"How long have I been on Prime now. Seven years? Five before the magnetic anomaly and two afterwards, not counting of course, the two hundred years in 'hib sleep', and still, there are so many mysteries on Prime." John remains alone until the mothership arrives. However, the rescuers inform him that they came not to rescue him, but to rescue their lagging human colony located on an asteroid named 'Hope'. Nonetheless, John learns that a handful of adults volunteer to remain behind. The bad news: "Congratulations, John, you just became the ugly uncle to twelve children who think you're a cannibal." The possibility of another destructive solar magnetic anomaly constantly reminds John that, eventually, he must resolve the final equation: is Prime humankind's last hope?