human
Anton! he said.
gpt
I've been expecting you.
human
Kirill, he said.
gpt
It's been a long time.
human
It's been a long time all right--almost five years. As I recall, I was slung over your shoulder, and you were wading through those confounded swamps. The ...
gpt
The Everglades.
human
Yes. The heavy-set Russian espionage chief chuckled.
gpt
You are much stronger than you look, Anton. As I recall, I ordered you to abandon me.
human
You were delirious from your wound.
gpt
No, Anton, I wasn't delirious. Perhaps a bit afraid, but then the baying of dogs is disconcerting.
human
It is all over now.
gpt
A drink, Anton? As I recall you were never the man to refuse a drink. Scotch, bourbon, vodka?
human
I believe in drinking the local product. What is the beverage of Tangier?
gpt
Absinthe, he said.
human
Guaranteed to turn your brains to mush if you take it long enough. What was the name of that French painter...?
gpt
Toulouse Lautrec, Anton supplied.
human
I thought the stuff was illegal these days.
gpt
Nothing is illegal in Tangier, my dear Anton, except the Party. He laughed at his own joke and handed the other his glass. He poured himself a jolt of vodka and returned to his chair.
human
To the world revolution, Anton.
gpt
The revolution!
human
I wish we were some place in our own lands, Anton. Dinner, many drinks, perhaps some girls, eh?
gpt
Another time, Kirill.
human
Yes. As it is, we should not be seen together. Nor, for that matter should you even return here. The imperialists are not stupid. Very possibly, American and Common Europe espionage agents know of this headquarters. Not to speak of the Arab Union. I shall try to give you the whole story and your assignment in this next half hour. Then you should depart immediately.