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| title
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listlengths 1
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43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just wanted you to get a good look at yourself. Crag here --he motioned his hand toward the newcomer--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a date with Ann. Or had, he added sourly. He twisted his head toward Gotch as the Colonel's words sunk home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Last night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Supper and dancing at the Blue Door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take her home, if it's any of your damned business, snapped Crag."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn't planning on staying, if that's what you mean."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know ... I know, we have you on a chart, Gotch said amiably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We know every move you've made since you wet your first diapers. Like that curvy little brunette secretary out in San Diego, or that blonde night club warbler you were rushing in Las Vegas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And plenty more, he added. He glanced at Crag's double."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure your twin will be happy to fill in for you tonight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like hell he will,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I said, he'll fill in for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ann won't go for it. She's used to the real article."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're not giving her a chance to snafu the works, Gotch said grimly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's in protective custody. We have a double for her, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mind explaining?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not a bit. Let's face the facts and admit both Romer and Temple were murdered. That leaves only you. The enemy isn't about to let us get the Aztec into space. You're the only pilot left who's been trained for the big jump--the only man with the specialized know-how. That's why you're on someone's list. Perhaps, even, someone here at the Base ... or on the highway ... or in town. I don't know when or how but I do know this: You're a marked monkey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't propose to let you get murdered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How about him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what he's paid for, Gotch said unfeelingly. His lips curled sardonically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All the heroes aren't in space."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Home and to bed early, he cautioned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't forget you've got my reputation to uphold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go to hell,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, let's get down to business, Gotch growled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've got a little to say."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lack of _esprit de corps_,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Easy. It's me--Gotch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't turn on the light."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. What gives?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One moment."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Out of bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, Major, it's your turn,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get dressed."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems to fit very well, he said finally."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right, let's go."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After you, Colonel."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll report in at Albrook, Major. I imagine you'll be getting in a bit of flying from here on out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be good to get back in the air again. Perhaps anti-sub patrol, eh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very likely."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stand where you are and be recognized."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Identity?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Colonel Michael Gotch,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Proceed, Sir."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After you,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is the Aztec,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I guessed. And the silver job at Burning Sands?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Drone Able, Gotch explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The deception was necessary--a part of the cat and mouse game we've been playing the last couple of decades. We couldn't take a single chance."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Out there are hundreds of men who have given a large part of their lives to the dream of space flight. Now we are at the eve of making that dream live. If we gain the moon, we gain the planets. That's the destiny of Man. The Aztec is the first step."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is but one base. There are many others. Beyond them are the factories, laboratories, colleges, scientists and engineers, right down to Joe the Riveter. Every one of them has had a part in the dream. You're another part, Adam, but you happen to have the lead role."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know and I know that the Aztec is a development from the ICBM's guarding Fortress America. You also know, or have heard, that out in San Diego the first atom-powered spaceship is nearing completion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've heard,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's the point. So have others. Our space program is no secret. But we've suspected--feared--that the first stab at deep space would be made before the atom job was completed. Not satellites but deep space rockets. That's why the Aztec was pushed through so fast."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're going to get that moon. Get it now!"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We put a rocket around the moon, Adam. He smiled faintly, noting Crag's involuntary start of surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Naturally it was fully instrumented. There's uranium there--one big load located in the most inaccessible spot imaginable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arzachel,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The south side of Arzachel, to be exact. That's why we didn't pick a soft touch like Mare Imbrium, in case you've wondered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've wondered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam, the Colonel hesitated a long moment,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ken Pickering who--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What have you heard?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing ... for a long time. He just seemed to drop out of sight after he broke the altitude record in the X-34."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frankly, I've always wondered why he hadn't been selected for this job. I thought he was a better pilot than I am,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're right. He is better. He smiled tolerantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We picked our men for particular jobs, he said finally."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pickering ... we hope ... will be in orbit before the Aztec blasts off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Satelloid?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first true satelloid, the Colonel agreed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One that can ride the fringes of space around the earth. A satelloid with fantastic altitude and speed. I'm telling you this because he'll be a link in Step One, a communication and observation link. He won't be up long, of course, but long enough--we hope."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We don't know lots of things, Adam. All we know is that we need the moon. It's a matter of survival of Western Man, his culture, his way of life, his political integrity. We need the moon to conquer the planets ... and some day the stars."