human
If you had the chance to go back into the Crew, no strings attached, no recriminations--would you take it?
gpt
Of course I would! But----
human
But what?
gpt
I owe seven thousand credits, Steve said.
human
And it keeps getting worse. That pot I won today, just before you came over to me, that was the first take I'd had in three days. Nine years and I'm still a Class C gambler. We can't all be as good as Hawkes here. I'm lousy--but what other profession could I go into, on an overcrowded and hostile world like this one?
gpt
Who do you owe this money to?
human
The Bryson syndicate, mostly. And Lorne Hollis. The Bryson people keep a good eye on me, too. There's a Bryson man three booths up who follows me around. If they ever saw me going near the spacefield they'd be pretty sure to cut me off and ask for their money. You can't welsh on Bryson.
gpt
Suppose it was arranged that your debts be cancelled,
human
No. I don't want charity. I know you're a Class A and seven thousand credits comes easy to you, but I couldn't take it. Skip it. I'm stuck here on Earth for keeps, and I'm resigned to it. I made my choice, and this is what I got.
gpt
Listen to reason, Alan urged.
human
Hawkes will take care of the money you owe. And Dad will be so happy to see you come back to the ship again----
gpt
Like Mars he'll be happy! See me come back, beaten up and ragged, a washed-out old man at twenty-six? No, sir. The Captain blotted me out of his mind a long time ago, and he and I don't have any further business together.
human
You're wrong, Steve. He sent me into the Earther city deliberately to find you. He said to me, 'Find Steve and urge him to come back to the ship.' He's forgiven you completely, Alan lied.
gpt
Everyone's anxious to have you come back on board.
human
No--both of you. Thanks, but I don't want any. Keep your seven thousand, Hawkes. And you, Alan--go back to the ship and forget all about me. I don't even deserve a second chance.
gpt
You're wrong!
human
I guess that about settles it, Hawkes observed.
gpt
If the man wants to stay, we can't force him.
human
I have to stay on Earth. And now I'd better get back to the games parlor--I can't waste any time, you know. Not with a seven thousand credit backlog to make up.
gpt
Naturally. But there's time for one more drink, isn't there? On me. Maybe you don't want my money, but let me buy you a drink.
human
Fair enough.
gpt
He's an old man and he's tired. I'll go to the bar and order.