human
Heavens to Betsy.
gpt
Good grief, you fool, it won't take more than hours for your superiors to repudiate you. Then what happens?
human
By then, I assume, the battle will be over and Tamanrasset in El Hassan's hands. The Arab Union will then think twice before committing their paratroopers, particularly with captured armor in El Hassan's hands.
gpt
And your name will be mud,
human
Gentlemen, you must remember that I, too, am an African. I had thought that perhaps there would be a position for me on El Hassan's staff.
gpt
Let's get moving, Bey. We haven't much time. We're going to have to be able to announce its capture _from_ Tamanrasset in a couple of hours.
human
Not you, Bey said, grabbing up his own weapon and motioning with his head for Kenny and Cliff to come along.
gpt
You're El Hassan and can't be risked.
human
I'm coming, Homer said flatly.
gpt
It's about time El Hassan began taking some of the same risks his followers seem to be willing to face. Besides, the men will fight better with me out in front. Got a gun, Fred?
human
No. Where am I issued one?
gpt
I'll show you, Homer said, stuffing extra clips in his bush jacket pockets.
human
Come on, Dave.
gpt
Strange bedfellows,
human
My long view hasn't changed, he said.
gpt
It's just that this African matter takes precedence right now.
human
Nor mine, of course, Ostrander said. He cleared his throat.
gpt
However, I hope you last out the night. El Hassan needs strong men.
human
Same to you, Moroka said gruffly.
gpt
Let's get going, or the fight will be over while we hand each other flowers.