human
It's beautiful,
gpt
Yes,
human
But-- Channeljumper seemed puzzled--
gpt
One more note would do it. One more note--no more, no less--at the end of the crescendo could tie the symphony together and end it. But which one? I've tried them all, and none of them fit!
human
Careful, you're beginning to turn purple.
gpt
I know, Longtree said mournfully, and the purple tint changed to a more acceptable green.
human
But I've got to win first prize at the festival tomorrow; Redsand promised to marry me if I did.
gpt
You can't lose, Channeljumper told him, and then remembered,
human
If, Longtree echoed despairingly, as though his friend had asked the impossible.
gpt
I wish I had your confidence, Chan; you're orange most of the time, while I'm a spectrum.
human
I haven't your artistic temperament, Channeljumper told him.
gpt
Besides, orange is such a homely color I feel ashamed to have it all the time.
human
Did you know the space rocket is due pretty soon, he said,
gpt
Space rocket?
human
Oh, I forgot you were busy composing and didn't get to hear about it, Channeljumper said.
gpt
Well, Bigwind, who has a telescope in his hole, told me a rocket is coming through space toward us, possibly from the third planet.
human
Oh?
gpt
I wonder if they'll look like us?
human
If they're intelligent, of course they will, Longtree said certainly, not caring.
gpt
Their culture will probably be alien, though, and their music-- He paused and turned a very deep yellow.
human
Of course! They might even be able to furnish the note I need to complete my symphony!
gpt
You've got to compose it all yourself, he reminded,
human
But just one little note--
gpt
I don't make the rules,
human
No. Well, Longtree went on in sudden determination,
gpt
I'll find that last note if I have to stay permanently purple.
human
And I'll leave you alone so you can get to work,
gpt
Goodbye,