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Dans-Prosemaxx-Cowriter-XL

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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good of you to be punctual, Mr. Struan,\" Admiral Ketterer said gruffly, \"not normal for, er, traders.\" He was going to say \"tradesmen\" but decided there was plenty of time to deliver the broadside. \"Take a seat. Sherry?\"\n\n\"Some dry sack, thank you, Admiral.\"\n\nThe orderly poured a glass, replenished the Admiral's port and left. They lifted their glasses, no love lost between them. The desk was clear of papers, except for an official document, an opened envelope and a letter in his mother's writing. \"What can I do for you?\" Malcolm asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know that some of my sailors were killed by Chinese pirates, firing shore-based British cannon during our Mirs Bay engagement. British cannon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've read the news reports, but I don't know for certain if they were British manufacture.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"I do. Made sure myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do. Made sure myself.\" Sourly the Admiral picked up the document. \"The Governor's initial investigation suggests the probable culprits were either Struan's or Brock's.\"\n\nMalcolm looked back at the older, florid-faced man, unafraid. \"He can suggest what he likes, Admiral Ketterer, but any formal accusation had better be backed by proof or we would be very upset, and the Brocks apoplectic. I know of no such deal and in any event sale of armaments are not forbidden by Parliament. Does Norbert Greyforth?\" Jamie had warned Greyforth that he had also been summoned by the Admiral, at 10:30, but he had not appeared until 11:00 a.m. and that meeting had lasted barely three minutes.\n\nKetterer's neck reddened, remembering Greyforth's inflammatory response. \"No. That—that impertinent fellow declined to discuss the matter. Do you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know what you want to discuss, Admiral.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The matter of the importation and selling of cannon and armaments to the natives here. And warships. And opium.\"\n\nMalcolm said carefully, \"Struan's are China traders and we trade according to British law. None of those articles are forbidden by law.\"\n\n\"Opium soon will be,\" the Admiral snapped.\n\n\"When it is, then that trade ceases.\"\n\n\"It's against Chinese law now, and native law here!\"\n\n\"Struan's are not, I repeat not, trading in opium here, even though it is not, I repeat not, against British law.\"\n\n\"But you do admit the trade's pernicious and immoral.\"\n\n\"Yes, but at the moment approved by Her Majesty's Government and unfortunately the only commodity we can barter for China's tea, from which Parliament derives huge taxes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm well aware of the China problem. I would like you and your company to anticipate the law now by agreeing voluntarily never to import opium into Japan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're not trading in it here.\"\n\n\"Good. If I find any ships carrying opium I intend to confiscate the cargo and the ship.\"\n\n\"I'd say you do so at your legal peril, Admiral. Has Sir William agreed or approved your intention?\"\n\n\"Not yet. I would like you and the other trades—other traders to do so willingly. The same with breech-loading rifles, cartridges, cannon and warships.\"\n\n\"Did Greyforth agree to such an astonishing proposal?\"\n\nThe neck went crimson. \"No.\"\n\nMalcolm thought a moment. He and Jamie had reasoned in advance that this was what the Admiral had in mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apart from his mother's letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have a meeting with Sir William in a few days,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd be honored if you'd attend as my personal guest. All traders would hear you out.\"\n\n\"My views are already well known. You traders of all people should know which side of your bread is buttered, that without the fleet to protect you and your trade routes, you're helpless. If you supply natives with cannon you threaten the Royal Navy, you'll be helping to sink your own ships, murder your own countrymen and yourselves to boot!\"\n\n\"If you take the example of India or any of the oth—\"\n\n\"My whole point, Mr. Struan!\" the Admiral slammed at him. \"Without natives having our armaments the Mutiny would never have happened, revolts everywhere would be more quickly contained, savages all over the world could be more easily and properly educated, useful trade would be conducted in peace and world order would flourish in the benevolence of the Pax Britannica. And miserable, fornicating pirates would not have the means to fire on my flagship, by God! And without the Royal Navy ruling the seas, by God, there's no Pax Britannica, no British Empire, no trade, and we'll be back in the Dark Ages!\"\n\n\"Confidentially you're quite right, Admiral,\" Malcolm said with abject, pretended fervor, following Uncle Chen's advice: \"When a mandarin is furious with you, for whatever reason, quickly agree 'confidentially' he is right, you can always assassinate him later when he's asleep.\"\n\nOver the years he had been involved in the same argument with Army, Navy and government officials." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And witnessed his father and mother quarreling, his father for free trade and his mother for morality, his father raging about the insolvable opium triangle, his mother vehemently against opium even so—and sales of arms—truth on both sides, both inflexible, the quarrel always ending with his father drinking himself into a stupor and his mother smiling with that fixed, infuriating smile that nothing would dislodge, his father's final barb always: \"my old man—and your Prince Charming—the Great Green-eyed Devil Dirk himself started the trade and we've flourished on it, so help us God!\"\n\nMany's the time he had wondered—but never dared to ask—if she had really been in love with the father and not the son, had settled for the son because the father would not. He knew he would never ask and if he did she would just smile that fixed smile of hers and say, \"Malcolm, don't be absurd.\"\n\n\"Confidentially, you're right, Admiral,\" he repeated.\n\nKetterer choked on his port and poured some more. \"Well, that's something, by God!\" He looked up. \"Then you'll make sure Struan's does not engage in arms sales here?\"\n\n\"I will certainly take everything you said under advisement and consult with my fellow traders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ketterer took out a handkerchief and blew his nose, took a pinch of snuff, sneezed and blew his nose again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his head had cleared his baleful eyes looked at the young man, irritated that he could perceive no weakening." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"I'd be glad to put forward those opinions, Admiral.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then let me put it another way. Confidentially, you agree that helping Jappos to acquire cannon, British cannon, any bloody cannon, or British warships is stupid?\"\n\n\"For them to have a comparable navy would be wr—\"\n\n\"A disaster, sirrah! Total disaster and stupid!\"\n\n\"I agree.\"\n\n\"Good. I would like you to persuade all other traders to your opinion: no arms here, particularly cannon, of course no opium. Confidentially, of course.\"\n\n\"I'd be glad to put forward those opinions, Admiral.\"\n\nKetterer snorted. Malcolm began to get up, not wanting to be cornered. \"A moment, Mr. Struan—another matter, before you go. A private matter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Admiral motioned at the envelope and letter on his desk." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Confidentially, between you and me, I don't normally acknowledge such letters from civilians. It goes without saying: Royal Naval rules and regulations belong to the Royal Navy.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This. From Mrs. Struan. You know what it's about?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, I do.\"\n\nKetterer moved the letter to the center of his desk. \"Your Noble House is supposed to be first in Asia, though I'm told Brock's are pulling ahead of you now. Never mind which, you could be a conduit for good. I would like you and your company to assist me in this just cause. Just, Mr. Struan.\"\n\nExasperated, Malcolm said nothing, considering he had answered at length and was not prepared for another lecture.\n\nPointedly Ketterer said, \"Confidentially, between you and me, I don't normally acknowledge such letters from civilians. It goes without saying: Royal Naval rules and regulations belong to the Royal Navy.\" A sip of port and a subdued liverish belch. \"Young Marlowe has invited you and... and your fiancée aboard Pearl during his trials. Tuesday. For the day.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The eyes bored deeper. \"Has he not?\"\n\n\"Yessir,\" Struan muttered, his mind in spasm as his ears seemed to have betrayed him.\n\n\"Of course, my permission is needed.\" The Admiral let this float in the air, then said, \"By the way, Mr. Struan, this intended duel is ill-advised, yes indeed.\" Malcolm blinked at the non sequitur, and tried to concentrate as the Admiral continued, \"As much as that... that Greyforth fellow deserves to pass on as soon as possible, duelling is against the law and ill-advised, and mistakes can happen, bad ones. Clear?\"\n\n\"Yessir, thank you for the advice, but you were say—\"\n\n\"Thank you, Mr. Struan,\" the Admiral said smoothly, getting up. \"Thank you for coming to see me. Good day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In turmoil Malcolm groped to his feet, not sure if he understood correctly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do I understand you to mean that I ca—\"\n\n\"I mean nothing more than what I have said, sir.\" The voice was withering, clear and from the quarterdeck. \"Just as you have told me, in confidence, you will take what I have said under advisement, in return, I tell you, in confidence, that I will take what you say, and do, under advisement—before Monday, midnight. Good day.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside on the promenade the air smelt good and clean and uncomplicated, and Malcolm took deep breaths until its purity began to take the pounding out of his head and chest. Exhausted and elated, he slumped onto the first bench and stared at the fleet without seeing it.\n\nHave I understood Ketterer correctly, Malcolm asked himself over and over, once again blinded with hope, that Ketterer might, just might be prepared to forget Mother's letter and give Marlowe permission to have us aboard and not forbid Marlowe to marry us?\n\n\"'In confidence,' Ketterer had harped on that,\" he muttered, \"and 'between ourselves' and 'in return.'\" Does that mean he'll keep quiet if I do my part?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he wondered. What in God's name could I do and say before Monday night to persuade the bugger, because that's what he is, a blackmailing sod with no morals!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nonsense! It's a deal—he's offered a deal, a quid pro quo—a marvelous deal for me, and not bad for him. I'd have to be careful, the other traders won't take kindly to any voluntary embargo. I'll have to be aboveboard because that bugger's smart and won't be satisfied with just promises.\n\nWho can I trust with this new twist in the tangle of my life? Heavenly? Jamie? Marlowe?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course not him. Angel? No. Not her. If Uncle Chen were here he'd be the one, but as he's not, who? No one. You'd better tell no one!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have to carry this alone—isn't that what Mother said Dirk always told Father about being tai-pan: \"It's the being alone and carrying responsibility alone, that's the joy and the hurt of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What can I do about cannon and gu—\n\n\"Afternoon, Mr. Struan.\"\n\n\"Oh! Oh, hello, Mr. Gornt.\"\n\n\"You looked so sad I just had to interrupt you.\"\n\n\"No, not sad,\" Malcolm said tiredly, \"just thinking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, sorry, in that case I'll leave you, suh.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"And I tried to talk him out of the duel but he said, 'Not unless Malcolm Struan publicly apologizes,' words to that effect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, please sit down. You said, yesterday, there's a price?\"\n\nEdward Gornt nodded. \"I apologize for not seeing you before, suh, but Mr. Greyforth wouldn't see the... the light. Now he agrees to pistols, double-barrelled duelling pistols, and one shot or two, as you choose, from twenty paces.\"\n\n\"Good. And?\"\n\n\"And I tried to talk him out of the duel but he said, 'Not unless Malcolm Struan publicly apologizes,' words to that effect.\"\n\n\"Good. But the other matter, we've no walls or doors here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm motioned along the almost deserted promenade. \"The price?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought this a perfect place but we can't spend too much time and have to be careful, Mr. Greyforth could have binoculars on us.\"\n\n\"Is he watching?\"\n\n\"I don't know for sure, suh, but I'd bet on it.\"\n\n\"Then somewhere else? Later?\"\n\n\"No, here's fine, but he's very wily and I don't want him to get suspicious. The price: If my information assists you to block Morgan's plan to sink you and bankrupts Brock's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know the details?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt laughed softly. \"Oh yes, and much more, not that Morgan or Old Man Brock know I know, or Mr. Greyforth.\" He dropped his voice even more, his lips hardly moving. \"This all has to be kept secret between us but the price is you break Morgan Brock, pursue him into bankruptcy, or prison if you can—if it's necessary to break Tyler it's all the same to me, but out of the wreckage you guarantee that I get their fifty percent interest in Rothwell's free and clear; that you assist me with the Victoria Bank to raise what's necessary to buy out Jeff Cooper's half; that for ten years you don't come after me other than a normal competitor, giving me favored nation status on any business dealings—all in a letter contract, written and signed by you. After ten years the gloves are off.\"\n\n\"Agreed,\" Malcolm said at once, expecting harsher conditions. \"But the Victoria bastards aren't our friends, Brock started that bank and have excluded us always, so we won't be much help there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They soon will be, suh. Soon the whole Board will fart if you say fart. This all must be kept very secret, of course. What do you plan after the duel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm did not hesitate, finding it so strange that he could trust this man so immediately, telling him about going aboard Prancing Cloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This presumes I'm the winner and not hurt badly. Once I'm in Hong Kong I can simmer things down,\" he said confidentially.\n\n\"What about your shooting? I mean having to use sticks?\"\n\n\"One is fine to balance with, for that amount of time.\" Malcolm smiled thinly. \"I've been practicing.\"\n\n\"Now, I propose a deception to avoid legal repercussions that worked well in Virginia and should do the same here, in case either of you is killed: you each write the other a letter, dated and delivered the night before the duel, saying that you have mutually agreed to call the duel off 'at the No Man's Land rendezvous tomorrow, and you will both accept, as gentlemen, a mutual, simultaneous apology from the other.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt smiled. \"We, the seconds, will testify that tragically, while you were showing each other your pistols, one went off.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A fine idea. Has Norbert agreed?\"\n\n\"Yes. I'll deliver his letter to you, Tuesday, send him his by Mr. McFay, but best keep it secret, that it's a device.\"\n\n\"Tuesday\" kept echoing in Malcolm's head but he forced it aside. Gornt was saying, matter-of-factly, \"After the duel—it would be best if you kill him, not wound him—I'll come out to the clipper with you. In exchange for the written contract, I'll lay out the details how you can utterly wreck Brock's financial safety net, with a package of authenticated copies of letters and documents, enough for any court of law, and others that hand you a cudgel to use with the Victoria.\"\n\nMalcolm felt the glow deep within him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not now, why wait till Wednesday?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Greyforth might kill you,\" Gornt said calmly, \"then the knowledge would be wasted and I would have put myself at risk for no reason.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a pause Malcolm said, \"Say he does, or wounds me badly, how do you get the revenge you seek?\"\n\n\"I'll approach Mrs. Struan, suh, at once. I'm gambling that won't be necessary. I gamble on you, not her.\"\n\n\"I heard you did not gamble, Mr. Gornt.\"\n\n\"At cards for money, no suh, never—I saw the futility of that with my stepfather. With life? To the limit.\" Gornt felt eyes on him and said softly, \"Someone's watching,\" and he glanced around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Angelique, coming out of Struan's, across the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waved. Malcolm waved back and got up. The two men watched her approach.\n\n\"Hello, Angel,\" Malcolm said warmly, the Admiral's words dancing in his head. \"May I introduce Mr. Edward Gornt of Rothwell's in Shanghai? My fiancée, Mademoiselle Richaud.\"\n\n\"Ma'am!\" Gornt took her hand and kissed it gallantly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'gornt' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Gornt,\" she murmured, reading his eyes. There was an abrupt, curious silence among the three of them, then for no apparent reason they burst out laughing.\n\n\"What is it?\" she asked, her heart picking up beat.\n\n\"Joie de vivre,\" Gornt said.\n\nShe looked up at him, liking what she saw, warmed by the smile, then took Malcolm's arm, already relating the encounter in the letter she had interrupted:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I confess, dearest Colette, I spied them on the promenade so put on my best bonnet and took them by surprise, and my Malcolm's arm (DEFENSIVELY) for this new arrival is tall and handsome with the naughtiest glint behind his eyes that I saw instantly, though Malcolm could not possibly be aware of, or he would have been more jealous than usual, poor dear!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wanted to meet this tall stranger casually." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He has the slightest of Southern accents, broad shoulders, narrow waist, a fencer probably, and glorious dancer—I do hope he'll be a friend, I need them here so much...\n\n\"La, chéri,\" she said, fanning herself against the immediate and pleasing internal heat, a subconscious feline reaction to Gornt's masculinity. \"Excuse me, I didn't mean to interrupt an important conference...\"\n\n\"You didn't, Angel,\" Malcolm said.\n\n\"I was just leaving,\" Gornt said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No need to conceal all of his admiration." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Ma'am.\" He bowed. \"Good day, suh, I shall be in touch.\"\n\nThey watched him walk off. \"Who is this Mr. Gornt?\"\n\nHe told her, but nothing in fact about the real Mr. Gornt. He was fogged by the thought of Tuesday." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More pork in black bean sauce, Younger Sister?\" Ah Tok asked, chomping on a piece of fish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Ah Soh reached over with her chopsticks to replenish her bowl, then snapped up the choice quick-fried prawn she had ogled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please continue, Elder Sister.\"\n\nThe two women were in Ah Tok's room, their lunch spread out in a multitude of dishes, a fresh pot of jasmine tea close at hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ayeeyah, it's very difficult. Illustrious Chen gave no clear instructions.\"\n\n\"That's not like him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Soh took more of the succulent pieces of beef in oyster sauce. \"Not like him, not at all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree, but then his new concubine, the whore from Soo Chow, is sure to be taking most of his concentration.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ayeeyah! Is it true she's fourteen with no pubics?\"\n\nAh Tok took up another bony piece of fish head and sucked it appreciatively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's only the Garlic People of Chosen who don't have pubics.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spat the bones onto the floor and selected another part.\n\n\"Interesting. I wonder if it's all the garlic they eat? May I reread his letter, Elder Sister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It said:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Greetings, Ah Tok, Sixth Cousin Twice Removed, You did very well to consult me at once. The cork of the bottle revealed clear traces of Dark of the Moon which must be the Expeller of Dog Land in the Eastern Sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An abortion! The whore was wise and unwise to use it, the Master wise and unwise to advocate it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until we know if he made the decision, or she did without his knowledge, you must do nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cousin, listen to him sleeping—he's always muttered in his sleep since a child—perhaps he will tell you more. Instruct Ah Soh to do likewise and both of you be like bats. Unfailingly obey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah, what does he mean, be like bats?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Soh asked irritably. \"Bats are silent but they squeak. Bats can fly in the dark but are blind during the light, are invisible at night, helpless by day. Their droppings are valuable but stink to Heaven. What does he mean, heya?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eyes and ears and nostrils open, like a bat, and watch where you drop droppings!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah Tok cackled. \"Ten thousand summers to Noble House Chen, without him we would not have known her Jade Gate's hung on my son's door!\"\n\n\"How do we know it was him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Soh said with a robust belch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do we know it was the Master and not someone else?\" She dropped her voice and looked around as though expecting alien ears and Ah Tok's chopsticks hesitated in midair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone like Long Pointed Nose, the same kind of foreign devil as she is, heya? Those two are as close as lice in a beggar's crotch. And didn't he sink the bottle, all the evidence in the sea, remember?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old Ah Tok was no longer laughing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'possible'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fang-pi!\" she said, using the rare expletive. \"That's what Illustrious Chen must have been cautioning us about! Bats weave as they fly and don't alight on the first branch and even then they hang upside down. He's telling us to find out which Yang possessed that Yin! Ayeeyah, yes, I agree, it's possible... possible Long Pointed Nose made my son wear a green hat!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Master cuckolded!\" Ah Soh's eyes went to Heaven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's true Long Pointed Nose spent enough time in her room to...\" She gasped. \"Ayeeyah! Remember, weeks ago, when she sent me away and later screamed because she thought someone was climbing into her room from outside when it was only the wind banging the shutters? I remember now, I was quicker than a bat to her side but Long Pointed Nose was already there and both of them... now I think of it, both were whiter than a five-day corpse! Was that the time his Yang...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When was it, Young Sister? The day? When?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was the day... the day after the Master had that native whore from the brothel across the Canal.\"\n\nBoth women began calculating, minds abacus-fast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today was twelfth month, fourth day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be... that would be tenth month, eighteenth or nineteenth day, Elder Sister.\"\n\n\"Not enough, perhaps not quite enough time, unless this Dark of the Moon is swallowed earlier.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Absently Ah Tok sucked more of the fish head, then spat out the bones with conviction: \"They must have lain together earlier. The whore had plenty of chances, heya? She was always at that barbarian house, even before you both stayed there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right, you're right as usual, Elder Sister! We must inform Illustrious Chen at once.\"\n\n\"But why should she give her Jade Gate to such an ugly foreign devil when my son's panting over it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah Soh shrugged expansively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barbarians! Who knows what they think? You should tell the Master!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Weak with excitement, Ah Tok looked at her bar. Madeira, whisky, brandy. \"We need strength!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She selected the whisky and poured two large tots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To work! We must plan, plot and think how to get the whore and her paramour to reveal the truth!\"\n\n\"Good, very good! Together we'll do it!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good evening, Father Leo,\" Angelique said politely, knelt and kissed his hand, finding it hard to contain her revulsion against his strong odor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were alone in the little church, the nave dimly lit, only a few candles burning, the dying sun coming through the small, poorly executed stained-glass window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were few Catholics in the Settlement, the revenue miserly, even so the altar and crucifix were rich." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside, in the sunset, Vargas waited to escort her back again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wanted to see me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked innocently, knowing she had missed Mass again on Sunday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her pink bonnet had been chosen carefully, also the long Kashmir shawl over her most maidenly afternoon dress of somber silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How well you look, Father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm glad to see you, senhorita, my child,\" he said with his heavy Portuguese accent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are not at Mass again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the vapors, Father. I'm still recovering from the disorder... Dr. Babcott advised rest,\" she replied, her mind on what she would wear for tonight's birthday banquet for the Russian Minister, and what she could do to entertain Malcolm during the evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sure by next week I will be better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm glad, my young and not so feeble teller of lies, Leo thought, disgusted with the perfidy of humanity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's ungodly to dance at night and kick up your heels and show your unclothed nether parts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind, I will confess you now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique could have yawned, he was so predictable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meekly she followed him into the confessional, knelt and went through the motions, glad for the screen between them, parroting her litany, comforted with the pact she had made with the Virgin Mary, repeating their code fervently, as always, \"... and Father, I forgot to ask the Blessed Mother for forgiveness in my prayers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her absolution was quick, a modest penance of a few Hail Marys and she felt the better for it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She began to get up—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, a private matter, my child. Two days ago Mr. Struan sent for me, privately, and asked me to marry you both.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gasped, then smiled gloriously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Father, how marvelous!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, my child, yes, it is. 'Please marry us as soon as possible,' the young Senhor Struan said, but it is difficult indeed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Night and day he had wrestled with the problem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An urgent letter had gone the same day to the Bishop of Macao, Catholic spiritual leader in Asia, begging for advice, equally urgently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very difficult for us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, Father?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because he is not a Catholic an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he has agreed our children are to be brought up in the True Church, he promised.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, my child, he has—he has. He told me the same but he is not of marrying age, not without permission, nor are you, but I wanted to tell you secretly that, even so, I have asked His Eminence for permission to conduct the ceremony for the greater Glory of God, even so—with or without your father's... approval. I hear your father, he is missing, somewhere in French Indo-China or Siam, or somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Particulars of her father's frauds and flight had raced around the Settlement, but in deference to her had been kept quiet, also from Struan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If His Eminence agrees, I am sure Senhor Seratard, in loco parentis, he will agree, even so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tightness in her throat did not go away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long will it take for His Eminence to reply, to approve?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By Christmas, around Christmas, before then, if he is in Macao and not travelling, visiting the Faithful in China, and if it is the will of God.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As usual he sat facing away from the screen, ear close to it for whispered privacy, but now he glanced through the mesh and could see her vaguely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The matter I would like to discuss, privately, is the conversion of the Senhor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again she gasped. \"He said he would convert?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no, he has not yet seen the Light, that's what I want to talk about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Leo leaned closer to the screen, savoring her nearness, choked with a desire he knew to be unholy and Satan-sent, the same that, on his knees, daily and nightly he fought against—as, in equal torment, he had fought against for as long as he had been within the Church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God give me strength, God forgive me, he thought, almost in tears, wanting to reach out and fondle the breasts and the rest of her that was hidden by the screen and by her shawl and by her clothes and the wrath of God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must help... help him embrace the True Faith.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique was as far from the screen as she could be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Painstakingly, she eased the curtains open to reduce the claustrophobia the boxlike structure gave her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Confessionals never used to be like this, she thought, shuddering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's only since... since that which never happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will help, Father. I will do as much as I can,\" she said, her nervousness increasing, and again began to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The violence in the voice shocked her. \"Father?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please... wait, please wait, my child,\" the voice said nicely now, but the niceness was forced and this frightened her for it was no longer the voice of a priest and sacrosanct in a sanctified place, but of a stranger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We must talk about this marriage, and his conversion, my child, and beware of evil influences, yes, we must, conversion is a must... a must as preparation for... for Eternity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Must,' Father?\" she muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Were you about to say, 'must as preparation for marriage'?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For... for Eternity,\" the voice said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stared at the shadow behind the screen, sure that he was lying, appalled that she could even consider it, let alone believe it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will help all I can,\" she said, and got up and groped through the curtains for air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he stood in her path." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She noticed sweat on his forehead and that he towered over her, in height and bulk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's for his own... his own salvation. His, my child. It would be better—better before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you saying, Father, his conversion is a must before you will marry us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked, in dread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is not to me the conditions, what His Eminence decides governs us, we are faithful servants!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In my fiancé's Church, he has not said I must become Protestant, of course I cannot force him either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He must be made to see the Truth! This is a Godsent gift, this marriage. Protestant? That heresy? Apostasy? Unthinkable, you'd be lost forever, doomed, excommunicated, your eternal soul consigned to everlasting torment in the Fire, to burn, to burn forever!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept her eyes down and was barely coherent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For me, yes, for him... millions believe otherwise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're all mad, lost, doomed, and forever they'll burn!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voice hardened even more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They will! We must convert the heathen. The Malcolm Struan must con—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll try. Good-bye, Father, thank... I'll try,\" she mumbled, and stepped around him and hurried away. At the door she turned back a moment and genuflected and went out into the light, him standing in the aisle, his back to the altar, all the time his voice ringing in the rafters, \"Be an instrument of God, convert the heathen, if you love God save this man, save him from purgatory, if you love God save him, help me save him from Hellfire, save him for the Glory of God, you must... before you marry, save him... let us save him... save him...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That evening a samurai patrol came out of the guard house at the North Gate. Ten warriors, fully armed with swords and light battle armor, an officer at their head. He led the way over the bridge and passed the barrier into the Settlement. One man carried a tall, narrow banner with characters on it. The leading samurai held flares aloft that cast weird shadows.\n\nThe High Street and the seafront walk were still busy in the pleasant evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Traders, soldiers, sailors, shopkeepers taking a constitutional or standing in groups, chatting and laughing, here and there, with a few singsongs and drunks and one or two wary male prostitutes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Down on the beach some sailors had lit a fire and were dancing a tipsy hornpipe around it, a transvestite amongst them, and from the distance came the noisy undercurrent of Drunk Town.\n\nThe ominous presence was noticed. People stopped in their tracks. Conversation hesitated in midsentence. Then ceased. All eyes turned northwards. Those nearest the patrol backed out of the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not a few felt for a revolver and cursed that it was not in the pocket or holster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Others retreated and an off-duty soldier near an alley took to his heels to summon the Marine night watch.\n\n\"What's the matter, suh?\" Gornt asked.\n\n\"Nothing, yet,\" Norbert said, his face grim. They were amongst a group on the promenade but still well away from the samurai who paid no attention whatsoever to the silent crowd watching them, slouching along out of step as was their custom.\n\nLunkchurch sidled up to them. \"You armed, Norbert?\"\n\n\"No. Are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"I am, suh.\" Gornt took out his tiny pistol. \"But it won't make much of a dent in them if they're hostile.\"\n\n\"When in doubt, young feller,\" Lunkchurch said hoarsely, \"take a powder, I always say.\" He stuck out his hand to Gornt before he hurried off. \"Barnaby Lunkchurch, Mr. Gornt, pleased to meet you. Welcome to Yokopoko. I've seen you in the Club, hear you play bridge—anytime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone was quietly easing out of range. Drunks had suddenly become sober. All were very much on guard, the speed of a sudden samurai rush with flailing swords too well known. Norbert had already chosen a line of retreat should it prove necessary. Then he saw the Marine night watch come out of the side street on the double, rifles ready, a sergeant at their head, to take up a commanding, though not provocative, position and he relaxed. \"Nothing to worry about now. Do you always carry that, Edward?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes, suh, always. I thought I'd told you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you didn't,\" he said curtly. \"Can I see it?\"\n\n\"Certainly. It's loaded, of course.\"\n\nThe pistol was tiny but deadly. Double-barrelled. Two bronze cartridges. Silver-sheathed hilt. He gave it back, hard eyed. \"Neat. It's American?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"French. My pa gave it to me when I went to England. Said he'd won it from a riverboat gambler, the only thing he gave me in his life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt laughed softly, both of them watching the approaching samurai. \"I even sleep with it, suh, but I've only fired it once. That was at a lady who was sneaking off with my wallet in the dead of night.\"\n\n\"You hit her?\"\n\n\"No, suh, wasn't trying to, just parted her hair, to frighten her. A lady shouldn't steal, should she, suh?\"\n\nNorbert grunted and put his eyes back on the samurai, seeing Gornt in a new light, a dangerous one.\n\nThe patrol walked down the center of the road, sentries in front of the British, French and Russian legations—the only ones with permanent guards—quietly cocked their rifles, already warned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Safety catches on! No firing, lads, till I says,\" the Sergeant growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Grimes, go warn his Nibs, he's with the Russkies, third house down the street, quietly now.\"\n\nThe soldier slid away. Streetlamps of the promenade flickered. Everyone waited anxiously. The strutting officer approached impassively. \"Mean-looking bastard, ain' he, Sar'nt?\" a sentry whispered, his hands slick on his rifle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're all mean-looking bastards. Easy now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer came abreast of the British Legation and barked a command. His men stopped and formed up facing the gate as he stomped forward and spoke guttural Japanese at the Sergeant. A sharp silence. More impatient, imperious words, clearly orders.\n\n\"Wot you want, cookie?\" the Sergeant asked thinly, half a metre taller.\n\nAgain the ugly sentences, more angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anyone knows wot he's saying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the Sergeant called out. No answer, then Johann, the interpreter, carefully came out of the fringe of the crowd, bowed to the officer who bowed back perfunctorily, and spoke to him in Dutch. The officer replied in Dutch, searching for the words.\n\nJohann said, \"He's got a message, a letter, for Sir William, has to deliver it personally.\"\n\n\"Don't know about that, Mister, not with them bloody swords at his side.\"\n\nThe officer started towards the Legation gate and all safety catches came off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped. A furious tirade at the Sergeant and sentries. All samurai eased their swords a quarter length out of their scabbards and took a defensive stance. Down the road the Marine patrol moved into riot order. Everyone waited for the first mistake.\n\nAt that moment Pallidar and two other dragoon officers hurried out from the Russian Legation just down the street, in evening dress uniform, dress swords. \"I'll take charge, Sergeant,\" Pallidar said. \"What's the problem?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Johann told him. Pallidar, well rehearsed in Japanese customs now, went over to the officer, bowed, made sure the officer bowed equally." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'letter' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell him I'll accept the letter. I'm aide-de-camp to Sir William,\" he said, exaggerating.\n\n\"He says, Sorry, his orders are to do it personally.\"\n\n\"Tell him I'm authorized t—\"\n\nSir William's voice stopped him. \"Captain Pallidar—just a moment! Johann, who's this letter from?\" He stood on the threshold of the Russian bungalow, Zergeyev and others crowding the entrance beside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer pointed at the banner and snapped more words and Johann called out, \"He says it's from the tairō but I guess he means the roju, the Elders. He's been ordered to deliver it at once, personally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, I'll take it. Tell him to come over here.\"\n\nJohann translated. Imperiously the officer beckoned Sir William to come to him but Sir William called out, even more sharply, with even less courtesy, \"Tell him I'm at dinner. If he doesn't step up right now, he can deliver it tomorrow.\"\n\nJohann was too practiced to translate exactly and only gave just enough emphasis to transfer the meaning. The samurai officer sucked in his breath with fury, then stomped over to the Russian gate, brushed past the two huge bearded sentries and stood before Sir William, clearly waiting for him to bow.\n\n\"Keirei!\" Sir William barked. Salute!—one of the few words he allowed himself to know. \"Keirei!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officer flushed but automatically bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bowed as to an equal, seethed even more when he saw Sir William just nod as to an inferior, but then, he thought, this foul little man is the leader gai-jin with a reputation for anger as vile as his smell. When we attack I will personally kill him.\n\nHe took out the scroll, went forward and handed it over, stepped back, bowed perfectly, waited until his bow was returned, however rudely, completely satisfied that he had bested the enemy. To rid himself of his anger, he cursed his men and strode off as though they did not exist. They followed, seething at the gai-jin rudeness.\n\n\"Where the devil's Tyrer?\" Sir William asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pallidar said, \"I'll send someone to find him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, ask Johann to join me, will you please?\"\n\n\"No need for that, Sir William,\" Erlicher, the Swiss Minister said, \"if it's in Dutch I can read it for you.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but it best be Johann as he knows some Japanese too,\" Sir William said, not wanting to share anything in advance with any foreigner, particularly one who openly represented a small but growing, highly specialized armament industry anxious for exports, with a reputation based on the extraordinary and unique quality of their watchmakers, one of the few areas where British manufacturers could not compete.\n\nThe dining room, largest room in the bungalow, contained a table for twenty ladened with fine silver and serving plates. All Ministers were guests, except von Heimrich who was still sick, Struan, Angelique at the head of the table, some French and British officers, with two liveried servants behind each seat and more to serve. \"Can I use the anteroom, Count Zergeyev?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William said in Russian.\n\n\"Of course.\" Count Zergeyev opened the door. They waited a moment until Johann hurried in and he closed it.\n\n\"'Evening, Sir William,\" Johann said, pleased that he had been called. He would be the first to know what this was all about, and could continue to be useful, profitably, to his own country's Minister. He broke the seal of the scroll and sat down also." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dutch and Japanese. It's short.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rapidly he scanned it, frowned, reread it and then again and laughed nervously. \"It's addressed to you, the British Minister and says: 'I communicate with you by dispatch. By order of Shōgun Nobusada received from Kyōto, all ports are to be closed at once and all foreigners expelled and driven out, not nee—'\"\n\n\"Driven out? Driven out, did you say?\" The bellow went through the door. An uneasy pall fell on the dinner guests.\n\nJohann winced. \"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir, that's what it says: 'and driven out, not needing or wanting any dealings between foreigners and our people. I send you this before commanding an immediate meeting to make final particulars of your urgent withdrawal from Yokohama. Respectful communication.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Respectful? God-cursed bloody impertinence, by God...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tirade continued. When Sir William paused for breath, Johann said, \"It's signed 'Nori Anjo—Tairō.' As I understand it, Sir William, that's almost like Dictator—he's gone up in the world.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga Yoshi was livid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When was the tairō appointment confirmed?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'palace' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The day before yesterday, Sire, by carrier pigeon to Lord Anjo at Yedo,\" Wakura, the Lord Chamberlain, head of the palace officials, said smoothly, untouched by his guest's open anger, and hiding his joy—he had been looking forward to this meeting that he had arranged in his quarters within the palace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The formal scroll, signed by the Shōgun at the request of the Son of Heaven, was sent, I believe, for urgent delivery to Lord Nori Anjo the same day.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This made Yoshi even angrier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His ancestor, Shōgun Toranaga, had made carrier pigeons the exclusive property of the Shōgunate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over two and a half centuries this method of communication had gone into decline as unnecessary, and now was only used to announce such vital occurrences as the death of a Shōgun or an Emperor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Bakufu chose not to notice that for years certain Osaka zaïbatsu moneylenders were surreptitiously using pigeons—leaving them open to punitive measures, extra taxes, or favors, if the Bakufu cared to enforce the law." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the fatuous ultimatum to the gai-jin? When is that to be delivered?\" Yoshi asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At once, Sire. The Imperial request was included in the same carrier pigeon message, Sire, confirmed by Shōgun Nobusada, and marked Deliver at once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The order is baka, the haste even more baka!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi pulled his padded over-mantle closer around his shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The light rain that patted the gardens outside added a dampness to the chill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Send another pigeon cancelling the order.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If it were up to me, Sire, I would do so at once, since you suggest it. As soon as you leave, Sire, I will seek permission but I imagine your wishes will be too late, the gai-jin leader will have already received the command, it may even have been given to him yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wakura happily kept his face and manner penitent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a culmination of years of intriguing in support of the Emperor's wishes—which matched the opinions of most daimyos, most court nobles, of Ogama who presently held power in Kyōto, though the Gates were ostensibly once again guarded by the loathed Shōgunate—but only with the permission of Ogama—also of the Princess Yazu—and, most important of all, in support of his own views." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His deft and sagacious timing a few days ago had delighted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had waylaid the Princess during her morning walk in the palace gardens and in one move had neutralized the Shōgunate, Bakufu, and Yoshi, most dangerous of his enemies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Imperial Princess, I hear some courtiers close to the Divine, with your interests in mind, whisper that the Lord, your husband, should appoint Lord Nori Anjo tairō, as soon as possible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjo?\" she had said in disbelief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"People of wisdom believe, Princess, it should be done quietly and quickly. Plots in Yedo abound and this would avoid interference by... ambitious enemies,\" he had said delicately, \"enemies who constantly try to undermine your revered husband, who must also have cursed shishi connections. Remember Otsu!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As if I will ever forget! But Anjo—not that I have any influence to arrange such a matter—is a dullard and a fool. As tairō he will become even more arrogant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True, but raising him above the other Elders might be a small price to pay to make your Lord Shōgun more secure during his minority, and gag his... his only rival, Lord Yoshi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could a tairō remove his position of Guardian?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Probably, Princess. Another point in Anjo's favor, the wise whisper, is that he is the perfect instrument to use against gai-jin: simpleheaded but obedient to Imperial requests. The Divine would notice such loyalty and no doubt reward such service. If it was done quietly and quickly, I've heard the wise say, the better it would be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So easy to implant the seed that had blossomed like one of my hothouse orchids overfertilized—how wise I was to maneuver her marriage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her words in that dull-witted youth's ears, some dependent nobles co-opted, my own advice quickly sought and quickly given, and it was done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now for you, Toranaga Yoshi, he thought happily, Yoshi the handsome, the cunning, the strong, the highborn usurper waiting and snuffling in the wings of power, ready to start the civil war that I and all but a few radical nobles dread, the war that will crush the resurgence of Imperial power and once more put the Imperial court under the foot of whatever current brigand warlord bestrides the Gates, who thus can strangle our stipends and makes us beggars again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He suppressed a shudder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not so many generations ago, the then Emperor had to sell his signature on the Kyōto streets to raise money for food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not so many generations ago court marriages were arranged to ambitious, upstart daimyos, hardly samurai class, their only qualification for higher rank being success in war, and money." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not so many years ago..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No, he thought, none of that is going to happen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once sonno-joi is a fact, our loyal shishi friends will disband and return to their fiefs, all daimyos will bow down to Him, we at Court will rule and our golden age will come again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He coughed and settled the immense sleeves of his elaborate court dress more to his liking, watching Yoshi, his eyes narrowed in his heavy face that was made up according to court custom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely the order to expel the gai-jin is good, Sire. The Emperor's wise and long-known aversion to gai-jin and the Treaties will come to pass, and our Land of the Gods rid of them forever. This should please you too, Lord Yoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If the order was meaningful, yes. If it would be obeyed, yes. If we had the means to enforce it, yes. But none of that will happen. Why was I not consulted?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You, Sire?\" Wakura's painted eyebrows soared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm Guardian of the Heir by Imperial appointment! The boy is under age and not responsible for his signature.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, so sorry, Sire... had it been left to me of course your approval would have been sought first. Please, do not blame me, Sire, I can decide nothing, only make suggestions. I am just a servant of the Court, of the Emperor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should have been consulted!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree, so sorry, these are strange times.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi's face was taut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The damage was done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would have to extract the Shōgunate from their own dung. Fools! How?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "First Anjo—one way or another... My wife was correct." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, Hosaki, I miss your counsel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thinking of his family, his eyes drifted outside and at once his fury seemed to dissolve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the shoji window he saw his guards waiting in the lee of the exquisite roof, the gardens behind them, the rain indulgent, sparkling the carefully orchestrated reds and golds and browns, making it all such a pleasing picture to eye and soul—so different from Yedo, he thought beguiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hosaki would enjoy it here, a huge change from our Spartan life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She appreciates beauty, she would like it here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So easy to be swallowed up, by the weather and gardens, kind skies and tender rain, best music, poetry, exotic foods, abundant silks and clothes makers, exquisite carp and singing birds, the alabaster-skinned beauties of the Court, and of Kyōto's Floating World, the Shimibara, the most sought-after in all Nippon, without a care in the world except to seek the next pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since coming to Kyōto, apart from his temporary peace with Ogama, he had achieved little except pleasure times—so rare for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pleasure with Koiko, daily sword practice and the martial arts, marvelous massage—Kyōto famous for it—banquets at every meal, playing Go and chess, writing poetry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How wise of my ancestor to confine the Emperor and these overdressed sycophants to Kyōto, and to build his own capital at Yedo, far from their seductions and twisted manipulations—and how wise to forbid a Shōgun coming into this honeyed trap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I should leave. How can I without Nobusada?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Court had all but excluded him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So had Nobusada. Twice the youth had cancelled a meeting at the last moment because of a chill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor had officially confirmed the chill but his eyes agreed it was an excuse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the Lord Shōgun's health does worry me, Lord Yoshi. His constitution is not strong and his manliness leaves much to be desired.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it the fault of the Princess?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no, Sire. She is vigorous and her yin ample and succulent enough to satisfy the most particular yang.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi had questioned the doctor carefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobusada had never been a swordsman or hunter or outdoor person like his father and brothers, preferring the easier sports of falconry and archery, or more often poetry competitions and calligraphy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was nothing wrong with that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His father is still as tough as an old saddle and his family known for longevity. You have no cause for alarm, Doctor. Give him one of your potions, get him to eat more fish, less polished rice, and less of the exotics the Princess enjoys.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had been present at the only interview he had had with his ward a few days ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had gone badly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobusada had refused to consider returning to Yedo, refused even to discuss a possible date, refused his advice in every other matter, taunting him with Ogama: \"The Choshu control the streets, Ogama's men are stamping out the vile shishi, Cousin. I'm not even safe surrounded by our warriors, I am only safe here under the Emperor's protection!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is a myth. You are only safe in Yedo Castle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Lord Yoshi,\" the Princess said sweetly and silkily, \"but it is so damp in Yedo, the weather is not to compare with Kyōto and my husband's cough needs protection.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is right, Yazu-chan, and I like it here, Cousin, for the first time in my life I am free, not confined in that awful castle! Here I am free to roam and sing and play and feel safe; we are safe. I may stay forever! Why not? Yedo is a stinking, slimy place, to rule from here would be grand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi had tried to reason with them but to no avail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Nobusada had blurted out, \"What I need most of all, until I am of age—not long now, Cousin—what I need is a strong leader, a tairō. Nori Anjo would be perfect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He would be very bad for you and the Shōgunate,\" he had said, and patiently explained again but it had made no difference. \"Unwise to ma—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not agree, Cousin. Anjo listens to me, to me, which you never do. I said I wanted to bow before the Divine, my brother-in-law, he agreed and I am here, you were opposed! He listens to me! To me! To me, the Shogun! And don't forget anyone is better than you. You will never be tairō, never!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And he had left the two of them, never believing—despite Nobusada's derisive, infuriating laughter in his wake—that tairō Anjo would ever become a fact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But now it is a fact, he thought gloomily, conscious of the Lord Chancellor Wakura watching him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will leave Kyōto in the next few days,\" he said, coming to a sudden decision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you have been here hardly any time, Sire,\" Wakura said, quietly congratulating himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely our welcome has not been so terrible?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not terrible. So, what other distressing pieces of information have you for me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None, Sire. So sorry I related something that displeased you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wakura rang a bell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once a painted pageboy came in with tea and a plate of dates, his teeth also dyed black." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Omi.\" The boy smiled back at him and left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The dates are the sweetest I've ever tasted. From Satsuma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were large, honeyed and sun-dried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi's eyes narrowed. He took one, no coincidence they were from Satsuma. \"They are excellent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, they are. A pity the daimyo Sanjiro is not as sweet as the food and fruit his soldier farmers grow. Curious that samurai in Satsuma can be either, without loss of caste.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi chose another. \"Curious? Just their ancient custom. A bad custom. Better that men should be samurai or farmers, one or the other, according to the Legacy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah yes, the Legacy. But then Shōgun Toranaga allowed that family to retain their fief and their heads after Sekigahara though they fought against him. Perhaps he liked their dates too. Interesting, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps he was satisfied that they put their heads to the dirt in front of him, humbly gave him power over Satsuma, humbly swore perpetual allegiance and, even more humbly, thanked him when he gave Satsuma to them as fief.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was a wise ruler, very wise. But now the Satsuma under Sanjiro are not so humble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is also true of others,\" Yoshi said thinly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As I said, we live in strange times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wakura took time to select another date." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The rumor is, he prepares his legions for war, and fief for war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Satsuma is always on a war footing. Another ancient custom. You must tell me the name of your supplier of dates,\" Yoshi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We could use a supplier in Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gladly,\" Wakura told him, knowing he would never pass over his network of spies, never." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some wise advisors suggest this time Sanjiro really will bring war to the mainland.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"War against whom, Lord Chancellor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I presume those he considers enemies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And who are they?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi asked patiently, wanting to bring Wakura into the open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is rumored the Shōgunate, so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He would be so sorry if he did try war against the law of the land, Lord Chancellor. These wise counselors you mentioned, perhaps they should quickly counsel him not to be so stupid. Counselors can also be stupid, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree.\" Wakura smiled with his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree that Sanjiro is militant, but he is not stupid. Ogama of Choshu the same. And Yodo of Tosa. All the Outside Lords are militant and maneuvering, always have been—like some misguided, overly ambitious Court officials.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even if that were true, what could a few courtiers do against the great Shōgunate, Sire, when the entire Court possesses no armies, no lands, and no koku, all of whom depend on Shōgunate largess for stipends?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi smiled with equal mirthlessness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They spread discontent amongst ambitious daimyos... Oh, yes, that reminds me,\" he said, deciding Wakura had gone too far and needed the whip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps in this marvelous enclave you may not know it yet, but this year and next there will be famine throughout Nippon, even in my Kwanto. It is rumored the Court stipend will be cut, this year and next, I believe by half.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad to see Wakura's eyes almost cross. \"So sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, so sorry, it would be sorry, a sorry day. Times are hard enough now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wakura fought back his impulse to shout and threaten, trying to estimate Yoshi's power to initiate and force through such a cut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He is not alone in wanting that, daimyos are always complaining, and of course the Council of Elders would agree." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But tairō Anjo would overrule them, why else is he there but to do our bidding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ogama? That arrogant dog would approve the cut, so would Sanjiro, and all the others!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anjo had better overrule them!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wakura put on his best smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Prince Advisor asks if you would give him your views in a memorial on Satsuma, Choshu and Tosa, particularly the danger Satsuma poses, and how in the future the Court could help the Shōgunate—and avoid misunderstandings.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be glad to,\" Yoshi said, brightening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This would be a wonderful opportunity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lastly, I'm honored to tell you the Divine has invited you as His personal guest, Shōgun Nobusada, some daimyos and those of Tosa, Choshu, and Satsuma to the Festival of the Winter Solstice. The Tosa and Satsuma invitations have already gone, yours and the Lord Ogama's will be presented with due ceremony tomorrow, but I wanted the pleasure of telling you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi was astonished, for such was an extreme honor for anyone outside the Inner Circle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The solstice was this month—Twelfth Month—twenty-second day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In sixteen days. The festivities would last at least a week, perhaps longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could leave afterwards, plenty of time to deal with Anjo then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait! You have forgotten what the Legacy says: Beware of camping in the Lair of Heaven." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is not for us." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'people' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We are men, they are gods, gods are like people, jealous like people and closeness breeds their contempt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The death of our line would please these false gods very much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It can only happen in their lair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi was filled with sudden dread." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The invitation could not be refused. \"Thank you,\" he said, and bowed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At midday the shishi lookout stationed opposite the Toranaga barracks watched idly as the forty samurai and banner men came out of the gateway and went down the street towards the palace's East Gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the routine midday changing of the guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most carried spears, all wore two swords, and rain cloaks and wide, conical rain hats, all of straw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shishi yawned and pulled his own cloak around his shoulders when a light shower began, shifting his stool under the awning of the street stall that served noodles and soup and tea and was owned by a sympathizer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon his own replacement would arrive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been on duty since dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was eighteen years old, his beard heavy. A Satsuma ronin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before sneaking out of Kyōto their leader Katsumata had ordered a constant surveillance on the Toranaga and Ogama headquarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The moment there is a chance to attack either man—it will have to be outside their walls and must have a reasonable chance of success—mount an immediate one-man assault. One man, no more. Shishi must be conserved, but we must be ready. A random attack is our only chance for revenge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the gateway several porters carrying bales of fresh vegetables and panniers of fresh fish stopped at the barrier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Attentive guards checked them carefully, then gestured them through; everyone was inspected with equal care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The youth yawned again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No chance of sliding through the cordon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wondered briefly if the girl Sumomo had managed to get inside and set herself in place as Katsumata had agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeee, a miracle those three escaped through the tunnel, a miracle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But where are they now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing had been heard of them since their miraculous escape." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What does it matter?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They must be safe, like us—we have important patrons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We will regroup later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We will be revenged. Sonno-joi will happen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the guards turn the corner and disappear. Now he was tired, but the thought of warm futons and his waiting lover took most of it away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Shōgunate patrol reached the East Gate. A low barracks—guard house nestled against the walls and spread on either side of the Gate and could house five hundred men and horses if need be. The Gate was six metres high and made of heavy, iron-reinforced timber with a much smaller gate off to one side standing open. The perimeter walls were higher, ancient, and stone.\n\nFor a moment the new guards noisily intermingled with the old, all of them well muffled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Officers inspected men and arms, the old guard began forming up and an officer and an ashigaru, a foot soldier, from the replacement group trudged across the roadway." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'another' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shower stopped. A little sun broke through. The two men turned into another street and went into another barracks, similar to many all over Kyōto. Here two hundred of Ogama's samurai were housed—well away from the Gate, but close enough.\n\n\"Forty men, here are their names,\" the officer said to his counterpart, and bowed. \"Nothing new to report.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Both of you come with me, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Ogama officer studied the list of names as he led the way down a corridor through a cordon of his men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through a doorway into an empty room, across it to a closed door. The officer knocked, then opened it. This inner room was bare but for a low table and tatami mats. Ogama stood by the window, armed, wary but alone. Both officers stood aside and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ashigaru took off his large hat and revealed himself as Yoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silently he gave his long sword to his officer, keeping the short one, and went into the room." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'bowed' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door closed behind him. Both officers exhaled. Both were sweating.\n\nIn the room Yoshi bowed. \"Thank you for agreeing to the meeting.\"\n\nOgama bowed, motioned Yoshi to sit opposite him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is so urgent and why such secrecy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bad news. You said partners should share particular information. So sorry, Nori Anjo has been made tairō!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The news visibly shocked Ogama and he listened intently as Yoshi talked. When Yoshi spoke about the Imperial invitation some of his anger dissipated. \"Such an honor, and recognition! Eeee, and none too soon.\"\n\n\"That is what I thought. Until I was out of the palace. Then I saw the depth of the trap.\"\n\n\"What trap?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To have the Lords of Satsuma, Tosa, you and me all in one place at the same time? In ceremonial clothes? Inside the palace walls? Without arms or guards?\"\n\n\"What could Wakura do? Any one of them? They have no samurai—no armies, no money, no arms. Nothing!\"\n\n\"Yes, but think: When we four are in front of the Son of Heaven together, that would be perfect timing for someone—Wakura, Prince Fujitaka, Shōgun Nobusada, or the Princess—to suggest 'as a gift to the Divine now is the moment for the four greatest daimyos in the Land to express their loyalty by offering up their powers to Him.'\"\n\nOgama's brow darkened. \"Not one of us would agree, not one! We would prevaricate, stall, even lie an—\"\n\n\"Lie? To the Son of Heaven? Never. Listen further. Say the Prince Advisor, before the ceremony, in private, was to say to you something like: 'Lord Ogama, the Son of Heaven wishes to adopt you, to make you Prince Ogama, Captain of the Imperial Guard, Lord Chieftain of the Gates, member of the New Imperial Council of Ten who will rule instead of the usurping Toranaga Shōgunate. In return... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh? What Council of Ten?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait. '... in return, you just acknowledge Him as who He is: the Son of Heaven, Emperor of Nippon, Possessor of the Sacred Regalia—the Orb, Mirror and Sceptre—descended from the gods and ascendant over all men; in return you dedicate your fief and your samurai to His service and His wishes that will be exercised through the Imperial Council of Ten!'\"\n\nOgama stared at him, beads of sweat on his upper lip. \"I would... would never give up Choshu.\"\n\n\"Perhaps, perhaps not. Perhaps the Imperial Mouthpiece says, in addition the Emperor will confirm you in your fief as Lord of Choshu, Conqueror of the gai-jin, Keeper of the Straits, subject only to Him, and the Imperial Council of Ten.\"\n\n\"Who else is on the Council?\" Ogama said hoarsely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi wiped the sweat off his own brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The whole scheme had suddenly presented itself when he had reached his own barracks. General Akeda had precipitated it with a chance remark about how devious Kyōto thinking was, that it seemed to be in the very air they breathed, that what was considered a prize in an instant became a noose.\n\nHe had become physically ill because he knew he could be charmed as easily as anyone—he was today, a few moments before, lulled into a false sense of security until he would be isolated and then invited onwards.\n\n\"There, you see, Ogama-sama, you're already tempted. 'Who else is on the Council?' As if what they told you mattered. You would be one against their appointees, Sanjiro too. Lord Chancellor Wakura and his ilk would overwhelm and rule.\"\n\n\"We would not agree. I would n—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, you would agree—they could gear honors to tempt a kami—the great temptation being that they would pretend to replace the Toranaga Shōgunate with the Council of Ten Shōgunate! Of course I would not be offered a place on the Imperial Council, nor any Toranagas except Nobusada and he's already theirs because of that Princess, as I warned.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'could'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi spat with rage. \"Anjo is the first move.\"\n\nThe more the two men considered the ramifications, the more they could see the spikes of the limitless traps ahead. Ogama said hoarsely, \"The festivities would go on for weeks or more—we would be obliged to give banquets to the Court and to each other. Slow poisons could be introduced.\"\n\nYoshi shuddered. All of his life he had carried a deep fear of being poisoned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A favorite uncle had died in great pain, the doctor saying \"natural causes,\" but the uncle had been a barb in the side of a hostile Bakufu and his death a great convenience. Perhaps poisoning, perhaps not. The death of the previous Shōgun the year Perry returned, one day healthy the next dead, again so convenient to the tairō Ii who hated him, wanting a puppet—Nobusada—in his place.\n\nRumors, never proof, but poison was an ancient art in Nippon, and China. The more Yoshi reasoned with himself—if death by poisoning was his karma—the more he made sure his cooks were trustworthy and took care where he ate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that did not remove the panic that possessed him now and then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly Ogama bunched a fist and smashed it into the palm of his other hand. \"Anjo tairō! I cannot believe it.\"\n\n\"Nor I.\" When Yoshi had sent the messenger to arrange this secret meeting he had been thinking how ironic it was that now he and Ogama really had to work together if they were to survive. No longer could they survive alone. At the moment.\n\n\"How do we stop this happening? I can see they could tempt me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama spat on the tatami in disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They can tempt anyone, Ogama-dono.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are like wolf kamis, I can understand that. We are trapped. If the Divine invites us, His befouled minions will destroy us. Let us round up those you spoke of, or... I'll send for Basuhiro, his mind is like a serpent's!\"\n\n\"We are only trapped if we accept the invitation tomorrow. I propose we both leave Kyōto tonight, secretly. If we are not here... eh?\" Ogama's sudden smile was seraphic but it evaporated as quickly. Yoshi understood why, and said, \"Such a move requires great trust between us.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, it would. What do you propose to—to guard against any mistakes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot cover all alternatives but this is temporary: we both slip out of Kyōto tonight, agreeing to stay away for at least twenty days. I will go at once to Yedo and deal with or neutralize Anjo, and stay there until that is done. General Akeda will be in charge as usual and will say that I had to return suddenly to Dragon's Tooth, a sickness in the family, but I am expected back quickly. You go to Fushimi and spend the night there. By sunset tomorrow, the invitation has failed to reach you—because no one, not even Basuhiro knows where you are, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too dangerous not to tell him, but go on.\"\n\n\"I leave that to you but at sunset tomorrow you deliver a message to Prince Fujitaka inviting him to a private meeting the next morning, say at the Monoyama ruins\"—a favorite sightseeing place for Kyōto people. \"When you see him you express astonishment at the invitation and regret not being there to accept it. Meanwhile he had better ensure no more invitations arrive until you return. 'When will that be?' You are not sure. The gai-jin have threatened to land at Osaka imminently. You must visit there and make plans. Meanwhile make it clear to him that there better not be any more sudden Imperial Invitations—however much you humbly appreciate them—until you decide you will accept them.\"\n\nOgama grunted. He stared at the tatami lost in thought. Then he said, \"What about Sanjiro, and Yodo of Tosa? They will be arriving, in ceremonial force, but still force.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell Fujitaka to make sure their invitations are postponed—he should suggest to the Divine this solstice has bad omens attached to it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A good suggestion! But if they will not be put off?\"\n\n\"Fujitaka will make sure they are.\"\n\n\"If it is that easy, why not stay, even with the invitations? I just tell Fujitaka to make the suggestion about the bad omens. The Festival is cancelled, eh? This supposes Fujitaka has the power to suggest or unsuggest.\"\n\n\"With Wakura he can. I believe Kyōto deviousness is in the air we breathe—we would be snared.\" This was the best he could do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It did not suit his purpose for Ogama to be here alone, and there were still the Gates to solve.\n\n\"I could stay at Fujimi, or Osaka for twenty days,\" Ogama said slowly. \"I could not return to Choshu, that would leave my Kyōto... that would leave me open to attack.\"\n\n\"From whom? Not me—we are allies. Hiro will not be here, or Sanjiro. You could journey to Choshu if you wished. Basuhiro could be trusted to hold your position here.\"\n\n\"No vassal could be trusted that much,\" Ogama said sourly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"The more I think about this the less I like it. Too many dangers, Yoshi-dono. Fujitaka is sure to tell me your invitation was not delivered either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the shishi?\"\n\n\"Basuhiro and my Akeda will continue to crush them—our Bakufu spies will continue to seek them out.\"\n\nOgama scowled. \"The more I think about this the less I like it. Too many dangers, Yoshi-dono. Fujitaka is sure to tell me your invitation was not delivered either.\"\n\n\"You will be surprised; I suggest you can say my excuse about an illness must be a cover and that I must be rushing to Yedo to see what I can do to prevent the gai-jin from putting their threat to come to Kyōto into effect—and to ensure they quit Yokohama.\" His face hardened. \"They will not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama said roughly, \"Then we will make them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In due time, Ogama-dono.\" Yoshi became even harder. \"Everything I forecast has happened. Believe me, the gai-jin will not be forced out. Not yet.\"\n\n\"Then when?\"\n\n\"Soon. This problem must be left for the moment. First of importance is to protect ourselves. Two requests: We must leave together and return together. We stay secret allies until formally, person to person and alone, we decide otherwise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ogama laughed but said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Last, while I am gone, our agreement over the Gates stays in place.\"\n\n\"Your mind jumps around like a cat with thorns in its pads.\" Ogama cleared his throat and shifted his knees more comfortably. \"Perhaps I agree, perhaps not. This is too important to decide at once. I must talk with Basuhiro.\"\n\n\"No. Talk to me. I can give better advice because I know more and, importantly, in this your interests are mine—and I am not a vassal who has to seek petty favors.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only big ones. Like the Gates.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi laughed. \"That is a little one compared to some you will grant me, and I will grant you, when you're tairō.\"\n\n\"Then give me one now while I'm not: Sanjiro's head.\"\n\nYoshi looked at him, hiding his surprise. He had not forgotten what Inejin, his innkeeper spy on the road to Dragon's Tooth, had told him about Ogama and \"Crimson Sky.\" Inejin spoke of how, with Sanjiro in support, or neutral, Ogama would prevail against the Shōgunate with the historic tactic so favored by daimyos, a sneak attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you settle for his balls?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi asked, and laid out the plan he had been refining for months.\n\nOgama began to laugh." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The column of guards that had been relieved trudged homewards, four men abreast, Yoshi still disguised as a foot soldier amongst them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although they had been warned in advance to treat him as such, they were finding it difficult not to sneak a glance, or apologize when coming too close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the soldiers was a shishi informer named Wataki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had had no opportunity to warn of this unique opportunity for an ambush.\n\nYoshi was tired but content." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length Ogama had agreed to everything so now he could leave Kyōto with the Gates safe in Shōgunate hands and the Shōgunate safe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a time—enough time, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My gamble is great, and my scheme filled with holes that will worry Ogama if he sees them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It does not matter, surely he plans to betray me anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, it was the best I could do, and should be workable. Impossible for me to accept the invitation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day had improved now, the sun jousting with clouds for possession of the sky. He hardly noticed it or his surroundings, his mind occupied with all the details of his departure, who to tell, what to do about Koiko and General Akeda, who to take with him, and his overall concern: would he be in time to minimize the damage in Yedo?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First a bath and massage, decisions afterwards...\n\nHis eyes focused and he became aware of the streets as they marched along, the pedestrians, stalls and ponies and kagas and palanquins, the houses and hovels and stalls and children and fish sellers and hawkers and soothsayers and scribes and all the bustle of the markets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a completely new experience for him to be one of many, incognito in the column, and he began to enjoy this completely different perspective." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon he was gawking like a country person at the sights and sounds and smells of the city he had never seen before, wanting to stop, to intermingle with the crowds, to experience them, what they thought and did and ate and where they slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Soldier,\" he whispered to the young man beside him. \"Where do you go when you're off duty?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"M-me, Lord?\" the man stuttered, and almost dropped his spear, appalled at being talked to by the Most High, wanting to kneel at once. \"Me, I... go and drink, Sire...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't call me 'Sire,'\" Yoshi hissed, startled by the sudden confusion his question had caused in all those nearby, some of whom missed their footing and almost broke ranks. \"Act normally—do not look at me! All of you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soldier offered apologies, and those nearby tried to do what he had ordered, finding it almost impossible now that their Lord Yoshi had broken the spell of invisibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Sergeant glanced around and came back anxiously. \"Everything all right, Lord? Is ev—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes, Sergeant. Return to your post!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Automatically the Sergeant bowed and obeyed, the soldiers picked up their step and continued onwards—their barracks a hundred metres ahead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Yoshi's relief this minor confusion went unnoticed by the crowd alongside who had been bowing as the column passed.\n\nBut it had been noticed by two men further down the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were the shishi lookout, Ruru, and his replacement, Rushan, a young Tosa ronin, who had that moment arrived at the street stall not far from the Toranaga gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I drunk, Rushan? A sergeant bowing to a foot soldier. A sergeant?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw it too, Izuru,\" the other whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at the soldier. There, you can see him now, the tall one near the back, look how he carries his spear. He is not used to it.\"\n\n\"Right, but... What is it about him, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See how the others watch him without watching!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With growing excitement they scrutinized the soldier intently as the column approached. Though the soldier's weapons were the same and uniform and everything the same, there was no mistaking a major difference: in carriage, step, the physical qualities of the man, however much he pretended to slouch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Yoshi,\" both men said simultaneously, and Rushan added at once, \"He's mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, mine,\" Izuru said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I saw him first!\" Rushan whispered, committed, so impatient he could hardly talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both of us, together we have a better chance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, keep your voice down. One man one time, that was Katsumata's order and we agreed. He is mine. Signal me when!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Heart pumping, Rushan eased through the pedestrians and other customers to a better attack position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bowed politely, taking him for one of the many, ordinary, low-rank samurai off duty from one of the ceremonial garrisons and gave him no more attention, preparing to bow to the approaching column." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rushan's new position was on the edge of the roadway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A last look to place his quarry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he sat on a stool with his back towards the column, eyes on his friend Izuru, completely at peace. His death poem for his parents was in the hands of his village shoya, given years ago when he and ten other student samurai had rebelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were all goshi and had rebelled when they were refused entrance to the school for higher education—their parents could not afford the necessary bribes to local officials. They had killed the officials, declared themselves ronin and for sonno-joi, and fled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of the ten, he alone was still alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon to die, he thought gloriously, knowing he was prepared, trained, at the height of his power and that Izuru would be his witness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Izuru was just as ardent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had already decided on his own attack plan if Rushan failed. Confidently, he moved into a better spot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze left the patrol and went to the gateway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guards were preparing for the ritual of checking the others back through the barricade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once he noticed there was more bustling, and barking orders than usual, the men smarter and more nervous.\n\nHe cursed to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They know! Of course they know and have known since the column left! That explains why they have been so jittery and irritable all morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all knew Lord Yoshi was loose outside and in disguise. But why? And where's he been? Ogama!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But why? Were they planning another ambush on us?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Are we betrayed again?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the time his eyes darted back and forth, never forgetting Rushan, gauging distances and timing. Already many pedestrians and shoppers close by were bowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Any moment the officer would halt the column, the officer of the gate would come to meet him, both would bow, together they would inspect the incoming men and then they would all march away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer held up his hand. The column shuffled to a halt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now,\" Izuru said almost audibly, and gestured. Rushan saw the signal and dashed for the tail of the column twenty metres away, his long sword poised in a two-handed grip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He burst through the first two men, sending them sprawling before they or any of the soldiers realized they were being attacked, and hacked at Yoshi who stared at him blankly for a split second." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Yoshi's honed instinct made him lurch towards the death blow, diverting it into a stupefied soldier beside him who screamed and went down.\n\nShrieking \"sonno-joi\" in the sudden shouting melee around him, Rushan jerked the blade out as soldiers fought for space, shoving each other out of the way, other guards rushing from the gateway, bystanders everywhere gaping and paralyzed, Wataki, the shishi informer, as surprised as any of the soldiers, and terrified he would become involved or betrayed by this shishi he recognized who had appeared out of nowhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wataki saw Rushan strike again and held his breath. But Yoshi had recovered his balance though had no time yet to draw his sword so he used the haft of his spear against the blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushan's sword sliced through it easily but the blade twisted and slowed slightly, giving Yoshi just enough time to lunge and grab the sword hilt left-handed.\n\nAt once Rushan's right hand flashed to his short sword, ripped it out and stabbed for the belly, a classic gambit in hand-to-hand fighting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Yoshi was prepared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had let the spear fall and jammed his right forearm against Rushan's wrist to deflect the blade into his cloak to entangle it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instantly Rushan let go and his hand, now a murderous weapon with fingers like rock-hard talons, and nails like claws, stabbed for Yoshi's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nails missed the eyes but sank in below them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'would' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi gasped. A lesser trained man would have released his grip on his assailant's long sword hilt and would have died. Blindly he hung on, now with two hands, to the man who flayed impotently, out of control now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This gave a soldier behind Rushan the opening to grab him around the throat, and Wataki, knowing the fight was lost and petrified the shishi would be captured alive, thankfully drove his short sword into Rushan's lower back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The strength of the blow thrust the blade right through him. Rushan cried out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood seeped from his mouth, but he fought on, though blind with death as his life soared upwards and outwards and ended. Barely a minute had passed since the first attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though his own glands generated panic, Yoshi felt the life go out of the man. And the sudden weight of the body against him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he did not let go until he was completely sure the man was truly dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even then he allowed other hands to pull the corpse away and let it fall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood covered him. He discovered quickly that it was not his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His good fortune did not dissipate his fury at the men nearby who had failed to be alert, failed to move into a protective screen, leaving him to do the fighting. He cursed them, ordering the whole troop inside, on their knees, their swords broken, except the two who had helped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, panting, he looked around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The busy street was almost empty.