Overton raised a brow but didn’t speak. He was too exhausted to ask any questions. Besides, he didn’t need a long, drawn-out explanation of how the machine worked, so long as it did.

“Biome 1 is secured,” Overton said.

“Then the Biosphere is our home for the foreseeable future,” Sophie said.

Emanuel braced himself against the chamber wall and crossed his feet. “Sergeant Overton, I ask this question with all due respect. Have you reconsidered your idea of a counterattack?”

The words seemed to slap Overton in the face. His tired eyes widened and his ears perked up like a dog sensing a predator. He ran a hand over his freshly shaved head. “Since you didn’t accompany us on our last trip through hell, I’m not going to take that as a personal attack.”

“And you shouldn’t, Sergeant, but—”

Overton took his hand off his shiny skull and raised a single finger to stop Emanuel in midsentence. “It’s much worse out there than I thought. We only found two more survivors: Jamie, and a civvie named Luke who we got the RVM from. And he’s dead now. So are Private Finley and Mr. Yool.” Overton paused to shake his head.

“We didn’t see any other survivors. Got that? No soldiers, no kids. Nothing. From what Luke said, most of the other survivors were killed by the creatures hours after the initial stages of the invasion. I’m sure there are others out there, but we are cut off. There is no intelligence to indicate the military, NTC, or any government still exists. I believe . . .” Overton faltered for the first time since Emanuel had met him. “I believe we are on our own.”

The words lingered in the air for several moments. Finally, Holly kissed Jamie and Owen on their cheeks and began herding them out of the mess hall. “Come on, time for bed,” she whispered. They didn’t protest and slugged toward the first two rooms of the personnel quarters. Before they disappeared down the passage Holly turned, “Don’t worry, I’ll watch them tonight,” she said, managing a smile. “But tomorrow I’m sitting down with all of the staff members to discuss recent events. Sophie, you’re going to be first,” she said sternly.

Sophie frowned, but agreed with a simple motion of her hand before changing the subject. “With Alexia’s security systems back online and Biome 1 secured, I’m going to suggest we all get some sleep. We can discuss strategy in the morning.”

Overton nodded. “Bouma, you and I will trade watch shifts tonight here in the mess hall.”

“Yes, sir,” Corporal Bouma said, his back stiffening.

Sophie pulled herself off the bench and joined Emanuel by his side. “Thank you for everything, Sergeant Overton. I’m truly sorry for the loss of Private Finley. He seemed like a good man. A good Marine.”