Shannon giggled.
Randall scowled at her, then turned back to the desk.
Below, in the cavern, the blue glowing columns seemed brighter than they had been.
“Computer, are those people in those tubes down there?”
“Yes, Mr. Simmons.”
He sat, the blood leaving his face. No wonder no bodies have ever been found! he thought. Sparkle crept into his peripheral vision. “What's being done with them?”
“They're being kept alive, Mr. Simmons.”
“For what purpose?” A hiss grew louder in his ears. Somewhere, a pounding began.
“To preserve their lives. Pardon, Mr. Simmons, but my sensors indicate a high degree of physical distress. Are you well?”
Randall saw the hands being retracted from his bare chest, the soft blue glow on the ceiling above Shannon looking familiar for some reason. He knew time
