human
But you are content with the woman? his partner asked anxiously.
gpt
You are not disappointed with her in any way? She pleases you as much today as she did when first you set eyes on her?
human
Of course she does! You'd think it was you who'd been dreaming of her all these years, not me.
gpt
I suppose we shared those dreams....
human
And you'd never seen her. Mattern stared intently at the shadow.
gpt
Are you disappointed, then?
human
Of course not. You know that to me a human woman is merely an object of art. And she _is_ very beautiful. But I thought she might not have come up to your expectations. Reality often falls short of dreams. The shadow's voice tautened.
gpt
Has she changed much?
human
Very little, Mattern said, absorbed once more in the game.
gpt
You'd think only a year or two had passed. Surprising how women do it.
human
Surprising, it agreed, its voice relaxing.
gpt
But then the female sex is mysterious.
human
You will need a lot of money to provide an establishment fitting for so lovely a lady.
gpt
I have a lot of money, Mattern said.
human
More than enough.
gpt
Not enough for the things she deserves to have. Jewels, palaces, planets....
human
One thing I know would make it a lot more comfortable for her, Mattern suggested.
gpt
If only you didn't have to be close to me all the time, kqyres. If only you could stay on the ship even when I'm not there. Not that I don't enjoy your company, he added quickly,
human
Do you think I like the situation any better than you? But this is the way the mbretersha has ordered it.
gpt
I suppose she knows what she's doing,