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So does the enemy. That's why we have to establish a proprietory ownership, a claim that the U.N. will recognize. The little nations represent the balance of power, Adam. But they sway with the political winds. They are the reeds of power politics ... swaying between the Sputniks and Explorers, riding with the ebb and flow of power ... always trying to anticipate the ultimate winner. Right now they're watching to see where that power lies. The nation that wins the moon will tilt the balance in its favor. At a critical time, I might add. That's why we have to protect ourselves every inch of the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We won't be here to see the end results, of course. That won't be in our time. But we're the starters. The Aztec is the pioneer ship. And in the future our economy can use that load of uranium up there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you step through the hatch you've left earth, perhaps for all time. That's your part in the plan. Step One is your baby and I have confidence in you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, let's go."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to know you, Skipper."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been looking forward to this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We all have."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Moon Survival."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does it tell us how to get there, too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll write that chapter later,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the way, that twosome at the Blue Door got it last night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean...?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Burp gun. No finesse. Just sheer desperation. Well, I just wanted to let you know we weren't altogether crazy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't think you were."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No? He looked at Crag for a long moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good luck."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a little shaky myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They tell me the first thousand miles are the hardest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Amen. After that I won't worry."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pickering's in orbit, he said briefly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No details yet."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Five minutes to zero, Commander."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thirty seconds...."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Twenty seconds...."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ten ... nine ... eight...."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Three ... two...."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ready on one."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Off to the moon."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Twenty-five thousand feet,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forty-five thousand...."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eighty thousand feet...."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cut in."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fifty miles."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How we doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine, Commander, just fine, Gotch rasped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The toughest part's over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seventy-five miles and two hundred miles east,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ninety-six miles ... speed 3.1 miles per second,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got her lined up,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Had me worried for a moment,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me, too. The Chief looked out of the side port"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Man, it looks like a battle wagon."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sputnik Avenue."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A moment,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander, we've bad news for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The S-two reports a rocket being tracked by radar. ComSoPac's picked it up. It's on intercept course."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Any idea what kind?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Probably a sub-launched missile--riding a beam right to you. Or the drone, he added. He was silent for a second."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, we sort of expected this might happen, Commander. It's a tough complication."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's been a nice trip, so far."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Get Prochaska on the scope."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's on and ... hold it. The Chief was making motions toward the scope."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, it's the satelloid. He's--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's got it,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can use Drone Able as an intercept,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Drone Able won't be a damn bit of good without the Aztec."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, this is ground control, Commander."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Calling Step One.... Calling Step One. S-two calling Step One. Are you receiving? Over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Step One,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "S-two calling...."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could be. The Chief bit his lip reflectively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We could control her through her steering rockets, but we'd have to be plenty sharp. We'd only get one crack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chances are the intercept is working on a proximity fuse, Crag reasoned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All we'd have to do is work the drone into its flight path. We could use our own steering rockets to give us a bigger margin of safety."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What would the loss of Able mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm more concerned with what the loss of the Aztec would mean."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Might work. The Chief looked sharply at him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does Alpine say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They say nuts."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's coming fast,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Too fast,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're going to use Drone Able as an intercept. It's the only chance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander, I ordered ground control."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ground has no control over this situation,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said ground control, Commander. That's final."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm using Drone Able."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander Crag, you'll wind up cleaning the heads at Alpine, Gotch raged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't move that Drone."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't sacrifice the drone, Commander!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know a better way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Reckon so."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Step One to S-two ... Step One to S-two ..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "S-two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can't--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's my job, Pickering cut in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You gotta get that bucket to the moon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, he said finally."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, fellow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't mention it. The Air Force is always ready to serve, Pickering said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adios."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Skipper! Prochaska's voice was startled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For God's sake ... look!"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was a brave man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A pile of guts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After this, Commander, follow ground orders. You damned near fouled up the works. I don't want to see that happen again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Sir, but I couldn't have expected that move."