human
So one telepath couldn't go on doing it all the time, he said.
gpt
But--how about several people?
human
Several people?
gpt
I mean ... well, let's look at that blood bank again, Malone said.
human
You need three quarts of blood. But one person doesn't have to give it. Suppose twelve people gave half a pint each.
gpt
Ah, O'Connor said.
human
I see. Or twenty-four people, giving a quarter-pint each. Or--
gpt
That's the idea, Malone said hurriedly.
human
I guess there'd be a point of diminishing returns, but that's the point. Would something like that be possible?
gpt
It might, he said at last.
human
At least theoretically. But it would take a great deal of mental co-ordination among the participants. They would all have to be telepaths, of course.
gpt
In order to mesh their thoughts right on the button, and direct them properly and at the correct time, Malone said.
human
Right?
gpt
Ah ... correct, O'Connor said.
human
Given that, Mr. Malone, I imagine that it might possibly be done.
gpt
Wonderful,
human
However, O'Connor said, apparently glad to throw even a little cold water on the notion,
gpt
That's right, Malone said, enjoying the crestfallen look on O'Connor's face.
human
That's exactly what I was looking for.
gpt
I'm ... ah ... glad to have been of service, O'Connor said.
human
However, Mr. Malone, I should like to request--
gpt
Oh, don't worry, Malone said.
human
I won't slam the door.