human
Come, Molo was saying,
gpt
If it's anything like this ship, it will be very strange.
human
Strange indeed, little dove. I was there only once, a month ago, and for a few hours only. The Great Intelligence, as they call him, talked with me, absorbing my knowledge: they call it that. And he was much impressed by me, and made very wonderful promises in exchange for my fidelity. And for my sister, too.
gpt
You will rule Mars? Venza was saying.
human
When this is over, you mean you will really be given Mars to rule?
gpt
I would rather live on the Earth, said Anita.
human
There was a young man there.
gpt
He will not be there much longer. Molo laughed.
human
You are very lucky that I fancy you!
gpt
Lucky indeed, Venza echoed.
human
No death for me. I'm too young.
gpt
But all those millions dead. It seems so terrible.
human
It is, for them! Molo was in high good humor, pleased with himself and with these girls.
gpt
See down there; that blurring is the heavy air. We're almost down into it now.
human
Molo! Bad tidings come from Mars. One of the Masters was captured there in Ferrok-Shahn. They tortured him as they did the one on Earth. But he did not die unyielding. He spoke and told our plans!
gpt
Hah! Did I not advise you to keep those helpless things on Wandl?
human
But it is done now. The worlds know our purpose. They are preparing spaceships. Already some are rising from Ferrok-Shahn, from Grebhar and from Greater New York.
gpt
We knew they were doing that.
human
But now they know our purpose. The Master Intelligence fears that they will come raiding Wandl. Our vessels are being made ready to go out and repel them.
gpt
Your purpose discovered? asked Anita.
human
What does that mean? Won't you tell us now? Twin queens for your future Mars, and you treat us like children!
gpt
That light-beam he so cleverly planted in Greater New York,
human
Yes, I will tell you. Without me in New York and my men who went with these Wandlites to Ferrok-Shahn and Grebhar, the vital gravity beams could never successfully have been planted. The apparatus was complicated; you saw it. You saw the labor I had making the contact?
gpt
But what are the light-beams for?