The truth was soon revealed.
The entire party, a sham. Nothing but an elaborate ruse to get a few troublemakers to Central City without upsetting the general population. Afterall, a happy populace is a well-behaved populace.
In Keeper Mary’s case, the Guild found out about the malfunctioning indoctrination equipment weeks ago, deeming her actions traitorous against the Republic. She was branded disloyal and would be dealt with.
The children assigned to Boardinghouse #23 never noticed Keeper Mary’s disappearance. Keeper Alice filled in admirably. Even if the children did take note, they didn’t comment.
They had other things on their mind.
The Weekday One Hundred 