human
Do you feel as bad as all that, colonel?
gpt
It seems such a shame, Zen said.
human
I loved this land. It was my country. And I don't feel that I have to apologize for a gulp in my tongue as I talk about it.
gpt
It is not necessary to apologize for loving one's own land, colonel, West said, his voice softer still.
human
You are not alone.
gpt
Not alone? Zen said.
human
From you, this talk sounds strange.
gpt
We have all loved this land, too, colonel, and the principles for which it stood. That is why we are here.
human
That is good talk, Zen said.
gpt
However, if I have learned one thing, it is that talk is cheap. You are outlaws hiding here yet you talk of loving the land that you have failed to serve.
human
Bravely spoken, colonel, West applauded. A glint that might have been appreciation and might have been the edge of hidden anger showed in his eyes.
gpt
Particularly so since you are in the power of these--ah--outlaws.
human
Very brave, Nedra agreed.
gpt
And very foolish.
human
You did not bring me here to tell me that I am in your power, Zen answered.
gpt
Nor to comment on my bravery. Nor my foolishness.
human
I think he can read minds,
gpt
I do not in the least doubt it, West answered.
human
If he did not possess this ability, or almost possess it, he would not be here.
gpt
I, in my turn, think both of you are nuts, Zen answered.
human
I'm not putting on a mind-reading act.
gpt
Not consciously, colonel, of course, West agreed.
human
You think your thoughts are your own. Often they are. But there are also times when they have originated with somebody else. However, before you tell me that I did not call you up here to discuss your mind-reading ability, or lack of it, I will show you one reason why I wanted you. Take the glasses, observe the ridge in the far distance, just under the pines. Tell me what you see there.
gpt
Horses, Zen said.
human
No, mules. With riders. Cuso's men going out on a raiding party looking for food, ammo, and women, if they can catch 'em.
gpt
Quite right, colonel. Except that they probably have the additional duty of inspecting the damage their blooper did when it exploded.
human
I hope they inspect that damage from close range, Zen said fervidly.
gpt
That area is hot. If they will only spend an hour or so--
human
They will not be that foolish,
gpt
I know some people who were,
human
Perhaps the area, at least on the fringes, was not as hot as you had thought,
gpt
My counter said it was,
human
Possibly your counter was in error. Now if you will come into this room, colonel.