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you think Pickering was up there for? Gotch asked softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He knew what he was doing. That was his job. Just like the couple that got bumped at the Blue Door. It's tough, Commander, but some people have to die. A lot have, already, and there'll be a lot more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll get your chance. The communicator was silent for a moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, carry on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aye, aye, Sir,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Altitude, 1,000 miles, speed, 22,300."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've made it, Crag exulted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're on that old moon trajectory."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sort of startling, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alpine says we're right on the button--schedule, course and speed. There's a gal operator on now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's good. That means we're back to routine."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pretty rough, Crag said sympathetically. His voice, in the new-born silence, possessed a curious muffled effect."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're past the worst."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah?"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe I should have been more truthful with the Colonel before taking on this damned job of moon pilot. There's something I didn't tell him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've never been to the moon before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alpine wants a private confab, Prochaska said. His voice was ominous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Probably another stinker."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Again?"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crag?"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shoot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More bad news, Gotch reported somberly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Burning Sands picked a package out of Drone Able just before launch time. It's just been identified."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Check,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a time bomb. Here's a description. Bomb was packaged in a flat black plastic case about one by four inches. Probably not big enough to wreck the drone but big enough to destroy the controls. It was found tucked in the wiring of the main panel. Got that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Check."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The bomb squad hasn't come through with full details yet. If you find a mate, don't try to disarm it. Dump it, pronto!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't. It'll stay with us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's size indicates it wouldn't be fatal if it exploded outside the hull, Gotch rasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was designed to wreck controls. If you find one, dump it. That's an order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One other thing. Gotch was silent for a moment. Crag pictured him carefully framing his words."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It means that the situation is worse than we thought,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They haven't left anything to chance. If you have a bomb, it was carried there after the final security check. Do you follow me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Search the console panels--every inch of them."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Burning Sands reports packaged timed for 0815, he snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's eight minutes away. Get on the ball. If you've got one there, it's probably a twin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, Crag acknowledged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adios, we've got work to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Break out the pressure suits, he barked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lend him a hand, Larkwell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pressure suits?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Check. We may need them in a couple of minutes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Get to it, Crag rasped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It may be a matter of life or death."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Time bomb. Burning Sands says, if we have one, it may blow in-- he glanced hurriedly at the chronometer--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Probably in the controls, if we have one."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Short exposure, he rapped out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Minimum pressure."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See anything?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It blew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How ... how did it get here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what I'm going to find out."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here's where we stand. We will immediately comb the record of every intelligence agent involved in the last shakedown. We'll also recomb the records of the Aztec crew, including yours. I've got to tell you this because it's serious. If there's a saboteur aboard--and I think there is--then the whole operation's in jeopardy. It'll be up to you to keep your eyes open and analyze your men. We've tried to be careful. We've checked everyone involved back to birth. But there's always the sleeper. It's happened before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Check, Crag said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I only hope you don't catch up with all my early peccadillos."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is no time to be funny. Now, some more news for you. Washington reports that the enemy launched another missile this morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another one?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Radar indicates this is a different kind of rocket. Its rate of climb ... its trajectory ... indicates it's manned. Now it's a race."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any sign of a drone with it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, that's the surprising part, if this is a full-scale attempt at establishing a moon base. And we believe it is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It couldn't be their atom-powered job?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Positively not. We've got our finger squarely on that one and it's a good year from launch-date. No, this is a conventional rocket ... perhaps more advanced than we had believed.... His voice dropped off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll keep you posted,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Roger."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "in security seemed highly unlikely. So did a"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So that's the way it looks, General Telford was saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy is out to get Arzachel at all costs. Failing that, they'll act to keep us from it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They wouldn't risk war,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, but neither would we. That's the damnable part of it, the General agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The next war spells total annihilation. But for that very reason they can engage in sabotage and hostile acts with security of knowledge that we won't go to war. Look at them now--the missile attack on the Aztec, the time bomb plant, the way they operate their networks right in our midst. Pure audacity. Hell, they've even got an agent _en route_ to the moon. On our rocket at that."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I seem to recall I was in Astrakhan myself a few years back,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, sure, we build pretty fair networks ourselves, the General said blandly. He looked at Gotch and a rare smile crossed his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you like the dancing girls in Gorik's, over by the shore?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Didn't know you'd ever been that far in, General."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh-huh, same time you were."