weaponry."
John rose from his chair, his interest piqued. "I must witness this firsthand to confirm," he stated, reaching for the door.
Lara's expression turned cautious. "Are you certain you're prepared to face him in your current state, sir?" she asked.
John turned back, his eyes demanding clarification. What do you mean by 'my current state'?" he demanded, his brows furrowed.
Lara rephrased her concern. "I mean, considering your emotional investment, seeing him will only intensify your exasperation. Can you truly confront him?"
John's response was resolute. "I'll know when I get there."
With that, he exited his office, Lara following closely behind, her concern evident in her stride.
They ascended to the upper floor via the elevator, destined for Dr. Idris's office and personal laboratory. Unlike the main NASA laboratory situated in the building's basement, Dr. Idris's esteemed position warranted a private lab adjacent to his office.
As the chief scientist of NASA, Dr. Idris boasted an impressive thirteen-year tenure, marked by groundbreaking discoveries and achievements. His remarkable accomplishments earned him distinction among peers, culminating in his elevated rank and the privilege of a personal laboratory.
Stepping out of the elevator on the seventh floor, John proceeded down the hallway. Approaching the end, he halted before the last room on the left. Two imposing guards stood sentinel at the door, acknowledging John and Lara with a nod as they approached.
The door bore the bold, capitalized inscription: 'Dr. Roland Idris.' John pushed open the door and entered, leaving it ajar for Lara to follow.
As Lara trailed behind, the guards resumed their vigilant stance, their eyes scanning the corridor. The soft hum of machinery and muted conversations drifted from within Dr. Idris's office, hinting at the pivotal work unfolding within.
Upon entering the room, John observed Dr. Idris's two fellow researchers deeply engrossed in their tasks. One, a middle-aged man with a worn expression, scribbled notes in a jotter, his brow furrowed in concentration. The other, likely in his late sixties, sat transfixed by the computer screen before him, his eyes scanning lines of data.
Oblivious to John's arrival, the researchers continued their work, prompting John to clear his throat to announce his presence.
Beyond the researchers, a crisp white door bore the unmistakable signature of Dr. Idris's main office.
At the left side of the spacious room was a transparent, reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) enclosure, the glass room stood fifteen feet wide and twenty feet long, its ten-foot-high ceiling disappearing into the fluorescent glow above.
Its transparent walls and ceiling allowed clear viewing. The floor was silver-coated, reflecting soft blue-green light.
The room controlled temperature, air, and light for its extraordinary occupant - Djuma. Special lights adjusted for different experiments, casting an unusual glow on the his pale skin.
Equipment monitored the alien's vital signs, behavior, and attempts to communicate. Security scanners and motion detectors protected the glass room.
The researchers' custom chairs sat beside the control panel, displaying vital signs and research notes in mid-air.
The researcher jotting down notes lifted his head, his eyes crinkling into a warm smile. "Hello, Mr. John. How are you doing today?"
John's acknowledgment was perfunctory, his attention already drawn to the transparent glass room. Djuma, the enigmatic entity, paced within, his movements fluid and deliberate despite the bright lighting.
John's gaze locked onto Djuma, his expression grim. He took measured steps toward the glass room, his focus unwavering.
"Has he spoken?" he inquired, his voice low and urgent.
Mr. Benjamin, the researcher who had greeted John, shook his head. "Not a sound, sir. He's remained quiet and unresponsive since regaining consciousness."
John's eyes never left Djuma. "However," Mr. Benjamin continued, "it appears he's aware of our presence through the glass."
"What? With his eyes closed?!" John exclaimed, incredulity etched on his face. "How is that possible?! The glass room is soundproof, isn't it?"
Mr. Sawyer, the second researcher, nodded. "Yes, it is. But I believe he's able to sense our presence due to his extraordinary ears. I've never encountered such a phenomenon in my seven-year career."
John's interest piqued, he pressed closer to the glass, observing Djuma's deliberate movements. The entity's pacing seemed almost anticipatory, as if awaiting someone or something.
Just then, a familiar voice emerged from behind. "Have you obtained the test results?"
John turned to his right, and Dr. Idris stepped out of his office, his expression a mix of surprise and unwelcome.
"Good morning, sir," John greeted, attempting to mask his tension.
Dr. Idris's gaze narrowed. "What brings you here, Mr. John?" His tone conveyed a hint of annoyance.
Without waiting for John's response, Dr. Idris continued, "I believe your presence is unnecessary. I cannot risk losing our test subject to your uncontained emotional outbursts."
John's expression darkened. "Are you suggesting I don't have the right to be annoyed?" His voice carried a subtle threat.
Dr. Idris's expression remained firm. "Your anger is justified, trust me. However, you mustn't let emotions cloud your judgment. You would have jeopardized everything if I hadn't intervened last night, preventing you from attacking the entities."
Dr. Idris's words served as a stark reminder of John's precarious emotional state. The tension between them was palpable, underscoring the conflicting priorities of science and emotion.