\n\nWhen the shouting, milling skirmish surrounding the lone attacker was seen to be what it was, and in seconds Yoshi's hat torn off and he was recognized, a hum of astonishment had gone through the common folk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once, two or three sidled away, heads averted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others followed. The cautious dribble became a floodtide, no one wanting to be held as a witness or even accused of being an accomplice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Izuru was one of the first to leave when he saw there was no reasonable expectation a second attack would succeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rushan mishandled the attack, he thought, walking down the predetermined side street, well shielded by departing crowds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fool should have hacked the head off one of the first two as a diversion, then on the recovery used the same fluid, brutal force to swing back on the prime target, waist-high. No likelihood of Yoshi escaping that blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None. Katsumata would be furious. He demonstrated it enough times, told us enough times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A unique opportunity wasted! And as for allowing Yoshi to catch his hilt and parry the belly thrust..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushan deserved to be captured alive and used for sword practice! Wait, perhaps it was better this way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Rushan was so inept in his supreme duel, he probably would have broken and given away our safe houses, the ones he knew about. You can't trust Tosa people, shishi or not!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But why was Toranaga Yoshi taking such a risk?\n\nThere were shouts behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soldiers were chasing the last of the crowds to catch some as witnesses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No chance that he would be caught, no need to hurry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rain began again. The wind picked up. He pulled his cloak around him, glad for it and his hat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Down another puddled alley, into another, across a bridge, the wooden slats slippery. Soon he was safe in a maze of slippery little streets that led to a back entrance in the wall of a great dwelling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard recognized him, let him pass, waving him toward the secret shishi safe house lost in the vast gardens." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man's uniform carried the insignia of Lord Chancellor Wakura." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the street of the Toranaga Headquarters the stall keeper was being hustled to the guard house, loudly protesting that he knew nothing, was nothing and begged to be allowed to go—he had dared not vanish with the others as he was too well known there. A few stragglers who had been caught were shoved after him. The awning of the stall flapped miserably in the wind and rain." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko was putting the final touches to her makeup, helped by a hand mirror of polished steel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her fingers shook slightly. Again she made a conscious effort to empty her mind and compartmentalize her fears, for Yoshi and because of him, for herself and because of herself. The other two women, Teko, her maiko—apprentice—and Sumomo watched intently. The room was small and functional, like the rest of the suite adjoining Yoshi's quarters, sufficient for her when she slept alone, and one maid. Other quarters, for her attendants, were farther away.\n\nAs she finished she stared at her reflection. She could detect no worry lines and when she tried a smile the skin of her face crinkled only in the correct places, her eyes were white where they should be white, dark where they should be dark and showed none of the depth of her concern. This pleased her. Then she caught a glimpse of Sumomo. Not aware she was observed, Sumomo's face was momentarily open. Koiko's stomach twisted, seeing so many conflicts there.\n\nTraining training training, she thought, what would we do without it, and turned to face them. Teko, little more than a child, took the mirror without being asked, deftly touched a vagrant lock into place with a tiny hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's beautiful, Lady Koiko,\" Sumomo said, bewitched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the first time she had been allowed into Koiko's private quarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The secrets of the beauty process had been a revelation, beyond her whole experience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, it is,\" Koiko said, thinking she meant the mirror, the perfection of its surface making it almost priceless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And it is a kind mirror too. Few are kind, Sumomo—vital in this life for a woman to have a kind mirror to look into.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I meant the whole picture you make, not that,\" Sumomo said, embarrassed. \"From your kimono to your hairstyle, your choice of colors and how you make up your lips and eyebrows, everything. Thank you for allowing me to witness it.\"\n\nKoiko laughed. \"I hope that with or without, the effect is not too different!\"\n\n\"Oh, you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen,\" Sumomo burst out. Compared to Koiko she felt like a country person, unsophisticated, inept, bovine, all fingers and elbows and big feet, for the first time in her life conscious of a lack of femininity. What can my beloved Hiraga see in me, she asked herself dismayed. I'm nothing, unattractive, nothing, not even a Choshu like him. I bring him no face, no lands, no prestige and no money, I'm sure in truth his parents disapprove of me. \"You are the—the most beautiful I'm ever likely to see!\" she said, and she was thinking, Are all Ladies of the Floating World like you? Even the maiko will be stunning when she is grown, though not like her Mistress! No wonder men marry women like me just to control their houses and bear their children, because it is so easy for them to worship elsewhere, to enjoy beauty elsewhere and oh, so much more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the sincerity Koiko saw the unhappiness and envy that could not be hidden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are beautiful too, Sumomo,\" she said, long aware she had this effect on many women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Teko-chan, you may go now but prepare everything for later... and make sure we are not disturbed, Sumomo and I.\"\n\n\"Yes, Mistress.\" Teko was almost fifteen. As with Koiko, her contract had been concluded with the mama-san of the House of Wisteria by her farmer parents when she was seven. Her earning life would begin when she was fourteen or fifteen. Till then, and as long as the mama-san wanted, the contract made the mama-san responsible for keeping her, clothing her, and training her for a life in the Floating World, and, if she developed the aptitude, in its various arts: as musician or dancer or poet or conversationalist, or all of them. If the maiko proved untrainable or difficult, the mama-san could resell the contract at her whim, but if her choice had been wise, as with Koiko, the mama-san's considerable financial outlay and gamble would be repaid abundantly in money and reputation. Not all mama-sans were considerate, or kind, or patient.\n\n\"Run along now and practice your scales,\" Koiko said.\n\n\"Yes, Mistress.\" Teko knew she had been blessed to be apprenticed to Koiko whom she adored and worked very hard to please. She bowed perfectly and, adorned by an irrepressible charm, went away.\n\n\"So.\" Koiko looked at Sumomo, uneasily fascinated by her, her direct look and manner and strength. Since she had agreed to allow her to stay five days ago, there had been almost no opportunity to talk alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now it was time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Yes, hence the lifetime favor I ask.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened a mental compartment: Katsumata.\n\nOh, my friend, what have you done to me?\n\nHe had waylaid her during her visit to the Kyōto mama-san who had, at the instigation of Meikin, her own mama-san in Yedo, arranged maids, hairdresser, masseuses while she was here. Only Teko and a maid had travelled with her from Yedo.\n\n\"I ask a lifetime favor,\" Katsumata had said.\n\n\"No, you must not!\" she had said, shocked to see him, shocked that he would endanger her with such a clandestine meeting and shocked that he would ask such a favor of her that surely must have dire consequences. Once granted, no other favor could ever be asked of the same person, the ensuing debt enormous. \"We agreed when Lord Toranaga Yoshi honored me, all personal contacts between us should cease, except in an emergency. We agreed.\"\n\n\"Yes, hence the lifetime favor I ask.\"\n\nSeven years ago, in Yedo, when she was fifteen, Katsumata had been her first client. Quickly he had become a lot more: friend, guru and consummate teacher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had opened her eyes to the world, to the importance of the real world, as well as the Floating World. Over the years he had taught her the tea ceremony, the art of debating, calligraphy, about poetry and inner meanings of literature, politics, and regaled her with his ideas and plans for the future, how his small band of acolyte samurai would dominate the land, would force through sonno-joi, and, in time, showed her how there was a vital place for her in the jigsaw called sonno-joi. \"As a courtesan of supreme rank you will be a confidante of the powerful, as wife of one of them, you'll marry one, never fear, and have samurai sons and be indispensable to the new future and a major part of its power, never forget it!\"\n\nMeikin, her mama-san, was an adherent so of course she had agreed, her imagination devoured by his bravery and daring and his band of shishi, the rise of their fortunes.\n\n\"Our fortunes have ebbed,\" he had said, and told her about the ambush last night and his escape with two others. \"We were betrayed—I do not know by whom but we have to scatter—for the time being.\"\n\n\"Forty shishi spiked?\" she whispered, appalled.\n\n\"Forty. Most of them leaders. Only three of us escaped, another shishi and a girl—a ward of mine. Listen, Koiko-chan, there's not much time. The lifetime favor I ask is for you to guard this girl while you stay in Kyōto, take her into your household, even back to Yedo with you an—\"\n\n\"Oh, but as much as I would like to, so sorry, that would be very difficult, the General Akeda is very particular about people. He would personally interview her—he did with all my other helpers,\" she said as nicely as she could, inwardly horrified that he dared to make such a dangerous suggestion to her that she harbor a shishi escapee, however innocent. \"It would be very diff—\"\n\n\"Of course it would be difficult. But you will be able to arrange this without having him see her.\"\n\n\"I do not think that possible and then there is Lord Yoshi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had left that hanging, frantically hoping he would withdraw the request but he had continued softly, watching her with his intense, compelling eyes, saying that Sumomo would be safe with her, that she was samurai, the affianced of a very important shishi, a woman to be trusted: \"So sorry, but I ask you to do this for sonno-joi; she is to be trusted. Any problem, send her away. Any task she will do... sorry, Koiko-chan, I must go. A lifetime favor, as an old friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait. If... I will have to consult with General Akeda, but even if he can be avoided, certainly I must ask my household, I will have to consult them of course, but what am I to say about her? To the General or to them, I do not know these Kyōto people, or anything about them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Their mama-san guarantees they are to be trusted,\" he had said with utter conviction. \"I asked her and she approves of this, Koiko, or I would not suggest it. Tell them the truth, that Sumomo is simply a headstrong girl and her guardian—an old, old client—wants her curbed and trained in useful, feminine arts. I cannot take her with me and want her protected. I have an obligation to her fiancé. She will obey you in everything.\"\n\nKoiko trembled at the danger she had put herself into, as well as those she was responsible for, Teko and her attendants: four maids, a hairdresser, and a masseuse. Fortunately they had agreed to have this stranger in their midst and to help her to change her ways—and Akeda's scrutiny had failed to detect any flaw.\n\nAh, Katsumata, you knew I could refuse you nothing, she thought. Curious how quickly you went beyond needing my body, a few months, wanting instead to possess and expand my mind. I'm still bound by hoops of iron, deep in your debt. Without you and the knowledge you gave me I would not be at the pinnacle I am now—and able to beguile the greatest man in the land.\n\n\"Sit down, Sumomo,\" she said. \"We have a little time now before I have to go. We cannot be overheard here.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\n\"My attendants are concerned about you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me if I have not been correct.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko smiled. \"The maids wonder if you have a tongue in your head, all agree your gentility needs improving, and all can understand a guardian wanting you improved.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need improving,\" Sumomo said, smiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko's eyes crinkled. The young woman opposite her was not unattractive, her body lithe and strong, the face without makeup, the bloom of youth and health making up for that deficiency. Her hair is in good condition but needs styling, she thought critically. The Kyōto style would suit her, lots of good oils on her hands and arms, some shading on her fine cheekbones, a touch of color on her lips. The girl has promise. We must bathe together and then I would know more though I doubt she could adapt to our life even if she wanted to adapt. \"You are a virgin, yes?\"\n\nShe saw the girl flush and laughed outright. \"Ah, so sorry, of course you are, for a moment I forgot that you are not of our world. Please excuse me, but it is rare for us to meet outsiders, let alone a samurai lady, and to have one in your household however briefly, that is almost unknown.\"\n\n\"Is—is that what you call us? Outsiders?\"\n\n\"Yes. Our Floating World sets us apart. Take little Teko. Soon her other life will have vanished and she will know only mine. That is my duty, to train her and keep her gentle and kind, to sacrifice herself for man's pleasure—not at her impulse.\" Koiko's eyes took on a sheen. \"That is what keeps men happy and content, pleasure in all its manifestations, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, I don't understand 'manifestations.'\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry, it means 'appearances, or qualities,' to show pleasure in all its degrees.\"\n\n\"Ah, thank you,\" Sumomo said, awed. \"Please excuse me, I never knew that ladies of the—the Floating World were so... of course I presumed they were beautiful, but never, never as beautiful as you and never dreamed they could be so well educated and accomplished.\" In the few days she had been here she had heard Koiko singing, and playing the samisen and had been inspired by the peerless quality and her repertoire—she too could play the samisen, just a little, and knew how difficult it was. She had heard her teaching Teko the art of haiku and other poetry, how to caress a phrase, about silks, how they are made, the warp and the weft and other mysteries, the beginnings of history and similar wonders, her range of knowledge vast. She bowed in tribute. \"You astonish me, Lady.\"\n\nKoiko laughed softly. \"Learning is the most important part of our work. It's easy to satisfy a man's body—such a transient delight—but difficult to pleasure him for any length of time, to intrigue him and retain his favor. That must come through the senses of the mind. To achieve that one must train oneself extremely carefully. You must begin to do that too.\"\n\n\"'When there are cherry blossoms to admire, who would look at carrot tops'?\"\n\n\"When a man is hungry he seeks carrots and not cherry blossoms and he is more hungry than not.\" Koiko waited, amused. She saw Sumomo drop her eyes, at a loss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Carrots are peasant food, Lady,\" Sumomo said in a small voice. \"So sorry.\"\n\n\"Cherries are an acquired taste, as are their flowers. Carrots can take on many flavors, if properly treated.\" Again she waited but Sumomo still looked down. \"Not in riddles, so you will not be confused, it is not sex that is really sought by men in my World, but romance—our most forbidden fruit.\"\n\nSumomo was startled. \"It is?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, for us. It is poisonous. Men seek romance in your world too, most men, and it is not forbidden you, is it?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Your future husband is no different, he seeks romance too, wherever it is available. Better you make as much available at home as you can, for as long as you can.\" Koiko smiled. \"Then you can have cherries and fine carrots. The flavors can be acquired, easily.\"\n\n\"Then please teach me.\"\n\n\"Tell me about this man, your husband-to-be.\"\n\n\"His name is Oda, Rokan Oda,\" Sumomo said at once, using the cover name Katsumata had given her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His father is a goshi... and he comes from Kanagawa in Satsuma.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And your father?\"\n\n\"It is as I said, Lady. He is of the line Fujahito,\" she said, using her new cover surname. \"They are also from a village nearby and also goshi.\"\n\n\"Your guardian says this Rokan Oda is important.\"\n\n\"He is too kind, Lady, though Oda-sama is shishi and did take part in the attack on Lord Anjo at Yedo's gates, and also killed the Elder Utani.\" Katsumata had told her it was safer to tell the truth where possible, the fewer the lies to remember.\n\n\"Where is he now?\"\n\n\"At Yedo, Lady.\"\n\n\"How long do you want to stay with me?\"\n\n\"For me, Lady, as long as I can. My guardian said Kyōto was dangerous for me. I cannot return home, my father disapproves of me as he had told you, as Oda-sama's parents disapprove of him, so sorry, because of me.\"\n\nKoiko frowned. \"That will make life impossible.\"\n\n\"Yes. Karma is karma and what is to be will be. Though I am of no value to anyone and believe I am unknown to the Bakufu, Sensei Katsumata approves of my Oda-sama, accepted the responsibility. He said I'm to obey you in all things.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"The leaves are whispering one to another. What are they saying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better to obey your parents, Sumomo.\"\n\n\"Yes, I know, but my Oda-sama forbids it.\"\n\nA good answer, Koiko thought, seeing the pride and the conviction. Saddened, she glanced at the half-opened window. Surely this forbidden romance would end like so many others. In suicide. Together, if Sumomo was blessed. Or her alone when, as this Oda should, he obeys his parents and takes a wife acceptable to them.\n\nShe sighed. In the garden outside, twilight was becoming night. A slight wind. \"The leaves are whispering one to another. What are they saying?\"\n\nSumomo covered her surprise and began to listen. At length she said, \"So sorry, I do not know.\"\n\n\"Listen while I am gone. It is important to know what leaves whisper. Tonight you will stay here, Sumomo. Perhaps I will return, perhaps not. If I do then we will talk some more, and you will tell me. If not we will continue tomorrow and you will tell me then. When Teko comes back to prepare the futons tell her I want you both to compose a haiku.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She thought a moment and then smiled." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A haiku about a snail.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Koiko,\" Yoshi said listlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His back was to the wall, his hand near his sword and he wore a yukata of purple silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outwardly he appeared calm but she saw through him and knew him to be lonely, frightened and in need of other skills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile was enough to brighten the blackest day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once she saw his eyes soften." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good, first hurdle. \"Now,\" she said, with pretended gravity, \"I have a poem for you\":" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is not easy" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be sure which" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "End is which of" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A resting snail!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His laugh resounded around the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good, second hurdle. \"I'm so pleased you allowed me to come to Kyōto with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes took on the other glow and her soul warmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instinctively she changed what she was going to say, that he was so handsome in the flickering night lights." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead she said what was deep within her:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those were sad times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When, without you," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I watched days come up" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And go down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was kneeling opposite him and he reached out and caught her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No need for words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For him or for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he was at peace, tension gone, loneliness gone and all fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And she was at peace too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So much energy expended to take him out of himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much revealed. Unwise to reveal so much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You are very important to me, he was saying without saying it, speaking as lovers will." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You do me too much honor, she replied with a tiny frown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then her fingers, delicately caressing the back of his hand said, I adore thee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eyes locked with eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She raised his hand and brushed her lips against it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence gripping them, beginning to hurt, hurting and then in one swift movement, she slipped over to his side and embraced him tightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her laugh trilled. \"Too much serious is bad for me, Torachan!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hugged him again, nestling into his embrace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You make me so happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, no more than I,\" he murmured, glad the tension was broken so nicely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are adored and so are your poems.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The one about the snail was by Kyorai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed. \"It is by Koiko the Lily! Is, not was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again she nestled closer, enjoying his warmth and strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I nearly died when I heard about this morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Life,\" he said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should have been more prepared but I was fascinated by the street.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told her how different it had seemed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a rare experience—the feeling of invisibility—too good not to sample again, however dangerous. Does the danger add a spice to it? I will experiment in Yedo. At night it would be easier and I will train special guards to accompany me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, but I would suggest you partake of that drug sparingly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean to.\" His arms held her, both of them comfortable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could develop into that, yes, easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room adjoined his sleeping quarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like the whole barracks complex it was masculine, with minimum furniture, the tatami first quality but in need of replacement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I won't be displeased to leave this place, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their ears caught the pad of approaching feet, his hand snaked to his sword hilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both of them tensed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\" a muffled voice said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" Yoshi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry to disturb you, Sire, a letter has just arrived, from Dragon's Tooth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without needing to be asked, Koiko went to the side of the door out of the way and stood there on guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi readied. \"Open the door, sentry,\" he called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door slid open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sentry hesitated seeing Yoshi in a defense-attack position, sword loose in its scabbard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give the scroll to Lady Koiko.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sentry obeyed then went away again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had reached the end of the corridor and had gone through that door, Koiko closed this one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She handed him the scroll and knelt in her place opposite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He broke the seal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The letter from his wife asked after his health and gave news that his sons and the rest of his family were well and looking forward to his return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the information began:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prospectors have been travelling diligently with your vassal Misamoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As yet they have found no gold but report large—the word they used was \"huge\"—deposits of high-quality coal, easy to mine and near the surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I understand them to say this is \"black gold\" and could be profitably bartered with the gai-jin for money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They continue to search." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We hear Anjo has been made tairō and boasts that you will soon be invited to retire from the Council of Elders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next, the confidant you visited on the way to Kyōto tells the following: The code word he gave you about an enemy is correct and that a similar plan is ready as the enemy's state policy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crimson Sky. So a lightning attack is \"State Policy\"!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will my agreement with Ogama hold?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put that question aside for later and continued reading:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ronin, Ori, who became a gai-jin spy, is dead in the gai-jin camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other ronin, Hiraga, is believed to be there also." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your spy says also he intercepted the \"maid\" you sent back, as ordered, and sent her far north to a very poor brothel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her ronin lover was killed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi smiled. This was Koiko's maid who had whispered of Utani's secret tryst to her ronin shishi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Halfway to Kyōto he had dismissed her, sending her back to Yedo on some imagined slight—of course Koiko had not objected. Good, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Utani is revenged in some small measure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next, the Gyokoyama: I have completed money matters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May I use the coal possibility as a further pledge for any armaments ordered?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps we should try to deal with the gai-jin direct, perhaps using Misamoto?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Please give me your counsel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sire, your presence and wise advice are greatly missed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last, so sorry, famine has begun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi reread it. Knowing Hosaki so well, the way she had used \"further pledge\" meant that the negotiation had been rough and the price high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, next year there will be no famine and the Gyokoyamas, if they live that long in lands I control, will be repaid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up at Koiko." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was staring into space, lost in dreams he knew he could never share. \"Koiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh. Yes, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What were you thinking about?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'leaves' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What leaves whisper to leaves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Intrigued he said, \"It depends on the tree.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled sweetly. \"A maple, a blood-red maple.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In what season?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ninth month.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If they were watching us they whispered, 'Soon we fall, never to return, But they are blessed. They grow on the tree of life. Their blood our blood.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She clapped her hands, smiling at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perfect. And if it was a pine in spring?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not now, Koiko-chan, later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing the sudden seriousness, she became serious too. \"Bad news, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, and yes. I will leave at dawn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For Dragon's Tooth?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated and she wondered if she had made a mistake in asking, but he was wondering what to do about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Earlier, weighing the need for another forced march, he had decided to leave her and let her follow as quickly as she could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, looking at her, he did not want her to be away from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her palanquin would hold them back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could ride though not well enough and such a journey would be arduous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Either way the plan he had agreed with Akeda would stay the same: \"The first party of forty men, with a double wearing a set of my light armor, leaves just before dawn and heads leisurely and obviously for the North Road. Halfway to Yedo they will turn back and return here, my 'double' vanished. The second party, mine, with the men I brought from Yedo, will leave shortly after the first and head rapidly for the Tokaidō. Forced march, under the same captain—I will be disguised as an ordinary cavalry samurai and will remain so until I am safely in Yedo Castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very dangerous, Sire,\" General Akeda said heavily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. You will watch Ogama, and hope. It is to his advantage I succeed in curbing Anjo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. But you are an irresistible target outside, an easy one. Look at what happened today. Let me go with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Impossible. Listen, if Ogama decides to mount his strike he will attack here first—better expect it. You must repel him whatever the cost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will not fail in that, Sire,\" the old general said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I will not fail to reach Yedo, Yoshi thought with equal confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As to the attack, it only reminds me it was not the first and will not be the last." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Koiko watching him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is easier to be balanced when she is near me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lamplight was glinting on her lips and in her eyes, and he saw the curve of her cheekbones and column of her neck, the raven hair, the perfect folds of her kimono and under-kimonos showing slightly from her white skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smooth curves, her posture flawless, and her two hands held like flowers in her lap of azure silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would have to travel light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No maids. And make do with whatever was available from Inn to Inn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would displease her for she likes perfection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps she would balk at such inconsiderate and, for her, unnecessary haste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered the first time he had suggested that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not so long ago, just after he had decided to obtain her exclusivity and had told the mama-san, Meikin, to leave with her for Dragon's Tooth to make arrangements with his wife at once—Hosaki had, correctly, deemed it wise to see the mama-san and Koiko herself as the financial commitment would be huge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin had told him the journey would take at least a week to plan, Koiko would of course be taking her own hairdresser and masseuse and three maids." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ridiculous,\" he had said impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So many staff are not necessary for such a short journey and an unnecessary expense. You will both leave at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had obeyed at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without attendants. It had taken them three days to reach the first way station outside Yedo, three days for the second." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angry, he had easily ridden the same distance from dawn to dusk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Yoshi,\" Meikin had said, greeting him lavishly, feigning surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How pleasant to see you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is all the delay for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Delay, Sire? We were ordered to leave at once. We are doing exactly as you ordered.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why are you taking so long?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So long, Sire? But you did not order us to make a forced march.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will hurry up,\" he snapped, noticing how she belabored \"order.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell Koiko I wish to see her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mama-san had bowed and hurried away to Koiko's quarters, leaving him seething." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When at length she returned she said happily, \"Koiko-san will be honored to see you, Sire, instantly, Sire, the moment she can arrange a suitable maid to help her with her hair. She regrets it would be impertinent to receive you without the due preparation an honored, revered person such as you would expect, and adds, humbly, 'Please be kind enough to wait, she will be as quick as she can when the maids arrive... '\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sourly he had glared at her, knowing that as much as he would insist, he would have to wait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His only recourse was to storm into Koiko's room and lose total face and destroy any chance that she would ever be available to him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who does she think she is?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he had wanted to bellow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not. He had smiled to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When you purchase a rare sword, you expect it to be made of the finest steel, with the best cutting edge and a fire of its own. He nodded coolly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send for her own maids—and hairdresser and masseuse—from Yedo very quickly indeed. It's your fault they are not here, you should have told me they were important to the Lady Koiko. She is correct not to see me improperly. I will expect this never to happen again!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin had flooded him with apologies and bowed him away abjectly, and he laughed all the way back to Yedo, having bested them, making them lose face and giving them both a firm warning: Do not play games with me again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko's eyes had never left his face, watching and waiting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you smile, Sire, it makes me very happy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What am I smiling about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me, Sire,\" she said simply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think because I help you laugh at life, and though Man's span on earth is but a quick hunt for shelter before the rains come down, you allow me to provide, from time to time, a shelter from the rain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you do,\" he said contentedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I leave her here I won't see her for weeks, and life is only a cherry blossom exposed to a vagrant wind that knows no master—my life, hers, all life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not want to leave you here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will be good to be home again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his secret heart, he thought about Meikin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have not forgotten she is a shishi informant as your maid was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stupid of the mama-san to risk you, risk me thinking you were also part of those murdering scum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do any of your maids ride, Koiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know, Sire. I imagine at least one would.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you were to come with me you would have to ride too, with just one maid, and travel light, a palanquin would delay me. I can easily arrange for you to travel leisurely with your household if you prefer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, but since you would prefer me to be with you your preference is mine, of course. If I become a burden, then it is easy for you to decide. I am honored you asked me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But is there a maid, an acceptable maid who can also ride? If not then you must follow as soon as possible,\" he said, again giving her the opportunity to decline gracefully without offense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is one, Sire,\" she said on a sudden impulse, \"a new maiko, not quite a maid, but an apprentice and a little more. Her name is Sumomo Fujahito, daughter of a Satsuma goshi, ward of an old friend, a client who was good to me years ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He listened as she told him about Sumomo, and was too well versed in the customs of the Floating World to ask about the other client." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Intrigued, he sent for the girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Sumomo, your father disapproves of your future marriage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is unforgivable not to obey your parents.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will obey them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Lord.\" She looked at him fearlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have already told them, humbly, that I will obey but that I will die before I marry any other man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your father should have ordered you into a nunnery for such impertinence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a pause she muttered, \"Yes, Lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you here in Kyōto and not at home?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I was sent here to be retrained by my guardian.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has done a very poor job, has he not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, Lord.\" She bowed her head to the tatami, politely and with grace, but he was certain not with any penitence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why do I waste my time? he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps because I am accustomed to absolute obedience from everyone, except Koiko who must be maneuvered like an unstable boat in a high wind, perhaps because it might be diverting to curb this young person, to train her to the fist like the fledgling peregrine she seems to be, to use her beak and claws for my purposes, not for her lord of creation, Oda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will you do when this Oda, this Satsuma goshi, eventually decides to obey his parents as is his duty, and take another woman to wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he will accept me as a consort, even without intimacy I will be content. As an occasional woman, I will be content. The moment he tires of me or dismisses me, so sorry, that is the day I will die.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are a stupid young woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lord. Please excuse me, that is my karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dropped her eyes and remained motionless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amused, he glanced momentarily at Koiko who waited for him to decide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say your liege lord, Sanjiro, orders you to marry another man and orders you not to commit seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am samurai, I will obey without question,\" she said proudly, \"as I will obey my guardian and Oda-sama. But on my way to the wedding feast there may be a regrettable accident.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grunted. \"Do you have sisters?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was startled. \"Yes, Lord. Three.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are they as stupid and difficult as you are?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They... no, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you ride?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well enough to journey to Yedo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Koiko, are you sure she can please you if I agree?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe so, Sire. I am only afraid I may fail you with my lack of skill.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can never fail me, Koiko-chan. So, Sumomo, you are sure you will be able to please the Lady Koiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sire, and I will protect her with my life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you also improve your manners, become less arrogant, more womanly and less like Domu-Gozen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was a famous woman samurai, mistress to a Shōgun, a vicious killer, who, centuries ago, rode into battle with her equally violent Shōgun lover." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her eyes widen and she became even younger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I'm not like her, Lord, not at all—I would give anything to be even a tiny little bit like the Lady Koiko. Anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hid his laugh as Sumomo gorged on this first morsel he had tossed to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may go. I'll decide later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were alone again he chuckled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A wager, Koiko? A new kimono that Sumomo will be trained by the time we reach Yedo—if I decide to bring you both with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Trained in what way, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That she will contentedly agree to return to her parents and obey them and marry without seppuku.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko shook her head, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, whatever the wager I am afraid you would lose, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That she could consider him making an error of judgment lost some of his good humor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A kimono against a favor,\" Yoshi said sharply, not meaning to be so sharp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I accept,\" she said at once with a laugh, \"but only on the understanding that with the gift of the kimono, you accept the favor back from me that you would have asked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes crinkled with admiration with the way she had twisted his mistake into a pleasantry." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a mistake to attempt a wager, any wager. And a mistake to be confident over the wiles of a woman—a certain path to disaster." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the Tokaidō Road, some forty miles eastwards from Kyōto, in the mountains, was the Sixth way station, the village of Sakonoshita, and as dusk began to fall, the last of the travellers and porters, bent against a raw wind, were hurrying to pass the barrier before it closed. All were weary and anxious for hot food, hot saké and warmth, even the half-dozen barrier guards who stamped their straw-sandaled feet against the cold, checking identity papers at random. \"It'll snow tonight,\" one grumbled. \"I hate winter, hate the cold, hate this posting.\"\n\n\"You hate everything.\"\n\n\"Not everything. I like eating and fornicating. In the next life I want to be born son to an Osaka moneylending rice merchant. Then I can eat and drink and fornicate only the best, and be warm while my father buys me hirazamurai status, or at least goshi—not just a stinking pissed-on ashigaru.\"\n\n\"Dreamer! You'll be reborn a landless peasant, or a bending toy boy in a tenth-rank brothel. Close the barrier.\"\n\n\"It's not dark yet.\"\n\n\"Let any stragglers freeze or pay the usual.\"\n\n\"If the captain hears you, you will find yourself in the North Island where they say your cock freezes when you try to piss.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard looked down the road that curled away to Kyōto, now empty, with a darkening, ominous sky above." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A squall tugged at their straw over-mantles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hurry up, oaf,\" he called out impatiently at the last man, a half-naked porter staggering past with his heavy load." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lowered the first bar, his face chapped by the wind, and then the second bar, making the barrier firm, and turned away for shelter and hot soup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, look there!\" A phalanx of riders had trotted into view around the far corner. \"Open the bars!\"\n\n\"Let them wait. They're late.\" The guard used the back of his hand to clean away a persistent nose dribble, squinting against the squall. With the other guards he scanned the riders, thirty or forty he estimated, too tired to count. No banners, so unimportant. Travel-stained, their ponies lathered. They rode in a cluster around two women. The women rode astride, and wore heavy clothes and large hats with veils tied under their chins. He laughed to himself. They'll never get rooms tonight, nor sleep snug, not with the village full. Piss on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they arrived, Captain Abeh in the lead called out, \"Hey there, open up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm coming, I'm coming,\" the guard growled, taking his time, and wished he hadn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abeh was out of his saddle in an instant. The blow smashed him senseless.\n\n\"Get this barrier open!\" Abeh said, voice grating. Two riders had dismounted beside him, one of them Yoshi, a scarf around his face, the other Wataki, whom Yoshi had rewarded for helping to save his life. An officer stormed out of the guard house, gaping at his prone, unconscious man. \"What's going on? You're under arrest.\"\n\n\"Get this barrier open!\"\n\n\"You are under arrest.\"\n\nAbeh strode around the barrier, no mistaking the danger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Open the barrier. Hurry up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guards rushed to obey but the officer blustered, \"You will all show identity papers an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, monkey,\" Captain Abeh shoved his face at the officer, who froze, \"important guests require important manners and no delays on a cold night and it is not yet sundown.\" With that he bashed him on the side of his head, the officer reeled, and a second savage blow collapsed him in a heap. To the stupefied sentries Abeh rapped, \"Tell this fool to report to me at dawn or I will find him and use him for sword practice, and the rest of you!\" He waved his party through then mounted and cantered after them.\n\nWithin minutes he had arranged the best quarters in the best Inn. Those who had reserved them bowed as they fled, grateful for the privilege of vacating them—rich merchants, other samurai, none of whom were prepared for a fight to the death that would have surely erupted.\n\nYoshi took off his hat and scarf when the shoji doors were closed. The rotund patron of this, the Inn of Pleasant Dreams, was on his knees beside the door, head bowed, waiting for orders. His mind was ringing with curses that he had not been forewarned about these late arrivals, cursing them for disrupting his tranquility as they would surely continue to disrupt it—whoever they were. He recognized none of them and found it extraordinary they flew no banners, wore simple Bakufu uniforms and symbols, used no names, noticing that even this samurai, now treated with so much respect in private by the vile Captain and given his most expensive rooms, was not addressed by name or rank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And who are the two women?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A daimyo's wife and maid?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'their' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or just two high-class whores? The news of their arrival had sped around the Inn. At once he had offered a reward to the maid who discovered their identity.\n\n\"Your name, landlord?\" Yoshi asked.\n\n\"Ichi-jo, Sire.\" He thought \"sire\" the safest title.\n\n\"First a bath, then massage, then food.\"\n\n\"Instantly, Sire. May I have the honor of showing you the way myself?\"\n\n\"Just a bath maid. I will eat here. Thank you, you may go.\"\n\nThe man bowed unctuously, heaved himself to his feet, and waddled away.\n\nCaptain Abeh confirmed security arrangements: sentries would surround this eight-room bungalow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko's rooms were down the veranda, which would be guarded at all times. Between her quarters and Yoshi's would be a room with two more guards.\n\n\"Good, Captain. Now get some sleep.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I am not tired, sir.\"\n\nYoshi had ordered that he was to be treated as an ordinary goshi, except in private, when the only honorific they would use was \"sir.\" \"You will get some sleep. I need you alert. We've many more days yet.\" Yoshi saw a flicker behind the young man's eyes, bloodshot from fatigue. \"Yes?\"\n\nUneasily Abeh said, \"Please excuse me but if it is urgent for you to reach Yedo, it would be safer for you to be escorted ahead of the Lady.\"\n\n\"Get some sleep,\" Yoshi said. \"Tired men make mistakes. It was also a mistake to crush the officer. The sentry was enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silently he dismissed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh bowed and left, cursing himself for his stupidity in volunteering something so obvious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three times they had made unnecessary stops today, twice yesterday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He checked all the sentries and stretched out in his room. In moments he was fast asleep.\n\nAfter the bath and massage and food eaten slowly though he was very hungry, Yoshi strolled down the corridor. The decision to bring Koiko had been easy. It had occurred to him that she would be a perfect decoy and had told Akeda to see that everyone knew he was just sending her under escort to Yedo, while he went separately.\n\n\"Perfect,\" Akeda had said.\n\nHe went into her outer room. It was empty, the inner shoji closed. \"Koiko?\" he called out and settled himself on one of the two cushions. The shoji slid open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sumomo was kneeling, holding it for Koiko, eyes on the tatami." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hair was up in Kyōto style, her eyebrows plucked and a little makeup on her lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A welcome improvement, he thought.\n\nThe moment Koiko saw him she knelt and both women bowed in unison. He noticed that Sumomo bowed perfectly, a pattern of Koiko's grace, and this pleased him too, no sign that the hard riding had affected Sumomo in any way. He returned the salutation. The beds of down futons were already made up.\n\nAs Koiko came smiling into this room and Sumomo closed the shoji behind her, she said, \"So, Torachan, how are you?\" Her voice was sweet as usual, her coiffure perfect as usual, but, as never before, the same kimono as the previous night.\n\nUneasily he noticed a flicker of discomfort as she settled herself. \"The riding is too much for you?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, the first few days are bound to be a little difficult but soon I will be as tough as...\" Her eyes were merry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As tough as Domu-Gozen.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 11 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled, but knew he had made an error of judgment. Yesterday three way stations were covered, the same today, but on neither day had he made the distance he wanted. The riding was exhausting her. I made a mistake I should not have made. She will never complain and will go beyond her limit, may even do herself harm.\n\nDo I need to hurry? Yes. Will she be safe in a palanquin with a ten-man escort? Yes. Would it be wise to reduce my bodyguard by that many? No. I could send for more men from Yedo tonight but that would cost me five or six days. My instinct tells me to hurry, the gai-jin are unpredictable, so is Anjo, so is Ogama—did he not threaten: \"If you don't deal with them, I will.\"\n\n\"Koiko-chan. Let us go to bed. Tomorrow is tomorrow.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the night Sumomo lay on warm futons and under coverlets in their outer room, one arm under her head, sleepy but not tired, and tranquil. From the inner room she could hear Yoshi's regular breathing, Koiko's hardly perceptible. Outside were night sounds. A dog barking somewhere, night insects, wind in the foliage, occasionally a guard muttering to another, pots and pans clattering from the early kitchen detail.\n\nHer first sleep had been fine. The two days of exercise and vigorous massage and freedom had made her feel vibrant. And, too, the compliments from Koiko about the way she had arranged her hair tonight as Teko had taught her—and how to add color to her lips—had also pleased her.\n\nEverything was succeeding better than she had dreamed. Her immediate objective had been achieved. She had been accepted. They were on the way to Yedo. To Hiraga. She was an innermost part of Yoshi's entourage, poised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata had said, \"Do not be impetuous. Under no circumstance put yourself at risk unless there is a chance of escape. Close to him you are of enormous value, do not ruin that or involve Koiko.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She will not know about me?\"\n\n\"Only what I told her, the same that you know.\"\n\n\"Then she is already involved, no? So sorry, I mean, because of her Yoshi may accept me.\"\n\n\"He will make that decision, not her. No, Sumomo, she is not your accomplice. If she was to discover your real connection, particularly about Hiraga, and your possible purpose, she would stop it—she would have to stop it.\"\n\n\"Possible purpose? Please, what is my prime duty?\"\n\n\"To be ready. Better a waiting sword than a corpse.\"\n\nI have no sword, she thought. Perhaps I could grab one from a guard if I could surprise him. I have three shuriken, poison-tipped, hidden in my bundle beside me, and of course my obi knife always on my person. More than enough, with surprise. Eeee, life is very strange. Strange that I should prefer being on my own with my own mission—so alien to our normal way of life, always being part of a unit, thinking as one, agreeing as one in our culture of consensus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I enjoyed being with the unit of shishi, and yet..." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'honest' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And yet to be honest—\"Always be honest to yourself, Sumomochan,\" her father had said, over and over, \"that is your way to the future, for a leader.\" To be honest I found it difficult to curb my urge to lead them, even shishi, and to bend them to the correct path and thinking.\n\nIs that my karma, to lead? Or is it to die unfulfilled because it is truly stupid for a woman to wish to be a leader in the world of Nippon. Strange to want the impossible. Why am I like that, not like other women? Is it because father had no sons and treated us, his daughters, as sons, telling us to be strong and to stand up and never to be afraid, even allowing me, over Mother's advice, to follow Hiraga and his equally impossible star...?\n\nShe sat up in the futons a moment, tousling her hair to try to clear her head and prevent her mind from so many new and untrammeled thoughts, then lay back again. But sleep would not arrive, only permutations of Hiraga and Koiko and Yoshi and Katsumata, and her.\n\nStrange about Yoshi: \"We must kill him and the Shōgun,\" Katsumata had said, over the years, so many times, and Hiraga, \"not for themselves but because of what they represent. Power will never return to the Emperor while they remain alive. So they must go, chiefly Yoshi—he is the glue that binds the Shōgunate. Sonno-joi is our beacon, any sacrifice must be made to achieve it!\"\n\nA pity to kill Lord Toranaga. Another pity that he is a good man and not vile, not vile like Anjo, not that I have ever seen him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps Anjo is also a kind man and everything said about him merely lies of jealous fools.\n\nIn this short time I have seen Yoshi for what he is: Dynamic, kind, strong, wise and impassioned. And Koiko? How wonderful she is, though how sad, so sad to be so doomed.\n\nRemember what she said: \"The curse of our World is that as much as you bind and train yourself with all manner of defenses and resolves to treat a client as just a client, from time to time one appears who turns your head into jelly, your resolve into froth and your loins into a fireball. When it happens it is frighteningly, gloriously terrible. You are lost, Sumomo. If the gods favor you, you die together. Or you die when he leaves, or you allow yourself to stay alive but you are dead even so.\"\n\n\"I'm not going to allow that to happen when I'm grown,\" Teko had piped up, overhearing them. \"Not me. Have you been turned to jelly, Mistress?\"\n\nKoiko had laughed. \"Many times, child, and you have forgotten one of your most important lessons: to close your ears when others are talking. Off to bed with you.\"\n\nHas Koiko's head really been turned to jelly? Yes.\n\nAs a woman I know she considers Lord Yoshi more than a client, however much she tries to hide it. Where will it end? Sadly, so very sad. He will never make her consort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And me? Will it be the same with me?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 13 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, I think so—what I told Lord Yoshi was the truth: I will have no other husband but Hiraga. \"It's the truth...\" she muttered aloud, and that brought her out of the downward spiral. \"Stop it,\" she murmured, following the method of her childhood, of her mother crooning: \"Think only good thoughts, little one, for this is the World of Tears soon enough, think bad thoughts and in a blink of the eye you are in the black pit of despair. Think good thoughts...\"\n\nShe made the effort and turned her mind: only Hiraga makes life worthwhile.\n\nA shiver went through her body as a new concept sprang at her with a shocking strength of reality: Foolish this sonno-joi! It is just a slogan. As if it will change anything. A few leaders will change, that is all. Will the new ones be any better? No, except yes, if Hiraga is one, perhaps yes, if Katsumata is one but, ah, so sorry, they will not live that long.\n\nThen why follow them?\n\nA tear slid down her cheek. Because Hiraga turns my head to jelly, my loins..." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dawn Yoshi slid out of bed and padded through to the outer room, his sleeping yukata tucked up, breath visible in the cold air. Koiko stirred, saw that he was all right, and dozed off again. In the outer room Sumomo's futons and bedclothes were already packed away in the side cupboard, the low table already set for their breakfast, their two cushions neatly in place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside the cold was sharper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped into straw sandals and went along the veranda to the outhouse, nodded to the waiting manservant and chose an unoccupied bucket in the line of buckets and began to relieve himself. His flow was strong and that pleased him. Other men stood beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paid no attention to them, or they to him. Idly he directed the stream at the swarming, ever present flies, not expecting to drown one of them.\n\nWhen he had finished he moved to the other part and squatted over a vacant hole in the bench, men and some women either side, Sumomo one of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his mind he was alone, his ears and eyes and nostrils shut tight against their presence as theirs were against everyone else.\n\nThis imperative ability was painstakingly cultivated from infancy: \"You must work at this like nothing else, little one, you must, or your life will be unbearable\" was drummed into him, as it was every child. \"Here where we live cheek by cheek, children and parents and grandparents and maids and more in each tiny house, where all walls are made of paper, privacy has to be cultivated in your head and can only exist there, your own and also as the essential politeness to others. Only this way can you be tranquil, only this way can you be civilized, only this way can you remain sane.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Absently, he waved at the flies. Once when he was young he had lost his temper at two or three that were plaguing him and had tried to smash them to pieces. It had earned him an immediate smack around the face, his cheeks burning with hurt, but more with shame that he had caused his mother grief, and her need to administer the punishment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, my son,\" she said softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Flies are like sunrise and sunset, inevitable, except they can be a torment—if you allow them to be. You must learn to dismiss them. Every day, for part of each day for as many days as necessary, please, stand there and let them crawl on your face and hands without moving. Until they become nothing. Flies must become nothing-use your will, that is what you are given it for. They must become nothing to you, then they'll not cause you to ruin your harmony or, worse, ruin the harmony of others...\"\n\nNow, sitting there, he felt the odd fly on his back and face. They did not offend him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly he was done. The rice paper was of good quality. Feeling very alive and well, he held out his hands for the servant to pour water over them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his hands were clean, he doused water from another container onto his face, shivered, accepted a small towel and dried himself, stepped back onto the veranda and consciously opened his senses.\n\nAround him the Inn was stirring, the few ponies being saddled and groomed, men, women, children, porters already eating and chatting noisily, or leaving for the next stage of their journey, to or from Kyōto. In the common area near the entrance gate, Abeh was checking men and equipment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he saw Yoshi he joined him.\n\nBecause people were about he did not bow, finding that very hard. His uniform was smart and he was refreshed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good morning.\" He just managed to bite back the \"sir.\" \"We are ready to leave whenever it pleases you.\"\n\n\"After breakfast. Arrange a palanquin for Lady Koiko.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At once. For ponies, or porters?\"\n\n\"Ponies.\" Yoshi strolled back to his quarters and told Koiko she would not be riding today, that he would see how much progress they made and then, tonight, he would decide. Sumomo would ride as usual.\n\nBy evening they barely made two stations." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi chose the Inn of the Cranes for the night, neither the best nor the worst in the village of Hamamatsu—a pleasing collection of houses and Inns straddling the Tokaidō, renowned for its saké, where the road curled down towards the sea.\n\nAfter eating alone as usual, Yoshi went to join Koiko—if they ate together invariably, by custom, she would take almost nothing, having intentionally eaten beforehand so she could concentrate on his needs. Tonight it was his pleasure to play a game of Go. This was a complex game of strategy, played with counters and similar to draughts.\n\nBoth of them were good players, but Koiko was a virtuoso, so much so that she could, almost always, win or lose at whim. This made the game doubly difficult for her. He had ordered her never to lose deliberately, but he himself was a bad loser. If she won on a wrong day he would sulk. A win for him on one of his bad days would get him out of any ill humor.\n\nTonight he won. Narrowly. \"Oh, Sire, you've destroyed me!\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I thought I had you beaten!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were in her inner room, sitting with their legs in the small pit under the low table with a tiny charcoal brazier in it, and a thick padded cloth over the table tucked around them to keep drafts out and the heat in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you warm enough?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you, Koiko. How are your aches and pains?\"\n\n\"Oh, I have none. The masseuse was very good tonight.\" She called out, \"Sumomo, saké and tea, please.\"\n\nIn the outer room Sumomo fetched the flask and teapot from another brazier, opened the shoji, and brought them in. She served both well and Koiko nodded with satisfaction.\n\nHe said, \"Have you learned the tea ceremony, Sumomo?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire,\" Sumomo said, \"but—but I am afraid I am sadly lacking in skill.\"\n\n\"Lord Yoshi is a master,\" Koiko said, and sipped the saké, glad for it. Her rump and back ached from the day's jolting in the palanquin, her thighs from the two days of riding, and her head from the effort of losing while appearing to covet victory. All of which she hid, and the fact that her spirits were down over the lack of progress today." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clearly this had disappointed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, she thought, we both knew another forced march was not possible. He must go on and I will follow. It will be good to be without him for a while. This life is wearing, however wonderful he is.\n\nThey drank peacefully. Then he said, \"Tomorrow, early, I will go on with thirty men, leaving ten with you, Abeh in charge. You will follow me to Yedo leisurely.\"\n\n\"Of course. With your permission, may I follow as quickly as possible?\"\n\nHe smiled. \"That would please me, but only as long as you arrive not aching, either in body or in spirit.\"\n\n\"Even if I was, your smile would instantly cure me. Another game?\"\n\n\"Yes, but not Go!\"\n\nShe laughed. \"Then I must make some preparations.\" She got up and went to the outer room, closing the shoji after her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard her talking to Sumomo but paid them no attention, his mind occupied with tomorrow, Yedo and gai-jin.\n\nTheir voices died away as they went out. He finished his saké, enjoying it, then walked into the innermost room where the futons and padded coverlets were spread over impeccable tatami. Winter landscapes and colors were the dominant decorations. He took off his padded yukata, shivered, and slipped under the eiderdown.\n\nWhen Koiko returned he heard her pottering in the outer room, then she came in and she went straight to the bathroom where there were containers for the night, should they be needed, jugs of water to drink, and others for washing. \"I sent Sumomo to sleep in another room tonight,\" she called out to him, \"and asked Abeh to post a guard outside with orders not to disturb you till dawn.\"\n\n\"Why did you do that?\"\n\nShe came back into the room. \"This is our last night for a time—I mentioned to him I would not be travelling with you tomorrow—and I wanted you totally to myself.\" Leisurely she stepped out of her kimono and snuggled beside him.\n\nThough he had seen her naked many times, and felt her touch many times, and slept with her many times, tonight was many times better than it had ever been." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the palace in Kyōto, one of the Lord Chancellor's spies knocked on his bedroom door, waking him, and handed him the carrier pigeon message container. \"This has just been intercepted, Lord.\"\n\nThe tiny cylinder was addressed to Chief Bakufu Palace Advisor, Saito, and bore the personal seal of Tairō Nori Anjo. He hesitated, then broke the seal with a manicured nail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anjo had sent the message at dawn:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gai-jin leader has insolently rejected the Imperial command to leave Yokohama and they are preparing to invade us. Draft the Order for National Mobilization for the Emperor's signature which, with this document, I formally request the Emperor to sign at once. Then send copies urgently to all daimyos. Make arrangements for Shōgun Nobusada to return to Yedo at once to head our forces, the Princess Yazu can, preferably should, stay in Kyōto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Yoshi is formally required to return at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Lord Chancellor thought a while, smugly decided Saito would be overruled and the Emperor advised never to sign a mobilization order. With great care he replaced the message and resealed the tube with his secret duplicate seal.\n\n\"Put it back, make sure it is delivered,\" he said, and when alone, he chuckled. War! Good. Anjo was the perfect choice for tairō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They will all drown in their own urine, along with all gai-jin, and Yoshi, all of them." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except the Princess. She will stay, to become a widow—the sooner the better." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumomo awoke well before first light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her dreams had been bad." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'after' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was no longer on the Tokaidō with Koiko and Lord Yoshi but back in Kyōto, chased by Bakufu soldiers led by Abeh into the trap of the burning shishi house, screams everywhere, blood everywhere, guns firing, in panic squeezing down into the narrow tunnel after Takeda and Katsumata, the hole barely big enough, crawling after them, the sides encroaching, scraping her and becoming narrower." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not enough air to breathe, filled with dust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takeda's feet ahead as he wriggled onward, gasping, someone or something just behind her, then Takeda becoming Yoshi, kicking at her, stopping her then vanishing—with nothing up ahead but an earth coffin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When her heart slowed and eyes could focus in the shaded light of the oil flame, she saw one of the guards watching her from his futons next to hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last night she had accompanied Koiko to talk to Abeh and he had told her to sleep in this communal room, plenty of space for her to one side—a perfectly satisfactory arrangement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four guards were using it, two sleeping and two on duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There she had made a bed, not easily to sleep, her mind in turmoil for she had overheard Yoshi telling Koiko they would not travel onward with him, and overheard Koiko saying to Abeh, \"Lord Yoshi has decided from tomorrow I, and my party, will follow leisurely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What arrangements does he want made, Lady?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe he said he wants to leave you and ten men to guide me to Yedo, so sorry to be a problem.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is no problem for me, Lady, so long as he is safe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Safe, and out of reach, Sumomo had thought, dismayed by the change in plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much could go wrong between now and Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually she had slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To dream. Normally she did not dream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last thing at night and in the morning she would always say a prayer, Namu Amida Butsu, just the name of the Buddha Amida, which was enough if there was a god to pray to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last night she had forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, silently, she said the words, and closed her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In moments she was again in the shishi hut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That had been the worst experience of her life, the attack without warning, gunfire through the walls and in the same instant the head of the youth beside her exploded, no time for the lad even to shout but others did, partly in panic, partly in agony as random bullets poured at them, Katsumata paralyzed for a moment, then directing the defense, ordering some to charge out the front, others the back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both charges driven back, she not knowing where to hide, knowing all was lost, fire beginning and more screams and more blood and this the end, Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu, then hands grabbing her roughly, shoving her down into the hole after the escaping Takeda—who, raving, had dragged another man out of the way, as Katsumata had torn someone else away—as her savior shishi, whose face she never saw, was murdered in his turn and a fight ensued that blocked the escape until it was too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somehow out of that hate-filled darkness into the open air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fleeing, their panic run going on and on until, chests bursting, Katsumata led them tortuously to his haven of last resort. Iwakura's back door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immediately a council of war with the shishi there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suggest we scatter for the time being,\" Katsumata had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll regroup and meet in the spring, third or fourth month. In the spring we will start a new offensive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why wait?\" someone asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because we're betrayed, because there's a spy in our midst, or amongst our patrons. We are betrayed. We must conserve and scatter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And so they had." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sumomo, you'll go to Koiko...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But before that her disorientation had been vast, unaccountable tears, rushing heartbeat, too easily in panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will pass, Sumomo,\" Katsumata had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again he had been right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had given her a draft that had made her sleep, and calmed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time she saw Koiko she was like before, almost but not quite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you feel the fear returning, just take a little sip of the medicine,\" he had said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'perfect' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In a week or two you will be perfect again. Always remember, sonno-joi needs you perfect...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She came out of her reverie, sweating again, the fear coming on again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her fingers reached for her bundle beside her head that held the small bottle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the bundle was not there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not brought it with her when she had changed rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, she thought, I do not need it, I can do without it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She repeated that several times, twisting in her bed, the quilts damp and clammy around her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she noticed the guard still watching her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bad dreams, neh?\" he whispered, his voice kind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded silently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could give you good dreams.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moved his quilt aside, invitingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shrugged and turned over and forgot her, considering her stupid to reject such pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not offended she turned her back too, just a little amused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand moved to her obi knife in its sheath at her waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its touch gave her the peace she needed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A last Namu Amida Butsu.\n\nShe closed her eyes and slept without dreams." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko was pleasantly awake. It was not quite dawn. Yoshi slept peacefully beside her. It was nice to lie there, drifting, knowing she would not have to endure another day's discomfort in a palanquin, being bumped from side to side, because of unseemly haste. And also because her night had been tranquil. Yoshi had slept solidly. Occasionally a small snoring snuffle would tweak him but that did not disturb her. \"Train your ears, Ladies,\" the retired courtesan would cackle toothlessly and endlessly to all maiko in the school, \"your working life will be spent with old men. All men snore, but old men really snore, but old men really pay—the young ones take your flowers and snore anyway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of all the men she had slept with, Yoshi was the most serene while asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Awake he was the most difficult. To stay ahead of. To satisfy. Not physically. Physically he was strong and practiced and as much as she was trained to be uninvolved within an embrace, he would guide her so she too, most evenings, would gain the sheen of pleasure.\n\nKatsumata was more of a magician. He caressed her imagination and thoughts, stimulating her beyond anything she could have imagined. He was delighted when she mastered a new skill—like training her ears to hear underspoken words: \"That is where the golden knowledge is, the important parts, signs of danger, of safety, of what is within the secret heart within the secret heart. Remember, all of us here, men and women, have three hearts, one for all the world to see, one for their family, and one for themselves alone. Certain men have six hearts. Yoshi is one of these. He is your goal, the one for whom you must be the foil.\"\n\nShe chuckled to herself, remembering how she had said that Lord Yoshi was completely beyond reach and Katsumata had smiled that smile of his and told her to be patient, \"You have time enough. You are eighteen, there is not much more I can teach you. You must begin to expand yourself. Like every serious student, follow the most important law for all students: repay your teacher by making it your duty to surpass him! Be patient, Koiko, at the correct time your mama-san and I will ensure the Lord Yoshi becomes aware of you...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And they had. Within the year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first invitation to the castle six months and five days ago. Racing heart and fearful she would fail, but not really. She was prepared and had done her duty to her teacher.\n\nBut am I guide enough for Yoshi? I know he enjoys me and my company and my mind. Where should I guide him? Katsumata never said, just told me that that will become clear. \"Sonno-joi sums it up. Bind Lord Yoshi to you. Help him change. Gradually you will help him move even more to our side. Never forget, he is not enemy, on the contrary, he is vital to us, he will head the new Bakufu of loyal samurai, as tairō—there will no longer be any need for a Shōgun or Shōgunate—with our new and permanent Council of Samurai helping him...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wonder what it will be like in the new era, if I will live to see it, she thought, lying there comfortably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, what about Sumomo?\n\nIt had been completely unnecessary to send her to another room—as if it mattered that she was next door, she would not be listening to their cries or thrashing about. That was not the reason. When Yoshi told Koiko quietly she would not be going on with him, she thought she had heard movements in the outer room, as though Sumomo had shifted closer and was actually trying to overhear what they were saying—an astonishing invasion of privacy, and bad manners.\n\nOnly a nasty busybody would do such a thing, she had thought. Or a spy. Ah! Is Katsumata dispassionately playing one of his intricate games within games, using me to wheedle a spy in to watch my Torachan and me? I will deal with her tomorrow, meanwhile she can sleep elsewhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When this had been arranged, telling Sumomo only that Lord Yoshi preferred to be alone, she came back and quickly searched Sumomo's bundle, not knowing why, for she was not certain the girl had actually tried to spy on them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was nothing unusual in there. A few clothes, a bottle of some kind of medicine, nothing else. The neatly folded day kimono was ordinary and merited only a cursory glance. Relieved, she had retied the bundle. As to the bottle... surely it could not be some kind of poison?\n\nBefore rejoining Yoshi she had resolved to make sure that it wasn't. Sumomo would take some. Never wrong to provide against a potential danger." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'others' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi had said, \"That's what killed Utani. He did not post proper sentries.\"\n\nSo sorry, what killed Utani was the news of the tryst whispered to my maid from the samurai barracks that I allowed her to pass on, to Meikin who told Hiraga. I wonder how Hiraga is? As a client, the two times he was a client when I was sixteen, he was no better or worse than the faceless others, but as a shishi, the best. Curious...\n\nYoshi snuffled in his sleep but did not awaken. Her hand touched him lightly, encompassed by his warmth. Sleep, my dear one, you please me more than I dare tell myself, she thought, then continued thinking about the past.\n\nCurious that I remember only two faces amongst all the others: just Katsumata and Hiraga." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curious that I was groomed to be Lord Toranaga Yoshi's Lady—for a time. How fortunate I am. A year, perhaps two, no more than three and then I will marry. Torachan will choose him for me. Whoever he is he will be samurai. Eeee, how many sons shall I have? The old woman soothsayer said three sons and two daughters, the Chinese monk two sons and two daughters.\n\nShe smiled to herself. Oh, I shall be so wise ruling my husband's household and so good to my sons and so strict with my daughters, but, never mind, they will marry well." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She awoke a few seconds before Yoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was up instantly, one moment asleep, the next completely ready for the day. She held his padded yukata for him, then clasping her kimono tightly around her, she opened the shoji door, then the other one, knelt and helped him into straw slippers. The guard began to bow, caught himself in time and watched all around again as Yoshi padded off to the outhouse area.\n\nSumomo was kneeling near the door, waiting patiently, a maid beside her with a brazier and hot tea and breakfast trays. \"Good morning, Mistress. It's cold this morning, may I make you tea?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, please, Sumomo, quick as a wink. Close the door, it is chilly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko hurried back to her inner rooms, calling out, \"We will leave mid-morning, Sumomo. We can change into travelling clothes then.\"\n\n\"Yes, Mistress.\" Sumomo was still standing at the outer doorway trying to contain her shock. She had seen at once that her bundle had been moved, the knot tying the square of silk holding it together not exactly as she did it. Her day kimono was still folded nearby but it too had been moved.\n\nHardly breathing, she waited until the maid left, then unfolded the kimono. When her fingers felt the hidden shuriken in the secret sleeve pocket her heart started again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But wait, she thought, blood rushing into her face, just because they're still there does not mean that someone hasn't discovered them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do not panic! Think!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who would search my bundle here and why? A thief? Never! Abeh? A guard? Koiko? Yoshi?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If one of them, logically I would already be dead or at least roped and answering questions and..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sumomo, is the tea ready yet?\"\n\n\"Yes, I'm coming, Mistress...\"\n\nQuickly, and because of the cold, she put the kimono on over her sleeping yukata—she had already done her early first wash and brushed her teeth and her hair that was still in a conventional braid—tied her obi and replaced her sheathed knife, all the time her mind working at full speed: Was it one of them? Perhaps the searcher wasn't careful. He could have missed them, easy if not expecting them. Perhaps the searcher wasn't practiced?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Koiko? Why should she search my possessions now? Of course that had been done by the other maids when she had first arrived in Koiko's quarters—the shuriken had been on her person.\n\nAs her mind raced she set the rice gruel to keep warm, made the tea and took a cup into the bathroom where Koiko had finished bathing herself from the buckets of hot water made fragrant with extract of flowers. The water was delivered at dawn through a small trapdoor so that none would be spilled on the tatamis, and the guests not disturbed. Night containers were removed in the same way.\n\n\"I'll wear my brown kimono with the carp,\" Koiko said, sipping gratefully, the cold crinkling her skin however much she willed herself to pretend the cold did not exist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the golden-colored obi.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'knelt' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumomo hurried to obey, heart still grinding, and fetched the garments, helping her to dress.\n\nWhen the obi was tied to her satisfaction, Koiko knelt on one of the futons. Sumomo knelt behind her to brush her lustrous, waist-long hair. \"That's good, Sumomo, you're learning, but please make the strokes longer and smoother.\"\n\nOutside, the tempo of the awakening Inn was increasing. Maids and soldiers and people calling to one another, Abeh's voice and then Yoshi's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two women listened but could not distinguish what was being said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voices moved away.\n\n\"Twenty more strokes and then I will eat and have another cup of tea. Are you hungry?\"\n\n\"No, Mistress, thank you, I have already eaten.\"\n\n\"You did not sleep well?\" Koiko said, noticing a nervousness about her.\n\n\"No, Lady Koiko. So sorry to tell you my problem, but sometimes I have difficulty sleeping, then when I do sleep I have bad dreams,\" Sumomo said ingenuously, still distracted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The doctor gave me some medicine to calm me. I forgot to take it with me last night when I changed rooms.\"\n\n\"Ah, is that so?\" Koiko hid her relief. \"Perhaps you should take some now.\"\n\n\"Oh, but that can wait an—\"\n\n\"Please, I insist. It's important you should be calm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obediently, and gratefully, Sumomo found the bottle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had not been tampered with. She took a sip and recorked it. The inner warmth began almost at once. \"Thank you, Mistress,\" she said, then continued brushing.\n\nAfter the hot rice gruel and pickles, some cold roasted eel with a sweet and sour sauce, and rice cakes, Koiko said, \"Please sit down, Sumomo, and pour yourself some tea.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Mistress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Yoshi has decided I am not to accompany him anymore but to follow, by palanquin, at a more moderate pace.\"\n\n\"Some of the guards mentioned that while I was waiting for you. Everything will be ready whenever you wish to start.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Now that Koiko had discovered the truth about the bottle she was much more at ease but it had not changed her decision to be prudent—her duty to Katsumata already done. \"You are safely out of Kyōto now,\" she said softly, and Sumomo's stomach twisted. But for the elixir she would have panicked. \"It is time to part, Sumomo. Today. Do you have money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Mistress.\" Sumomo wanted to sound matter of fact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But would it be poss—\"\n\n\"No need for you to worry, I can give you some.\" Koiko smiled, misunderstanding the fluster, and continued firmly, \"Your papers, are they in order?\"\n\n\"Yes, but may I st—\"\n\n\"It is best for both of us. I have considered every possibility. It is best if I travel on alone. You may stay here or return to your home in Satsuma—I would advise that—or make your own way to Yedo.\"\n\n\"But please, may I stay with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is wise if you go your own way now—of course you realize it was an extreme favor to your guardian that I accepted you. Now you are safe,\" she said kindly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But... but what will you do? You have no maid. I want to serve you an—\"\n\n\"Yes, and you have been very good, but I can easily hire someone. Please do not worry about that. Now, will you go back to Kyōto?\" When Sumomo did not answer, just stared numbly, she said gently, \"What did your guardian say you were to do, when you left me?\"\n\n\"He—he did not say.\"\n\nKoiko frowned. \"But surely you must have a plan.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, Mistress,\" Sumomo said, rattled—even more flustered—her mouth running away with her, \"he told me I was to stay with you until Yedo. Then—then if it was your pleasure, I was to leave.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Yes, of course, but where in Yedo?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To go where?\"\n\n\"To—to go to Oda-sama.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course, but where in Yedo?\"\n\n\"I am not sure. May I pour you s—\"\n\n\"You are not sure, Sumomo?\" Koiko's frown deepened. \"Do you have another family to go to if he isn't there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, yes, there's an Inn, they will know where he is or there will be a message for me, but I swear I will not be a burden during the journey, not at all, you teach me so much...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The more Koiko listened as the girl rushed on—foolishly, she thought, for obviously she'd made up her mind—the less she liked what she was hearing, or Sumomo's agitation, the way she spoke and dropped her eyes.\n\nShe closed her ears to the reasons and used the time to gather her own thoughts. They became more ominous. \"Your guardian, will he be in Yedo too?\"\n\n\"I do not know, so sorry. Please, let me pour you some—\"\n\n\"This Oda-sama is Satsuma—is he part of the Satsuma garrison?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Sumomo cursed herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She should have said, I don't know. \"The Sats—\"\n\n\"Then what is he doing in Yedo?\"\n\n\"I do not know, Lady,\" Sumomo said lamely, her mind not fast enough, more dismayed every moment. \"I have not seen him for almost a year, that is... I was told he would be at Yedo.\"\n\nKoiko's eyes bored into her. Her voice became edged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your guardian said this Oda-sama was shishi, so he...\" Her voice trailed off as, saying the word aloud, the enormity of what she had done, and risked, by agreeing to have this girl with her, inundated her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shishi believe Lord Yoshi is their prime enemy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She moaned. \"If he's enemy, th—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"Katsum—my guardian—impressed that on all of us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Lady, he is not, not him, only the Shōgunate, the Bakufu are enemy, he is above all that, he is not enemy,\" Sumomo said vehemently, the lie coming easily, then added before she could stop herself, \"Katsum—my guardian—impressed that on all of us.\"\n\n\"All of you?\" Koiko's face went chalky. \"Namu Amida Butsu! You're one of his acolytes!\" Katsumata had told her that a few select young women were being trained by him to be members of his warrior band. \"He—he trained you too?\"\n\n\"I am just a humble loyalist, Lady,\" Sumono said, fighting for control, and to keep her face guileless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko looked around in disbelief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mind almost stopped, the blissful world she had been inhabiting fallen apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are one of them, you are!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumomo stared back at her, not knowing how to extricate herself from the pit that had suddenly opened in front of them. \"Lady, please, let us think clearly. I—I am no threat to you, nor you to me, let us leave it like that. I swore to protect you and I will, and Lord Yoshi if need be. Let me travel with you. I swear I will leave the moment we reach Yedo. Please?\" Her eyes willed Koiko to agree. \"You will never regret the kindness. Please. My guardian asked a lifetime favor. Please, I will serve you...\"\n\nKoiko hardly heard the words. She watched her as a mouse would a poised cobra, no thought in her head but how to escape, how to make all this a dream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it a dream? Be sensible, your life is in the balance, more than your life, you must collect your wits.\n\n\"Give me your knife.\"\n\nSumomo did not hesitate. Her hand went into her obi and she gave her the sheathed knife. Koiko took the blade as if it were on fire." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'travel' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not knowing what else to do with it, never having handled or owned or needed one before, all weapons forbidden in the Floating World, she thrust it into her own obi. \"What do you want with us? Why are you here?\" her voice barely audible.\n\n\"Just to travel with you, Lady,\" Sumomo said as though to a child, not realizing her own face was stark. \"Just to travel with you, there is no other reason.\"\n\n\"Were you part of the assassins, the attackers on Shōgun Nobusada?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course not, I am only a simple loyalist, a frien—\"\n\n\"But you were the spy who whispered that my Lord was going outside the barracks to meet Ogama—it was you!\"\n\n\"No, Lady, I swear it. I have told you he is not the enemy—that was a lone madman, not one of ours, I keep say—\"\n\n\"You have to leave, you must,\" Koiko said in a tiny voice. \"Please go. Please go now, please. Quickly.\"\n\n\"There is no need to worry or be afraid. None.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"I will do as you say,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, but I am, I am terrified, and terrified that someone should... should denounce you. Yoshi would...