“We all know that there are some who would be very upset with the selection process, so it will need to be kept absolutely classified. For the same reason, we're trying to keep this quiet from the rest of the government. I'm sure we can all envision every congressman out there causing enough of a stink that we would lose almost five hundred sleep capsules to them. Let alone the other officials who would try to weasel their way in. It's paramount that everyone chosen meets the criteria we've set, with no exception. All the sleepers will have to undergo a significant amount of training. General Draper and I have been discussing this, and they all need to be cross-trained in many areas. Everyone must be competent with standard weapons and tactics, as well as basic medical procedures. As we've said before, we've no idea what these sleepers might encounter, but they'll have no backup and must be able to handle any threat themselves. If someone is a mechanical engineer, he still has to be trained in something important that he can be doing when there is no engineering work to be done.”

“Unfortunately, that means we aren't going to be sleeping. We'll be provided with a shelter, I can make that happen but that's all. Now let's hear from you, we need to get all your opinions so we do this right.

Admiral Bob Atkins was the first to speak. “We're working on the construction of undersea shelters, but I don't think we'll have room for more than a few thousand people. There is a good possibility that they won't be able to stay down long enough to wait this thing out. The selection process will be the same as we use for the underground shelters. Also, there are many technological roadblocks we'll need to overcome to make this work.”

Fitch spoke next. “We've got numerous changes to make to the facility, and a ton of work to do to get the place ready for sleepers, but the work already completed is fantastic, and the facility is much further along than I'd hoped. As long as we continue to get access to the resources we need, we'll be ready.”

“It sounds like things in regard to the sleepers are on track. We've been looking at several possible candidates to lead the mission. I want us to reconvene after lunch to look at the candidates and see if we can come to an agreement on the selection. If in the meantime any of you can suggest any other names for consideration, let me know.”

The meeting broke up shortly afterwards, and Fitch left the room. As he strode down the hall he heard his name being called and turned to see General Lee Draper following him. He stopped and waited for the four-star General to catch up. “Yes, sir?”

“Do you mind if I join you? There are some things I want to discuss,” Draper announced.

“Of course not, sir.