CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR - THE LINES WE CROSS

  "Alright, everyone," Nia began, looking around at the concerned faces. "I know we're all worried about these rumors, but we can't let it affect our work." Old Man Barnaby spoke up, his voice gruff with concern. "Easy for you to say, Nia. Some of us can't afford to lose this job." Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. Nia held up her hands, calling for quiet. "I understand, believe me," she said earnestly. "This job means everything to me too. But panicking won't help. We need to show them why we're invaluable." "How do we do that?" Helia asked, leaning forward. Nia smiled, a plan forming in her mind. "By doing what we do best, but better. Let's show them that this place falls apart without us. We'll document everything, track our efficiency, come up with cost-saving ideas. We'll make it impossible for them to consider cuts in our department." As Nia laid out her plan, she saw hope rekindling in her coworkers' eyes. By the end of the meeting, there was a new sense of p