\" The words seemed to suspend themselves in the air between them. Their eyes locked, Sumomo willing her, Koiko helpless and wilting under their strength. Both seemed to have aged, Koiko torn apart that she could have been so naive and that her idol had used her so evilly, Sumomo furious that she was so stupid not to have agreed instantly the moment this meddlesome whore had proposed she should leave. Fool, fool, both were thinking. \"I will do as you say,\" Sumomo muttered. \"I will leave even though—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoji opened. Yoshi strode in jauntily, heading for the inner room. Their trance shattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They hastily bowed. He stopped in midstride, all his senses shrieking danger.\n\n\"What is it?\" he asked sharply. He had noticed their instant of fear before their heads bowed.\n\n\"Noth... nothing, Sire,\" Koiko said, collecting herself as Sumomo hurried for the brazier to fetch fresh tea. \"You will have tea, breakfast, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes went from woman to woman." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'sumomo' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What-is-it?\" he said slowly, the words like ice needles.\n\nSumomo knelt humbly. \"We—we were so sorry not to be going with you, Sire, it was just that... just that the Lady Koiko was so sad. May I serve tea, Sire?\"\n\nThe silence gathered. His fists bunched on his hips, face set, bare legs planted. \"Koiko! Tell-me-now!\"\n\nKoiko's mouth began to move but the words would not come out. Sumomo's heart stopped, then thundered in her ears as Koiko dragged herself to her feet, tears beginning, and she stammered, \"You s-see, she... it is true but she is not quite what...\"\n\nInstantly Sumomo was on her feet, her right hand darting into her sleeve and bringing out a shuriken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi set his teeth, seeing it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her arm curled back for the throw—he was unarmed, an open target, his swords in the inner room. At once he ducked left, hoping the feint would confuse her, preparing to hurl himself at her, his eyes fixed on her hand. Unperturbed, she aimed for his chest and threw viciously.\n\nThe barbed circle of steel spun across the room. Frantically he arched his body and skewed around. One of the barbs caught the edge of his kimono and sliced through the material but touched no flesh and went on to disappear through the shoji and thwackked into one of the posts in the inner room as, jerked off balance by the supreme effort, he slammed into a wall and buckled into a heap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For an instant everything seemed a slow dream..." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'yoshi' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumomo reaching endlessly in her sleeve for the next shuriken, seeing only the great enemy lying helpless and his dim-witted whore who had caused this unnecessary conclusion gaping at her, a pillar of fear—but feeling no fear herself, only elation, sure that this was her zenith, the moment she had been born for and had trained all her life for, and that now, invincible champion of the shishi, she would conquer and, dying, live in legend forever...\n\nKoiko, standing paralyzed, aghast that she had been duped by the godlike guru who had betrayed her, told her nothing but lies, the girl equally a cheat, and because of them this monstrous conspiracy was happening: her Patron would die and even if he did not die, she was disgraced and would die, either by his hand or those of the guards, everything in this life wasted, never to marry her samurai, never to have sons, never in this life, better to end it quickly by her own hand than foully by theirs but how, how, and then she remembered Sumomo's knife...\n\nYoshi craned around from the floor, frantic to see the next throw, hauling his feet under him for the charge he had to make or die, everything taking so much time, his mind exploding that he had been nursing a viper in his embrace, then his eyes saw Sumomo's hand with the second shuriken—how many does she have?—her lips drawn back from her very white teeth...\n\nThe frozen instant ended.\n\nSumomo hesitated, exulting in the kill, but the moment was too long and she saw Koiko come out of her trance and the knife appear in her hand. Instinctively she shifted her aim, caught herself, wavered, aimed at Yoshi again and began the throw, but at that instant Koiko lurched forward, tripped over her hem and sprawled toward her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The spinning shuriken embedded itself in Koiko's chest and she cried out, and that gave Yoshi time to lunge at Sumomo from the floor. He caught one of her ankles and brought her down, stabbed fingers for her throat but she was an eel and twisted away, trained in martial arts, her hand seeking the last shuriken. Before she could reach it, his iron fingers grabbed part of her kimono, tore half the sleeve off, inhibiting her. Again she squirmed from his grasp and was on her feet in a second, but now he was too.\n\nAt once she shrieked a nerve-racking battle cry, bunched her hand and threw again. He was transfixed, dead—yet her hand was empty, the throw only a feint, the last shuriken still caught in her torn sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she groped for it the shoji behind her was jerked open by the guard. \"Quick,\" she shouted, pointing at Koiko writhing and moaning on the floor, distracting and directing him. As he darted forward, she ripped his long sword out of its sheath, raised it and hacked, wounding him, and in the same movement turned for Yoshi. But he had leapt back a pace, jumped over Koiko's prone, squirming body and sprinted for the inner room and his swords, bursting through the closed shoji, Sumomo in fierce pursuit.\n\nHis sword hissed out of the scabbard. He spun, parried the first blow violently, and pivoted in the enclosed space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fearlessly Sumomo attacked and was again parried while Yoshi measured her and she measured him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another flurry of blows, she an impeccable sword fighter, as he was.\n\nNow he attacked and was held and they broke off and circled, then she darted back through the shoji seeking more space, he close behind her, and they circled seeking an opening. Outside there were shouts. Guards converged, the wounded samurai half blocking the doorway. Knowing there was little time Sumomo increased the pressure, lunged forward, then swivelled to put her back to the door and they hacked at each other, parry and blow, parry and blow. Yoshi twisted, forcing her around once more, but losing the initiative." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Abeh rush for her back, sword raised, and he snarled, \"No! Leave her to me!\" and almost got decapitated, retreating in temporary disorder.\n\nObediently Abeh backed off. Another wild skirmish, Yoshi regaining his balance just in time. Both of them well matched, Yoshi vastly more strong though not as practiced.\n\nNow their hilts locked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quickly she disengaged, knowing he must beat her in such a clinch, stepped back, feinted then hurtled forward in a blind, unorthodox blitz, her sword edge cutting into his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have disabled a less skilled fighter, but he had anticipated the blow and suffered only a minor wound, though he cried out and dropped his guard, pretending a great hurt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carelessly she went in for the kill. But he was not exactly where she expected. His sword arched up ferociously from the ground, catching her unawares, the blow slicing through her left wrist and sending it flying with the sword, her fingers still gripping the hilt.\n\nShe stared at the stump of her arm, astonished, blood spurting up and out in a huge stream. There was no pain. Her other hand grabbed the stump and slowed the flow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guards raced forward to seize her but again Yoshi cursed them away, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, watching her so very carefully. \"Who are you?\"\n\n\"Sumomo Fujahito... shishi,\" she gasped, her courage and strength ebbing fast, then, with the last of her spirit, whimpered, \"Sonno-joiiii,\" released her grip on her wrist, groped for the last shuriken, found it, dug one of the poisoned barbs into her arm and stumbled forward to jam it into him. But he stood ready.\n\nThe great blow took her perfectly where her neck joined her body and sliced across and through her to come out just under her arm. Those watching sucked in their breaths as one man, sure that they had witnessed a happening that would be passed from mouth to mouth for centuries and proved this man a worthy descendant of the great Shōgun and bearer of his name. But all were rocked also, at the sight of so much blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abeh recovered his voice first. \"What happened, Lord?\"\n\n\"I won,\" Yoshi said grimly, examining his shoulder, blood staining his kimono, an ache in his side and his heart still violent. \"Get a doctor... then we'll leave.\"\n\nMen raced to do his bidding. Abeh tore his eyes off Sumomo's corpse. Koiko was moaning and squirming pitifully, her nails clawing the tatami, gashing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went towards her, stopped as Yoshi said, \"Careful, fool! She was part of the conspiracy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cautiously Abeh kicked Sumomo's knife to one side. \"Turn her over!\" He obeyed, with his foot.\n\nThere was only the slightest sign of blood. The shuriken had pinned her kimono to her flesh, stanching the seepage, more than half of the steel buried in her. Apart from the pulsating agony that twisted her face in waves, she was as breathtaking as ever.\n\nYoshi was filled with hatred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never had he been so close to death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other attack was nothing compared to this one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How he had managed to withstand the onslaught and sneak attack, he could not understand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'hands' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half a dozen times he had been, knowingly, beaten, and the terror at the brink was not as he had imagined it to be. That terror will unman anyone, he thought, wanting to hack Koiko to pieces in fury for her betrayal, or to leave her to her agony.\n\nHer hands were clawing impotently at her chest, at the huge pain centered there, trying to tear away the thing that was causing it. But she could not. A shudder racked her. Her eyes opened and she saw Yoshi standing there and her hands left her chest and went to her face, trying to make her hair neat for him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"please helllp meeee... it hurts...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help me, Torachan,\" she sobbed, her words garbled, \"please helllp meeee... it hurts...\"\n\n\"Who sent you? And her? Who?\"\n\n\"Helpppp me, oh please, it hurts, it hurts, I tried to save... save...\" Her words trailed away and she saw herself again with the knife in her hand, him defenseless, heroically doing her duty, rushing forward to protect him, to give him the knife she could not herself use and to prevent the betrayer from wounding him with the flying steel, accepting it in his place, saving his life so he would reward her and forgive her, not that she was guilty of anything, only of serving him, pleasing him, adoring him...\n\n\"What shall we do with her?\" Abeh was asking queasily, certain, with all of them, that the shuriken was poisoned and she would die, some poisons more cruel than others.\n\nThrow her on a dung heap, was Yoshi's immediate thought, his stomach filled with sick bile, and leave her to her pain and the dogs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He scowled, tormented now, seeing she was still beautiful, even still desirable, only the dribbling moan underscoring his ugly, acid awareness that an era had ended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now and forevermore he would be alone. She had destroyed trust. If this woman on whom he had lavished so much affection could betray him, anyone could. Never again could he trust a woman or share so much. Never. She had destroyed that part of him forever. His face closed. \"Throw...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then he remembered her silly poems and happy poems, all the laughter and pleasures she had given him, the good advice and satisfactions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly he was consumed with immense sadness at the cruelty of life. His sword was still in his hand. Her neck was so small. The blow was kind.\n\n\"Sonno-joi, eh?\" he muttered, blind at her loss.\n\nCursed shishi, their fault she is dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who sent Sumomo? Katsumata! Must be, same sword strokes, same guile. Twice his assassins have almost killed me. No third time. I will wipe them out. Until I am dead Katsumata is enemy, all shishi are enemy. Cursed shishi—and cursed gai-jin!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is really their fault, the gai-jin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They're a plague. If it wasn't for them none of this would have happened, there would be no stinking Treaties, no shishi, no sonno-joi, and no pussing sore of Yokohama.\n\nCursed gai-jin. Now they will pay." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the afternoon of the same day, Jamie McFay came out of the office of the Yokohama Guardian, seething. He stuffed the latest edition of the newspaper under his arm and hurried along High Street. The breeze was salty and chill, the sea spotted with combers, grey and uninviting. His stride was as angry as his mood. I wish to God Malcolm had told me, he was thinking. He's off his rocker, crazy. It's bound to stir up trouble.\n\n\"Wot's up?\" Lunkchurch asked, seeing the crumpled paper and perturbed by Jamie's unusual haste. He himself had been on the way to collect his own copy before his afternoon siesta and had stopped for a moment to urinate in the gutter. \"Hey, the duel's in the paper, been reported, eh?\"\n\n\"What duel?\" McFay snapped. Rumors were rife that it was due any day now, though, as yet, no one had whispered they knew it was the day after tomorrow, Wednesday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For Christ's sake, stop spreading that chestnut!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No offense, old lad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The big, florid man buttoned up, heaving his belt up over his paunch to have it slide down again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, wot the eff 's up?\" He jabbed the paper. \"Wot's eff'ing Nettlesmith writ that's put your dingle out of joint?\"\n\n\"Just more of the same,\" McFay said, avoiding the real reason. \"His editorial claims the fleet's almost up to snuff, Army's sharpening their bayonets, and ten thousand sepoys are on the way from India to help us.\"\n\n\"Eff'ing balls, all of it!\"\n\n\"Yes. Added to that the bloody Governor doing his usual, sodding up Hong Kong's economy. Nettlesmith's reprinted an editorial from the Times praising the plan to torch our Bengal opium fields, replanting with tea, a little item that'll cause heart attacks all over Asia—as if taste buds anywhere will be satisfied with Darjeeling muck! Stupid bastards will ruin us and the British economy at the same time. Got to run, see you at the meeting later.\"\n\n\"Eff'ing meetings! Waste of eff'ing time,\" Lunkchurch said \"Effing government! We should go to the eff'ing barricades like the eff'ing Frogs. And we should be shelling Yedo right now! Wee Willie hasn't the balls, and as for eff'ing Ketterer...\" He continued swearing long after Jamie had left. Others on the promenade nearby frowned, then quickened their pace heading for the newspaper office.\n\nMalcolm Struan looked up as Jamie knocked. He saw the paper at once. \"Good. I was going to ask if it was here yet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I fetched a copy. A dickybird whispered I should.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'because' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah.\" Malcolm grinned. \"My letter's in? It's there?\"\n\n\"You might have told me so I could think of a way to lessen the impact.\"\n\n\"Calm down, for God's sake,\" Malcolm said good-naturedly, taking the paper and turning to the section where letters were printed. \"No harm in taking a moral position. Opium's immoral, and so is gunrunning, and I didn't tell you because I wanted you to be surprised too.\"\n\n\"You've certainly done that! This will incense every trader here and throughout Asia and it'll backfire—we need friends just as much as they need us.\"\n\n\"I agree. But why should my letter backfire? Ah!\" His letter was in the lead position and headlined: noble house to take noble stand! \"Good caption, I like that.\"\n\n\"Sorry, but I don't. It's bound to backfire because everyone knows we have to use those trade goods or we're stuffed. You're tai-pan but you can't...\" Jamie paused. Malcolm was smiling at him, unperturbed. \"What about the Choshu rifles, for goodness' sake? We've accepted their money though you agreed to pass them over to the other man, Watanabe, for Lord Someone or other—the order you increased to five thousand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All in due time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm remained calm though reminded that his mother had cancelled the order that he had, promptly, reinstated by the fastest mail possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silly of her, she understands nothing about Japan. Never mind, only a few more days and she'll be curbed. \"Meanwhile, Jamie, there's no harm in taking a public, moral position,\" he said airily. \"We must bend with the times, don't you think?\"\n\nMcFay blinked. \"You mean it's a ploy? To confuse the opposition?\"\n\n\"Bend with the times,\" Malcolm repeated happily. His letter advocated, at length, the phasing out of opium and guns, just as the Admiral wanted, and put him squarely behind the Admiral's vehement position and the Government's proposed new plan for Asia: Ways must be found at once to put our trading approach on the most perfect footing, for the greater glory of H.M. the Queen, God Bless Her, and our British Empire. The Noble House is proud to lead the way... he had written among other flowery effusions, signing it, The tai-pan, Struan's, as his father and grandfather had done with letters to the press. \"I thought it was all put rather well. Don't you?\"\n\n\"Yes, it is,\" McFay said. \"You certainly convinced me. But if it's just a...\" He was going to say \"sop,\" but sop to who, and why? \"But if it's just a ploy, why do it? Couldn't be a worse time. You're bound to be challenged at the meeting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let them.\"\n\n\"They'll think you've gone mad.\"\n\n\"Let them. In a few weeks they'll have forgotten it, and anyway we'll be in Hong Kong.\" Malcolm beamed, filled with good humor. \"Don't worry, I know exactly what I'm doing. Do me a favor, leave a message for the Admiral. I'd like to drop by and see him before dinner, and Marlowe when he comes ashore. They're both dining with us at eight, yes?\"\n\n\"Yes, both accepted.\" McFay sighed. \"So you're going to keep me in suspense over the why?\"\n\n\"Don't worry, everything's perfect. Now, much more importantly, today we must settle on next season's order for silks. Make sure Vargas has the books up-to-date. I want to talk to the shroff about specie and funds as soon as possible—don't forget, tomorrow, Angel and I will be gone all day with Marlowe aboard Pearl.\" He would have danced a jig if he could have, but his legs and stomach were aching more than usual. Never mind, he thought, tomorrow's the great day, I'm almost home, then the hell with everyone.\n\nJamie was finding him strange, not understanding him at all. Every ship from Hong Kong brought both of them another, ever more vituperative letter from Tess Struan and yet, for the last week-odd, Malcolm was completely at ease and as he had been pre-Tokaidō, good-humored, clever, attentive and dedicated to business affairs though still in deep discomfort and walking badly as ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then there was the overriding hazard of the duel set for Wednesday, the day after tomorrow.\n\nThree times McFay had approached Norbert Greyforth to make an accommodation, even enlisting Gornt's help, but nothing would dissuade the man: \"Jamie, you tell the young bugger it's up to him, by God,\" Norbert had said. \"He started this shit. If he apologizes I'll accept it—if it's public, and mighty public at that!\"\n\nMcFay bit his lip. His last resort was to whisper the time and the place to Sir William, but he hated the idea of breaking his solemn oath. \"I'm to meet with that bugger Gornt at six o'clock, to fix the final details.\"\n\n\"Good. Sorry you don't like him, he's a good fellow, Jamie. Really. I invited him tonight. 'Dinna fash yoursel'.'\" Malcolm aped a heavy Scottish accent as a pleasantry.\n\nMcFay smiled, soothed by the friendliness. \"Do y—\" A knock interrupted him.\n\n\"Come in.\"\n\nDmitri strode in like a bad squall and left the door open behind him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'there' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You gone crazy, Malc? How can Struan's back these assholes about opium and guns?\"\n\n\"No harm in taking a moral position, Dmitri.\"\n\n\"There is, by God, if it's crazy. If Struan's take that position, the rest of us are fighting uphill, for crissake—goddam Wee Willie will use that to—\" He stopped as Norbert Greyforth stalked in without knocking.\n\n\"Have you gone bloody mad?\" Norbert snarled, leaning over the desk and waving the paper in Malcolm's face. \"What about our bloody agreement to act together, eh?\"\n\nMalcolm stared up at him, hating him, instantly colorless. \"If you want an appointment, make it,\" he said icily, but controlled. \"I'm busy. Get out. Please!\"\n\nNorbert flushed, also on notice by Sir William to behave or else. His face twisted with anger. \"Wednesday, early, by God! Just bloody be there!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spun on his feet and stalked away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door slammed behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rude bastard,\" Malcolm said mildly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"Don't do it, you could get seriously hurt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Normally Dmitri would have laughed but he was too concerned. \"While we're on that subject, I might as well tell you I'm not taking part in Wednesday's 'meeting.'\"\n\n\"That's no problem, Dmitri,\" Malcolm said. Color was coming back into his face. \"I still have your word, gentleman's honor, that nothing leaks.\"\n\n\"Sure.\" Then Dmitri burst out, \"Don't do it, you could get seriously hurt.\"\n\n\"I'm seriously hurt now, old chap. Please don't worry. If Norbert keeps our date he's...\" Malcolm was going to say, He's a dead man, and tempted to disclose Gornt's scheme to Dmitri—he had already explained it to McFay who had, reluctantly, approved it as workable—but decided not to.\n\nInstead he said, \"I've already offered Norbert a private accommodation but he spurned that. I'm damned if I'll crawl in public. Listen, while you're here, what about Colt Armaments? I hear Cooper-Tillman have a block of shares they want to sell. I'd like to buy.\"\n\n\"Eh? How d'you know about them?\" Dmitri glanced at McFay, who was equally astonished but had managed to hide it. \"Where'd you hear about that?\"\n\n\"A dickybird told me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm hid his glee. Edward Gornt had given him the tip, amongst other inside tips about Brock's and Cooper-Tillman, to prove his sincerity about the major information he would pass over about the Brocks. \"Why wait to tell me, Mr. Gornt?\" he had said. \"If the information is as good as you say it will need dealing with at once.\"\n\n\"It will, yes, at once, Tai-pan. But let's leave it as we agreed: Wednesday's the day. Meanwhile, as we're going to have a long and happy relationship, why not let's drop the 'Mister,' you call me just Gornt, I'll stay with 'Tai-pan' until we meet in Shanghai or Hong Kong—after Sir Morgan's ruined. Then, maybe, we could be on a first-name basis, eh?\"\n\nHe watched Dmitri, his excitement increasing. So much good happening now. \"What do you say, old chap? Is Jeff Cooper prepared to sell, and do you have the necessary authority to deal?\"\n\n\"Yes, I have his authority but.\"\n\n\"But nothing. The authority's in writing?\"\n\n\"In writing and he might sell half but. At the right price—16.50 a share.\"\n\n\"Balls, that's nowhere near right—that's your Medicine Man approach coming out. 13.20, not a cent more. We can draw up a letter of intent, dated today. Forty thousand shares.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri gaped at him but quickly recovered—forty thousand was exactly the right number." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'hasn't' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "13.20 was low. He had offered the shares to Morgan Brock who had tendered 12.80, a fire-sale price, with a year payout which made the offer unpalatable, though to find a buyer for such a large block of shares was almost impossible. Where the hell did Malc get the information? \"13.20's nowhere near good enough.\"\n\n\"13.20 today. Tomorrow it'll be 13.10, Wednesday I withdraw the bid.\" Gornt had told him Cooper needed to sell quickly to invest in a new U.S. venture making Ironclads—for either navy. \"I've plenty of time, but old Jeff hasn't.\"\n\n\"What you mean by that?\"\n\n\"Just that I have time and Jeff hasn't. Nor has the Union or even Confederate... navy,\" he added pleasantly, \"with the war going badly for both sides.\"\n\n\"Crap on your spies,\" Dmitri said. \"No deal. 15.20.\"\n\n\"Dreamer. 13.20, payment in gold from a sight draft on our bank as soon as it arrives in Boston.\"\n\nDmitri opened his mouth but Jamie McFay butted in hastily, \"Tai-pan, it might be a good idea to conside—\"\n\n\"Getting HK's approval,\" Malcolm finished the sentence for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, Jamie, we've had that out and that nonsense is finished once and for all.\" His voice was level, and brooked no argument. \"Right?\"\n\n\"Yes, sorry, you're right.\"\n\nCalmly Malcolm said, \"Well, Dmitri, yes or no?\"\n\nDmitri stared at him with renewed respect. The immediate payout had already clinched it for him. \"It's a deal.\" He offered his hand. Malcolm shook it.\n\nMcFay said, \"I'll draw up the paper this afternoon and have it for your signatures at 5:00 p.m. All right?\"\n\n\"Good. Thanks for coming to see me, Dmitri, you're always welcome. Dinner's at 8:30.\"\n\nAfter Dmitri left McFay could not stay quiet. \"That's a lot of money.\"\n\n\"$528,000 to be precise. But Colt's got a new order for a hundred thousand rifles of a radical new design. By the time our letter of credit clears their shares will have doubled so we've just made half a million dollars.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you be sure?\"\n\n\"I'm sure.\"\n\n\"You'll sign the promissory note?\"\n\n\"Yes. If you tell me I can't because I've no authority because of what my mother has or has not said, I will take no notice whatsoever and sign it anyway.\" Malcolm lit a cheroot, continuing, \"If it's not honored that will backfire and ruin Struan's like nothing in our history. I'm tai-pan, like it or not, until I resign or until I'm dead, whatever she says.\"\n\nThey both watched a smoke ring rise and vanish and then McFay nodded, slowly, his misgivings overcome by Malcolm's strange surety and authority that he had never experienced before. \"You know what you're doing, don't you?\"\n\nMalcolm's eyes lit up. \"I know many things I didn't when I first came here. For example, if you insist on leaving... Come on, Jamie, I'm sure in your heart you've decided, and why shouldn't you? You've been treated shabbily—I know I haven't helped but that's all over, if I were you I'd do the same. You've decided, haven't you?\"\n\nMcFay swallowed, disarmed. \"Yes, I'm going to leave, but not until Struan's business here is optimum, six months or so, unless she fires me first. Christ, I don't want to leave but I must.\"\n\nMalcolm laughed. \"You've taken a moral position.\"\n\nMcFay laughed too. \"Hardly. It's crazy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I'd do the same. And I'm sure you'll be a huge success, so much so a hundred thousand of the dollars I've just made—I have, Jamie, no one else—will be an investment in McFay Trading. For a...\" He was going to say forty-nine percent share but changed that, to give McFay face, and thought, You deserve it, my friend, I'll never forget the mail you could have hanged for—Sir William would have caught us, I'm sure of that too. \"A sixty percent share?\"\n\nMcFay said, \"Twenty-five,\" without even thinking.\n\n\"Fifty-five?\"\n\n\"Thirty-five.\"\n\n\"Forty-nine percent.\"\n\n\"Done, if!\"\n\nThey both laughed and Malcolm said what McFay had been thinking, \"If the shares double.\" Then he added seriously, \"And if they don't I'll find it another way.\"\n\nMcFay looked at him for what seemed a long time, his mind in a thought pattern of questions but no answers. Why has Malcolm changed? Heavenly? The business over the mails? The duel?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surely not." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why does he want to see the Admiral? Why does he like Gornt, who's a crafty one, all right?\n\nAnd why did I blurt out, Yes, I'm going to leave, before I knew it, making the decision I'd been thinking about for months: to take a chance before I die. He saw Malcolm watching him, weak in body, but tranquil and strong. He smiled back, glad to be alive. \"You know, I'm sure you will.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique was taking her pre-dinner siesta, a coal fire merry in the grate. Curtains were drawn against the wind and she was curled under down covers and silk sheets, half asleep half awake, one hand comfortably between her legs as Colette had taught her in the convent when they would sneak into bed with one another after the nuns had left the dormitory and were snoring behind their curtained cubicles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fondling and kissing and whispering and chuckling under the covers, the two young girls sharing secrets and dreams and wants, pretending to be grown-up lovers—as described in the romantic but forbidden street pamphlets that were smuggled in by the chambermaids and circulated from hand to hand amongst the students-all make-believe and healthy and amusing and harmless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mind was on Paris and the wonderful future ahead, Malcolm softly content beside her, or already out in the Struan countinghouse, now headquartered in Paris, rich and tall, all his bad health a memory, her bad health not even a memory, a baby son in the nursery along the corridor of this their chateau, his own nanny and maids watching him, her body again strong and as well shaped as now, his birth easy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'colette' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then there would be visits with Colette to Struan's fabulously successful silk factory that she had persuaded Struan's to build after learning so much about the harvesting and growing of the silkworms:\n\n\"Oh, Colette,\" she had just written," }, { "from": "human", "value": "these little worms are extraordinary, eating mulberry leaves for food, and then you cure the cocoons and unravel the silk..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I never thought I could be so interested. Vargas is my secret informant and he sneaked the silk seller in to show me some, but I have to be so careful—I started talking about my idea for a factory with Malcolm and Jamie and they laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm said not to be silly, making silk was a highly complex business (as if I didn't know) and not to worry my little head about business." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I do believe they want us to be cocoons, to use or abuse at their whim, and that's all. Colette, send all the books on silk you can find..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How lovely to have one's own countinghouse, and money, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Living in Paris there will be visits to London, occasionally to Hong Kong, dinners and soirees and lavish balls for my Prince Charming and his special friends...\n\nShe glanced at the letter to Colette she had just sealed on the bureau." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More secrets shared, at least in part:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This Edward Gornt is becoming a real friend, so charming and attentive, a real friend, not like André. I'm sure, dear Colette, he will be a friend for life because my darling Malcolm seems to enjoy his company too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Isn't that strange—when Edward works for those awful Brocks I've told you about, and Norbert Greyforth who gets more venomous-looking every day, like the warlock he is!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight we are having another BIG soiree. Everyone will be there, André is playing, Edward, he is a dancer, light as a butterfly..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had not written that the last time they had danced, at a dinner given by Sir William, he had held her hand differently, dangerously, with enough pressure to talk to her, once his little finger curled in his palm touching hers: the language of lovers, I want you in bed, yes or no and when—don't say no!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had moved her hand, coolly and firmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had said nothing, his eyes smiling, and she knew that he knew she was not really angry, merely beyond reach, engaged.\n\nNor was she angry at André, really angry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few days ago they had met by chance at the French Legation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're looking well, Angelique, I'm delighted to see you. Can I have a word, privately?\"\n\nShe had said of course, and when they were alone he had told her it was about the money he had lent her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm badly strapped, could you let me have it, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I thought the... the other transaction covered that.\" Her heart had skipped a beat being reminded of their stratagem over the lost earrings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, no, it didn't. That paid for the mama-san's advice and the medicine.\"\n\nHer flush had been sudden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We agreed never to mention the—the matter, ever again, don't you remember?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said quietly, wanting to shout at him for disturbing their solemn agreement. \"It never happened, it didn't, that's what we agreed—it was just a bad dream!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree it never happened but you mentioned the transaction, Angelique, I didn't bring it up, just about the money. Sorry, but the money's pressing.\" His face had gone cold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Warily she had bottled her anger, damning him for disturbing her peace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had convinced herself nothing had ever happened—except for the one man who could dispute it, nothing had. That was the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But for him. \"About the money, dear friend, I'll return it as soon as I can. Malcolm doesn't give me money as you know, just lets me sign chits.\"\n\n\"Then perhaps we'd better arrange another 'loss.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" she had said, her voice honeyed, and put a hand on his arm to soothe the flash of anger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not a good idea.\" Though she purged the whole affair from her mind, for the most part, whenever it came back to haunt her, particularly at night, she was aware it had been a dreadful mistake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps I can think of another way.\"\n\n\"I need it now, Wednesday at the latest. Sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll try, I'll really try.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And she had. Yesterday she had seen Henri Seratard and tearfully begged and pleaded, saying she needed money for a surprise for Malcolm, that she would be always in his debt and signed another piece of paper, pledging her diamond engagement ring as surety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wisely she had borrowed twice as much as she owed. This morning she had repaid André." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had thanked her and thanked her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No reason to be angry with him. He's my good and trusted friend and I did borrow the money." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What did I need it for? I forget. Sans faire rien, that's one debt repaid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half the rest she had taken to McFay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie, would you send this to my dearest aunt in Paris for me. She's poorly and also, my dear uncle,\" she had told him, pleased she at last could help them, and even more pleased that, as she had hoped, McFay had told Malcolm. He had asked her about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I borrowed it from Monsieur Seratard, my darling. I didn't want to ask you for money and I can't send them a chit. I hope you don't mind but I pledged some jewelry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had chided her, saying he would take care of the Seratard debt, that Jamie would have a revolving fund for her, the value of a hundred guineas which she could draw against as she wished, just give him a note of what it's for, and that he would double the amount she wanted sent.\n\nSo easy when you use your intelligence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A warmth went through her remembering how she had thanked him for his kindness, and kissed him so fondly, and how he had responded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would have liked to have gone further, much further.\n\nHer fingers distracted her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their smoothly knowing sensuality pleased her and she closed her eyes and cast herself back with Colette but that did not last long." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As always he loomed in the front of her mind, vivid and almost alive, and with him the details of their last time, the time she had been deliberately wanton and had done everything she had dreamt possible—to save her life, not realizing she would enjoy everything as much as he had.\n\nDearest Blessed Mother, we both know it was only to save my life—isn't that true? But also true—ah, how lucky I am I can talk openly, direct to You, and not have to go through that awful Father Leo—but also true, between us women, that somehow we must rid ourselves of him, and the memory of the two nights and the ecstasy before it drives me insane." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiko was irritable. \"Furansu-san, I will accept this partial payment but our agreement was very specific, so sorry.\"\n\n\"I know.\" André loathed being in debt—a phobia—to her more than any, not only because meeting the payment schedule was giving him nightmares, but also because she controlled his Hinodeh completely and if he failed to conform she would end their relationship without hesitation. And then he would kill himself. \"Soon can give big payment. Earrings.\"\n\n\"Ah, is that so? Excellent.\" She smiled. \"Excellent. I presume Hinodeh is still to your liking, still pleasing you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His worry dropped from him for a blessed moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She... everything I dream of. More.\"\n\nShe smiled strangely at him. \"It is unwise to be so open, my friend.\"\n\nA Gallic shrug. \"You make me lifetime favor. Cannot say thank you enough.\"\n\nThe eyes crinkled in her round face, puffy from drink even though it was only dusk. Her makeup was good and her kimono expensive, the evening chilly but her rooms were warm and the whole Inn inviting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hear your gai-jin Princess is as healthy as ever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" For a moment André thought about her, and her ever present sexuality. \"Think she make good Lady of Night.\"\n\nRaiko cocked her head to one side, unable to resist taking the remark seriously. \"That would be interesting to me. I could get her the best prices—the best—many in Yedo would pay a price to sample such a gross person. I know one rice dealer, very rich, very old, no hard work for her to satisfy, who would pay huge money to be the first to examine such a Jade Gate, and it would be easy to show her how to become a virgin again, neh?\"\n\nHe laughed. \"I tell her, one day perhaps.\"\n\n\"Good. The best price, and secret. This rice dealer... Eeee, he would pay! She shows no other signs?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Signs? What sort of signs?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Please excuse me for speaking about money, but a gold oban no longer buys what a gold oban should buy. Our officials have debased our currency and stink like eight-day-old fish mixed with fresh dog's droppings!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiko said, \"The medicine varies for different ladies. Sometimes it can make them much more... more passionate and more difficult to satisfy. Sometimes it increases her chance to become pregnant, sometimes it destroys any chance. Strange, neh?\"\n\nThe amusement left him. \"You not tell me.\"\n\n\"Would it have made any difference?\"\n\nAfter a moment he shook his head.\n\nShe drank deeply. \"Please excuse me for speaking about money, but a gold oban no longer buys what a gold oban should buy. Our officials have debased our currency and stink like eight-day-old fish mixed with fresh dog's droppings!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"True,\" he said, missing words but understanding about officials and old fish and was equally disgusted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seratard had refused to give him the advance on his salary he had expected, claiming poverty in Legation funds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Henri, I'm only asking for what you have to give me over the year. It's just a few pieces of gold, Henri. Aren't I your most valuable aide here?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course you are, my dear André, but you can't get wine out of an empty vat—only a migraine!\"\n\nHe tried a different approach but did no better. So he had only two courses of action. Angelique, or this mama-san. \"Raiko-san, you very clever, think. Must be way we both increase normal money, neh? What can we sell?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She glanced down at the table to hide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saké?\" she asked, and poured. In his honor the saké was cold. Her eyes were slits and she wondered how far to trust him. As far as a cat will trust a cornered mouse. \"Information has a price. Neh?\"\n\nIt was said matter-of-factly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pretended to be surprised, delighted she had taken the bait so easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too easily? Probably not. Being caught by the Bakufu, or by his own masters, added up to the same penalty: an agonizing death.\n\nSir William would pay handsomely for the right information—Henri not at all—God curse them both to hell! \"Raiko-san, what happening in Yedo?\"\n\n\"More to the point, what's happening here?\" she said at once, beginning the negotiation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"War, eh? Terrible! Every day more soldiers firing on the firing range, more cannons practicing, frightening my Ladies.\"\n\n\"So sorry, please speak slower, please.\"\n\n\"Ah, so sorry.\" Raiko slowed, saying how frightened the Yoshiwara was, painting an interesting local picture but nothing that he did not already know. And he told her things about the fleet and Army that he was sure she knew also.\n\nThey drank in silence. Then she said softly, \"I think certain officials would pay much to know what the gai-jin leader plans to do and when.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"Yes. Also think our Leader pay plenty know what Nippon samurai forces where, who leads, about this tairō who send rude messages.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded. \"Yes. Also think our Leader pay plenty know what Nippon samurai forces where, who leads, about this tairō who send rude messages.\"\n\nShe beamed gloriously and raised her eggshell cup. \"To a new partnership. Much money for a little talk.\"\n\nHe toasted her, saying carefully, \"Little talk, yes, but must be important little and real little for real money.\"\n\n\"Eeee,\" she said, feigning shock, \"am I a third-class whore without brains? Without honor? Without understanding? Without connections, without...\" But she could not keep it up and chuckled. \"We understand one another completely. Tomorrow at midday come and see me. Now off you go and see your lovely Hinodeh. Enjoy her and life while we all have it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Thank you. But not now. Please say, I arrive later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. But not now. Please say, I arrive later.\" He smiled at Raiko, liking her. \"But you, Raiko?\"\n\n\"I have no Hinodeh to go to, to dream about, to write poems to, to fill me with ecstasy. Once it was different, now I am more sensible, I enjoy saké and making money, and making money and saké. Off you go,\" she said with a hard laugh, \"but tomorrow return. At midday.\"\n\nWhen he was gone she ordered her maids to bring more of the wine, but hot this time, and not to disturb her. Seeing such friendliness on his face, mixed with the depth of his passion for Hinodeh, she had felt her sadness beginning and so had dismissed him.\n\nShe could not bear witness to her misery and the abject tears that poured from her, unable to contain them or the grief, at the same time despising the weakness within her that was a frantic longing for her youth, for the girl she had been, vanished such a short time ago, never to return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's not fair not fair not fair, she moaned, raising the cup." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not the old hag I see in my mirror, I am me, Raiko the Beautiful, Courtesan of the Second Rank, I am I am I am." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Otami-sama,\" the shoya said, \"good evening, please sit down, tea, saké? So sorry to disturb you again but I have just received a message from my overlords. Tea?\"\n\nHiraga took the opposite cushion in the pleasant room, a hold on his impatience, thanked him and accepted the obligatory cup. \"How are you?\" he asked politely, his heart beating faster than he cared.\n\n\"Worried, Otami-sama. It seems the gai-jin are very determined this time, too many troop movements, too many ships cleaning weapons, many rumors of more ships coming here. Perhaps you have heard from your Taira gai-jin?\"\n\nHiraga thought about that. Tyrer and the whole Legation staff had been in an uproar ever since the ultimatum from Tairō Anjo had arrived, Sir William bellowing more than usual, Johann the interpreter closeted for hours with Tyrer, rewriting letters to the Bakufu and only sometimes asking him to refine a phrase. \"Easier if see 'retter, Taira-sama,\" he would always say, wanting to know what was being sent.\n\n\"Yes, well, but this phrase for the moment...\" the Taira would always say, clearly uneasy, every day the same and this had increased his disquiet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'enforcer' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously they did not trust him as before, and this after working night and day to learn their language and giving them all manner of information. Despicable gai-jin dogs, he had thought, afraid that any day Sir William might order him out—his poster was still prominent in the samurai guard house, the Enforcer patrols malevolently checking all Japanese entering and leaving the Settlement.\n\nEnforcer patrols should not be permitted. Gai-jin are so idiotic—with their sea power I would not allow \"enemy guards\" within a league! Idiotic for Anjo to anger them with such vile manners and arrogance while their fleet is here. The Council of Elders is mad!\n\n\"The gai-jin officials tell me many things, shoya,\" he said, as though loath to be overheard. \"Fortunately I am party to their inner secrets. It may well be I can warn you in time if any danger threatens you. Meanwhile I counselled them to beware of upsetting you and the village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoya bowed to the tatami, thanking him and thanking him, then said, \"These are terrible times, war is terrible and taxes are going to be put up again.\"\n\nGood, Hiraga thought, his head aching, you can afford it, but it won't make you or any in the Gyokoyama eat less or drink less, or your wives and women dress less expensively, only your customers. Parasites! You're already breaking ancient laws of extravagance, allowing your women to wear forbidden dress colors, like red, as under-kimonos or in your homes that, stupidly, the Bakufu, do not enforce. When we are in power there will be a reckoning.\n\nCome on, you old fool, get to the point. I cannot waste all evening and I am not going to lose face by asking. I have more studies tonight and another book to try to read. \"I can perhaps guard your interests,\" he said pointedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the shoya thanked him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The message I received concerned the girl you asked about. Four days ago Lord Yoshi left Kyōto secretly, just before dawn, with a small escort of soldiers and disguised as one of them. She went too. Also in the party... are you all right, Otami-sama?\"\n\n\"Yes, please go on,\" Hiraga said, \"go on, shoya.\"\n\n\"Certainly. Also in the party, mounted, was the courtesan Koiko, and the girl who is her new maiko an—\"\n\n\"Her what?\" Hiraga gasped, \"Koiko,\" with everything that her name implied, pealing in all the corners of his mind.\n\n\"Please, may I give you some tea, or saké?\" the shoya asked, seeing the impact the news was making. \"Or a hot towel or may I order some—\"\n\n\"No, go on,\" Hiraga said, his voice throaty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is not much more. As you know, the Lady Koiko is the most famous of Yedo's courtesans and now Lord Yoshi's companion. The girl was sent to her ten days ago.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'forced' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By whom?\"\n\n\"We do not yet know, Otami-sama,\" the shoya said, retaining that information for another time. \"It seems the Lady Koiko accepted the girl as maiko after the girl was personally interviewed and approved by Lord Yoshi. She is the only other woman in the party. Her name is Sumomo Fujahito.\"\n\nNo mistake, Hiraga wanted to shout, that's the code name Katsumata gave her—so he sent her into that hornet's nest, but why? \"Which way did he go? Lord Yoshi?\"\n\n\"There are forty samurai accompanying him, all mounted but carrying no banners, and Lord Yoshi himself, as I said, was disguised. They slipped out of Kyōto just before dawn, three days ago, heading along the Tokaidō, a forced march, my masters presume for Yedo.\" The shoya hid his astonishment at the vehemence in the young man's face.\n\n\"Forced march, you say? They could reach Kanagawa when?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last way station before Yedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In ten or twelve more days?\"\n\n\"Ah, yes, you are probably right though with two women travelling... my message said both were riding—oh, I already mentioned that—and, oh yes, I forgot, Lord Yoshi was disguised as a common ashigaru, yes, I suppose it is possible to reach Kanagawa then.\"\n\nDazed, Hiraga swallowed more saké, hardly tasting it, accepted another cup, thanked him for the information, saying they would meet tomorrow and left to go to the village hovel he shared with Akimoto.\n\nOutside the village streets were quiet. Shops closed at nightfall. Lights behind shoji screens made the huts and hovels inviting. Wearily, and in turmoil over the news, he took off his top hat and ruffled his hair, scratching his scalp, still not completely accustomed to wearing his hair European style, though lately hardly noticed the discomfort of trousers and waistcoat, glad for them against the season's cold. Even scratching vigorously did not help the confusion and ache in his head so he sat on a nearby bench—squatting difficult in tight trousers—and stared at the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko! He remembered the two times he had been with her, once for an evening and once for the night." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'yoshi' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeee, both had been expensive, so expensive, but worth it. Katsumata had told him that never again would he perceive such texture of skin or silky hair or such fragrance, or such kind, gentle laughter in a woman's eyes, or experience the ultimate, exploding warmth that made you want to die, you had so much joy.\n\n\"Ah, Hiraga, to die then,\" Katsumata had said, \"at such a high point, to carry that with you beyond—if there is a beyond—would be perfection. Or if there is no beyond, to be certain at the leap into nothingness you have experienced the best, to die at the zenith would surely be a totality of life.\"\n\n\"True, but such waste. Why train her for Yoshi?\"\n\n\"Because he is a major key to sonno-joi, for or against, because she is the only one I have ever known who might possibly enthrall him and so move him to our side, or be positioned to send him onwards. He may be the key to sonno-joi, for or against—that's our secret, yours and mine—of course, he dies at a time of our choosing anyway.\"\n\nThen has Katsumata sent Sumomo to be the dagger of the deed? Or is it to keep Koiko safe from betrayers, or even to guard Yoshi from a traitor within?\n\nSo many questions, so much unanswered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got up and walked off again, his head aching worse than ever. Tomorrow Akimoto was going with Taira aboard a warship. Hiraga had asked to go but had been refused: \"So sorry,\" Tyrer had told him. \"Sir William said this friend of yours, Mr. Saito, may go, but only him. Of course no weapons. I understand his family is the biggest shipbuilder in Shimonoseki, eh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Taira-sama. His father fami'ry.\"\n\n\"But samurai are not allowed to be in business.\"\n\n\"That is correct, Taira-sama,\" he had said quickly, the man too apt a pupil, making the lie sound truthful. \"But many samurai fami'ries make arrangement with money'renders and boat makers to do work, neh? This man important sea fami'ry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A week ago he had introduced the subject of Akimoto, with that fiction, during one of his endless meetings with Sir William where he stood and answered questions, learning little in exchange." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: hiraga's, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His name is Saito, Sir W'ram, fami'ry rich, he visit here want to see great British Navy ships, hear great stories about great British Navy. Perhaps you and he can make together, great ship-making factory.\"\n\nIt was not altogether a lie. For generations Akimoto's forebears had lived in a fishing village, one of the three ashigaru families there who acted as a kind of policeman for Hiraga's father, head of the nearby hirazamurai-ranked family, also for generations. Akimoto, personally, had always been interested in the sea and warships. Hiraga's father had arranged for Akimoto to join the Choshu samurai school, ordering him to learn all he could from the Dutch seaman who was the sensei, because, soon, daimyo Ogama would need officers to captain Choshu ships, and to lead their navy.\n\n\"Eeee, Cousin,\" Akimoto had said the day before yesterday, \"I cannot believe you persuaded them to let me learn their war secrets.\"\n\nHiraga sighed. He had noticed that anything to do with \"business\" got immediate gai-jin attention. Poetry, not at all, calligraphy nothing, sword-forging a little, politics, yes, but only as it affected trade, but an opportunity to make something to sell for profit—anything, a ship or cannon or cup or knife or length of silk—brought instant results." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're worse than rice dealers!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their food is money.\n\nLast night Akimoto had been in his cups, rare for him, and started to ramble about money and gai-jin and being near them, \"You are right, Hiraga, that's one of their secrets: money worship. Money! How clever you are to smell that out so soon! Look at that dog of a shoya! Look how he is all ears when you start to tell him what Taira or that other gai-jin dog gleefully say about their dirty business methods, and how they extort money from others any way they can, calling it profit, as though profit is a clean word, feeding off each other like lice. When you talk about money does not that old fish head shoya bring out his best saké to encourage you to tell more and more? Of course he does. He is just like them, worshipping money, gathering it from us samurai, putting us deeper into debt every year when he creates nothing, nothing! We should kill him and do what Ori said, burn this stinking cesspool—\"\n\n\"Calm yourself! What's wrong?\"\n\n\"I do not want to calm down, I want action, a fight, attack! I am tired of sitting and waiting.\" Akimoto was flushed, breathing heavily, eyes bloodshot and not just from the liquor. His huge fist pounded the tatami. \"And I am tired of you studying all night, your head in a book—if you're not careful you will ruin your eyes and ruin your sword arm and then you will be dead. Attack, that is what we are here for—I want sonno-joi now, not later!\"\n\n\"Without knowledge and patience... how many times do I have to tell you? You become like Ori, or that fool Shorin, why be so anxious to put your head in the Enforcer's garrote?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not and... Eeee, Hiraga, you're right, please excuse me, but...\" The words had trailed off and he saw him swallow more saké." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is really troubling you? The truth.\"\n\nAkimoto hesitated. \"I heard from my father.\" He began haltingly but soon the words were pouring out. \"A letter came through the mama-san at Kanagawa... there's famine in the village, in the whole area, your family is hurting too, so sorry to tell you. Two of my little cousins have died. Three of my uncles gave up samurai class and their swords—they sold them as part payment for debts to the moneylender, swords that were used in Sekigahara—to become fishermen, at least they are working the nets for boat owners, dawn to dusk, to get a little cash! Tomiko, she's an aunt's widowed daughter who was living with us, she had to sell her little girl to a child broker. She was given enough to feed the rest of her family for half a year—her two sons and her invalid father. A week later she left the money in a teapot for my mother to find and threw herself off the cliff. Her notesaid her heart was broken having to sell her own child, but the money could help the family and not be wasted on another useless mouth...\"\n\nThe tears were pouring down his cheeks but no sound of weeping was in his voice, only anger. \"Such a nice girl, such a good wife to my friend, Murai—remember him, one of our Choshu ronin who died in the attack on Tairō Ii? I tell you, Cousin, it is awful to be samurai when you have no face, no stipend, nowhere to go and to be ronin is worse. Even so, me... you're right again... I think we will have to imitate stinking gai-jin if we want warships, even I know they do not grow in a rice paddy, and must find ways to make stinking money and be like stinking rice-dealing moneylenders. Stinking money, stinking gai-jin, st—\"\n\n\"Stop it,\" Hiraga had said sharply, and handed him another flask. \"You are alive, you are working for sonno-joi, tomorrow you go on a warship to learn, that is enough, Cousin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Numb, Akimoto shook his head, wiping the tears away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was there any other news? Of my father, my family?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well... read for yourself.\"\n\nHe read: If Hiraga is with you tell him his family are in sad straits, his mother is sick, they have no money and no more credit. If he has any means to send any, or arrange any credit, it will save lives—of course his father will never ask. Tell him also his wife-to-be has not yet arrived and his father fears for her safety.\n\nNothing I can do for them, Hiraga thought, nearing their village hideaway, again in misery. The night wind picked up, rustling the thatched roofs, and colder than before. Nothing I can do. Stinking money! Akimoto is right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We should put Ori's plan into effect. A night like this would be ideal. Two or three huts torched and the wind would jump the flames from house to house and whip it into a conflagration. Why not tonight? Then the stinking gai-jin would have to go back aboard their ships and sail away. Would they? Or am I deluding myself and it is our karma to be eaten up by them.\n\nWhat to do?\n\nKatsumata always said, When in doubt act!\n\nSumomo? On the way to Yedo?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His pulse quickened but even the thought of her did not remove the remorse for his family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We should marry now, marry here, while there is time, impossible to go home, the journey would take months and it is vital to be here. Father will understand.\n\nWill he? Is it vital, or am I just deluding myself? And why did Katsumata put Sumomo with Yoshi? He would not risk her for nothing.\n\nNothing! I am nothing. From nothing into nothing, famine again and no money and no credit and no way to help. Without sonno-joi there's nothing we can do—\n\nAll at once it was as if a skin covering part of his mind had shed and he remembered Jamie explaining some aspects of gai-jin business that had shocked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In moments he was again tapping on the shoya's door and sitting opposite him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoya, I thought I should mention, so you can prepare, I believe I have persuaded the gai-jin business expert to meet you in his great mansion, the day after tomorrow in the morning, to answer questions. I will interpret for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoya thanked him and had bowed to cover his sudden beam.\n\nHiraga continued blandly, \"Jami Mukfey told me it was gai-jin custom that there would be a fee, for this and all the other information he has already given you. The equivalent of ten koku.\" He uttered the staggering sum as though it were a pittance and saw the shoya blanch but not explode as he had expected, telling such a lie.\n\n\"Impossible,\" the shoya said, his voice strangled.\n\n\"I told him so but he said as a businessman and banker you would understand how valuable his information was, and that he would even consider...\" Again Hiraga controlled himself. \"Would even help the shoya to begin a business, first of its kind, in the gai-jin fashion to deal with other countries.\"\n\nAgain this was not altogether a lie. McFay had told him that he would be interested in meeting and talking to a Japanese banker—Hiraga had inflated the shoya's importance and position in the Gyokoyama—that more or less any day at a day's notice would suit him, and that there were all kinds of opportunities for cooperation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched the shoya, exhilarated at his transparency, clearly besieged by potential opportunities to use Mukfey's knowledge for profit, and being the first to do such a business: \"Very important to be first,\" Mukfey had explained, \"your Japanese friend will understand that, if he's any sort of businessman. Easy for me to supply our business skills, easy for your Japanese friend to do the same with Japanese skills and knowledge.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Asking ten, I doubt if Mukfey would reduce below three.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had taken Hiraga a blinding effort to understand what the man had been talking about.\n\nHe allowed the shoya to dream and to worry. \"Though I do not understand business matters, shoya, I might be able to reduce that price.\"\n\n\"Oh, if you could do that, Otami-sama, you would please a poor old man, just a modest servant to the Gyokoyama, for I would have to beg their permission to pay anything.\"\n\n\"Perhaps I could bring it down to three koku.\"\n\n\"Half a koku would perhaps be possible.\"\n\nHiraga cursed himself. He had forgotten the Mukfey Golden Rule One, as he called it: \"When negotiating be patient. You can always come down but never go back up, and never be afraid to laugh or cry or scream or pretend to leave.\"\n\n\"Asking ten, I doubt if Mukfey would reduce below three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A half is already very high.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he had had a sword he would have gripped the hilt and snarled, \"Three or I will have your dirty head.\" Instead he nodded sadly. \"Yes, you are right.\" He began to get up.\n\n\"Perhaps my masters would agree to one.\"\n\nNow he was almost at the door. \"So sorry, shoya, I would lose face to try to bargain so cheaply an—\"\n\n\"Three.\" The shoya was flushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga sat down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took him a little while to adjust to the new world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said, \"I will try to make it three. These are hard times. I have just heard there is famine in my village in Choshu. Terrible, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the shoya's eyes narrow. \"Yes, Otami-sama. Soon there will be famine everywhere, even here.\"\n\nHiraga nodded. \"Yes,\" he said, and waited, allowing the silence to thicken. Mukfey had explained the value of silence in negotiating, that a closed mouth at the right time unnerves your opponent—for negotiation is a fight like any other—and snares concessions you would never dream of asking.\n\nThe shoya knew he was trapped but had not decided on the extent of the trap, nor the price he would pay. Thus far the information he had been given was worth ten times that amount. But be cautious... this man is dangerous, this Hiraga Otami-sama learns too fast, he may or may not be telling the truth, may or may not be a liar. Even so, better to have a cunning samurai with you than against you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In bad times, friends should help friends. It might be that the Gyokoyama could arrange a little credit to help. As I mentioned before, Otami-sama, your father and family are respected and valued clients.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga bit back the angry words he would normally have spat out at being so openly patronized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be too much to expect,\" he said, feeling his way in this new world of profit and loss—one person's profit is another's loss, Mukfey had explained many times. \"Anything the great Gyokoyama could do would be appreciated. But speed is very important, could I be assured they would understand? Yes?\"\n\n\"It would be at once. I will arrange it.\"\n\n\"Thank you, and perhaps they would consider along with a substantial credit, perhaps also an outright grant, a fee, of say one koku...\" He saw the eyes flash with anger, which was quickly hidden, and wondered if he had gone too far. \"For services rendered by the family.\"\n\nAnother silence. Then the shoya said, \"In the past... and in the future.\"\n\nHiraga's eyes became as cold as the shoya's, though, like him, his mouth smiled. And, still in the new world, he did not take out the small revolver he always carried now and blow a hole in him for his rudeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\" Then he added sweetly, \"Until the day after tomorrow, neh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shoya nodded and bowed. \"Until then, Otami-sama.\"\n\nOnce more outside and hidden by the night, Hiraga allowed his triumph to soar with his soul. One whole koku and credits and now how to exchange the three koku that the Mukfey gai-jin had not asked for, nor needed, into real rice, or real money, that he also could send to his father?\n\nSo much for so little, he thought, elated, and at the same time feeling soiled, in need of a bath." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, Admiral,\" Malcolm Struan said, \"a private word?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly, sir.\" Admiral Ketterer clambered to his feet, one of the twenty guests still at the table in the Struan great room, grouped around their port that Angelique had left them to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ketterer was in evening uniform, breeches, white silk stockings and silver-buckled shoes, more florid than usual, having enjoyed a mulligatawny soup, barbecued fish, a double helping of the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with potatoes roasted in the dripping and vegetables imported from California, chicken and pheasant pie, a few fried pork sausages, followed by Californian dried-apple pie with a lavish portion of the now famous Noble House cream, and to top everything off, a Welsh rarebit savory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Champagne, sherry, claret—a Château Lafite 1837, the year Queen Victoria came to the Throne—port and Madeira." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could use a breath of air,\" Ketterer said.\n\nMalcolm led the way to the side French doors, the good food and wine dulling the pain. Outside it was brisk, but after the stuffy inside refreshing. \"Cigar?\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\nNumber One Boy Chen was hovering in the background with the box. After the cigars were lit he vanished in the smoke.\n\n\"You saw my letter in today's Guardian, sir?\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, I did, much of it well put,\" Ketterer said.\n\nMalcolm smiled. \"If the hornet's nest of protests it stirred at the meeting this afternoon is any indication it put your point over rather well.\"\n\n\"My point? Damn, I do hope it's yours as well.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Yes, of course, of course. Tomorrow—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course, of course. Tomorrow—\"\n\nKetterer interrupted sharply, \"I was rather hoping, since you share a perfectly correct and moral position, a man of your undoubted power and influence would, at the very least, have formally led the way and outlawed all contraband on all Struan ships, and have done with it.\"\n\n\"All contraband is already proscribed, Admiral,\" Malcolm said. \"'Slowly, slowly catchee monkey' is the way to go. In a month or two we'll be in the majority.\"\n\nThe Admiral just raised his thick eyebrows and puffed his cigar and turned his attention to the sea. The fleet looked grand under riding lights. \"Looks as though there could be a storm tonight, or tomorrow. Not the sort of weather for a joy ride, for a lady, I would think.\"\n\nAnxiously Malcolm looked up at the sky and sniffed the wind. No danger signs. As tomorrow's weather was a major concern he had gone to great lengths to check it. To his joy, as for the last few days the forecast had been for smooth seas and fair wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe had confirmed it before dinner, and although he did not yet have final sailing approval—or was party to the real reason for Malcolm's need to be aboard with Angelique—as far as he was concerned their trip was on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that your forecast, Admiral?\" Malcolm asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My weather expert, Mr. Struan. He advised cancelling any trials tomorrow. Better to spend the time preparing to stand off Yedo. Eh?\" Ketterer added with thin joviality.\n\n\"I'm against flattening Yedo,\" Malcolm said absently, his mind on this new and unexpected problem—the Admiral's snide refusal to accept his letter that he had been confident would be more than sufficient.\n\nEverything's perfect except for this bugger, he thought, curbing his anger, trying to think of a way out of the dilemma. Prancing Cloud had arrived on schedule and was in the roads off-loading cargo, Captain Strongbow already apprised of the new secret orders for Wednesday's new departure time, and Edward Gornt equally primed to pass over the Brock information as soon as the duel was over.\n\n\"I'm also opposed,\" the Admiral was saying. \"We've no formal orders for war. I'm curious what your reasons are.\"\n\n\"Using a hammer to kill a hornet is not only foolish but can give you piles.\"\n\nKetterer laughed. \"Damn, that's a good one, Struan. Piles, eh? More of your Chinaman philosophy, eh?\"\n\n\"No, sir. Dickens.\" He eased his back and leaned again on his sticks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would please me, sir, and Angelique, to be aboard Pearl, with Captain Marlowe, and out of sight of land tomorrow, for a short time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Heavenly had advised that as the precedent he was using, the marriage of Malcolm's parents, took place between Macao and Hong Kong out of sight of land, for safety he should do the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With your blessing, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would please me to see the Noble House take the lead in the Japans. Clearly you don't have enough time. I suggest ten days would be enough for practical steps. I believe Pearl and Marlowe are needed for fleet matters tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ketterer turned to go.\n\n\"Wait,\" Malcolm said, panic rising, \"say I make an announcement right now, to everyone here, that we're... that we're stopping all arms shipments into Japan from now on. Would that satisfy you?\"\n\n\"The point is would it satisfy you?\" the Admiral said, enjoying seeing the man who represented everything he despised wriggling on the barb. \"Would it?\"\n\n\"What... what is it, sir, that I can do, or say?\"\n\n\"It's not up to me to run your 'business.'\" The way Ketterer used the word, laced with scorn, made it a dirty word. \"It would seem to me what's good for the Japans is good for China. If you outlaw guns here, why not do the same in China for all your ships—the same with opium?\"\n\n\"I can't do that,\" Malcolm said. \"It would put us out of business, opium's not against the law and both are legal—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'please' must be used 4 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Interesting.\" Again the word was heavy with sarcasm. \"I really must thank you for a fine dinner, as usual, Mr. Struan. If you'll excuse me, I have lots to do tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Wait!\" Malcolm said shakily. \"Please, please help me, tomorrow's terribly important to me, I swear I'll support you in everything, I'll lead the way but please help me about tomorrow. Please.\"\n\nAdmiral Ketterer pursed his lips, ready to terminate this pointless conversation. That's what it is, though there's no doubt I could use support amongst these rotten bastards, if even a tenth of the slanders rumored at their bloody meeting are true. I suppose this one isn't so bad, if he could be trusted—compared to the others, compared to that monster Greyforth. \"When's your duel?\"\n\nMalcolm was going to answer truthfully but stopped himself. \"I'll answer that if you like, sir, and I remember what you said about duelling, but in matters of honor my family have been very serious for at least two generations and I don't want to be lacking. It's a tradition, like the Navy, I suppose. Much of the magic of the Royal Navy has to do with that, tradition and honor, doesn't it?\"\n\n\"Without it the Royal Navy would not be the Royal Navy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ketterer took another deep puff of the cigar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least the young bugger understands, by God, though that doesn't tip the scales." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The truth is the poor fool's mother is quite right to disapprove the marriage—the girl's pretty enough but hardly the right choice, bad blood line, typically French." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm doing him a favor.\n\nAre you?\n\nRemember Consuela di Mardos Perez of Cádiz?\n\nHe had first met her when he was a midshipman on Royal Sovereign during courtesy calls at the port. Ultimately the Admiralty had refused him permission to marry, his father had been equally opposed and when, at length, he had won both their consents and rushed back to claim her, she was already betrothed. She was Catholic too, he thought sadly, still loving her after all this time.\n\nCatholic, that sent everyone mad, like Struan's mother, I'll wager. As if it matters, though Consuela's family was good where this girl's isn't. Yes, I still love her. After her, no one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never wanted to marry, not after losing her, somehow couldn't." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, that let me put everything into the Navy, so life hasn't been a total sodding loss.\n\nHas it?\n\n\"I'm going to have another port,\" he said. \"That will take ten to fifteen minutes. What can you do to lead the way in ten or fifteen minutes, eh?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt hurried down the steps of Struan's into the night, following other guests leaving the party in animated conversation, bundled up and holding their hats against the wind. Servants were waiting with lamps to guide some of them home. After a polite but hasty good night, he went next door to Brock's. The guard, a tall turbanned Sikh, saluted, stared at him as he rushed up the stairs two at a time to knock on Norbert Greyforth's door.\n\n\"Who is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me, suh, Edward. Sorry, it's important.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a sour grumble. Then the bolt jerked back. Norbert's hair was tousled. He wore a nightshirt, nightcap and bed socks. \"What the hell is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Struan. He's just announced from here on he's committing the Noble House to embargo all guns and all opium in Japan and ordering the same in all Asia and the China trade.\"\n\n\"What's this, a joke?\"\n\n\"No joke, Mr. Greyforth, suh. It was at the party—that's what he said in front of everyone a moment ago, Sir William, most of the Foreign Ambassadors, the Admiral, Dmitri—Struan's exact words, suh: 'I want to make a formal statement. Following my Guardian letter today, I've decided no guns or opium will be carried by our ships or traded by Struan's from now on, here or in China.'\"\n\nNorbert began to laugh. \"Come in, this calls for a celebration. He's put Struan's out of business. And made us Noble House.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stuck his head into the corridor and shouted for his Number One Boy, \"Lee! Champagne, chop chop! Come in, Edward, and close the door, it's drafty and cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned up the oil lamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His bedroom was large with a vast four-poster, the floor carpeted, oils on the walls of Brock clipper ships—their fleet smaller than Struan's but their steamer fleet almost twice as large. Some of the paintings were fire damaged and the ceiling, too, was not yet completely repaired. Books were piled on the side tables and another opened on the bed.\n\n\"The poor bastard's really gone.\" Norbert chuckled. \"First thing we do is to cancel the duel, got to keep him alive. Now this is wh—\" His smile vanished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait a minute, what am I talking about? It's all a storm in a pisspot, he's no more tai-pan of Struan's than I am. You're the fool, whatever he says means nothing and much as his Bible-thumping mother would like to do the same, she'd never agree, couldn't, it'd ruin them.\"\n\nGornt smiled. \"I disagree.\"\n\nNorbert glanced at him sharply. \"Eh?\"\n\n\"She'll agree.\"\n\n\"Oh? Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Secret.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'glasses' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What sort of secret?\" Norbert glanced at the door as it opened. Lee, an elderly Cantonese with a long, thick queue, wearing neat livery—white jacket, black trousers—waddled in with glasses, champagne in an ice bucket, a neat towel over his arm. In moments two glasses were served. When the door had closed, Norbert raised his glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Health, and death to all Struans. What secret?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You told me to try to befriend him. I have. Now he confides in me. First—\"\n\n\"He does?\"\n\n\"Up to a point but it's better every day. First, about tonight. The reason he wrote the letter and made the announcement was to curry favor with the Admiral, secretly.\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"May I?\" Gornt motioned at the champagne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course. Sit down and explain yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He needs the Admiral's approval to get aboard Pearl tomorrow, that's the re—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'talking'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the hell are you talking about?\"\n\n\"I happened to overhear them, talking privately—they went outside after dinner. I was looking at some of his paintings nearby—I'd noticed a couple of Aristotle Quances—and, well, their voices carried.\" Gornt related, almost word for word, their conversation. \"Ketterer ended by saying, 'Let's see what you can do in ten or fifteen minutes.'\"\n\n\"That was all? Nothing about what's aboard or what's so important about Pearl?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, suh.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Weird, that's weird. What could it be?\"\n\n\"I don't know. The whole evening was strange. All during dinner I'd catch Struan glancing at the Admiral from time to time, but never once did he catch his eye. It was as though the Admiral deliberately avoided him without being too obvious. That's what prompted my curiosity, suh.\"\n\n\"Where was he sitting—the Admiral?\"\n\n\"Next to Angelique, place of honor on her right, Sir William the other side, should have been the other way around—another curiosity. I was next to Marlowe, he was star-gazing at Angelique and talking boring naval talk, nothing about any trip tomorrow though I got the impression from what Struan had said, it had been planned for some time, pending the Admiral's okay. After the Admiral left I brought the conversation with Marlowe back to tomorrow but he just said, 'Might be doing some trials, old boy, if the Old Man approves, why?' I told him I enjoyed ships and asked if I could come along, he laughed and said he'd certainly arrange a future trip, then he left too.\"\n\n\"Nothing about Struan and the girl?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, suh. He's all eyes for her though.\"\n\n\"It's her tits.\" Norbert grunted. \"When Struan made the announcement what happened?\"\n\n\"First there was a silence, then pandemonium, questions, some laughter, a few catcalls, Marlowe and the other naval officers cheered, and there was a lot of anger. McFay went white, Dmitri almost spat, Sir William stared at Struan, shaking his head as though the poor fellow was an object of pity. I'd concentrated on Ketterer. He made no sign one way or another, said nothing to Struan other than 'Interesting,' got up at once, thanked him for dinner and left. Struan tried to stop him, started to ask him about tomorrow but the Admiral either didn't hear him or pretended not to, and stalked out, leaving Struan shaking. At the same time, suh, everyone talking and no one listening, like in a Chinese market, not a few furious and shouting at Struan that he was insane, and how in the hell could we carry on trade—you know, the obvious and the truth.\"\n\nNorbert finished his glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt began to pour for him but he shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't like bubbly too much at night, makes me fart. Pour me a Scotch—the bottle's over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was on a sideboard, oak, weatherbeaten, an old sea clock on it. \"What's aboard Pearl he'd want so much?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\n\"What did Struan do after Ketterer left?\"\n\n\"He just sat down and took a large drink, stared into space, absently said good night as people began to drift off, paying no attention to Angelique, which again was unlike him. As to her, she just watched wide-eyed, not the center of attention for once, clearly not understanding what was going on so I guess not in Struan's confidence either. I thought I'd better give you the news so didn't stay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You said something about a secret? What's the secret, eh? Why that old bitch, Tess Struan, will agree to commit business suicide?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because of Sir Morgan's plan, suh.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Sir Morgan.\" Gornt smiled broadly. \"Before we left Shanghai he told me, privately, he and Mr. Brock had planned and were in the middle of executing some scheme to ruin Struan's and finish them for good. He told me it revolves around Hawaiian sugar, the Victoria Bank an—\"\n\n\"Eh?\" Norbert stared at him, remembering Sir Morgan had been specific that he had not given Gornt details of the coup, and did not want him to have them: \"Even though the lad's t'be trusted. Yes, an' there be no harm in letting him mix in the poxy Struan circle to see what he can spy out.\" \"Morgan told you the details? About the deal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, suh, at least he only told me what I was to pass on to Struan as secretly as I could.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jesus Christ,\" Norbert said, exasperated, \"you'd better start from the beginning.\"\n\n\"He said I wasn't to tell you about my part until I'd accomplished it, until I'd done what he told me to do. I have, I'm in Malcolm Struan's confidence, so now I can tell you.\" Gornt sipped his champagne. \"Very good wine, suh.\"\n\n\"Get on with it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir Morgan told me to tell Struan a series of stories—he said it was near enough to the truth to hook Struan and through him the real tai-pan, Tess Struan. Suh, I can almost guarantee, the last of the Struan tai-pans is firmly hooked.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly Gornt gave him the substance of exactly what he had told Malcolm Struan. Ending it, he laughed. \"I'm to give him 'the secret details' after the duel, en route to his ship.\"\n\n\"What're you to tell him?\"\n\nThe older man listened carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knowing the real details, he was fascinated to hear more of Morgan's craftiness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Tess Struan acted on this false information, it would certainly buy Sir Morgan the extra few weeks he wanted. \"But Sir Morgan,\" Norbert had said in Shanghai when the plan had been laid out, \"it's foolproof now, you don't need extra time, I can do my part in Yokohama before Christmas.\"\n\n\"Yes, thee can, and will. But me an' Dad, we likes to be safer than safe, lad, and extra time will make sure our necks be away from any ropes and our arses out of prison.\"\n\nNorbert suppressed a shudder at the thought of being caught. No rope, but prison for fraud probably and Debtors' Prison a certainty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir Morgan's a crafty bugger all right, just like him to tell me one thing and Gornt another. He's saved me one risk, killing Struan. So it's England for me and five thousand a year but I lose the cream, the manor house and being rich. Better safe than sorry.\n\nNorbert sighed. I was looking forward to putting a bullet into Malcolm and reaping the cream, he thought, Old Man Brock's words etched in his memory: \"Norbert, there be cream in thy retirement. Thy bonus be upped by five thousand guineas a year if thee kills him, a thousand bonus for a bad wounding, thee's beached if thee's humbled.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Morgan's clever, the plan's foolproof,\" he said with a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To make sure, testing him, added casually, \"Isn't it?\"\n\n\"Suh?\"\n\n\"The small changes make all the difference, don't they?\" He was watching him carefully.\n\n\"Sorry, suh, I don't know any details—other than what I've told you and he said to pass on to Struan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll have another Scotch—help yourself to wine,\" Norbert said, satisfied, then drank in silence until he had thought everything through." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"Yes, suh, that was my immediate thought too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You continue as if you haven't told me. Tomorrow I'll cancel the duel. Can't afford to kill or put the bugger out of action.\"\n\n\"Yes, suh, that was my immediate thought too.\" Gornt handed him Malcolm Struan's letter, the equivalent of the one Norbert had signed. \"He gave me this for you, but I suggest you don't cancel tomorrow, that might make him suspicious—and we might find out what's so important about Pearl, if he goes or if he doesn't.\"\n\n\"All right, Edward, good idea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Norbert guffawed. \"So Wednesday, young nipper Struan's on his way to disaster, eh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: warmth, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt grinned. \"On his merry way, suh. Their Noble House is finished and ours begins.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" The warmth of the Scotch mixed with the warmth of the future. \"Then you've decided to join us?\"\n\n\"Yes, suh, if you approve. Sir Morgan said you'd have to approve.\"\n\n\"You keep this up and you're approved. Tonight was a good night's work, tip-top. 'Night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bolted the door after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before he climbed back into the high bed he used the chamber pot and felt even better. His glass was on his side table, perched on a pile of books and magazines, still a quarter full. He settled himself against the high pillows he favored and picked up the half-opened book, City of the Saints, Burton's account of a stay among the mysterious, polygamous Mormons in Salt Lake City, Utah, another first for this, the most famous adventurer and explorer in the world, who spoke thirty or more languages, and whose exploits and idiosyncrasies were avidly followed in minutest detail.\n\nHe read a few paragraphs, then, distracted, tossed it aside. It's not as good as Pilgrimage to El-Medina and Mecca, he thought, or about discovering Lake Tanganyika." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amongst all that Mormon snatch you'd think Burton, who openly favors polygamy, which any fool knows is the right idea, would describe his conquests—he's done it enough times in other books to raise the old hackles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some papers reported he had a baker's dozen of 'em, all at the same time, presented personally by Brigham Young, head of their \"Latter-day Saints\" Church and Governor of Utah. What liars!\n\nBut, my God, what a man—he's done more and seen more than any Englishman alive, makes you even prouder to be English. And with all the freedom to go where he wants, live as he wants, how he wants, what's he do but go back to England and get married to a good Englishwoman like any normal man. Of course, he left after a month and now they say he's somewhere in parts unknown, the Hindu Kush or up in the secret land on Top of the World, living with the snow giants...\n\nHe sipped more of the drink, and thought about Gornt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That young bugger's not as smart as he thinks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyone can work out what's aboard Pearl and why." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ketterer can keep a secret, so can Wee Willie but Michaelmas Tweet can't, nor Heavenly when he's in his cups, so I'd heard about Tess Struan's letters and that she's boxed Wee Willie, blocked the Church, blocked all ship captains, and through Ketterer the Navy—'cepting she's no power over the Navy! And aboard Pearl is Marlowe. Marlowe could marry 'em—if Ketterer allows it.\n\nHe chuckled.\n\nBut Ketterer hates Struan's because they sold cannon to the White Lotus pirates, like us, like we've been selling cannon to any God-cursed warlord who'll buy, and will continue to do the same even if Struan's don't, and why not?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're legal and always will be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Parliament needs armament factories because armaments are great business and all governments like war—because wars are great business, and, most of all, because war covers up their own sodding incompetence.\n\nTo hell with governments.\n\nKetterer hates Struan's. For all his redneck arrogance he's no fool, he would want practical results for a favor. Those he can't get—announcements from that young fool mean nothing—so he's cat-and-mousing him. Maybe he'll let Struan and his doxy go aboard, maybe he won't, but either way Marlowe won't be allowed to marry them—Ketterer wants Struan to crawl." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'young' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sod would make me crawl too if he'd a quarter of a chance and give me a hundred lashes to boot.\n\nA large swallow of the fine whisky put him into a better humor and he laughed. So young Struan's stymied: no Pearl-assisted marriage and back to Hong Kong, with or without his doxy, and into the sodding pit with his ma. Curious that I've got to leave the bugger alive when I'd planned to take the Old Man's cream: \"... but Norbert don't thee be a-telling Morgan, he's agin any killing, he be wanting to see young Struan in't shit, his ma too! Remember, or I'll have thy guts for garters.\"\n\nMust I stop the duel?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll think about that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Careful. I need the extra bonus.\n\nJust like Morgan to give Gornt secret instructions and keep me in the dark. What else has he told Gornt he hasn't told me? Never mind. Morgan's the clever one, with all of his Old Man's nerves but smooth with it, modern, no madness, and no risk—none of his dad's brutal, merciless obsessions. Morgan's our real tai-pan, and he'll be the tai-pan of the new Noble House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's only taken twenty years to crush Dirk's company, the biggest that's ever been in Asia." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Satisfied, he finished his drink, turned down the wick, and settled himself with a yawn. Sorry I never saw the Old Man in his heyday, or the tai-pan, old Green-eyed Devil himself, whom only the devil winds of the Great Typhoon could kill. Lucky that young fool inherited none of his qualities." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the last guest had gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Angelique, Jamie McFay, and Malcolm remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The embers in the huge inglenook fireplace glowed as drafts came down the chimney and went away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silently Malcolm was frowning at the fire, watching pictures in the coals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sat on the arm of his chair, unsettled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "McFay was leaning against the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll say good night, Tai-pan,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm came out of his reverie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh... Hang on a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled up at Angelique." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, Angel, I've a few things to discuss with Jamie, do you mind?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course not. 'Night, Jamie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bent and kissed Struan affectionately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good night, Malcolm, sleep well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good night, darling, we should leave early.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes... but Malcolm, please can I ask, what was all the shouting about? I didn't understand, could you explain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was jealousy. Nothing more.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: course, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! Of course, how strong you were and how modern! How right you are about guns and opium... oh la la, chéri, and wise. Thank you. Of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She kissed him again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What time do we leave in the morning? I'm so excited, the voyage will be such a changement superbe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just after dawn. I'll see you're awakened in good time, but—but don't be surprised if... if there's a change of plan—Marlowe said the weather might change.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But he swore the wind would drop and it would be a grand day for a voyage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said 'might change,' Angel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave her a hug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If not tomorrow the earliest possible day, he promised.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do hope it's tomorrow. Je t'aime, chéri.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Je t'aime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was gone the silence in the room congealed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chen peered around the door again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm said, \"Close the bloody door and don't come back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It closed with alacrity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie began to talk but he held up his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't say a thing about ships or cannon or opium. Please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down, Jamie.\" Malcolm had thought all around the corners of the Admiral and devised a plan for each of the various possibilities: if the Admiral decided they could make the trip with his blessing, or if they could make the trip but Marlowe was forbidden to perform the ceremony, or if the trip was postponed till sometime in the future." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the moment he put countermeasures aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you have our steam cutter alongside Pearl just before dawn, the Bosun to find out from Marlowe if our trip's on or not. If it is or if it isn't, tell the Bosun to report to me here with the answer. All right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wrote the letter for Norbert and gave it to Gornt tonight, so that's done. Have I forgotten anything?