“Nope. We're still transmitting on all frequencies, but nothing,” RJ explained.

“RJ, I've asked everyone who's been to the perimeter, and there's been no sign of animal life; a few insects, but nothing else.” Brad's voice had taken on a concerned tone.

RJ nodded but remained mute on the subject, and Brad could read the concern in her eyes.

Finally, RJ spoke. “Let's see if we can get anything out of Carter, by then it'll be time for lunch.”

They entered the health center and strode into the triage area. The first person they discovered was Abby, lying on a hospital bed and trying to look relaxed. A needle in her arm was attached to blood-filled tubing which was slowly filling a donation bag.

“I see you're doing your duty,” Brad announced with a bright smile. All the sleepers were required to immediately begin donating blood, to build up a ready supply in their blood bank.

“Since I hate needles so much, I figured it would be better to be one of the first, that way I wouldn't spend the next few days thinking about it,” Abby explained.

After some good-natured teasing, Brad followed RJ over to where Carter was resting.

He was lying in a standard hospital bed, an IV in his right hand. He'd been cleaned up and shaven, but he still had an unhealthy pallor.

A nurse approached. “He's awake, but I wouldn't be too hopeful. You can talk to him but if he gets agitated, I'll have to ask you to leave.”

They thanked her and slowly approached the bed. “Hey Dale, how are you feeling?” Brad asked in a quiet voice.

Dale whipped his head around at the sound; his eyes wild with fear.

RJ reached out and took hold of his hand. At first, he tried to pull away, but then he relaxed. The fear slowly receded from his expression and was replaced with sorrow. “Ich abwarten lange,” Dale said sadly.

Brad and RJ glanced at each other. “I'm sorry Dale, I don't understand. Can you say that in English?” RJ said.

Confusion crossed Dale's face and there was a long pause before he spoke again. “I waited for so long. Long, long time.”

“I know Dale. You waited by yourself for a very long time.”

“I waited. I was lonely, but I waited,” Dale said.

“You took care of all of us while we slept,” RJ responded.

“I waited and waited and waited, but you never came.”

“We're here now.”

“I was so lonely.”

“Dale, do you remember my name?” RJ asked.

“I waited and waited, and I was so lonely.” Tears welled in Dale's eyes as he spoke.

“Dale, do you remember my name?” RJ repeated.

Dale didn't respond.

Chapter Forty