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| title
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|---|---|---|---|
59314 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it _is_ you, my boy, who's going to have to get us tooled up to last the transition. Can you do it?"
}
]
|
59314 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've got your generator going. But it isn't enough, you know. It can't supply the whole country; and power lines to the outside are down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So what do we do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We find other sources to supplement, said Arch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sunlight, now. Approximately one horse-power per square yard, if you could only get at it. He raised a face grown thin with overwork and with the guilt that always haunted him these days, up to the sky. The sun felt warm and live on his skin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Trouble is, the potential's so low. You've got to find a way to get a high voltage out of it before you can charge a capacitor decently. Now let me think--"
}
]
|
59314 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will take some time to get all this together, said a vice-president."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Especially with conditions as they are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, said Arch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're prepared to make up truck convoys and furnish guards; what we want you for is negotiation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But ... good heavens, man! Is your whole community in on this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just about. We have to be. There's little help coming in from outside, so our area is thrown back on itself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah--the cost of this operation--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, we can meet that. Special assessment, voted at the last town meeting. They don't care very much, because money has little value when you can't buy more than the rationed necessities. And they're getting tired of going on short rations of power."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shouldn't say this, because your proposal is a fine deal for us, but have you stopped to think? Both the REA and the private power concerns will be restoring service eventually, just as soon as civil order has been recreated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. But there are two answers to that. In the first place, we don't know when that'll be, and if we don't have adequate energy sources by winter we'll be up the creek. Also, we're building a sun-power plant which will cost almost nothing to operate. In the long run, and not so terribly long at that, it'll pay off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But they seem to be settling down, he added."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nobody likes to be a bandit, and anyhow the state militias are gradually subduing 'em. Most of the rural communities, though, are striking out on their own like us. There's going to be a big demand for selenium. Wistfulness flickered in his eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonder if I can raise enough money to buy some stock?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It'll take time, said Elizabeth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know the sun-power generator is simple, but you still can't design and build one overnight."
}
]
|
59314 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did I do that? he asked through his tears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did I do it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, darling, she said. One hand ruffled his disordered hair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't you forget that side of it? Think of what you have done, with your own hands--built this town up again, given its people more than they ever had before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll try,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only a weak government makes such a move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe a weak government is what we need,"
}
]
|
59314 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's settling down, Elizabeth told him, putting her news magazine aside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For once, I agree with the editor of this rag. The crisis is over, and now it's a matter of readjustment. The world is never going to be the same, but it'll be a better one ... cleaner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look around you, she invited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look what you've done. I'm afraid, dear, that you're going to be rediscovered. It won't take long before people suddenly wake up to the fact that your invention did all this for them. Brace yourself--you're going to be famous for life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I didn't! he protested."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They did it for themselves. One man never could--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I quite agree, she smiled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One man can neither make nor destroy a society. So why not give that conscience of yours a rest?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's been suffering, he said, enough alcohol in him to break down his reserve."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People have died."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A lot of them needed killing, she said earnestly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look what we've got. An end to dictatorship. Removal of the atomic-war threat. Cheap energy for a million new projects. A four-hour work day in prospect. Government, which was getting too big and officious in all countries, cut down to size again. The plain man standing on his own feet and working for himself. Natural resources conserved. If you must take either credit or blame, Si, then balance your books!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know all that, up in my conscious mind. But down underneath--I'll always see those houses burning, and those men shooting at each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You-- She hesitated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what you need. Your trouble, my boy, is that underneath that Yankee conservatism, you're a hopeless romantic. Your mind dwells on the sudden and dramatic. Now the positive benefits of capacitite aren't anywhere near as quick and spectacular as the temporary evils were. What you have to do, to satisfy those Puritan chromosomes, is to produce something really big and fancy, something of immediate, large value."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I imagine you're right, Dr. Freud, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know. She frowned with worry for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But think, man. We have leisure now--in another year or so, well, we won't be the millionaires we once dreamed of, but like everybody else we'll have real security and real time to ourselves. You could use that time to work on _something_."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm-- Automatically, his brain turned to practicalities."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's see, now. Capacitite offers a way of concentrating energy enormously ... a very small packet will hold a hell of a lot--_My God!_"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the devil--something wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! He was running toward the phone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Got to get hold of Colin--M.I.T.--don't you see, darling? His hands trembled as he dialed, but there was laughter in his voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you see it? Spaceships!