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About Wednesday?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing I know of. Routes and times you know about, the pistols are standard, no doctors will be present as both Babcott and Hoag are considered unsafe. The letters are your only defense. No witnesses except Gornt and me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. You're ready to leave with Prancing Cloud?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll send a valise aboard with our mails tomorrow, no one should notice. What about your trunks?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm only taking one. Sneak it aboard tomorrow—if anyone says anything it's some clothes I'm sending on ahead, pending my move back to Hong Kong for Christmas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Chen will pack for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'll have to. I'll swear him to secrecy but that'll only work with our society, not with the Chinese. I'll have to take him with me. Ah Tok's a problem but she can stay here pending our 'real move.' I'll have to let Ah Soh into the secret. She'll come with us to Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No need to tell her. If we go aboard Pearl, Ah Soh can pack a trunk of clothes and send that aboard with the same excuse, after nightfall tomorrow for safety. All right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wednesday morning we, you and I, will sneak out the back way as planned. A little later Chen, Ah Soh and Angelique, well cloaked, will go across the road to our wharf where you'll have the steam cutter waiting to take them to the clipper—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excuse me butting in but if this is the final plan, better to use an oared cutter, less noise. For safety, the steam cutter should be waiting for us at Drunk Town wharf.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's better, Jamie. Thank you. An oared cutter then. After dealing with Norbert, we get aboard as fast as we can. Tomorrow tell Vargas to organize a meeting with our Japanese silk dealers for Friday, make it look as if we've a heavy schedule for the rest of this week and next, all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anything else, Jamie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I make a suggestion?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After tomorrow's trip in Pearl...\" McFay hesitated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said there might be a change of plan—because of weather? Weather's forecast as good, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. That was just in case Marlowe has to stay in port,\" he said easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With all the fleet preparations to savage Yedo, or threaten it, you never know what Ketterer or Sir William might decide. What's your suggestion, Jamie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Actually I've a couple. After you come back tomorrow—Marlowe said you'd be back by sunset—why don't you and Angelique go aboard Prancing Cloud for dinner with Captain Strongbow, even stay aboard overnight. At dawn you and I could come ashore an—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'better' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a much better plan,\" Struan said at once, jumping ahead with a beam, \"much better. Then Angelique's already aboard, so's her luggage, so we don't have to worry about her, and after Norbert we can come straight back. Great thinking, Jamie. Our stuff can be sent aboard with Chen and Ah Soh, no reason why they shouldn't stay aboard too, no one should suspect anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His smile was fine and genuine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're very clever to think of that, you're very clever, which is why I don't want you to leave Struan's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie smiled ruefully. \"We'll see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the way, in case there's an accident,\" Malcolm said calmly, eyes level and without fear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I'm wounded but mobile enough to get aboard, that's what I want to do. If there's a real emergency, well, just fetch either Babcott or Hoag. Plan to bring Hoag aboard anyway, we'll take him back to Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I checked their Kanagawa clinic but that's on Thursday so they'll both be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think of everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Wish I could, and wish you'd cancel the duel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There won't be any accident.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I pray you're right. But whatever happens it's better that I stay here until you get back, or you send for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Mother said in her letter th—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. Let's be honest, Tai-pan. I'm out, one way or another. It's best I'm here to cover your tail, if Norbert's all right or if he isn't, and to keep an eye on Gornt. Sorry, I still don't trust that fellow, My job's here not in Hong Kong. In the spring I'll quit. That's best, and we should agree on it now—but not before your twenty-first.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two men looked at each other, eyes locked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both broke off sharply as coals fell onto the hearth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The coals flickered and died without danger." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a wonderful friend,\" Malcolm said quietly. \"Truly.\"\n\n\"No, just trying to keep my oath—to the tai-pan of the Noble House.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André and Phillip Tyrer were outside the British Legation. \"Malcolm's idea of an embargo, however moral, would be a disaster for every trading company in Asia,\" Tyrer said, \"including yours, not that you'd follow suit or the Germans or Russians or Yanks.\" The wind ruffled his hair but he was not cold, with all the alcohol he had consumed and the excitement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir William doubts if the Governor in Hong Kong will approve, could approve whatever Parliament orders, he'd prevaricate, not that I can officially speak for either of them. Parliament's a law unto itself,\" he added with a yawn. \"I'm beat, aren't you?\"\n\n\"I have a date.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah!\" Tyrer had seen the flash of expectation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lucky man! You've certainly seemed a lot happier recently, a very lot happier. We were all quite worried.\"\n\nAndré changed to French and dropped his voice. \"I'm fine now, the best I've ever been. Can't tell you how happy I am and the girl, well, she treats me like a king—best I've ever had. No more wandering for me. I have an exclusive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wonderful.\"\n\n\"Listen, talking of that, what about Fujiko? Raiko's getting nervous and so is she. I hear the poor girl's crushed, cries all the time.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Tyrer felt a shaft in his loins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then your advice was right,\" he said, hardly noticing that he replied in French—most of the evening he had been speaking to Seratard, Zergeyev and other ministers, English intermingled with French." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd say you've been tough enough and it's time. No point in hurting anyone, they're nice people. They're both sorry for irritating you.\"\n\nA few nights ago Raiko had intercepted him and again asked if he had his overdue payment. After he had put her off with the promise that he was expecting funds any day—gambling that Angelique would find the money—Raiko had questioned him about Tyrer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong with the man? It would be a service to him, to me, to Fujiko, and to you, old friend, to correct whatever needs to be corrected. Obviously he's been seduced by the whores at the Inn of the Lily. In these bad times it would help us, and you, if you would convince him to return. The poor girl is near suicide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not believed that but Raiko had been ready to twist the knife called Hinodeh.\n\n\"Phillip, you've played the game perfectly,\" he said. \"I'll arrange a rendezvous and we'll reopen negotiations.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'having' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, André, I don't know about that,\" Tyrer said. \"I, er, I must say I did try another girl, once—the Inn you recommended is not bad at all—and I've been thinking perhaps having a permanent girl is not a good idea. I mean it's a large expense and, well, I need a polo pony...\"\n\n\"There are good points and bad points to having your own girl,\" André said, hiding his angst." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps the best idea would be to shelve contract talks pending 'an improvement in relations.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean have your cake and eat it?\"\n\n\"Why not? They're all there for our pleasure, aren't they—though Fujiko and Raiko are very special.\" André was persuasive, not wanting Tyrer off the Fujiko hook any more than he wanted to be on Raiko's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To be secret partners with her was one thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be at her mercy was another. He would make the date, the rest would be up to them to seduce Tyrer back to his previous state of passion. \"Leave them to me. How about tomorrow? I can promise your welcome will be enthusiastic.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, really? Well, all right.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'henri' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Phillip...\" André glanced around again. \"Henri is more than anxious to support Sir William in moves to rap this fool Tairō Anjo severely—the cretin went too far this time. Could Sir William have a private discussion tomorrow? Henri has a few ideas he would like to pass on, privately.\"\n\n\"I'm sure he would.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer was at once attentive and pleasantly surprised, his tiredness leaving him. Usually Seratard would launch a French initiative and they would only hear of it when it was in full force. Like the secret invitation to Lord Yoshi to visit the French flagship that they had just heard about through their own sources—Chinese servants in the French Legation had overheard André and Seratard planning, they had passed it on to Number One Chen, who had told Struan who had told him who had told Sir William." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A council of war? The two of them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André said, \"I suggest the four of us—they'll need assistants to put their ideas into motion, but the fewer involved the better. If later they wanted to bring in the Admiral and General, all right. But later, eh?\"\n\n\"An Entente Cordiale! I'll take it up with the Old Man first thing in the morning. How about eleven?\"\n\n\"Could we make it ten? I must keep a noon appointment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André had already cleared the idea with Seratard the moment he had returned from seeing Raiko: \"Henri, this meeting could be very important, the more secret we keep it from other Ministers the better. This time we've got to pretend to be a hundred percent with the British. They have the warships, we haven't. This time we must encourage them to go to war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\n\"I gather from Tyrer who gets it from his tame samurai Nakama—Henri, Tyrer's Japanese is astonishingly good for the short time he's been here. He has a remarkable aptitude for it so we should seriously watch him, and befriend him. Tyrer has found out that there's no love lost between this Anjo and Toranaga Yoshi, who is a patrician like you, whereas Anjo is more of a commoner.\"\n\nIt had amused him to see Seratard puff up at the flattery—no more a patrician than he was himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We secretly encourage the British to smash Anjo while distancing ourselves at the last moment from the actual conflict, while cultivating Yoshi as urgent, secret national policy. We make him an ally, we must, then through him we'll dump the British back in their sewer and control the foreign presence here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do we do that, André? Cultivate him?\"\n\n\"Leave that to me,\" he had said, gambling again that, through Raiko and by providing her with first-rate intelligence, and money, he could make the right contacts to get close to Yoshi. \"He's going to be our key to unlock Japan. We'll have to invest some money, not much. But in the right pocket...\" With a little wandering into mine, he had chortled \"I'll guarantee success. He's going to be our Knight in Shining Armor. We're going to help him become Sir Galahad to wreck Wee Willie's King Arthur.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why not, he told himself again, standing there on the promenade with Tyrer, another key piece on the chessboard of French dominance in Asia. Phillip will..." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'angelique' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My God! He almost burst out as the wild idea jumped into his mind: If Struan gets killed in his duel and Angelique becomes a free card, could she become a Guinevere for this Jappo Yoshi? Why not? He might enjoy a different tidbit. Through Raiko, perhaps Angelique would—for she would be perilously without funds and therefore vulnerable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed and put the thought aside as too heady to consider seriously tonight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Phillip,\" he said, wanting him to consider him to be his best friend. \"If we can help our masters to arrive at a firm solution and put it into effect... eh?\"\n\n\"That would be marvelous, André!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One day you'll be Ambassador here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer laughed. \"Don't be silly.\"\n\n\"I'm not.\" In spite of the fact they would always be on opposite sides and he needed to be able to influence him, he genuinely liked Tyrer. \"In a year you'll speak and write fluent Japanese, you're trusted by Wee Willie, you've your wild card, Nakama, to assist you. Why not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not?\" Tyrer said with a grin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a nice idea to end a night on. Happy dreams, André.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost no one in the Settlement was sleeping as contentedly as Angelique—Struan's bombshell tonight, coupled with anxiety over the coming war here and in Europe and the resultant hazards for business, kept most awake: \"As if there's not enough to worry about with our own civil war,\" Dmitri muttered to his pillow in the deep darkness of his room in the Cooper-Tillman Building." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "News from home was getting worse and worse, whichever side you supported, and he had family on both sides.\n\nDreadful numbers of casualties on both sides, looting and burning and atrocities and mutinies and brutalities and corruptions and monstrous tragedies, again on both sides. An uncle had written from Maryland that whole towns were being burned and pillaged by Quantrill's Raiders for the South and the Jayhawkers for the North, and that, by now, most important men in the North had legally bought themselves and their sons out of the army draft: The war's being fought by the poor, the undernourished, the ill-equipped and the half starving. This is the end of our country, Dmitri...\n\nHis father wrote from Richmond the same: There'll be nothing left if this goes on another year. Nothing. Terrible to tell you, my darling son, your brother Janny was killed at the second battle at Bull Run, poor lad, our cavalry was decimated, carnage...\n\nDmitri twisted and turned in his bed, striving to put the pain for his nation away from him but could not." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the Club a noisy, drunken row was still in progress amongst the few remaining traders at the bar. A few naval and army officers, Tweet and others were at tables scattered about the room, having final nightcaps.\n\nNear the window, Count Zergeyev and the newly arrived Swiss Minister, Fritz Erlicher, sat at a table. The Russian hid his amusement and leaned over their glasses of port." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're all fools, Herr Erlicher,\" he said above the hubbub." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'means' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think this young Struan means it?\"\n\n\"He means it, but whether or not the policy is ever implemented remains to be seen.\" They spoke French, and Zergeyev explained the conflict of mother and son within Struan's. \"That's the current rumor, she pulls the strings though he has the title quite legally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it's implemented it would be good, for us both.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah! You have a proposal?\"\n\n\"An idea, Count Zergeyev.\" Erlicher untied his cravat and breathed easier, the air in the Club smoky and close, the smell of beer and urine heavy, and the sawdust of the floor in need of replacement. \"We are a small, independent nation with few resources but plenty of courage, and skills. The British, for whom you have no love, monopolize most arms manufacturing and sales throughout Europe—though Krupp's factory looks promising.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bearded, heavyset man smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We hear Mother Russia already has a substantial interest there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You astonish me.\"\n\nErlicher laughed. \"I astonish myself sometimes, Herr Count. But I wanted to mention we've the beginnings of fine gun and cannon foundries, privately I can tell you we are negotiating with Gatling to make his machine gun under license, and can supply you liberally with any arms you might need on a long-term basis.\"\n\n\"Thank you, my dear sir, but we've no such need. Tsar Alexander II is a peace-loving reformer, last year he emancipated our serfs, this year he's reforming the army, navy, bureaucracy, the judiciary, education, everything.\"\n\nErlicher grinned. \"And meanwhile he's presiding over the biggest land conquest in history, with the subjugation of more peoples in history, except for Genghis Khan and his Mongol hordes. Genghis rode westwards,\" his smile became a beam, \"while your Tsar's hordes spread eastwards. Over the whole continent! Imagine that! Over the whole continent to the sea, through Siberia to the Kamchatka Peninsula. And that's not the end. Is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't it?\" the Count said, smiling." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'north' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We hear the Tsar's hoping to pass through your new fortress of Vladivostok to the Japans, then north to the Kuriles, north again to the Aleutians, at last to join with Russian Alaska that rolls down to northern California. While the world sleeps. Astonishing.\" Erlicher brought out his cigar case and offered it. \"Please—they're the best Cuban.\"\n\nZergeyev took one and smelt it and rolled it between his fingers, and accepted a flame." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'peace' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. Excellent. Are all the Swiss dreamers like you?\" he asked pleasantly.\n\n\"No, sir, Count. But we are peace lovers, and good hosts to peace lovers, but we stay in our mountains, well armed, and watch the world outside. Happily our mountains are prickly to those who come uninvited.\"\n\nAnother burst of shouting distracted them for a moment, Lunkchurch, Swann, Grimm and others more vociferous than usual.\n\n\"I've never been to Switzerland. You should see Russia, we have many sights there to feast the eye.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been to your beautiful St. Petersburg. Three years ago, I was in our Embassy there for a few months. Best city in Europe I think, if you are nobility, wealthy, or a foreign diplomat. You must miss it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I bleed for it, more than you can imagine.\" Zergeyev sighed. \"Not long now and I'll be there. I'm told my next posting will be London—then I will visit your mountains.\"\n\n\"I would be honored to be your host.\" Erlicher puffed his cigar and blew a smoke ring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then my business suggestion doesn't interest you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'there' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's certainly true that the British monopolize all manner of enterprises, all sea routes and seas, all manner of wealths from subjugated lands\"—now there was no warmth in Zergeyev's smile—\"which should be shared.\"\n\n\"Then we should talk again, in quieter surroundings?\"\n\n\"Over lunch, why not? I would certainly inform my superiors of any discussion. If there is ever a future need, where should I contact you, or your superiors?\"\n\n\"Here is my card. If you ask for me in Zurich, I'm easily found.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Erlicher watched him reading the superb calligraphy of the miraculous new printing process they had just developed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Count Zergeyev had elegant features, patrician in every pore, with perfect clothes where he knew his own were mediocre and that his forebears were peasants. But he did not envy him.\n\nI'm Swiss, he was thinking. I'm free. I don't have to bow a knee or doff my cap to any king or tsar or priest or man—if I don't want to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This poor fellow's still a serf in a way. Thank God for my mountains and my valleys, and my brothers and sisters and living amongst them, all free as I am free and will remain free.\n\nNear the bar, half drunk and swaying, Lunkchurch was comically squaring off against another man, shouting at the top of his voice, \"That there eff'ing Struan's blown his eff'ing rocker wot ever way you eff'ing want and no eff'ing...\"\n\n\"For goodness' sake, Barnaby, stop your foul language,\" the Reverend Tweet shouted, pushing through the crush for the door, his collar slightly askew and his face flushed and sweating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you think about it from a fair, English point of view you have to agree, morally, young Struan has the right approach!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lunkchurch drunkenly made a very rude gesture in his face. \"Stuff your eff'ing santimonio eff'ing doodle do!\"\n\nPurple with rage, the Reverend Tweet bunched his fist and threw an ineffectual blow. Those near Lunkchurch jerked him out of the way as usual, as others surrounded Tweet and soothed his soaring tirade, and then Charlie Grimm, always ready to take up the gauntlet, any gauntlet, roared above the noise and through his own sodden haze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barnaby, prepare to meet thy Maker!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Helpfully, those nearby gave them room and, to cheers, the two men began battering each other with abandon.\n\n\"Drinks on the 'ouse,\" the chief barman ordered for those still remaining. \"Scotch for the Rev, port for the Count and 'is guest. Now you two, stop fighting!\"\n\nTweet accepted the drink and tottered to a table well away from the fighters who were now rolling on the floor, their belligerence undiminished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The barman sighed, emptied a bucket of slops over them, walked around the bar, picked up one in each hand and, to more cheers, cast them into High Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gents, it's time, gents, please!\" he said to howls that were quickly muted. Everyone finished their drinks and began to leave. Zergeyev and Fritz Erlicher raised their hats politely to the clergyman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rev,\" Swann said—he was the thin trader who acted as the deacon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How about looking in on the sinners in Drunk Town?\"\n\n\"Well, Mr. Swann, it is, how shall I say, on the way.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In her little house in the Yoshiwara, Hinodeh waited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Furansu-san had said he would arrive tonight but he might be late. She was dressed to undress, her night kimono and under-kimonos the finest, her hair shining, tortoiseshell and silver combs decorating the swept-up coiffure that showed the nape of her neck perfectly, the combs only there to take away—to allow her hair to fall to her waist, hiding the erotic.\n\nI wonder what is so erotic about the nape of a woman's neck to men, she asked herself, and why is hiding it erotic too?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men, how strange! But she knew that letting her hair fall excited Furansu-san like any client and this was her only concession to their pact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This alone she would do in the light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dark before dawn, when he was with her, her maiko would softly awaken her and she would dress in the dark, if he awoke or if he did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she would move to the second room and close the door, her maiko guarding the door, and would sleep again if she was tired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had agreed never to enter this sanctuary—after the first time she had insisted: \"In this way the privacy of the night may extend into the day,\" she had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please?\"\n\n\"In this way that which you saw once will never change, whatever the gods decree.\"\n\nA tremor went through her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Much as she tried, she could not cast out the sensation that the seed of the vile Sore God he had implanted within her was gathering strength, growing, readying to burst forth everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daily, she scrutinized herself. Minutely. Only Raiko was trusted to make sure those places she could not see herself were examined as closely and were, as yet, blemishless. \"Daily is too much, Hinodeh,\" Raiko had said before she had agreed to the contract." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing maybe happen for years...\"\n\n\"So sorry, Raiko-san. Daily, it is a condition.\"\n\n\"Why are you agreeing to this at all? You have a good future in our World. You may never reach first class, but you are educated, your mama-san says you have a long list of clients who are pleased with you, she said you could marry a well-to-do merchant or farmer or sword maker, that you are sensible and would never be wanting for a good match.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you for your concern, Raiko-san, but you agreed with my mama-san that you would not question me or pry into my past, where I come from or to seek reasons. In return you share with her a percentage of the money I will earn for this year, and perhaps another. Let me say again, the reason I accept the possible contract is that I wish it.\"\n\nOh, yes, I wish it and how lucky I am.\n\nNow she was twenty-two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Born on a farm outside Nagasaki in the province of Hizen on the South Island, and when she was five, she was invited into the Floating World by one of the many women intermediaries who travelled the country, seeking children who could become possible geisha, art persons, those who would be trained, like Koiko, in the arts and not purely as a netsujo-jin, a person for passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her parents agreed and were given money and a promissory note for five yearly payments, beginning in ten years, the amount depending on the child's success." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As an art person she had not been successful—at the samisen or singing or dancing or as an actress—but as a person of passion from fifteen when she made her debut, better educated than her contemporaries, she soon became important to her mama-san and to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In those days her name was Gekko, Moonbeam, and though there were many foreigners in Nagasaki at that time, she knew not one of them, her House catering only to Japanese of the highest order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One October, the Month Without Gods, she received a new client." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a year older than her, eighteen, a goshi and the son of a goshi—an average swordsman, average soldier but to her her dream person. His name was Shin Komoda.\n\nTheir passion blossomed. As much as the mama-san tried to curb their mutual magnetism—the youth was poor, his bills remained unpaid—nothing she could say or do had any effect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until the spring of the following year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without telling Gekko, the mama-san went to the youth's home and bowed before his mother and, politely, asked for payment.\n\nThere was no money to pay. The mother asked for time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The youth was forbidden to see Gekko again. Outwardly he obeyed his parents, but inwardly nothing they said or did had any effect. Within a week, disguised, they ran away together, disappearing into the sprawling port." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There they changed their names and with some money she had saved, and jewelry she brought with her they purchased passage in steerage on a coastal ship sailing that day for Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within the week Shin Komoda was dishonored in his village and declared ronin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the mama-san went to see his mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a matter of face, of honor, that their son's bills were paid. His mother's only possession of value and her pride, was her long and beautiful plume of hair. With her husband's agreement she went to a wigmaker in Nagasaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without hesitation the man bought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The money was just enough to pay their son's bills. So, for them, honor was satisfied.\n\nIn Yedo, at the limit of their money, Gekko and Shin managed to find safe lodgings in the slums of the city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And a Buddhist priest to marry them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without papers, either of them, and their real past obliterated, life was difficult, almost impossible, but for a year they lived happily, keeping to themselves, on the threshold of poverty. That did not matter for they basked in each other's company and their love increased and was fruitful, and though her money dwindled to nothing, however much she tried to be prudent and his pay hardly fed them—the only work he could find was as a guard at a low-class brothel that was not even in the Yedo Yoshiwara—it did not matter.\n\nNothing mattered. They were together. They were surviving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And she kept their two tiny rooms spotless and made of them a palace and sanctuary for him and the child and as much as she offered and offered, he refused and refused. \"Never! Never never never again will any other man ever know you, swear it!\" She swore it.\n\nWhen their son was a year old Shin was killed in a brawl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his death the light went out of her.\n\nA week later the brothel mama-san propositioned her. She thanked her and refused, saying she was returning to their home in Nara." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the market she bought a bright new candle, a red one, and that night when the child was asleep, quietly she lit it, to watch it and to think what she should do until the flame died, petitioning the gods, promising them that when the last fluttering was gone she would decide what was best for her son, asking for their help to make the decision wise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flame had died long since, the decision so simple, so correct: She must send her son back to his father's parents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her son must go alone—she must pretend she and her husband had committed jinsai, joint ritual suicide, in apology to his parents for the hurt they had done them. To be accepted the child must have at least a year of money, preferably more. He must be clothed well and travel well with a trusted nurse, more money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only in this way could he gain his heritage, samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last, there was no point obeying an oath to the dead when the future of their living child was at stake.\n\nIn the morning she left her son with a neighbor and with the last of her money bought the best kimono and parasol she could find in the thieves market, then, penniless, went to the best hairdresser near the gates of Yedo's Yoshiwara. There she bartered a month's future earnings for the best up-to-date hairstyle and massage and facial and manicure and pedicure and other intimacies—and information." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Information cost a second month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That afternoon she sallied through the gates and went straight to the House of Wisteria." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mama-san was a pattern of everyone she had ever known, always degrees of perfection in their dress and coiffure, always a measure too heavy, with makeup that veered on being masklike, eyes so gentle to customers that could become granite hard in an instant, eyes that could make her girls quiver with fear, and always scented richly with the best perfume she could afford that still could never quite disguise the pervading smell of saké. This mama-san was spare, her name Meikin.\n\n\"So sorry, I don't take ladies without papers or history,\" the mama-san said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are very law-abiding here.\"\n\n\"I'm honored to hear it, Madam, but I have a history, and with your help we can invent another that will satisfy the most inquisitive Bakufu officials while satisfying the nosey toad's probe massively, when I can find it.\"\n\nMeikin laughed. Her eyes did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What training have you had and where? And what is your name?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My name is Hinodeh. The where is unimportant.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'their' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gekko told her about the geisha teachers and failure to realize their expectations. Then her practical training, the sorts of clients she had and their numbers.\n\n\"Interesting. But so sorry, I have no opening here, Hinodeh,\" the woman said, overkindly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come back tomorrow. I will make enquiries, perhaps a friend could take you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, please, may I ask you to reconsider.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sure that tomorrow she would not be admitted on some excuse or other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are the best, and the most trustworthy.\" She gritted her teeth and praying the information was correct, added delicately, \"Even shish know that.\"\n\nThe color left the mama-san's face though her expression did not change." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You and your lover ran away and now he has abandoned you?\" she asked calmly.\n\n\"No, Madam.\"\n\n\"Then he is dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Madam.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a child or children, which?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A son.\"\n\nThe older woman sighed. \"A son. He is with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is with his father's family.\"\n\n\"How old is he?\"\n\n\"A year and three months.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin had sent for tea and they drank in silence, Gekko trembling inside, afraid that the threat had gone too far, sure that the other woman was wondering where the information came from, and how she, a stranger-dangerous enough in itself—came by the knowledge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or if she was a Shōgunate spy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If a spy, Gekko reasoned, surely I would not have said that, not on the first interview.\n\nAt length the other woman said, \"You may not stay here, Hinodeh, but I have a sister who has a fine House in the next street. There's a price for the introduction.\"\n\n\"In advance may I humbly thank you for helping me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First, you will swear to excise bad thoughts from your head. Forever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On my life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On your son's life is better.\"\n\n\"On my son's life.\"\n\n\"Second, you will be a model Lady of our World, calm, obedient and worthy of trust.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On my life, and my son's life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Third... the third can wait until we see if my sister agrees to succor the person I see before me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The third was a matter of money, the split between the two mama-sans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was settled satisfactorily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had made a financial arrangement with her neighbor to care for her son, visiting him secretly every two weeks in the morning of her day off, the lie she had told Meikin not really a lie as he was already committed to his father's parents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon, once again, she was popular but not popular enough. The payment to the hairdresser became continuous, to the masseuse, to the costumer. There was never quite enough left over to save." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By this time her son was an open secret with both mama-sans who, of course, had her watched and followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They never mentioned the son to her but understood with compassion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, one day her mama-san had sent for her and told her about the gai-jin who would pay enough, in advance, to send the child to his future, with money for two years of food, at least two, and enough left over to guarantee his safe delivery wherever he was to be sent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had accepted with alacrity.\n\nAfter the first hideous night she had wanted to end her life, the man was so bestial. As much as she had wept and begged, Raiko had refused, implacably, for she had warned her in advance that this could not be done for at least a month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fortunately there were days to recover and to plan a new defense between them. The defense had conquered the Beast, as she thought of him, and had changed him, temporarily. Now he was docile, and cried a lot, and required passion in all its aberrations, but underneath his meek and pleasant manner she could feel the violence still bubbling, ready to explode." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the quiet and lovely surroundings Hinodeh waited, her nerves tangled. The moment he knocked on the street gate, her maiko would come running to alert her. She still had time, so she folded herself into the Lotus Seat position for meditation and sent her mind to Zen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon she was prepared.\n\nJoining with the Beast was bearable. Curious how different he is, she thought, built differently than a civilized person, a little longer and larger but without any of a civilized person's firmness and strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So different from Shin who was smooth and sweet and so strong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Curiously, there had been no sign in her husband of his gai-jin ancestor, Anjin-san, who, two and a half centuries before, took the name Komoda for this second family in Nagasaki—his first family living in Izu where he built ships for his liege lord, Shōgun Toranaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thank all gods for him. Because of him, eventually my Shin was born, and born samurai, and so is our son.\n\nShe smiled so happily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her son was almost three weeks on his journey, the two servants trustworthy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'money' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In their safekeeping was a money instrument drawn on the Gyokoyama in the name of Shin's mother for almost three years of food and lodging money for her son, and for his grandparents.\n\nEverything taken care of, she thought proudly. I've done my duty to our son, Shin-sama." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have protected your honor. Everything was in order. Even Raiko's final question before we agreed the final clause of the final contract with the Beast: \"Last, Hinodeh, what am I to do with your body?\"\n\n\"Throw it on a dung heap for all I care, Raiko-san, it's already defiled. Leave it to the dogs.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the predawn light, the Struan cutter sped away from the frigate Pearl and hurried for their wharf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her bow waves were clean, she was at maximum speed and her plume of smoke jaunty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wind was fair and offshore, with an overcast that promised to break up by noon.\n\nThe Bosun's binoculars were trained on Struan's windows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A light was on but he could not tell if Struan was there or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the engine coughed, stopped, his balls seemed to hit him under the chin and all breathing on the boat ceased. After a couple of seconds the engine picked up but coughed again and picked up again but now it sounded off kilter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Almighty, Roper, get below,\" he shouted to the engineer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rest of you buggers, get oars on deck in case we're stuffed... Jesus Christ, and McFay's got smoke out of his arse that we're up to scratch scratch... Roper,\" he roared, \"wot's the problem, for God's sake? Roper! Get the lead out!\" Again he trained his binoculars on the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No sign of anyone.\n\nBut Struan was there, his binoculars on the cutter, and he had been watching since it arrived at the frigate." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'signal' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cursed for he could see the Bosun clearly now and the man should have known he would be watching and could easily give him a signal, yes or no. \"Not his fault, for God's sake,\" he said, \"you forgot to set the signal. Idiot!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, the weather's good enough, no harbinger of any storm at all points, not that a small one would hurt Pearl. He refocused on the flagship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her cutter was returning from visiting Pearl She must've been delivering orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door behind him swung open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen came in breezily with a steaming cup of tea. \"'Morn, Tai-pan. You-ah no slip heya, gud cha chop chop?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah! How many times do I have to tell you to talk the civilized tongue and not pidgin. Are your ears filled with the dung of your ancestors and your brains curdled?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen kept the smile on his face but groaned inside. He had expected the sally to make Struan laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah, so sorry,\" and added the traditional Chinese greeting, the equivalent of \"Good morning,\" \"Have you eaten rice today?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Through the glasses Malcolm saw an officer get out of the flagship cutter and go up the gangway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing to indicate one way or another. Damn!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He accepted the cup. \"Thanks.\" At the moment he had no special pain, just the normal bearable ache, he had already taken his morning dose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the last week he had managed to cut back on the amount." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he had one in the morning, one in the evening, and had sworn, in future, it would be one a day if this day went well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tea was good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was mixed with real milk, thick with sugar, and as it was the first of the day, it was laced with a small tot of rum, a tradition started by Dirk Struan, his father had told him.\n\n\"Chen, put out my heavy breeches and jersey and I'll wear a topcoat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen was startled. \"I heard the voyage was off, Tai-pan.\"\n\n\"In the name of all gods, when did you hear that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Last night, Tai-pan. Fifth Cousin in the House of Chief Foreign Devil heard him talking with Big Ship Squashed Toadstool Nose who said no voyage.\"\n\nMalcolm's stomach sank and he groped to the window." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'cutter'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his shock he saw the cutter was wallowing two hundred metres offshore. No bow wave. He began to curse violently and then he saw funnel smoke begin and the bow wave appear as the cutter picked up speed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His binoculars raked the deck but all he could see was the Bosun shouting, with oars on deck in case of a further breakdown. At that speed the cutter would be at their dock in under ten minutes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Chen's help he dressed. A quick check showed that the cutter was almost ashore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened the window and craned out as the Bosun climbed onto the jetty and began running as fast as his big belly would allow.\n\n\"Ho there, Bosun!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The grizzled man was panting by the time he was near enough to the window. \"Cap'n Marlowe's compliments,\" he said, gasping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will you and the... and the Lady please step aboard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan let out a whoop of joy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sent for Ah Soh, told her to wake and dress Angelique quickly. Then, quietly, he said, \"Listen, Chen, and don't interrupt or I shall be like a firecracker...\" and gave him instructions what to pack, and what to order Ah Soh to pack and to bring the trunks aboard Prancing Cloud at sunset." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Missy and I will dine aboard and sleep aboard and you two will stay aboard also, and return to Hong Kong with us...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chen was overjoyed. \"Hong Kong! Ayeeyah, Tai-pa—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"... And both of you will keep your mouths shut tighter than a fly's anus or I will ask Noble House Chen to remove your names from the family book.\" He saw Chen go grey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had never used the threat before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The family book was every Chinese male's connection to immortality, to their ancestors in the mystic past and to far-off descendants, when he himself would be considered a distant ancestor, and beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wherever a Chinese was born in the world, he was written into his ancestral village records. Without that he did not exist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Master. But Ah Tok?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll deal with her. Fetch her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen went for the door. She was outside it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He fled. She strode in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan said that he had decided she would follow in the next boat and that was that.\n\n\"Oh ko, my son,\" she said, her voice honeyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What you decide for your old mother is not what your old mother decides is best for herself and her son. We will go home. We will be silent. No stinky foreign devils will know. Of course all civilized persons will be interested in the plot. We will go home together. Do you take your whore with you?\" She stood under his tongue-lashing, ordering her never ever to use that word again—or else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ayeeyah,\" she muttered as she left, her words dying away gradually, \"your old mother won't call that whore your whore again but all gods bear witness, if not whore what do I call her? Whore is the correct name. Is my son daft...?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he saw Angelique his anger evaporated. \"My word!\"\n\nShe was wearing riding clothes, boots, long skirt, tight at the waist, waistcoat and cravat and coat and hat with a green feather, gloves but no riding crop. \"I thought this best, darling, for boating,\" she said, smiling gloriously." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Welcome aboard.\" Marlowe was at the head of the gangway, looking splendid in uniform.\n\nBefore stepping onto the deck, Malcolm awkwardly hung on with his left hand, Angelique holding his sticks, and raised his top hat formally. \"Permission to come aboard?\"\n\nMarlowe saluted and grinned. \"Welcome, you both are most welcome aboard. May I?\" He took Angelique's arm, weak from the intensity of her smile and the cut of her jacket that dramatized her figure, and led the way to the bridge, forward of the funnel. He waited until Malcolm was settled in a sea chair. \"Cast off, Mister Lloyd,\" he said to his Number One, Davyd Lloyd. \"Quarter ahead and steady as she goes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pearl eased off her moorings under power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Soon as we're clear we'll up speed,\" he said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'sight' 3 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Admiral's ordered us to conduct steam trials in sight of the flagship.\"\n\nStruan's happiness vanished. \"In sight of him? We're not going out to sea, out of sight of land?\"\n\nMarlowe laughed. \"I suppose he likes his 'children' on a short leash. It'll be fun, I promise.\"\n\nThen we're aboard, but not aboard for the right reason, Struan was thinking—the bastard's a sadist! And if the Admiral had been aboard he felt sure he would have killed him quite happily. Well, not really, but I'd like the bugger dealt with. He'll wish he had helped me. When I get back I'll reverse everything and be a thorn in his nose he won't forget.\n\nMeanwhile what do I do now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was so much going on that Marlowe and Angelique did not notice the despair he strove to conceal." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"We'll hove to at noon,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The frigate was making way through the fleet, not a few sailors and officers from the other ships noticing Angelique, and, some of them, the fine way Pearl was being conned. Aboard the French flagship, the twenty-gun paddle steamer they passed close to, sailors whistled and waved, appalling the British officers.\n\nGood God, Marlowe thought, what bloody bad manners and awful discipline! All the same he watched benignly as Angelique waved back, to a chorus of whistles and catcalls.\n\nTo distract her, Marlowe said, \"We're going to make speed trials, Angelique, under steam first and then sail. Have to strain the new mast, test her, you won't remember but we lost our mainmast in the storm. You see...\" He chatted away, explaining this and that, answering every question she felt obliged to ask.\n\nFor herself she feigned interest, really wanting just to be quiet, to feel the sea wind ruffle her hair now that she had taken off her hat and was basking in the new freedom, wanting the wind to broom away the ever present stench of Yokohama that was so much a way of life here, and in Hong Kong, as to be hardly noticed now, to gaze ahead and dream of the Channel and blue seas and the fine coast of home, going home. We French desire our land so much, whereas the English seem to be able to make themselves at home anywhere and really don't need England, not like we need France...\n\n\"We'll hove to at noon,\" Marlowe was saying, so content to be Captain of Pearl, \"and I've arranged tiffin in my cabin and there's a bunk if you wish to siesta...\"\n\nThe morning passed nicely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every half hour the ship's bell rang the changes and even Malcolm was dragged out of his despair as the ship went from one end of the bay to the other, twisted and turned and rushed ahead and went into reverse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In a moment, we'll stop steaming and it will be all sails ho!\" Marlowe said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do so prefer sail,\" Angelique said. \"The engine noise is really so distracting. Sailing is so much more pleasant, don't you agree, Malcolm, chéri?\"\n\n\"Yes, indeed,\" Malcolm said contentedly, his arm around her waist, holding her against the tilt of the deck.\n\nMarlowe said, \"I agree too, so does almost every man in the British Navy. Of course we still have to sail most of the time—can't carry enough fuel and coal's so filthy! But on a dirty night when safe harbor's just ahead in the teeth of the gale, or the enemy twice your size with twice the cannon but he's sail and you're not, you bless old Stephenson and British engineers for giving you the blessing of going against the wind. I'd take you below but as I said, there's coal dust everywhere and noise.\"\n\n\"I'd love to peek. May I?\"\n\n\"Of course. Malcolm?\"\n\n\"No, thanks—you two go ahead,\" Malcolm said. He had been over engine rooms of their own steamships since a boy and engines had never interested him, only their efficiency and cost and amount of coal they consumed.\n\nBefore leaving the bridge Marlowe checked the lay of his ship and the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were three quarters of a mile offshore, well away from the fleet and the merchantmen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Number One, you have the conn. When we're abeam the flagship, stop steaming and all sails ho, course due east.\"\n\n\"Aye, aye, sir.\"\n\nMalcolm watched Marlowe lead Angelique to the midships gangway with a pang of envy at his light step, at the same time amused by the infectious charm he poured all over her. He relaxed in his chair. The sea and the sky and the wind and the space had taken his gloom away. It was good to be afloat, wonderful to be part of such an efficient, well-kept and proud fighting ship, grand to be comfortable and safe in a sea chair and his mind had given him different plans to cope with tomorrow and the days after.\n\nJoss. I'm not going to worry about anything, he promised himself. Remember your oath and the new era!\n\nAfter Gornt arrived in Yokohama like a gift from heaven, Malcolm had thanked God for the reprieve and had sworn, if Gornt's information was what he claimed, that forevermore he would just do the best he could, and be satisfied with that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With enough information to smash the Brocks, he was certain beyond all doubt his mother would rush to his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique was all that mattered—and being tai-pan, but not only in name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That same night he had been impelled to look in the mirror. It had to be done. Some power forced him to regard himself for the first real time in years, to really study himself deeply, not only his face.\n\nAt length, he thought: This is what you are, you're still badly hurt inside, you can't straighten up too well, your legs don't work as they should, but you can stand and you can walk and you will improve. The rest of your body works, and your mind. Accept it. Remember what Mother and Father kept telling you since you were a child: \"Accept your joss, that's what Dirk would always say. Dirk had half a foot shot off and that didn't stop him; Dirk was shot and cut a dozen times, almost killed at Trafalgar as a powder monkey; almost destroyed by Tyler Brock half a dozen times. Accept your joss. Be Chinese, was Dirk's advice. Do your best and devil take the hindmost!\"\n\nHis heart began pounding. Dirk Dirk Dirk. God damn Dirk Struan! You've loathed having him thrown in your face, you've always been petrified you'd never measure up to his impossible image. Admit it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reflection did not answer. But he did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've his blood, I've his Noble House to run, I'm tai-pan, I do my best, but I'll never measure up to him, I admit it, God curse him, that's the truth! That's my joss.\"\n\nGood, his reflection seemed to say. But why hate him? He doesn't hate you. Why hate him like you've hated him all your life—you've hated him all your life. Haven't you?\n\n\"That's true, I hate him and always have!\"\n\nSaying it aloud had shocked him. But it was true—and all the love and respect a sham. Yes, he had hated him, but suddenly, there in front of the mirror, he no longer did. Why?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two decks below, the engine room was a dungeon of heat and throbbing noise and dust and blackness and stench that was pierced with squares of blazing coals as half-naked stokers opened furnace covers under the great boilers to shovel in more coal or rake the embers to receive more coal, and then more.\n\nAngelique and Marlowe were standing on one of the overhead iron grilles, the air swirling up filled with the smell of coke and fire and burning oil and sweat and steam. Bodies below sheened with sweat, big-bellied men with muscles bunched, their razor-sharp shovels screeching along the iron deck into the coal bunkers to come back full, a deft throw and the coal scattered in a level bed to fire at once and be replenished.\n\nAft, the pounding engine shone with care and oil, more men using long-nosed cans to squirt oil into joints, others cleaning with swatches of cotton waste, others tending dials and pumps and valves as the engine drove the propeller shaft against the crush of the sea. Jets of steam from valves, more oil and cleaning and constant attention to pistons and levers and cogs and more coal and Angelique found it vastly exciting—those below oblivious of them.\n\nProudly Marlowe pointed and explained over the roar and she answered with a nod and a smile from time to time, holding his arm lightly to steady herself, not hearing a thing or caring to listen, possessed by the engine room that seemed to her a masculine Valhalla where machines were married to men, now part of them, primitive yet futuristic, slaves tending their masters and not the other way around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unnoticed the signalman came up behind them and saluted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not being heard he came forward, saluted again and broke her spell. He handed Marlowe the written message. Marlowe read it quickly, then nodded and shouted at the man, \"Acknowledge!\" He leaned over to Angelique. \"Sorry, we have to go now.\"\n\nAt that moment signal bells from the bridge sounded below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The engineer officer acknowledged the order. Men rushed to close cocks and open others, leaning on levers and checking dials. As steam power came off the huge driving shaft and the engine began to slow, the noise lessened and the stokers leaned gratefully on their shovels, their chests gulping air heavy with coal dust and wrung out the towels they wore about their necks. One man turned on the bunker and cursed it, still drowned by the roar, and opened his trousers and pissed on the coals in a jet that ended in steam to the laughter of the other men. Marlowe hastily took her arm and guided her away, up the gangway. One stoker noticed her, then another and before she had gone, they were all staring at her departing figure, silently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she had gone out of sight, one of them made obscene movements to more laughter mixed with a sudden, sad silence.\n\nOn deck the instant lack of noise and breathing in the sea air made her feel quite giddy for a moment and she held on to Marlowe. \"Are you all right?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes,\" she said. \"Thank you, John, that was, well, extraordinary.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Marlowe said absently, his attention on sailors in the rigging and on deck hoisting and adjusting sails." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suppose it is, the first time. At sea, in a storm it gets rough down there. Stokers and engineers are a race apart.\" He took her over to Malcolm. \"Sorry, have to leave you a moment.\"\n\nHe went below to his cabin that was aft. The Marine sentry saluted as he passed. The ship's safe was under his bunk." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was extraordinary, down there, Malcolm. Ghastly in a way, all those men down there, astonishing—and if it's like that in a small ship like this, what would it be like on a big steamer—say like on the Great Eastern?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's astonishing, Angel. I saw her launched on the Thames the last time I was in London, four years ago, when I finished school—my, was I glad to have done with schooling. She's completely of iron, four thousand tons burthen, the biggest in the world by far and built to carry emigrants, thousands at a time, to Australia. It took weeks to launch her—they did it sideways, a complete cock-up and she almost sank. Poor Brunel who designed and built her went broke many times, the companies he floated did. She was ill-fated, caught fire on her maiden voyage and almost gutted—and that killed him. Damned if I'd sail on her—ill-fated she is, and was, from the first plate laid...\" He saw Marlowe come on deck and frowned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now there was no humor on the man's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Bosun rang eight bells. Noon. \"I have the conn, Number One,\" Marlowe said.\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you take Miss Angelique for'rard, she might like to see some of our deck cannon close up.\"\n\n\"Gladly. Miss?\"\n\nObediently she followed him down the gangway and along the deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was short, freckled and her height." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're Welsh, Mr. Lloyd?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed, his voice singsong. \"Welsh as the hills of Llandrindod Wells that is my home, look you.\"\n\nShe laughed with him and, leaning against the tilting deck, whispered, \"Why am I being sent off like a schoolgirl?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wouldn't know about that, Missy.\" She saw his deep-set brown eyes look back and then they were turned on her. \"The Captain wants to talk about lunch, no doubt, or asking him, your man, if he wants to use the head, the toilet. Man talk,\" he said, and the eyes smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You like him, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Captain is the Captain. Now, cannon, Ma'am!\"\n\nHer laugh trilled, the sailors nearby were warmed and Marlowe and Malcolm on the bridge heard her too and turned to look. \"She makes a pretty picture, Malcolm.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'chicken' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, she does. You were saying. Tiffin?\"\n\n\"Does that sound all right? The cook's first class on his apple turnovers.\" The menu was to be fish stew, chicken and salt-pork pie and dumplings, cold roast chicken, cheddar cheese and apple turnovers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've a couple of bottles of Montrachet '55, chilled, that I've been saving against a special occasion, and a Chambertin '52.\"\n\n\"You live rather well,\" Malcolm said, very impressed.\n\nMarlowe smiled. \"Not really, but this is a special day and, to tell the truth, I scrounged the Chambertin—it was my Old Man's favorite. The Montrachet, he gave me a couple of cases when I came out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's Navy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh yes.\" The way Marlowe said it expressed surprise that the question needed to be asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's Commander in Chief, Plymouth.\" He hesitated, began to talk and stopped.\n\n\"What's the problem? We're ordered back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" Marlowe looked at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was given several sealed orders this morning, along with written permission to bring you aboard and to be back by sundown, without fail. A few minutes ago Flag ordered me to open one of them. I wasn't told to tell you about it but I wasn't told not to. Perhaps you'd explain. The message said 'Should Mr. Struan ask a peculiar favor, you may, if you wish, grant it.'\"\n\nThe world stood still for Malcolm Struan. He did not know if he was alive or dead and his head reeled and if he had not been sitting he would certainly have fallen over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Almighty!\" Marlowe gasped." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'bosun' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bosun, fetch a tot of rum right smartly!\"\n\nThe Bosun took to his heels and Malcolm managed to choke out, \"No, no, I'm all right... actually a rum would be... would be grand.\" He saw Marlowe's lips moving and knew he was being shaken but his ears were not hearing anything above the pounding of his heart and then he felt the wind on his cheeks and the sound of the sea returned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here, sorr,\" the Bosun was saying, holding the glass to his lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rum slid down his throat. In seconds Struan felt better. He began to grope to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better take it easy, sorr,\" the Bosun said uneasily, \"looks like you seed a ghost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No ghost, Bosun, but I did see an angel, your Captain!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe stared back blankly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'marlowe' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not mad,\" Malcolm said, stumbling over his words. \"John, sorry, Captain Marlowe, is there somewhere we can talk privately?\"\n\n\"Of course. Here.\" Uncomfortably Marlowe motioned to the Bosun who left the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the helmsman and signalman remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Signalman, go for'rard. Helmsman, close your ears.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan said, \"My peculiar request is: I want you to sail out of sight of land for a moment, and marry Angelique and me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You what?\" It was Marlowe's turn to be disoriented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard Malcolm repeat what he had said. \"You're insane,\" he said.\n\n\"No, not really.\" Malcolm was in control now, his future in the balance, with the Admiral's words, you may, if you wish, grant it, carved on his brain. \"Let me explain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began. A few minutes later the steward came up and went away and a little later came again with \"Cook's compliments, sir, lunch is ready in your cabin,\" but again Marlowe waved him away, concentrating and not interrupting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the reason,\" Malcolm finished. \"The why of the Admiral, me, you, my mother. Now, please, will you grant my peculiar favor?\"\n\n\"Can't.\" Marlowe shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, old boy, I've never married anyone and I doubt if regulations'd allow it.\"\n\n\"The Admiral's given you permission to do what I ask.\"\n\n\"He put it rather bloody carefully, old boy: 'grant it if I wished.' My God, that's putting my head in the old yardarm noose, old boy,\" Marlowe said, his mouth running away from him as he foresaw all kinds of future disasters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't know Ketterer like I know him, my God, no, any senior officer for that matter! If I choose wrong here he'll have my balls in the wringer, my career's up the bloody spout...\" He paused for breath, shaking his head and mumbled on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No way I could do that, no w—\"\n\n\"Why not? Don't you approve of us?\"\n\n\"Of course I approve of you, for goodness' sake, but your mother doesn't, I mean she says no to the marriage, Sir William's got his finger stuck in the pie, the Church won't, other Captains won't and, dammit, you're both legal minors, so if I did it wouldn't stick and she's... Dammit, you're a minor and so's she... Just can't risk it...\" A sudden thought and he glanced shorewards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not unless I signal Ketterer. I'll ask permission.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you do that you'll lose face with him forever. If he wanted you to do that he would have said so.\"\n\nMarlowe glared back at him. He reread the Admiral's exact wording and groaned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan was right. His future was in the balance. Christ Almighty, why did I invite them aboard? The first thing in his life he remembered his father saying was, \"In the Navy you run your ship by rules and regulations, by the bloody book, except if you're bloody Nelson and there's only ever been one of him!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, old boy, no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're our last hope. Now our only hope.\"\n\n\"Sorry, no.\"\n\nStruan sighed and eased his shoulders, playing his ace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angel!\" he called out. She heard the second call and came back with Lt. Lloyd and stood beside him. \"Angel, how would you like to be married today, right now?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said, loving her so very much. \"John Marlowe can perform the ceremony if he wants. How about it?\"\n\nThe wonder spread over her and she did not hear Marlowe begin to say that he was so sorry he could not but he was stopped by the passion of her embrace and kiss, and then she did the same for Struan again and him again, \"Oh, yes... oh, yes... John, how wonderful, you will, won't you? Oh, thank you, thank you, how wonderful, please please please,\" begging with another irresistible snuggle and he heard himself say, \"Yes, of course, why not, glad to,\" saying his doom words as underplayed as he could, though inside feeling more heated than he had ever been and still meaning to say no.\n\nThe helmsman sealed the matter with a joyful shout, \"Three cheers for Cap'n Marlowe, we've a weddin' aboard!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lunch was a hilarious pre-wedding feast, just two or three glasses of wine to test and taste the rare quality, not too much food, the rest put aside for later, all of them too excited and too anxious to begin. Once he had made the decision Marlowe ordered the ship out to sea under full sail and became their most enthusiastic supporter, wanting the ceremony to be memorable and perfect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But before proposing a prenuptial toast at the end of the meal, he said gravely, \"God knows if it'll really be legal, but I can find nothing in Naval Regs that says it won't be, or it can't be done. Nothing refers to the age of the persons, only that both must formally agree before witnesses that they freely give their consent, and they sign an affidavit that's entered by me in the ship's log. Once we get ashore, all hell and/or congratulations will break out and you may have to, perhaps should, go through a church ceremony—both Churches will scream bloody murder at our effort anyway.\"\n\nAngelique heard an undercurrent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, John, it's all right, isn't it? Malcolm's told me about oppositions and as to Father Leo...\" Her nose crinkled with distaste." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You won't get into trouble, will you?\"\n\n\"Perish the thought, Admiral's given permission,\" Marlowe told her more grandly than he really felt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Enough said, here's to your healths, and to future generations!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique began to get up to drink too but Struan stopped her. \"Sorry, darling, it's bad luck to drink your own health, just an old custom, and aboard Royal Navy ships you drink toasts sitting down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, sorry.\" Her sleeve caught a glass, tapped it against another and a bell-like ringing began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once both Marlowe and Struan reached over and stopped it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm said, \"Sorry, darling, just another old seafaring superstition. If you let the ringing of a glass die of its own accord somewhere in the world a sailor drowns.\"\n\n\"Oh.\" Her face lost its glow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I'd known, so many times in the past...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not to worry,\" Marlowe said quickly. \"If you don't know, then the superstition doesn't count. Right, Malcolm?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, you're right again. I would like to propose a toast, Angelique, to John Marlowe, Captain, Royal Navy, gentleman and the best friend we have!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The small cabin was filled with animated talk and laughter and then Lloyd announced that all was ready on deck. A last kiss, so tender between them, and they had gone aloft and stood there, hand in hand, both committed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ship was into wind, her sails and spars trembling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those of the ship's company who could be spared were lined up, slickered and spruced, facing the quarterdeck where Malcolm and Angelique stood before the Captain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was flanked by an honor guard of two marines. He opened Navy Regs to the right page and motioned to the marine bugler who sounded a clarion call, the Bosun blew on his pipe and the company came to attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are gathered here as witnesses to the marriage of these two people in the sight of God...\"\n\nThe swell of the sea did not touch them, nor the wind that was gusting more than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around the horizon were nimbus clouds, not yet threatening but potentially dangerous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Overhead the sky was still clear, and Marlowe wondered, briefly, if the weather was an omen. No cause for alarm yet, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ceremony was quickly over, strangely fast for all of them, for Struan almost an anticlimax." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had used the signet ring from his little finger as the wedding ring. It was too big for her but she held it solidly, staring at it with disbelief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I now pronounce you man and wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they kissed there were three rousing cheers. Marlowe called out, \"Splice the mainbrace!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the order for a tot of rum for all the company, to more cheers.\n\n\"Mrs. Struan, may I be the first to congratulate you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique threw her arms around him passionately, tears of joy on her cheeks. \"Thank you, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing,\" Marlowe said, embarrassed, then shook Struan's hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'don't' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Congratulations, old man. Why don't we—\" A short gust crackled the canvas. \"Why don't you two go below and I'll join you in a moment,\" he said, then turned away and forgot them, tending his ship. \"Let her fall off the wind, Number One. Set course for Yokohama, under sail until further orders. We'll steam to our moorings—we may be in for a wetting. Signalman, give me your pad. When we're in range of the flagship, send this.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Edward Gornt sat comfortably in the bay window of the Brock Building, his feet propped on a chair, idly watching the bay. The rim of clouds had spread and promised a storm, though at this time of the year they could as quickly evaporate. Behind him Norbert Greyforth sat at his desk, engrossed in paperwork. They had seen Pearl sail off over the horizon but put no special meaning on it. \"Part of their trial, suh, I suppose,\" Gornt had said. \"Still can't figure what could be aboard that's so important.\"\n\nNorbert had nodded, secretly amused, and returned to signing and checking documents and manifests. A Brock freighter was in the harbor, due to sail in a few days and the last of her cargo from Japan had to be accounted for: fifty pounds of silkworm eggs for the French market—thirty to fifty thousand eggs to the ounce—bales of raw silk, and silk cloth for the London market, lacquer goods, barrels of saké they were trying to introduce into the English market, and also for Japanese in the Philippines, cheap pottery as ballast, coal—anything and everything that could find a market, together with the remains of her inbound cargo that had not been sold and would be traded on her return journey. Some guns and opium in special cases.\n\n\"Cigar?\" Gornt asked.\n\n\"Thanks.\" They lit the thin cheroots, enjoying them.\n\n\"I've made a date with McFay to finalize arrangements for tomorrow, suh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Norbert blew a cloud of smoke and signed the last of the documents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rang a bell. In a moment his chief clerk and shroff came in. \"This is the lot, Periera.\"\n\n\"Yes, Senhor.\" This small, fair man with slightly oriental eyes, was—as with most companies—Eurasian from Macao. \"What about the specials, Senhor?\"\n\n\"They stay off the manifest and in the Captain's care.\"\n\n\"There's a rumor that the Navy is going to board and check cargo at random.\"\n\n\"Let them. None of our specials are illegal, by God, whatever the hell the fool Struans do.\" Norbert dismissed him, then gave his full attention to Gornt. Something had made him suspicious. \"Edward, perhaps I should call the duel off, tell Struan tonight I'll accept his compromise, the trap's baited, isn't it? I let him go to Hong Kong to get deeper in the shit, thinking he's won. Eh?\"\n\n\"You could. But why spare him a night of fear? He has to be afraid—why comfort him? Would he comfort you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Norbert looked at him and saw the thin upper lip and how it seemed to curl slightly with malicious delight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed to himself, thinking about how special tonight could have been for Struan if Ketterer were a different man, and that, now more than ever, thought of the duel will take away what remained of Struan's sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't think you'd fit in with us, the Brocks. Revenge is sweet for you too?\"\n\n\"Me, suh?\" Gornt's eyebrows soared. \"I was thinking of you—I'm to serve you, wasn't that the idea?\"\n\n\"It was indeed.\" Norbert hid his smile deep inside. \"Tomorrow then, but now we'll...\" His sharp eyes caught a smudge on the horizon through the window behind Gornt. \"Is that Pearl?\" He got up and went to the window, also training his glasses. It was the frigate all right.\n\n\"Steady as she goes,\" Norbert said softly, and Gornt wondered what he meant. Pearl was in the process of furling her sails, black clouds behind her. \"Wind's picked up out there,\" Gornt said, and trained his own binoculars. Her smoke was pulled at right angles to her path.\n\nIn the bay the rest of the fleet and merchantmen were at anchor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few whitecaps. Norbert's glasses went to Prancing Cloud. Nothing untoward there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the flagship. Nothing. Back to the frigate. They waited. Pearl was coming in quite fast, bow wave churning. Again the flagship, nothing. The frigate. Norbert could just discern Angelique standing next to a man who must be Struan.\n\n\"Look,\" Gornt said, his voice picking up excitement. \"There. Can you see the signalman?\"\n\n\"Where? Ah yes.\"\n\n\"He's semaphoring the flagship. First flags are the standard opening,\" Gornt said quickly. \"Captain of HMS Pearl to Admiral. Message reads... Message reads: A-G-R-E-E-D T-O R-E-Q-U-E-S-T.\" Perplexed, he stared at Norbert for a moment. \"What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"'With him,' Mr. Greyforth? Would that be Struan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watch the flagship for any reply!\" Gornt obeyed. \"Where the hell did you learn to read Navy flags?\"\n\n\"In Norfolk, Virginia, suh. When I was a kid I used to watch the ships, ours and the British. It became like a hobby. Then my pa acquired a book, one American and another British, with most of their standard phrases and some of their codes. I used to win bets for my pa when he would entertain officers, usually at cards. He, my mother and him, he used to entertain a lot, lavishly, that was before the cotton crash and he lost most of his money.\"\n\n\"Can you read any flags? Any codes?\" Norbert asked quickly, wondering if he could use Gornt's knowledge. \"Could you read Struan flags, ship to ship or ship to shore?\"\n\n\"If they used standard international flag codes, but probably, like Brock's, they have special... Just a moment, message from the flagship: Standard opening: 'To Captain of Pearl from Admiral Ketterer.' Next standard: 'Return to your moorings at once.' Next: 'When tied up and sea safe, report to the flagship at once,' adding the letters 'W-I-T-H H-I-M.' Last standard: 'Acknowledge.'\" Gornt glanced back quickly. \"'With him,' Mr. Greyforth? Would that be Struan?\"\n\n\"Bull's-eye.\"\n\n\"Standard acknowledgment.\" Gornt put down the glasses and rubbed his eyes, the concentration had given him a headache. \"Bull's-eye? You know what it all means?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 13 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's aboard Pearl that's so important? Captain bloody Marlowe, R.N.\" It took Norbert no time at all to explain.\n\n\"Married?\" Gornt burst out. \"You're brilliant, suh!\"\n\n\"Never thought Ketterer would agree but it seems he has. Why? He gains nothing.\" Norbert was puzzled, then smiled spitefully. \"Unless... unless he's ordered Struan and Marlowe aboard to mat Marlowe and undo the deed right smartly—to jam the knife further into Struan, to torture him some more.\"\n\n\"Can he?\"\n\n\"That bugger can do what the hell he likes, if the truth be known,\" Norbert said, and spat into the spittoon, then threw the butt of his cheroot into it as well. \"Every man jack aboard the fleet's duty bound to obey him, and they would!\"\n\n\"You mean he could order them to go against the law?\"\n\n\"Let's put it this way: they're to obey immediately or suffer the consequences—which range from the cat to hanging to keelhauling. If he wanted he could hang you from one of his yardarms, then plead he'd been misled by juniors—he'd beat any court-martial. Meanwhile you're dead.\"\n\n\"Then how could you be so... so opposed to him, to his face, Mr. Greyforth?\"\n\n\"Because Ketterer's law-abiding; they breed 'em like that for the Royal Navy, special, to obey orders from the next above, but mostly because we've Wee Willie—that feisty little bugger's the one above. He's our real protection from Ketterer, the General, Jappos and every other bloody enemy—but that won't protect young Struan from Ketterer's phlegm.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Captain Marlowe, Mr. Struan's peculiar request was for you to go out of sight of land—and to marry him to Miss Angelique Richaud?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" Marlowe stood at attention unable to read the Admiral's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ketterer was flanked at the table in the great cabin aft by the flagship Captain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind them, his aide-de-camp, the Flag Lieutenant, stood equally frozen.\n\n\"And you did, knowing them to be minors?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please give me a report, in writing, by sundown, specifying your reasons, exactly, and what occurred, exactly. Dismissed.\" Marlowe saluted and began to leave as Ketterer turned to the Captain, a weathered, craggy, ugly man renowned for the toughness of his discipline and worship of Naval Regulations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain Donavan, perhaps you'd research the legal position, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\" His blue eyes were merciless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, that's all then—for the moment.\" This was the last thing Marlowe heard before he closed the door and his heart seemed to begin again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan was waiting in the anteroom outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two marines stood guard suspiciously. \"Christ, did you get stick?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not at all.\" Marlowe tried to sound calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Admiral, correctly, wants a written report, that's all. I'll be getting back to my ship. See you later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before he could leave, the cabin door opened and he died a little more. Captain Donavan brushed past, hardly acknowledging him or his salute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the doorway, the Flag Lieutenant said, \"Mr. Struan, Admiral's compliments, would you kindly step in, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan hobbled into the cabin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flag did not follow, but closed the door and waited within shouting distance. Before leaving, Marlowe caught his eye but that told him nothing—of course neither would say anything in front of the marines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ketterer, now alone in the cabin, motioned Struan to be seated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the one hand may I congratulate you,\" he said with grim formality, and put out his hand.\n\n\"Thank you, sir.\" Struan shook hands, finding the Admiral's grip firm but his palm soft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And on the other?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the other it seems you are going to have your work cut out to keep your promises.\"\n\n\"Sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You seem to have stirred up a snake pit of venom amongst your fellows. Sir William is besieged with complaints.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As I said, I'll do my best.\"\n\n\"You must do more than that, Mr. Struan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, but what does that mean, Admiral?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It means nothing more or less than what you've already promised to do.\"\n\nIn the small silence, Struan decided not to be overpowered, or crushed, or to lose sight of the fact that this man had made his marriage possible-no, not possible, he corrected himself, had \"allowed\" it to be possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "John Marlowe had had the balls to take the initiative." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Captain Marlowe's not in any trouble, is he?\"\n\n\"Captain Marlowe is subject to Naval Regulations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, naturally, but I believe he married us within Naval Regulations, sir. I read the paragraph meticulously beforehand, and there was no age limit or mention of ages.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Regulations also state that any such marriage is subject to immediate review if feasible. In this case it is.\"\n\n\"So I'm married but not, is that what you are saying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I merely point out, Mr. Struan, as in all matters in the Navy, unusual happenings are subject to review.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan forced a smile. \"Correctly so. My...\" He almost used \"reading,\" but judiciously changed the word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My understanding of the order, sir, gave him permission.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ketterer raised an eyebrow. \"Captain Marlowe showed you a sealed order from me to him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As I understood it, sir, the order gave him a qualified permission, sir—I confess I went out of my way to ask for the exact wording, and to persuade him that was the case.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I rather thought you would,\" the Admiral said dryly.\n\n\"Then it was a qualified permission?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My order was stated clearly: If you should ask a peculiar favor, he might grant it if he wished. Last night, didn't you mention something about wanting to go out of sight of land? Your peculiar request might have been only that—his orders were to do his trials within sight of the flagship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan was trying hard to keep his balance, feeling the coals of disaster beneath him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir. Yes, you might have thought that. If there was any misunderstanding it was mine, not Captain Marlowe's.\"\n\n\"I'll note that, Mr. Struan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm had been watching the older man carefully and listening even more carefully, wanting to discern where the Admiral was heading, now afraid that this was a continuation of the cat-and-mouse game. Am I again in his claws—and will never be out of them?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I ask, Admiral, why you gave Captain Marlowe even a perhaps qualified permission that certainly I may have misconstrued?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan kept his face clear, not forgetting he was married until the ceremony was declared illegal. \"I never thought you would, last night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the night Ketterer had been beset with Consuela." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give the young senhor a chance, Charles,\" she had said with that lovely, liquid accent, as sensual in memory as the depth of her brown eyes in life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We were never given one, why not give him one—remember you were not much older than him. You have from him a giant step forward, surely he will keep his promise. Why not be generous—as our parents and your foul Admiralty were not? He is so much in love, Charles, like you were, but unlike you, the young senhor has already been dealt a cruel hand at the whim of God...\"\n\nHe had awakened, her words sounding in his ears, the way she pronounced his name still tugging at his heart after all the years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this isn't the same, he had thought, hardening his heart. The Struans are opium smugglers and gunrunners—I will not forget my dead sailors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sorry, my long lost love, the marriage will be declared illegal immediately—Struan will not be allowed off the hook. Duty is duty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, looking at Struan, remembering the way he had hobbled in, determined to appear strong when Hoag and Babcott had both confirmed privately the youth was almost constantly in pain, doubting if he would ever run, or ride comfortably again, remembering, Unlike you... at the whim of God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sighed. \"A sudden whim, Mr. Struan,\" he said, deciding to be lenient, \"coupled with a belief that you will perform as promised.\" He got up, her smile etched on the back of his eyes, and went to the sideboard feeling curiously young. \"Sherry?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Struan started to stand, and wavered, weak with relief at Ketterer's admission." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll bring it. Tio Pepe? Good. Health!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They touched glasses. Ketterer took a large swallow.\n\n\"Listen, young man,\" he said, his voice unusually quiet and kind, \"I shall, of course, consult Sir William and will prevail on him to read Naval Regs. More than likely Captain Marlowe's report will be accepted, after due consideration—we must make sure our officers are always aware of the consequences of independent action, but he will not be 'in trouble' as you put it. This is to be another secret between us. Understood?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir. Thank you. I will do what I promised.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Struan took a deep breath. \"Then my marriage is legal?\"\n\n\"That depends on your point of view. As far as I am concerned, the Navy is concerned, that is my belief, therefore it should be in common law. As far as your two Churches are concerned, and the inevitable legal broadsides you will have to endure, I suggest you both batten down your hatches and prepare for the worst. Again congratulations, on the one hand. My compliments to Mrs. Struan—privately, of course.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By sunset, the news had spread throughout the Settlement, Drunk Town and the Yoshiwara.\n\nSpeculation had been immediate, noisy, and argumentative as theories were put forth for and against such a marriage, some predicting the ceremony was totally illegal, others angrily denying it, many of the more quarrel some traders—and all Drunk Towners—using foul language, obscene gestures, and bunched fists to support their positions, while a few of the wiser said: \"Ah, the canny young bugger, so that's why he sucked up to the Admiral! It was a deal! Clever—I'd do the same if I were Struan. Now that he's got her will he still be anti-opium, anti-armaments? No way...\"\n\nWith the new topics, several fights began in Drunk Town and a bar burned down. Father Leo was rumored to have had apoplexy and was now prostrate in front of his altar. Reverend Tweet, at this very moment, was supposed to be raving at Sir William, and in the Club, Lunkchurch and Grimm, inevitably on opposing sides, had begun to battle and, as usual, were tossed into the street.\n\nMalcolm and Angelique were in the cabin of their launch. Ahead was their jetty and, holding hands, they saw a boisterous group of well-wishers that had gathered there, headed by Jamie McFay. The promised bad weather had not materialized, with only a sprinkle late afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind was still up, sky overcast, but this did not dampen the welcoming uproar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here we go, Mrs. Struan,\" Malcolm said, and hugged her. She kissed him, whispering, \"Yes, my darling husband. Oh, Malcolm, that sounds so funny, strange, so marvelous. This isn't a dream, is it?\"\n\n\"No, though it feels the same to me.\"\n\nThe cutter twisted in the chop, throwing them together to more laughter, and swung alongside to cheers and shouts, the neatest docking the Bosun had ever made. \"Lively on the ropes, lads,\" he ordered, but there was no need as eager hands twisted the towlines to bollards and sailors swarmed to help them.\n\n\"Congratulations, Tai-pan, Mrs. Struan,\" Jamie shouted amidst cheers that reached the interior of the Club across High Street. At once the room emptied and everyone began to gather, doffing their hats, even Mrs. Lunkchurch and Mrs. Grimm amongst them, equally festive.\n\nGornt and Norbert Greyforth watched from the upper windows of their building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside all houses Chinese servants stood around popeyed, and samurai were collecting at the North Gate, mystified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ministers and their staffs were trickling out of their Legations: Sir William, hard-faced, flanked by a smiling Phillip Tyrer, and Michaelmas Tweet, black-browed and furious, Zergeyev beaming and cheering lustily, Dmitri shouting congratulations waving an American flag, and Seratard and André were torn between elation that the marriage was now achieved, and fury that they had not been consulted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"André, bring her in as soon as possible. Jésus, the stupid gamine should have let us into the secret—it's your job to control her!\" Seratard said with the side of his mouth, enthusiastically waving back as Angelique caught his eye and waved. \"Struan must execute a will conforming to the Code Napoléon at once, see to it! Only God knows what dirty tricks William will try, for or against—whatever he says, our position is the marriage is legal, but we must insist it conform to French law! Get Father Leo, he will conduct their proper wedding next week... Mon Dieu, look at those cretins!\"\n\nAngelique and Struan were being mobbed. With increasing difficulty they tried to push a way through the crowd, all of whom wanted to kiss the bride, as their right, to be prevented by others, to more uproar.\n\nShe began to panic. This heightened the tension of those nearby. The crowd swirled and swamped her, Struan using his sticks to fight to her side as Jamie began shoving through roughly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone threw a punch, and an ugly skirmish began. Sir William called out to the marine sentries, \"Go and clear a way for them, hurry up, for God's sake, or they'll be crushed!\" The four men began running. \"Phillip, supervise them, and get Struan into my office on the double.\"\n\nThe Sergeant roared, \"Hey, you lot!\" and the mob devil that sometimes appeared in a crowd for no apparent reason was gone. Quietly and firmly he began forcing a passage. \"Behave yourselves, give the lady room!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was obeyed as Struan reached her. \"Are you all right, Angel?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, love.\" Now that she had room her panic had gone. She adjusted her hat. The feather had been broken. \"Look at that!