human
They think, Grantline went on,
gpt
But why should these brains want their help?
human
Wouldn't you say it was because, in Ferrok-Shahn, Grebhar and here in Greater New York, simultaneously tonight, something has to be accomplished, something the brains themselves could not do? Molo and his band know all three cities. How they landed here in Greater New York nobody knows; the enemy spaceship is 200,000 miles out. Obviously they came from it, landed secretly with some smaller ship somewhere on Earth and made their way here.
gpt
Grantline, bring Gregg Haljan and Daniel Dean to room six at once.
human
Ah, Haljan and Dean. I'm glad to see you.
gpt
I've just had a rather terrible experience. He did not suggest that we sit down. He went on crisply:
human
Grantline no doubt has told you of what's going on. Disturbing, terrifying. Haljan, we have a ship being rushed into commission tonight. You know her, the _Cometara_.
gpt
I know her,
human
Quite so. She is taking off as soon as we can ready her. She will carry about fifty men. Grantline is in charge of the armament and men. You, Dean, we want to handle her radio-helio.
gpt
Right,
human
And you, Haljan, we can think of no one better to navigate her.
gpt
Within a brief time we shall have thirty such ships in space. Mars and Venus also are mobilizing.
human
We feel, Haljan, that if anyone can handle the _Cometara_ with skill enough to combat this lurking enemy, it will be you.
gpt
I'll do my best, sir.
human
We know that. The ship is leaving from the Tappan Interplanetary Stage shortly after dawn. When have you and Dean last slept?
gpt
Last night,
human
Quite so. Then you need sleep now. I want you to go at once to the Tappan Fieldhouse. The commander there will make you comfortable. Eat, and sleep if you can. We want you in good shape. You're to keep out of this night's activities here in the city; you understand?
gpt
Yes sir.
human
I'll be back in a moment, Rollins.
gpt
I may not see you again before it's over. Good luck, lads. Grantline, they need you for a moment in the hall; something about electronic space weapons, further equipment for the _Cometara_. Then you'd better go to Tappan House too, and get some sleep.
human
Mr. Brayley, Detective-Colonel Halsey is using two girls.
gpt
Yes, we're watching that, Haljan.
human
They're the girls we're to marry, I added.
gpt
May we communicate with Colonel Halsey?
human
Yes. Call him from here. He smiled wanly.
gpt
But keep out of it; we need you at dawn.