:28:00
But, Commander,
suppose these new instructions...
:28:03
require my return to Earth
for questioning...
:28:06
two years or more
away from my work here?
:28:09
Tell me, just what is involved
in your making contact with Earth base?
:28:13
Fundamentally,
it's a question of crude power...
:28:16
how to short-circuit the continuum
on a five or six parsec level.
:28:19
Of course, a transmitter like that
isn't standard equipment.
:28:22
- No.
- To build one...
:28:24
we'd cannibalize about two-thirds
of the ship's electronic gear...
:28:27
and then unship
the main drive to juice it.
:28:30
Just to construct a bunker to house
the core would take about ten days.
:28:34
Disabled here
for ten days and nights?
:28:37
Tell me, would two-inch
lead shielding do as well?
:28:41
It'd be better if we happened to be
carrying 100 square yards of the stuff.
:28:44
Then I'll have Robby
run it off for you...
:28:46
and you'll get it
not later than tomorrow noon.
:28:49
That's very obliging of you, sir.
:28:52
Obliging?
:28:54
Look out there, Commander,
the Belerephon party.
:28:57
Nineteen years ago
I dug those graves with my own hands...
:29:00
and I have, believe me,
no wish to repeat that experience.
:29:18
We'll see you again soon,
Alta, I hope.
:29:22
- Thank you very much, Doctor.
- Excellent lunch, Doctor.
:29:26
To tell the truth, I sometimes
still miss the conversation...
:29:29
of such gentlemen
as yourself, Doctor.
:29:32
Well, thank you for your
courtesy and concern, sir.
:29:47
Fasten your seat belts, gentlemen.