human
In hell, general, Zen answered. He swiftly told where he was and what had happened.
gpt
Cuso's blooper knocked out the last pass by which we can bring an effective force against him. This whole area is loaded with radiation.
human
How will we ever root that bastard out of his hole now?
gpt
That's for the staff to decide. I have more important news.
human
Yes? Talk, Kurt, and fast. You don't mean that you--
gpt
Yes. I mean I think this nurse may be it. I don't know yet.
human
Damn it, Kurt, do you mean to tell me that if she comes back alive, you will know she is immune to the radiation, and hence must be one of the new people? But if she comes back dead, or so loaded with radiation that she will die within a few days, then you will know she was just like all the rest of us?
gpt
That's the way I see it,
human
But goddammit--Are you hurt, Kurt? The general's voice was suddenly solicitous.
gpt
Are you all right?
human
Damn it, I'm in my right mind, Zen answered.
gpt
I was in a prospect hole when the blast went off. Don't you think I've got enough sense to take cover? Stocker's suddenly solicitous attitude irritated him.
human
Sorry, sir,
gpt
It's quite all right, boy. I know that nerves get frayed in combat. But this nurse--
human
That's the way I see it, sir, Zen said doggedly.
gpt
I request permission to follow her.
human
If she comes back alive, you mean?
gpt
I would appreciate it if you would stop reminding me of that possibility.
human
Oh. So you are emotionally interested in her?
gpt
Well, what if I am? She's a nice kid.
human
They all are, boy. They all are--until you get to know them. As to permission to follow her, you've not only got it, but it's an order. We've got to find out about these new people. One of them appeared in President Wilkerson's private office this morning and told him to call off a planned landing in Asia.
gpt
Really? Zen said.
human
In the President's office!
gpt
That's what I said.
human
Did it really happen? I mean, was anyone present?
gpt
No one except the President's secretary. She's under heavy sedation right now, from shock. She thought God Almighty Himself had come walking in. The old man is not in much better shape. Stocker's voice showed signs of strain.
human
I've got my orders from Wilkerson himself and I'm passing them on to you. _Find these new people!_ Follow that nurse to hell if you have to.
gpt
Right, sir.
human
Report to me when you have something to report--that is, something besides going to bed with her. Off.