\"\n\n\"Here let me help you,\" Tyrer said importantly, waving others away. \"You, go on, move, you've frightened her to death. Are you all right, Angelique? Malcolm?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Malcolm said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Head for the office, fast as you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that she was safe and he had his sticks, his happiness returned and he shouted, \"Thanks for welcoming us! Drinks on the Noble House, the Club bar's open and stays open until further orders!\"\n\nThere was a general rush in that direction. Soon only Malcolm, Angelique, McFay and Phillip Tyrer remained. And the sour presence of Michaelmas Tweet: \"Mr. Struan, the ceremony is completely not legal and I must warn y—\"\n\n\"You may be right, Reverend, but I'm advised to the contrary, sir,\" Struan said firmly, having already devised a plan for Tweet, another for Father Leo and another for Sir William. \"Nonetheless I believe there is a happy solution. Perhaps you would come to my office at noon tomorrow? The House of the Lord will be satisfied, sir, you may rest assured!\" Then he whispered to Jamie, \"Divert him,\" and to the others, \"Head for the office, fast as you can.\"\n\nThey had to run the gauntlet of a few stragglers and then Angelique whispered, \"Phillip, hurry!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She ran on ahead with him to avoid Father Leo who was approaching from down the street as fast as his bulk and his cassock would allow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once in the foyer, with most of the staff lined up there, Vargas in front, Chen smiling glassily, she laughed nervously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't want to have to talk to him!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'mcfay'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\" Phillip was beaming. \"You're married and that's that—at least Sir William's been spitting blood since he heard, cursing the Navy, Ketterer, Marlowe—so I imagine you are married, but all I want to say is congrats and may I kiss the bride?\" He did not wait and kissed her like a brother. She hugged him and breathed another sigh of relief.\n\nStruan came through the door with McFay. \"Lock it,\" he ordered. Helped by Vargas, McFay obeyed, politely but firmly shoving the few more persistent traders out and slamming the bolt home as Father Leo strode up, tried the handle, then hammered on the door as though it were a cathedral portal.\n\nBut no one paid any attention, all fleeing into the office like a group of mischievous children, where they collapsed into the chairs. All except Malcolm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Champagne, Chen. Thank you, Vargas, see you later,\" he said over congratulations, and added to Chen, in Cantonese, \"Open the wine, little mealymouth.\"\n\nJamie McFay shut the door and sank into the last chair.\n\n\"Ayeeyah,\" Malcolm said, bubbling like the wine. \"I didn't think it would be like this. Phillip, thanks again for the good wishes, you too, Jamie. Are you all right, Angel?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mr. Struan, wonderful, thank you.\"\n\nTyrer said, \"It's all marvelous news, Malcolm, and by the way could you see Sir William as soon as possible.\"\n\nThe way he said it, so tentatively, so matter-of-fact, when they all knew he had been bellowed at, made a sudden silence which broke apart as they all laughed hysterically.\n\n\"Tomorrow afternoon, happily,\" Malcolm said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their glasses were soon full and even more quickly empty and again filled, conversation loud and not listened to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door eased open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vargas signalled McFay, then whispered to him.\n\nJamie nodded. \"I'll be there in a moment. Tai-pan, can you excuse me? And there's a message for Ang—for Mrs. Struan: Mr. Seratard wants to add his congratulations personally at the Legation, soon as possible and the... the priest would like to see you both a moment.\"\n\n\"Jamie, first finish your drink. Vargas, send word to Seratard we'll put him on top of the list, but first tell Father Leo to be here tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., here, in my office.\" Vargas vanished. Malcolm saw the shadow on Angelique's face. \"I'll see him, Angel, you don't have to, and by Sunday everything will be calm, I promise. Everything's in control. Soon as it's dark, we'll slip back aboard the cutter.\"\n\n\"Cutter? Why, Malcolm, what on earth for?\"\n\n\"Another surprise, we're dining aboard Prancing Cloud and staying the night, then tomorrow there are more surprises, lots and lots, there's a honeymoon to plan. We'll leave in an hour and there's no need for you to change, I had Ah Soh pack some clothes for you and they're already aboard.\" To Jamie, \"You have to leave? What's up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd made a date with Gornt and forgot all about it in the excitement. He's waiting in my anteroom. He asked Vargas to give you both his congratulations, and Norbert's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank him for me, but don't go for a second.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank him for me too, Jamie,\" Angelique said.\n\n\"Of course, Mrs. Struan.\" McFay was trying to get used to the sound of the words, finding it difficult and artificial, the two words conjuring up Tess Struan, and nowadays every time he thought of her he became bilious. The moment he had heard about the marriage, the reason for Malcolm's letter to the Guardian and last night's announcement had become clear—even the timing of the duel dovetailed neatly.\n\nMarried! Oh my God!\n\nThe implications for Malcolm were immense. For himself it did not matter now that he had made his peace with Malcolm and with himself. He doubted if he would ever have a peace with Tess Struan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she was a fanatic Struan, at the same time she had inherited her father's vindictiveness, his ruthless need for revenge. He had witnessed it falling on the Bosun in charge of the boat that had capsized, drowning the twins. She had had him charged with murder, demanding hanging. The coroner had found him guilty of negligence, causing manslaughter, and gave him the maximum ten years, hard labor, in the Hong Kong prison, which the man would never survive. Negligent? Not really, McFay and most had thought at the time, the storm sudden, as happens that season of the year, an unhappy accident. But she was Tess Struan of the Noble House. The Bosun's real mistake, he thought sadly, was that he lived and the children died.\n\n\"Angelique,\" Struan was saying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't you freshen up, I'm going to do the same and we'll leave within the hour—I've just a few things to settle with Jamie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They kissed and she left." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'don't' (3x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Cantonese he told Chen he should arrange hot water for his wife and for him, \"Then we go aboard Prancing Cloud. Is everything prepared?\"\n\n\"Yes, Master.\"\n\n\"Good, and you three better be quiet as bats, and contented as pigs in shit like never before!\" To Tyrer, he added pleasantly in English, \"Phillip, you'll excuse us, won't you? Starting tomorrow, there'll be major celebrations all over, wedding feast and so on with formal invitations. Please give Sir William my compliments, and please don't mention we'll be aboard Prancing Cloud tonight to anyone—even to Sir William. I don't want any drunken rowdies circling us all night, we want to be private, all right?\"\n\n\"Quite understand, again congratulations.\" Tyrer was happy to leave. He still had to see Hiraga to finish another, curt dispatch for Tairō Anjo before he could cross the bridge to Fujiko. After this morning's council of war between Sir William and Seratard, aided by himself and André, where final details of the forthcoming bombardment and punitive Yedo campaign were agreed, André had whispered: \"Fujiko's panting to see you, it's all arranged. She's even insisting on serving you a Japanese feast, so arrive hungry and thirsty, but don't forget to act tough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now alone, some of Malcolm's fatigue showed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Good. Phillip was a mistake, but never mind,' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie, pour me a glass, would you? Thanks. Everything's organized?\"\n\n\"For tonight, yes, and tomorrow, yes. Ah Tok and Ah Soh are aboard with the trunks, Chen will go with you and Mrs. Struan. As far as I know no one except them, Strongbow, me, and now Phillip know you'll sleep aboard Prancing Cloud.\"\n\n\"Good. Phillip was a mistake, but never mind,\" Malcolm said. \"I got too exuberant but it should be all right. He shouldn't blab. What does Gornt want?\"\n\n\"Just to arrange final details.\" McFay looked at him. \"Shouldn't your marriage make a difference now?\"\n\n\"It could. But unless Norbert apologizes, it won't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gornt wanted a private word, if you had a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. Tell him that's all it can be—and let me see him first, eh?\"\n\nGornt's friendliness filled the room. To Malcolm he seemed like a very old comrade. \"Champagne?\"\n\n\"Thank you, Tai-pan. May I congratulate you?\"\n\n\"You may. Health!\"\n\n\"And yours, suh.\"\n\n\"Sorry, but we have to be quick, tomorrow there'll be more time, what's up?\"\n\n\"I wanted to tell you, privately, Mr. Greyforth is going to accept your compromise tomorrow. No duel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struan smiled. \"That's the best news I've had... no, the second best news I've had all day!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" Gornt's face hardened. \"If he means it.\"\n\n\"Eh?\"\n\n\"I think you should be ready for treachery. Sorry to be a cold towel on a great day but I wanted to warn you. I know he'll change his mind.\"\n\nMalcolm watched him, then nodded, undisturbed. \"With Norbert, and all the Brocks, we expect treachery for breakfast.\" Their glasses touched. \"Health—and wealth—and happiness!\"\n\nThe room was warm for both of them, Malcolm noticing a curiousness about him that he could not divine." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Upstairs, Angelique was in front of her mirror, seeing nothing, unconsciously tinkering with the signet ring on her finger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was alone for the first time today, in the privacy of her own room with the door locked, and the moment she sat down, the clamor of truths and paradoxes had abruptly possessed her: everything happening so fast, married but never really expecting it, never that way, not aboard a ship, hoping and praying but not believing it possible, so many barricades between them; married but not in the sight of God, married to a man I set my cap at, actively pursued, and encouraged to pursue me; the man I adore but have cheated—the rape not my fault, the casting out necessary, the earrings the only way, the secrecy the only means to protect my life but still a cheat—this man, who loves me to oblivion, risking, all, I've stolen from, cheated, and go to my marriage bed soiled and yet..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three times, coming back ashore, I began to tell him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's not true, I began to tell him part, the part about the earrings, but each time his elation overpowered me and stopped me as he poured out truths about his mother and her letters—and Skye and Father Leo and the English priest, the Admiral and Sir William—how he had been blocked but in the end he had won... \"I won, my beloved wife. I won you and now no one can take you from me...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Embracing and rapturous tears in each other's arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As God is my witness, I know he would have been destroyed had I begun, and once begun I know the rest would have poured out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then he would have died, poor lovely man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For that's what he is, truly, the most lovely man in my life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I know now I do love him, equally—no one could have tried so hard, casting so many barriers aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I love him and yet..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What must I do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw her face staring back at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not liking to see herself so unguarded, her eyes dropped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw her fingers twisting the ring, this way and that, the way André did with his signet ring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm's ring was gold, heavy, with the engraved Struan crest: the Lion of Scotland entwined with the Dragon of China." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is that good with evil?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked herself, and suddenly shivered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To divert herself she brushed her hair vigorously but this did not help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dark thoughts soared back, faster, ever faster, all of them—and him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It all became like a foul vomit ready to pour out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt faint and pressed her hands against her temples." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'strong' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't... you must be strong... you must be strong, you're alone, you must...\" Her moaning stopped as another thought cleared the sick away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you're not alone,\" she said aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are two of you now, there's Malcolm and he needs you... two of you—you and Malcolm, he needs you, Malcolm who is your husband...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This image moved around her mind, filling it, and then she heard him calling from downstairs, so joyously, \"Angel, hurry, it's time to leave... hurry!\"\n\nUnhurried she went and knelt in front of the little statue of the Blessed Virgin and gave all of herself: \"Mother of God, forgive this sinner. I have sinned grievously, I beg Thy forgiveness. I have sinned grievously, and live a lie, but I swear I will be the best wife I can be, for as long as I am permitted, for I love this man with all my heart as I love Thee...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How nice to see you, Raiko-chan,\" Meikin said with a smile, kneeling opposite her. \"It has been too long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was mamasan of the House of Wisteria and Koiko's mistress and they were in Raiko's most private sanctuary.\n\n\"Yes, thank you, you honor me,\" Raiko said, delighted to see her old friend, though more than a little surprised that Meikin had responded with such alacrity to her invitation for a business discussion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please help yourself to some snacks, the eel is particularly delicate. Saké or gai-jin brandy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First saké, please.\" Meikin accepted it from an attentive maid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Business must be good, she thought, noting the expensive trappings of this isolated, secure dwelling within the walls of the Three Carp.\n\n\"Though times are hard, happily gai-jin have little idea of money values and, disgusting as they may be, reapings are high and the cost of hot water and clean towels and perfumes small.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two women laughed, watched and waited.\n\nMeikin sampled the sushi—delicious—and began eating hugely for such a small woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her travelling kimono was deliberately mediocre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyone seeing her would presume she was a minor merchant's wife, not one of the richest mamasans in Yedo, owner of the city's most expensive Pleasure House in the greatest Yoshiwara in the land—recently entirely rebuilt and refurbished after last year's fire—mamasan to ten of the most gifted geisha, twenty of the loveliest courtesans, as well as contract owner of Koiko the Lily. She looked around Raiko's most inner sanctum, reserved for special occasions, admiring the unique silks and cushions and tatamis, chatting while she ate, wondering why the request for a meeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When food was finished, the maids dismissed, Raiko poured two cups of her best brandy. \"Health and money!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Money and health!\" The quality of the liquor was better than any Meikin possessed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gai-jin have their good points.\"\n\n\"In the world of wines and fortified spirits, yes, not in their appendages,\" Raiko said sagely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please allow me to give you a bottle. One of my clients is Furansu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. I am glad business is so good, Raiko-chan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could be better, always.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Hinodeh?\" Meikin asked—she owned half her contract-price." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Hinodeh first came to see her, she had placed the girl with a cousin, the mamasan of another House she owned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Later, by chance, she had heard of Raiko's curious and highly unorthodox request for a special kind of girl." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'years' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was easy to make the arrangements—Raiko was an old friend, known over the years and trusted over the years from the times they were maiko, then courtesans together. \"The arrangement continues to be satisfactory?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have another payment for you though the man is slow.\"\n\nMeikin laughed. \"I am not surprised. You are a marvelous negotiator.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed her thanks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He promises a larger amount in a few days. Possibly more earrings.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah!\" Meikin had disposed of the other set profitably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This had been a most satisfactory business.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The client's down payment on Hinodeh's contract had been more than enough to carry all costs for at least a year. \"How is she?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko related the first and subsequent meetings to the other woman's breathless interest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's correct to call him the Beast,\" Meikin said.\n\n\"He is not a bad man. I think this disease must send him mad from time to time. At least she knows the worst, and accepts that he is her karma.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I ask, there are no—no signs yet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, nothing. But every day she makes me examine the parts she cannot see herself or with a mirror.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Strange, Raiko-chan.\" Meikin settled a hair comb more comfortably. \"When, and if, anything appears that cannot be hidden—will she seek the knife?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko shrugged. \"One never knows for certain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has she told you why she accepted this karma?\"\n\n\"No. Nothing. I like her and can help only a little. Yes, strange she will not tell us, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiko sipped her brandy, captivated by the heat that slid inside, and the rare pleasure of entertaining her oldest and most trusted friend. They had been inseparable while maiko, lovers in their youth, and exchanged confidences always—safe confidences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tonight he visits her. If you wish you can watch them for a while.\"\n\nMeikin chuckled. \"I am long past being interested or excited by the thrashings of others, violent or passionate—even by well-endowed gai-jin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was too happy to be with her old friend to tell the sadness of Gekko and Shin Komoda that she had insisted on knowing before sending her here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hinodeh is dead, Raiko-chan, I will tell you and we can share a tear for the sorrows we women must endure. Until then Hinodeh's secret is safe as we agreed, the name of her son safe, and where he was sent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A glow went through her, loving secrets and the game of life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So Hinodeh is settled. Good. And now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now.\" Raiko dropped her voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I might have important information about gai-jin battle plans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Color rushed into Meikin's cheeks and she became as tense as the other woman had become. \"Against Yedo?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'valuable' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That might be valuable information but, so sorry, it would be dangerous knowledge—perilous.\"\n\n\"Yes, and even more dangerous to dispose of, though highly valuable to the correct person.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin touched away a droplet of brandy that could have been perspiration. \"And once such knowledge is bought, proved correct, or incorrect, heads have a habit of falling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"True.\" Raiko understood the danger but she was more excited than she had been in years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had never been in the mainstream of Yedo politics, but the proximity of Hiraga and learning about the shishi from him—and secrets about him and Ori from the shoya—had given her an appetite. That and her relationship with Furansu-san, through him learning about gai-jin, paradoxically the source of all her wealth at the same time the enemy of their sacred Land of the Gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That and because of her disgust with the Bakufu and Anjo, who had murdered another old friend, Yuriko, mamasan of the Forty-seven Ronin, for harboring shishi." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'trembled' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She trembled at the thought of her own head adorning a spike, trembled in fear but in ecstasy. Yuriko was already immortalized in the ukiyo-e prints of the Floating World, her name the new favorite of geishas, and soon there would even be a Noh play with her as heroine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are right,\" she whispered, \"but certain information might be worth the risk. And if... if I had important secret knowledge of what... of what high officials were secretly planning against the gai-jin, I might be able to place it also to our mutual advantage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sweat had gathered at the edge of her elaborate wig." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She brushed it away with a tiny pink paper tissue. \"It is hot, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not so hot as the fire we might put ourselves into.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What would the beginning day of the attack be worth—and the gai-jin battle plan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This morning Furansu-san had given her more than enough details to tempt even the most skeptical buyer to be lavish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin felt her heart thumping. She had hoped that Raiko's invitation would be for something like this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the last two years she had nurtured and obliquely hinted at the potential, prompted by Sensei Katsumata for whom any gai-jin intelligence was of value. And also because, recently, there had been covert instructions to all Bakufu spies with promises of rich rewards to focus on Yokohama, to discover gai-jin secrets, and who was feeding the enemy forbidden information about things Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That Raiko had made the first open move was crucial—in truth the only person she herself would trust in such a gangrenous game. \"How soon is the attack to be?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would it be possible to have some important secret for the gai-jin as part of the trade?\"\n\nMeikin sat back and thought long and hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, Raiko was to be trusted, completely—until her life was threatened. Yes, a channel for intelligence on a continuing basis would be valuable not only in money but also to the cause—sonno-joi—that she supported with all her being." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And yes, because it could be used to supply gai-jin with carefully conceived false information as well.\n\nShe said softly, \"Raiko, old friend, I have no doubt Tairō Anjo, or Yoshi, would pay dearly to know those dates, amongst other details, but, ah, so sorry, how to place it in either of their hands and the money in ours without compromising either of us, that is the difficulty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Brandy, Meikin-chan?\" Raiko poured, weak with excitement. \"If anyone could solve such a riddle it is you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two women measured each other and smiled. \"Perhaps.\"\n\n\"Yes. And now perhaps that is enough for the moment. We can continue later, or tomorrow if it pleases you. May I plan your evening's entertainment, unless you are tired?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. No, I am not tired. The ferry from Yedo was comfortable and not at all full, the sea fair and my servants made sure the captain granted my slightest wish.\" Meikin had arrived at the village jetty just before nightfall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I ask what you suggest?\"\n\n\"We have geisha, but not up to your standards. There are some youths who might prove adequate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiko's eyes crinkled with her smile, remembering the good times they had when they were young. \"Or perhaps a maiko?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin chuckled and sipped her brandy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would be a pleasant diversion and would remind me of old times, Raiko-chan. She will help me think, help me see if I can provide you with what we need. Good. I agree we have had enough seriousness for now. Let us talk of olden days and how business is, and how is your son?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is well, still climbing the Gyokoyama ladder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I put in a good word with them—though surely unnecessary. An excellent bank, the best, I get the highest interest and my deposits are spread for safety—famine is coming so I have bought future rice heavily. Your son, he would be twenty-four now, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Twenty-six. And your daughter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank all gods rich and poor, I successfully married her to a goshi so her children are samurai, she already has one son, but eeee, her husband is expensive!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin shook her head from side to side, then laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I should not complain, I only convert the worthless dribbles of a few rich old men into a heritage we never dreamed possible. Neh?\"\n\nThe sound of footsteps mingled with their laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tap on the shoji. \"Mistress?\"\n\n\"Yes, Tsuki-chan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The maiko slid the door aside a crack and, on her knees, peered up at them with an innocent smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, but Shoya Ryoshi, the village Elder, begs to see you and your guest.\"\n\nRaiko's eyebrows arced. \"My guest?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Mistress.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'important' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin frowned. \"Does he usually greet visitors?\"\n\n\"Only the most important and no doubt you are most important, your presence honors us all. Certainly he would have been told of your arrival. His web of informants is far-reaching, Meikin-chan, he is absolutely to be trusted—and also head of the Gyokoyama in Yokohama. Shall we see him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but only for a moment. I will pretend a headache then we can continue our chat until the evening meal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Little one,\" Raiko ordered, \"bring the shoya here, but first tell maids to bring fresh tea and hot saké—and to take these glasses away and hide my brandy. Meikin-chan, if he knew I had such a source he would be a daily pest!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was quickly done and the table made clean and perfect, their breath cleansed with herbs, before he was bowed in. \"Please excuse me, Ladies,\" he said with untoward anxiety, kneeling and bowing and being bowed to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse my bad manners arriving without an appointment but I wanted to bow to such an august person and welcome her to my village.\"\n\nBoth were surprised that he appeared so forbidding, for this was not a serious occasion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin had never met him before but her own Gyokoyama official had mentioned him and that he was a man of integrity, so her reply was as polite and enthusiastic as befitted an eminent person from the biggest city in the world, complimenting him on the state of the Yoshiwara, and the little she had seen of the village. \"You are a man of great reputation, shoya.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tea, or saké?\" Raiko asked.\n\nHe hesitated, began to talk, stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mood in the room changed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko spoke into the silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please excuse me, shoya, but what is the matter?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'sorry' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry...\" He turned to Meikin. \"So sorry, Lady, you are a most cherished client for our company. I—I...\" Shakily he reached into his sleeve and handed her the little piece of paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She squinted at it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it? What does it say? I cannot read writing so small.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a carr... carrier pigeon message.\" The shoya tried to speak again, could not, numbly pointing at the paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jolted, Raiko took it and moved to the light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes scanned the tiny writing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She blanched, wavered, almost fainting, and sank to her knees. \"It says. An assassination attempt on Lord Yoshi at dawn at Hamamatsu village failed. Lone shishi assassin slain by him. Lady Koiko also dead in skirmish. Inform House of Wisteria our great sadness. More information soon as possible. Namu Amida Butsu...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin had gone sallow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She mouthed, Koiko dead?\n\n\"It must be a mistake,\" Raiko cried out in anguish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Must be! Koiko dead? When did it happen? There's no date! Shoya, how did you... It must be lies, must be lies...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, the date is in code at the top,\" he mumbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This happened yesterday, near dawn. The Tokaidō way station, Hamamatsu. No mistake, Lady, oh no, so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Namu Amida Butsu! Koiko? Koiko's dead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meikin looked at her blankly, tears pouring down her cheeks, and fainted.\n\n\"Maids!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They came running and brought smelling salts and cold towels and ministered to her and to Raiko as she tried to collect herself, groping to discover how this would affect her. For the first time she was uncertain if Meikin was now to be trusted or had become a hazard to be avoided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoya knelt motionlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been necessary, and was still necessary for him to pretend to be frightened and aghast to be the bringer of bad tidings, but he was glad to be alive to witness these amazing happenings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had not given them the second slip of paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was private to him and in code and read: Assassin was Sumomo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koiko believed to be implicated in plot, wounded with shuriken, then beheaded by Yoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Prepare to close Meikin accounts. Avoid mentioning Sumomo. Guard Hiraga as a national treasure, his information is invaluable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Press him for more, his family is being refinanced as agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We urgently require gai-jin war plans at whatever cost.\n\nThe moment he had received the message he had checked his books for Meikin's accounts that his branch owed her, even though he knew the amount to the hundredth part of a bronze coin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No need to worry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she was moved onwards by Lord Yoshi, or if she wriggled out of the trap, either way the bank would profit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If she failed, another mamasan would take her place—they would use her residual wealth to sponsor the replacement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Gyokoyama monopolized all Yoshiwara banking—an immense and permanent source of revenue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How ironic life is, he thought, wondering what these two would think if they knew the reason for Gyokoyama's unbreakable hold." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'their' exactly 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the most inner secrets of their zaibatsu was that their founder was not only a mamasan, but a woman of genius.\n\nIn the early 1600s, with the enthusiastic approval of Shōgun Toranaga, she designed a walled district where, in future, all of Yedo's Pleasure Houses, high and low, had to conduct their business exclusively—at that time brothels were spread all over the city—calling it the Yoshiwara, the Place of Reeds, after the area Toranaga had allocated to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next she created a new class of courtesan, geisha, those trained and qualified in the arts, who were not, routinely, available for pillowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she began moneylending, concentrating on Yedo's Yoshiwara, soon to spread her tentacles to all others as they were institutionalized throughout the land, Shōgun Toranaga wisely having foreseen that in such districts the purveyors, and their clients, would be more easily monitored, and taxed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lastly, incredible in those days, somehow or another—no one still knew how—she persuaded Shōgun Toranaga to make her eldest son samurai. In short order her other sons prospered: in shipbuilding, as rice dealers, saké and beer makers, their descendants today owners or silent controllers of a vast network of businesses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a few years she obtained permission for the samurai branch to take the name Shimoda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now the Shimoda were hereditary daimyo of the small but affluent fief of the same name, in Izu. It was she who coined the inscription over the Yoshiwara gateway: Lust cannot wait, it must be satisfied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was ninety-two when she died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mamasan name Gyoko, Lady Luck.\n\n\"Shoya,\" Meikin said between broken sobs, \"please advise me what I should do, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must wait, Lady, be patient and wait,\" he said hesitantly, still wearing his mask of disquiet, noticing, at once, though the sobs were loud and heartbreaking, her eyes were more pitiless than he had ever seen them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait? Wait for what? Of course wait, but what else?\"\n\n\"We—we do not yet know—know all the details, Lady, of what happened. So sorry, but is there a chance the Lady Koiko would be part of the plot?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'twisting' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked, twisting a knife in the ready wound for the sake of twisting it. Though Gyokoyama had no proof, Meikin was suspected of dangerous sonno-joi affiliations and a connection with the Raven—against their oblique warnings—another reason why she had been advised to buy rice futures, not only as a wise investment but also as a bank-controlled hedge against her being accused and condemned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Koiko in a plot? My beauty, my treasure? Of course not,\" Meikin burst out. \"Of course not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Meikin-san, when Lord Yoshi returns, surely as her mamasan, he will send for you. In case, so sorry, in case enemies have whispered against you, it would be wise to have... to have ready tokens of... of your respect.\"\n\nThere was no reason for either woman to ask, What enemies?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Success bred jealousy and secret hatreds everywhere—particularly in best friends—and in the Floating World, a world of women, more than anywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And both were successful.\n\nMeikin was over her initial shock now, her mind concentrating on means of escape—in case Yoshi suspected, or Koiko had denounced her, or he had proof that both she and Koiko supported sonno-joi, shishi, and knew Katsumata." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no real way to escape, not into another identity or to another place, Nippon was too well compartmentalized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Throughout the land, ten family heads formed the basic unit responsible for their own behavior and obedience to law, ten of these units formed another grouping equally responsible, ten of these the same and so on, up to the ultimate giver of law: the daimyo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So she could run nowhere, hide nowhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could I possibly give the great Lord Yoshi?\" she asked, her voice hoarse, feeling sicker than ever before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps... perhaps information.\"\n\n\"What kind of information?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know, so sorry,\" he said with pretended sadness. Tomorrow could be different, tonight he must still pretend, to give them face, whatever he thought of their stupidity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stupid to embrace sedition with a penis, particularly when the shishi possessors were few, most were being scattered or killed, and they continued to commit the unforgivable sin: failure. \"I do not know, Lady, but Lord Yoshi must be worried, greatly worried what the vile gai-jin fleet will do. They prepare for war, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment he said it he saw Meikin's eyes become even more flinty and fix on Raiko, who flushed slightly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, he thought gleefully, they already know—and so they should, bedding the loathsome gai-jin! By all gods if there be gods, what they know the Gyokoyama should of course be told quickly.\n\n\"That news might—would ease his pain,\" he said, nodding wisely as a banker would. \"And yours.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half a hundred paces away in a dwelling within the walls, snuggled into gardens, Phillip Tyrer was sitting cross-legged, bathed, replete with food and saké, naked under his yukata and in a state of rapture. Fujiko knelt behind him, her knowing hands massaging his neck muscles, finding the points of pleasure-pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wore a sleeping yukata, her hair loosened and now she moved closer, delicately bit the lobe of his ear, near the center, where the erotic sites lay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her tongue increased his pleasure dramatically.\n\nFingers slid sensuously to his shoulders, never slowing, taking away his cares, the conferences with Sir William and Seratard, helping his chief to deal with that Frenchman and his constant, inbred devious attempts to gain a minuscule advantage when, let's face it, he had thought, the slimy rotter has only two mediocre ships when we have a fleet of ships-of-the-line, crewed by men, not sycophants!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking notes and then setting out two alternate battle plans into correct diplomatic English and French for their governments, and into more ordinary orders for the Admiral and General to carry out, the time slipping away and his headache growing. But André had been an asset at the morning meeting, well prepared, and all the time suggesting ideas and dates, maneuvering the two principals into agreeing and making decisions, all four of them sworn to secrecy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, at last, slipping out of the Legation and across the bridge, knocking on the door, instantly opened by Raiko herself and being bowed in and through the garden and bathed and fed, but before that Raiko had at last begun to treat him as an important official should be treated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "About bloody time, he thought, more than a little pleased, every nerve tuned to Fujiko's fingers...\n\nMost of her mind was concentrated on Raiko's warning: \"Some vile and hungry low-class person at the Lily has seduced our gai-jin lord away from us. At great cost I have tempted him here, granting many concessions to go-betweens. Do not fail tonight, this may be your last chance to bind him to us with ropes of silk. Use every trick, every technique... even the Moon behind the Mountain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fujiko flinched. She had never tried this before, even in the most heated embrace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind, she told herself stoically, better a few queer moments of eccentric behavior—than no gai-jin pay tonight, and no pay for a year of leisure.\n\nAs her fingers moved closer and her soft murmurs began, daydream pictures of her farmhouse began to intrude, the children, her fine husband and their ripening fields of rice, so grand and kind and..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Firmly she put them away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until the client is asleep, she ordered herself.\n\nTonight you will snare the ungrateful dog forever!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a matter of face for the whole of the House of the Three Carp! Waylaid by a low-class person from the Lily?\n\nUgh!" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clipper Prancing Cloud swung at anchor with a change in the evening tide. \"She's snug, sir,\" the First Mate said. Captain Strongbow nodded and continued puffing his pipe.\n\nThey were on the quarterdeck. Wind creaked the spars and blocks above. Strongbow was a clear eyed, thick, tough man of fifty. \"It'll be a fair night, Mister, crisp but not cold.\" He smiled, adding softly, \"Good for our guests, eh?\"\n\nThe First Mate, as tall and tough and weathered but half his age, was watching them too and grinned. \"Aye, aye, sir.\"\n\nAngelique and Malcolm were on the main deck below, leaning on the gunnel close together, staring at the lights of Yokohama. Malcolm wore a topcoat over casual shirt and trousers and soft shoes, and had, for the first time, without too much discomfort, used only one stick while aboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wore a heavy red shawl around her shoulders and over a long, loose dress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were near a deck cannon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ship carried ten thirty-pounders, port and starboard, and bow and stern chasers and their gunners were as good as any in the Navy. That was Strongbow's boast. It did not apply to all their clippers or merchantmen or steamers.\n\n\"Pretty, isn't it, my darling wife?\" Malcolm said, genuinely happy for one of the few times in his life.\n\n\"Tonight everything in the world is pretty, mon amour,\" she said, nestling closer. It was after dinner and they were waiting until the stateroom, the cabin they were occupying, was cleared of dishes and prepared. The cabin was large and used the whole of the stern, normally the Captain's quarters, unless the tai-pan was aboard—one of the many laws laid down by Dirk Struan, thirty years ago, the fleet still governed by his dictates to the last detail: best pay, cleanliness, training, and fighting readiness.\n\nStrongbow was watching the tide, gauging it. In these waters a change in the tide could herald the coming, hours later, of a tsunami, a giant wave generated maybe a thousand miles away by a sub-ocean earthquake that would engulf anything in its path at sea, and coastal cities when it hit land.\n\nWhen he felt that the shift had been normal, he looked back at Struan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad to have him aboard, and new orders to sail early tomorrow with all speed for Hong Kong, knowing, as they all knew, Herself had commanded the young man home weeks ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was troubled to be carrying the girl." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'young' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My God, damned if I can call her Mrs. Struan—there's only one of them, he was thinking. Young Malcolm married? In spite of Her orders? In spite of Her opposition? He must be daft! Is the marriage legal? By sea law, yes, if they were adults but they're not. Will it be overturned? A broken penny to a golden guinea She'll have twenty ways to null it without as much as a how'd'you do! Christ!\n\nWhat about the girl then? What will happen to her? And young Malcolm? How in the hell can he win against Her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm glad I wasn't the one who married them, thank God for that. Would I if he'd asked me? Not on your Nelly! Never!\n\nHerself will spit blood, right about them being under age, and about her being Catholic. It's going to cause a battle royal, this time mother against son, a fight to the death with no rules and we all know she's a hellcat when aroused—worse than my Cat—though young Malcolm's changed, tougher than I've ever seen him, more determined than he's ever been. Why? Because of the girl? Only God knows, but it'd be a welcome change to have a proper tai-pan again, a man.\n\nNo doubt in the world young Malcolm's overboard for her and who's to blame him? Not me! I'd wed her myself given the chance but, by God, this's one time I'm not going to hurry to report in, to rush off to drink and bed my Cat. He chuckled. Cat was his mistress of years, a Shanghainese girl whose temper and jealousy were legend but whose passion had no rival.\n\n\"What about our change of orders, sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Strongbow shrugged. Certainly no need for Malcolm to rush ashore before dawn to rush back again, not with his walking so badly—one stick or two, never mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Any problems, things to sign, could be brought aboard by McFay. Ah yes, Jamie, what's he hiding? Something smelly—why else the secrecy and all shore leave cancelled for the crew?\n\nHe had heard rumors of an impending duel. Just the sort of damn fool escapade Struan pride would precipitate, then to deal with it before leaving, anything to humble the Brocks when everyone knows we should be making a peace, the feud's gone on too long, they're in the ascendance and they've got our noses jammed in the bucket. Will we be flying their flag come Christmas? By God, I hope not.\n\nThe young idiot doesn't take after his father but his grandfather. Christ, what a man! Strongbow had sailed with him several times, trading opium up the China coast as midshipman, then gunner's mate, then as Third Mate under Stride Orlov the Hunchback—Master of the clipper fleet after the tai-pan.\n\nHe saw Malcolm put his arm around the girl and she pressed even closer and his heart went out to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tough growing up, tough to be tai-pan, or almost tai-pan of the Noble House, with such a grandfather—and such a mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pointedly he moved across the quarterdeck and looked seawards. The First Mate followed. Both gazed up into the shrouds as a few of the resting sea birds changed perches, cawing. Then one dipped off the top gallant spars and they watched him vaporize into the dark for night fishing. Another followed as silently.\n\nMalcolm and Angelique had not moved, lost in their serenity. The half hour sand timer on the bridge emptied. At once the duty watch turned it and rang six bells, 11:00 p.m., echoed by other vessels in the bay. They came out of their reverie. \"Time to go below, Angel?\"\n\n\"Soon now, beloved. Chen said he'd tell us when our cabin's ready.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"A thousand times... my darling wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had thought about that ever since he had said, \"How would you like to be married today...\" She smiled and kissed his chin, prepared, and at peace. \"Hello, my darling husband, we're going to have such a wonderful life, I promise, no more pain for you and fitter than ever before. Promise?\"\n\n\"A thousand times... my darling wife.\"\n\nMore sea birds dipping from the rigging, and Chen came up and said everything was as the tai-pan had ordered.\n\nMalcolm added in Cantonese, \"Remember now, don't wake tai-tai when you wake me.\" Tai-tai meant Supreme of the Supreme, First Wife—who was supreme and ultimate law inside any Chinese household, as the Husband was supreme outside.\n\n\"Sleep well, Master, ten thousand sons, Missee.\"\n\n\"Tai-tai,\" Malcolm said, correcting him.\n\n\"Ten thousand sons, tai-tai.\"\n\n\"What was that about, Malcolm?\" she asked, smiling.\n\n\"He was wishing you a happy marriage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doh jeh, Chen\"—thank you, she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 12 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen waited until they had bid the officers good night, and were below—Malcolm using one stick, leaning on her. Ayeeyah, he thought, going forward to the fo'c'sle gangway, all gods great and small, protect the Master and give him a night worth all the pain—past and future—but first consider me and my problems and explain to Illustrious Chen and tai-tai Tess this marriage was nothing to do with me.\n\nFrom the quarterdeck Strongbow watched Chen go below. \"They're all bedded down? The servants?\"\n\n\"We put hammocks in the starboard sail room. They'll be snug unless we run into a storm.\"\n\n\"Good. You want to have your tea now, Mister?\"\n\n\"Yes, thanks, I'll be back smartly.\" Tonight the First Mate had the midnight to 4:00 a.m. watch and he ran down the gangway lightly. At the stern end of the corridor was the state room. The door was closed. He heard the bolt slide home. Smiling, silently whistling a jig, he headed for the galley." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for James Clavell vibes in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm was leaning against the door, aching with anticipation, determined to walk unaided to his marriage bed. She had stopped near the bunk and was looking back at him. The stateroom was well ordered. And warm. The big dining table and sea chairs secured to the deck. So was the roomy bunk, easily enough for two, another of the tai-pan's laws. It was high and its headboard centered against the stern bulkhead, with roped canvas guards against the tilt of the decks when reaching to windward, or tacking under full canvas. Now these were sheathed. Port was a small bathroom and toilet. Sea chest for clothes to starboard. From the beams a gimballed oil lamp cast pleasing shadows.\n\nBoth of them hesitated, unsure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angel?\"\n\n\"Yes, chéri?\"\n\n\"I love you.\"\n\n\"I love you, too, Malcolm. I'm so happy.\"\n\nStill neither moved. Her shawl had fallen away slightly to reveal her shoulders and the pale green, high-waisted Empire-style dress, the folds of soft silk gathered under her bosom that rose and fell in time with the beating of his heart. The dress was the most advanced haute couture from the latest L'Illustration that Colette had sent, not yet in full favor, daring in its simplicity. When she had appeared at dinner, Strongbow, their guest, and Malcolm, despite themselves, had both gasped.\n\nHer eyes were mirrors of his and now, unable to bear the waiting and his need that seemed to reach out and envelop and smother her, she hurried into his arms. Passionately. Her shawl dropped unnoticed to the deck.\n\nA little dizzy, she murmured, \"Come along, chéri,\" and took his hand—and part of his weight—said another silent prayer for help, annihilated the past and the future, abandoning herself to the present, she led him to the bunk—resolved to be all that he desired and expected. Ever since today's sudden and unbelievable ceremony she had been planning for this moment, her role, sifting her own ideas and what Colette had whispered how some of the great ladies of the court conducted themselves on the first night: \"It's important, Angelique, to be the guide, to control the stallion as a good rider should, with strong hands and tight rein, with firmness but gentleness to remove the initial violence from even the most docile of husbands—to lessen the hurt. Be prepared...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His impatience was vast, big hands wandering, lips stronger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me help you,\" she said huskily, also wanting to begin, and eased the coat off and then the shirt and flinched when she saw the extent of the scar at his waist.\n\n\"Mon Dieu, I'd forgotten how badly you've been hurt.\"\n\nHis passion went. But not the thundering of his heart. Every instinct made him want to pull the shirt or sheet around him but he forced himself not to. The scar was a fact of his life. \"Sorry.\"\n\n\"Don't be sorry, mon amour,\" she said, her eyes spilling, and holding him close. \"I'm sorry, so sorry for you and all that horror... so sorry.\"\n\n\"Don't, my darling. It's joss. Soon it'll only be a bad dream, all of it, for both of us, I promise.\"\n\n\"Yes, my darling, so sorry, so silly of me,\" she said, still holding on to him and, in a moment, when the anguish for him had lessened, angry at herself for her lapse, she brushed away her tears—and with them her momentary sadness—kissed him quickly, pretending it had never happened. \"Sorry, my darling, how silly of me! Sit there for a moment.\" He obeyed.\n\nWatching him with veiled but shining eyes, she undid the silk belt and then the back buttons and let the gown fall as she had planned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only a half-slip and pantaloons remained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached for her but she chuckled and slid away and went to the sea chest where her mirror and salves and perfumes were, and, taking her time, put perfume behind her ears and then on each breast, teasing and tantalizing.\n\nBut he did not mind, consumed with her, enchanted, for she had explained many times, in different words, \"We French are different from you, my darling Malcolm, we are open about loving, modest but not modest, so opposite to the English. We believe loving should be like a marvelous meal, one to thrill the senses, all senses, and not the way our poor English sisters, and their brothers, are taught: that it should be done quickly, in the dark, believing somehow the act is squalid and bodies shameful. You'll see, when we're married...\"\n\nAnd now they were. She was his wife, she was coquettish for his delight and he was filled with joy and pulsating. Thank God for that, he thought, monumentally relieved—he had worried for weeks, reliving the Yoshiwara girl, when nothing had worked. \"Angel,\" he said throatily.\n\nShyly she stepped out of her pantaloons and slip and walked over to the gimballed lamp and turned the wick down, leaving just enough light, more strikingly lovely than he had imagined—the sight of her naked body was like a dream, and at the same time achingly, vividly real. Without hurry she climbed into the other side of the bunk and lay alongside him.\n\nWhispering words of love, hands touching, exploring, his breathing heavy, moving closer, breath catching painfully when he moved, lips hot and kisses passionate. Her own hands tentative, carefully controlled, all her mind concentrated on the picture of happy, innocent first love that she wanted him to have of her—desperate to please but a little frightened.\n\n\"Oh Malcolm, oh Malcolm...\" Murmuring and kissing him deeply, loving him—praying that what Babcott had said in answer to her questions was true: \"Don't worry, for a time he won't be able to ride comfortably, or dance a polka brilliantly, but that doesn't matter, he can drive a coach-and-four, captain a ship, run the Noble House, sire many children—and be the best husband ever...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her need for him was strong now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she modulated it, checking her own desire, sticking to the plan, helping and guiding and then a sharp gasp, never wavering, now holding him tightly, reacting and reacting until so soon he cried out, her whole body rocked by the contortions of his release and cries that went on and on and then his helpless, panting, dead weight crushing her—but not crushing her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How odd that I can bear his weight so easily, everything fitting together, she thought, her mouth whispering sweet and tender words, soothing his panting whimpers, content that their first joining had been accomplished so pleasingly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: So, so do I, Angel, I can't tell you enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was half conscious, lost in some strange plateau, weightless, empty, feeling nothing yet sated with love for this incredible creature who, nude, was all that he imagined and more. The smell and taste and being of her. Every part of him satisfied. Everything worthwhile. In euphoria. Now she's mine and I was manly and she was womanly and, oh Christ, I hope I didn't hurt her.\n\n\"Are you all right, Angel?\" he asked huskily, his heart slowing but still hardly able to talk. \"I didn't hurt you?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, my darling... I love you so much.\"\n\n\"So, so do I, Angel, I can't tell you enough.\" He kissed her and began to lift his weight on to his elbows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, don't move, not yet, please, I like you like th—What is it, my darling?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said nervously, her arms tightening.\n\n\"Nothing, nothing at all,\" he muttered, dealing with the sudden pain from his loins that stabbed into the base of his skull as he had moved. Cautiously, he tried again; better this time. And he stopped the groan this time.\n\n\"Don't move, Malcolm,\" she said tenderly. \"Stay still, rest, mon amour, I like you like this, please... please.\"\n\nGratefully he obeyed, starting to murmur how much he loved her, so comfortable, so possessed, so peaceful, so utterly satisfied, to drift into sleep, to sleep deeply. The ship's bell sounded one bell: half-past midnight but he did not stir, and she lay there, calmed and soothed and gratified, her future launched, enjoying the quiet of the cabin, timbers creaking sometimes, waves lapping the hull, savoring the sensation of fulfillment too.\n\nWithout waking him, she slid from under him and went to the bathroom and cleansed herself. She sighed and begged forgiveness. A nick with the small knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "André had said, \"It's difficult, almost impossible for a man to tell if the girl's a virgin or not on their wedding night if he has no reason to suspect. A little fear, a gasp at the right time, a little telltale blood the clincher, and in the morning all will be serene and as it should be.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What an awful cynic André is, she thought. God protect me from him and forgive me my sins—I'm glad I'm married, and soon off to Hong Kong so I won't need to think about him ever again, just my Malcolm...\n\nShe almost danced over to the bunk. Softly into bed to hold his hand and close her eyes, seeing glorious mind pictures of their future. I do love him so." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly she was awake, thinking she had felt another earthquake. The cabin was dark, just the barest flame of the gimballed lamp, swaying slightly. Then she remembered dimming it before she slept, realizing the sound that had awakened her was the ship's bell and not the pealing of the cathedral during the earthquake of her dreams, the earthquake only the ship's movement, none of the dream bad. Then, seeing him there beside her, she experienced a loving glow, unlike anything before, knowing they were married and that not a dream either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Four bells? 2:00 a.m. Or 6:00 a.m.?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, silly, it can't be, or there would be light outside the portholes and Malcolm said he had to go ashore before we slip anchor for civilization to beard the Dragon in her lair—no, to greet a mother-in-law I will charm and beguile who will quickly love me and be the perfect adoring grandmother.\n\nShe watched him in the half-light. He was sleeping on his side, his head cradled in his right arm, his sleeping face without care lines, breathing soft, his body warm with his good, clean manly smell. This is my husband and I love him and am only his and the other never happened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How lucky I am!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hand began to touch him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stirred. His hand reached for her too. Not quite awake he said, \"Hello, Angel.\"\n\n\"Je t'aime.\"\n\n\"Je t'aime aussi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hand sought her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'muscles' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She responded. Caught unawares he flinched and turned to her, held his breath as a pain leapt to the back of his eyes, and then, as it passed, exhaled.\n\n\"Je t'aime, chéri,\" she said, and leaned down to kiss him, and between kisses whispered, \"No, don't move, stay there, stay still,\" and added with a little laugh, her voice husky with need, \"Lie still, mon amour.\"\n\nIn moments passion swamped him. Aroused and throbbing, everything forgotten, now sensuality shared and now moving slowly and slowly and then quicker and slow again and deeper, her voice throaty, urging him, him reacting, on and on, stronger and stronger, all his glands and muscles and yearning centering, centering until she was near and very near, and going and near again, holding her, helping her, thrusting until she sensed her body vanish, her weight vanish, everything vanish and she collapsed on him, her spasms and cries pulling him further into her, his muscles stretched to the limit by his final thrust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then and then and then he too cried out and was weightless, his body grinding of its own accord, pumping of its own accord, until the last, frenzied, so welcome spasm passed and all movement ceased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only panting breaths mixed, sweat mixed, hearts mixed.\n\nIn time he became conscious. Her sleeping weight on his chest was as nothing. He lay there in wonder, vibrantly aware, euphoric, one arm holding her safe, knowing she was comely as ever a wife could be." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her breath cooled his cheeks, long and slow and deep. His head was cleansed and future clear, without a shred of self-doubt. Utterly sure that he had been right to marry her, certain that now he could end the conflict with his mother and that together they would end the Brocks, as he would end Norbert, end opium sales and cannon sales, and persuade Jamie to stay, and he would rule Struan's as it should be ruled—as the tai-pan would want it ruled. Until, with the fullness of time, he would have done his duty and made the Noble House first in Asia again, to pass it on to the next tai-pan, the firstborn son they would name Dirk, first of many sons and many daughters.\n\nHow long he lay there he did not know, supremely confident, joy-filled and in ecstasy, his arms around her, loving her, breathing her breath, more happy than he had ever been, could ever be, his lips telling her he loved her, his mind easing him into sleep in blissful warmth and away from the memory of that awesome, marvelous, agonizing, writhing, ultimate burst of immortality that had seemed to him to tear him apart." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the grey dawn Jamie McFay hurried up from the Drunk Town jetty and turned the corner. Around it he saw Norbert and Gornt in No Man's Land, waiting where they should be waiting, noticing without interest the small bag in Gornt's hand that would contain the duelling pistols they had agreed on. Apart from the three of them—and acres of flies—the foul, weed-covered dump was desolate. He had passed no one except drunks huddled and snoring in the corners of shacks, sprawled on benches or in the dirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not seen them.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Jamie said, out of breath. Like them he wore a topcoat and hat against the morning air, heavy and damp. \"Sorry I'm late, I ha—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's the tai-pan of the Bloody House?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Norbert asked rudely, shoving his chin out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is he yellow or what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go fuck yourself,\" Jamie snarled, his face as grey as the dirty sky. \"Malcolm's dead, the tai-pan's dead.\" He saw them gaping at him and he still could not believe it either. \"I've just come back from the ship. Went to fetch him before dawn and... well, they... he'd spent the night aboard Prancing Cloud. He was...\" Words failed him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'going' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His tears welled and again he relived the going there and seeing Strongbow at the gangway, pale and frightened, yelling out long before he had come alongside that young Malcolm was dead, that he'd sent their cutter for a doctor but, for Christ's sake, he's dead.\n\nThen charging up the steps. Noticing Angelique huddled in the corner of the quarterdeck, wrapped in blankets, the First Mate nearby but rushing past them, praying it was not true but a nightmare, then going below.\n\nThe stateroom was bathed in light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Malcolm lay in the bunk on his back. Eyes closed, calm in death, no cares, sheets drawn up to his chin, it suddenly hitting Jamie that his friend was as he had never seen him, exquisitely at peace.\n\n\"It were... it were Chen,\" Strongbow was saying in a flood, distraught, \"his servant Chen, Jamie, he'd come to wake him ten, fifteen minutes ago, he's the one that found him, Jamie, he found him—you can unbolt the door from the outside like most sea cabins—and he did and they were sleeping, he thought. She was but Malcolm weren't and he shook him and saw and near died himself and ran out and fetched me and by that time, she was awake. She was awake and shrieking, poor thing, desperate, shrieking enough to put your teeth on edge so I took her out and told the First Mate to look after her and came back but there were no mistake, poor laddie, he's just as you see him 'cepting I closed his eyes but look... look here...\"\n\nTrembling, Strongbow pulled the sheet away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm was naked. The lower part of his body rested in a pool of blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blood was dried and caked now, the mattress soaked. \"He... he must have hemorrhaged, only God knows why but I suppose...\"\n\n\"Christ Jesus,\" Jamie had said, and lurched for a chair and cursed and cursed and cursed again, numb. Malcolm? \"What the hell do I do now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked himself helplessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The voice of God ricocheted around the cabin answering him: \"You pack it in ice and send it home!\"\n\nFrightened, he leapt to his feet. Strongbow was staring at him perplexed and, all at once, Jamie realized it was the Captain who had answered him, unaware that he himself had spoken the question aloud. \"Is that all you can bloody say, for Christ's sake?\" he shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Jamie, didn't mean... I didn't mean to be...\" Strongbow wiped his forehead. \"What do you want me to do?\"\n\nAfter another age, ears still pounding, head scourged, he muttered, \"I don't know.\"\n\n\"Normally we—we would bury him at sea, can't keep... You could bury him ashore... What do you want me to do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie's mind seemed to be in slow motion. Then he noticed Ah Tok squatting near the bunk, tiny, now an old crone, rocking on her heels, mouth moving but no sound coming out. \"Ah Tok, you go upside, nothing here, heya?\"\n\nShe paid no heed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just rocked back and forth, mouthing, and did not answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried again but it was no use." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Strongbow he said, \"You'd just better wait. You wait for Babcott or Hoag.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aloft again to kneel beside Angelique, in the still dark, not yet dawn. But she would not answer him, however tenderly he talked to her, saying how sorry he was, how very sorry, trying to succor her. Momentarily she looked up, without recognition, great blue eyes in the whiteness of her face, then huddled back in the blankets, staring sightlessly at the deck.\n\n\"I'm going ashore, Angelique, ashore. You understand? It's... it's best to tell Sir William, you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her nod dully and touched her as a father would. At the gangway he said to Strongbow, \"Put the flag at half mast, all hands to stay aboard, your sailing orders are cancelled. I'll be back as soon as I can. Best... best not to touch anything till Babcott or Hoag arrive.\"\n\nGoing back to the shore he had been violently sick and now he saw Norbert and Gornt in front of him. Gornt was shocked, Norbert's eyes glittered and, through his misery, he heard him say, \"Malcolm's dead? How dead, for Christ's sake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" he said, choked. \"We—we—we've sent for Babcott but it looks like he hemorrhaged. I've got to tell Sir William.\" He turned to leave but Norbert's jeering laughter stopped him.\n\n\"You mean the young bugger died fucking? Died on the job? I come to kill the bugger but he's done fucked his way through the Pearly Gates? Old Man Brock will laugh fit to b—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blind with rage McFay lashed out, his right fist smashing into Norbert's face, sending him reeling, and missed with a violent left uppercut, overbalanced, and fell to his knees. Norbert had twisted like a cat and leapt to his feet, bellowing with fury, face bloody, nose ugly, and kicked violently for Jamie's head. The toe of his boot caught Jamie's collar and that deflected and deadened the impact slightly or it would have broken his neck instead of sending him tumbling. Norbert wiped the blood off his face as he rushed forward and again kicked savagely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this time Jamie was ready and he twisted aside before Norbert could reach him and scrambled to his feet, his fists bunched, his left arm momentarily useless.\n\nFor a second they squared off, pain obliterated by hatred, Gornt trying to stop them but at the same instant the two men charged, amok, brushing him aside like a leaf. Fists, feet, gouging, street fighting, knees into the groin, nails clawing, tearing cloth or hair anything to crush the other—the enmity of years exploding with surpassing ferocity. They were the same height but Jamie was thirty pounds lighter, Norbert tougher and more vicious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His knife appeared in his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both Jamie and Gornt called out as he lunged, missed, recovered, slashed again and drew blood this time, Jamie awkward and losing and tortured by the damaged shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a victorious battle cry Norbert thrust forward, to maim but not to kill, but the same moment Jamie's fist crashed into the bridge of his nose, smashing it this time, and Norbert went down whimpering and stayed down, on his hands and knees, sightless with pain, beaten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie stood over him panting, Gornt expecting him to finish the other man with a kick to the groin and another to the head, then perhaps to use the heel of his boot to mash his face forever. That's what he would have done—not gentlemanly to pull a knife or jeer at the death of another man, even an enemy, he thought with satisfaction at McFay's victory.\n\nBut Malcolm's death had not pleased him at all. It was the one option he had not planned for, not today." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now his scheme would have to be revised, and quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In God's name, how?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could this brawl be used, he wondered, sifting possibilities while waiting to see what Jamie would do next." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that he had won, Jamie's rage dissipated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His chest was heaving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bile and blood filled his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spat it out. For years he had wanted to humble Norbert and now he had, and had his measure once and for all time—and had taken revenge for Malcolm who had been provoked deliberately.\n\n\"Norbert, you bastard,\" he croaked, astonished how bad his voice sounded and how awful he felt. \"You say any—anything against my tai-pan, anything, by God, or laugh about him again behind his back, I'll smash you to pieces.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Roughly he stumbled past Gornt, hardly seeing him, to go to the jetty. Ten or fifteen yards away his foot caught in a rut and he fell cursing, and remained there on his hands and knees, oblivious of the others, spent.\n\nNorbert was coming around, spitting blood, his nose ruined, a mass of hurt, sick with rage that he had been beaten. And petrified. Old Man Brock won't forgive you, his brain was screaming, you'll lose your bonus and the stipend he promised, you'll be the laughingstock of Asia, beaten and pulped and marked forever by that son of a bitch Jamie who's nowhere near your size, a Struan bastard..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt himself helped to stand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unsteadily he forced his eyes open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gasping for air and confused, his face and head on fire, eyes puffed and mostly closed, he saw McFay groping to his feet a few paces away with his back towards him, Gornt half in front of him, still carrying the double-barrelled duelling pistol.\n\nHalf mad with pain, a tangle of thoughts rushed at him: Can't miss at this distance, Gornt's the only witness, at the inquest we'll say, \"McFay went for the gun, Sir William, we'd been fighting, yes, a struggle, yes, but he'd hit me first, didn't he, Edward, tell the God's truth, then terrible, Your Honor, terrible it was, somehow the gun went off, poor Jamie...\"\n\nNorbert grabbed the pistol and raised it.\n\n\"Jamie!\" Gornt called out in warning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "McFay turned, startled, gaped at the pointed gun as Norbert jeered and pulled the trigger, but Gornt was ready and with another warning shout deflected the shot upwards and now, with his back towards McFay, covered the pistol with his body, holding it in both hands with surprising strength, simulating a momentary struggle with Norbert for possession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And all the time he stared into Norbert's eyes who saw, appalled, only death. He twisted the muzzle into Norbert's chest and squeezed the second trigger. Norbert died instantly. Then, pretending to be aghast, Gornt let the body fall. It had taken a few seconds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ Almighty,\" Jamie gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Appalled, he stumbled over and sank to his knees beside the body." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'shoot' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My God, suh, I didn't know what to do. Oh, my God, suh, Mr. Greyforth, he was going to shoot you in the back and all I did... oh, my God, Mr. McFay... you saw him yourself, didn't you? I shouted a warning but... he was going to shoot you in the back... isn't there anything we can do? He was going to kill you...\" Easy to convince McFay, who blearily staggered away to fetch help.\n\nOnce safely alone, Gornt exhaled. Pleased with himself. Delighted he had, in that instant, foreseen what Norbert would do and had gambled his life on it.\n\n\"When you're gambling, timing and execution must be perfect,\" was one of his stepfather's litanies when teaching him the art of cards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes there comes a chance, young Eddie, a gift from the Fates. They give you something special, you take it and make a killing. You win the big pot, you can't fail if they've really offered it, their timing's perfect. But don't be fooled by the Devil—he'll screw you to the cross, his deal's like the other but different, you'll recognize the difference once it comes your way...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt smiled crookedly. His stepfather hadn't meant a killing literally though it had come to pass that way for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gift from the Fates was Norbert." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perfect timing, perfect killing, perfect alibi.\n\nNorbert had to be sent onward for many reasons. One was because Norbert might have been able to deflect part of the Brock disaster, turning it back against Struan's. Another that Old Man Brock had ordered Norbert to kill Struan any way he could, another—the most important—that Norbert was common with no manners, no finesse, no sense of honor, and not a gentleman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flies were already swarming around and on the corpse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt moved away and lit a cheroot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes searched No Man's Land, looking through the mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still no alien eyes, no one stirring. Dawn barely breaking the overcast. While he waited he removed the blanks from the other pistol, Malcolm's pistol, that Norbert had insisted on. He smiled to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would have switched them, giving Norbert the duds, if Norbert had decided to fight the duel, instead of cancelling as agreed.\n\nWhat a bastard Norbert was, he thought. Good riddance. But I'm sorry about Malcolm. Never mind, now I'll go to Hong Kong and make my deal with his mother—safer and better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Norbert was right, she's the real tai-pan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I barter what I would have given Malcolm, real means and evidence to destroy Brock and Sons—to crush Morgan, the devil incarnate.\n\nVengeance is mine, saith the Lord. But not with me. Not me, Edward Gornt, Morgan's son." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ah, Father, if you only knew how glorious revenge will be, how correct patricide is!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In payment for \"I'll marry the slut if...\"\n\nIt's ironic, Morgan, you've spent your life trying to ruin your only sister and her family—your father the same with his only daughter—and I'm your only son, and nemesis, protecting her to ruin you.\n\nSafer dealing with Tess than Malcolm, better. She'll deliver Rothwell's in Shanghai, and underwrite the Victoria Bank loans I'll need, and get me a seat on the Board." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'meanwhile' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, not that, rightly she'd consider that a threat, the seat will come later. Meanwhile, next on the list, Cooper-Tillman.\n\nMeanwhile, what to do? Off to Hong Kong soon as possible." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'malcolm' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curious, Norbert's gone, and Malcolm. Strange.\n\nDying on the job? I wonder. What a way to go!\n\nBy removing Malcolm the Fates dealt me another prize." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique. She's free and rich now, Noble House rich." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Six months would be perfect, time enough for mourning, and me to get organized. By then Tess Struan will be glad to have her out of Hong Kong, and out of her hair. And married. Say she's pregnant? I'll worry about that, if." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Makes no difference either way, I'll get the Noble House quicker than already planned." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His low laugh mixed with the hum of the flies." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'about' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Babcott's outside, Sir William,\" Tyrer said.\n\n\"Send him in, for God's sake! George, 'morning, what the hell happened to the poor fellow—terrible news! What about Angelique, how is she, did you hear about Norbert? Miserable bastard tried to shoot Jamie in the back couple of hours ago!\"\n\n\"Yes, yes, we heard.\" Babcott was unshaven and clearly upset. \"Hoag's taken Angelique to the French Legation, we all came ashore together—she wouldn't go back to Struan's.\"\n\n\"I can understand that, don't blame her, how is she?\"\n\n\"In shock, of course. We've given her sedatives. Dreadfully sorry for her—she's had a rotten time here, the Tokaidō, then that bloody ronin thug and now this. Rotten luck, the worst luck. She's hurting badly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh. Will it... will it turn her mind?\"\n\n\"Hope not. You never know. She's young and strong but... you never know. By all that's holy I hope not.\" The two men were gravely concerned. \"Such a shame for both of them. Rotten business, feel so damned useless.\"\n\nSir William nodded. \"Must confess I was bloody angry about their marriage, but then, when I heard this morning, well, I would have given anything for it not to have happened.\" His face hardened. \"Did you see Norbert's body?\"\n\n\"No, Hoag will do that once he's settled Angelique. I thought I'd better come straight here and report.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite right. Now, what happened to Malcolm?\"\n\nIn spite of his anguish, Babcott became clinical. \"Hemorrhage. An artery or vein ruptured or burst. In the night, while he was asleep, without any pain or contortions or he would have awakened her, life seeped out of him. I'll do an autopsy, have to for the death certificate.\"\n\n\"All right, if that's what you recommend.\" Sir William turned his mind off that macabre business, finding it distasteful, not liking, either, to be close to the doctor, any doctor, their clothes always bloodstained here and there, and always the faint odor of chemicals and carbolic surrounding them, however clean they were in themselves. \"Poor young Struan. Terrible. He just bled to death?\"\n\n\"Yes. For what it's worth, Malcolm... he was the most incredibly peaceful man I've ever seen in death, as though it was welcomed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William toyed with an inkwell on his desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"George, would he, would coming—I mean finishing—would that... would that do it? I mean if he was hugely excited?\"\n\n\"That's probably what happened. Not the climax itself but the uncontrollable straining it generates could easily tear weakened tissues or cause a rupture. His genitals were in perfect shape but his stomach cavity generally weak. I'd repaired part of the large bowel and sutured a couple of arteries, there were some nasty lesions and he wasn't healing as I would have liked, his liver was—\"\n\n\"Yes, well, I don't need the details now,\" Sir William said squeamishly, already feeling slightly sick. \"My God, young Struan! Seems impossible—then there's Norbert! If it weren't for Gornt we'd also have a murder on our hands. That fellow deserves a medal. He said, by the way, Jamie was provoked and Norbert deserved to get pasted. Did you know Malcolm and Norbert were meeting in Drunk Town to duel?\"\n\n\"Not till a moment ago. Phillip told me. Madmen, both of them. Damn it, you warned them!\"\n\n\"Yes, I did. Damn fools, though Gornt swore both had agreed to accept the other's apology, but he also said Norbert told him this morning he had changed his mind and was going to kill Struan. Miserable bastard!\" Uneasily Sir William shifted things on his desk, straightening papers and the small, silver mounted portrait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do we do now?\"\n\n\"About Norbert?\"\n\n\"No, Malcolm, what about Malcolm first?\"\n\n\"I'll do the autopsy today, this evening. I've taken the liberty of arranging to have the body taken to Kanagawa—it'll be easier there. Hoag will assist and you'll have a report in the morning. We'll sign the death certificate, it'll all be quite normal.\"\n\n\"I meant with the body,\" Sir William said testily.\n\n\"You can bury him at your leisure. In this weather there's no hurry, the body will keep.\"\n\n\"Will it... is there time to send Prancing Cloud to Hong Kong to find out what his, what Mrs. Struan wants to do? I mean she might want to bury him there an—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My God, I wouldn't like to bring her that news.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nor would I.\" Sir William tugged at his collar. As usual it was chilly in the office, the coal fire tiny and miserable, with a strong draft from ill-fitting windows. \"Hoag's the family doctor, he could go. But, George, I mean, will he, will the body keep that long? To send word to her, come back, then take the body back—if that's what she wants?\"\n\n\"You'd better make the decision, to bury him here or to send him back at once. We'd keep him on ice, surround the coffin with ice, on deck under canvas, he'll keep very well.\"\n\nSir William nodded, revolted. \"Phillip,\" he shouted through the door. \"Ask Jamie to come by at once! George, I think the wisest course, provided he will, er, he'll keep would be to send him back. What's your advice?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, thank you, keep me advised about Angelique and don't forget supper tonight. What about our bridge game?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Best postpone both till tomorrow.\"\n\n\"All right, fine, that'll be fine. Thanks again... damn it, I forgot. What about Norbert?\"\n\n\"A quick burial, soon forgotten and not regretted.\"\n\n\"I'll have to hold an inquest, Edward Gornt's American, a foreign national—he's preparing a signed statement. Just as well Adamson's on leave or he'd want to be involved. He's a lawyer isn't he, as well as U.S. Chargé d'Affaires?\"\n\n\"Doesn't matter either way. Hoag and I can give medical evidence.\" Babcott got up and added coldly, \"But the 'shooting in the back'? Not a very good advertisement for Yokohama.\"\n\n\"My whole point.\" Sir William's face screwed up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My whole point. Wouldn't like that breezed about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean to our hosts?\"\n\n\"Yes. They'll have to be informed, that's required. Can't formally tell them exactly what happened, in either case. Obviously Norbert's an accidental death. But Struan?\"\n\n\"Tell them the truth,\" Babcott said, enraged by the waste and furious with himself that his work had not been good enough, and that, not as a doctor, he had desperately wanted to take Angelique in his arms to protect her from it all. \"The truth is this unnecessary, early death of that fine young man was attributable directly to wounds sustained in his unprovoked attack on the Tokaidō!\"\n\nSir William added bitterly, \"By murdering bastards who still haven't been brought to justice. You're right.\"\n\nHe let Babcott out, waved Tyrer away, then stood at the window, upset with his present impotence. I've got to bring the Bakufu to heel quickly or we're finished, and our vision of opening up Japan is lost." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They won't do it for themselves so we have to help them. But they've got to behave like civilized, law-abiding people... meanwhile the clock's ticking, I know in my bones they'll fall on us one night, put us to the torch and that will be that. Sure as God made little apples!\n\nOh yes, retribution would fall back on them—with great loss of life. Meanwhile I will have failed in my duty, we'll all be dead and that's a very boring thought indeed. If only Ketterer wasn't so pigheaded. How the hell do I turn that obstinate bastard to my will?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'advised' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sighed, knowing one answer: First you'd better make a peace with him!\n\nTheir stormy meeting late last night over the Admiral's blatant disregard of Mrs. Struan's request and his own advice, having had no suspicion of the real reason until he had wrung it out of Jamie McFay earlier, had deteriorated into a shouting confrontation: \"It was ill advised to allow Marlowe to—\"\n\n\"I thought it best! Now you listen to me—\"\n\n\"Best? God damn it, I've just learned you thought it best to stupidly interfere in political and trade matters by trying to barter a nonenforceable agreement with the pretender to the Struan throne and so alienate the true head forever more!\" he had said furiously. \"Didn't you?\"\n\n\"And you, sirrah, you interfere in matters that are the sole prerogative of Parliament—declaring war—and the real reason you are so ill advised with your language, sirrah, and so upset, is because I will not begin a war we cannot win, cannot sustain with our present forces, if at all, and in my opinion any attack on the capital will rightly be considered an act of war by the natives and not an incident. Good night!\"\n\n\"You agreed to assis—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agreed to rattle a few sabres, fire a few practice rounds to impress the natives but I haven't agreed to bombard Yedo, nor, for the last time, will I until you show me authority in writing, approved by the Admiralty. Good n—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Navy and the Army are subject to civilian control and advice, by God, and I'm the control here!\"\n\n\"Yes, you are, by God, if I agree,\" the Admiral bellowed, neck and face purple, \"but you're not in command of my ships and until I get orders to the contrary, approved by the Admiralty, I will run my fleet as I think best. Good night!\"\n\nSir William sat back at his desk. He sighed and picked up a pen and wrote on his headed paper:\n\nDear Admiral Ketterer, Much of what you said last night was correct. Please excuse my ill-advised use of some words in the heat of the moment. Perhaps you would be kind enough to stop by this afternoon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Make a copy, then send it to Ketterer by messenger.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You will have heard of young Struan's sad death that, according to Dr. Babcott, is \"directly attributable to wounds caused by the unprovoked Tokaidō attack.\" I will have to make another, most serious complaint to the Bakufu about the demise of this fine English gentleman and would be very pleased to have your advice how this should be couched. Most sincerely, my dear Sir, I remain yr obedient servant.\n\n\"What I do for England,\" he muttered, then shouted, \"Phillip!\" signed the paper and powdered it to dry the ink.\n\n\"Yessir?\"\n\n\"Make a copy, then send it to Ketterer by messenger.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie's just arrived, sir, and there's a deputation asking that you make this 'Angel Day,' a day of mourning.\"\n\n\"Refused! Send Jamie in.\"\n\nJamie was very bruised, his shoulder strapped up now.\n\n\"Jamie, you're feeling better? Good. George Babcott gave me a report.\" He told him what had been said about Malcolm's body. \"What do you think?\"\n\n\"We should send him home to Hong Kong, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, my thought too. You'll accompany the... him?\"\n\n\"No, sir. Mrs. Struan... afraid she doesn't approve of me anymore, and if I went back it would only worsen a really rotten situation for her, poor lady. Between us, I'm dismissed at the end of this month.\"\n\n\"Good God, why?\" Sir William was shocked.\n\n\"Doesn't matter, not now. Angelique, our Mrs. Struan, will of course go, and Dr. Hoag—did you know she changed her mind and decided to stay in her old apartments with us, and not at the French Legation after all?\"\n\n\"No, oh well, I suppose that's best. How is she?\"\n\n\"Hoag says as well as can be expected, whatever the hell that means. We'll send Prancing Cloud soon as you and he give me the word. When's that likely?\"\n\n\"George said he'd do the autopsy today and sign the death certificate, I'll have that tomorrow. The clipper could leave tomorrow, only problem would be Angelique, when she's fit to travel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William looked at him keenly. \"What about her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't know, not really. I haven't seen her since... since being aboard. She didn't speak to me, not once, not lucidly. Hoag's still with her.\" Jamie tried to hold back his grief. \"We can only hope.\"\n\n\"Rotten luck. Yes, no doubt about it. Now, Norbert. We'll have to have an inquest, of course.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Jamie touched his face, brushing away a nagging fly that sought the dried blood. \"Gornt saved my life.\"\n\n\"Yes. He'll be commended. Jamie, when you leave Struan's what will you do? Go home?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This's home, here or China,\" Jamie said simply." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll... somehow I'll start my own firm.\"\n\n\"Good, I wouldn't like to lose you. Bless my soul, I can't imagine the Noble House here without you.\"\n\n\"Nor can I.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the day wore on, the pall over Yokohama thickened. Shock, disbelief, anger, war fears, general fears—the Tokaidō remembered—mixed with many whispered snide remarks, but careful who you said them to because the Angel had violent champions and any raunchy remark or laugh implied disrespect. Malcolm was not so fortunate. He had enemies, many were glad to sneer and happy another disaster had fallen on Dirk Struan's progeny. And both priests in their several ways were sternly satisfied, seeing retribution from God.\n\n\"André,\" Seratard said at the lunch table in the Legation, Vervene a third man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did he make a will?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): What makes you so sure that will happen, that she'll be so antagonistic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know.\"\n\n\"See if you can find out. Ask her, or Jamie—he would probably know more.\"\n\nAndré Poncin nodded bleakly, worried sick. Struan's death had disrupted his plan to get more money from her quickly to pay Raiko. \"Yes, I'll try.\"\n\n\"Very important we should continue to stress her French citizenship to protect her when her mother-in-law tries to break the marriage.\"\n\nVervene said, \"What makes you so sure that will happen, that she'll be so antagonistic?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mon Dieu, it's obvious!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André answered for Seratard, irritably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her attitude will be that Angelique 'murdered' her son. We all know she hated her before, how much more so now? She's bound to accuse her of God knows what deviations because of her twisted Anglo-Saxon sexual dogma, in private if not in public. And don't forget she's a fanatic Protestant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to Seratard. \"Henri, perhaps I'd better see Angelique.\" He had already intercepted her and whispered that she should go back to Struan's and not stay here at the Legation: \"For God's sake, Angelique, your place is with your husband's people!\" It was so obvious that she must strengthen her position with Struan's—at any cost—that he had almost shouted at her, but his sudden anger turned to pity seeing the depth of her despair. Now he said, \"I'd better go.\"\n\n\"Yes, please do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "André closed the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the devil's the matter with him?\" Vervene said with a sniff.\n\nSeratard thought before answering, decided it was time. \"It's probably his illness—the English disease.\"\n\nHis deputy dropped his fork in shock. \"Syphilis?\"\n\n\"André told me a few weeks ago. You should know, only you amongst the staff, as these explosions may become more frequent. He's too valuable to send home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André had whispered he had made a brand-new, high-up intelligence connection: \"The man says Lord Yoshi will be back in Yedo in two weeks. For a fairly modest sum, he and his Bakufu connections guarantee a private meeting aboard our flagship.\"\n\n\"How much?\"\n\n\"That meeting would be worth whatever it costs.\"\n\n\"I agree, but how much?\" Seratard asked.\n\n\"The equivalent of four months of my salary,\" André had said bitterly, \"a pittance. Speaking of that, Henri, I need an advance, or the bonus you promised months ago.\"\n\n\"Nothing was agreed, dear André. In due course you will have it, but sorry again, no advance. Very well, that amount, after the meeting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Half now and half after. He also told me, for no money, Tairō Anjo is sick and may not last the year.