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'll be damned,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the Caspian's hot now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meaning?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Warheads--with the name Arzachel writ large across the nose cones. He eyed Gotch obliquely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If we secure Arzachel first, they'll blow it off the face of the moon."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going to be nip and tuck,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't like the looks of that stinker,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Might as well get used to it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait till they're pressurized. You'll think rigor mortis has set in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's a condition I'm opposed to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Amen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One more of those and you'll be walking around the moon without a pressure suit."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Skipper, look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're using steering rockets,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Doesn't make sense, said Prochaska."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They can't have that kind of power to spare. They'll need every bit they have for landing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's up?"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Using rocket power, Crag grunted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damn if I can figure that one out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks crazy to me. I should think--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Warhead!"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mistaken identity, he said softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They thought it was the Aztec."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now we hope they haven't any more warheads. Crag mulled the possibility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Considering weight factors, I'd guess they haven't. Besides, there's no profit in wasting a warhead on a drone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We hope. Prochaska studied Bandit through the port, and licked his lips nervously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think we ought to contact Alpine?"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What now?"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Big, he surmised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Much bigger than this chunk of hardware."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, a regular battleship, Prochaska assented. He grinned crookedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In more ways than one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The drone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Destroyed, Crag said bruskly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bandit had a warhead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It spells trouble."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No more warheads."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess we're just loaded with luck,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks like we're piloting them in. Jeepers, you'd think they could do their own navigation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shows the confidence they have in us,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nice rugged spot. It's going to take some doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Amen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm beginning to get that what-the-hell-am-I-doing-here feeling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had it right along,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bandit's up on us,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've cleared the back side. You're on the landing run, Skipper."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arzachel...."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fifteen thousand feet, Prochaska half-whispered. Crag nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Twelve thousand ... ten ... eight.... The Chief continued to chant the altitude readings in a strained voice. Up until then the face of the moon had seemed to rush toward the Aztec. All at once it changed. Now it was the Aztec that rushed across the hostile land--rushing and dropping."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Three thousand ... two thousand...."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's all for them, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can't say I'm sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serves 'em damn well right,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Little over two miles,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can't tell in this vacuum, Prochaska advised."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your eyes play you tricks. Wait'll I try the scope."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Closer to three miles. Pretty good for a green hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could use a little elbow room. Any volunteers?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liberty call, Prochaska sang out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All ashore who's going ashore. The gals are waiting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm a little tired of this sardine can, myself, Larkwell put in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's get on our Sunday duds and blow. I'd like to do the town. There was a murmur of assent. Nagel, who was monitoring the oxygen pressure gauge, spoke affirmatively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No leaks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Check suit pressure,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's going to be hot out there."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may depart, Sire."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Backbone Ridge,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I, Adam Crag, by the authority vested in me by the Government of the United States of America, do hereby claim this land, and all the lands of the moon, as legal territory of the United States of America, to be a dominion of the United States of America, subject to its Government and laws."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the record, this is Pickering Field. I think he'd like that,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gotch will like it, too. Hadn't we better record that and transmit it to Alpine?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's already recorded. Crag grinned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All but the Pickering Field part. Gotch wrote it out himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Confident bastard. Larkwell smiled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He had a lot more faith than I did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Especially the way you brought that stovepipe down,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you do your job as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wish Able had made it, he said wistfully."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd like to get started on that airlock. It's going to be a honey to build."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Amen. Crag swept his eyes over the ashy surface."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The scientists figure that falling meteorites may be our biggest hazard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not if we follow the plan of building our airlock in a rill, Larkwell interjected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then the only danger would be from stuff coming straight down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agreed. But the fact remains that we lost Able. We'll have to chance living in the Aztec until Drone Baker arrives."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If it makes it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It'll make it,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've got it whipped,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was wondering if we couldn't assess the danger. It might not be so great...."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No wind, no air, no external forces to disturb the ash mantle, except for meteorites. Any strike would leave a trace. We might smooth off a given area and check for hits after a couple of days. That would give some idea of the danger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you think?