human
An understandable error. Unfortunately, mobility had to be considered. He paused, looked MacReedy straight in the eye.
gpt
I hope you didn't show any of this to your--previous visitor.
human
Hardly, he replied.
gpt
I'm American, never fear. I'm just one of the lucky few who has been able to make a good living out of my hobby; I have no axes to grind.
human
We may have an axe to grind with you, said the General with a hint of grimness. The rocket-launcher and the improved A-gun were like the one-two punch of a good heavyweight-hitter. He went back to the XT-101, said,
gpt
About this twin-mount tank--how'd you figure we'd mount the automatic machinery outside the turret?
human
That wasn't too difficult--if I'm right; and I gather I am, said MacReedy.
gpt
There's simply too much stuff to put inside a tank-turret; you've got to mount it outside. And that means plenty of protection, which means an extra armored sleeve. So....
human
MacReedy, why are you showing me this? I could be an imposter, a spy.
gpt
With that official limousine? the model-maker countered.
human
I doubt it. Besides, Toby vouches for you.
gpt
Risky,
human
Besides, said MacReedy with the suggestion of a smile,
gpt
I've seen your picture in _Life_ magazine. He paused, added,
human
After all, in my humble way I'm a bit of an ordnance nut myself.
gpt
I don't believe you, said the General flatly--
human
I mean about working these things out through logic and guesses. But however you do it, surely you can appreciate that you're much too dangerous to be walking around loose. Especially since _They_ know about you. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you back with me.
gpt
Nothing doing, said MacReedy.
human
I can take care of myself. Besides, this is my home. I like it here.
gpt
You're being close to treasonable,
human
Not I--_you_ are, came the incredible reply.
gpt
You, not I, are attempting to deny a citizen his rights under the Constitution.
human
Damn it, man! the General backpedaled quickly.
gpt
Can't you understand? Suppose _They_ got hold of you--_They'd_ have you dishing up our innermost secrets to them ahead of time. I don't need to tell you what that could mean in the present world situation.
human
You don't, General, said MacReedy.
gpt
But I don't think _They'd_ get much out of me--much that was useful, I mean. I can't think clearly under drugs or torture; I'd be more of a menace than a help. I explained that to my visitor before you came. He seemed to believe me.
human
Maybe _he_ did, said the baffled General,
gpt
With a permanent medical discharge?
human
You'll have to stand for a guard then--twenty-four hours. We'll keep them out of sight as much as possible.
gpt
I suppose it's necessary, said MacReedy sadly, but not defiantly;
human
I should never have tried to show off.
gpt
It's too late for that sort of thing, said the General.
human
I'm going to have to take some of your models with me--it's too late to do much about the new tank, but I'll have to have the rocket-launcher and the A-gun. And I'll want your promise not to indulge in any more such experiments except as I request.
gpt
That I am glad to give you,
human
I'll pay you for them,
gpt
Of course, replied the model-maker;