\"\n\n\"Has he proof?\"\n\n\"Come on, Henri, you know that's not possible!\"\n\n\"Get your contact to make this tairō ape see Babcott for an examination and... and I'll give you a fifty percent raise.\"\n\n\"Double salary from today, double salary, and I'll need to give my contact a hefty down payment.\"\n\n\"Fifty percent from the day of the examination and thirty Mex in gold, five down and the rest after. And that's all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard had seen André's hope escalate. Poor André, he's losing his touch. Of course I understand a large part of the money will stick to his fingers, but never mind, dealing with spies is dirty business, and André is particularly dirty though very clever. And unfortunate.\n\nHe reached over and took the last slice of the one Brie cheese that had arrived, on ice, at fantastic cost, with the last mail ship. \"Be patient with the poor fellow, Vervene, eh?\" Every day he was expecting to see signs of the disease, but nothing, and every day André seemed a little younger, losing his previous harassed expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only his temper had deteriorated." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mon Dieu! A private Yoshi meeting! And if Babcott could examine this cretin Anjo, perhaps even cure him, at my instigation—never mind that Babcott's English, I'll barter this coup with Sir William for some other advantage—we will have made a tremendous step forward.\n\nHe raised his glass. \"Vervene, mon brave, the pox on the English and Vive la France!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique was lying listlessly in the four-poster bed, propped against piled-up pillows, never more wan or more ethereal. Hoag was in a chair by the bed, dozing, on and off. The late afternoon sun broke through the clouds for a moment to brighten a dull, windy day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the roads ships tugged at their moorings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half an hour ago—to her a minute or hour the same—the signal gun had announced the imminent arrival of the mail ship, waking her, not that she had really been asleep, wafting instead from consciousness to unconsciousness, no border between. Her eyes drifted past Hoag. Beyond him she saw the door to Malcolm's rooms—not his rooms, nor their rooms, just rooms now for another man, another tai-pan..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tears returned in full flood.\n\n\"Don't cry, Angelique,\" Hoag said softly, tenderly, every fiber concentrated, watching for telltale signs of looming disaster. \"All's well, life will go on and you're fine now, truly fine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was holding her hand. With a handkerchief she brushed away the tears. \"I would like some tea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At once,\" Hoag said, his ugly face filled with relief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the first she had spoken since this morning, properly, coherently, and first moments back were vital indicators. Almost cheering, he opened the door, for though her voice was a thread, there was no hysteria in it or under it or behind it, the light in her eyes was good, face no longer puffy from tears, and her pulse he had counted while holding her hand was firm and strong at ninety-eight counts per minute, no longer jumping around nauseatingly.\n\n\"Ah Soh,\" he said in Cantonese, \"bring your Mistress fresh tea but not a sound, say nothing and then leave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat near the bed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know where you are, my dear?\"\n\nShe just looked at him.\n\n\"May I ask a few questions? If you're tired, tell me and don't be afraid. Sorry, but it's important for you, not me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not afraid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know where you are?\"\n\n\"In my rooms.\"\n\nHer voice was flat, eyes blank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His concern increased. \"You know what happened?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Malcolm's dead.\"\n\n\"Do you know why he died?\"\n\n\"He died on our marriage night in our marriage bed and I'm responsible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Warning bells sounded in the back of his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're wrong, Angelique, Malcolm was killed on the Tokaidō, months ago,\" he said, his voice calm and unshakable. \"Sorry, but that's the truth and he'd been living on borrowed time ever since, not your fault, never your fault, it was the will of God, but I can tell you this with all my heart, we, Babcott and I, we have never seen a man more peaceful, more at peace in death, never, never, never.\"\n\n\"I'm responsible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The only part you're responsible for was the joy in the last months of his life. He did love you, didn't he?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but he died and—\" She almost added, and so did that other man, I don't even know his name but he died too, he loved me too and he died too and now Malcolm's dead an—\n\n\"Stop it!\"\n\nThe snarled harshness jerked her from the brink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag began breathing again, but he knew this had to be done and done quickly or she was lost, like others he had seen. He had to rid her of the devil lurking somewhere in her mind that was waiting to break out, waiting to pounce, to turn her into a gibbering lunatic, at least to harm her radically. \"Sorry. You've got to get this correct. You are only re—\" In panic he just caught himself before using that word, changing it to \"answerable for his joy. Repeat it for me. You are only ans—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am responsible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say it after me: I am only answerable for his joy,\" he said carefully, more of an order, noticing with alarm her abnormal pupils. She was brinking again.\n\n\"I am resp—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Answerable, God dammit,\" he said with pretended anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say after me, I am only answerable for his joy! Answerable for his joy! Say it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the sweat break out on her forehead and again she said the same and again he cut in, repeated the correct word, \"answerable, answerable for his joy!\" and again she said the other and again and during this Ah Soh brought the tea but neither saw her and she fled in terror as again and again Hoag ordered Angelique and she refused until suddenly she shrieked in French, \"All right, I'm only answerable for his joy but he's still dead dead dead... my Malcolm's deadddddddd!\"\n\nHe wanted to hold her and tell her that all was well and that she could sleep but he didn't, judging it was too soon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice was hard but not threatening and he said in his good French, \"Thank you, Angelique, but now we will speak English. Yes, I'm terribly sorry too, we all are that your lovely husband is dead, but it's not your fault. Say it!\"\n\n\"Leave me alone. Get out!\"\n\n\"When you say it: not your fault.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'fault' must appear 5 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not... not... Leave me alone!\"\n\n\"When you say it. Not your fault!\"\n\nShe stared at him, loathing the tormentor he was, then again shrieked at him: \"Not my fault, it's not my fault, it's not my fault, not my fault. Now are you satisfied? Get out, getout!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you tell me you understand your Malcolm is dead but you are in no way responsible!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Getout!\"\n\n\"Say it! God dammit, say it!\"\n\nSuddenly her voice became like the howl of a wild beast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yur Malcolm's dead yur Malcolm's dead he's dead, he's dead he's dead but yu're not not resp not responsible in no way any God-cursed way not resp in any way any way not responsible... not respon... not...\" As abruptly as she had begun her voice changed to a whimper, \"Not responsible, I'm not, I'm truly not, oh my darling, I'm so sorry, so sorry, I don't want you dead, oh Blessed Mother, help me, he's dead and I feel so terrible, so terrible, oh Malcolm, why did you die I loved you so much, so very much... oh Malcolm...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time he held her quiet, tightly, absorbing the tremors and weeping and the racking sobs. In time her voice trailed away, the sobbing lessened, and she sank into fitful sleep. Still he held her, gently but firmly, his clothes stuck to him with sweat and did not move until the sleep was deep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he eased away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His back was sparking with pain and he stood carefully, tortured, his muscles in spasm. When he had managed to ease his shoulders and neck he sat to regain his strength.\n\nThat was a near one, he thought, the pleasure that he had won this time eliminating part of his pain, seeing her as she was, young and beautiful and safe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His memory rushed him to Kanagawa to that other girl, the Japanese sister of the man he had operated on, as young and beautiful but Japanese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was her name?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uki something. I saved her brother to wreak more havoc on this poor child. But I'm glad she escaped. Did she? Such a beautiful woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like my own darling wife that was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How terrible and thoughtless of me, how insane to take her from India to an early London death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dharma? Fate?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like this child and poor Malcolm. Poor them, poor me. No, not poor me, I've just saved a life. You may be squat and ugly, old boy, he thought, taking her pulse, but Christ Almighty, you're a bloody good doctor, and bloody good liar—no, not good, just lucky. This time." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Afternoon, Jamie,\" Phillip Tyrer said sadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir William's compliments, here are three copies of the death certificate, one for you, one for Angelique, and one for Strongbow to go with the body. The original he thought should go by diplomatic pouch to the Governor's office for the Chief Coroner Hong Kong, who'll register it, then pass it on to Mrs. Struan. Ghastly, isn't it, but there you are.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Jamie's desk was piled with incoming mail, and documents concerning affairs to be arranged. His eyes were red from tiredness.\n\n\"How's Angelique?\"\n\n\"I haven't seen her yet but Hoag was here first thing. He said to leave her alone until she made the first move, that she was better than expected. She slept for fifteen-odd hours. He thought she should be well enough to travel tomorrow and recommended the sooner the better. He'll go, of course.\"\n\n\"When's Prancing Cloud rescheduled for?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow. Evening tide. Strongbow will be here any moment for sailing orders. You'll have mails to go with her?\"\n\n\"Definitely. And a pouch. I'll tell Sir William. Still cannot believe Malcolm's dead. Dreadful. Oh, by the way, the Norbert inquest's been fixed for five. Would you like a bite of supper afterwards?\"\n\n\"Thanks, but not tonight. Let's do it tomorrow, all being well. We'll confirm after breakfast.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie wondered if he should tell Tyrer about the machinations of his samurai friend, Nakama, and the meeting with the local moneylender—that Nakama wanted private from Tyrer and Sir William. Nakama's suggestion had intrigued him and he welcomed the opportunity of talking direct to a local businessman, however minor.\n\nYesterday's meeting had of course been cancelled. He had considered putting it off until next week, but had decided to meet the man tonight—it might divert him for a moment or two from the tragedy.\n\nIt's none of Phillip's business—and don't forget Phillip and Wee Willie have been hiding all sorts of information when the arrangement was for everything to be shared. \"See you later, Phillip. And thanks for these.\"\n\n\"See you later, Jamie.\"\n\nThe death certificates were signed by Babcott and Hoag. The autopsy confirmed what had already been said about death being caused by internal bleeding of a damaged artery that had ceased to function correctly, its weakened condition being directly attributable to wounds sustained during the unprovoked Tokaidō incident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie nodded to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctors had skirted the matter of what had caused the rupture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No reason to be more specific, unless someone required a specific answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like Tess Struan, he thought, a twinge in his stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's bound to ask and then what will Hoag say?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The same he told me this morning: \"In Malcolm's condition, Jamie, such a rupture could be caused by any one of a dozen sudden motions, like sleeping awkwardly, then turning suddenly because of a bad dream, even the strain of a constipated bowel.\"\n\n\"Or particularly during intercourse?\"\n\n\"Yes, that's only one of many possibilities. Why?\"\n\n\"You know Tess Struan, for God's sake.\"\n\n\"I'm not going to damn Angelique, if that's what you're asking. It takes two to bed—we both know he went out of his way to marry her and was madly in love.\"\n\n\"I'm not asking anything, Doc. Tess will damn her whatever the certificate says.\"\n\n\"I agree, Jamie, but she will get no help from me. Nor from George. That a violent climax caused the hemorrhage, and their subsequent euphoric sleep masked the fault for both of them is logical, but not provable, and even if it did, she is in no way to blame, no way, dammit...\"\n\nPoor Angelique, she'll be blamed, like I'll be blamed. Doesn't matter in my case." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes? Come in? Oh, hello, Edward!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have a second?\" Gornt asked.\n\n\"Come in, of course.\" Since yesterday his relationship with Gornt was different. He had insisted being on a first-name basis. My God, he thought, how wrong I was about him. \"Sit down. Listen, I've said it a dozen times but thanks again—you certainly saved my life.\"\n\n\"Nothing, I was only doing my duty.\"\n\n\"Thank God you did. What can I do for you?\"\n\n\"The rumor is that you'll be sending Malcolm's remains back to Hong Kong for burial, and I wondered if I could have passage on your ship?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\" Jamie hesitated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To report to Tyler Brock and Morgan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt smiled. \"We can't avoid the truth, Jamie. I'll take the result of the inquest with me but it's up to me to tell them direct, man to man.\"\n\n\"Yes, you're right.\" Jamie's sadness swooped down again. \"I'm sorry Malcolm's not alive to know what you did for me, sorry that he won't be around to be friends with you, I know he admired you greatly, sorry too that you work for them.\"\n\n\"After I see them I probably won't, I was only loaned by Rothwell's, so it's of no consequence. I'll go back to Shanghai after Hong Kong.\"\n\n\"You know, if I can help in any way, I will.\"\n\n\"You owe me nothing, I was just doing my duty but a man always needs a real friend. Thanks, if I get lost I'll ask. A cabin's all right then on Prancing Cloud?\"\n\n\"She'll leave tomorrow evening.\"\n\n\"I suppose Mrs. Struan will accompany him? Difficult to think of him as dead, isn't it?\"\n\n\"Yes. Dr. Hoag says she'll be fit to travel then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rotten luck. Terrible. Thanks. See you later.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie watched him leave, curiously unsettled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing he could articulate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guess I'm just so disoriented that anything and everything seems odd. My God, even Hoag acted peculiar, again nothing in particular.\n\nHe forced himself to work for a while, then, needing some documents from Malcolm's desk, got up and went out along the corridor to the tai-pan's office, automatically raising his hand to knock. Grimly, he didn't, and opened the door only to stop in midstride. Angelique was sitting in Malcolm's chair, behind Malcolm's desk. Seated in front of her Heavenly Skye was saying, \"As far as I know and...\" He looked around.\n\n\"Hello, Jamie,\" Angelique said quietly. Her dark dress set off the alabaster texture of her skin, hair up off the nape of her long neck, eyes clear, the faintest natural color to her lips. \"How are you?\"\n\n\"Oh, er, fine,\" Jamie said, nonplussed by her poise and new beauty–different from before, now somehow distant, unattainable but even more attractive." }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"I'm awfully glad I didn't know about that foolishness. If I had I would somehow have stopped it. But Edward, how lucky he was there, but how awful, how awful some people are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, I didn't expect... Dr. Hoag told me not to disturb you until you called me. How are you?\"\n\n\"I asked him to do that. I'm... I'm fine, thank you. There were some things I wanted to arrange this morning. I was sorry to hear about your—your ill luck with Norbert Greyforth. Poor Jamie, you're very bruised, are you all right?\"\n\n\"Yes, thank you,\" Jamie said, even more off balance. Her voice was calm, too calm, and there was a dignity about her that he could not for the moment isolate. \"Edward Gornt saved my life, did you hear that?\"\n\n\"Yes, he told me about it a few minutes ago—actually that's not right, he came here a few moments ago to add his condolences and I saw him. Mr. Skye told me about his bravery. And about the duel.\"\n\n\"Oh.\" Jamie wanted to curse Skye for his interference.\n\n\"Poor Malcolm,\" she said. \"I'm awfully glad I didn't know about that foolishness. If I had I would somehow have stopped it. But Edward, how lucky he was there, but how awful, how awful some people are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but more important, how are you really?\"\n\n\"Not good and not bad. I'm nothing, and, well, empty.\"\n\n\"That's the right word, empty. Me too.\" Jamie looked at Heavenly who smiled noncommittally. The silence gathered. Discomfited, he knew they both wanted him to leave. \"Anything I can do for you?\"\n\n\"Not at the moment, thank you, Jamie.\"\n\nJamie nodded thoughtfully. \"I need a few papers.\"\n\n\"Please help yourself.\" She sat back in the chair that dwarfed her, composed and in control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncomfortably, he began to sift through the ladened In and Out trays, decided to take them as they were and put one on top of the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If there's anything... just call.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After Mr. Skye and I are through, perhaps a few minutes if you're free.\"\n\n\"Whenever, of course. Just ring that bell.\"\n\nSkye said, \"Jamie, did you get the death certificates yet, by chance?\"\n\n\"Yes, I did.\"\n\n\"Could I see a copy, please?\"\n\nJamie stared at him. \"For what purpose?\"\n\n\"To check it.\"\n\nAngelique said, \"Mal... my husband had retained the services of Mr. Skye—I believe you knew that, Jamie?\"\n\n\"Yes, I did.\" Jamie had noticed the way she had changed Malcolm to my husband and saw Heavenly nod approvingly and a danger signal went through him. \"So?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye said smoothly, \"When I heard the disastrous news I felt beholden to offer my services to his widow...\" the word was imperceptibly accented \"... which she has kindly accepted. The tai-pan had asked me to undertake certain research for him which I thought Mrs. Struan might wish to continue.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good.\" Jamie nodded politely and began to leave.\n\n\"The death certificate, Jamie?\"\n\n\"What's your pleasure, Angelique—Mrs. Struan?\"\n\n\"Mr. Skye is my solicitor now, Jamie. He understands these things, which I don't, and he has agreed to act for me,\" she said clearly in the same unemotional way. \"I would like you, please, to give him whatever help he needs.\"\n\n\"Of course. If you'll follow me, Heavenly.\" Jamie walked out and went into his office and stood behind his desk, pretending to look for the papers that he had put into his drawer for safety. \"Would you shut the door, there's a terrible draft.\" The small man obeyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen,\" he said, keeping his voice down but there was no mistaking the undercurrent, \"if you bamboozle her, or play silly buggers or overcharge her I'll kick the shit out of you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little man came closer, his pebble glasses cracked and fogged. \"I've never done that to a client in my life,\" he said, puffing up like a cobra. \"A few big bills, yes, but never more than the market could stand. That woman needs help, for God's sake. I can give it to her, you can't.\"\n\n\"I can and will, by God.\"\n\n\"I don't agree! Malcolm told me the other Mrs. Struan, the woman in Hong Kong, fired you, true or false? And true or false that you as well as Malcolm have been getting angry, even threatening letters from her for weeks, paranoiac against my client and her engagement with all sorts of unfounded accusations? True or false, for God's sake, that that girl needs friends?\"\n\n\"I agree she needs friends. I don't object to her having a solicitor, I just want to be sure you'll act correctly.\"\n\n\"God dammit, I've never buggered a client in my life. Jamie, I may be a hungry lawyer but I'm a good one, and we're on the same side. She needs friends, Malcolm loved her, you were Malcolm's friend, for God's sake—he told me about the letters you would have risked hanging for.\"\n\n\"Never mind that wh—\"\n\n\"I'm not arguing with you, Jamie, she's my client and I swear I'll do my best for her. The death certificate, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seething, Jamie opened the drawer and gave him a copy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks... ah three, eh? One for your files, one to go with the body and one for her, quite correct, though I'm surprised they bothered to think of her, original by special to Hong Kong.\" Heavenly scanned the paper. \"Christ Almighty!\"\n\n\"What's the matter?\"\n\n\"Hoag and Babcott,\" he said. \"They may be good doctors but as defense witnesses they're a disaster! Shit, I should have been told before they issued this—any fool could have given them better wording!\"\n\n\"What the devil are you talking about?\"\n\n\"Murder, or at least a charge of murder.\"\n\n\"You're mad!\"\n\n\"It wouldn't be the first for Tess Struan,\" the little man hissed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remember the Bosun? Everyone in Hong Kong knew it was an accident but he was charged with murder, found guilty of manslaughter and given ten years!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The jury found him guilty, not Tess, by God an—\"\n\n\"But she was the one who pressed for the charge!\" Skye slammed back at him, keeping his voice down. \"And she'll press charges here. If this was read out in court in a criminal or civil case, our opposing barrister would claim he died fucking—please excuse my vulgarity—'and the other half of the act sits in the dock there, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, whose father is a felon on the run, whose uncle is in a French jail, who herself is a penniless adventuress, a Jezebel who knowingly seduced this poor young man, a minor, into marrying her and then—and then, ladies and gentlemen of the jury—with malice aforethought seduced him into an early death—with malice aforethought—knowing only too well his wounds would do the job for her!' True or bloody false?\"\n\nJamie sat down, paler than before. Hoag's words had jumped into his mind. \"What're you going to do?\"\n\n\"First I'll try to get this wording changed, don't think they will but I have to try. Do you have his will? Malcolm's?\"\n\nJamie shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He never mentioned one to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told him it was important he should have one drawn up when he first came to see me—that's routine. You're sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know I don't have one, not in our safe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie frowned. Would Malcolm have made one?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'would' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I was getting married, I would. Wait a minute—I was engaged to Maureen for years and never had one. My God, I wonder how she is, what she thought when she got my letter. \"He never mentioned a will to me. Did he to Angelique?\"\n\n\"No, that was my first question. Perhaps he made one without your knowledge. Did he have a safety box or a special place for his private papers?\"\n\n\"No, not really, I suppose that would be in Hong Kong, except there's a small safe in his rooms.\"\n\n\"Let's go and look.\" Skye started out of the room.\n\n\"Wait a minute, I don't think we can do that.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'legal' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words came back sharp, and formal: \"Mrs. Angelique Struan was his legal wife and is his widow therefore his immediate heir and inheritor of all his worldly goods unless his will states otherwise. If there's no will then she inherits, after probate and all legal fees and taxes are paid. Let's look in his safe.\"\n\n\"I don't think that we can presum—\"\n\n\"Now, quietly, between the three of us as friends, or I'll get a formal court order through Sir William today to sequester all, I repeat, all his papers, and all Struan papers in Yokohama and Hong Kong, for a will search to which my client is entitled.\" His look was inflexible. \"Sorry, old boy. Well?\"\n\n\"Let's go and ask Angelique.\" Unsure of himself and knowing he could never allow an outsider to go through Noble House papers and records, Jamie followed Skye back to the tai-pan's office. Dammit, why do I think of it as that, he thought irritably. I suppose because it is the tai-pan's office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who's the new tai-pan? Christ, what a mess!\n\nAngelique was sitting where they had left her. Impassively, she listened to Skye. \"There's no need for you to accompany us, Mrs. Struan, rest assured I act for you.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I would like to be there.\"\n\nThey followed her up the grand staircase, the first time for Skye who tried not to be visibly awed by the wonderful chandelier and valuable oils. Jamie opened the door of the tai-pan's suite. A coal fire burned pleasantly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'painting' exactly 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The four-poster was made up and waiting. Desk tidy, no papers on it. In a near corner of the room Ah Tok squatted mumbling, in despair, somehow tiny now, ugly and ancient. She paid no attention to them. Angelique shuddered then followed the two men and sat in Malcolm's high chair facing them. Watching them intently.\n\nThe little iron wall-safe was concealed behind an oil painting, another Aristotle Quance. Skye smiled thinly. The painting depicted a pretty young Chinese girl carrying a fair-haired, fair-skinned child with a pigtail, a boy, against a Hong Kong landscape. He had heard about the painting but had never seen it. Quance was the dean of the artist-chroniclers of Macao and early Hong Kong, an Irishman who had lived there for many years, and died a few years ago in Macao and was buried there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was also a voracious drunk, gambler, libertine but old friend and devotee of Dirk Struan's. Rumor had it the girl was the fabled May-may, Dirk's Chinese mistress, the one who was killed with him in the typhoon of '42, in his arms, and the child their firstborn.\n\nHe glanced at Angelique, who watched Jamie impassively searching through a bunch of keys, and wondered if she knew about Malcolm's Eurasian cousins and his uncle, Compradore Gordon Chen—Dirk's son by another mistress—who, according to Hong Kong gossip, \"knew more secrets and had more taels of gold than an ox had hairs.\" The mantelpiece clock chimed three.\n\n\"Who else has keys, Jamie?\" Skye asked.\n\n\"Just me... me and the... the tai-pan.\"\n\n\"Where are his?\"\n\n\"I don't know. I presume still with... still aboard.\"\n\nThe safe door swung open." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'wallet' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few letters, all in Tess Struan's writing, except one in Malcolm's apparently unfinished, a small chamois leather bag and a wallet. The wallet contained a faded daguerreotype of his father and mother peering self-consciously at the camera, Malcolm's personal chop, a few chits—IOU's and a list of debts and debtors. Heavenly leafed through them. \"Would these others be gambling debts he's owed, Jamie?\"\n\n\"I've no idea.\"\n\n\"Two thousand four hundred and twenty guineas. A tidy sum for a young man to lend or be owed. Do you recognize any of the names, by chance?\"\n\n\"Just this one.\" Jamie looked at him.\n\n\"Madame Emma Richaud? Five hundred guineas.\"\n\nAngelique said, \"She's my aunt, she and Uncle Michel, they brought me up, Mr. Skye. Mama, I called my aunt that for she was mother to me, my own died when I was young. They needed help and Mal... Malcolm kindly sent them that. I asked him to.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"I will get a court order to see them and have them copied if I consider them to be valid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie, I'd like a copy of these, a list please.\" The solicitor was talking again. \"You are required to hold them in safekeeping.\" He reached for the half-dozen letters but Jamie was there before him: \"I'd say these were private.\"\n\n\"Private to whom, Jamie?\"\n\n\"To him.\"\n\n\"I will get a court order to see them and have them copied if I consider them to be valid.\"\n\n\"You certainly may do that,\" Jamie said through his teeth, cursing himself for blurting out about the safe until he could get Sir William's advice.\n\nAngelique said, \"May I see them, Jamie, please? I suppose they are part of my husband's effects. At the moment they seem so few.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her voice was so gentle, so sad, no shred of begging, that he sighed and said to himself, Laddie, you're in so deep now it doesn't matter. Sir William will have to decide legalities. Then, suddenly, he was back at yesterday eventide, on the jetty, the three of them so lighthearted, laughing, confident, with any future Hong Kong stormclouds seemingly so far away, seeing the two of them off in the cutter for their wedding night, Malcolm saying, \"Thanks, my bonny friend, guard our tail, it's going to need guarding. Promise?\"\n\nHe had promised, sworn he would do that, and guard her equally, wishing them long and happy lives, and waved, last on the shore. How right Malcolm was. Poor Malcolm, did he have a premonition? \"Here,\" he said kindly. Without looking at the letters she put them in her lap and again folded her hands, again motionless. A draft waved a vagrant strand of hair near her temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otherwise she was quite like a statue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chink of coins attracted Jamie's attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye had opened the little bag." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"I'm out of my depth too, Jamie, adrift too. I know Malcolm was your friend and you were his, as you are mine too. He told me many times. Please do whatever you think best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It contained Bank of England golden guineas, and notes. He counted them aloud. Angelique's eyes did not move from the maw of the safe.\n\n\"Two hundred and sixty-three guineas.\" Skye put them back in the leather sack. \"These should go to Mrs. Struan at once—she will of course give you a receipt.\"\n\nJamie said, \"Perhaps it's best that we, you and I, Heavenly, we go and see Sir William. I've never been involved in this kind of matter before and I'm out of my depth—Angelique, you do understand, don't you?\"\n\n\"I'm out of my depth too, Jamie, adrift too. I know Malcolm was your friend and you were his, as you are mine too. He told me many times. Please do whatever you think best.\"\n\nSkye said, \"We'll see him now, Jamie, sooner the better, he can decide on the ownership of these. Meanwhile...\" He walked over to give her the little bag but she said, \"Take it with you, take everything, and these too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She handed him the letters. \"Just leave me the photograph. Thank you, Mr. Skye. And thanks, dear Jamie, and I'll see you when you return.\"\n\nThey waited for her to get up but she made no move. \"You're not going to stay here, are you? Surely not?\" Jamie said, perturbed—it seemed so macabre.\n\n\"I think I will. I spent so much time here, in this room that it's—it's sympathetic to me. The door to my suite is open if I... if I need to rest. But please, would you take Ah Tok away, poor thing, and tell her not to come back. Poor woman, she needs help. Ask Dr. Hoag to see her.\"\n\n\"Do you want the door closed?\"\n\n\"Door? Oh, it doesn't matter, yes, if you wish.\"\n\nThey did as she asked and made sure Ah Tok was handed over to Chen who himself was still distraught and in tears and went out into High Street, both of them relieved to be in the open again but lost in their own thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Skye was planning and sifting the quicksands that lay ahead, Jamie unable to plan yet, his planning brain devoured by the tragedy and, he did not know why, concern for the Noble House.\n\nWhat is it about her? he was asking himself, unaware of the promenade, or gusting wind, surf grinding up the pebbled beach, or the smell of rotting seaweed. Sadness suits her. Can it be that...\n\nShe's a woman now! That is what's different, she has a depth and poise that wasn't there before. She's a woman, no longer a girl. Is it because of the catastrophe, or because she's no longer a virgin—the mystic change they say happens, or is supposed to happen at the transmutation? Or both, with perhaps the finger of God helping her to adjust?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ,\" he said, despite himself, thinking aloud, \"what happens if she has a child?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For her sake, I pray she does,\" the little man said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they left, Angelique closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Soon she was soothed and got up and bolted the door, then opened hers. Her bed was made up, fresh flowers in a vase on her dressing table. She went back into Malcolm's suite, bolting her door, and sat back in his chair.\n\nOnly then did she look at the photograph—the first of his parents she had seen. On the back was October 17th, '61." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last year. Culum Struan appeared much older than his years, forty-two, Tess neither old nor young, pale eyes gazing directly at Angelique, the thin line of her lips dominant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tess turned thirty-seven this year. What will I look like when I'm her age—in nineteen years, more than twice my age today? Will I have the same hard cast to my features that shout an unloving marriage and crushing family burdens—hating her father and brothers, them hating her, both sides trying to ruin the other—that began in her case so romantically, eloping and married at sea, like we did but, oh my God, with what a difference.\n\nHer eyes looked out of the window and to the bay and the ships there, a merchant steamer leaving port—captain and officers on the bridge, the mail ship surrounded by tenders, the Struan cutter there, and Prancing Cloud. Elegant, straining to up anchor and up canvas to sail the wild winds. That's what Malcolm always said about their clippers, she thought, that clippers sail the wild winds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She closed her eyes and rubbed them and looked again. No mistake. All day her eyes had an unexpected, startling clarity of vision. She had noticed it the moment she had awoken this morning, every detail of the room in focus, curtains, dead flowers in a vase, flies circling, four of them. Within seconds there had been a knock and Ah Soh's voice, \"Missee? Med'sin man wan you see-ah, heya?\" as though, her hearing also more acute, the sound of Ah Soh's footsteps had brought her smoothly out of sleep.\n\nWhat was even stranger was the clarity of her mind, all the weight seemed to be gone, not the sadness but how clearly it considered problem after problem without consternation, never mixing them, suggesting answers, and never the usual heart-hurting fear, not even a little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Concern, yes, that was only sensible, but no more nauseating panic and indecision.\n\nNow she could remember that day and that night in all its details without a crushing, inhuman, insensate blankness. Have I been numbed? Forever? Is what Dr. Hoag said this morning correct: \"Don't worry, you're cured of any problem. So long as you can cry from time to time, and not be afraid to go back in time if that's what your mind wishes to do, then your life will be fine, better every day. You have youth and health, your life is before you...\"\n\nMon Dieu, such platitudes they talk, doctors. After Hoag, Babcott. More of the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been gentle and tall and tender, a tenderness that could turn into heat if she would allow it. No more heat, she thought, not until I am free. And safe. Safe and free.\n\nHer body was rested. No blinding headache, not even a little one, no screams inside. Knowing at once where she was, who she was, and why she was here, and why alone, and what had happened." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'blood' 5 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Experiencing it again, watching herself in the daymare, conscious of it all but not involved, not truly involved: watching herself being wakened by Chen's wailing shriek, torn out of sleep, seeing herself in panic trying to shake Malcolm awake too then glimpsing blood on her lower limbs, horrified for a moment she had cut herself too deeply and then realizing that it was him, his blood, and that he was dead, dead, dead.\n\nLeaping out of bed naked, not aware of it, terrified and shrieking, disbelieving what her eyes and ears told her, praying it was a dream, others rushing into the cabin, Ah Soh, Ah Tok, someone covering her, voices and shouting and screams and questions and more questions until the cabin smashed her into blackness and terror. Now on the bridge, freezing and burning and questions and no answers, her mouth locked, head afire, stench of blood, taste of blood, blood on her loins and on her hands and in her hair, stomach rebelling.\n\nAh Soh helping her into a bath, the water cool, never enough hot to clean away his death, more sickness and then the blinding poison filling her, drowning her until she saw herself shrieking at Hoag, a picture of ugliness, oh, so ugly.\n\nShe shivered. Must I look like that when I'm old? How old is old?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not very for some. What exactly she had said to Hoag, even now she could not recall, only that the poison had gushed away and with the torrent, good sleep came to pass.\n\nI've much to thank Hoag for, and Babcott to loathe for—his sleeping draft began my sink into despair. I'm no longer afraid, no longer in despair, I don't understand why but it's true—thanks to Malcolm and Hoag, to that smelly little lawyer with his foul breath, and to André. André is still wise, still my confidant and will remain so, so long as I pay. Yes, he's a blackmailer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That doesn't matter. To help himself he has to protect me and then, well, there is a God in Heaven and the mills of God grind slowly but they grind exceedingly small." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can deal with my life now, I think, if I'm careful.\n\nMadonna, we agreed so long ago that I had to help myself and could not be dependent on a man or men, like the rest of my poor sisterhood. I know I'm a sinner. Malcolm was truly the only man I've ever met I really wanted, really loved and really wanted to marry, loved as much as a silly teenager could love. Is first love true love? Or is love an adult emotion?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm adult now. Was my love for Malcolm adult?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think so, hope so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But my darling is dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I accept that. And now?\n\nTess? Hong Kong? André? Gornt? Home? Tess?\n\nOne at a time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'another' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First my darling must be put to rest. Properly.\n\nShe saw the safe, its door shut but not locked. She got up and opened it fully, reaching into the back, touching a small, concealed indentation. Part of the left wall swung open. In the cavity were some papers, another personal chop, another bag of coins and notes. A bottle of his medicine. A small box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A week ago Malcolm had shown her the secret hollow, smiling at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing much to hide yet, all the important stuff's in Hong Kong with Mother, papers about being tai-pan, a copy of Father's will, Mother's will and so on, the tai-pan's chop. This is for,\" he shrugged, his eyes alight, \"for odds and ends and secret presents I might give you, if you're very good and love me to distraction...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened the box. A gold ring, set with rubies. Not very valuable, but valuable enough. The papers were business papers she did not understand, lists of figures.\n\nAnd no will.\n\nDamn, she thought without anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have made the future more simple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "André had pointed that out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been summoned this morning by Vargas at her request from the list of people who had called and left cards. \"Monsieur Vargas, first my tailor, I must have mourning clothes urgently, after him, Monsieur André, then Mr. Skye—no need to disturb Mr. McFay until I send for him. To anyone else I'm resting, and Monsieur,\" she added carefully, \"please treat all this with the discretion my husband told me you possess. I'll see everyone in the tai-pan's office.\"\n\nShe had seen a flicker in Vargas's eyes at \"tai-pan,\" but he had said nothing, so no need to be firm. The office had been chosen with care and when the old dressmaker arrived with Vargas she said, \"Please ask how long it would take to make a mourning dress, black, like this.\" The one she wore was long-sleeved, high-necked, dark blue.\n\n\"He says three days. Mourning, senhora? The color for mourning in China is white.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want it in black. Silk. And tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'andré' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Three days.\"\n\n\"If he takes my other dress, the pale blue one he made for me and dyes it black, how long?\"\n\n\"He says two days.\"\n\n\"Tell him the widow of the tai-pan of the Noble House requires such a black dress tomorrow. Tomorrow morning.\"\n\nThe old Chinese had sighed and bowed and went away. Then Vargas announced André Poncin. \"Hello, André.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello. I've never seen you more beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a statement, not a compliment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need advice, quickly, privately. We must be very quick, very wise. My marriage is legal, yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We think so, yes, according to British naval law; we're not sure about French law. Both are grey areas.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Subject to argument. If there was an argument between French and British lawyers, British law would prevail. The reality of him being a minor, both of you in fact though in this he's the important one, sorry, and his disobedience of the written dictates of his legal guardian means that the marriage ceremony will probably be challenged.\"\n\n\"Where? Here? By whom?\"\n\n\"By Tess Struan. Who else?\" he said mockingly.\n\n\"Malcolm's death is meaningless to you, isn't it?\"\n\n\"On the contrary, it has complicated my life immeasurably, Madame,\" he added, the first time using the title. \"It is a serious complication for both of us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had chosen to sit behind Malcolm's desk, in Malcolm's office, for her future was at stake and she had to have a hundred percent of this man's cunning, and then more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In her suite she would be less confident, though ordinarily at her best in her boudoir. Is that why men have offices, and women are limited to the chaise and the femininity of a semi-bedroom? \"How can this be made uncomplicated, André?\"\n\n\"The first complication you've already uncomplicated.\"\n\nWhen she had fled in misery to the Legation he had intercepted her, almost dragged her into his office, cursing her once the door was closed, shaking her angrily, saying, \"You stupid bitch, are you mad? Get back to his house and stay there and don't move, you can't hide here or you'll ruin yourself! Go back there, you fool, we'll talk later and, for God's sake, don't sign anything, don't agree to anything. Go on, get out!\"\n\n\"You were quite right, André,\" she said, not resenting his venom, or violence, understanding clearly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you for telling it to me so it got through to me, got through my anguish. That was the first. Next?\"\n\nThe lines in his forehead deepened. This was a new Angelique, an unknown quantity, unexpected. He had seen such a change twice before in men, never a woman. Both had been enemy spies released after extreme torture. The doctors had no explanation other than to say, the men no longer feared, or feared more torture, or feared dying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had been dragged to the brink and had survived, and were now convinced, beyond doubt, they would survive again whatever was done to them, or they would die and that no longer mattered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctors had said that death itself wouldn't matter until the day, weeks or months or years ahead when the terror raised its vile head again as it was bound to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poor Angelique sitting there so confident, so grand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There'll come a day when it will all spill out, will tear you asunder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Will you conquer it or end up in the madhouse?\n\nFor himself he would have bet that so many calamities would prove too much for such a young girl: the flight of her father, theft of her dowry, rape and pregnancy, the shooting of the rapist, and now this new and ghastly death that he and all the Settlement knew in its most graphic details. He and Seratard had expected her mind to be turned, at least for months, still expected it to happen, neither believing Hoag whom they had cross-questioned closely.\n\nIf Hoag can work this miracle, he thought angrily, why can't doctors cure the God-cursed English disease? It's not fair. \"Life isn't fair, is it?\"\n\n\"No,\" she said. \"Not fair at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he leave a will, naming you his heir?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Malcolm never mentioned one.\"\n\n\"Angelique, in future refer to him as your husband, and yourself his widow.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"To establish, to help establish your claim to his estate.\" He saw her nod to herself, awed at her control." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is it an Act of God that she can appear so tranquil?\n\n\"If there's no will, does that make a difference?\"\n\n\"We're trying to find out. It would be best if there was one that named you. That would be best. Next, you must go back with... with his remains to Hong Kong. Be prepared for his mother to be hostile—in public try to be her friend. You should be at the funeral, dressed correctly of course.\" Then he added, \"Possibly Henri could give you a letter to our Ambassador, you've already met him?\"\n\n\"Yes. Monsieur de Geroire. Henri 'could'? What sort of letter could he write for me?\"\n\n\"If Henri could be persuaded, with his strong recommendation you could be put under de Geroire's protection as ward of the State. It's my conviction you're legally the widow of the late tai-pan, Malcolm Struan. If Henri supported us strongly, this could possibly become State policy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then I need serious protection?\"\n\n\"I am sure of it. Henri isn't.\"\n\nShe sighed. This was what she had concluded too. But State policy? This was a new idea, a possibility she had not thought of. State policy would mean the protection of France. Anything was worth that—no, not anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What could I possibly do to persuade Henri?\"\n\n\"I could do that for you,\" he said. \"I'd try.\"\n\n\"Then please start at once. This evening tell me what I can do in return. Would before dinner be suitable, or tomorrow morning—just as you wish.\"\n\nThere had been no need to say more. Tomorrow would be better, André had told her, and had left, and before her next guest, Skye, had arrived she sat back in the chair and smiled at the ceiling, wondering about the price.\n\nWard of the French State?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had liked the sound of that, for she knew she would need all the help she could have to combat the ogre of Hong Kong..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now, curled up in Malcolm's other chair in the tai-pan's suite upstairs, the door bolted on the inside, she liked the idea even more and, again, wondered about the price. It will be expensive. The secret gold coins will be enough to begin with, then the ruby ring and now I have a chop, Malcolm's chop.\n\nShe replaced everything and shut the secret compartment.\n\nContent with the headway made on the first day of her new life, she closed her eyes and slept dreamlessly until a knock on the door brought her back. It was almost four-thirty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is it, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie, Angelique.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A current of expectation went through her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Be calm, she cautioned herself as she unbolted the door, the ice you traverse is exceedingly thin and the waters below lethal. \"Hello, Jamie, dear, please come in.\" Again she sat in her husband's chair, motioning him to the chair she had always used. The change pleased her. \"You look so harassed, so sad.\"\n\n\"I still can't get used to the idea and, well, all the changes, Angelique.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. It's very hard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've changed too. May I... may I say how marvelous you are being, so strong and, well, you know.\"\n\n\"That's the problem, dear Jamie, I don't know. I only know what has happened and can accept it, have accepted it. My tears... I think I must have cried all the tears of my life away. So, for the moment no tears. You saw Sir William?\"\n\n\"Yes. Skye said he would come back around six, if that's convenient.\" He saw her nod absently.\n\n\"You don't like him, Jamie, do you?\"\n\n\"Don't like any lawyers, they always mean trouble, though he's not a bad man. I think he'll be all right for you. If you get worried, tell me at once. Mal... Malcolm liked him and you should have someone to represent you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that I find it hard to say his name too, Jamie—'husband' is equally hard. Harder. Don't be embarrassed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I find it hard to say his name too, Jamie—'husband' is equally hard. Harder. Don't be embarrassed.\"\n\nJamie nodded bleakly and took out the letters. \"Sir William said these were part of Malcolm's estate, like the money. He could not rule on the legalities—he would write posthaste to the Solicitor General in Hong Kong—but he saw no reason why you shouldn't have these if you promise not to destroy them. As to the sovereigns, you should keep them—I told him I didn't think you had any money of your own at the moment—but he asks, please, to give him a receipt for them.\"\n\n\"Whatever he wants. Did he read them?\"\n\n\"No, no one did.\" Hesitantly he put them on the mantelpiece." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are a couple of other things, we've made some arrangements—would you like me to tell you now or... I can easily come back later.\"\n\n\"No, I'm fine. What arrangements, Jamie?\"\n\nHe took a deep breath, hating to have to say all this but it was his duty. \"In consultation with Sir William, Babcott and Hoag, we've arranged to send the body back to Hong Kong tomorrow for burial, we all agreed, we jointly agreed that would be best. Everything possible will be done and is being done to make this easy for you and the trip as tolerable as possible. Dr. Hoag will go with you to make sure you're in good hands.\" Jamie's smile was empty and his face a mirror of unhappiness. \"Can't tell you how sorry this all makes me. Ah Soh can pack for you in good time, Chen will help if necessary and will pack things to go with the ship, sailing on the evening tide, meanwhile if you need anything, say the word.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: Would you like me to tell you the funeral arrangements now, or would you prefer them later?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw her look down at her hands, her fingers twisting Malcolm's signet ring on her marriage finger. Poor Angelique, she doesn't even have a proper wedding ring.\n\n\"Well, that's all for the moment—would you like company at dinner tonight?\"\n\n\"Thank you, but no, I'll eat here, or in the dining room or my rooms, but please sit down. Sorry, that's not all for the moment. My husband is not going to be taken back to Hong Kong for burial but will be buried here. Neither my husband nor I will ever go aboard Prancing Cloud again.\"\n\nShe saw his look but that did not divert her from what she had decided this morning: the confrontation must happen at the very first mention of their arrangements. \"Would you like me to tell you the funeral arrangements now, or would you prefer them later?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But everything's done,\" he said, \"arrangements are already made. It's best, we all felt it would be best and we... we know it would be the best for you and everyone. Mrs. Struan would certainly approve and would of course want him buried at home in Hong Ko—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs. Struan? I'm Mrs. Struan. You refer to the other Mrs. Struan, Tess Struan, the other Mrs. Struan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She spoke without emotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She doesn't have precedence in this matter. I'm his widow and take precedence over his mother.\"\n\n\"My God, Angelique, just because Skye says you are—\"\n\n\"This has nothing to do with Mr. Skye, Jamie, he didn't suggest this, nor have I consulted him. Yet. But I do know my rights, and my husband's wishes, and they will be carried out.\"\n\n\"But... but...\" Jamie was in such shock he could not get the words out, then they came with a rush, \"but you can't override what Sir William and... and what Doc Hoag and Babcott and I think is best for you and him, what we're sure is best for you and everyone. You're overwrought, Angelique. It's best, Angelique, it really is.\"\n\n\"Overwrought? Me? How silly you are, Jamie.\" She allowed a small glacial smile." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'ready' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not overwrought at all. I'm merely going to put my husband's wishes into effect.\"\n\n\"But everything's arranged, Prancing Cloud's ready to leave and the... everything's arranged.\"\n\n\"I'm glad the clipper's ready. By all means send her at once, his mother should hear the terrible news as soon as possible—you should do that yourself, Jamie, go with Prancing Cloud, you're the senior here, you should. I beg you don't wait until tomorrow, go tonight, you can break the terrible news to her, it will lessen her hurt. You must.\"\n\n\"Of course I'll do that if it's necessary,\" he said, hating the idea. \"But Angelique, this is ridiculous, you can't be serious, you must see it's best! Good God, Angelique, you must see this is—\"\n\n\"Best for you and others perhaps but not for my husband and therefore not for me. He has a right to be buried as h—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'course' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must allow us to do what's best, his body will—\"\n\n\"My husband's body will not, will not go back aboard that ship, nor will I,\" she said quietly. \"Tell me, old friend, if I was to go with him as you suggest, where would I stay? In the state room?\"\n\nHe stared at her, that problem not having occurred to him. \"No, of course not,\" he said quickly. \"Of course you have the pick of the cabins. I guarantee everything will—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I guarantee every little thing will be done as my husband wished.\"\n\nJamie wiped his forehead, his mind working like never before, slightly sickened and out of balance whereas it was obvious she was nothing if not in control. A sudden idea. \"Perhaps you're right. Prancing Cloud's wrong, perhaps. We'll charter another ship—wait, the mail ship's due to leave day after tomorrow, we'll get space aboard her for you, Hoag and... and him, and I'll persuade her captain to sail early. Tomorrow... That'll solve everything, right?\"\n\n\"No.\" She sighed wearily. \"Sorry, Jamie, no.\" Now there was the barest edge to her voice that cut through plainly. \"Please understand me, no. No! He will be buried here as he would wish. The day after tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't. Mrs. Struan must... I mean Tess Struan must be given time. We'll send Prancing Cloud for her. She would want to be at the funeral, must be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can do what you like but my husband will be buried the day after tomorrow in the way he would want—I don't think there would be time to do what you suggest. I'm not going to argue with you. Sorry, old friend, it's you who are overwrought and I can well understand it. Please ask Sir William and Mr. Skye to come by together now, as soon as possible, and I will settle the matter formally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For God's sake, the family crypt in Happy Valley is where his grandfather, father and brothers and sisters are buried.\"\n\n\"Jamie, I tire of repeating. Please ask Sir William and Mr. Skye to come here as soon as possible. Together.\"\n\nHe did not know what to do so he shrugged helplessly and went out.\n\nFor a few minutes she sat still and breathed deeply. That wasn't so bad, she thought, then stretched and got up and went into her own room. There she selected a clean dress, conservative, dark grey, put it on the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind rattled the windows but did not chill her. Her mirror beckoned her. She studied herself. Critically. No smile. What she saw pleased her. And the new person she had become also pleased her. It was like fitting into a new dress—no, a new skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope it lasts,\" she said to her reflection." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'letters' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must work to make it last. This me is better than the other one.\"\n\nThen she took up the first of the letters, Tess Struan's letters. She wanted to leave his to last." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William was stony-faced. So was Jamie. Doctors Hoag and Babcott were frowning. Heavenly Skye had a glint in his eyes. All were sitting on chairs in front of Malcolm's desk. She faced them from his tall chair, tiny but secure in it. Darker dress than before, three-quarter sleeves, square neckline, her back straight, coiffure perfect. Without makeup and somehow regal. \"The day after tomorrow?\" Sir William asked.\n\n\"Yes, please,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband should not be laid out for long for people to pay their last respects, if they wish to. Isn't three days normal, Doctor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally, yes, Angelique,\" Hoag said. \"But we've already made arrangements for the preservation of the body during the voyage home. Everything will be fine, you've no need to worry.\" He added gently, \"He should be buried there, he really should. We all agree.\"\n\n\"You've embalmed him? Already?\"\n\nThe men shifted uneasily. Hoag said, \"No, that's not usual. You, er, you use ice to ensure the preserv—\"\n\n\"Would you relish being packed in ice and sent to Hong Kong like a carcass of mutton from Australia?\"\n\nThe tension in the room spiraled, the men more embarrassed than before. Her voice remained quiet, firm and friendly, which tended to further infuriate them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except for Skye for whom she was taking on a very new dimension." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William said, \"That's not the point, Madame. We feel for his sake and his family's sake that burial at home is wise.\"\n\n\"He admired his grandfather, the tai-pan, didn't he?\"\n\n\"Indeed he did,\" Sir William said. Abruptly, he relaxed, no longer concerned, for now he had the answer to the conundrum, whatever she said. \"Everyone knows that. Why?\"\n\n\"Many times, in various words, Malcolm said he wanted to live like him, be remembered like him and be buried like him. And that's the way it will be.\"\n\n\"Very correct, and wise.\" Sir William added crisply, \"His grandfather's buried in the family crypt in the cemetery in Happy Valley.\" He added kindly, \"Angelique, I agree it should be the same for him. Now I unders—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Dirk Struan wasn't buried in Hong Kong,\" she said, startling them. \"Oh, I know his name's carved into the stone, but he was buried at sea. My husband will be buried at sea, in the same way.\"\n\n\"Sorry, Angelique, but you're wrong,\" Jamie said. \"I was there, I'd just joined Struan's, an apprentice China trader fresh from England, and went to the funeral. It was an immense affair, all Hong Kong went. There was even a huge, separate procession in Chinatown organized by Gordon Chen.\"\n\n\"Sorry, Jamie, but you are wrong. An empty coffin was interred in the crypt, he was buried at sea with his mistress, May-may, in international waters off Hong Kong.\" She felt tears near. No tears, she ordered herself, not yet. \"He was buried at sea. It was a Christian service, done correctly as he wished, and the witnesses were Culum and Tess Struan, Gordon Chen and Aristotle Quance.\"\n\n\"That's not possible,\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes it is, and that's what happened. Your Church hierarchy refused to allow them to be buried together, refused them a Christian burial in hallowed ground in Happy Valley.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But, Angelique, I saw the funeral. He was buried there, I don't know where May-may was buried but I agree, she wasn't with him.\"\n\n\"You saw a sham, Jamie, the coffin was empty.\"\n\n\"This is nonsense,\" Sir William said.\n\n\"The hierarchy were adamant against a joint burial,\" she said as though he had not spoken. \"It was unheard of. They had been scandalized by Dirk Struan for many reasons, as you know only too well, Sir William, but the idea was too much for them. In his will, part of his Testament that's handed down from tai-pan to tai-pan, he had written two weeks before he died that if he and May-may died together, they were to be buried together, that it was his intention to marry her and—\"\n\n\"He actually wrote that? He was going to marry her?\" Sir William said, the others equally shocked, for even today, marriage to a Chinese was unthinkable—ostracism would be permanent, even for Dirk Struan. \"He actually wrote that?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said, seeing that Hoag alone did not share Sir William's consternation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The English, the British, are such awful people in many ways, she was thinking. Such hypocrites, bigots, uncivilized and different from us, only too aware of their antagonism to marriage of Protestant to Catholic, let alone their detestation of intermarriage with peoples of their Empire.\n\nWhy consider intermarriage a heinous sin, she wanted to shout, while you have native mistresses and children by them openly, such hypocrisy! It's never been like that with us, in our French colonies or Empire. If a Frenchman marries a native woman she becomes not only his wife but French with all the protection of French law. We even encourage intermarriage, correctly. A man is a man, a woman a woman whatever the color of her skin, but not to you people. God protect me from becoming English, thank God I can never give up my French citizenship whoever I marry...\n\nWhat am I saying, she thought with a jolt, bringing herself back to the room and these enemies of her husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time enough for such luxury later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I find some British attitudes difficult to understand, Sir William, about intermarriage, but then I am French. That aside, with the funeral of my husband's grandfather there was an impasse: your Church was outraged and would not agree to joint burial. The new tai-pan, his son, Culum, was insisting on it—anything other than a proper Christian burial for Dirk Struan was unthinkable, Culum more so than Tess who was very disturbed by Dirk's wishes and his flouting of conventions that were the bedrock of all her beliefs. Her father, Tyler Brock, now the most powerful trader on the island was vehemently opposed, so was Tess's mother, so were most traders publicly, whatever they felt in private. The Governor supported the Church.\"\n\n\"Quite right,\" Sir William muttered.\n\n\"Yes,\" she said. \"If Hong Kong had been Catholic my Church would have been equally hostile. So the scandal threatened the Colony, and this when most of Hong Kong lay in ruins after the typhoon—with no ice,\" she added thinly.\n\nThey shifted in their seats, except Skye who slouched in his chair with the same slight smile.\n\nBabcott said gently, \"It's normal, correct medical practice for important people in these circumstances, Angelique. Your husband was and is important to us. You must believe that.\"\n\n\"I do.\" She took her eyes off him and addressed Sir William as before, continuing in the same matter-of-fact way: \"To break the impasse, a compromise was arranged. The compromise was arranged by Aristotle Quance and Gordon Chen, it was oral, nothing in writing. Quietly—the word should be 'secretly' because that was what it was—the bodies were put aboard China Cloud. The Church of England ceremony was officiated at by a Naval Chaplain and Captain Orlov. It was a proper Christian burial. Dirk Struan and his mistress, May-may Sheng, were buried together as he had desired.\"\n\n\"If it was so secret, how do you know this's true?\"\n\n\"It was recorded in the ship's log, Sir William, which was at once put into the tai-pan's private vault and all witnesses, Culum and Tess Struan, Aristotle Quance, and Gordon Chen, and of course the minimum crew aboard, were sworn by holy oath to secrecy. The Naval Chaplain, who he was I don't know, was sent back to England at once. The other funeral took place with all the pomp due the tai-pan of the Noble House.\"\n\nThe silence stayed in the room, broken only by the breath of the wind against the windowpanes, the afternoon outside fair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William said, \"Have you seen the log?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, nor spoken to... to his mother about it.\"\n\nJamie said, \"Tess Struan could corroborate it, or Gordon Chen—if they would agree to break their oath—and if they wanted to.\"\n\nSkye straightened in his chair. \"This morning Mrs. Struan asked me if this story her late husband had told her was true. Happily I was able to corroborate certain details.\"\n\n\"And you know it's true because...?\"\n\n\"I happened to meet one of the crew who was less susceptible to secrecy than the others. A seaman, Hennery Fairchild—I've no idea if he's alive or dead now—but when I first came to Hong Kong, Sir William, I made it my business to learn all I could about the Noble House, the Brocks, Quance, about the founding of Hong Kong, and the... the various corruptions that took place in high places.\"\n\nSir William nodded sourly, finding his bad breath and bad teeth more overpowering than usual, knowing some of the dirty scandals that had been kept from public view and had preceded him. \"That's hearsay evidence.\"\n\n\"It would not have much weight in court, Sir William. But it is true.\"\n\nWhat to do? the Minister asked himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Have to do the right thing, by God." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The judgment of Paris? No, this is all a typhoon in a wineglass. \"Very well, Madam, by all means let us respect his wishes. Jamie, send the body at once to Hong Kong for burial at sea,\" he said crisply, and thought, Once there, Tess Struan can have at Angelique Struan and I'm damned if I'm going to get between them. What the devil's come over Angelique, never seen such a change! \"Quite understand you are loath to go by Prancing Cloud. We'll arrange the mail ship.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Angelique said calmly, \"but no, Sir William. My late husband will not be sent like a carcass, in ice, to Hong Kong. He will not.\"\n\n\"By God, Madame, if I order it, it will happen.\"\n\n\"True, if you order it. But, Sir William...\" She glanced at Skye. \"What is the legal position?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Legally the wishes of the husband, supported by his widow, would take precedence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before I answer that where is there any proof? There's none. As to preference over whom?\" Sir William said testily, \"Over Mrs. Struan, Tess Struan, is that what you are saying? We should disregard any consideration of her?\"\n\nSkye began to answer but Angelique motioned him to stop, and said, \"Not at all. If Prancing Cloud went at once. A fast time to Hong Kong is ten days there and ten days back, in fair weather. A few days to turn around. Dr. Hoag, is there time for your... your ice,\" she said distastefully, \"to preserve my husband's mortal remains properly over that time for his mother to be brought here—if she wished to come?\"\n\nHoag was thinking about Dirk Struan and his legendary May-may, his beloved beauty, and about intermarriage and how he himself wished he had not killed his wife, love of his life. He often felt he had. His love for her should have been great enough not to have married her, not to have taken her out of her safe, serene Indian life into the disaster he knew would be their lot. And was.\n\nOnce again your future is in the balance, Hoag old man. Do you help this girl or Tess Struan? Don't forget it was your fault that bloody assassin lived to frighten her, near to death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Medically it might be, but I would advise against it,\" he said with a sideways glance at Babcott, cautioning him not to interfere." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that The decision, Sir William, is really whether he should be sent back or not. If not, I think he should be buried as... as his wife wants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The decision, Sir William, is really whether he should be sent back or not. If not, I think he should be buried as... as his wife wants.\"\n\nSir William hesitated, irritated that his solution was not accepted. \"Angelique, why are you opposed to going with the body to Hong Kong, if not by Prancing Cloud, by mail ship?\"\n\n\"I am opposed because then he will not be buried in the way that he wishes, like his grandfather—his mother would never admit the other story, could not. I am his widow and I tell you his wishes are my wishes, with all my heart.\"\n\nSir William was unsure of his legal grounds for assenting or dissenting, and massively concerned about Tess Struan, her position now as de facto head of the Noble House, her written opposition to the marriage, and what she would do if the body was not sent back.\n\nShe'll scream bloody murder for one thing, he thought, almost wincing. Obviously she'd want the burial there, it should be there, at sea or not at sea, whatever the truth or untruth of the story, and fifty pounds against a bent farthing in any event she'll try to overturn the marriage, with a fair chance of doing it. So you, poor lady, like it or not, are on a very dicey wicket. \"I'm afraid you are making an already tragic happening even more complicated than it need be. The poor fellow can be buried at sea just as easily from Hong Kong as here. So the best thing...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excuse me for butting in, Sir William,\" Skye said, then added as a brilliant Queen's Counsel cross-examining would, \"but unless you are formally challenging the legality of my client's marriage, she does have certain rights. May I therefore ask you to approve that her late husband's wishes and hers prevail in this matter and let him be buried here.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, the same Queen's Counsel finishing his summation for the defense, he said so softly, kindly: \"Malcolm Struan was ours, Yokohama's, as much as theirs. His tragedy began here, it should end here.\"\n\nIn spite of her resolve, Angelique felt the tears begin. But she gave no sound of crying." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start (might include ongoing story elements), then u do six sentences in James Clavell's voice ok?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For an hour after Sir William and the others left Skye and Jamie argued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She listened. Nothing they said made any difference. She had lost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Following Skye's impassioned appeal, Sir William pronounced: \"I regret I've heard nothing here this afternoon to change my mind. The body should go back to Hong Kong for burial, either with Prancing Cloud or the mail ship. As you choose, Madame. This meeting is over.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Skye said bitterly, \"If we were in Hong Kong I could apply for a writ on a dozen grounds, but here Sir William is court, judge and jury. There isn't time enough to go there and back whatever we do.\"\n\n\"Then there's nothing more to be done.\" Jamie was grim, rocked by her story. \"You have to accept it, Angelique. There's nothing more to be done, God rot it.\"\n\n\"I cannot go to Hong Kong—I must be at the burial.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Skye said, nodding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why? What's to stop you, Angelique?\" Jamie asked.\n\n\"Tess Struan,\" she said.\n\n\"What can she do? She can't stop you going to the funeral and she can't break the marriage. Nettlesmith's afternoon editorial says it's perfectly legal even though you're both minors. Go with the mail ship, I'll get her to sail at the same time.\"\n\n\"No. Sorry, Jamie, Mr. Skye already said the editorial is only an opinion. I know Tess Struan won't bury him at sea as he wanted, I'm sure she won't. And she will attack me in any way she can. Here, read her letters to Malcolm.\"\n\nBoth men were jolted by the intensity of venom. Skye said queasily, \"Pity, there's nothing actionable in them. She'd claim they were private letters from a mother to a son, desperately warning him against marriage as is her right, even to forbid it—as is her right. And the threats against you—you as a person, Mrs. Struan, there's nothing we could attack her with.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not fair,\" she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"I'm not ashamed that my mother was an actress,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heavenly, what about 'if that woman ever steps foot in Hong Kong I'll make sure... 'eh?\" Not wanting to hurt Angelique further, Jamie did not read all of what Tess Struan had written: I'll make sure every decent person in Hong Kong knows her history, her father's, uncle's and that her aunt was an itinerant actress in a travelling group of players, gypsies and mountebanks, and about her own personal finances.\n\n\"I'm not ashamed that my mother was an actress,\" she had said sharply, \"even though most English consider them harlots. She wasn't, ever. And they weren't mountebanks. I'm not responsible for the sins of my father—I wasn't penniless, he stole my money, not only other people's.\"\n\n\"I know.\" Jamie wished he had not mentioned the letter. \"Heavenly, can you get proof of Dirk's burial with May-may?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, from Compradore Chen and Tess herself. But neither would volunteer, or admit it, would they? We would be jeered at and never get a court order to open the family crypt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye coughed and coughed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs. Angelique Struan must go with her husband's remains, if she doesn't she'll immeasurably hurt her position, both legally and publicly. But to go to Hong Kong? Dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had asked Babcott and Hoag to smooth the wording of the death certificates but was told, as expected, it could not be done. \"In my considered opinion, Mrs. Angelique is right not to take that risk at the moment, Jamie. I'm concerned she'd be more defenseless in Hong Kong than here.\"\n\n\"You'd go too, you can provide any shield necessary.\"\n\n\"Yes, but there's bound to be a scandal and I want to prevent that at all costs, for everyone's sake. Including Tess Struan's. She's not a bad woman if you look at her position from a mother's point of view. My considered opinion is that there's bound to be a stink—how to avoid it or minimize it, that's the question.\"\n\n\"Perhaps it can be contained,\" Jamie said. \"Tess isn't an ogre, she's always been fair in her way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She won't be fair, not with me,\" Angelique said. \"I understand her. Only a woman can really understand. She'll believe I've stolen her eldest son and killed him. Malcolm warned me against her.\"\n\n\"To contain her we need time,\" Skye said. \"We need time to negotiate, and there's not enough before a burial.\"\n\nWhen the two men left her, nothing had been resolved.\n\nNever mind, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will bury my husband as he wished; I will inherit his worldly goods, if any; I will beat Tess Struan. And I will be revenged.\n\nThe letters had hurt, but not as much as she expected. Her tears were not tears as before. They had not racked her as before. Nor am I as before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't understand. I'm really very strange. Will it last?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I surely hope so. Oh, Blessed Mother, how stupid I was.\n\nThrough the window she saw that day would soon be night, and in the bay, ships' riding lights, port, starboard and at their mastheads, blinked with the rise and fall of the swell. In the fire bucket coals settled noisily, flames flared briefly drawing her attention back. What to do?\n\n\"Missee?\" Ah Soh stalked in.\n\n\"Tai-tai, Ah Soh! You deaf, heya?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'missee' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said curtly. Malcolm had explained tai-tai to her, and on his last night Malcolm had made Ah Tok, Ah Soh and Chen address her as such in front of him—and Skye had also reminded her to make the servants use it.\n\n\"Missee wan' my pack chop chop?\"\n\n\"Tai-tai. You deaf, heya?\"\n\n\"You wan' my pack, chop chop... tai-tai?\"\n\n\"No. Tomorrow. If at all,\" she added quietly.\n\n\"Missee?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sighed. \"Tai-tai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Missee-tai-tai?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go away!\"\n\n\"Med'sin man wan' see-ah.\"\n\nShe was going to say \"Go away\" again, then changed her mind. \"Medicine man what?\"\n\n\"Med'sin frog, missee tai-tai.\"\n\nHoag. Yes, he is froglike, she thought, and was surprised to find that she was smiling. \"Yes. See now,\" and when he came in she said, \"'Evening, Doctor. How are you? I'm fine, thanks to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you?\" His eyes were red from fatigue, face pasty and puglike as ever but still a warmth about him that was comely. He peered at her. \"Yes, I can see that. Be cautious, don't press yourself. Take it easy, Angelique, be wise.\"\n\n\"I will, I promise.\"\n\n\"You were marvelous this afternoon.\"\n\n\"But I lost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. George Babcott and I were sorry about that, outraged after your story and Heavenly's appeal. George's seeing Wee Willie for dinner and will try again but I—we... we don't hold out much hope.\" He saw her shrug, just a small gesture, and continue watching him, eyes enormous in the paleness of her face. \"Do you need anything? To sleep or to calm—no, I can see you don't need any calming. I'm glad, so glad. I wanted to talk to you, chat, do you mind?\"\n\n\"Of course not, please sit down. How did the inquest go? Oh, there's whisky or other drinks there if you want.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" On the sideboard Waterford glasses and cut-glass decanters were lined up like soldiers in silver holders, with silver labels around their necks, the silver Georgian: Whisky, Cognac, Sherry, Port. He chose whisky and poured himself half a glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The inquest went as expected, Edward Gornt was exonerated of any blame and commended for bravery. The coroner, Skye, found that Greyforth's death was accidental and Gornt perfectly correct in trying to stop what could have been a brutal murder. We were surprised he used such strong words even though it was the truth.\" He sat facing her, raised his glass. \"Health!\"\n\n\"Salut! I'm glad for Edward. He deserves much praise.\"\n\n\"And so do you. Your story touched me deeply,\" Hoag said.\n\n\"It's true. Don't you believe me either?\"\n\n\"I believe it. That's what I wanted to talk about. You see, I understand it only too well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, eloquently, Hoag told her his own story, of his days in the Indian Army and falling in love and marrying against all conventions, the ostracism immediate, awful, then going home. Nothing better there. \"It was worse in fact. Arjumand died, that was her name, the same as the beloved of Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal,\" he said, his eyes locked into the fire, telling the story to the fire as well, seeing pictures of her there, her and him in the grand days before marriage. \"I'm so sad and yet glad that she didn't linger in the hatred, that she caught cold and died quickly like a gorgeous hothouse plant in an icy draft—that's what she was, you can't believe how exquisite, any more than I can believe she loved me—I know how ugly I look. I loved her to madness, and killed her.\"\n\n\"When you speak of her your face changes. You didn't kill her. It was fate. You weren't responsible.\" There's that word again, she thought.\n\n\"I was, marrying her and taking her home. May-may would have died too, forlorn, lonely and desperate for home. Even the great Dirk Struan himself couldn't buck public opinion, not if they'd married. They were both lucky to have died like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She watched him, his eyes misty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was Malcolm lucky to have died, like he died? I mean, you said he was so peaceful. Was he dying anyway?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag said, \"I'm afraid so. He could have gone any day, any hour. He was on borrowed time and I think he knew it.\"\n\nThis rattled her. \"Why wasn't he told, why didn't you warn him, warn us?\"\n\n\"It was an Act of God—we didn't know, not for certain as we do now, impossible to know or we would have.\"\n\n\"I—I don't understand. Tell me the truth, please, I need to understand.\"\n\nGently Hoag said, \"His insides, under and near the wound were worse than we'd thought. George couldn't probe around the wound much when he was brought in, that would have killed him anyway. The autopsy showed he was rotting away.\"\n\n\"The operation, it was well done?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, first class. George's repair job was admirable, as good as anyone could do,\" he said, and she believed him. \"You see, Angelique, we can't replace, we can only repair, there was sepsis in pockets—the reason for all the pain, poor fellow—and bad lesions that prevented him from straightening up.\" He added sadly, \"He was on the last of borrowed time. Even so I'm certain you made his last days the happiest any man could have.\"\n\nA coal fell into the hearth. Her eyes went to it. The flame flared and flickered and died—just like my Malcolm, poor man, poor love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sad,\" she said to the fire, \"so sad.\"\n\nHoag was weighing her, weighing himself and the memory of Arjumand—whom Angelique had reborn for him. Easy to decide now, after sharing Arjumand, he thought. Nervously he finished the drink. \"May I?\"\n\n\"Of course. Please.\"\n\nHoag replenished his glass, not so amply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About the burial, that's what I really wanted to see you about. You could, possibly, still do what you and Malcolm wanted.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nHe sat opposite her again. \"Bury him at sea like his grandfather, like he wanted, like you want. I can help you.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\nHe mopped his brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You go to Sir William, say you'll bow to the inevitable and as much as you deplore his decision, you will allow the body to be sent to Hong Kong. Tomorrow, we—Babcott and I—we officially put his coffin aboard Prancing Cloud from Kanagawa where it is at the moment. You see the coffin off officially, saying you could not bear to go with it on Prancing Cloud but you'll go by mail ship the day after tomorrow when she sails for Hong Kong. Everyone's satisfied.\"\n\n\"But the coffin is empty?\" she said excitedly.\n\nHe shook his head, his brow and jowls glistening in the firelight. \"No. There'll be a body in it but not his, a fisherman, a Korean, who died in Kanagawa this morning, at the clinic. Meanwhile Malcolm's remains are in the other coffin, still secretly at Kanagawa. If Jamie was with us, he could bring the cutter there tomorrow evening, we go out to sea and if we could get Tweet to officiate, Malcolm can be buried as you wish. The next day you catch the mail ship and no one's the wiser—if we can swear everyone to secrecy.\"\n\n\"So many 'ifs,'\" she muttered, her heart thumping.\n\n\"Many more than I've thought of,\" he said, drying his forehead, throat tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was just... The idea jumped into me a little while ago. I haven't thought it through, I may be quite off the mark, but I wanted to help. With or without George I can do the first part. Substituting the bodies. You have to do the other things. Perhaps I can help, I don't know,\" adding lamely, \"I'm not good at keeping secrets. Sorry, we have to decide now if... I'll have to get back to Kanagawa tonight while George is dining here. What do you think?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'thank' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was out of her chair in a flash and put her arms around him, embracing him in a perfumed envelope of softness and gratitude. \"Let's try... and thank you, thank you.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You wanted to see me, Ma'am?\" Gornt said.\n\n\"Yes, please come and sit down.\" Angelique sat by the bay window of the tai-pan's office where lounging chairs, an oak table and sideboard were. Chen stood nearby.\n\n\"May I say again how sorry I am about all this. If there's anything I can do, you only have to ask, Ma'am.\"\n\n\"I know, thank you, Edward. Yes, you can help, we all need friends. I'm glad the inquest went properly—you should get a medal. It was very brave of you, I'd like to thank you for Jamie, I don't know what I would do without him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A good fire burned in the hearth and fine Thai silk curtains shut out the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen went over to the ice bucket with the opened bottle. \"My husband said you liked champagne?\"\n\n\"Sure, yes, Ma'am, yes, I do,\" Gornt said, thinking of the inquest and the heavenly verdict that put the dangerous Norbert chapter to bed. The coroner, Heavenly Skye, was well named.\n\nShe motioned to Chen who poured two tall glasses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doh jeh\"—thanks, Gornt said, accepting his glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chen gaped at him as though he had not understood, despising this impertinent foreign devil even more for daring to speak a civilized dialect.\n\nAngelique said, \"Chen, you wait outside. If want, I use bell, heya?\" She indicated the silver bell on the side table.\n\n\"Yes, Missee.\"\n\nShe glared at him. \"Tai-tai!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Missee-tai-tai.\" Chen left, pleased with small victories. The servants had requested a conference that he had chaired. Ah Tok, her mind wandering, had wanted them to employ a soothsayer to put the Evil Eye on this \"Possessor of a Death-filled Duct,\" but he had said, \"No, we can't—and it isn't. The Master's death was not her doing. The Master married her and made us call her tai-tai in front of him and her. Our compromise is to call her 'Missee' first, then 'Missee-tai-tai' until the matter is decided by Illustrious Chen, to whom my urgent, detailed report is already aboard Prancing Cloud.\"\n\n\"Salut, Edward.\"\n\n\"Your health, Ma'am!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took the tiniest sip, he drank with enjoyment." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"I've never been able to afford it, except on festive occasions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Champagne's a source of life for me,\" he said, immediately wishing he had not said it that way. \"I've never been able to afford it, except on festive occasions.\"\n\n\"I like champagne too, though not tonight. But soon you'll be able to afford all you want, no? My husband told me your affairs were going to improve, tremendously, and that you had many secrets to share with him—for mutual profit.\"\n\n\"He did?\" Gornt was caught off guard, for he and Malcolm Struan had agreed to tell no one else. Norbert? Norbert didn't count, that was just more of the plan to confuse the enemy and Norbert had always been enemy. \"Secrets, Ma'am?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He told me he liked you, trusted you, as I do, that you were a man who could keep secrets as well as know them, and who understood the value of old friends—in the Chinese sense.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'malcolm' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That part's true. I liked and trusted him too.\"\n\n\"Jamie said you've booked passage on Prancing Cloud.\"\n\n\"Yes, that's right, Ma'am.\"\n\n\"My husband said you were going to give him special information about how to ruin the Brocks. You were going to tell him yesterday morning after... was it only yesterday? It seems a lifetime ago—for Malcolm it was, poor Malcolm.\"\n\nHe sighed, sad for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. May I say you've changed, Ma'am? You're different. Without wanting to be impertinent, or callous, may I say the change suits you very much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would prefer ten thousand times to have my husband alive, and not to have changed.\" Her openness surprised her, though like Malcolm, she had always found Gornt easy to talk to. \"I'm not yet sure about the change, if I like it. Growing up so fast is, I don't know the right word, is aching, scare-making.\" She got up and refilled his glass, then put the iced champagne bucket on the table, closer to him.\n\n\"Thanks,\" he said, aware of her more than ever before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've decided not to go to Hong Kong by the clipper.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes, Ma'am. I'd heard the rumor, something about you not wanting to go aboard her again—or your husband's remains—that you'll go by mail ship.\" As soon as he had heard, for safety he had seen the agent to reserve passage also but all cabins were taken. Cursing, he had tried to find Jamie but Jamie was not in the building. \"I can understand you not wanting to go on the Cloud.\"\n\nHer hands were tranquil in her lap, her voice quiet and as controlled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"These secrets you were going to tell my husband, will you tell them to me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled his nice smile, fascinated by her, and shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Ma'am, no—even if I had any.\"\n\nShe nodded, not offended. \"I didn't expect you to, I'm sure I wouldn't understand them if you did, and then, I could never put them into effect anyway, could I?\" He smiled. \"But Tess Struan can, no?\"\n\n\"Ma'am?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My husband told me you said if anything happened to him, you would go at once to Hong Kong to deal directly with his mother, to make the same arrangement with her you had made with him. He said you were doing this because you hated the Brocks—he didn't tell me why you hated them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She reached up and toyed with the stem of her glass. \"Tess Struan could certainly use the information, if what you claim is true, no? This was Tuesday, before we were married.\"\n\nAgain, he just watched her, a pleasant expression on his handsome face.\n\n\"I can understand why my husband liked you, Edward, why you'd be a dangerous enemy, and even more dangerous a friend.\"\n\nThis made him laugh outright and the tension between them broke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not to you, Ma'am, never, I swear it. Never.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"It's dated the day before yesterday, Edward, signed but not witnessed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll see. We have many bridges to cross, you and I, for, by God, as my husband would say, I am embracing his hopes and dreams as my own: that you can help Struan's destroy the Brocks, once and for all. Perhaps your hopes and dreams too.\"\n\n\"Mine?\"\n\nShe opened her bag and took out the paper she had found in the safe's inner compartment, held it closer to the light to see better and read aloud: \"'This is my solemn agreement with Mr. Edward Gornt, gentleman, of Rothwell's in Shanghai: if information provided by him assists Struan's to break Brock and Sons, causing them to go under within the next six months, on behalf of Struan's I guarantee that he will receive from their wreckage, the Brock fifty percent interest in Rothwell's free and clear, that we will assist him in good faith, as best we can, with the Victoria Bank to raise the necessary loan to purchase the other fifty percent belonging to Jefferson Cooper, that from this date, for twenty years, Struan's grants him, or any company he personally controls, favored nation status on any mutually agreed business dealings.'\"\n\nShe held it for him to see but did not hand it over. \"It's dated the day before yesterday, Edward, signed but not witnessed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made no move to take it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyesight was good. While she was reading it he had recognized the signature. Without the witness it doesn't have its real value, he thought, his mind moving rapidly from plan to plan, from question to question, to answers. \"So?\"\n\n\"I could witness my husband's signature.\"\n\nHis mind stopped churning with a jolt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A wife witnessing her husband's signature isn't usually valid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say I witnessed it the same day—before we were married.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where the devil's she getting all this from? he was thinking frantically. Jamie? Heavenly? She's like one of Stevenson's new steam rollers. \"Even if... even if the paper was witnessed, it wouldn't bind the Noble House.\"\n\n\"Yes, but it would carry weight with Tess Struan—it would be an agreement with her son. Doesn't it confirm you were working with my husband, clandestinely, to deliver her the greatest ambition of her life?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps, perhaps it would, Ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated. \"Jamie approves of the document?\"\n\n\"He doesn't know about it. No one does except me,\" she told him, believing it. Why else would Malcolm hide it?\n\nThoughtfully, he poured some wine—he noticed she had not touched hers further. \"I imagine,\" he said delicately, \"such a favor would require one in return, Ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would like you to hurry by Prancing Cloud with all speed, as you planned, and see Tess Struan. And deliver a letter from me.\"\n\nHis eyes widened with disbelief. \"That's all?\"\n\n\"Not exactly. When you arrive in Hong Kong—the clipper will be there long before the mail ship—you must get to her before she hears the tragic news of my husband's death from anyone else. It is essential that you get to her first, telling her you bring her terrible news but also secret information, vital information that guarantees the ruin of Brock's forever, that will put them out of business forever quickly.\" She took a deep breath. \"It will, won't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said softly, no longer a need to deny it.\n\n\"Next, tell her the Brocks had planned to murder Malcolm, using Norbert Greyforth. Third, that...\"\n\n\"They what?\"\n\n\"Isn't that true? Wasn't that part of Tyler Brock's plot? Or Morgan's? Certainly Jamie is of that opinion—he would swear to it. Mr. Skye told me about the duel, the rest I forced from Jamie—why there was a duel. Wasn't Norbert just a pawn for murder?\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Gornt said, overwhelmed by her. \"Probably. Next?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next.