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the ash itself is meteorite dust,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We could at least chart the big hits--those large enough to damage the rocket."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll know if any hit,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe not; Nagel cut in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Supposing it's pinhole size? The air could seep out and we wouldn't know it until too late."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That means we'll have to maintain a watch over the pressure gauge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That won't help if it's a big chunk. Prochaska scraped his toe through the ash."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The possibility's sort of disconcerting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Too damned many occupational hazards for me, Larkwell ventured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must have had rocks in my head when I volunteered for this one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All brawn and no brain. Crag gave a wry smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's the kind of fodder that's needed for deep space."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We ought to let Gotch know he's just acquired a few more acres."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Crag hesitated a moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then we'll check out on Bandit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There might be some survivors."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let them rot,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's for me to decide, Crag said coldly. He stared hard at the oxygen man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're still human."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're damned murderers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's no reason we should be."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But not if it endangers the expedition in any way, he added. He informed him that Drone Baker had been launched without mishap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just be ready for her, he cautioned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And again--congratulations, Commander."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think Pickering Field is a fitting name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How much oxygen would a man need for a round trip to Bandit, assuming a total distance of seven miles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not that far,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There might be detours."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An extra cylinder would do it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, Larkwell and I'll go. You and Prochaska stand by."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There might be communication problems,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go on, scratch it,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This moon's going to take a lot of getting used to. Crag swept his eyes over the bleak plain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And they send four men to conquer this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It ain't conquered yet,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it isn't,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's get moving."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not going to be a picnic,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We don't seem to be getting anywhere,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your eyes trick you, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just another thing we'll have to get used to."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mighty wide,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Might be just the rill we need for an airlock. If it's not too deep,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something else to learn."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've plenty to learn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's try it,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not lost, but off course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How you doing, Skipper?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lousy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just happened to think that I could help guide you. I'll work you with the scope,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Commander, we're forgetting something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Radcounters. Mine's whispering a tune I didn't like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a thing to worry about, Crag assured him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The raw ores aren't that potent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Won't bother us a bit,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're getting close. His voice was a faint whisper over the phones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe you'd better make a cautious approach."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Might still be oxygen in the space cabin, he ventured finally."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The break in the hull might not reach that far."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It does,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No survivors in there,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Might be, if they had on their pressure suits. And they would have,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never without one in the construction business, he explained. He studied Bandit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe I can hook it over the top of that busted tail fin, then work my way up the break in the hull."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me try,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is my province."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep forgetting the low gravity,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thought a man was supposed to be able to jump thirty feet on the moon,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can if you peel those duds off, Crag replied cheerfully. He ran his eye over the break noting the splintered metal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be careful of your suit."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got to cut through the lining,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See anything?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dead men. Larkwell's voice sounded relieved over the phones."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Smashed face plates."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just a second, he finally reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks like a live one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Knew they had to have some way of getting out of this trap,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Breathing,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's going to be a helluva job getting him back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean we're going to lug that bastard back to the Aztec?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are."
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks like they expected good hunting,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, Crag grimly agreed. He slammed the metal panel shut and looked distastefully at the unconscious man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've a damned good notion to leave him here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what I was thinking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess we're elected as angels of mercy. Well, let's go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, Florence Nightingale Larkwell,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ought to shove him out and let him bounce a while,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oxygen,"
}
]
|
43235 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Try one of Bandit's cylinders, he suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They just might fit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No go. I've already looked them over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here's the routine, he told him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You start out to meet us with a couple of extra cylinders. We'll take along a couple of Bandit's spares to last this critter until you can modify the valves on his suit to fit our equipment. Prochaska can guide the works. Okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Roger,"
}
]
|
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