Epilogue, continued.

[mend_and_defend]

Once inside, Bob is transferred from the stretcher to the scanner bed, and a long series of examinations begins. The Guardian's energy levels have stabilized, for now at least, but he's completely unresponsive. The deep scans reveal that his code is badly corrupted; it's a wonder he's still processing at all. Something will have to be done, and soon.

Throughout it all, Dot has not once let go of Bob's hand.