As Eric approached, his heartbeat quickened. The captain guided him to the second floor and stated, "Surveillance and listening devices will be temporarily disabled for two hours."

With that, the captain turned and left.

Eric was taken aback—he hadn't expected the captain to be so fluent in his language.

Turning back, he calmed his excited heart.

Sylvia sensed someone's presence and remarked, "Don't worry. I won't run away. You don't need to keep an eye on me all the time."

Her words carrie