human
Alan? How did you----
gpt
So I couldn't reverse time, he finished.
human
I couldn't make you as young as I was--so I took the opposite tack and made myself as old as you were. He looked at his father.
gpt
The universe is going to change, now. Earth won't be so overcrowded. And it means the end of the Enclave system, and the Fitzgerald Contraction.
human
We'll have to convert the _Valhalla_ to the new drive, Captain Donnell said. He looked still stunned by Alan's sudden appearance.
gpt
Otherwise we'll never be able to meet the competition of the new ships. There will be new ships, won't there?
human
As soon as I return to Earth and tell them I've been successful. My men are ready to go into immediate production of hyperspace vessels. The universe is going to be full of them even before your ship reaches Procyon! He sensed now the full importance of what he had done.
gpt
Now that there's practical transportation between stars, the Galaxy will grow close together--as close as the Solar System is now!
human
And what are you planning to do, now that you've dug up the Cavour drive?
gpt
Me? Alan took a deep breath.
human
I've got my own ship, Dad. And out there are Rigel and Deneb and Fomalhaut and a lot of other places I want to see.
gpt
I'm going to take a grand tour of the universe, Dad. Everywhere. The hyperdrive can take me. But there's just one thing----
human
What's that?
gpt
I've been practically alone for the last nine years. I don't want to make this trip by myself. I'm looking for a companion. A fellow explorer.
human
You devil, Steve said.
gpt
You've planned this too well. How could I possibly turn you down?
human
Do you want to?
gpt
Do you think I do?