human
Sire, there are rules--
gpt
Not where I am concerned, said Graham,
human
You seem to forget.
gpt
No, he said.
human
I do not forget, Sire. But in all the earth--no man who is not a sworn aeronaut--has ever a chance. They come as passengers--
gpt
I have heard something of the sort. But I'm not going to argue these points. Do you know why I have slept two hundred years? To fly!
human
Sire, said the aeronaut,
gpt
Then if you will watch me--
human
No, said Graham, swaying and gripping tight as the machine lifted its nose again for an ascent.
gpt
That's not my game. I want to do it myself. Do it myself if I smash for it! No! I will. See I am going to clamber by this--to come and share your seat. Steady! I mean to fly of my own accord if I smash at the end of it. I will have something to pay for my sleep. Of all other things--. In my past it was my dream to fly. Now--keep your balance.
human
A dozen spies are watching me, Sire!
gpt
Am I Master of the earth? he said.
human
Or is your Society? Now. Take your hands off those levers, and hold my wrists. Yes--so. And now, how do we turn her nose down to the glide?
gpt
Sire,
human
What is it?
gpt
You will protect me?
human
Lord! Yes! If I have to burn London. Now!
gpt
It's clearly to your advantage, this journey, he said with a loud laugh--for the air was like strong wine--
human
Back, Sire! Back!
gpt
Back--right. One--two--three--good God! Ah! Up she goes! But this is living!