human
Colonel, it was good to meet you. West was coming toward him with outstretched hand. Zen had the impression that the man's hand could turn into a veritable bear trap, if West chose.
gpt
Perhaps we shall meet again, sir.
human
Who knows whether we shall meet again? Zen answered, shrugging.
gpt
Generally, when people say goodbye these days, they mean goodbye forever.
human
I know. Sadness showed on the craggy, lined face.
gpt
It is too bad that things have to be this way. Well, experience is a difficult school, but _homo sapiens_ seems incapable of learning in any other.
human
It is war,
gpt
I disagree with you there, West said.
human
War is only a symptom of the disease, it is only an expression of humanity. War itself is not at fault, but man. Nor can man really be regarded as being at fault, since what he is now going through is only a stage of growth.
gpt
I know that, he said. Then he hesitated.
human
Or I knew it once.
gpt
Ah? When?
human
Up the slope there, I knew it. But I have forgotten now what I knew.
gpt
Ah? West repeated.
human
Goodday, sir. Nedra, I would like to speak with you for a moment, before I leave. With your permission, of course, Colonel Zen.
gpt
Certainly,