The team files out of the elevator on the tram station level. To call them a subdued bunch would be to be a vast and unforgivable lie.

Despite the aches and pains, the exhaustion and sore muscles, and the overwhelming sense that they have taken one step forward and run a mile in reverse, the group that heads to the tram station platform is optimistic, cheerful, and ready to hand over the work to the next shift.

“What do you think they’ll get up to?” Tsim asks the group in general as they wait for the train to arrive.

“Before or after they complete the bio-hazard containment protocols out in the spin?” Tiphanie gives a slow smile in response.

“Oh, I imagine they will get the vacuum robot’s closet perfectly tidied.” Amina takes up the conversational torch next, poking fun at the third shift. They can see the lights on the front of the tram as it crests the arc of the station down the tube. “Maybe change out a few dust bins.”

“They’ll probably get themselves a nap and a nice, two hour long lunch break in there too.” Markos yawns involuntarily and rubs an eye.

“Bets on whether or not they even leave this level?” Tiphanie offers, waving her clipboard conspiratorially. “Anyone?”

“No bet,” Tsim answers. “They’ll probably leave everything right here to wait for us to complete it ourselves on the next rotation.”

The tram hisses as the magnetic coils force it to a stop. The doors to the little train glide open efficiently, and the next crew stands in expectant silence at the threshold.

Their uniform coveralls are spotless. They carry clean tools and behind them rests stacks of metal and plastic panels. They’ve arrived with the material needed to repair the damaged floors. Their expressions are a tightly controlled nervous neutral.

“Did she make it?” Amina asks, before anyone can say a single word of greeting.

“She did,” the crew’s project manager answers, looking up from his clipboard with a kind smile. His dark eyes glisten with unshed tears.

“You have all done outstanding work,” the project manager continues, not actually needing to read from his clipboard, but glancing down at it frequently to avoid the panicked gaze of the fresh team on the job. “You completed tasks that were never supposed to have needed to be done. The company is happy to extend special hazard pay to all of you.”

The four remaining members of the Feisty Fossas breathe a sigh of relief and cheer the good news of their fellow’s survival.

“We really can’t thank you enough for having accomplished so much in the face of such adversity. I’ve been keeping up with your ticket submissions. You really have accomplished more in your few short hours than any team normally faces in weeks. Because of this, management has decided to prioritize this sector. We’re bringing on a second set of teams to continue through another shift and will have twice as many people to work on this area at a time.”

“So we managed to beat the Busy Buffalo’s record?” Markos has a personal stake in those results.

“By one,” the new project manager answers, not entirely certain why this particular statistic would matter.

Tsim and Markos share a grin. Better by one is all that counts.

The Feisty Fossas collect their gear, heaving lightened cases of tools and simple supplies back onto the tram for the return shift. They pass off their report of the list they have built for what needs to be done in the next shift.

They take seats on the tram. Trying to keep himself from falling asleep and missing his stop, Tsim paces along the train car. Tiphanie queues up her favorite commuting audio drama and disconnects from the stress of the day. With fumbling, bandaged fingers, Amina sends an appointment request to the employee clinic to see a doctor.

Markos sends messages to Adah, offering to keep her in his prayers while she recovers.

And in 24 hours, they will return again. And hopefully their next rotation will be a dull one.