human
You've got quite a defense there,
gpt
Glad you like it.
human
Would you mind telling us how it works?
gpt
Don't you know?
human
We think so. You become what is attacking you. Is that right?
gpt
Certainly, the Ambassador said.
human
You see, I have no secrets from you.
gpt
Is there anything we can give you, Cercy asked,
human
A bribe?
gpt
Sure, Cercy said.
human
Anything you--?
gpt
Nothing,
human
Look, be reasonable, Harrison said.
gpt
You don't want to cause a war, do you? Earth is united now. We're arming--
human
With what?
gpt
Atom bombs, Malley answered him.
human
Hydrogen bombs. We're--
gpt
Drop one on me, the Ambassador said.
human
It wouldn't kill me. What makes you think it will have any effect on my people?
gpt
A people's ability to make war, the Ambassador stated,
human
He smiled ingratiatingly.
gpt
My people are reaching the limits of stage five.
human
What would that be?
gpt
You'll find out, the Ambassador said.
human
But perhaps you've wondered if my powers are typical? I don't mind telling you that they're not. In order for me to do my job and nothing more, I have certain built-in restrictions, making me capable only of passive action.
gpt
Why?
human
For obvious reasons. If I were to take positive action in a moment of anger, I might destroy your entire planet.
gpt
Do you expect us to believe that?
human
Why not? Is it so hard to understand? Can't you believe that there are forces you know nothing about? And there is another reason for my passiveness. Certainly by this time you've deduced it?
gpt
To break our spirit, I suppose,
human
Exactly. My telling you won't make any difference, either. The pattern is always the same. An Ambassador lands and delivers his message to a high-spirited, wild young race like yours. There is frenzied resistance against him, spasmodic attempts to kill him. After all these fail, the people are usually quite crestfallen. When the colonization team arrives, their indoctrination goes along just that much faster. He paused, then said,
gpt
Most planets are more interested in the philosophy I have to offer. I assure you, it will make the transition far easier.
human
Won't you at least look through it?
gpt
When I get time.
human
I suggest you give it a try, the Ambassador said.
gpt
You must be near the crisis point now. Why not give it up?
human
Not yet,
gpt
Don't forget to read the philosophy,
human
Now look, Malley said, once they were back in the control room,
gpt
Anything you like, Cercy agreed,
human
The way I see it, Malley answered,
gpt
Like what?
human
Hypnotism. Perhaps we can find out something.
gpt
Sure, Cercy said.
human
Try it. Try anything.