When focused on the adult for a longer span of time, the equipment records a greatly protracted heartbeat and a minuscule increase in the volume of air in the lungs—"he is alive". The aliens are being held in a state of suspended animation. A second artefact is uncovered next to the cabinet: a control panel and power source. However, the excavations have weakened the cavern roof. With the ceiling collapsing, Verdeschi blindly manipulates the control panel and manages to deactivate the force-field. The adult alien is pulled to safety as the now-unprotected cabinet is smashed by falling debris. Carter risks his life by re-entering the cave-in to bring out the boy.