Gone for Good
My consciousness gradually faded, and my last thought was, 'The data is safe.
...
I had no idea how much time had passed before I slowly regained consciousness. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was a sterile, white hospital ceiling.
"You're awake!" George's voice cracked with relief. "Lucas, you scared the hell out of us!"
I turned my head with difficulty and saw George standing by my bed with red-rimmed eyes.
"The data!" I managed to croak out with a hoarse voice.
"It's safe!" George said, patting my shoulder, "Thanks to you catching it in time, nothing was lost. We saved everything."