human
Ben, are you quite certain our arrival time was made clear?
gpt
I stressed the point, Mr. Ambassador. I communicated with Mr. T'Cai-Cai just before the lighter broke orbit, and I specifically----
human
I hope you didn't appear truculent, Mr. Magnan,
gpt
No indeed, Mr. Ambassador. I merely----
human
You're sure there's no VIP room here? The ambassador glanced around the cavernous room.
gpt
Curious that not even chairs have been provided.
human
If you'd care to sit on one of these crates----
gpt
Certainly not.
human
I may as well make use of these few moments to outline our approach for the more junior members of the staff; it's vital that the entire mission work in harmony in the presentation of the image. We Terrestrials are a kindly, peace-loving race.
gpt
We seek only a reasonable division of spheres of influence with the Yill.
human
We are a people of high culture, ethical, sincere.
gpt
We'll start by asking for the entire Sirenian System, and settle for half. We'll establish a foothold on all the choicer worlds. And, with shrewd handling, in a century we'll be in a position to assert a wider claim.
human
If there are no questions----
gpt
It's my understanding, Mr. Ambassador, that we hold the prior claim to the Sirenian System. Did I understand your Excellency to say that we're ready to concede half of it to the Yill without a struggle?
human
Vice-Consul Retief merely means----
gpt
I can interpret Mr. Retief's remark,
human
Young man, you're new to the Service. You haven't yet learned the team play, the give-and-take of diplomacy. I shall expect you to observe closely the work of the experienced negotiators of the mission. You must learn the importance of subtlety.
gpt
Mr. Ambassador, Magnan said,
human
I think the reception committee is arriving.