Back in the room where I had awakened, I touched the panel with the glowing eyes. It had asked me if I understood. Now it must tell me why I didn't. It had to help me, that flat metallic voice that repeated the same words. It must tell me....
"Your name is David Corbin. If you understand, press button A on your right."
I pressed the button by the cot. The red lights blinked out as I stood in patient attention, trying to outguess the voice. I recalled a phrase ... some words about precaution.
Precaution against forgetting.
It was crazy, but I trusted the panel. It was the only thing I saw that could help me, guard me against another shock like seeing outside of the clear portholes.
"It is assumed the experiment is a success," the voice said.
What experiment?
"You have been removed from suspension. Assume manual control of this ship."
Control of a ship? Going where?
"Do not begin operations until the others are removed from suspension."