human
We lost it at 4:02 yesterday, Winston said.
gpt
It hasn't reappeared. Apparently the signal source moved into, or behind, a globular cluster.
human
That's more evidence that it was moving contrary to normal direction?
gpt
It is, Dr. Kerama agreed.
human
What's more, the calculated velocity was simply incredible. The only velocities we know of that approximate it are those of galaxies at the very limit of our instruments.
gpt
It was a spaceship. What else would travel across normal star directions giving out signals?
human
The possibility has occurred to us, Kerama said slowly.
gpt
It is certainly the most appealing explanation, and it is natural that it should come to your mind, Rick. But it is not the only possible solution.
human
There are others that are difficult to explain, unless you have a good background in astrophysics, Rick.
gpt
I'm sure you have lots of theories, but honestly--what do you really think?
human
Tell him what we talked about last night. It may not be subject to any real proof, but I think the boys have a right to know what we've concluded.
gpt
All right, Winston nodded.
human
To put it as briefly as possible, we agree that the most likely explanation is that we intercepted intelligent signals, sent out for some reason by some beings we can't even imagine. For one thing, the space object is so small that we can't even give it a dimension. Neither can the other telescopes. Mount Palomar can see nothing.
gpt
A spaceship,
human
It's as good a name as any. And now, boys, let's start folding up our part of the operation. We have reservations on tomorrow's flight. That will put us into New York just about suppertime.
gpt
We hate to leave, Scotty told the Egyptian scientists.
human
Unfortunately, thanks to that Egyptian cat, we didn't get to see much of Cairo.
gpt
At least I saw a piece of the Sahara Desert, Rick said with a grin.
human
Anyway, let's move. I have some shopping to do for my folks, and for Jan Miller, and especially Barby.
gpt
Going to take her a bouquet of Egyptian poison ivy?
human
Nope. I'm going to buy her some nice things, but I'm also going to take her the remains of the Egyptian cat. Just as a reminder.