human
I still can't see why you're so wild on Cavour, Rat grumbled, looking up from his doll-sized sleeping-cradle in the corner of Alan's cabin.
gpt
If you ever do manage to solve Cavour's equations you're just going to put yourself and your family right out of business. Hand me my nibbling-stick, like a good fellow.
human
You don't understand, Alan said.
gpt
If we can solve Cavour's work and develop the hyperdrive, we won't be handicapped by the Fitzgerald Contraction. What difference does it make in the long run if the _Valhalla_ becomes obsolete? We can always convert it to the new drive. The way I see it, if we could only work out the secret of Cavour's hyperspace drive, we'd----
human
I've heard it all before, Rat said, with a note of boredom in his reedy voice.
gpt
Why, with hyperspace drive you'd be able to flit all over the galaxy without suffering the time-lag you experience with regular drive. And then you'd accomplish your pet dream of going everywhere and seeing everything. Ah! Look at the eyes light up! Look at the radiant expression! You get starry-eyed every time you start talking about the hyperdrive!
human
I know it can be done eventually. I'm sure of it. I'm even sure Cavour himself actually succeeded in building a hyperspace vessel.
gpt
Sure, Rat said drily, switching his long tail from side to side.
human
Sure he built one. That explains his strange disappearance. Went out like a snuffed candle, soon as he turned on his drive. Okay, go ahead and build one--if you can. But don't bother booking passage for me.
gpt
You mean you'd stay behind if I built a hyperspace ship?
human
Sure I would. There was no hesitation in Rat's voice.
gpt
I like this particular space-time continuum very much. I don't care at all to wind up seventeen dimensions north of here with no way back.
human
You're just an old stick-in-the mud. Alan glanced at his wristchron. It read 0852.
gpt
Time for me to get to work. Kelleher and I are packing frozen dinosaur today. Want to come along?
human
Thanks all the same, but the idea doesn't appeal. It's nice and warm here. Run along, boy; I'm sleepy.