human
Burleigh, said Hallet expansively,
gpt
I've no idea, said Moran.
human
It would certainly pay for a fleet of space-liners, and I'd give all of it for a ticket on one of them.
gpt
But how much is there in bulk?
human
I saw that half a dozen boxes had been broken open and emptied for the lifeboat voyagers, Moran told him.
gpt
I didn't count the balance, but there were several times as many untouched. If they're all full of the same stuff, you can guess almost any sum you please.
human
Millions, eh? said Hallet. His eyes glistened.
gpt
Billions? Plenty for everybody?
human
There's never plenty for more than one, said Moran mildly.
gpt
That's the way we seem to be made.
human
I'm worried about getting the stuff aboard. We can't afford to lose anybody, and if we have to fight the creatures here and every time we kill one its carcass draws others.
gpt
I've been thinking about survival-tactics for myself as a castaway. I think a torch is the answer. In any emergency on the yeast surface, I can burn a hole and drop down in it. The monsters are stupid. In most cases they'll go away because they stop seeing me. In the others, they'll come to the hole and I'll burn them. It won't be pleasant, but it may be practical.
human
It may be, he admitted.
gpt
It may be.
human
I want to see that work before I trust the idea.
gpt
Somebody has to try it, agreed Moran.
human
Anyhow my life's going to depend on it.
gpt
She doesn't like the idea of our leaving you behind, said Burleigh.
human
None of us do.
gpt
I'm touched.
human
We'll try to get a ship to come for you, quickly,
gpt
I'm sure you will,