human
Do you think this ... barrier of mine will keep out those little bursts of mental energy?
gpt
I really do, she said.
human
It does appear quite impenetrable, Sir Kenneth. I can't understand how you're doing it. Or why, for that matter.
gpt
Well--
human
No, she said.
gpt
I'd rather not know, if you please. Her voice was stern, but just a little shaken.
human
The thought of blocking off thought--the only real form of communication that exists--is, frankly, quite horrible to me. I would rather be blinded, Sir Kenneth. I truly would.
gpt
You've been talking to my Royal Psychiatrist again, haven't you? she said. Malone nodded.
human
Frankly, Sir Kenneth, she went on,
gpt
I think people pay too much attention to that sort of thing nowadays.
human
Let's talk about these energy bursts, he said.
gpt
Do you still pick them up occasionally?
human
Oh, my, yes, Her Majesty said.
gpt
And it's not only me. Willie has been picking them up too. We've had some long talks about it, Willie and I. It's frightening, in a way, but you must admit that it's very interesting.
human
Fascinating, Malone muttered.
gpt
Tell me, have you figured out what they might be, yet?
human
All we know is that they do seem to occur just before a person intends to make a decision. The burst somehow appears to influence the decision. But we don't know how, and we don't know where they come from, or what causes them. Or even why.
gpt
In other words, Malone said,
human
I'm afraid not, Sir Kenneth, Her Majesty said.
gpt
But Willie and I do intend to keep working on it. It is important, isn't it?
human
Important, Malone said,
gpt
He paused.
human
And now, if your Majesty will excuse me, he said,
gpt
I'll have to go. I have work to do, and your information has been most helpful.
human
You may go, Sir Kenneth, Her Majesty said, returning with what appeared to be real pleasure to the etiquette of the Elizabethan Court.
gpt
We are grateful that you have done so much, and continue to do so much, to defend the peace of Our Realm.
human
I pledge myself to continue in those efforts which please Your Majesty,