human
Do not look at me quite like that, Miss Venza, or I shall forget what I have to say. You would get the better of me; I'm glad you're not a criminal.
gpt
So am I, she declared.
human
What can I do for you, Colonel Halsey?
gpt
Just this. There is a man here in Greater New York, a Martian whom they call _Set_ Molo. He has a younger sister, _Setta_ Meka. Have any of you heard of them?
human
There are things that I can tell you and there are things that I cannot.
gpt
Why not?
human
My dear, for one thing, if you are going to help me you can do it best by not knowing too much. For another, I have my orders; this thing concerns the very highest authorities, not only of the U.S.W., but in Ferrok-Shahn and Grebhar too.
gpt
Well, this Martian and his sister are here now in Greater New York. They have some secret. They are engaged in some activity, and I want to find out what it is. I have picked up only little parts of it.
human
If you don't mind, Colonel Halsey, it seems to me you are mostly talking in code.
gpt
I'm not, but I'm trying to tell you as little as possible. You, Miss Venza, need only understand this: the Martian, Molo, must be induced to give you some idea of what he is doing here.
human
And I am to induce him?
gpt
That is my idea. The faint shadow of a smile swept Halsey's thin, intent face.
human
My dear, you are a girl of Venus. More than that, you have far more than your normal share of wits and brains.