human
How'd you get to heaven?
gpt
The warhead had a delay relay on it, West explained.
human
It was about thirty seconds, as near as I can figure it. Anyhow it gave us just enough time to snatch both of you out of that rocket before she blew.
gpt
Did she blow?
human
All of ten minutes ago, West said exultantly.
gpt
Do you know what this means, Kurt? Do you know what it means?
human
Yeah, Zen answered.
gpt
I won't have to be an eel. There was still this other thing that was important.
human
Say--
gpt
An eel? For an instant the craggy man was puzzled. Then he grasped the meaning.
human
You're right, Kurt. No eels--for any of us.
gpt
That's good, Zen said.
human
Nedra--
gpt
She's right here beside you, still out from exhaustion. But she will be all right.
human
Good, Zen said again. This other fact was still in his mind. As he tried to think what it was, the answer came to him. He looked up at the craggy man.
gpt
You're not Sam West,
human
No? the craggy man said, the ghost of a smile on his lips.
gpt
Then who am I?
human
You're Jal Jonner. Nobody but Jal Jonner could have done all the things you have done.
gpt
You're right, Kurt. I'm Jal Jonner. And you're Kurt Zen. And this is Nedra--