Morning arrived with sunlight streaming through the hotel windows, painting everything in warm golden tones that seemed to mock the darkness of what they'd learned.
Everyone gathered in the lobby, dressed in their black suits, which would allow them to blend in while having freedom of movement.
They left the hotel heading north toward the Mekhko Research Center. The plan was clear for them, to infiltrate during daylight hours when the Director was less likely to appear and explore the deeper levels they'd been unable to reach.
But as they moved through the streets, they blinked in surprise.
People filled the roads, setting up decorations in excitement. Reinhard saw colorful banners stretched between buildings, painted in vibrant reds, golds, and blues.
Vendors assembled stalls, their wooden frames creating temporary structures along sidewalks.
Musicians tested instruments, creating discordant notes that would eventually become coordinated melodies.