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have some request in mind?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How about making a search for any signs of suspicious digging or underground activity in the vicinity of Shopton? Tom said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There would have to be an excavation of some sort in order to set off an underground blast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds like a big job, but I'm afraid you're right, Tom. We can't risk a similar disaster here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'd better move fast, too, Bud put in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those two quakes so far came only a day apart!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What you fellers prowlin' around for?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bomb emergency, the trooper said laconically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have orders to search every house cellar for underground openings."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that hole?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does it look like? the elderly man snapped back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's an old well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A _well!_ the trooper exclaimed as he rushed to the spot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And not even covered? What're you trying to do--kill people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Used to be covered, but the lid's gone. Didn't expect to have a bunch of nosy fellers pokin' around down here!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Give me a hand!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get a rope,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ain't got one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, mister--what's your name?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben Smith,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, Mr. Smith, you get a rope or something else to pull this boy out. And fast!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, son, Smith said apologetically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess I should have warned ye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's all right, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was my own fault for not watching where I was going. Besides, you can't blame an American for not liking the idea of having his home searched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll go get ye a towel to dry off with,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What're you doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to look underneath,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where does this lead to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just a little storage place, the owner replied with a shrug."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't think it was worth mentioning. You'd better not go down there, he added hastily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The steps ain't safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just the same, we'll take a look,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then do it at your own risk!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't touch 'em! Latty warned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some are loaded. I keep 'em hidden for safety, but sometimes my nephew Fred here and I have target practice."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's this? The make of one of the guns?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, yeah--that's right,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey! Why the rough stuff?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In case you don't know it, the young inventory said coldly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I d-didn't know there'd be any trouble with the cops or I'd never have done it, he quavered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Narko offered me some dough to hide the guns. I needed money, so I took him up. That's all there was to it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long have you known this Narko?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I met him a few days ago in a restaurant. Believe me, I'd never laid eyes on him before. And I wish I never had!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right, Officer, let's take him in, Tom said. To the still-astounded Fred, he added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're sorry about this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've had troopers, detectives, and fire inspectors swarming all over Latty's place, Captain Rock reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They examined his house, the garage, two sheds out back, and every inch of the grounds. But there's no indication of any place where a bomb might have been planted to cause an underground explosion in Shopton."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So that clue peters out,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll notify the FBI immediately,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even if we find nothing more, that arms cache was worth all the trouble, Slater added."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The country owes you a vote of thanks, Tom. A bunch of enemy agents could have hurt a lot of people with an arsenal like that!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's for sure, Captain Rock agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a good day's haul, Tom."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an important news bulletin!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Worried United States State Department officials admit that the surprise coup poses a new and dangerous threat to free-world security. Further news reports will be broadcast as soon as they reach this station,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks as though that CIA man who briefed us wasn't kidding, eh, skipper?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It came sooner than he expected!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is the news on this Brungarian coup as bad as it sounds, Wes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Worse! That rebel bunch really has it in for us, as you know, Tom, Norris replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They envy America and they'll move heaven and earth to steal our scientific secrets. This could touch off a whole epidemic of sabotage and other spy activity!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It doesn't add up, Tom, the FBI agent said thoughtfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If our enemies were planning to destroy Shopton by a quake, why would anyone be needing a gun?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't figure it myself, Wes--unless they were planning to raid and loot Enterprises after the place was thrown into disorder, Tom deduced."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about Narko himself? Has he talked yet?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here's something else, though, which might interest you, Norris went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We now have reports that at the time of the Harkness and Medfield disasters, seismographs recorded simultaneous quakes off the coast of Alaska near the Aleutian chain. Tremors were also felt off the southwest coast of South America."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean the H-bomb idea goes out the window?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wes says they've found no evidence to support the theory of man-produced underground blasts. It just doesn't jibe with those other remote tremors. They'd be too much of a coincidence, happening at the same time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then the quakes at Harkness and Medfield were real earthquakes!