human
It feels good, said Joe warmly,
gpt
The crew of the Platform----
human
They're all right, said Joe, with his mouth full.
gpt
They're wearing gravity simulator harness. Brent's got his up to three-quarters gravity. They get tired, wearing the harness. They sleep better. Everything's fine! They can handle the space wagons we left and they've got guided missiles to spare! They're all right!
human
You'll stay on Earth a while now, son?
gpt
They're going to get the Moonship up, sir. We came back--my gang and me--to help train the crew. We only have a week to do it in, but we've got some combat tactics to show them on the training gadget in the Shed. He added anxiously,
human
And, sir--they'll have to take the Moonship off in a spiral orbit. She can't go straight up! That means she's got to pass over enemy territory, and--we've got to have a real escort for her. A fighting escort. It's planned for the space tug to take off a few minutes after the Moonship and blast along underneath. We'll dump guided missiles out--like drones--and if anything comes along we can start their rockets and fight our way through. And we four have had more experience than anybody else. We're needed!
gpt
You've done enough, surely!
human
The United States, said Joe awkwardly,
gpt
I'm afraid you will miss it, Joe, Major Holt said detachedly.
human
The occupation of the Moon will be a Navy enterprise. Space Exploration Project facilities are being used to prepare for it, but the Navy won the latest battle of the Pentagon. The Navy takes over the Moon.
gpt
But----
human
You're Space Exploration personnel, said the major with the same coolness.
gpt
You will be used to instruct naval personnel, and your space tug will be asked to go along to the Platform as an auxiliary vessel. For purposes of assisting in the landing of the Moonship at the Platform, you understand. You'll haul her away from the Platform when she's refueled and supplied, so she can start off for the Moon. But the occupation of the Moon will be strictly Navy.
human
I think, he said evenly,
gpt
I'd better not comment.
human
Very wise--not that we'd repeat anything you did say. But the point is, Joe, that just one day before the Moonship does take off, the United Nations will be informed that it is a United States naval vessel. The doctrine of the freedom of space--like the freedom of the seas--will be promulgated. And the United States will say that a United States naval task force is starting off into space on an official mission. To attack a Space Exploration ship is one thing. That's like a scientific expedition. But to fire on an American warship on official business is a declaration of war. Especially since that ship can shoot back--and will.
gpt
It's daring somebody to try another Pearl Harbor?
human
Exactly, said the major.
gpt
It's time for us to be firm--now that we can back it up. I don't think the Moonship will be fired on.
human
But they'll need me and my gang just the same, said Joe slowly,
gpt
Exactly,
human
Then, Joe said doggedly,
gpt
Yes. That's right, Joe, his father added.
human
You--you'll have to go aloft once more, son. After that, we'll talk it over.