The satellites had been designed for the sleepers and built with exceptional radiation shielding. They were to use minimal power and orbit, waiting for a signal from the sleepers, at which time they would jettison the heavy radiation shielding and fully power up. They would be available for observation and communications. They were launched just 1 week before the comet passed the Earth.

“While you're doing that, we'll head down to the engineering level. Are you ready to move yet?” she asked Brad.

“Yeah, I should be okay.”

She helped him up, and they slowly left the room. At the health center, they acquired the same gurney they'd been using to remove sleepers from the capsules, as well as Dr. Stephen Cross.

They took the elevator to the lower level and saw that the door between the elevator and the rest of the corridor was closed.

“Good Afternoon, Miss Anderson,” the computerized voice said, and the door slid open.

Standing in the middle of the corridor, staring at them, was Dale Carter. His hair was long and gray, and his skin had an almost deathly pale look to it. He was so thin RJ almost wondered if he'd eaten anything during the past thirty years. His eyes were wild, and he seemed utterly terrified. As soon as he saw them, he ran to the far end of the corridor and curled into a ball in the corner.

Brad slowly approached with the other two a pace or two behind him. “Dale, it's me, Brad Warren.”

Carter started whimpering, but wouldn't look at them.

Brad spoke again. “I bet it was lonely being here all by yourself for such a long time. I understand you've been busy, taking care of everything while we were sleeping.”

All three saw Dale slowly nod his head.

“Why don't you come upstairs with us, we want to thank you for everything you did,” RJ commented softly.

Dale started shaking his head almost violently. The three of them moved closer, and they saw the elderly man's body grow rigid. Without warning he leapt to his feet and charged the group, an almost animal-like growl coming from his throat as he ran.

Brad and RJ grabbed him as he tried to force his way past them. It was clear to all three of them that Carter was not trying to hurt them, but instead to get away from them.

As they struggled in the hall, Dr. Cross rammed a needle into Carter's leg and quickly pushed the plunger on the 3cc syringe attached to it. Carter yelled, and the three of them succeeded in pushing him back against the far wall before retreating down the corridor. Carter seemed satisfied that they were leaving and didn't pursue his attempts to get past them. They exited the corridor and closed the door behind them, all breathing heavily after the confrontation.

Brad spoke first. “What did you give him, Doc?”