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks that way, Tom admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those other tremors Wes mentioned follow a natural circum-Pacific belt which is well known to seismologists. I'm no expert, but perhaps they could have set off chain reactions below the earth's crust which triggered the two quakes in this part of the country."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This setup's full of bugs!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chow down!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh... thanks."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No telling if it will work when the energy arrives from space, Tom said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, Arv, Tom went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd like a scale model made to guide them on assembly. How soon can you have it?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonderful, Arv! Tom approved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every time I see one of your models of a new invention, I'm _sure_ it'll work!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, buster! Tom greeted it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this your daddy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't look at me. It claims _you're_ its daddy. But hanged if I can see much resemblance!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Think it'll live?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If not, Hank replied, only half jokingly,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow! Is this your spaceman?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure is a queer-lookin' buckaroo!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ride 'em, spaceman!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonder what the critter eats?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shucks, won't hurt to try,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By 'first contact,' you mean when that black missile landed at Enterprises?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I get it, Bud said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Smart idea, pal!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow! Bud murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If Planet X is a peaceful place, Ole Think Box is sure in for a jolt here on earth!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Talk about deep thinkers!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Goodness, we had no idea we'd be interrupting a session of the brain trust, Phyl added with a mischievous sparkle in her brown eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe we should go away again, Sandy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey! Hold it, you two! Bud exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you think, Tom--are these the visitors we've been expecting from outer space?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well! I like that! Sandy pouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do we look like a couple of little green people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it's just your pointed heads that fooled us, Sis. Then, as the two girls broke down in laughter, he added,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why the unexpected visit?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And while we're here, since it's practically quitting time anyhow, Sandy went on, her blue eyes twinkling,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess they've trapped us, Bud, Tom said with a grin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, it's a deal. But first we have something to show you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's marvelous!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hmm. Looks as though we're going to be well fed, Bud commented jokingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's on the menu, girls?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chicken and ham sandwiches..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pickles, olives, hard-boiled eggs, potato salad..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chocolate cake, milk..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop! You have us hungry as bears already!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right! Bud agreed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on! Let's get this cruise under way!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, what a gorgeous day for a sail!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jeepers! Sandy whispered to Phyl with a giggle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a feast like this, we'll have to go on a diet!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't say it, Phyl warned,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's wrong?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jumpin' jets! Bud gulped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's like a tidal wave!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quick! Tom yelled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Grab life jackets while I start the engine!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're going under!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sandy!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you all right, Sandy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--I think so, she gasped weakly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take it easy, Sis!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tom, we must get these girls home as soon as possible,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, fine! Bud groaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The crowning touch!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But no damage occurred except along the water front,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bud, I feel sure that wall of water was caused by a minor earthquake! the young inventor declared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's more, I'll bet it was _man-made!_"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you're right, pal, it's the most fiendish sabotage I've ever heard of! Think of all the lives that were endangered!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I _am_ thinking!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Flash! A severe quake has occurred at the headquarters of the American Archives Foundation, a hundred miles from Shopton. The Foundation's buildings, containing many priceless government and scientific documents, were badly damaged, and an underground microfilm vault was utterly destroyed. Apparently this quake was part of the tremor felt here at Shopton."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about it, Tom? the editor demanded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess you know by now the public's aroused and in a state of near panic over all these quakes. What they all want to know is this: are you, Tom Swift, going to find a way to stop all this destruction?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I am! he snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you can quote me on that!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How would I tackle the job myself, if I had to undertake such a project for national defense?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What cooks, skipper?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bud, I think I may have the answer!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suppose the Brungarian rebel scientists have invented some sort of shock-wave producer--a device for sending vibrations through the earth's crust or the mantle underneath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, suppose they have,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just this, pal. Let's say they set up two or three stations around the world for sending out such waves in a definite direction. Wherever the wave crosses an earth fault or another wave--_boom!