human
I tell you, if they'll only use little guys like me, the cabin and supplies and crew can be cut down by tons! Even the instruments can be smaller and weigh less! Four of us in a smaller cabin, less grub and air and water--we'll save tons in cabin-weight alone! Why can't you big lummoxes see it?
gpt
We see it, Mike, Haney said mildly.
human
You're right. But people won't do it. It's not fair, but they won't.
gpt
Besides, Mike, it'd bust up our gang! And Sally's just gotten the real answer! The answer is for ships to go up to the Platform and not come back!
human
They've been talking about arming ships with guided missiles to fight with. Too heavy, of course. But--if we could handle guided missiles, why couldn't we handle drones?
gpt
But--but, Joe, I didn't----
human
We've got plenty of hulls! said Joe. Somehow he still looked astonished at what he'd made of Sally's perfectly obvious comment.
gpt
Mike's arranged for that! Make--say--six of 'em into drones--space barges. Remote-controlled ships. Control them from one manned ship--the tug! We'll ride that! Take 'em up to the Platform exactly like a tug tows barges. The tow-line will be radio beams. We'll have a space-tow up, and not bother to bring the barges back! There won't be any landing rockets! They'll carry double cargo! That's the answer! A space tug hauling a tow to the Platform!
human
But, Joe, insisted Sally,
gpt
I didn't think of----
human
Sally, if Joe hadn't kissed you for thinking that up, I would. Makes me feel mighty dumb.
gpt
Yeah. Me too. I'd've made a two-ton cargo possible--maybe. But this adds up. What does the major say?
human
I--haven't talked to him. I'd better, right away. Joe grinned.
gpt
I wanted to tell you first.
human
Good idea. But hold everything! He fumbled in his pocket.
gpt
The arithmetic is easy enough, Joe. Cut out the crew and air and you save something. He felt in another pocket.
human
Leave off the landing rockets, and you save plenty more. Count in the cargo you could take anyhow ---- he searched another pocket still----
gpt
He'd found what he wanted. It was a handkerchief. He thrust it upon Joe.
human
Wipe that lipstick off, Joe, before you go talk to the major. He's Sally's father and he might not like it.