human
Good rising, Alan. And happy birthday.
gpt
Thanks, Art. But how come you're loafing now? Seems to me you'd be busy as a Martian dustdigger today, of all days. Who's setting up the landing orbit, if you're here?
human
Oh, that's all been done, Kandin said lightly.
gpt
Your Dad and I were up all last night working out the whole landing procedure. He reached out and took Rat from Alan's shoulder, and began to tickle him with his forefinger. Rat responded with a playful nip of his sharp little teeth.
human
I'm taking the morning off, Kandin continued.
gpt
You can't imagine how nice it's going to be to sit around doing nothing while everyone else is working, for a change.
human
What's the landing hour?
gpt
Precisely 1753 tonight. It's all been worked out. We actually are in the landing orbit now, though the ship's gimbals keep you from feeling it. We'll touch down tonight and move into the Enclave tomorrow. Kandin eyed Alan with sudden suspicion.
human
You're planning to stay in the Enclave, aren't you?
gpt
That's a direct crack. You're referring to my brother, aren't you?
human
Who wouldn't be? Kandin asked quietly.
gpt
The captain's son jumping ship? You don't know how your father suffered when Steve went over the hill. He kept it all hidden and just didn't say a thing, but I know it hit him hard. The whole affair was a direct reflection on his authority as a parent, of course, and that's why he was so upset. He's a man who isn't used to being crossed.
human
I know. He's been on top here so long, with everyone following his orders, that he can't understand how someone could disobey and jump ship--especially his own son.
gpt
I hope _you_ don't have any ideas of----
human
I don't need advice, Art. I know what's right and wrong. Tell me the truth--did Dad send you to sound me out?
gpt
I'm sorry, Alan. I didn't mean--well----
human
You know, the First Officer said finally,
gpt
I've been thinking about Steve. It just struck me that you can't call him your twin any more. That's one of the strangest quirks of star travel that's been recorded yet.
human
I thought of that. He's twenty-six, I'm seventeen, and yet we used to be twins. But the Fitzgerald Contraction does funny things.
gpt
That's for sure, Kandin said.
human
Well, time for me to start relaxing.