_ An earthquake!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No kidding, is that how those rats triggered off all these quakes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It must be, Tom declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's the only possible explanation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good night! Bud gasped weakly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a weapon! Just push a button every so often and you could blow up another country bit by bit--and no one could ever prove who was behind the attack!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Enough to make every American shiver, if he only knew!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What can we do about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll have to invent a shock-wave deflector, Bud. It must be done in a hurry, too. Our enemy may start to destroy American cities as well as vital defense plants!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tom, I'll talk to the president's special science adviser at once, the man promised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll try to set up a meeting for ten o'clock tomorrow morning at Enterprises."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd say your theory is right, Tom, about the quakes being produced by artificial shock waves, said Bernt Ahlgren, a tall, hawk-faced man with a shock of red hair. He was a member of the Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But how do we stop them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe they can be damped out by opposing waves, Tom replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is assuming that I can design the right sort of equipment to do the job--and also that we can set up a warning system to alert us of the enemy shock waves in time."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks for your prompt co-operation,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We should thank you, Tom, for coming up with a plan to cope with this fiendish threat,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'd better get over here fast, Tom, Slater said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Samson Narko is ready to talk!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, Chief!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Narko showed signs of cracking this morning, Slater told Tom,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How come?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Narko wants a bargain, Slater explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the government will promise to deport him at once without trial, he'll spill what he knows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sure wouldn't want to be in _his_ shoes when he gets back to Brungaria! His bosses aren't stupid. They'll know he must have made a deal to get off scot free!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Narko's waiting in his cell, Slater said, after an exchange of handshakes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's hope he hasn't changed his mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are from Washington, eh? Narko said to Thurston."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well. I presume the police have told you my offer. Is it a bargain?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know the penalty for spying! he snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In your own country it would mean death. Why should we let you off?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have done no harm and I know little or nothing of my superiors' plans! the spy said excitedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why should I lie to you with my life at stake? After all, I am only an insignificant agent. But one important thing I do know--and this I will reveal if you promise to deport me at once!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, the CIA man decided."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have my word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is going to be blown up!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a preposterous story! I suppose they're going to fly a plane over and drop an atom bomb--just like that!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is the truth! Narko shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do not forget--you have made a promise."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're wasting our time, Thurston said finally, with a look of disgust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I made a promise in the name of the United States government and the promise will be kept."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Turn him over to the FBI and have them take him to New York. I'll arrange for a seat on the first plane for Brungaria."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your dad went from Washington to Fearing Island and has gone up to your space outpost, Bud reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has to do some experiments for the government project he's working on."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think I'll radio Dad and let him know what's going on, Tom decided."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He may have some good suggestions. He usually does!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Skipper!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm all right--no harm done,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brand my flyin' flapjacks, what happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The radio set just blew up in my face, Tom explained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fortunately, the equipment was transistorized mostly with printed circuits. Otherwise, he added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I might have been badly cut by slivers of glass from the exploding vacuum tubes."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What caused it, Tom?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good question, Tom replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Frankly, I don't know."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tom Swift calling Outpost!... Come in, please!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good night! Bud gasped in a stunned voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't tell me that's just a coincidence!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can certainly rule out the possibility that anything was wrong with the radio itself. Every set is checked before it leaves the electronics department."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So where does that leave us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Both times it seemed to happen just as the reply was coming through from the space station. There is no possibility that their signal was too strong--in other words, that the explosion was caused by overloading the receiving circuits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you implying that an enemy intercepted the message and sent some sort of ray that caused the set to explode?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Skipper, suppose I hop up to the space wheel and talk it over with your dad. He may be able to help us detect any enemy moves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good idea, pal, Tom agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sooner the better, I'd say."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hank, you did a fast job on the container for the brain, Tom began apologetically,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm geared to action. Say, what do we call it, anyhow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chow told me last night this gadget looked like a fireplug under a rose trellis and I ought to call it Fireplug Rose! But I've given it a more dignified name--the Quakelizor, which stands for an underground quake wave deflector."