human
And which do you select?
gpt
None.
human
Ah, but you must.
gpt
But what if I refuse to do so?
human
That is most unusual.
gpt
But does it ever happen?
human
Well, yes, admitted the clerk,
gpt
You mean
human
Exactly--you refuse to accept any one of the three women when all are most scientifically selected for you. Does it not throw some doubts upon your own psychic fitness for mating at all? If I may suggest, Herr Colonel--it would be wiser for you to select some one of the three--you have yet plenty of time.
gpt
No, I said, trying to hide my elation.
human
I will not do so. I will make the Petition Extraordinary to your chief.
gpt
Now?
human
Yes, now; how do I go about it?
gpt
You must first consult the Investigator.
human
You refuse to make selection?
gpt
Yes.
human
Why?
gpt
Because, I replied,
human
I am engaged upon some chemical research of most unusual nature--
gpt
Yes, nodded the Investigator,
human
I have just looked that up. The more reason you should be honoured with paternity.
gpt
Perhaps, I said,
human
Entirely unnecessary, he retorted;
gpt
But I do not find it recreation. I have not been able to concentrate my mind on my work since I received notice of my election to paternity.
human
But you were warned against this, he said;
gpt
But I have not.
human
Then why has this disturbed you?
gpt
Because, I replied,
human
What system would you prefer instead?
gpt
I have nothing to propose, I stated.
human
I only know that I find the paternity system offensive to me, and that the position I am placed in incapacitates me for my work.
gpt
That is all for the present, he said.
human
I will refer your case to the Chief.