RJ stepped from the classroom and into the hot desert sun. The time was 1330 hours, and already she was exhausted. She'd awoken at 0500 with the others who were spending the next four weeks at Training Site Alpha. By 0530 she and two hundred and fifty others were one mile into a five-mile run. At 0700 they were having breakfast, and by 0800 they were in the classrooms. Every sleeper had their skill set personally evaluated by RJ and her team. Primary skills were built upon, and new skills were learned. Specifically, what capabilities were added to the sleepers' resumes were determined by a combination of the specific interests of the individual, and the needs of the team.

All sleepers would learn basic medical skills, as well as basic engineering, construction and combat skills. This would be over and above their primary skill, such as teaching, farming or another skill which would be needed in the new world they would awaken into.

The previous night, RJ had eaten dinner with a thirty-two-year-old Hispanic female named Mia. The young woman held a degree in molecular biology and would be responsible for the fabrication of medications and immunizations. Today though, she was in class learning about plastic explosives and other demolitions.

Prior to her arrival at Alpha, she'd spent three months training as a surgical assistant in a military hospital in Europe, a skill added to her post-awakening resume.

Mia had joked with RJ about how much her life had changed since the two of them met and RJ smiled at the memory of the conversation; she wondered how Mia would enjoy rappelling out of the helicopter later this evening.

RJ got into the Humvee and headed for her office. In fact, the office wasn't anything more than a small portable trailer. She had similar areas setup at all four training sites, and moving between them, she simply transplanted her computers and documents and in a very short amount of time was back in business.

Entering the trailer, she was immediately hit with a blast of cold air. She had one of the only air-conditioned locations in the compound. She glanced at her watch; she was scheduled to meet up with another group at the rifle range in twenty minutes. Unfortunately, she had another issue to deal with first.

She settled in front of her computer and adjusted the camera. In moments, a window popped up on the screen stating she had an incoming call. She accepted the call and found herself staring into the face of her deputy commander, Brad Warren.

Brad Warren was, like her, former military and he'd spent most of his career in the Army Corps of Engineers. Brad was involved in many international projects; building and rebuilding were topics he could easily relate to. He'd retired with the rank of Major three years ago, and now at the age of forty-four, owned a small engineering firm. Since being recruited into this project, his brother was now running the business.