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This setup will detect any incoming enemy shock waves, Tom said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll need fifty of 'em, so turn the job over to Swift Construction. And have Uncle Ned put on extra shifts."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How does it work, Tom?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dual-control spheres on top, Tom explained,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow! Hank Sterling was breathless at the sheer scope of the young scientist's newest invention."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll get hot on the job right away."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll be close enough to the San Andreas fault to prevent a really huge-scale disaster, Tom explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the Rocky Mountain structure will give us a good bedrock medium for shooting out waves anywhere across the continent."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to know you, Tom said, shaking hands with the engineer in charge. He introduced his own men and added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Better roll up your sleeves. This job is going to take plenty of oomph!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Now let's pick out the spot for embedding the unit,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're trapped!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll send out an SOS, Tom said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If help arrives before the bear attacks, we won't use guns."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must return to Shopton now, Tom said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Art here will stick around and help you operate the setup, he told the government engineers after radio contact had been made with Washington."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If anything goes wrong, just flash word to Enterprises."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just got back from the space wheel about an hour ago, Bud said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your dad's really worried about those exploding radio sets, Tom. He has no clues, but he's sure the scientists working for the Brungarian rebel setup are responsible. He thinks they may try to ruin all of Enterprises' communications system by remote control."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Boy, I sure wish I could think of some way to cope with it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your dad said to give it the old college try, Bud reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And he also said he'd be back in two days to help you on the problem."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which reminds me, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey! A call on the videophone!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bad news, skipper, he said ominously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An earthquake tremor was just felt here in Washington. It centered in a shipyard on the Potomac and caused great damage!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was my Quakelizor a flop, Bud? Tom muttered, his shoulders drooping as the announcer signed off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It must have been!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't be silly! Snap out of it! Bud gave his pal a cheerful poke in the ribs, hoping to buck him up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You heard what Blake said--Washington itself was hardly touched. Without your setup, think of all the people that _might_ have been killed or injured! And all the government buildings that might have been wrecked, maybe even the White House. I'd say your shock-wave deflector must have been at least ninety per cent effective!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tom, it was a miracle you completed the Quakelizor installation in time! In all probability it saved us from a major national disaster, perhaps worse than Pearl Harbor!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks, sir. But what about the shipyard destruction?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was a bad break, Tom, Dr. Miles admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our detectors showed that the shock waves had been almost damped out when a sudden power failure occurred. It turned out that an overload had shorted the Quakelizor's power plant. The crew had it fixed within moments, but by that time the damage was done."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The government heads were so impressed with your invention, Tom, Dr. Miles added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell them we'll go to work right away, he informed the seismologist."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll have the new Quakelizors ready as soon as possible, but you'd better warn your associates it's bound to take a few days."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uncle Ned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's up, Tom?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hank and I will bring the blueprints over right away, if you don't mind being late to dinner,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think the solution's been staring us in the face, Dad, but we've been too worried to think of it, Tom said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Remember Li Ching's jamming-wave generator?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dad, you wrote a report on the generator for the government with a memo on possible ways to combat it, Tom went on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe the same measures would work in this case."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're right, son. We'll insert a blocking filter in the R.F. stage that should do the trick."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I jest got to see Ole Think Box come to life!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "X minus three... X minus two... X minus one... This is it!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No mistake about the time, was there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not if the code was translated correctly. He frowned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's true they spoke merely in terms of days. But their time references are usually very precise."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, skipper, Hank muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ring us right away if it shows up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, Hank."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you think, skipper? Are we out of luck?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our space friends haven't let us down yet, Tom replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sure they won't this time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's hope no hitch has occurred,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only an airplane,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, he confessed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got only two hours of sleep on the space wheel, and apparently last night wasn't enough to catch up. Sorry, fellows."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don't you go home, Dad? Hit the hay,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, fellows! Wake up!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look out! Chow shrieked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll be pulverized in this rock stampede!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold fast, Bud! Tom cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing's headed our way!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The visitor from Planet X has arrived!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Should we wake up your dad and tell him the good news--or keep it a surprise till morning?