human
I--went into the city, Dad. And found Steve.
gpt
It's strange, seeing the two of you like this. So you brought back Steve, eh? We'll have to put him back on the roster. Why is he asleep? He looks like he's out cold.
human
He is. It's a long story, Dad.
gpt
You'll have to explain it to me later, then--after blastoff.
human
No, Dad. Steve can explain it when he wakes up, tonight. Steve can tell you lots of things. I'm going back to the city.
gpt
What?
human
I brought you back Steve, Dad. You still have one son aboard ship. I want off. I'm resigning. I want to stay behind on Earth. By our charter you can't deny such a request.
gpt
Agreed, I can't deny. But why, Alan?
human
I think I can do more good Earthside. I want to look for Cavour's old notebooks; I think he developed the hyperdrive, and if I stay behind on Earth maybe I can find it. Or else I can build my own. So long, Dad. And tell Steve that I wish him luck--and that he'd better do the same for me. He glanced at Rat.
gpt
Rat, I'm deeding you to Steve. Maybe if he had had you instead of me, he never would have jumped ship in the first place.