human
Homer, is it a good idea to give Dave such a free hand with the press? You know, there are some fifty or so of them around now and they must be influencing the TV, radio, magazines and newspapers of the world.
gpt
He seems to know more about it than any of the rest of us, Homer said, his eyes on the all but sand-obliterated way.
human
We're going to have to move more of the men south. We simply haven't got water enough for them. There'd be enough in Tamanrasset, but not out here. Make a note to cover this with Kenny. I wonder where Bey is, and Elmer.
gpt
Yes, but the trouble is, he's a comparative newcomer. Are you _sure_ he's in complete accord with the original plan, Homer? Does the El Hassan dream mean the same to him as it does to you, and ... well, me?
human
You and Dave don't hit it off very well. He's a good man, so far as I can see.
gpt
I don't know why. I get along with most people, Homer.
human
You can't please everybody, Isobel. Listen, something's got to be done about this king-size mob of camp followers we've got. Did you know Common Europe sent in a delegation this morning?
gpt
Delegation? Common Europe--?
human
Yeah. Haven't had time to discuss it with you. They found us just before we raised camp. Evidently, the British Commonwealth and possibly the Soviet Complex--some Chinese, I think--are also trying to locate us. Half of these people are without their own equipment and supplies, but that's not what worries me right now. We used to be able to camouflage our headquarters camp. Dig into the desert and avoid the aircraft. But if a group of bungling Common Market diplomats can locate us, what's to keep the Arab Legion from doing it and blessing us with a stick of neopalm bombs?
gpt
Look, before we leave Dave. Did you know he was confiscating all radio equipment brought into our camp by the newsmen and whoever else?
human
Well, why?
gpt
Espionage, Dave says. He's afraid some of these characters might be in with the Arab Union and inform on us.
human
Well, that makes some sense,
gpt
Does it?
human
Can't the poor guy do anything right?
gpt
My woman's intuition is working,