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess we'd better--"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great horned toads! What's it up to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seems like the energy's trying to get out! Bud guessed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something must be bothering it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No reason for that. The container was absolutely empty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brand my Big Dipper! the cook said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mebbe Ole Think Box has gone loco! An' it could be my fault!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about, Chow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did I ruin the critter?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you've done me a favor, Chow!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have? The old Texan stared at his young boss, as if not sure whether or not to believe him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How come?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You saw how Ole Think Box reacted to the gum, Tom explained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That shows the energy really is like a brain! It's responsive and sensitive to conditions of its environment, especially when coming up against something new and unexpected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean they don't have bubble gum on Planet X?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This means we should be able to communicate with it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the brain will probably be able to communicate back to us! Tom went on excitedly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We may even be able to learn about Planet X!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you suppose happened to the gum? Bud asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he chew it all up?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's probably unchanged, Tom replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our visitor is used to it now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't worry, old-timer. Think Box won't bite, Bud teased."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that gum spree, he's just been initiated into our American tribal customs! The pilot grinned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey! We haven't given him a proper name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're right. Tom looked at his pal and chuckled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Got any ideas?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hmm. Let me see. Bud scowled and paced about with his hands clasped behind his back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Firetop--John Q. Pyro--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it ain't on fire now,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe not, but he sure blazed a trail getting here,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have it! He's a visitor from Planet X, so let's call him _Exman!_"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perfect! Tom was delighted and Chow agreed that it seemed"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For boat christenings and statues and what not, you break bottles on 'em or cut ribbons or pull a sheet off 'em, the cook said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But how in tarnation do you christen a buckaroo from space?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing to it, Chow, Tom assured him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll do the job up nice and fancy with a display of electricity. But first let's get Exman over to the lab."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I christen you Exman!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow! Quite a ceremony!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a send-off like that, I'll be expectin' the critter to do great things here on this lil ole planet Earth!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You could be right,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess you and I had better get some shut-eye too, pal, Tom told Bud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I think I won't tell Dad until morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just a little ray of energy to keep him company,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tom Swift Jr. speaking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did it come?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, hi, Dad! Tom replied, yawning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Exman arrived in fine shape. We've put him to bed. Tell you all about it tomorrow morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, Tom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your father?"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey! It's gone!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess he didn't like that little chum we left on for him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's leave him where he is,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something's happening to Exman!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop him!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good grief! Tom wiped his brow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's corral that thing before he wrecks the whole lab!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What in the name of space science triggered it off?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Time. It must have reacted to the passage of time, Tom conjectured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose it just decided to explore this place. He added a bit nervously,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sooner we can communicate with this energy, the better!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Say, I wonder if Exman might understand a direct order?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come here!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Move right! No response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Move left!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess you're not getting through, skipper,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Tom agreed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't predict what kind of energy this brain will respond to. Being only energy, it must respond to other energy and sound is our form of energy. The problem is the same as with radio waves, which are also energy. We must figure out how we can vary the energy, so it can transmit information to Exman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What _do_ we try? Bud asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or is it hopeless?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll try communicating with it via the electronic brain, which I have adapted to fit this problem."
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Speak, O Master! Bud said, imitating a squeaky robot voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sound off loud and clear!"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, how about that? Bud exclaimed happily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It really savvies those electronic brain impulses!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And minds them--which is equally important,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's like a mischievous kid,"
}
]
|
17985 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bud, he exclaimed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What we need now, Tom went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds like quite an order, Bud said wryly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Speaking of which, how about us phoning Chow an order for breakfast?"
}
]
|
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