The group was led into one of the buildings, escorted by two Zairan soldiers—one in front, the other behind. They waited outside an office while one of the soldiers knocked and stepped inside. Seconds later, he returned and gestured for them to enter.
They walked slowly into the office where an officer sat behind a desk, waiting. Clad in full military uniform, the middle-aged soldier regarded them quietly. His dark chocolate skin stood out from the warm light of the room, and his large brown eyes followed them as they stood before him. Rising from his seat, he stepped around the desk and approached, giving the group a quick, assessing scan.
"Which one of you is Mr. Steel?" he asked, his deep voice cutting through the silence.
"I am, sir," Valtor replied firmly.
The officer's gaze settled on him, eyes narrowing with recognition. "The professor's heir," he murmured. "You are your father's spitting image."
"You've met him?" Valtor asked, surprised.
"Your father is a good friend to the president—and to the Zairan region as a whole. We've already been informed of your arrival and your purpose."
He turned to the rest of the team. "I'm Commander Joseph. You're all welcome to the humble lands of Zaire."
"Thank you, sir," they replied in unison.
Commander Joseph's eyes lingered on Orea, a small smile forming in understanding. "Welcome back home, child."
Orea nodded, smiling in return while her friends watched supportively.
Placing his hands behind his back, the commander continued, "I'm sure you're all tired from your travels. You'll be taken to your designated abode—your safety is guaranteed. But first, we need to inform the professor of your arrival." He glanced at Valtor, then turned and walked back toward his desk. Valtor followed after him.
Picking up a telephone from the wooden desk, the commander dialed a number, then handed it to Valtor.
"Best if he hears it from you," he said.
Nodding, Valtor accepted the phone and pressed it to his ear. He exhaled slowly as it rang.
"Commander?" his father's voice came sharply through the line.
Valtor froze for a heartbeat at the sound. "Dad," he finally responded.
There was hesitation on the other end. "Valtor?" Malcolm's tone rose, stunned.
"I'm here, Dad," Valtor said quietly. "We're all here. We made it."
"Oh.. oh my God." Malcolm exhaled, voice breaking. "That's… that's wonderful news. I'm so relieved, I don't even know where to start", he paused.
Valtor shut his eyes, listening as his father sobbed softly.
"It's so good to hear from you. I've really hoped for this day", Malcolm continued. "I'm so proud of you son"
Overwhelmed, Valtor turned away as tears threatened to spill.
"I'm proud of all of you," Malcolm added. "Alright… I'll be coming over later this morning to check on you."
"Okay," Valtor muttered.
"Till then… I love you, son."
"Love you, Dad," Valtor replied, handing the phone back to the commander.
He then moved quickly toward his friends, leaning his head on Orea's shoulder. She embraced him at once, stroking the back of his hair while the rest of the team gathered round him in support.
Driving to their designated safe area, the team couldn't help but stare out at the road. The darkness of dawn was softened by streetlights. Unlike Vatica's rigid, modern structure, Zaire's roads were surrounded by natural vegetation. Grasses and tall, well-spaced trees lined the tarred streets, with small brick houses nestled between them. The area carried a warm, welcoming feel.
Orea gazed in awe at the rows of colourful flowers gleaming beneath the lights as they passed a wide garden. A bright smile spread across her face.
After a long ride, the crew finally arrived at their destination. They looked at the small warehouse-like building ahead, tucked securely among towering trees.
"Follow me," the accompanying officer instructed.
Taking in their surroundings, the crew maneuvered through a warehouse setup, tiredly walking through what felt like endless rooms before being guided down a hidden door in the floor. Though small on the surface, it opened into a wide underground space — a compact home built belowground, carefully hidden from sight.
After showing them around, the officer turned back to the group. "Get some rest," he advised. "You'll have visitors later this morning, so you'll need it."
"Thank you," Valtor replied as the man saw himself out.
Too exhausted to move to their rooms, the crew dropped into the soft cushions in the living area. Sounds of relief filled the space.
"We're here, guys… we really did it," Valtor said, glancing around. His friends murmured in agreement, already drifting toward sleep.
Valtor sank deeper into his chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling as he let out the last of his tension. We're safe now, he repeated silently.
"Goodnight, everyone."
"Goodnight," the half-awake voices responded.
Valtor smiled — and finally drifted off to sleep.