\" Her voice became quieter but oddly, clearer: \"Please tell her it's because of me you're bringing her the evidence to destroy Brock's—you must keep stressing that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because of you?\"\n\n\"Because of me. Yes. Emphasize that. It's important to me, not much to ask, and you will get what you want anyway.\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"\n\n\"Yes. You tell her you were going to forget this written contract you had with her son, believing it to be valueless now. But because I asked you, pleaded with you to see her in his stead, you decided to rush to Hong Kong to see her.\" She leaned closer. \"The information, must it be acted on quickly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then emphasize that. But most of all, keep stressing it was I who persuaded you to go to her, my pleading persuaded you to see her to give her the evidence to destroy Malcolm's enemies and hers... that I assured you she would honor the contract, or give you an equivalent. And she will. Tess Struan will, I guarantee.\"\n\n\"With your signature?\"\n\n\"That's the first thing she will notice, so mention it in advance. Say Malcolm asked me to witness his signature, saying only it was a business contract between you two, which I did in front of you, without thought—on Monday, before the party. I didn't read it, nor ask about it. Last, say you have an urgent letter from me, and give it to her.\" Angelique picked up her glass. \"If she reads it in front of you, she probably won't, but if she does, I'd like to know what she says or does.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now she took a second sip, leaned back, waiting, her eyes locked on his.\n\nHer face still told him nothing. \"What's in the letter?\"\n\n\"You may read it, if you wish, before I seal it.\" She added lightly, without spite, \"It will save you the bother of opening it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mind was pondering the conundrum of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the news of his death, your marriage and his death, how do I tell her that and all the rest?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Edward. You will know how to do that.\"\n\nHe grunted, astounded by the gall—no, not gall, more by the cunning. Obviously, her goal was to slide into Tess's favor out of the existing enmity, and to forestall any action, civil or criminal, that a mother such as Tess Struan, torn apart by the agony of her loss, might, will, unleash against her—the current betting five to one Tess Struan would, two to one she would win.\n\nNever mind that, this strategy could squeeze Angelique into the winner's circle—could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With care, not quite as she had suggested it, much more subtly than that, he could do what she proposed without harming his own position and make his deal with Tess, who would certainly give him everything he wanted—once the shock of her son's death had lessened and she could appreciate the enormity of what he had to offer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Better for me to ease Angelique off the Tess Struan barb, much better. What should I ask in return? Her signature, of course, but what else? What else do I want from her? There are all kinds of gambits I co—" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside the shoya's dwelling, Jamie sat cross-legged on the tatami, shoeless, Hiraga opposite him. At the head of the table was the shoya, and saké and tea.\n\nFor an hour or more Jamie had answered and asked questions, Hiraga translating, hesitating over the strange words, wanting further explanations to understand clearly. Jamie was tired, not because of the time spent here, a fascinating and a welcome relief from all his other troubles, but because there seemed to be no solution to them. He had been upset by Sir William's refusal to be swayed over the burial, though understanding perfectly—he would have done the same in his position. Poor Angelique, poor Malcolm, poor Noble House. Even poor bloody Tess.\n\nSomething has to give. It won't be Wee Willie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It has to be Angelique—there's nothing she or anyone can do. This time I think it will break her.\n\nAs simply as he could he had laid out his idea for a joint venture, the shoya and his contacts supplying the goods on consignment they agreed on, Jamie supplying the European know-how, a six-month leeway for payment, which would give time for the goods to be sold and the money either to come back or to be reinvested in mass-produced goods that they, in return, would advise the joint venture to import. This led into a discussion of quantities, then into mass production methods that could make them all rich.\n\n\"Shoya ask: What cost your massu produk'shun machine?\"\n\n\"It depends what the machines are to make,\" Jamie said.\n\n\"Jami-sama, he ask you, p'rease, you say what goods to make to se're in Ing'rund. Not now, in three day, p'rease. If shoya agree, perhaps make stoku kompeni and bring massu produk'shun machine to Nippon.\"\n\nJamie smiled. \"Mass production is initially expensive to set up, machines and factory. It's not like the joint venture I suggested. There's no way I could raise that much money.\"\n\n\"Jami-sama, you not worry, not worry about money. Gyokoyama can buy-se're Yedo if want.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga smiled grimly as Jamie blinked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoya thank you and I thank you. P'rease, in three days, you say what to make and price. I see you home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No need for that, thanks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga bowed, the shoya bowed, Jamie bowed back equally and went into the evening air.\n\n\"Tea, Sire?\" the shoya asked.\n\nHiraga nodded a yes, preparing to leave, needing a bath and massage, but pleased with himself, everything done now except to collect Jami Mukfey's supposed fee of the three koku.\n\nThe shoya ordered fresh tea. When the maid had gone, he said, \"I have some news. By carrier pigeon, Otami-sama, about Lord Yoshi, and about the shishi you might like to hear.\"\n\n\"Stop playing games! Of course I wish to hear.\" Now that he was alone with the shoya, Hiraga became imperious and samurai without noticing it. \"What news?\"\n\n\"There's been another attempt on Lord Yoshi.\"\n\n\"He's dead?\" Hiraga said hopefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Otami-sama, here, please read for yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With pretended meekness the shoya offered the sliver of paper, the same he had previously shown to Raiko and Meikin: An assassination attempt on Lord Yoshi at dawn at Hamamatsu village failed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lone shishi assassin slain by him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Koiko also dead in skirmish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inform House of Wisteria our great sadness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More information soon as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga read it, and gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When did this happen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five days ago, Otami-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing further?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'otami-sama' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet.\"\n\nReading the message, his headache seemed to become even worse, his thoughts jumbled. Koiko dead, another shishi dead! Who? If she's dead, what about Sumomo? \"You've informed the House of Wisteria?\"\n\n\"Yes, Otami-sama.\"\n\n\"What did Meikin say?\"\n\n\"She was distraught, Otami-sama, naturally.\"\n\n\"What else do you know, shoya?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that I don't know. Perhaps about eight days, Otami-sama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What I know that affects you and shishi, I tell you.\"\n\n\"What about Katsumata and Takeda?\"\n\n\"The word, Sire, they were still travelling towards us, as, supposedly, Lord Yoshi is.\"\n\n\"When does he arrive back? Has he changed his plans now?\" he asked, his mind tumbling. If Koiko was killed in the skirmish, was it by accident, or had Yoshi discovered Koiko had tentacles to us, as Meikin has? \"Eh?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Perhaps about eight days, Otami-sama.\" The shoya studied Hiraga's concern and thought that, yes, this youth should be concerned, for obviously he is in great danger, but eeee, how valuable he is! I agree he is a National Treasure, or should be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joint-u ven'shur!—a godlike idea!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My son will go to work with this Jami gai-jin starting tomorrow, to learn barbarian ways and then I will not need Hiraga, who represents nothing but trouble to me directly, and so sorry, is doomed. Like we all are, if we are not very clever. \"Otami-sama, there are many troop movements around us.\"\n\n\"Eh? What kind of movements?\"\n\n\"The Bakufu have reinforced the three nearest Tokaidō way stations to us. Also, there are five hundred samurai straddling the road north and south of us.\" A bead of sweat slid down his cheek. \"We are in a box of Tairō Anjo.\"\n\nHiraga cursed and, too, felt the pressure increase. \"What do you hear, Shoya? Is he planning to attack us here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I knew, Otami-sama. Perhaps telling the Taira about the troops might help to find out what is the gai-jin plan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They'll bombard Yedo, any fool knows that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga felt sickened at the thought of the inevitable gai-jin victory though it would serve sonno-joi like nothing else. \"There's nothing the tairō can do to prevent...\" His heart skipped a beat and he stopped.\n\n\"Except, Otami-sama?\"\n\n\"Except history's answer, the usual answer: a sudden, brutal, surprise attack to destroy the fleet's base.\" Hiraga was astonished he had shared his thought, and been so open with such a lowly person, even though the shoya was intelligent, a valuable ally, and soon to be a business partner.\n\nEeee, he told himself through the throbbing of his headache, there's so much I do not understand, the world is turning upside down, everything different, I am different, no longer samurai yet totally samurai. It is these filthy gai-jin with their tempting, sickening, awesome, greed-making ideas. They must be thrown out—sonno-joi sonno-joi sonno-joi—but not yet. First massu produk'shun, the first to make rifles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoya, send out all spies in case that is Anjo's plan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Spies, Otami-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga said, \"The time is now to stop playing games, Shoya. You understand? No-more-games!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I obey in everything, Otami-sama. As usual, as I ha—\"\n\n\"You did very well tonight, Shoya. The moment you hear anything about Yoshi or shishi, send me word, please.\" Hiraga added the \"please\" as a major concession.\n\n\"As quick as a hunting sea bird, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good night then—ah, so sorry, I forgot, there is the gai-jin's fee. He asked me to remind you.\"\n\nThe shoya's stomach turned over. From his sleeve he extracted a small bag—it would have been very bad manners to give it to Jami-sama direct. \"Here is the equal in gold oban for one and a half koku, Otami-sama, the rest in ten days.\"\n\nHiraga shrugged and casually put it in his own sleeve, but the weight of it and the joy of it astonished him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will tell him, and see he is here in three days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Otami-sama. These troop movements, terribly worrisome. War is coming. My Masters say if they could have advance warning of gai-jin plans... they would appreciate deeply any help. Perhaps your Taira-sama...\" Hopefully, he left the name hanging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another message from Head Office in Osaka had arrived today, more urgent than the last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As if I cannot read?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'because' | Required occurrences: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the shoya thought angrily, as if I'm uncaring and disloyal. I do everything I can. It is those two cursed mamasans. Two days and still nothing from them!\n\nBefore he had left Raiko and Meikin he had impressed on them his urgent need to know everything they knew, or could find out, quickly. His anger began to increase, not only because the two women had pretended to know nothing however much he cajoled them, even though he was sure that they already had an inkling, but also because his precious gold oban were in this rapacious samurai's sleeve, fees, however well earned for an equally rapacious gai-jin. And where will all my lovely oban end up? Of course in some whore's Golden Gully.\n\n\"Thank you so much, Otami-sama,\" the shoya said unctuously, as Hiraga left, keeping his head on his tatami to hide the gnashing of his few remaining broken teeth, wanting to humble Hiraga, make him sweat, telling him, not sorry at all: oh, so sorry, your late whore Koiko was implicated in the plot, so was your trained female assassin and wife-to-be Sumomo who had her head chopped off too, and your shishi supporter Meikin, mamasan to the most important men in Yedo—even Gyokoyama leaders—is not long for this earth because we surmise Yoshi knows all this too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And though you're the cleverest samurai I've known, you're doomed doomed doomed, and yet my illustrious superiors expect me to treat you as a National Treasure and keep you alive as well. Oh ko!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight I shall get drunk, but not before congratulating myself on the imminent formation of the Ryoshi Joint-u Ven'shur Stoku Kompenil Eeee, an idea worthy of gods!" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Walking home, Jamie McFay loosened his topcoat though the evening air was cold. He was warm. The knowledge gained was substantial and his concentration had driven away his cares. All very interesting, he thought, but neither of those two have any idea of the initial costs of mass production. And yet the way Nakama said Gyokoyama could buy and sell Yedo if they wanted, for the moment I really believed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shoya will go for a joint venture, I'm sure of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His step was brisk and he greeted others walking the High Steet and went up the Struan steps, into his domain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's mine again, he thought, with pride. Perhaps Tess will change her mind now—she's no fool and I've done a good job.\n\nVargas was waiting.\n\n\"'Evening, Vargas, time to lock up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but first, senhor, sorry, these came in yesterday's mail but, somehow, were in my In tray.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both letters were marked Personal and Confidential and addressed to him. The first was in Tess Struan's writing. His stomach heaved. The other was from Maureen Ross, his erstwhile fiancée. His unease doubled. \"Thanks,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In spite of his resolve to wait, he could not and tore Tess's letter open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is to inform you formally that Mr. Albert MacStruan is transferred from Shanghai, arriving by steamer, Wayfong, on the 17th. Please acquaint him with all Japanese operations. Subject to your noncompliance with previous letters he assumes control at the end of December.\n\nHis dismissal from the Noble House, now that it was in effect, did not anger him as he expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact he was relieved. Weird, just a few moments ago I thought it was my...\n\nHe looked up at Vargas who was watching narrowly. \"What else, Vargas?\" He folded the letter and put it on his desk with the other one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs. Angelique is in the tai-pan's office. She asked if you could see her for a moment?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's up now?\"\n\n\"Nothing that I know of, senhor, the evening has been peaceful. A message arrived from your Nemi, asking if you would be visiting later. One other small matter, Captain Strongbow again asked for sailing orders. Again I told him to be patient. It will be on the evening tide?\"\n\n\"Yes. I think so. Send word to Nemi: Perhaps.\"\n\n\"At once, senhor. Then it's decided? The tai-pan's remains will go with Cloud? And of course the Senhora?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Either by clipper, or the mail ship, one or the other,\" he said, walked along the corridor, knocked and went in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was curled in Malcolm's chair, which Jamie was coming to think of as her own, reading the Guardian by oil light. \"Hello, Jamie.\"\n\n\"'Evening. I've decided to go with you and the mail ship.\" He tried unsuccessfully not to sound blunt. \"It's my job to explain to Tess Struan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having said it, he felt better." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my job and I think Mal—I think he would like me to do that, and it might spare you a little.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she said with her sweet smile, \"I'm sure he would. Close the door, Jamie, and sit down a moment.\" When he had obeyed, she dropped her voice and told him Hoag's plan. \"Can you bring the cutter to Kanagawa with the rest of us tomorrow evening?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was staring at her stupidly, completely off guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're crazy. That plan's crazy.\"\n\n\"No, not at all. Dr. Hoag thinks...\"\n\n\"He's over the moon too—you'd never get away with it.\"\n\n\"Why?\" she asked calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fifty reasons,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So many reasons I'm not even going to mention any. Whole idea's ludicrous, insane, Willie will have you in irons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no law against what we would be doing, Mr. Skye says. The burial would be quite legal, he says.\"\n\n\"Mr. Bloody Know-it-all says that, eh? And what else's Heavenly going to do,\" he asked, \"put his collar on backwards and read the bloody service?\"\n\n\"Mr. Skye believes we can persuade the Reverend Tweet to do that,\" she said as though he were a child in a tantrum.\n\nHe threw up his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're both crazy and Hoag is stupid, off his head to have suggested it. We'll leave on the mail ship, you, me, and him.\" He stalked for the door.\n\n\"Jamie, can you handle the cutter by yourself or will we need a crew?\" He turned back and stared at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled, determined, but nicely so." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Would we need a crew?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would we need a crew?\"\n\n\"Two men at least. Bosun and engineer, at least.\"\n\n\"Thank you. If you don't wish to help, may I ask the Bosun, yes?\"\n\n\"I can't seem to get through to you. This idea is foolhardy, extremely foolhardy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded ruefully. \"You're probably right and we won't be able to do it, but I'm going to try, and then try again. I can't seem to get through to you either, dearest Jamie. I promised to love, honor and obey my husband and your friend—he was your friend—and I don't feel parted from him, not yet, nor do you. Tess Struan won't give him his wish, will she?\"\n\nAll the time he had been looking down at her, not seeing her and at the same time seeing every detail of her, remembering all the years of Tess Struan and what she and Culum Struan had meant to him, and Malcolm Struan had meant and Dirk Struan had meant and the Noble House had meant. All gone and all wasted and all at an end, our Noble House no longer noble, no longer first in Asia. Well, not quite wasted and not quite over but its glory's gone and my friend's dead and that's a fact." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night, when Dr. Hoag arrived at the Kanagawa Legation, part of the Buddhist temple, Towery, the Sergeant-in-charge, smart in his Guards uniform, tall hat, scarlet tunic, white trousers and black boots, met him. \"Didn't expect you till morning, Doc.\"\n\n\"I just have to make sure everything's ready. We want an early start.\"\n\nEscorting him to the part of the temple used as a morgue, Towery laughed. \"If you left him ready, Doc, he's ready, 'cause he ain't about to've gone walkies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room was large, with a dirt floor and access to the grounds through shutter doors. Towery sniffed the air. \"They don't 'niff yet. Never did like corpses. You want a hand?\"\n\n\"No, thank you.\" Two empty coffins were on trestles, lids beside them, others standing upright against the wall. The bodies were on marble slabs covered with sheets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the far end were big barrels containing ice." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'would' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Water seeped from them, discoloring the beaten earth floor. \"What about the native? How long we've to keep him?\"\n\n\"Tomorrow.\" Hoag felt faint, suddenly realizing, by custom, the body would be claimed for cremation according to Shinto ritual but now there would be no body...\n\n\"Wot's up, Doc?\"\n\n\"Nothing, just a... thank you, Sergeant.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His heart started again as he remembered the man was Korean, one of some shipwrecked fishermen who eked out a pathetic existence, no way to sail home, unwanted and despised by locals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Babcott had agreed to have the body cremated in the Buddhist crematorium. \"Actually, you could help, Sergeant.\"\n\nMalcolm's corpse had been cleaned and dressed after the autopsy by their Japanese trainee assistants. With the help of the Sergeant, who took the feet, they placed him in the coffin. \"He looks right pretty for a corpse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Malcolm's face was serene in death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's do t'other one, Doc. No need t'give yourself a hernia, eh, not that this little bugger weighs but a stone or two.\"\n\n\"We'd better wrap him in his sheet.\"\n\nThe Korean was skin and bones. Dysentery had killed him. Together they put him into the coffin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks, I'll just tidy things up, then turn in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right, Doc. I'll make sure your room's ready.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once alone Hoag bolted the door. With Angelique's agreement, they had decided that there would be no traditional laying-out, with the coffin open for people to pay last respects to the dead man. With care he slid the lid into place. It took no time to nail it tight.\n\nNow the other one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There would be a great difference in weight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What to use? Earth. There was a shovel belonging to the gravediggers to one side—not every body was cremated. Outside the earth was soft, the night cold with a slight wind that rustled the vegetation. He dug swiftly and brought shovelfuls back, scattering the earth on and around the corpse, packing it tightly. A few branches filled up the gaps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Satisfied, he levered on the lid and hammered the nails in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned against the coffin, his breathing heavy, sweaty and dirty and even more concerned than when he started." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heavenly's right, he thought, washing his hands in a bucket. We'll never get away with it.\n\n\"You're off your rocker, Doc,\" Skye had said with his wheezing cough, \"and so is she and so am I to say all right, I'm in. Wee Willie will have kittens but never mind, tomorrow night it is.\" This was in the Club a few hours ago, noisy and argumentative as always. \"Have another whisky.\"\n\n\"I'll have a coffee, thanks, then I'd better be off.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her story reminded me of my Nellie, Doc. Married I was when I was an articled clerk, sixteen, she was fifteen, at least we pretended we were married and lived in a garret off Fleet Street, near the Old Cheshire Cheese Pub, Sam Johnson's place. She died in childbirth and the nipper, he would have been a boy, he died too.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"Yes, once, she died in London too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He offered a cigar and lit one for himself. \"Pauper's grave, a couple of pence to the nightly barrow, bring out your dead, and that was the last of them. Cholera was bad that year, dysentery too, cemeteries full to overflowing.\" Heavenly spat in the spittoon. \"Haven't thought of little Nellie for years. You been married, Doc?\"\n\n\"Yes, once, she died in London too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Another coincidence, eh? Never felt like getting married after Nellie—swore I'd not be that poor again no matter what—always on the go, travelling too much. Had lots of girls but never did get the pox. Did you, Doc?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" Hoag had crossed his fingers. \"Not yet.\"\n\n\"Hey, you're superstitious too, like me?\"\n\n\"Yes. You're sure of our legal position in this?\"\n\n\"As sure as can be, sure as shit—but if Wee Willie wants he can trump up a dozen charges, never fear. Listen, whatever happens, Tess Struan will bust her knickers and that's your stipend gone and you into the creek without a paddle.\"\n\n\"No. I'm going back to India...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Strange how bad leads to good or good to bad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All this has really decided me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I really am going back this time, going back to Cooch Behar in Bengal where I was stationed and where she came from. I'm going to find her family and... and then we'll see. I've enough cash for that and a few years left, our son and daughter are grown up now, part of the tapestry of London, educated as best I could, paid for as best I could, my sister and her husband their real parents—both sterling and the stuff of England.\n\nI'm a good doctor and God knows they need doctors in India, even bad ones, so who knows, maybe I can find some happiness... I don't even expect that, just some peace from the full-blooded horror of the killing of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tired now, he studied the two coffins. A last look to check that everything was as it should be. Taking the oil lamp, he went out, bolting the door after him.\n\nA baleful moon cast a shadow through the open windows. Silently another shadow moved." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pallidar said icily, \"Well, Doctor?\"\n\nHoag had just been summoned. He sat on the edge of a chair, uncomfortable and pale. Stiff-backed and uniformed, Pallidar was imposing even though he had a bad cold. On the desk was his plumed hat, his sword beside it, the early morning light glinting off the braid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him stood Sergeant Towery. Bells from the temple toned ominously.\n\nHoag shrugged meekly. \"Ballast.\"\n\n\"For Christ's sake, Doctor, this isn't a court-martial and personally I don't care if you pack coffins with cow shit, kindly tell me why you did what you did last night.\"\n\n\"I—I... thought... thought it was a good idea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to know, now...\" A cough stopped him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Exasperated, Pallidar blew his nose and coughed, cleared his throat, and coughed again.\n\nHoag said brightly, \"I've—we've some special, new cough mixture in the clinic, it'll get rid of that cold in a jiffy, it's got quinine in it, opium.\" He began to get up. \"I'll get some an—\"\n\n\"Sit down! The coffin, for Christ's sake, not my cold! The Sergeant saw you. Rightly he told me. Now you tell me why!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag had twisted and turned but knew he was trapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cursing the Sergeant silently, he said, \"Can... can I... can I talk to you alone, Settry, old boy, please?\"\n\nPallidar glared at him. \"All right. Sergeant!\" Towery saluted and marched out. \"Well?\"\n\n\"Well, you see... you see...\" Although Hoag had decided to tell him sharply to please mind his own business, that he wasn't subject to military discipline anymore, thank God, you bloody officers trampled on me before but you're not going to do it again... he suddenly found himself pouring out the story in detail, ending, \"So you see, Settry, it was the weight, the difference in weight, earth was perfect... Listen, George Babcott is due any moment but he's not to know, no one is—you know nothing—we just send the wrong, the right coffin aboard the clipper and tonight when the cutter arrives, God willing, we bury him as he wanted and Angel wants.\" Hoag fanned himself, feeling better, at the same time weak with guilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know nothing. Now—now I'll get that cough mixture.\"\n\n\"Will you sit down.\" Pallidar glowered at him. \"You're a bloody fool. First: have you looked out of the window?\"\n\n\"Eh?\" Hoag did as he was bidden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These windows faced seawards." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: that's, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sea was grey, swell heavy and nimbus clouds had closed out the sun, dominating the sky. \"Oh!\"\n\n\"Yes, oh! There'll be a bloody storm before dusk so no cutter burial even if it was possible, and you know Sir William ordered a Hong Kong burial so, by God, that's where it will be.\"\n\n\"But Settry, don't—\"\n\n\"Not for you, Angelique, anyone—\" Pallidar broke off with a new fit of coughing, then added hoarsely, \"Sir William's in charge, he made a decision and that's it. Clear?\"\n\n\"Yes, but...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No bloody but, for Christ's sake. Kindly fetch some cough medicine and stay to hell out of the morgue. Sergeant!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Towery stuck his head in. \"Yessir?\"\n\n\"Put a sentry on the morgue, no one to go in without my approval. I don't want the coffins touched.\"\n\nHoag went off cursing himself for leaking Sir William's decision, cursing Pallidar, the busybody Sergeant, but mostly himself. Fuck it, he thought. I've botched it. In the clinic he found the cough mixture, was tempted to add some castor oil but decided not to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here, Settry, this will do the trick.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pallidar took some, choked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Filthy stuff, you sure you didn't pee in it just for badness?\"\n\n\"I was tempted.\" Hoag smiled. \"Sorry for being a perfect bloody idiot. You can still close your eyes—you could, you know, Nelson did.\"\n\n\"Yes, but he was Navy, we keep our eyes on teeth marks.\"\n\n\"Settry. Please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thoughtfully Pallidar sipped the medicine. \"You should comply with Sir William's order, best in the long run.\"\n\nHoag's attention focused on the care lines on the good-looking face. \"What's up?\"\n\n\"With me, nothing, except this lousy cold and cough. Plenty's up in the Settlement.\"\n\n\"What now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Last few days lots of enemy movement all around us, samurai patrols, most of them covert—just for safety we've been patrolling to the Tokaidō and Settlement limits, so we spotted them. Coming here samurai were stacked ten-deep in places. They didn't interfere with us except for the usual gibbering. I counted almost four hundred armed bastards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tairō Anjo trying to harass us, scare us?\"\n\n\"Probably.\" Pallidar coughed, took another gulp of the medicine. \"This is dreadful, I feel worse already. Ugh! I'm recommending we withdraw all personnel from here for a while.\"\n\nHoag whistled. \"We wouldn't want to close the clinic.\"\n\n\"I wouldn't want to have you dead without a coffin. These bastards love surprise attacks. Like poor bloody Malcolm. Someone's going to pay for him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag nodded. \"I agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Idly he was looking out towards Yokohama, the countryside flat and uninteresting in winter—hate the cold, always have, always will." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes took him to Prancing Cloud, the steamer mail ship, the merchantmen, warships and tenders all busy, preparing for the coming storm or preparing to leave. Warships had smoke trickling from their funnels—fleet orders, well publicized, so that the Bakufu and their spies would be aware that the whole fleet could sail on a war footing within an hour.\n\nStupid, all the killing, but then what can we do? Those responsible must pay. Then he saw the smoke from the Struan steam cutter chugging this way, bobbing through the troughs, spray from the bow wave drenching the glass of the bridge and main cabin. His anxiety crested." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie, Angelique and Skye were grouped around the bay window in the tai-pan's office. Rain splattered the glass. It was near midday. \"Tonight will be too dangerous.\"\n\n\"Then it will storm, Jamie?\"\n\n\"Yes, Angelique. Enough to stop us.\"\n\n\"Will Cloud sail tonight as planned?\"\n\n\"Yes, no storm will stop her. The cutter's gone to Kanagawa to collect the other coffin. You still want it put aboard her and not the mail ship?\"\n\n\"That's Sir William's order, not mine,\" she said firmly. \"He wants to send my husband against his wishes and mine, he says it should go as quickly as possible and that's by clipper. A coffin will go as he wishes. Jamie, our ruse, I think our ruse is fair. As to the storm, it will be a little storm. If we can't bury my husband tonight, then we'll try tomorrow. Or the next day.\"\n\n\"The mail ship will sail tomorrow around noon.\"\n\n\"Could you delay her, in case?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so. I'll try.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie thought a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll talk to the captain. What else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique smiled sadly. \"First we have to see if Dr. Hoag was successful. If not... perhaps I must go with the clipper after all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More than likely Hoag will come back with the cutter, then we can decide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie added, not believing it, \"Somehow it'll all work out. Don't worry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about asking Edward Gornt to join us?\" she asked.\n\n\"No,\" Jamie said. \"The three of us are enough with Hoag. I've arranged berths on the mail ship, for Hoag, you and me.\"\n\nSkye said, \"Angelique, it's much wiser for you to stay here. Everyone here knows Wee Willie made the decision against your wishes, and that takes some of the heat from you.\"\n\n\"If we cannot bury Malcolm, then I will go. I must be at his funeral, have to.\" She sighed. \"We should have a captain for our venture. Jamie, it should be you.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Skye said. \"Meanwhile, we wait for Hoag.\"\n\nJamie began to speak, stopped, then nodded and went to his own office. A big pile of mail waited for action. He began to deal with it, working diligently but his concentration was disturbed by his drawer. In it was Maureen's letter. At length he threw down his pen and took the letter out and reread it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no need, for he had read it twenty times before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The key sentence was: As there has been no reply to my fervent requests and prayers that you return and take up a normal life at home, I have decided to put my trust in our Maker and venture to Hong Kong, or the Japans, wherever you are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My beloved father has advanced us the money which he borrowed against a mortgage on our home in Glasgow—please leave word for me with Cook's in Hong Kong for I sail tomorrow, a second-class berth, on the Cunard Eastern Mail...\n\nThe letter was dated over two and a half months ago.\n\nHe groaned. She'll be in Hong Kong any day. My letter arrived too late. Now what do I do? Grin? Hide? Flee to Macao like old Aristotle Quance? Not on your life. It's my life and there's no way I can support a wife, want a wife... I can't just write the same letter again and have it meet her there. I'll have to—\n\nA knock interrupted his thoughts. \"Yes?\" he bellowed.\n\nTentatively Vargas poked his head around the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I see you a moment, senhor?\"\n\n\"Yes, what is it?\" Jamie asked.\n\nVargas said distastefully, \"There's a man here to see you, a Mr. Corniman—some name like that, I think he said.\"\n\nThe name meant nothing to Jamie. Vargas opened the door a crack. The short, ferretlike man was strangely dressed, part in European clothes, part Japanese. Shirt, trousers and thick padded overcoat, clean-shaven, hair clean and tied in a queue, a knife at his belt and well-worn boots. Jamie did not recognize him but here strangers were often not what they seemed. On an impulse he said, \"Come in, please sit down.\" Then he remembered the mail ship. \"Vargas, ask Captain Biddy to stop by a moment, will you? He should be in the Club. Sit down, Mr. Corniman, is it?\"\n\n\"You's grog, mate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you and what do you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Johnny Cornishman, remember I seed you wiv' the tai-pan, me and my mate, Charlie Yank, we's prospectors, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Prospectors? Oh, yes, I remember you.\" Now the man was clean and tidy where before he had been a hairy, filthy, foul-smelling beachcomber. His malevolent, furtive little eyes had not changed. \"We made you a deal but you went with Brock's,\" he said sharply, \"you sold us out.\"\n\n\"Ay, that we did. We's biznessmen. Norbert give us'n more brass, didn't he? Forget him, he's dead. First, some grog, eh? Then talks.\"\n\nJamie kept his interest hidden. A man like this did not come without pay dirt. He unlocked his sideboard and poured half a tumbler of rum. \"You've made a strike?\"\n\nThe little man quaffed half the glass, choked and bared his gums, toothless but for two twisted brown teeth. \"Grog's better'n saké, by God, but never mind, the little sheilas is making up for th' lack o' grog.\" He belched and grinned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just so long as you barf. Jesus they's pekulier about water and barfing, more'n in our Yoshiwara, but when you's barfed then they's waggles theys bums till Kingdom come!\" He roared at his own joke, then said toughly, \"We's got best quality steamer coal, tons, mate, 'nuff to coal our whole eff'ing fleet. At half Hong Kong price, th' ton.\"\n\n\"Where? Delivered where?\" Jamie said, brightening. Steamer coal was extremely valuable and in short supply, especially for the fleet, and a local supplier would be a godsend as well as a constant source of revenue. At even twice Hong Kong price he could sell all he could get, let alone half. \"Delivered where?\"\n\n\"'Ere in Yokopoko, for Christ's sake, but sixpence a ton you's puts in't bank for Johnny Cornishman.\" He gulped the rum down. \"You's to pay in gold or silver Mex an' you's pay this bugger.\" He handed over a piece of paper. The bad printing read: Yokohama Village, Shoya Ryoshi, Gyokoyama merchant. \"This sod know wot's wot, the ropes, knows wot to do. You's knows the bugger?\"\n\n\"Yes, he's the village headman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Me Guv sayed you'd know him.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Why me? Why ask me to deal with you?' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's your Guv?\"\n\nCornishman grinned. \"Lord 'igh Muck hisself. You's doan' need names. Doan' waste time. We's a deal, yes or no?\"\n\nAfter a moment Jamie said, \"Where's the seam?\"\n\n\"Me strike's me own, mate, not yorn.\" The little man laughed nastily. \"It be close but in enemy lands. Listen, me first seam's open, wiv a mountain of coal nearby an' a thousand of the yeller buggers to dig'n carry, 'nuff for twenty fleet for twenty year, by God.\"\n\n\"Why me? Why ask me to deal with you?\"\n\n\"'Cause Norbert's bloody dead an' you's bloody kingpin now the tai-pan's dead. Yokopoko's proper bloody dangerous, eh?\" Cornishman held out the glass. \"I's enjoy more grog, if you please, Mister godalmighty Struan's.\"\n\nAgain Jamie poured and sat down again. Cornishman noticed half the last measure and grunted. \"Wot's this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll pay a fifth of Hong Kong price, less customs, delivered here, first delivery in thirty days. No side deal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little man's eyes darted around the room like a rat's. \"Any customs you's pay, mate. Me side deal stays. Tell you wot: day after tomorrer you's send a coaling barge near Yedo, where I says. Day after termorrer. We fills her up, you's to pay a fifth when full and brings her here to Yoko, you pays that geezer the rest, th' one of the paper. Sixpence a ton in bank in me name, Johnny Cornishman. Can't be fairer, eh? You get coal before you pay an' at half price Hong Kong.\"\n\n\"A fifth of Hong Kong price overall.\"\n\nThe little man's face twisted with anger. \"At harf Hong Kong price you's making a big profit, for Christ's sake, the coal's here, not in eff'ing Honkers. You's saves shipping, 'surance, and Christ knows what—we ain't chicken-shit bushwhackers, this's spectible trade!\"\n\nJamie laughed. \"Tell you what: first barge I'll pay a third Hong Kong price. If the quality's what you say and you guarantee delivery a barge a week or whatever you can do, I'll up it over the year to half Hong Kong less fifteen percent. Threepence a ton on the side to you. What about your partner, what was his name, Charlie Yank?\"\n\n\"Sixpence or nuffink.\" Again the glance darted around the room and came back to rest on him, glittering. \"He's dead like yor tai-pan but he didn't die like that lucky bugger.\"\n\n\"You'd better watch your tongue about our tai-pan.\"\n\n\"Go stuff yourself, mate. That were no disrespekt, we's all like to meet old Boney with a doxy chomping on our dingle.\" He finished his drink and got up. \"Two days, at high noon. Pick up be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He offered a small hand-drawn map. The X was on the coast a few miles north of Kanagawa, south of Yedo proper. \"You's brings tenders, we gives labor.\"\n\n\"Can't do two days, that's a Sunday. Make it Monday.\"\n\n\"'Course, Lord's day's the Lord's day. Three days.\"\n\nJamie studied the map. An unprotected coal barge, with tenders and crew, might be a tempting bushwhack. \"As the barge would be naval, and the coal for the Navy, I imagine they'll send a frigate to stand offshore.\"\n\n\"They's can send the whole eff'ing fleet for all I cares.\" Cornishman tried to be dignified. \"I's made a bonzer strike an' we's proper, by God, very proper.\"\n\n\"I'm glad to hear it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It be sixpence a ton or nuffink!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fourpence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cornishman spat. \"Sixpence, by God, I's knows worth of coal, and worth to eff'ing fleet, an' wot you's can make off 'em. Maybe I's deal direct.\"\n\n\"You could try,\" Jamie said, gambling. \"Tell you what, fourpence first ten barges, rest sixpence.\"\n\nThe little man glowered at him. \"Now I's knows why you's Noble bloody House.\" He stuck out his hand, rough and horny. \"Yor word as Struan's gent.\" They shook. Then he said, \"Oh yus, you's any mercury?\"\n\nJamie's attention soared back. Mercury would be used in the extraction of gold. \"Yes. How much do you need?\"\n\n\"Not a lot for starters. You's put it on the tab?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. You're staying at the Yokohama Arms?\"\n\n\"Not eff'ing likely—no Drunk Town for me,\" Cornishman said with a sneer. \"I's on me way back right smartly, an' you's to keep supply secret, deal secret, no names, no pack drill—I's wanting no bleeding bushwhackers jumping me claim.\" He started to leave.\n\n\"Wait! Where are you going? How do I contact you?\"\n\n\"I's going back to me claim, mate.\" Again he bared his gums in his evil smile. \"Me samurais and me palanquin's outside th' North Gate, I snuck in private-like. Next time I's come back, I's come back as gent, no eff'ing Drunk Town no more. An' you's doan' contact me no more, you go's to the geezer. I's 'spektible trader now and doan' you's forget it. Put mercury on't barge.\" He walked out.\n\nFor a long time Jamie stared at the walls, sifting what had been said. A reliable coal supply would be wonderful but bound to vanish when the fleet flattened Yedo. And why mercury? Has that rotten bugger hit real pay dirt? And who's the real boss?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Come to think of it, who's mine?\n\nTess until the end of the month. How much loyalty do I owe her? All of it. Till the end of the month.\n\nRain battered the window. He got up and looked around the bay critically. The sea was a dirtier grey than before, the sky lowering. No doubt the storm would be bad for the cutter but not for a ship. Ah, there she is!\n\nTheir cutter was a couple of hundred yards or so off their wharf, making way carefully against the waves, shipping some water but not badly, spray from the bow wave substantial, the Struan flag at half-mast—as the flag above their building had been since the death of the tai-pan. His binoculars were on the window ledge. Now he could see Hoag and Pallidar clearly in the cabin, the flag-draped coffin lashed securely to one of the benches as he had ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A twinge went through him seeing the entwined Lion and Dragon around Malcolm's coffin—a sight he had never expected to see. Then he remembered that it was not his friend's coffin but some unknown native, at least he hoped so.\n\n\"Vargas!\"\n\n\"Yes, senhor.\"\n\n\"Take this lot of mail, copy it and seal it—I'll deal with the rest this afternoon. I'll be back later.\"\n\n\"Captain Biddy wasn't in the Club but expected, senhor. I left a message.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Unhurried, he put on his coat and hat and went out, leant against the rain-filled wind. He was almost alone on the High Street. At the North Gate, Cornishman was nowhere to be seen. A few samurai guards huddled in the lee of their Customs House. Some traders were scuttling for the Club and a late tiffin. A few waved. One of them stopped and urinated in the gutter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "South Drunk Town seemed even more squalid under the overcast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This's no place for a woman, he thought.\n\n\"Ahoy, Jamie!\" Hoag called from the cutter.\n\n\"Hello, Doc. Hello, Settry.\" They clambered onto the rough, tarred planks, the piling timbers sunk deep in the seabed, creaking with the thrust of the waves. One look at Hoag was enough to know that the switch had been successful, however much the squat man pretended nonchalance. So we're committed, he thought. Pallidar was having a coughing fit. \"Settry, you'd better get that fixed before it turns into something worse.\"\n\n\"It already has,\" Pallidar said sourly. \"This so-called doctor gave me a potion that's bound to kill me. Doc,\" he said, coughing again, \"if it does, when it does, the hell with you.\"\n\nHoag laughed. \"A double-strength toddy and you'll be right as rain tomorrow. Jamie, everything's all right?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pallidar said, \"I'm turning responsibility of the coffin over to you, Jamie. It goes aboard Cloud at once?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"Just as you want. Jamie, I'm recommending to William we shut down Kanagawa at once—that's why I came back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About half an hour. Angelique wanted to... to say good-bye. Reverend Tweet will add a few words.\"\n\n\"Then she's definitely not going by the clipper?\"\n\n\"I don't know, Settry, not positively. Last I heard she was going by the mail ship, but you know how women are.\"\n\n\"Don't blame her. Going back aboard the clipper would give me the creeps too.\" Pallidar blew his nose and huddled deeper into his greatcoat. \"If you want I'll get Sir William to send the coffin by mail ship, then they'd arrive together.\"\n\n\"No,\" Hoag said, too quickly for Jamie, then recovered, \"no, Settry old boy, I wouldn't recommend that, medically. Best leave arrangements as they are, coffin by Prancing Cloud. Angelique's all right now but a sudden shock could shove her back into a nightmare. Better she goes by mail ship and the coffin by clipper.\"\n\n\"Just as you want. Jamie, I'm recommending to William we shut down Kanagawa at once—that's why I came back.\"\n\n\"Christ Almighty, why?\"\n\nPallidar told him about the patrols and numerous samurai around. \"Not to worry. We can blow 'em all to hell. Mind, if I have the cutter take me back, it'd save me time.\"\n\n\"Why not go with her to Prancing Cloud, and she can take you direct after that. Are you overnighting at Kanagawa?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I've seen enough and just have to get my lads,\" Pallidar said to their relief. \"The clerks and guards can evacuate over the next few days. See you later.\" He walked off, coughing.\n\nBefore he was hardly out of hearing distance Hoag said, \"It went perfectly, Jamie.\"\n\n\"Not now, for Christ's sake.\" In spite of the cold and wet Jamie was sweating. He led the way back to the High Street to the lee of a bungalow, safe from other ears. \"What happened?\"\n\n\"It worked like a charm. This morning as soon as the cutter arrived we went to the morgue an—\"\n\n\"Who's we?\"\n\n\"Settry, Sergeant Towery, the Bosun and two crew. We draped and secured the flag to the coffin and they put it aboard the cutter. The other one is waiting for us tonight or whenever—supposedly waiting for cremation.\" Hoag peered seawards, against the rain. \"No chance tonight, eh?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"Fifty yards or so. Three of us can carry it easily and we'll have the Bosun, won't we?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. But it'll blow itself out by morning. I think.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Hoag rubbed his hands against the cold. \"Everything worked like a dream. One small problem, the native was tiny, just skin and bones so I packed his coffin with earth to make up the difference in their weights.\"\n\n\"God Almighty, of course! I'd forgotten about that. That was clever.\"\n\n\"Did that last night, no trouble—no one said a thing when they put the coffin aboard the cutter, not a sausage.\"\n\n\"My God, this is all so dicey,\" Jamie said uneasily. \"How are we going to get the other coffin out of the Legation with the clerks and soldiers there?\"\n\n\"Already taken care of that.\" Hoag chortled. \"I told our Japanese assistants to put it in the shed by our Kanagawa jetty, it's not far from the crematorium. They can do it without arousing any suspicion. George told me he puts coffins and bodies there when he has an overload. It's routine.\"\n\n\"Marvelous! How far is it from the jetty?\"\n\n\"Fifty yards or so. Three of us can carry it easily and we'll have the Bosun, won't we?\"\n\n\"Yes. You've done damn well. Damn well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie squinted into the rain." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pity we couldn't do it tonight and finish it.\"\n\n\"Never mind. Tomorrow will be fine.\" Hoag was very confident and pleased with Jamie's praise. No need to tell about being spotted and about Pallidar. This morning they had had breakfast together and when he said: \"Settry, about last night...\" Pallidar had interrupted him: \"Forget it, just forget it, Doctor, that's the best thing for you to do.\"\n\nThat is best, he thought, beaming, forget it ever happened. \"Shall we fetch Angelique? How is she?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the hour they had reassembled beside the cutter. The rain was heavier and the wind squalling. Spray came over part of the jetty. The cutter, well moored, dipped and fell with the waves, ropes creaking. Angelique wore black, a black cloak raincoat over her dyed black dress, black hat with a heavy black veil, and an umbrella. The umbrella was sky-blue, a startling contrast.\n\nSurrounding her were Jamie, Skye, Dmitri, Tyrer, Sir William and other Ministers, Captain Strongbow, Gornt, Marlowe, Pallidar, Vargas, André, Seratard, the Reverend Tweet and many others, all bundled against the rain. In the background Father Leo stood bleakly, hands in his sleeves, peering out from under his cowl." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: blessing, frequency: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie had invited Tweet to say a blessing: \"It would be odd if we didn't, Angelique. I'll make sure there's no real service, or speeches, that wouldn't be correct, just a blessing.\"\n\nThe inclement weather helped to make the blessing brief. For once, Tweet was curiously eloquent. When he finished, self-consciously they all looked at her. Overhead, gulls cawed as the wind swirled them past, riding the currents joyously. Sir William said, \"Again, Madame, my deepest condolences.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" She stood straight, rain spattering off her umbrella. \"I protest that I am not allowed to bury my husband openly as he and I wish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your protest is noted, Madame.\" Sir William raised his hat. The rest filed past, saying their condolences and raising their hats or saluting if in uniform. Strongbow saluted and stepped into the cutter, Pallidar boarded after him as Marlowe stopped in front of her, still upset. \"I'm so terribly sorry,\" he said, saluting, and walked off.\n\nFather Leo was last. Somberly he made the sign of the cross, saying the Latin words, his face mostly hidden.\n\n\"But he's not Catholic, Father,\" she said gently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think he was one of us, senhora, in his heart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Leo's accent was thickened with grief, his night spent in prayer, asking what should he do, should he attend or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He would have seen the Light, you would have helped him, I'm sure of it. In nomine Patris...\"\n\nUnhappily he ambled away. Now only Jamie, Hoag and Skye stood with her on the jetty. \"What now, Jamie?\" she asked, a deep melancholy swooping over her.\n\n\"We wait a minute,\" he said.\n\nLike the others he was feeling that he was part of a cheat, at the same time deeply moved and not a cheat. This is just to help a friend, he told himself. You promised to guard his tail, and hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's what you're doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, but it's cheating and I hate it. Forget that, you're their leader, act like one. \"Captain Strongbow, cast off! Godspeed!\"\n\n\"Aye, aye, sir, thank you.\" The cutter eased away, dipping in the troughs, then picked up speed. Sea gulls mewed in her wake. They watched her go.\n\n\"It feels so odd,\" she murmured, weeping silently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is, and it isn't. We're not wrong, are we? Are we?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Jamie made the decision for all of them. \"No,\" he said, and took her arm and walked her home." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just before sunset, Vargas knocked on the tai-pan's office door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Gornt to see you, senhora. Monsieur André left a message that Monsieur Seratard would be honored if you would dine with him.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'perhaps' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank them but say no, perhaps tomorrow, perhaps. Hello, Edward. Come in.\" Again she sat in an easy chair by the windows, the day dark and rainy. A white wine was opened and waiting in ice. One fine glass was upended in the ice and chilling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please help yourself, you're boarding now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, the tender's ready. Your health, Ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And yours. Are you the only passenger?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\" He hesitated. \"You look wonderful, ethereal, and unobtainable, Ma'am.\"\n\n\"I will be sorry to see you go. Perhaps everything will be better when you return,\" she said, liking him as before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you come back or first go to Shanghai?\"\n\n\"I'll know better in Hong Kong. Where will you be staying? On the Peak in the Struan Great House?\"\n\n\"I've not decided—finally—even if I'll go.\"\n\n\"But... you won't be at the funeral?\" he asked, confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll decide tomorrow,\" she said, wanting to keep him off balance, him and everyone, even Jamie." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"You won't fail me, will you, Edward? You'll deliver my letter to her, everything, as we discussed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Skye strongly advises me to stay here, and I don't feel well.\" She shrugged. \"I'll decide tomorrow, I've a berth reserved. I desperately wish to be with him, I need to be there, and yet, if he's not buried as he wishes and I wish, then... then I've failed.\"\n\n\"You haven't failed him, Ma'am. Everyone knows that.\"\n\n\"You won't fail me, will you, Edward? You'll deliver my letter to her, everything, as we discussed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At once. A promise is a promise. A matter of honor, Ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'promise' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at her directly.\n\n\"And I promised too. Didn't I? A matter of honor. Eternal friendship.\"\n\nThe way she said the two words was a promise and not a promise. For the life of him he could not read her as he had before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Earlier he would have known how far that promise would take him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now there was a barrier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm glad, he thought, for if there's a barrier for me it will exist for every man. Six months is still not much to wait and a perfect time.\n\nSo she may not be in Hong Kong. How does that affect me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My plans, Ma'am? They depend on Tess Struan.\" He wanted to tell Angelique his real plan, but was far too shrewd to indicate that, even obliquely. \"I'm hoping she'll act on the information I'll give her. That will take a month, at least. If she wishes I'll wait the month and help—she'll need help, Ma'am. It all depends on her. If you arrive by mail ship we can talk more there. If not, may I write?\"\n\n\"Of course, yes, please. I would like that. By every mail. I promise I will keep you advised of my plans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She opened the drawer and took out an envelope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was addressed to Mrs. Tess Struan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And unsealed. \"You may read it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Ma'am, but that's not necessary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique took it back, did not seal it but just tucked the flap into the back. \"This will save you the trouble of steaming the flap open, Edward.\"\n\nHe laughed. \"What makes you so sure I'd do that?\"\n\n\"I would. It would be too much of a temptation. But please seal it before you give it to her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded. \"You once said, now you knew why your husband liked me, why I would be a dangerous enemy, an even more dangerous friend. Perhaps that applies to you, Angelique.\"\n\n\"Perhaps it does,\" she said simply. \"I'm feeling my way in this new world, Edward. It's fraught with difficulties, and with quicksands. But you will find me very dependable once I've given my word, as I have. Do not forget I am French.\" A little smile. \"Read it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The letter read:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dear Mrs. Struan, by now you will have heard the terrible news about Malcolm—sorry that I cannot tell you in person but I have been advised by Dr. Hoag not to travel by Prancing Cloud or the mail ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I cannot tell you how distraught I am and have been." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let me just say simply I loved him with all my heart and tried to do the best I could while he was alive, and, too, after his death have been desperately trying to bury him as he wished, at sea, like his adored grandfather. But that was forbidden me. Please, I beg you, please do for him what I failed to do.\n\nBut I have not failed him in a further duty." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'malcolm' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bearer of this letter was your son's friend. He brings information of great importance—that he had promised to give Malcolm the day he died, that he, Malcolm, was rushing to give you by Prancing Cloud: the means to destroy your everlasting enemies, Tyler and Morgan Brock. Mr. Gornt has sworn to me he will give every last detail to you. I beg you to implement it if it is what he purports it to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The successful conclusion to that feud, and the elimination of that agony from your head is, I know only too well, all the epitaph Malcolm would wish.\n\nShe had dated it, and signed it Angelique Struan, Yokohama. There was a P.S. : Strange, isn't it, we who have so much in common—I hate my father too, he tried to destroy me too—have been so far apart, so unnecessarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Edward Gornt sealed the envelope thoughtfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put it in his pocket and raised his glass. \"A long life—you're a remarkable woman, remarkable.\"\n\n\"How so?\"\n\n\"You ask for nothing, give everything,\" he said with genuine admiration, and did not add, And you do not mention thirty days when, as women, that will be uppermost in both your minds—for if you are carrying his child, the Struan empire is mostly yours whether daughter or son, though a son would be perfect!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And even if you're not, an immodest claim on Struan's is just as perfect and unassailable. In either case you will still marry me! \"You are a great woman,\" he said calmly. \"I hope I may be allowed to share an everlasting friendship.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Phillip!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sir William?\"\n\n\"Here, take these. Are the rest of our dispatches ready?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I've done extra copies of both the Inquests, the death certificates, etc. I'll get your 'private and confidential' to the Governor from the safe and that's the lot. Best if I take them aboard Cloud personally.\"\n\n\"Yes, that's wise. I've one more. Give me a couple of minutes.\" Weary from all the writing and the stress of the last few days, and grinding awareness of how exposed Yokohama was, Sir William shook off his headache, thought a moment, made sure the nib was clean, chose his most official letterhead and wrote firmly:\n\nDear Mrs. Struan. I'm sending this by special dispatch via Prancing Cloud for special reasons, both formal and personal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First, I would like to offer my deepest condolences on the unhappy demise of your son whom I numbered amongst my friends as well as colleagues." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Second, the circumstances and facts of his marriage and death were established under oath in an official Inquest, a copy of whose findings are enclosed.\n\nTo the best of my belief the shipboard marriage is legal—I have asked the Solicitor General for a formal ruling.\n\nTo the best of my belief Mrs. Angelique Struan had nothing whatsoever to do with the death of her husband, and was in no way responsible—a fact supported by medical evidence of Doctors Hoag and Babcott (and part of the Inquest documents) that you will no doubt receive in person.\n\nTo the best of my belief your son died as a result of wounds suffered during the unwarranted attack on the Tokaidō and was, in effect, murdered then. The King, or daimyo, who ordered these attacks has not yet been brought to justice. I assure you he will be.\n\nTo the best of my belief, and personal observation, your son was in love with Mademoiselle Richaud to the point of obsession, and pursued her for marriage in every way he could conceive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reciprocated his affections in exemplary, ladylike fashion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She is a brave young woman and anything to the contrary are lies spread by scoundrels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lastly, to the best of my belief, your son wanted to be buried at sea like his grandfather. His..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William hesitated a moment, continuing to be careful in his choice of words. He formulated his thought, then continued with his firm strong hand: His widow pleaded strongly that this should be done, here, wanting to grant him his wish (we have found no will yet, nor a formal letter to that effect) but it is my belief that this was what he wanted. I overruled his widow's request and decided his remains should be sent to Hong Kong to you. Again he hesitated as variations presented themselves, then wrote, I strongly recommend this request be granted. I am, Madam, yr obedient servant.\n\nFor a moment he reflected, then went to his sideboard and poured a brandy, drank, and sat down again. Now he read the letter carefully. Twice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made a couple of edits and changes and rewrote the letter, signing it Her Britannic Majesty's Minister to the Japans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again he reread it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he was satisfied. The key changes were: after She is a brave young woman he had cut out and anything to the contrary are lies spread by scoundrels as inviting the question \"What lies?\" adding, in its place, and I commend her strongly to your benevolence. After buried at sea he eliminated like his grandfather, not knowing the truth of that claim.\n\n\"Much better,\" he said aloud. \"Takes the sting out of it.\" Rather like that, I commend her to your benevolence, he thought, though what those two will finally do to each other only God knows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A week ago I would have wagered it was no contest but now I'm not so sure." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thankfully he opened his desk diary and added the name Tess Struan to today's long list of letters sent by Prancing Cloud. An entry on Tuesday, 9th, leapt at him: \"Malcolm Struan married Angelique Richaud aboard Pearl with Ketterer's connivance.\" It was written in Russian as was the whole diary—a lifetime habit insisted on by his Russian mother—both to keep it private from most eyes, and also to maintain his fluency. That reminded him. His fingers opened his new, 1863 diary and he put a question mark on January 11th, adding a note: We should know about now if A is carrying or not. Malcolm's child would simplify her life considerably, he thought gravely.\n\nHe had decided to do what he could for Angelique because of her dignity yesterday, and at the wharf today, because of the pleasure she had given him with all the dancing and laughter and the lightness she had brought to Yokohama, and because she was French, with all the latent panache that Frenchwomen had above all others.\n\nHe smiled. Indeed, Angelique, you're French. And we're British, and no fools—and that is why we rule the earth and the French don't. \"Phillip!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seratard and André were at the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Prancing Cloud let go fores'les, tops'les and topgallants and royals and now, with full sail and the wind aft, she raced into the deep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many others were watching too, envying her, jealous of her, wanting to sail or to own or to captain such a craft. Many wondered about her cargo, about the Angel who would leave tomorrow and what life here would be like without her, and about the fate of the letters aboard.\n\nAndré said, \"Will Ambassador de Geroire agree, Henri?\"\n\n\"Yes. He owes me many favors, our mission here becomes more effective every day, and the private visit you've promised with Yoshi, that I've promised him, is arranged. Isn't it?\"\n\n\"I am assured so,\" André said, his throat abruptly dry. Raiko had sworn that he could count on it, that the secret battle plans he had passed over to her were already in the heads of trusted go-betweens in Yedo for negotiation and rewards. \"First Yoshi has to arrive back, Henri, then we can make a date. I'm promised he'll come aboard the flagship. I've a meeting tonight, and the down payment will fix it.\"\n\n\"I've changed my mind about advancing the money. It's best to...\" Seratard raised his voice as André started to protest. \"It's best to wait. I've decided it's best to wait!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went and sat at his desk and motioned André to sit opposite, not angrily but with a smoothness that invited no opposition. \"As soon as I know for certain he's back you can pay these... these go-betweens.\"\n\n\"But I promised them the money tonight, you agreed.\"\n\n\"So explain I don't trust them,\" Seratard said with a deprecating smile. \"Let them prove themselves. I was saying, de Geroire will make her a ward of the State, André, and so becomes part of State policy, eh?\"\n\nTonight André hated Seratard, hated him because he was dangerous and devious and knew too much, remembered too much, and was without feeling. At breakfast this morning Seratard had peered at him. \"What is it, Henri?\"\n\n\"Nothing, there's a spot on your neck that wasn't there before and I wondered if... How are you, André?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'she's' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This had sent him into a panic to his bedroom mirror, petrified that the first sign of his disease had manifested itself. Ever since he had begun with Hinodeh he had become achingly sensitive to the slightest mark or twinge or fever. Most evenings she would undress him in the light, telling him how much she enjoyed looking at him, touching him, massaging or caressing, her fingers and hands always sensuous, but, even so, certain she was seeking telltale signs. \"None yet, not yet, thank God,\" he had muttered to his reflection, wet with relief that the slight abrasion was only an insect bite.\n\n\"André,\" Seratard was saying, \"tonight at dinner, we must make plans with her. I recommended that once she's a ward of the State she should stay in the Embassy and...\" A knock interrupted him. \"Yes?\"\n\nVervene opened the door. \"A message from Vargas, Monsieur. Madame Struan regrets she is not well enough for dinner.\"\n\nSeratard snapped, \"If she's well enough to see a coffin off she could certainly spare us time. Thank you, Vervene.\" Then to André, \"We must see her before she leaves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll see her first thing in the morning, don't worry. But there's a rumor she might delay. Hoag's supposed to have advised against a sea voyage, for medical reasons, and certainly Heavenly Skye is openly opposed.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard's lip curled. \"I detest that man, he's so uncouth, boorish, and quite revoltingly British.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique was watching the departure of the clipper from the tai-pan's suite, upstairs. A few passersby saw her at the window, then hurried on, wet and chilled, wondering what would happen to her. One of these was Tyrer, ashore after delivering the dispatches. She looked so lonely there, so funereal in her black, never black before, only the colors of springtime. For a moment he stopped, tempted to see her, to ask if he could help in any way but decided not to, there was still so much to do before his rendezvous with Fujiko, a monthly payment to Raiko for \"past services pending the conclusion of the contract,\" and then there was his lesson with Nakama that had had to be postponed because of all the work for Sir William.\n\nHe groaned at the thought of all those phrases and words that he still wanted translated, and the new note to Anjo that Sir William had deliberately wanted Nakama to translate, not exactly not trusting him, but to gauge a Japanese reaction to a short, undiplomatic Anglo-Saxon harangue. Even worse he was behind in his journal and had had no time to write his weekly letter home. It had to catch the mail ship, whatever happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the last mail his mother had written that his father was ill:\n\n... nothing serious, dear Phillip, just a chest flux that Doctor Feld treats with the usual bleeding and purging. Sorry to say, as always, it just seems to weaken him even more. Your Father has always hated Camomile and Leeches. Ugh!\n\nDoctors! Illness and agony seem to follow in their wake. Your cousin Charlotte took to her birthing bed four days ago, as healthy as ever could be. We had arranged the midwife but her husband insisted on having the doctor deliver her and now she has Childbed Fever and isn't expected to live. The baby boy is ailing too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So sad, such a nice young lady, not yet eighteen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'though' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "News from London: The new Underground Railway, another first in the world, will open in four or five months! Horse-drawn Trams are all the rage and the Christmas Season promises to be the best ever though there are riots in some of the Factory Towns. Parliament is debating and will pass a law prohibiting horseless carriages from going more than 2 miles per hour and they must have a warning Flagman walking in front of them!\n\nMeasles is Everywhere, many deaths, Typhoid's not too bad this year. The Times reports that Cholera is raging again in Wapping and the dock areas, brought by an India merchantman.\n\nPhillip, I do so hope you are keeping your chest wrapped and wear woolens, and woolen underwear, and keep windows closed against the terrible Fluxes that abound in the night air. Your Father and I wish you would come back to Sensible England, though from your letters you seem to be pleased with your progress in Japan's language. Does the Penny Post (what a joy!)" }, { "from": "human", "value": "work for you from the Japans as well as for us to go there?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your father says this Government is Ruining our country, our morals, and our Glorious Empire. Did I tell you, now there are more than eleven thousand miles of railway track in Britain. In barely fifteen years stagecoaches have vanished...\n\nThe letter went on for pages, enclosing all kinds of cuttings she felt interesting, and they were. Wonderful for Phillip, keeping him in touch with home. But between the lines he read his father's illness was not an easy one. His anxiety intensified. For all I know he's already dead, he thought, gravely concerned.\n\nStanding there on the promenade in the rain, a tweak of pain came up from his stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sweat abruptly wet his forehead, perhaps it was the rain, he didn't know for certain, only that he was sure he was feverish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe I've really caught something—the pox or something! Oh, my God, perhaps Babcott's wrong and it's not just the White Man's Burden—Gippy Tummy or normal squitters or some such rheum. Oh, my God, even though André swore by all that's holy, Raiko too, that Fujiko was as clean as clean, perhaps she isn't!\n\n\"Oh, for goodness' sake, Phillip,\" Babcott had said this morning, \"you don't have the pox, you've just eaten or drunk something bad. Here, here's some of Dr. Collis's tincture. That'll cure you by tomorrow and if it doesn't, we'll give you a good burial, not to worry! For Christ's sake, how many times do I have to tell you: drink only boiled water, or tea.\"\n\nHe mopped his brow, the light fading but no letup in the wind. Certainly he felt better than in the night when he had the runs. Wasn't for Babcott, or Collis's magic, I would have to have missed the funeral—not the funeral, Malcolm's sending-off. How bloody awful! Poor fellow! Poor Angelique!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What will happen now, he asked himself, perturbed, took his eyes off her and hurried for the Legation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'money' (3x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique had seen him. When the clipper was swallowed by the dark she drew the curtains and sat at the desk. Her journal was open. Three letters were sealed and ready for the mail ship: to her aunt, enclosing a sight draft on the Bank of England for fifty guineas, the second to Colette with a ten-guinea money order, both of which Jamie had arranged for her, using part of the money Sir William had allowed her to keep. She had considered using one of Malcolm's chits that were in the desk, backdating it, using the chop from the safe, but thought that unwise for the moment. The money for her aunt was just to help, to Colette to buy the best medicines against her lying-in time.\n\nI may or may not be there in time, she thought. Hope so.\n\nThe last letter was to be delivered by hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It said: My dear Admiral Ketterer, I know it was only through your kindness that we were married. I thank you from the depths of my heart and swear, whatever power this poor woman may have in the future, that I will use it in or out of Struan's to wipe out all sales of opium and equally dastardly arms sales to natives, as my husband had sworn to do. Again, with all my heartfelt affection, Angelique Struan.\n\nSigning Angelique Struan pleased her very much. The two names went well together. It was enjoyable to practice the signature, the swirl of the \"S\" somehow helping her to think.\n\nMy scheme with Edward, where on earth did all those lovely ideas come from? It's excellent—if he does it as I want." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That should convince Tess I'm not an enemy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But her son was her son and I wouldn't forgive, not if he had been my son, I don't think I would." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The way ahead's fraught with disaster, so much to go wrong, can go wrong, André's still a slavering dog waiting to be muzzled, or put down—yet, in truth, so many ways to go right—the correct coffin is en route, Malcolm's ready and waiting for tomorrow, I can still go to Hong Kong by mail ship if I want, I'm sure Edward wants to marry me and he of all people understands a rich wife is better than a poor one, I have Malcolm's blank chits and his chop that no one knows about—and twenty-eight days to go and not like last time, Blessed Mother, thanks be to Merciful God—I pray for his child.\n\nAh, Malcolm, Malcolm, what a good life we would have had, you and I. I would have grown up without all the awfulness, I swear I would have.\n\nMaking an effort she shook off her melancholy and rang the bell on the desk. The door opened without a polite knock, any form of knock. \"Missee?\"\n\n\"Tai-tai, Ah Soh!\" she snapped, ready for her.\n\n\"Missee-tai-tai?\"\n\n\"Send Chen here, chop chop.\"\n\n\"You eat here, down'stair, Missee? Er, Missee-tai-tai?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique sighed at the permutations Ah Soh could find to avoid calling her tai-tai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, you piece of donkey dung,\" she said to her sweetly, \"I'm stronger than you and soon I'll be paying the bills and then you will sweat,\" and was happy to see the dark eyes in the flat face cross." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Malcolm had explained, speaking directly at Ah Soh in correct English, not pidgin, that the maid could not understand would make her lose face. Such twisted logic these Chinese, Angelique thought. \"Chen, chop chop!\"\n\nAh Soh shuffled off sullenly. When Chen came in she told him she wanted a letter delivered to the British Embassy. He nodded without comment. \"Chen, Ah Tok sick, not sick, heya?\"\n\n\"Ah Tok sick. Ah Tok gone Hong Kong.\" Chen waved a hand seawards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All same along Master.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh!\" Angelique was greatly relieved and wished she had thought of that first. Several times she had seen her skulking in the shadows, her black eyes filled with hatred, saliva dribbling from the corner of her mouth. She gave him Ketterer's letter. \"Go Big House, now.\"\n\nHe glanced at the name, pretending to be able to read the barbarian. \"Eat all same this place, heya?\"\n\n\"Tai-tai eat all same this place, heya? Tai-tai!\"\n\nChen's eyes flickered. His mouth smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tai-tai, eat all same this place, heya? Tai-tai Missee?\"\n\n\"You're a piece of donkey dung too. Perhaps I'll dismiss you—no, that would be too kind. I'll think about you later.\" She smiled. \"Eat downstair'. What food have?\"\n\n\"Wat you wan', tai-tai Missee, Missee-tai-tai?\"\n\nThis made her laugh and she felt better for it. \"Missee-tai-tai, tai-tai Missee, all same good. What food? Your food, Chinese food,\" she said suddenly, not knowing why. \"All same you-ah, Chen. China food, Number One food. Best, heya!\"\n\nChen gaped at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was most unusual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the past she would just pick at the dishes the Master enjoyed to please him, and eat European dishes, meats and potatoes and pies and bread that he and all Chinese considered fit only for animals. \"Master's food, heya?\" he asked tentatively.\n\n\"Tai-pan food for Master's tai-tai!\" Imperiously, aping Malcolm, she waved him away and turned her back.\n\nChen, unsettled, went off mumbling. \"All same tai-pan, have got, yes Missee-tai-tai.\"\n\nI must develop a taste for Chinese food and knowledge of it, she thought, grasping a new idea. In case I stay part of the year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie said he likes Chinese cooking occasionally, Phillip's enthusiastic and Edward eats it all the time..." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, Edward, Edward-of-so-many-faces, and possibilities. I'm not sure about him. If...\n\nIf I bring forth a son I will be so happy that I've part of Malcolm forever. I'll go back to Paris, for then I'll have plenty of money, plenty. Tess Struan will be glad to have me leave and our son will be brought up part French, part British, and be worthy of his father. If a daughter, I'll leave too, with less, but there will be more than enough. Until I meet a title worthy and a man worthy.\n\nIf I'm unlucky and there's no child, then I may consider Edward, while negotiating with that woman for my widow's mite, all this subject to Heavenly Skye being wrong.\n\nWrong about how vindictive and ruthless that woman is." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next day the sea was the same grey, the sky the same grey but the storm had blown itself out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rain had stopped. Angelique, Skye and Hoag were waiting in the cabin of the cutter, still moored to the Struan jetty and long overdue to leave for Kanagawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond the bay they could see whitecaps. Gloom, fed by the sharp wet wind, made waiting harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie and the Reverend Tweet were half an hour late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish they'd hurry,\" she said, nervousness creeping into her resolve. \"What's keeping them?\"\n\n\"We won't have to go too far out so we should still be all right,\" Skye said queasily, the cutter heaving gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men wore top hats and sweaters and heavy topcoats—Angelique her dark green riding clothes and boots as more suitable for shipboard travel.\n\nAbove the cabin was the small, glassed-in wheelhouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bosun Tinker leant on the sill of one of the opened windows, puffing a pipe, too seawise to ask questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie McFay had simply said, \"Have the cutter at the wharf early with a full load of coal, just you and a dependable stoker.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was enough for him. The rest would come soon enough, like why sensible people wanted to put to sea on a day when sensible seafarers were best ashore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, there he is!\" Skye said, and cursed without noticing he had done so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie was alone, hurrying along High Street towards them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Passersby greeted him, frowned and went about their business. He jumped aboard and closed the cabin door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tweet's changed his mind,\" he said, his chest heaving like the deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God damn the fellow, why? He agreed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye was disgusted. With Jamie they had decided the best story was to say that a Christian fisherman had died in Kanagawa and had begged to have a sea burial, would he officiate, the rest could come later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There would be a contribution for his trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said not in this weather,\" Jamie said, panting from his haste and frustration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I tried every way to convince him but he only said, 'The fellow's dead, tomorrow or the next day will be just as good, weather's dicey, we probably wouldn't be back before dark—I'd forgotten Lunkchurch's dinner party. After service tomorrow, or even better Monday.' Rotten bastard!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took another breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rotten after he'd agreed.\"\n\nAngelique felt sick with disappointment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Father Lee! I'll go and ask him. He will do it.\"\n\n\"There's no time, not now, Angelique, and anyway Malcolm wasn't Catholic, that wouldn't be proper.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn Tweet,\" Hoag said, fuming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll have to postpone. Sea's not the best, perhaps it's just as well. I suppose we have to try tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all looked at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie said, \"Tweet's not dependable, he may want to put it off till Monday—either way there's the problem of the mail ship, she won't wait beyond noon.\" He had asked her skipper to delay but, already behind schedule, the man had said that was the best he could do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag said, \"We absolutely should go aboard, no doubt about that. Angelique should absolutely be at the Hong Kong funeral.\"\n\n\"I'm opposed,\" Heavenly said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if she goes, I'll go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Father Leo,\" Angelique persisted. \"I'll ask him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie said, \"It wouldn't be proper. Listen, there's one solution, Angelique. A sea burial doesn't require a chaplain, a ship's captain can do it just as Marlowe marr—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hope soared. \"We'll ask John! Quick, let's—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not possible, I've already checked, he's aboard the flagship and busy with Ketterer.\" Jamie continued in a run, \"Angelique, I'm captain of this craft, I've a mariner's ticket, albeit an old one, I've seen enough sea burials to know what to do, I've never done it before but that doesn't matter. We have witnesses. If you like I can officiate... it'd be legal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw her confusion and looked at Skye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heavenly, legally that's right? Well, isn't it, for God's sake?\"\n\n\"It'd be legal.\" Skye's nervousness increased as a larger than usual wave slapped the side of the boat, Hoag also feeling squeamish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie took another deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Angelique, this whole idea, the whole burial is bizarre to say the least, a little more won't harm Malcolm. I brought a Bible and Naval Regs, I had to fetch them, that's why I was late. What do you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In answer she put her arms around him, the tears wetting her cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's begin. Please, Jamie, quickly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie McFay held her and found the closeness pleasing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye said, \"What about the Bosun and stoker?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie snapped, \"I already told you I'll deal with them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gently he loosed himself and slid the door back. \"Bosun,\" he called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cast off! Head for Kanagawa.\"\n\n\"Aye, aye, sorr.\" Glad that some decision had been made, Tinker took the craft to sea and turned northwards for the far shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waves made her bob and weave but not too badly, wind still well within limits, the sky promising no worse than before. Humming a sea chanty made him feel better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon Jamie joined him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You head for the Legation jetty. We're going to take a coffin aboard...\" He saw the Bosun's bite harder on his pipe. \"A coffin. Then we're going out to sea a league to deep water and we're going to bury him. We'll have a ceremony and you'll be part of it, you and our stoker.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie looked at him. \"Any questions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me, sorr? No, sorr.\"\n\nJamie nodded tautly and went below again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others said nothing, watching the coastline and Kanagawa, dead ahead.\n\nIn the wheelhouse, the Bosun picked up the metal voice tube, beside the helm, unhooked it and bellowed to his stoker down in the engine room. \"Get the lead out, Percy!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warehouse shed was where Hoag had said, within easy distance of the jetty. The coffin was on a wooden bench. Skye, Hoag, the Bosun and stoker each took a corner and lifted it easily. After they left, Jamie closed the door, following them. He had thought it best for Angelique to stay in the cabin. A few fisher folk and villagers passed by, bowed and hurried away, not wanting to be anywhere near gai-jin.\n\nTo maneuver the coffin aboard was more difficult." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rise and fall of the deck, slippery with salt water, was hazardous." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'cabin' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait a sec,\" the stoker gasped, \"lemme get aboard.\"\n\nHe was a short man wearing a tattered woolen skullcap, with heavy shoulders and immense forearms. Once on the deck he spread his feet wide and grasped the coffin midcenter and heaved it aboard and partway into the cabin, almost by himself. The vein-stretching effort made him fart involuntarily and loudly. \"Pardon, all,\" he said gruffly, then hauled the box farther to safety. One end was in the cabin, the other projecting aft onto the poop.\n\n\"We'll lash it there,\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye, aye, sorr.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'sergeant' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Afternoon, Doctor Hoag.\" The voice was dour.\n\nStartled, they all looked around. Sergeant Towery and another soldier were watching them balefully.\n\n\"Oh! Oh, good aft—hello, Sergeant,\" Hoag said, his voice strangled. With the others he stood stock-still. Towery came closer and looked at the coffin. \"Well, now, what have we 'ere? Taking the bugger, begging your pardon, Ma'am, taking the coffin to Yokohama, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We—we... he asked to be buried at sea, Sergeant,\" Hoag said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"At sea, eh? Best not waste time or you'll be feeding fishes too. Ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He, Mr. McFay kindly loaned his cutter, so here we are.\"\n\n\"At sea, eh?\" Sergeant Towery looked at them, one at a time, as though wanting to etch their faces on his memory. \"Very commendable, I'll be bound.\" Another wait while they died a little more. Then he said, \"At sea, eh? Best not waste time or you'll be feeding fishes too. Ma'am.\" Politely he saluted her and marched off, the soldier falling into step.\n\nThey did not move for a moment. \"Christ,\" Hoag muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you make of that?\" Jamie asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Trouble, sorr.\" Shakily, the Bosun took a swig of rum from his hip flask, passed it to Jamie who took a swig, Hoag shook his head, so did Angelique. The stoker was last. To Tinker's disgust, he swallowed most of it, belched. \"Pardon.\"\n\nJamie's stomach was churning. \"Bugger appeared from nowhere, as though he was waiting for us. Did you see him walking up?\" They all shook their heads. \"We'd best be going.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'bosun' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While they secured the coffin, the Bosun conned the cutter out to sea. She rode the waves well with only spray coming aboard, just enough to be irritating to those on deck. Below, the cabin was noisy but snug, the air clean and well ventilated, keeping out the smell of smoke from the coal-fired engine. Ahead, eastwards, where the deep was, the sky appeared meaner—and nothing beyond, between here and America.\n\n\"Best be fast, sorr,\" Tinker said quietly to Jamie in the wheelhouse. \"We've no more than an hour or two of light.\"\n\n\"You sense something, Bosun?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Best be fast, sorr.\"\n\nJamie looked eastwards again. The sky seemed darker. \"I agree. Hold your course.\" He turned to go.\n\n\"Sorr, that Sergeant, he's bound to snitch, right?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've to make a funeral, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"What's so important about this 'ere?\" Tinker jerked his callused thumb at the coffin, \"to risk all that there?\" He pointed at the weather.\n\n\"We're burying the tai-pan, Malcolm Struan.\"\n\nThe old man laughed. \"His coffin's aboard Prancing Cloud, sorr, we both knows that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, we both know that. This is, well, a symbolic, a token, a make-believe burial to conform with his wishes—and his widow's wishes—to be buried at sea. She doesn't think that will happen in Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie knew the risk he was taking but there was no other way. So far he had been able to tell the truth.\n\n\"Make-believe, sorr?\"\n\n\"Yes. That's all. There's nothing to hide and nothing to be afraid of.\"\n\nTinker nodded, unconvinced, and thought, There's a body inside, must be with all that weight. But, 'nuff said, don't go asking nobs questions you might not like answered, less you know the better, and let's hope to Christ the weather stays friendly and not shitty as she smells. \"Thank you, sorr.\"\n\nJamie looked back at the bay that now was far behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just go out of sight of land, Bosun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A last look at all compass points, then he went back to the cabin. \"Not long now.\"\n\nAngelique leaned closer. \"What will that soldier do?\"\n\n\"Report us, bound to. It doesn't matter.\"\n\n\"They can't do anything to us, can they, Mr. Skye?\"\n\n\"I really can't forecast what... what Sir William might or might not do,\" Skye said, his stomach sickly conscious of the rise and fall of the deck.\n\nJamie reached into one of the lockers and brought out the large British flag he had put there, and the Lion and Dragon. Helped by Hoag, he secured them both around the coffin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cutter was rising and dipping more severely than before and they had to hold on to steady themselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique sat near the open door. The sea air was wet and cold. She felt the tears beginning so she let the dark veil fall and pretended to look back at the land. \"Not long now,\" Jamie said.\n\nBy the time land was just a thread on the horizon, the light was still fair, the sea heavier, waves white-flecked, wind stronger, but everything within limits. No rain. Jamie called out, \"Bosun, slow ahead, just enough to give us way.\"\n\n\"Idle it is, sorr!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cutting the high-powered thrust of the engines created a sudden pool of near silence, pleasant to their spirits, a welcome relief to the grinding noise and apprehension at being so far out—both Hoag and Skye increasingly queasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only the whine of the wind now, and lapping sea, the comforting ticking over of the engine, felt through the decks more than heard, just enough to keep her bow into wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind was firm, easterly, from the ocean, stronger than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie took a deep breath. \"We'd best begin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. What shall we do?\" Angelique asked.\n\n\"Come on deck, here on the poop, but hold on. Bosun, lay aft, stoker too.\"\n\n\"Best I stay here on the conn, with yor permission, sorr.\" He bellowed down the voice pipe, \"Percy, lay aft.\"\n\nIt was colder now. They grouped themselves as best they could, holding on to steady themselves. Jamie positioned himself near the stern, the others facing him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hats off,\" he ordered, removing his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye, Hoag, the stoker and Bosun Tinker obeyed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'struan' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened Naval Regs at the marked appendix.\n\nReading, and improvising he said, \"We are gathered here in the sight of God to cast the remains of our friend Malcolm Struan, husband of Angelique Struan, tai-pan of the Noble House, into the deep, granting him the sea burial he wished and she wishes, acting as friends should act...