“We were out for forty-two years,” RJ announced bleakly. “There are still many unanswered questions, but it seems the radiation was more intense than estimated.”

Amy's eyes widened. “I can't believe the equipment is still functional after this much time. How many sleepers did we lose?”

“It seems we lost six or seven,” RJ said.

“Wow, I expected to lose more than that with the twenty-years. I know that sounds awful, but really it's very good statistics. How did the animals do?”

“I haven't checked on them yet,” RJ admitted.

The bag of IV fluids was almost empty so RJ shut off the flow and got the tape and gauze pads so she could remove the IV catheter from her friend's arm.

Once the catheter was out and the small bandage in place Amy tried to sit up again. She suffered some mild dizziness and nausea, but it seemed bearable.

RJ helped her to her feet, and Amy immediately grabbed the side of the gurney for support. They worked together to get Amy dressed, and then she sat on the side of the gurney for a minute or two before attempting to stand again, this time with more success.

“It will take you a few minutes to start feeling better. The more I've moved around, the quicker things have improved,” RJ explained.

“Where's Brad?”

“Considering the problems with waking up from the sleep, I figured it would be best to change plans and wake you first.”

“Makes sense.”

Amy moved to the wall and using it for support, she made her way to the sink, where she splashed cold water on her face a few times and rinsed her mouth out, spitting the water into the sink.

“Feel better?” RJ asked.

“A little, but still sick.”

“Yeah, it took me over an hour before I didn't feel like I needed to barf. Think you can walk?”

“Yeah. Where to?”

“Let's go to the command center. You can sit for a while, and we can go over some stuff,” RJ suggested.

Using RJ's arm for support, the two women walked to the control room. Once they got there, she slumped at a terminal and closed her eyes for several minutes.

“You okay?” RJ asked, leaning against the console.

“Yeah, it's getting better.” Amy noticed the weapon in RJ's leg pocket. “Why the gun?”

“When I first woke up and stumbled in here, there was someone already in here.”

“No way! Who was it?” Amy asked, sounding a little nervous.

“It was an old man, he looked terrible. I only got a brief look at him. I suspect it's Carter.”

“Dale Carter?”

“Yeah, there was a reactor issue twenty-nine years ago, and he was woken by the computers since Fitzpatrick couldn't open his capsule. From what I can figure, Carter never returned to his capsule. I've checked, and there's no sign that anyone has gained access to the mountain,” RJ explained.