human
I'd believed that suspicion was more likely to center first on one of you. Particularly, of course, on Santin, working openly in Orado's Identification Center.
gpt
And, less openly, copying out identity-patterns! she added. Her face sobered quickly again.
human
There's no indication of what did attract attention to you?
gpt
I can only think it's the microbiological work I've been doing. That, of course, would suggest that they already have an inkling of Kalechi's three-year plan to destroy the Federation.
human
And that at least one of the group already has been captured!
gpt
Probably.
human
That isn't a pleasant thought. Halder, everything we've learned recently at the Identification Center indicates that Rane's theory is correct ... every one of the twelve hundred members of the Kalechi group probably can be analyzed down to the same three basic identity-patterns, reshuffled in endless variation. The Federation wouldn't have to capture many of us before discovering the fact. It will then start doing exactly what we're trying to do--use it to identify the rest of the group.
gpt
I've thought of that.
human
You still intend to use the Senla Starlight Cruisers to get out into space?
gpt
Kilby and I will, Halder said.
human
But now, of course, you two had better select one of the alternate escape routes.
gpt
Why that?
human
That's obvious, isn't it? There's a good chance you're still completely in the clear.
gpt
That's possible. But it isn't a good enough reason for splitting up. We're a working team, and we should stay together, regardless of circumstances. What do you say, Rane?
human
I agree with you. He smiled briefly at Halder.
gpt
We'll be waiting for you on the north shore of Lake Senla ten minutes before the Starlight Cruise lifts. Now, is there anything else to discuss?
human
Not at the moment. Halder paused, dissatisfied, then went on.
gpt
All right. We still don't know just what the Federation is capable of ... one move might as easily be wrong as the other. We'll pick you up, as arranged. Kilby and I are flighthiking on to Senla, so we might as well start immediately.
human
Where shall I let you out?
gpt
We'll take the river exit, Halder said.
human
Six miles from here, nine from the ranch ... that should be far enough. We'll be lost in an army of vacationers from Draise and the capital thirty seconds after we emerge.