Two days later.
They were told to show up at 7:30 a.m. No agenda. No slides. No pre-read.
Elena arrived first, as usual. She walked the floor without stopping, eyes moving over the taped lines that were slowly turning into walls. A few contractors were already inside, finishing conduit runs and closing access panels. The air smelled like dust, sealant, and fresh paint that hadn't cured yet.
Maria came in ten minutes later carrying a small hard case. She didn't greet anyone. She went straight to the service corner and checked that the tool lockers had locks that worked.
Victor walked in with a thin folder and a thicker expression. He scanned the room, then the doors, like he was counting exits.
Jun followed with two engineers behind him. They moved in pairs, quiet, already arguing in low voices about the best position for a test bench that didn't exist yet.
