handle all the necessary work alone, so I had to
build auxiliary units to assist me. They are far more primitive than
myself in both ability and intelligence, but they perform many needed
functions."
19 The droid was working on the hatch controls and it finally swung
open. The others came in, swords at the ready but with a wave from Morn
their weapons were dressed.
20 "I am glad you have finally come," said the droid. "My long vigil has been worrisome and lonely. I HAVE been
following instructions and waking my charges once a year, feeding them
and exercising them. But each year they get sicker and sicker. Some of
them I have not dared to awaken for some time, for fear they would
cease to function. I have kept them in suspension in the hope that
there was still some possibility of their survival."
21 "How many have been like that?" asked the Doctor.
22 "At least sixty," answered the droid. "The others have been
reasonably functional but even some of them have shown signs of
sickness. Did I do well?"
23 "You did all that could be done," the Doctor replied. "Take me to
where the children are, quickly!"
24 The droid turned and began to lead them through the pod's corridors.
They came to an elevator, descended a couple of levels, and emerged in
a dimly lit hall. The doors to all the compartments were open, and a
faint blue glow shone from within each. The Doctor rushed into the
first and was busy with his instruments. There were ten suspension
units in each room; a child lay in each. The Doctor went from one to
the other, first checking the machine's readings, then taking his own.
25 "By The Holy Ghost!" he finally cried, "These are alive! It will
take me some time to check the rest. Then, we can start."
26 Morn turned to the droid. "My people are going to need your help," he requested, "we cannot pick up this pod. To get
home, we will need its emergency oxygen