\"\n\nAt the mention of the name the stoker's eyes had widened and he glanced back at the Bosun who shook his head, cautioning him to keep quiet. Muttering to himself, hating funerals, he pulled his jacket closer against the chill of the wind, wanting to be below in his warm engine room. The wind picked up a knot. They all felt the change. Jamie hesitated, then continued, \"Now we say the Lord's Prayer. Our Father...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'almighty' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each in his own way prayed and said the words, the increased surge of the deck dominating most of their minds. When the prayer was finished Jamie squinted down at the book for a moment, not that he needed to for he had read the service in the wheelhouse coming here, needing time to slow his heart and gather his own thoughts away from the sea. While the others had had their eyes closed, he had not. With the Bosun he had seen the approaching squall line behind them, the waves beneath churning and ugly.\n\n\"As Captain of the Struan cutter Cloudette,\" he said, a little louder than before to carry over the wind, \"it is my duty and privilege to commend this man's spirit to the Keeping of Almighty God, asking Almighty God to forgive him his sins, not that we knew he had any, not real sins, casting him into the deep from whence... from whence we came here from England, from home across the seas. He was a good, fine man. Malcolm Struan was a good, fine man and we miss him, we miss him now and we'll miss him in the future...\" He glanced at Angelique, who was holding on to a gunnel stanchion with both hands, her knuckles white. A gust hit her, pressing her veil against her face. \"Do you want to say anything, Ma'am?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head, the silent tears streaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spray came aboard to starboard, slightly lower in the water because of their weight and that of the coffin.\n\nBleakly he motioned to the stoker and Skye. Awkwardly, their footing precarious, they loosed the ropes binding the coffin to the bench and eased it laboriously towards the starboard gunnel to project out over the sea. With one hand, Jamie helped them. And when the coffin teetered on the brink, he said loudly, his own unhappiness cresting, \"Dust will go to dust, and the sea and the sky will claim its own, and the wild winds will whisper one to another that this good, fine young man has gone to join his Maker too soon, too soon...\" With the other two men, he gave the coffin a last shove and it tipped over and went into the ocean.\n\nThe cutter heeled, correcting for the loss of weight, a waiting gust caught the exposed hull and heeled her more. The port gunnel went into the sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all grabbed for handholds except the Bosun and stoker, who rode with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique, weak from tears, lost her grip and skidded away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was almost overboard when Jamie lunged and caught her, frantically dragged her back, holding on with his other hand. Wind tore her hat and veil away and sent them swirling, then the stoker, with strong sea legs, slid down to her and lifted her and scrambled back into the safety of the cabin, tumbling after her.\n\nTemperature dropped. Rain began. The squall fell on them. Jamie shouted, \"Bosun, go home!\"\n\n\"Best stay below, sorr!\" Tinker shouted back, already decided what to do and how to do it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waited until the stoker, mouthing violent curses, had scuttled to the engine room hatch and closed it after him and Jamie, Hoag and Skye were safe in the cabin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rain became slashing. The sea violent.\n\nTinker signalled \"Slow Ahead,\" swung the wheel to port and eased off the wind. Her bow dug into a comber. She broke free bravely, water cascading along her deck to smash into the glass of cabin and wheelhouse, and continued to turn. \"Easy now,\" he said, pipe firm in his mouth, \"we're friends, for God's sake, we just give you old Green-eyed Devil's grandson.\"\n\nComing around was foul. Waves pushed by the wind heeled the cutter over, retchingly, and as she tried to correct herself they allowed almost no respite and dragged her over further." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the cabin the four of them hung on as best they could, anything loose cascading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Angelique lost her balance but the others held her, for the moment none of them thinking about much else than the storm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag had gone dirty grey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a bile-filled groan he lay down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just the turn,\" Jamie shouted over the noise and wind, the boat corkscrewing, and Angelique buried her head in his shoulder, frightened. \"It'll ease off in a moment.\" He saw that the sea was bad but not revolting. Yet. Added to that he had complete confidence in the Bosun and craft—so long as the engine continued to provide power. \"Not to worry!\"\n\nBosun Tinker had decided that, too, and to scurry for a lee shore, plenty of time, if need be, to swerve back into wind, put out a storm anchor—a bucket on the end of a rope to keep her head firmly into the wind—and ride it out. \"If she'll bloody ride out wot she weren't never to bloody be in,\" he said, fighting the wheel against the press of the waves.\n\nThe cutter came around and righted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her bow dipped as the following wave went past, pushed faster by the wind, then the craft climbed sickeningly, crested and slammed down into the trough. All aboard winced. Again the same, and again the crash with plenty of water aboard this time. Down down down then up up up ever higher, then crashhhhh and foaming water swirled past the windows, decks awash. Angelique let out a little moan. Jamie had one arm around her, the other locked to a handhold. Rain slashed into the stern windows and door. Over in one corner now Skye had his head down and was retching, Hoag, prone and equally helpless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aloft in the wheelhouse the Bosun swayed from side to side, riding the pitching deck easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had his craft under control. Rain and spray were heavy on the windows but he could see well enough and he did not allow the waves to take her directly stern-on but gave them a little way so that the up and down did not have the full force of the sea but muted it, the craft sliding a little—vile for the passengers but \"They're safe, ain't they?\" He beamed, enjoying himself, too many storms conquered, time enough for fear over three or four hot toddies ashore in front of a toasty fire in an hour or two. Happily he resumed his rollicking chanty.\n\nThen his heart skipped a beat. \"Christ Almighty!\" he burst out. The coffin was alongside to starboard, still afloat, level in the water, dipping and climbing with them, the two flags still around it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the cabin Jamie had seen it too and knew, equally shocked, if a big wave varied course it could easily wash the coffin back aboard, or worse, use it as a battering ram against the fragile superstructure, or, worst of all, punch a hole in their unprotected hull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The more Tinker eased away, the closer it came. Once it bashed against the side, then swirled off, spinning like a top in a vortex, but staying parallel and Jamie cursed that he had not had the foresight to weight it with an anchor chain—air or the buoyancy of the wood was keeping it afloat.\n\nIt was difficult for Jamie to watch it, holding Angelique as he did. But he was glad her head was deep in his shoulder. Again he craned around and caught sight of it, slightly aft and lying flat in the water, now seeming to him like the ghoulish craft of a sick mind. The wind or a current turned it and now, parallel to the waves, it began to tumble but righted itself and was stable for three or four waves and then another comber came that overturned it and to his joy it went under. He breathed again, seeing it had gone for good, then it surfaced, the next whitecap surrounded it, lifted it and hurled it directly at them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Involuntarily he ducked. It did not come aboard, just smashed broadside against the hull, sounding as though they had hit a reef." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Momentarily, Hoag lifted his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His brain was reeling in his skull worse than the boat, so he saw nothing and fell back groaning into his seasick miasma. Angelique too looked up but Jamie held her close, caressing her hair to take the fear away. \"Just some flotsam, nothing to worry about...\"\n\nHis eyes were on the coffin, a few yards away, parallel to them, its lines clean and deadly, torpedo-like, both flags still intact. He flinched as a frothing comber approached but it went by and over it and when the wave had gone the coffin had vanished.\n\nBreathlessly he waited, searching the sea. Nothing. More waiting. Still nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The squall lessened slightly and no longer howled around the cabin. The waves were still high and bullying but Tinker was doing a masterly job, using every piece of seamanship to lessen the threat, the engine shrieking as the propeller shaft came clear of the water from time to time. \"Come on,\" Jamie murmured, \"keep going, nice and easy.\"\n\nThen his eyes focused. The coffin was fifty yards away, a little aft, the nose pointed directly at them. It was keeping station with them, rising and falling as though attached by some invisible hawser. Ugly and deadly. He counted six waves and never a change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the seventh appeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The seventh wave was bigger than the rest. It took the coffin, made it into a missile and hurled it at them. Jamie knew the impact point would be dead center amidships on their starboard side and their roll would expose the hull for maximum damage. His breathing stopped.\n\nTinker must have seen it too for at the last moment the cutter veered crazily into its path, dipping slightly to starboard, the gunnel awash now, and the violent coffin-missile reared up the wave and over the prow to tangle itself in the bowsprit hawsers, hanging there half in, half out of the water, pulling the craft against the rudder.\n\nThe Bosun was hauling on the wheel with all his strength but the waves and wind had seized on the coffin and used it to make the craft unstable. In minutes the Bosun knew they would founder. There was nothing he could do to stop it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice whistle shrieked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With difficulty he answered it, \"Yes, Percy...\" but he was drowned out by the stoker's curses and saying what the bleeding hell was he doing up there, so he slammed it back into its holder, redoubled his effort on the wheel as the bow was inexorably being forced to disaster.\n\nThen he saw the cabin door open. Jamie shoved his way on deck. Hanging on for his life, he groped forward. At once the Bosun stuck his head out of the nearest window bellowing and pointing: \"The fire axe, fire axe...\"\n\nAs though in a dream, Jamie heard him and saw the axe in its red holders on the cabin roof. The deck was heaving and shivering, the soul of the boat knowing she was in a death spasm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One foot skated away from under him but he collided with the gunnel and found he had the axe in one hand and was for the moment safe. Water came over the bow and swallowed him. Again he survived, but in its wake was a nauseating premonition. Involuntarily his stomach heaved and the foulness passed out of him. He lay there in the scuppers, cold and frightened, his fingers dug into holds, then more water swamped him. When he could breathe, he coughed and spat the salt water from his mouth and nostrils and this helped shock him into action.\n\nUp ahead the nose of the coffin was held tight by the mess of hawsers and twisted stanchions, the bulk of it shoved this way and that as the waves roared past or sucked at it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squinted up at the Bosun against the wind and rain and saw him motion to hack it away, \"... for the love of God, watch out...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No axe will cut that bastard away, he thought helplessly, and hugged a stanchion as a violent wave came over the side at him, slammed him against the coffin then sucked him back to the gunnel again, choking and half drowned. When it subsided he was astonished to find himself still aboard. Don't waste time, his brain was shrieking at him, the next one or the one following will take you and drown you.\n\nSo he left his safe place and went forward until he was over the coffin, hating it and being here and that he had allowed himself to be part of this stupidity, risking her and the others for nothing, but mostly hating his own fear. The next wave tore at him but he survived it and hacked down two-handed with all his strength, slipped and grabbed the side of the cabin roof as another wave reached for him, battered him against the coffin's side. Gasping, he fought his way up and hacked again, this time at the coffin itself, hating the evil thing that it had become.\n\nThe blade sliced through one of the rope hawsers but made no impression on the wired ones, a tangled mess, and buried itself into the beflagged lid or bottom—he did not know or care which—and split it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But still the coffin hung there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Using all his strength, he could not move it, shoving and kicking and cursing, the main length of it dangling overboard and in the water dragging them, twisting them under the sea.\n\nAnother blow and another and another, using the head of the axe now as a sledgehammer to batter the coffin to pieces, raging at it, cursing it. The wood splintered but held, then a howling blow crushed the side and top and he slipped and fell sprawling. The axe skittered out of his grasp and went overboard and the next deluge bashed him against the coffin, then pulled him away again. When the spume had gone and he could breathe he forced his eyes open. Still the same. Still firm as ever. Again he groped forward but his strength had gone and his hands could hardly hold him safe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw a single frayed hawser part. The mess of wires and ropes screeched under the tension, twisted and untangled a little, then more, then the whole coffin slid away tail first and as it hit the ocean began to break up. For a moment its head held the surface, then it went under, froth and bubbles in its wake. A piece of cloth that was the Struan flag surfaced. The next comber broomed the sea clean and came aboard and grabbed his legs from under him, dragged him against the bowsprit housing, then sucked him back along the deck, Tinker fighting for control again.\n\nAstonished to be alive, Jamie found himself gasping in the stern. At the limit of his strength he groped for the door and fell into the cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Skye was still in his corner retching, half-conscious, Hoag lying on his stomach, unconscious, Angelique curled up on a bench where he had left her, hanging on grimly, moaning and sobbing slightly, her eyes tightly closed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'jamie' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shivering, he slumped beside her, chest heaving, mindless, knowing only that he was still alive and they were still safe.\n\nAfter a while his eyes cleared. He saw land a mile or so away, and noticed that the rain had lessened and so had the sea. Now only the occasional wave came aboard. In a locker below the seat he found blankets and wrapped one around Angelique, the other around himself.\n\n\"I'm so cold, Jamie, where have you been?\" she sobbed like a frightened child, only half aware. \"I'm so cold, so lonely, and feel awful but so glad we did it, so glad. Oh, Jamie, I'm so cold...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they came alongside the Struan jetty a few misted stars were out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still early, at the edge of nightfall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sky had cleared and promised a good day tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merchantmen and the fleet lay safe at anchor, quiet, riding lights on—only the mail ship still being worked under a multitude of oil lamps like so many fireflies.\n\nNimbly the stoker jumped onto the wharf with a hawser and tied the craft, then helped the others. Angelique first, then Skye and Hoag. Jamie climbed the steps easily, still wrapped in his blanket, chilled but not badly. Skye and the doctor were pasty grey, their stomachs and heads ill at ease, legs weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now Angelique was much better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her headache had gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not been sick nor felt seasick. Once again she had cried herself out. The last half hour she had been on deck, away from the sick tainted air below, and had joined Jamie on the poop. There she faced the salt-sweet wind and let it wash her brain clean again.\n\nBehind her Hoag coughed up a wad of phlegm and spat it into the water lapping the pilings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he muttered, needing a drink badly. Then he noticed the mess on the prow, some timbers crushed, the fore hatch stove in, bowsprit vanished, halliards gone, most of the gunnel. \"What the hell happened?\"\n\n\"Some flotsam was washed aboard, looked like a crate. Gave me a fright for a moment,\" Jamie said.\n\n\"Thought I heard a crash... I... think I'll... think I'll vis't the Club before turning in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll join you,\" Skye said, needing more than one drink to settle his stomach. \"Jamie? M'ss Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head and Jamie said, \"Off you go, nothing more to do tonight. Don't forget the plan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had agreed nothing was to be said other than, if asked, they had conducted a symbolic sea burial, nothing more.\n\nFortunately none of the others had seen the coffin come aboard or his struggle with it—except Tinker. As soon as he could, he had gone aloft to the wheelhouse. \"Bosun, about the coffin, the others below saw nothing, so on your head, by God, you saw nothing and you say nothing either. It's our secret.\"\n\n\"Whatever you say, sorr.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tinker handed him the flask and touched his forelock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks. Weren't for you we'd be below, all of us—along with him.\"\n\nThere was barely a swallow left but it helped. \"I thought I'd never make it. We forget it. Your oath, eh?\"\n\n\"Whatever you say, sorr, but afore we forget it, when the box sank an' broke up an' he come out of it, he didn't half give me a turn, by God. I thort he were trying to bloody come back aboard.\"\n\n\"Jesus Christ,\" Jamie had gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're imagining it, I saw nothing—you're imagining it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, I weren't, sorr, my eye line's higher 'an yors, right? An' I saw the bugger, begging your pardon, I saw him come out and flail for the surface afore he were sucked down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're imagining things, for Christ's sake. What an awful thing to say!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the God's Truth, sorr, so help me! 'Course it were only for a moment and sea spume were all around him, but I seed him right enough!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tinker had spat to leeward, touched wood, and made the sign against the Evil Eye and the Devil, and pulled the lobe of his ear to make his point." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"God's truth, sorr, an' strike me down if I lie, made my balls jump to Kingdom come. Struck out for the surface he did afore Davy Jones sucked him down, naked as a babe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God's truth, sorr, an' strike me down if I lie, made my balls jump to Kingdom come. Struck out for the surface he did afore Davy Jones sucked him down, naked as a babe.\"\n\n\"A lot of bloody cobblers! Nonsense!\" Jamie remembered how he had shivered and touched wood himself just in case. \"You're imagining it, Bosun, though I swear to God that bloody coffin seemed to have a mind of its own, an evil one at that.\"\n\n\"My whole point, sorr, it were possessed by Old Nick hisself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Tinker spat to leeward, sweating. \"Flailed for the surface he did, different like, eyes open and all, and I thort he was coming at us for good.\"\n\n\"For Christ's sake, give over! Malcolm wouldn't do anything bad to us,\" he had said, ill at ease. \"It was a trick of your mind.\"\n\n\"My eye line, sorr, was high—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forget your bloody eye line. Have you any rum left?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tinker coughed and reached into a hidden locker and pulled out another flask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was half empty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie took a large swallow, choked, and took another.\n\n\"There'll be ten cases of rum in our warehouse for you to draw against, Tinker, with my thanks. You did a fine job, so did the stoker—four cases for him.\" Tinker thanked him effusively. The grand rum heat in his stomach had swamped all his chill. He looked at the old weathered face and shrewd blue eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was never so bloody scared, never, in my whole life. I thought I was a goner three or four times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not me, sorr,\" the Bosun said with a grin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not with you aboard, but I was right happy when the bugger and his box were overboard and him sucked down cursing us all the way...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though safe ashore, again Jamie shivered, thinking of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique said, \"You should get out of those wet clothes.\"\n\nHoag said, \"Well, I'm off.\"\n\nShe put her arms around him and kissed his cheek, closing her nostrils to the smell of vomit. \"Thank you so much, see you tomorrow.\" She did the same to Skye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men went off unsteadily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will they be all right?\"\n\nJamie said, \"Nothing that a few whiskies and a night's sleep won't cure.\"\n\n\"They're not in shape to discuss anything, are they?\"\n\n\"No. What do you want to discuss?\"\n\nShe took his arm in hers and hugged it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just to decide about to morrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can talk as we go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They said good night to Tinker and the stoker, both men again thanking McFay for the rum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they walked off arm in arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angelique—before you say anything, I'm glad we did it.\"\n\n\"Oh, so am I, dear Jamie, you are a dear and I truly am so glad and so happy nothing went wrong, no one was hurt.\" A wan smile. \"Just a little sick.\"\n\n\"Nothing to worry about. Tomorrow?\"\n\n\"I've decided not to go with the mail ship, no, please don't say anything, I've decided. I'm safer here. Until I hear from Tess formally. Really, Jamie, I am, I'm safer here. And I'm sure Hoag and George would agree that medically it would be wise. I don't think you should go either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my job to tell Mrs. Struan, Mrs. Tess Struan.\"\n\n\"You can call me Angelique, you always have and I, well, I've only been Mrs. Struan for a moment.\" She sighed, continued walking towards the Struan Building. \"It's better I stay. She'll have to declare herself, better by letter here. Malcolm's buried and that's all that I wanted. Do you have to go?\"\n\n\"In this wind,\" he said, thinking aloud, \"Prancing Cloud could make fifteen to seventeen knots, day in day out, and be tied up in Hong Kong in five days—she'll have the bit between her teeth with such important news and important cargo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had all agreed that publicly and now privately they would consider that coffin the tai-pan's. \"The mail ship will average eight knots if she's lucky so she'll take the usual ten-odd days. By the time I got there the funeral will have been done, Tess will know everything from dozens of different points of view—my report's aboard, so is Sir William's and fifty others no doubt. She's dismissed me at the end of the month and the new fellow arrives in a few days and I was told to show him the ropes.\" Then there were reasons he decided not to say aloud: he should be canvassing other hongs—as the major companies were sometimes called—for a job. The only real, suitable job available and up to his experience and surely on offer would be Brock and Sons. Then he had to decide about Maureen, and then there was Nemi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled at Angelique sadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It adds up to no reason to go, doesn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hugged his arm, oblivious of those passing. \"I'm glad. I won't feel lonely if you're here.\"\n\n\"Jamie!\" Phillip Tyrer had called out from the British Legation doorway, hastily putting on his topcoat and hat, hurrying towards them. \"'Evening Angelique, Jamie,\" he said in an uneasy rush. \"Sir William's compliments, would you two and the—the rest of the—the passengers and crew of the cutter kindly see him tomorrow morning before church, before you both board the mail ship? She sails at two o'clock now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For what purpose, Phillip?\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I think he'd like to... dammit, oh, excuse me, Angelique, obviously he'd like to ask what on earth you were doing.\"\n\n\"Doing?\"\n\nThe young man sighed. \"Sorry, old boy, it's not my idea. You're on the mat, I've delivered the message, that's all. Don't pick on me, I'm just the nearest dogsbody.\"\n\nThey both laughed, tension leaving them. \"Ten o'clock?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"A crate, what looked like a crate was washed aboard, then carried away again. No great problem.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, Jamie, that should be plenty of time.\" Tyrer looked down the way at the cutter. \"Looks as though you had a rough crossing, what on earth happened to the prow?\"\n\nJamie glanced back. The damage was clearly visible under the lamp at the head of the jetty, and, he knew, easily observable with binoculars for miles from the Legation windows. \"Flotsam,\" he said readily. \"A crate, what looked like a crate was washed aboard, then carried away again. No great problem.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't agree, Jamie. We have a distinct problem.\" Sir William sat behind his desk, facing them. Phillip nearby, the mood in the drab office inquisitorial. \"Let's start again. You seem to be spokesman so I'll address myself to you. I specifically said no funeral here, the body was to go back to Hong Kong an—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's already gone, Sir William, on Prancing Cloud,\" Jamie repeated, his jaw set." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had been arguing for half an hour, he and Sir William, the others answering guardedly, all of them instructed by him and by Skye, only to respond when questioned directly and even then not to volunteer anything, just to answer the question as simply as possible: Hoag, Skye, Tinker, the stoker, and Angelique." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag was definitely the weakest link in the chain and twice had almost blurted out the reason." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique was heavily veiled, wearing black and dressed for church. \"We had a make-believe funeral.\"\n\n\"I know that and as I have asked repeatedly, repeatedly, if it was merely symbolic why use a real coffin with a real corpse, albeit with a native therein, and shove him over the side with a form of a Christian's burial at sea?\"\n\nJamie shrugged, stumped by that inevitable question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This morning Skye had said weakly, \"We'd best shrug it off, brazen it out, keep our heads down, nothing much he can do but spit blood.\"\n\n\"The coffin was there, I thought it a good idea.\"\n\n\"Ah, this was all your idea then?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Jamie said stubbornly, glaring at Hoag who started to open his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suggested it and... and the others were good enough to go along with it. It was the tai-pan's wish—it was Malcolm's wish and Mrs. Struan's. No harm was done.\"\n\n\"I most assuredly disagree. The whole idea's macabre. You deliberately went against my considered opinion; there seems to be an astonishing breakdown of reasonable thinking and a desire of all assembled here to avoid telling me the truth, the simple explanation, and you have colluded to hide... to hide what? Don't you agree, Phillip?\"\n\nTyrer jerked in his chair. \"Er, yes, sir, if you say so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why the use of a real coffin and real body?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag shifted uncomfortably in his seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all knew that any moment he would break. Angelique decided that now was the time and she began to cry. \"Why don't you just leave us alone? We did no harm, just did what we thought best, what my husband wanted, what I wanted for him...\"\n\n\"Angelique, please don't cr—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That he wanted and you forbade. It's your fault, Sir William, I thought you were our friend, if you were our friend and you'd been... been reasonable we wouldn't have had all this trouble, of course it wasn't nice to do anything underhanded, even though I think you were quite wrong and...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs. Struan, I on—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course that wasn't nice, none of us wanted to do that, but at least we did it in good faith, before God, at least these friends, real friends helped to do properly what my husband and I... it wasn't much to ask...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment she was going to flee the room but wisely did not, realizing that that would solve nothing and leave the others at his mercy so she stayed where she was, dissolving into ever more heartbreaking sobs, knowing she had not lied and had said nothing more than the truth: it was his fault!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In seconds they were all around her, trying to calm her, all feeling terrible, except Skye who was awed by the brilliance of her timing, and Sir William who was privately amused though, for face, pretending to be equally upset. He watched and waited, still disgusted with all of them for whatever machinations they had jointly conceived. What had possessed them and who was the real culprit? Surely not Jamie? Bloody stupid to do what they did. Ridiculous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stupid to risk their lives like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People are no damned good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even Angelique. Ah, but what a lady, and what a treasure and what an actress—where in the name of God does she get it all from?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like most girls of her age, her education is minimal, in her case convent, which is a bloody sight worse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is Heavenly coaching her for the trial of the century? Or am I just a cynical old fool? Either way, I really will be sad to lose her.\n\nHis mantelpiece clock chimed quarter to the hour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time for church, he thought, time to stop—he was reading the lesson and had not yet had time to skim through it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'there' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There there, Mrs. Struan,\" he said, as a good though stern father would. \"No need for tears, we've all had enough of them recently. I must confess I still totally disapprove of the escapade, very poor show, but under the emotional circumstances I think we'll let it rest there, for the moment.\" Again he pretended not to hear their audible relief, or to notice the subsidence of her sobs. \"Now it's time for church, and then the mail ship and our wishes for a bon voyage and a long life will go with you. Truly we will be very sorry and very sad to see you leave our shores.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I—I'm not leaving yet, Sir William.\"\n\n\"Eh?\" Sir William and Tyrer were flabbergasted.\n\nBetween sobs, her head bowed, she said, \"Dr. Hoag has advised me not to travel for at least a week.\"\n\nHoag said quickly, \"That's right, medically not a good idea, Sir William, not a good idea at all, no, not at all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This morning Skye, supported by Jamie, had insisted that it was best she did not go for a time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A medical certificate is what she needs, Doctor, one you can attest to with Tess Struan. With all this emotion, surely she shouldn't travel or have any confrontations until she's stronger?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag had readily agreed, and said to Sir William, \"As you can see she's easily upset, and I've given her a certificate, not that it's necessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment Sir William did not know what to think." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the one hand they had not lost her, on the other the irritant that she already was, and the thorn she was bound to become when Tess Struan's wrath fell on her and all of them, would still be in his jurisdiction." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Dr. Hoag is—is going in my place, I really don't feel up to... it's best...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You really should go, Ma'am. I would have thought it very important to be at the funeral.\"\n\n\"I want to go but...\" Her voice broke and a fresh sob racked her. \"Dr. Hoag is—is going in my place, I really don't feel up to... it's best...\"\n\n\"But Jamie, you'll be going too?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sir. There are things I've been ordered to do here by Mrs. Tess Struan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bless my soul.\" Halfheartedly Sir William tried to dissuade her, then sighed. \"Well, if Dr. Hoag says so, that's the end of that, he is the Struan doctor.\" He got up. Openly relieved, they thanked him and began to leave. \"A moment, Dr. Hoag, a word if you please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hid his pleasure seeing Jamie and Skye blanch and said pointedly as they hung back, \"G'day Jamie, Mr. Skye. Phillip, no need for you to stay.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"It's a surface cure. What's underneath no one knows. It could last days, weeks, a year or more—then the nightmare will return. What will happen then...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door closed. Hoag was like a rabbit before a cobra.\n\n\"Now, Doctor, quietly tell me the truth, how is she?\"\n\n\"She's very well, on the surface, Sir William,\" Hoag said at once. \"It's a surface cure. What's underneath no one knows. It could last days, weeks, a year or more—then the nightmare will return. What will happen then...\" He shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll be seeing Tess Struan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, as soon as I arrive.\" Hoag waited shakily, dreading the questioning, knowing he would fail.\n\nThoughtfully Sir William got up and poured a whisky and gave it to him. The liquor vanished. \"You won't be coming back here for a time, if ever. I need to know, in confidence, what medically are the chances of her carrying Malcolm's child?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag blinked, the liquor and the unexpected gentleness calming him and putting him off balance, not expecting this line of questioning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said with great sincerity, \"Of course that's up to God, sir. But Malcolm was healthy and so is she, both fine people, unfortunately both star-crossed—so sad. I'd say the chances are very good, for this was no idle fancy, their lovemaking must have been very passionate, as near a true love as I have ever seen.\"\n\nSir William frowned. \"Good. When you see Tess Struan... I think our Mrs. Struan will need all the help she can get. Eh?\"\n\n\"You may rest assured I'll intercede for her.\"\n\nSir William nodded and reached into his drawer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The envelope was sealed and addressed Personal, Confidential and Private, by hand, to Sir Stanshope, Governor of Hong Kong, from Sir William Aylesbury, Minister to the Japans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have an official commission for you, a secret one. I want you to deliver this personally to the Governor, as soon as you arrive.\"\n\nHe scrawled on the bottom \"Delivered by hand by Dr. Hoag\" and had decided to use him the moment he had heard Jamie would not be on the mail ship, there being no one aboard Prancing Cloud he could trust. \"It must be given over personally, to no one else, no one is to know you are a Queen's courier. Clear?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir, of course, Sir William,\" Hoag said proudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that now Hoag was putty and he could extract anything he wanted from him. Who began the escapade, what was in their minds at sea and why they did what they did, what really happened at Kanagawa. He smiled to himself, enjoying his position and for his own reasons let the matter rest. \"Have a safe voyage, and I look forward to seeing you in Hong Kong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag fled, ecstatic to have escaped with his honor intact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie and Skye were waiting anxiously on the High Street. \"Nothing, honestly,\" he said excitedly, \"he just wanted to ask medical questions, private ones.\"\n\n\"You're sure?\"\n\n\"Cross my heart and hope to die. Hurry up, time for a quick one before church. I still feel washed out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They went off happily, not noticing Sir William watching from his window." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder how happy those rotters would be if they could read my letter to the Governor, he thought, scowling. They're not off the hook yet, none of us are. As if one coffin mattered when the whole world's falling apart, Russia teetering towards war again, Prussia licking her chops over the intestines of Central Europe, the French with their militant, overblown pride, our Indian Empire and Asian colonies at risk because of misguided fools in Parliament, and us awaiting imminent Japanese liquidation.\n\nOn the surface the letter was innocuous. Decoded it read: Urgently request all fleet and army reinforcements possible as I expect the Settlement to be attacked any day by Bakufu samurai legions and may have to abandon our base here." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Catholic church was candle-lit, the altar glinting, the congregation sparse and Father Leo was bringing the singsong litany of Mass to a close, his deep baritone voice melodious amidst the familiar perfume of incense that drifted over them—the service shorter than usual as a few had to catch the mail ship.\n\nAngelique knelt at prayer in the front pew, Seratard beside her, André some rows behind, Vervene at the back with the rest of the Legation staff, a few traders, Eurasian Portuguese, and some officers and men from the French ships who had shore leave. The main body of French sailors had other services, earlier or later. Thankfully for all ships companies, there were no priests with the fleet—to have one aboard always considered bad luck, on any ship of any flag.\n\nFather Leo bowed to the altar, prayed and then blessed the congregation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique took a deep breath, leisurely finished her prayer, waiting for Seratard to move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had already been confessed. In the little box she had said, \"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.\"\n\n\"What sins have you committed this week, my child?\"\n\nShe had heard the barely disguised impatience to learn every thought and deed that had happened, this being the first time she had been to Confession since the troubles began. \"I forgot to ask the Blessed Mother for forgiveness in my prayers one night,\" she said with perfect calm, continuing her pact, and the plan and words she had devised, \"and had many bad thoughts and dreams, and was afraid, and forgot I was in God's hands with never a need to fear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, and what else?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"I sinned in that I could not persuade Sir William to allow me to bury my husband as he wished and therefore I wished.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A little smile settled, hearing the impatience. \"I sinned in that, though my marriage is legal in the sight of my husband's people and his law and his Church, there was no time for us to make it conform to the True Church.\"\n\n\"But... but that... that, senhora, that is not... not of itself a sin, you were not responsible for that, he was taken from us. What... what other sins did you commit?\"\n\nShe kept her nostrils closed as much as she could to the stench of garlic and stale wine and unwashed clothes, using a pomaded kerchief. \"I sinned in that I could not persuade Sir William to allow me to bury my husband as he wished and therefore I wished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That... that in itself is not a sin, child. What else?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I sinned in that I could not persuade my husband to become Catholic before we married.\"\n\n\"Nor is that a sin, senhora. What else?\"\n\nNow he was beginning to sound exasperated. As she expected. How odd I'm no longer petrified of him and can hear the nuances he seeks to hide. Is this another gift of God?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you, did you commit sins of the flesh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes narrowed, the smile froze and she despised him even more, at the same time forgiving him some of it because of his magnanimity in blessing the other coffin. \"I have been a correct wife in accordance with the teachings of the Church.\"\n\n\"Yes, but, but did you cohabit with him, not being prop—\"\n\n\"I was properly married according to my husband's law and acted in accordance with the teachings of the True Church,\" she said, adding with an even sharper edge, \"and now I would like absolution, Father.\" This was contrary to accepted practice and she waited, holding her breath, ready to sweep out if he probed further against accepted practice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As... as you are leaving today, it is necessary to ensure, senhora, to give absolution th—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am not leaving by mail ship, Father. Not today.\"\n\n\"Oh, not leaving?\" She heard the elation and relief. \"Then—then we can talk, my child, talk at length for the Glory of God. Oh, how wonderful are the ways of God.\" He had given her absolution and a modest penance and she had left to join the service.\n\nHaving overcome that hurdle she enjoyed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mind wandered but that was normal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now she could relax and was pleased with herself. She had achieved what she had set out to achieve: Malcolm buried here, as she wished, Gornt launched, Hoag on his way, Tess neutralized—with the help of God.\n\nGod is on my side, I'm sure of it. He approves, I'm sure of it. Except for Malcolm, ah, Malcolm, my love, my love..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I escort you home, Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard asked, interrupting her daydreams.\n\n\"Thank you, Monsieur,\" she said formally, \"but I am not very good company and would rather stroll quietly by myself.\"\n\n\"There is a lot to discuss before you leave.\"\n\n\"Oh, I thought you would know already I'm not leaving with the mail ship—Dr. Hoag forbade it, which saddens me.\"\n\nHis smile broadened. \"Magnificent! That is the best news I've heard in many a day. Would you care for dinner at the Legation tonight, just two or three of us—quietly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you but again, no. Perhaps the end of the week, if I feel better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thursday or Friday, whenever you wish.\" Seratard kissed her hand, and she walked into the open air.\n\nThe wind had freshened again. She was glad for the veil that camouflaged her, no need to hide behind the front of her face. Those who passed greeted her sadly, Nettlesmith among them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We will truly be sorry to see you go, Ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Mr. Nettlesmith, but I'm not going by the mail ship, not today.\" Again she saw the face light up the moment she said it and was amused. \"Dr. Hoag has forbidden me to travel, which saddens me.\"\n\n\"Oh! Of course it would. Not going, eh! Oh! Well, yes, I can see that... oh, will you excuse me, Ma'am?\" He rushed for the Club." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within minutes the news would be around the Settlement and there would be no need to say it again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Down the praia she saw André. He was waiting for her. \"Hello, André.\"\n\n\"I'm glad you're not going,\" he said simply.\n\n\"Ah. News travels fast.\"\n\n\"Good news. I need to talk privately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About money?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About money. How you've changed, Angelique.\"\n\n\"For the better, I hope. How are you, old friend?\"\n\n\"Old.\" André was feeling drab today, and tired. He had seen Hinodeh last night and there had been shadows between them. And violence. While she was massaging him he had lifted up and reached into the neck of her kimono to kiss her breast, loving her to distraction, but she had jerked away and closed her kimono against him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You promise not to...\" she had gasped, and his fury at himself for forgetting—any such trespass sent her into a pathetic, hangdog sorrow that would craze him further—turned into fury at her and he had snarled, \"Stop looking like that, stoppit! Baka!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were never any tears when he was there, just the constant, abject muttering, \"Gomen nasai, Furansu-san, gomen nasai gomen nasai gomen nasai\" on and on until the words maddened him and again he shouted, \"Shut up, for Christ's sake!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had. And stayed kneeling, eyes downcast, hands in her lap, immobile except for an occasional tremble like a whipped dog.\n\nHe had wanted to apologize and hold her in his arms, his love unending, but that would not help him, only make him lose further face so he just got up sullenly and dressed and without a word left their home. Once he was out of the Yoshiwara and across the bridge he went down to the shore and kicked the nearest fishing boat and cursed it until he was spent. Then he sat on the cold pebbles, choked with frustration, knowing that she would be weeping and equally angry that she had not managed his mistake more cleverly, knowing that tomorrow they would begin again as though nothing had happened, but he was sure, not far below the sweet and gentle demeanor was a vast reservoir of hatred. For him.\n\n\"And why not?\" he muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not what, André?\" Angelique asked.\n\n\"Oh! Nothing, just wandering.\"\n\n\"Look, there's an empty seat. We can sit there and talk.\"\n\nThe bench faced the sea. The mail ship beckoned her attention and she wondered what would have happened if she had decided to go aboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd only have gone into the Lioness's den earlier than necessary, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No need to worry about that, no need to worry about anything—merely to ease into my new being, testing its limits, and wait. The smoke plume began trickling upwards. The mail ship was getting up steam. Only a few tenders remained at her gangway. \"I'm not very good company, sorry,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could you let me have some money?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have only a little. How much do you need?\"\n\n\"A thousand guineas.\"\n\n\"What on earth for?\"\n\nHe took a deep breath. \"Her name is Hinodeh,\" he said, and told her a story of falling in love and wanting her for himself and nothing about the real reason, his sickness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's difficult to tell everything, of course I can't, but I cannot live without that woman and the money is needed for her contract. I've got to have it. I must.\"\n\n\"There's no way I could find that amount, André,\" she said, genuinely shocked but moved. \"What about Henri, surely he could provide you with a loan?\"\n\n\"He's refused, and refused to advance me anything on my salary, I think he enjoys my dependence.\"\n\n\"If I was to talk to him an—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you mustn't, that would be the worst thing to do.\" He looked at her in a new way. \"When you get your marriage settlement, I pray it's fast, I'll work to make it fast, I want you to lend it to me, a thousand.\"\n\n\"If I can, I will, André.\"\n\n\"Can you let me have some now? A hundred, that will keep the mamasan off my back for a week—she was the one who helped you,\" he added, driving in a nail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She let that pass, well aware of the many ways he had helped her, or had promised never to mention any of them, her mind jumping forward to new conclusions: this Hinodeh is an added security for me. \"I'll ask Jamie for an advance.\"\n\n\"There's the money Sir William said you could keep, two hundred and sixty-three guineas, wasn't it, from the safe.\"\n\n\"Yes, there's some of that left.\" She looked out to sea to avoid his eyes, their disturbing intentness, wondering how he knew and to mask her abhorrence of this different André with his underlying, searing edge of hysteria." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Foolish to be like that, doesn't he realize our Fates are locked together?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then he is in love so I can forgive him. \"I sent some home.\"\n\n\"I'm working on your behalf, Angelique, every day with Henri. The ward of the State, he's sure of it. Henri's important to your future, he and the Ambassador will be your champions in the coming fight, I guarantee it. You're wise to stay here and wait, it's safer, better,\" he said, and she remembered how, not so long ago, he had told her it was vital for her to go.\n\nHe was watching her, hard to see her clearly through the veil, remembering the signed affidavit he had deposited with his will in the British Minister's safe, not trusting Seratard—against any \"accident\" happening to him. The affidavit that told about the Tokaidō assassin's lovemaking and the abortion—when and how it was achieved and the evidence buried—and about the death of the assassin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then there was the second page of the letter her father had written her months ago that he had torn up in front of her but had put back together the page that would damn any marriage settlement that Tess Struan might agree to when the screws were really turned on her—all of it to use, when necessary, Angelique his only passport to possession of Hinodeh and a comfortable future.\n\nRaiko and Meikin and selling secrets and buying secrets? A pipe dream, he told himself bitterly. I've given them the whole campaign plan and what have I in return? Promises—and no chance to offset those against my other debt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A hundred,\" he said, too tired and angry to say please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did not take her eyes off the sea. \"How long will we have to wait? For Tess to act.\"\n\n\"It depends how Tess receives the news, or Hoag, what she does at the funeral. She will wait your thirty days—are you carrying or are you not—before deciding,\" he said in the same matter-of-fact voice, ramming back the past, wanting her dependent again. She looked back at him, glad for the veil. He thought her eyes were friendly—perhaps afraid, perhaps not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Add ten days for that news to reach her. Ten to think, ten to send a message back. About two months, perhaps less.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will the message be?\"\n\n\"Venomous.\" His own eyes slitted. \"But I've a few ideas, plans. I can help to make you a rich woman. We have to wait, nothing to do for a while, just wait. Patience, Angelique. Patience and a little luck... I've ideas.\"\n\nAnd so have I, André Blackmailer. Many. And plans. For you, Tess, and for the future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tenderly she leaned over and touched him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm so glad you have a love to cherish. You're blessed,\" she said, meaning it. Then, as only a woman could, she put that tenderness aside forever, and her plans back in place. \"The money will be waiting for you at six, André—I'm glad you're my friend.\"\n\n\"I'm glad too... thanks for the loan.\"\n\n\"So again we must be patient, both of us, and wait? That is what we must do, yes? A little luck and patience? I can be patient. A little luck and patience. Good. So be it.\"\n\nHe watched her walk away, straight and confident and, for all her splendid petiteness, somehow tall." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toranaga Yoshi had arrived back in Yedo Castle from Kyōto eight days ago, tired and angry, the journey from Hamamatsu way station a forced march.\n\nThe lines in his face were etched deeper. Where men were afraid of him before, now they were petrified. His anger would turn on them like a lash. During the journey he had driven himself and them, sleeping only a few hours, demented by any delay, dissatisfied with the Inns, the baths and food and service and the future. Captain Abeh bore the brunt, all of them knowing it was only frustration and grief over the death of Koiko, the beloved.\n\nAbeh had arranged her cremation, and that of Sumomo, and then they were in the saddle galloping the leagues, all aware such a gallant fighter deserved a courteous bow from the conqueror in front of the fire—particularly as the fighter was shishi and a woman who soon would be the subject of songs and legends, as would the blow that had sliced her in half. And Koiko the Lily too, she who threw herself in the way of the first shuriken and so had saved the life of their Lord, to whom he had then given the gift of painlessness.\n\nBut Yoshi, Guardian of the Heir, had said coldly, \"Their death poem is this\":" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From nothing into nothing,\n\nA corpse is a corpse,\n\nAnd nothing—\n\nMine, yours, even theirs.\n\nDid they exist? Do we exist?\n\nOnwards, under the lash, then gaining the castle. But still no rest there, the castle and Yedo and the whole Kwanto in uproar over gai-jin preparations for war—precipitated by the tairō's ultimatum, as he had expected.\n\n\"It was inevitable,\" Yoshi said at the meeting of the Elders he had immediately called for, adding, to give Anjo a way to extract himself, \"You were given ill advice—remove the fool who suggested it and drafted the letter.\"\n\n\"It was the Emperor's command, and the Shōgun's, that all gai-jin be expelled,\" Anjo said angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Command? The Shōgunate commands, not an underage boy who mouths the words the Shōgunate puts into it—or the Emperor, who can only request us to do something!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: fleet, frequency: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As tairō I considered the ultimatum necessary.\"\n\n\"And again I ask, what do you propose we do when the fleet comes here?\"\n\n\"They will not, we attack first,\" Anjo had said, then winced as a pain stabbed him, holding his side. \"I have them surrounded, Yokohama is like a dead fish waiting for gutting. The attack force is almost ready.\"\n\n\"And their fleet?\" he had asked, furious that all his advice had been discarded and once again they were in a trap of their own making. No point in reminding Anjo, and the others, of the plan he had meticulously set up to provide months of time for further delaying tactics against the gai-jin, while the Shōgunate gathered strength and more particularly dealt with the vital, pressing problem of smashing the hostile coalition of Tosa, Choshu and Satsuma that would destroy the Shōgunate if allowed to prosper.\n\n\"First we surprise Yokohama, burn it—I suggested it months ago,\" Toyama said, shaking with excitement. \"Burn them!\"\n\n\"And how do you sink the fleet?\" Yoshi snarled. He had noticed Anjo's pain and was glad of it, remembering his pact with Ogama of Choshu that must be instituted quickly to keep that enemy off balance and neutralized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toyama said fiercely, \"The gods will sink their ships, Yoshi-dono, like they did against Kublai Khan and his Mongols. This is the Land of the Gods, they will not fail us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And in case the gods are away, or sleeping,\" Anjo said, \"we are going to send out fire ships—I have hundreds already under construction, hundreds. If the enemy break through this barrier to bombard Yedo, only peasants, tradesmen, artisans and parasitic merchants will die, our legions will be intact.\"\n\n\"Yes, they will be intact,\" Toyama said gleefully.\n\nAnjo rushed on, \"Once Yokohama is gone, the gai-jin fleet must sail away because they've no base where they can regroup. They must sail far away to their colonies in China, there will no longer be a foothold here. If they come back we'll...\"\n\n\"When they come back,\" Yoshi had said.\n\n\"All right, Yoshi-dono, when they come back with more ships we will sink them in the Shimonoseki Straits, Ogama will, or elsewhere, for by that time we will have more cannon, fire ships, and we never allow them to land in force: they will never be able to land in force and set up a base, never again. No more Treaties to protect them! None. We close our land like before. That is what I plan,\" Anjo said triumphantly. \"I have torn up the Treaties as the Emperor wants!\"\n\n\"You are godlike, tairō, the gods will protect us with a Divine Wind,\" Zukumura chuckled, wiping saliva off his chin.\n\n\"The gods won't protect us from gai-jin shells,\" Yoshi said, \"nor fire ships. If we lose Yedo we lose our Shōgunate citadel, then every daimyo in the land will join against us to carve up the spoils—led by Ogama of Choshu, Sanjiro of Satsuma and Yodo of Tosa. Without Yedo our Shōgunate is over, why can you not understand that?\"\n\nAnjo had twisted under another pain and flared, \"I understand very well you think you are the Lord of the Land and the gods' gift to Nippon but you are not, you are not, you are under my orders and my command, I am tairō, I am!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are tairō and... but why are you in pain?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked with a pretense of concern—as though he had just noticed—wanting to stop the confrontation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'doctor' appears 3 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long has this been going on? What does the doctor say?\"\n\n\"Say? He...\" Again Anjo sipped some of the bitter extract of herbs. The medicine allayed his pain hardly at all. The pains had been getting worse, with this new Chinese doctor useless like the others, so much so he was even considering a clandestine examination by the famous gai-jin doctor giant of Kanagawa. \"Never mind my pain. I know you.\"\n\nYoshi saw Anjo's hatred, knowing the hatred was because of his own youth and strength—little does the fool know how tired of life I am. \"Can I—\"\n\n\"You can do nothing. We will attack when I order the attack and that is the end of it! The meeting is over.\" Anjo stormed out. Now that he was tairō, Anjo ruled imperiously and treated all others with olympian disdain.\n\nIn a fury Yoshi prowled the castle like a caged tiger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that first awful day he had compartmentalized Koiko and locked it tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so from time to time she would peep out smiling. Angrily he would thrust her back—no way to find out now if she had really rushed forward to save his life, as Abeh assured him, no way to find out why she had employed a shishi assassin, Sumomo Fujahito, of course a false name but certainly one of Katsumata's acolytes.\n\nAnd where is Katsumata now?\n\nHe had already issued orders to find him, wherever he was, and had put a large reward on his head, and orders to hunt down and destroy all shishi and their protectors. Then he had sent for Inejin, his spymaster.\n\nThe old man had limped in and bowed. \"It seems, Sire, the gods guarded you like one of their own.\"\n\n\"By allowing a shishi assassin, shuriken-armed, to be in the inner sanctum of my courtesan,\" he exploded, \"allowing my courtesan to be a traitor and part of the plot?\"\n\nInejin shook his head, and said easily, \"Perhaps not a traitor, Sire, nor part of a plot, merely a woman. As to the shishi, Sumomo, she simply exercised your fighting ability, which proved to be perfect—for which you were trained.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The singular strength of his old retainer sent his rage to China." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not perfect,\" he said ruefully. \"The cat clawed me, but the wound healed.\"\n\n\"Shall I drag Meikin, the mama-san, here, Sire?\"\n\n\"Ah, the pivot. I have not forgotten her. Soon, not yet. You still watch her?\"\n\n\"Like her second skin. You sent for me, Sire?\"\n\n\"I want you to find Katsumata, alive if you can,\" he had said. \"Did you remove the traitor ronin working for the gai-jin as I ordered? What was his name? Ori Ryoma, a Satsuma, yes, that's it.\"\n\n\"That man is dead, Sire, but it seems he was not the traitor. Gai-jin killed Ori some weeks ago. They shot him trying to break into one of their houses. The man supplying them with information, still, is a Choshu ronin named Hiraga.\"\n\nYoshi was startled. \"He of the poster? The shishi who led those who murdered Utani?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sire. For the moment I cannot remove him, he is under the protection of the Chief Ing'erish and stays close to their building. I have a spy in the village and can tell you more in a few days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. What else? All this talk of war?\"\n\n\"I hope to have more news in a few days.\"\n\n\"Make it fewer than more,\" he said curtly, dismissing him. \"When you have serious news come back.\"\n\nInejin won't fail me, he thought, sorry that he had been short-tempered. Spies must be cherished like no others... on them depends your ability to move... Ah, Sun-tzu, what a genius you were—but even my intimate knowledge of your precepts does not tell me what to do about the gai-jin, about that stupid boy and my archenemy, the Princess Yazu—both still gorging on the honeyed gruel served by Court sycophants obeying that dog, the Lord Chancellor. What would you do to destroy the enemies that surround me? Anjo, the Elders, the Court, Ogama, Sanjiro—the list endless. And impossible. And atop them all, the gai-jin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had remembered the invitation to go aboard the Furansu—French—warship." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The coaling venture that his wife, Hosaki, had positioned in conjunction with the Gyokoyamas and the gai-jin prospector, made it easy for him to send Misamoto, his make-believe samurai, the fisherman interpreter, to make the arrangements. This had taken place yesterday." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had slipped away from Yedo by oared galley to a sea rendezvous without fanfare, just beyond sight of land—with Abeh twenty guards and Misamoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The experience had been awesome. The size and power of the ship's engines, and cannon, the amount of powder and shot and coal carried, and the stories they told, lies or truths he could not yet tell about the extent of their Furansu Empire, its wealth and power, the leagues of travel such a ship could cover, numbers of warships and cannon, and size of their armies, as they stated them, were beyond belief. Misamoto interpreted, with the interpreter who called himself Andreh Furansusan. Though they had their own language this meeting was conducted mostly in English.\n\nA lot of what he was told, Yoshi had not understood. The words used were strange and much time was spent explaining miles and yards and powder and pitch and pistons, paddle steamers against screw power, breech blocks and flintlocks, factories and firepower.\n\nYet all of it was illuminating and certain pieces of information of major importance: the vital necessity of coaling facilities and safe harbors, without which steamer warships were so many hulks—unable to carry all the coal needed for the voyage out, for naval operations, and then the voyage back. And second, as he had witnessed at the Council meeting with gai-jin in Yedo Castle and found it difficult to believe the true extent, any mention of Ing'erish gai-jin brought sneers to Furansu gai-jin faces, who had no hesitation in showing the extent of their hatred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This delighted him and enhanced what Misamoto had said earlier, that Ing'erish were hated by nearly every other nation on earth because they had the biggest Empire, they were the strongest and wealthiest nation, with the greatest, most modern fleets, the most powerful, disciplined and best-equipped armies, as well as enjoying their gains by producing more than half of the world's goods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With, best of all, an impregnable island redoubt to guard it all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course they are hated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like we Toranagas are hated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And therefore, he thought with an ache in his bowels for his past mistake, these Ing'erish gai-jin are the ones to be fawned on, to befriend, and handle with the most exquisite care. Best fleets? And arms? How could I tempt them into building me a fleet? Providing me with one? Would coal pay for it?\n\n\"Misamoto, say to them that I would like to learn more about these marvelous Furansu devices,\" he said blandly, \"and yes, I would like friends amongst gai-jin. I am not opposed to trade—perhaps I could arrange my coal concession to go to the Furansu and not the Ing'erish.\"\n\nThis caught their immediate interest. At this time they were below decks in the largest cabin in the stern, which he found cramped and foul-smelling, with odors of oil and coal smoke and human waste, with a fine coating of coal dust everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They sat around a long table, half a dozen officers in gold-braided uniforms and their leader, Seratard—Serata as it was correctly pronounced—in the center. Abeh and half his guards were at his back, the rest on deck.\n\nThe moment he had seen Seratard and heard his name he liked him immediately—totally different from the tall, sour-faced Ing'erish High Leader with the unpronounceable name. Serata, like Furansusan Andreh, were easily pronounceable. In fact the names were Japanese. Serata was a miraculous omen.\n\nSerata was the name of his family's ancestral village in which their ancestor, Yoshi-shigeh Serata-noh Minowara, had settled in the twelfth century. In the thirteenth, the warrior daimyo Yoshi-sada Serata raised an army against his overlords, the Hojo, obliterated them and captured their capital Kamakura and made it his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since then his direct descendants, the Yoshi noh Toranaga noh Serata, still ruled Kamakura—Shogun Yoshi Toranaga being buried there in his great mausoleum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So we are related,\" he had joked, after explaining the coincidence to Seratard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seratard had laughed and, with the others who chattered like so many monkeys in outlandish uniforms, then had explained that his own family was an ancient one in Furansuland too, but in no way as illustrious.\n\n\"My Master,\" Andreh said with a bow, \"my Master, he greatly honored be friend and gai-jin part of your great family, Sire.\"\n\n\"Tell him that I consider his name a good sign,\" he had said, noting this man seemed much more than just an interpreter.\n\n\"My Master thanks and says what Ing'erish promise, Furansu promise better.\"\n\nMisamoto said, obsequiously, \"Lord, he means they will make a better deal—money arrangement. The Furansu make cannon as well as Ing'erish, though not as many.\"\n\n\"Tell them I will consider a proposal to give them the coal concession. They must tell me how many guns or cannons, with powder and shot, and when I can have them, for how much coal. And I want a steamer, a steamship with officers to train my officers and sailors. In fact,\" he added innocently, \"perhaps I could grant Furansus the sole right to build, sell and train a navy. Of course, I would pay. If reasonable.\"\n\nHe saw Misamoto's eyes widen, but before Misamoto had time to begin, the gai-jin Andreh who had been listening equally carefully said, \"My Master sure King of Furansuland, greatly honor assist Lord Yoshi Toranaga in ships.\" Fascinated, he watched Andreh turn to Leader Serata and begin talking, the naval officers listening and nodding, quickly becoming as excited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Astonishing how easy to manipulate these men with trade and the future promise of money, he had thought. If the Furansus react so quickly, surely the Ing'erish leader will do so also. Two fish fighting for the same hook is better than one.\n\nThey had talked of other matters, not enough time to cover them all, but he learned enough to want to learn more. One detail Andreh Furansusan had mentioned had rocked him. They had been discussing modern medical knowledge, and how easy it would be to train and equip a hospital: \"Chief Medicine Doctor in Kanagawa good, Sire. Hear Tairō Anjo sick. Hear maybe tairō see Chief Doctor-sama.\"\n\n\"When and where is this meeting to take place?\"\n\n\"My Master say: not sure if arranged yet, Sire. Perhaps Chief Medicine Doctor help tairō.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If a meeting is arranged, tell me. Tell Serata also that a hospital is an interesting possibility.\"\n\nHe decided to let it go at that. For the moment. But that was another piece of information that Misamoto had better forget. How can I get a personal interpreter I can trust? I must have one. Perhaps I should train Misamoto, he is my running dog, dependent and in my grasp. So far he has been obedient. Certainly he handled the prospectors well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pity he was away, detailing progress to Hosaki, when they fought—like wild beasts, the samurai reported, how apt! Had Misamoto been at the mine, perhaps he could have stopped them. Not that it matters, one dead is one less to worry about, and surely the survivor is not long for this world. Coal! So we have an abundance of coal, Hosaki says, and that for these gai-jin coal is as good as gold.\n\nDeliberately, he changed tack. \"Ask Serata-san why gai-jin fire cannon and rifles and send warships up and down to disturb the peace of this Land of the Gods? Do they prepare for war?\"\n\nThere was a silence. The mood reversed.\n\n\"My Master say, no prepare war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Andreh gai-jin was translating meticulously. \"Prepare defend only. So sorry, tairō say all gai-jin must leave.\"\n\n\"Why not leave for a month or two and then return?\" He laughed inwardly, seeing the consternation this generated.\n\n\"My Master says, Treaty signed by Lord Shōgun and made true by Bakufu leader tairō Ii, and Most High Emperor, allow us Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kobe soon. Treaty is good treaty for Nippon, gai-jin. tairō Anjo, so sorry, wrong to be angry.\"\n\n\"Many daimyos do not think so. tairō Anjo is the leader. You should do what he orders. This is our land.\"\n\n\"My Master says Furansu want help Nippon be great nation in world... as here too.\"\n\n\"Say to Serata-sama, the tairō is the leader, what he says is to be obeyed, though sometimes,\" he said delicately, \"even the tairō may change if given the correct advice.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that So sorry, we have explained a dozen times that Satsuma matters may only be resolved by Sanjiro, the Satsuma daimyo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw this register. \"So sorry, we have explained a dozen times that Satsuma matters may only be resolved by Sanjiro, the Satsuma daimyo.\"\n\n\"My Master say hope someone can give correct advice to tairō. Satsuma daimyo must say sorry, pay indemnity agreed in Yedo meeting, punish killer openly.\"\n\nHe had nodded as if gravely concerned. Abruptly, he got up to more consternation—no point in further talk with these underlings who were valuable in other ways, the Ing'erish Leader must be approached. This suited him perfectly. And while he kept his demeanor haughty and stern, he showed some friendliness and agreed, with pretended reluctance, to another meeting. \"Misamoto, tell them we can meet in ten days, in Yedo. They may come to Yedo for a private meeting.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'first' 4 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as he was leaving the warship, the gai-jin Andreh said, \"My Master wish you Good New Year.\" Dumbfounded, he learned that the gai-jin world had its own calendar, totally different from the Japanese—and Chinese-lunar calender that had been the way to count the days and the months and years since the beginning of time.\n\n\"The first day of our year, Serata-sama,\" Misamoto explained, \"is between 16th day of First Month and 22nd day of Second Month depending on the moon. This year, the Year of the Dog, First Day, which begins our season of festivals, is the 18th of First Month. That's when all China says Kung Hay Fat Choy.\"\n\nAll the way back to Yedo in the galley Yoshi had wondered about these men. Mostly he was appalled—gai-jin were like monsters in the shape of men who had come from the stars, their ideas and attitudes the wrong side of yin and yang.\n\nYet for us to survive as a nation, Nippon has to have bigger ships and guns and more power to protect ourselves from this alien evil. And for now, he thought, feeling nauseated, the Shōgunate must make an accommodation with them.\n\nThey will never go away, not all of them, of their own accord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If not these, others will come to steal our heritage, Chinese or Mongols or Hairies from the Siber Ice lands who eye us like slavering dogs from ports stolen from China." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And always the Ing'erish will be around us. What to do about them?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was yesterday. Last night and in this dawn he had been deep in thought, hardly eating, hardly sleeping, conscious too of the emptiness of his bed and of his life—the seams of Koiko's compartment leaking—like Anjo's, and Ogama's and the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many times during the journey here from Kyōto he had thought of the clean sword, the cleanliness and peace of death, the minute and the hour and the day chosen with godlike power—to choose your own death time made you a god: from nothing into nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No more sorrow grinding you to petals of pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So easy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first ray of dawn came through the shutters, touching his short sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was beside the bed with his long sword, both within perfect reach, his rifle there as well, loaded, the one he had named Nori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The short sword was an heirloom made by the Master Swordsmith Masumara and once possessed by Shōgun Toranaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw the old used scabbard and through it, in his mind, the perfection of the blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand stretched out, caressing the leather, then moved up to the hilt to rest on the small toggle secured to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father had instructed their swordsmith to attach it before presenting the sword to him, formally, in front of their inner circle of retainers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi was fifteen then and had killed his first man, a ronin who had run amok near his family castle, Eagle's Nest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is to remind you of your oath, my son: that you will carry this blade with honor, that you will use only this blade to commit seppuku, that you will only commit seppuku to avoid capture on a battlefield, or if the Shōgun orders it and the Council of Elders confirms the order unanimously. All other reasons are insufficient while the Shōgunate is in jeopardy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A terrible sentence, he thought, and lay back on his bed, safe for the moment in this room high up in his castle quarters where he had had so much pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes went back to the short sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today his need was very great." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his imagination he had rehearsed the act so many times that it would be so smooth and kind and releasing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon Anjo will send men to arrest me and that will be my excuse..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sharp ears heard footsteps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marching feet. His hands took up the short sword and the long sword and he was in defend-attack position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He recognized Abeh's voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That did not mean safety, Abeh could have a knife at his throat or Abeh could be a traitor—after Koiko everyone was suspect. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The man Inejin begs to see you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you searched him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Seriously.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi used the rope he had had rigged, allowing him to slide back the bolt on the reinforced door without moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin, Abeh and four samurai waited there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He relaxed. \"Come in, Inejin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abeh and the others of his personal guard started to follow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no need, but stay within calling.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His spymaster came in and closed the door, noticed the bolt arrangement but did not comment, and knelt ten paces away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've found Katsumata?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He will be in Yedo within three days, Sire. His first place of calling will be the House of Wisteria.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That den of scorpions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi had not closed the trap on mama-san Meikin to learn the real extent of the plot against him before taking vengeance—vengeance best savored calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he did not yet feel calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could we take him alive?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin smiled strangely. \"I doubt it, but may I tell the story in my own way, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He settled his aching knee more comfortably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First about the gai-jin: a development hoped for and encouraged since the beginning has happened. A gai-jin spy has offered their battle plans for money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His attention soared. \"Not false ones?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know, Sire, but it was whispered they contained troop and ship movements. The price was modest, even so the Bakufu official did not buy at once and began to haggle and the seller became frightened. With Anjo at the head...\" The cracked leather lips twisted with disgust at the name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's baka, unworthy!—if the head is rotten the body is worse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I agree. Stupid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin nodded. \"They forgot Sun-tzu again, Sire: To remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition, begrudging the outlay of a few hundred ounces of silver is the height of inhumanity. Fortunately an informant whispered about it to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin took a scroll from his sleeve and put it on the table. Yoshi sighed, pleased." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So ka!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With the help of my informant, I bought it for you, a gift, Sire. Also at great risk to my informant, I substituted a false scroll the Bakufu eventually will buy cheaply.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi did not touch the scroll, only looked at it with anticipation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please allow me to reimburse you,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin covered his vast relief, for he had had to pledge their Inn to the Gyokoyama to obtain the money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See my cashier today. Is the information to be trusted?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin shrugged. Both knew another of Sun-tzu's precepts: An inside spy is the most dangerous, one who sells secrets for money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It takes a man of genius to penetrate such." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My informant swears that the information is to be trusted and also the spy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And it says?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The gai-jin plan is frighteningly simple. On Battle Day, ten days after their ultimatum is delivered—if not complied with—their whole fleet moves against Yedo. The first day the attack area is farthest from the coast, Sire, the extreme range of their heaviest cannon, designed to pulverize all bridges and roads leading out of Yedo—these are pinpointed, more knowledge given them no doubt by the traitor Hiraga. That night, by the light of the fires they have begun, they bombard the castle. The next day the coastal areas are decimated. On the third day they will land a thousand rifle soldiers and drive for the castle gates. There they will mount siege mortars and smash the gates and bridges and as much of the castle as they can. On the fifth day they retreat and sail away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To Yokohama?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'their' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Sire. The plan says they will evacuate all gai-jin the day before Battle Day and retreat to Hong Kong until the spring. Then they will come back in force. The cost of the war—as with their Chinese wars, and is their custom—will be doubled, and demanded as reparations from the Shōgunate and the Emperor as well as complete access to all Nippon, including Kyōto and an island ceded in perpetuity, to cease hostilities.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi felt a chill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If these barbarians could humble all China, Mother of the World, eventually they would humble us, even us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Complete access? \"This ultimatum? What further impertinence is this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not in the scroll. Sire, but the spy promised details, as well as the Battle Date and any changes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever the cost, buy them—if true these could make a difference in the outcome.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Possibly, Sire. Part of the information is about gai-jin counter-measures. Against our fire ships.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Anjo told me they are secret!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not secret to them. The Bakufu is a rice sieve for the interested, as well as corrupt, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Names, Inejin, and I'll spike them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Begin today, Sire. Begin at the top.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's treason.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the truth, Sire. You enjoy truths, not lies, unlike any leader I have ever known.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inejin moved his knees, the ache intolerable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The matter of this spy is complicated, Sire. It was Meikin who told me about him...\" Yoshi grunted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I agree. But Meikin told me, Meikin who diverted the intermediary from the Bakufu to me, Meikin who will substitute the false document, at great danger, for she must attest to its truth, Meikin who desperately wishes to prove her loyalty to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Loyalty? When her House is a sanctuary for shishi, a meeting place for Katsumata, a training bed for traitors?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Meikin swears the Lady was never part of a plot against you, never. Nor was she.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What else can she say—the maid was, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps she speaks the truth, perhaps not, but perhaps, because of her grief, she now sees the error of her past, Sire. A converted spy can be most valuable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Katsumata's head would make me more sure. If caught alive, more so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inejin laughed and bent forward and dropped his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suggested she should quickly provide you with details about the traitor Hiraga before you request his head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And hers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A woman's head on a spike is not a pretty thing, Sire, old or young. That is an ancient truth. Better to leave it on her shoulders and use the venom, wisdom, cunning or simple rottenness that such a woman possesses to your advantage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First by giving you Katsumata. Hiraga is a more complex problem. She says he is the intimate of an important Ing'erish official close to the Ing'erish Leader, named Taira.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi frowned. Another omen?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taira was another Japanese name of significance, an ancient regal family related to the Yoshi Serata line. \"So?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This Taira is an official, an interpreter-in-training. His Japanese is already very good—the Ing'erish must have a school like the one you proposed and the Bakufu 'consider.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Consider, eh? Taira? Is he an ugly young man, tall with blue eyes, huge nose and long hair like rice straw?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes, that would be him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember him from the meeting of Elders. Go on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Meikin has heard his grasp of our language improves rapidly, helped by a whore called Fujiko, but more because of this Hiraga, who has cut his hair in gai-jin style, wears gai-jin clothes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man hesitated, loving the telling of secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems this Hiraga is the grandson of an important Choshu shoya who was permitted to purchase goshi status for his sons, one of whom, this Hiraga's father, is now hirazamurai. Hiraga was chosen to join a secret Choshu school where, as an exceptional student, he learned Ing'erish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He suppressed a smile, seeing his Lord's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then the spy is not gai-jin, but this Hiraga?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Sire, but Hiraga could be a serious secondary source of intelligence. If he could be tapped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A shishi helping us?\" Yoshi scoffed. \"Impossible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your meeting yesterday, aboard the Furansu ship. It was profitable, Sire?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was interesting.\" Impossible to keep those ventures secret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was glad Inejin was so well informed so quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh and half a dozen of his men had been present at the meeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who had spoken in their cups? It didn't matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was to be expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing compromising was said by him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Abeh!\" he called out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send a maid with tea and saké.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said nothing more until it had been served and accepted gratefully by Inejin, sifting the information, sorting it and coming up with new questions and answers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you propose?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would not be for me to propose what you have already surely decided, Sire. But it did occur to me, when and if the Ing'erish Leader sends his ultimatum, you alone would be the perfect person to mediate—alone, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah! And then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Amongst other things you could ask to see this Hiraga. You could weigh him, perhaps persuade him to be on your side. Turn him to your advantage. The timing could be perfect.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That could be possible, Inejin,\" he said, already having discarded that for a much better thought, one that fitted the plan he had discussed with Ogama in Kyōto, and his own need to begin the grand design. \"Or an example might be made of this Hiraga. Catch Katsumata, he's the head of the shishi snake—if Meikin is the means to deliver him alive, so much the better for her.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few miles away on the Tokaidō Road, at the Hodogaya way station, Katsumata scrutinized the crowds from a Teahouse window. \"Be patient, Takeda,\" he said, \"Hiraga is not due till midmorning. Be patient.\"\n\n\"I hate this place,\" Takeda said. The village was in open country with few places to hide and barely three miles from the Yokohama Settlement. They were in the Teahouse of the First Moon, the same that Katsumata and daimyo Sanjiro had stayed at after Ori and Shorin had attacked the gai-jin on the Tokaidō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if he does not arrive?\" The youth scratched his head irritably, neither his chin nor his pate shaven since their escape from Kyōto and now covered with stubbled hair.\n\n\"He will arrive, if not today, tomorrow. I must see him.\"\n\nThe two men had been hiding here for a week. Their journey from Kyōto had been arduous, with many narrow escapes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sensei, I do not like this place or the change of plan. We should be in Yedo if we're to carry on the fight, or perhaps we should turn around and go home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you want to go on, go. If you want to walk back to Choshu, go,\" Katsumata said. \"The next time you complain you are ordered to leave!\"\n\nTakeda apologized at once, adding, \"It's just that we lost so many men in Kyōto, we do not even know how shishi have fared in Yedo. So sorry, yes, but I keep thinking we should have gone home like those who survived, me to Choshu, you to Satsuma, to regroup later.\"\n\n\"Hodogaya's perfect for us and this Inn is safe.\" Warned that Yoshi had put a heavy price on his head, Katsumata had decided to be prudent and not continue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow or the next day we'll go on,\" he said, glad for the youth's value as a shield to his back. \"First Hiraga.\"\n\nIt had been difficult and dangerous to contact him. Few people here had access through the Yokohama barriers, or to the gai-jin Yoshiwara. New passes were continually being issued, new passwords. Enforcer patrols wandered at large." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Covert pockets of samurai swarmed around Yokohama, almost cutting it off from the rest of the land." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then three days ago Katsumata had found a maid whose sister was a midwife who went to the Yoshiwara from time to time. For a golden oban the midwife agreed to carry a message to the mama-san at the House of the Three Carp.\n\n\"Takeda, stay here and keep watch. Wait patiently.\"\n\nKatsumata went down into the garden and strode through the front gates onto the Tokaidō, bustling with morning travellers, palanquins, porters, soothsayers, scribes, samurai, and some ponies carrying women or ridden by samurai. Talking, shouting, screeching. The morning was cold and everyone wore padded jackets and warm head scarves or hats." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few samurai eyed Katsumata but not rudely. The way he walked, the filthy thatch of hair and beard, the long sword in a back scabbard, another in his belt, shouted caution to the inquisitive. Clearly he was a ronin of some kind and to be avoided.\n\nOn the outskirts of the village, inside the well-guarded barrier, where he had a good field of view towards the sea and Yokohama, he sat on a bench at a roadside eating stall.\n\n\"Tea, and make it fresh and see that it's hot.\"\n\nThe frightened stall owner rushed to obey." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 4 sentences sentences continuing this chapter, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the Settlement, a group of mounted traders clattered over the bridge, raised their hats politely or saluted the North Gate guards with their riding crops in return for perfunctory bows. Other traders, tradesmen, soldiers, sailors, Drunk Town riffraff were on foot, all of them on a holiday morning outing. Today was New Year's Day. Horseraces were scheduled for this afternoon and then, later, an interservice football match." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was cold though fine, the wind slight but sufficient to take most of the smell of winter and decaying seaweed and human waste further inland.\n\nOne of the riders was Jamie McFay. Close beside him was Hiraga, a scarf covering most of his face, his riding cap down over his eyes, his riding clothes well cut. This outing was not approved or even known to Tyrer or Sir William, the gift in return for interpreting between Jamie and the shoya, and also for providing him with business information." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yesterday Hiraga had said, \"I answer more question during ride, Jami-sama. Need go, to go Hodogaya, meet cousin. P'rease?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not, Nakama, old chap?\" McFay had not visited the village for months though it was within the agreed area of the Settlement and was glad for the excuse. Few traders ventured that far now without military escort, Canterbury's murder and Malcolm Struan's fate never far from all their thoughts.\n\nToday McFay was feeling good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the last mail a statement from his bankers in Edinburgh had led him to discover he was in better shape than he had thought, more than enough to start on his own in a small way." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'shanghai' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Noble House was in good hands and that pleased him. Struan's new manager, Albert MacStruan, had arrived from Shanghai. He had met him in Hong Kong three years ago when MacStruan had first joined the company. Six months training in Hong Kong under Culum Struan, then to Shanghai where he had quickly become their Deputy Director." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Welcome to Yokohama,\" Jamie had said, meaning it, liking him though knowing little about him except he was good at his job and his branch of the clan was black Highlander—a Scots and Spanish blood line from one of the thousands of Spaniards of the Armada who had been shipwrecked in Scotland and Ireland and survived, but never to return." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here he would be taken as Eurasian though no one challenged him. Legend whispered that he was another of Dirk Struan's clandestine, illegitimate children whom Dirk had secretly sent home to Scotland with a stepbrother, Frederick MacStruan, both heavily endowed by him, shortly before he died.\n\n\"Dreadfully sorry about seeing you under these rotten circumstances, old chap.\" MacStruan's accent was patrician, Eton and Oxford University, with a trace of Scots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was twenty-six, a chunky, dark-haired man, with golden skin, high cheekbones, dark sloe eyes. Jamie had never asked him about the legend, nor had MacStruan volunteered anything. When Jamie had first arrived in Hong Kong, almost twenty years ago, it had been made clear to him by Culum Struan, then tai-pan, that here you don't ask questions, especially about the Struans—\"We've too many secrets, too many black deeds to forget, perhaps.\"\n\n\"Everything's in order, and don't worry about me, Mr. MacStruan,\" Jamie had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm ready for a change.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And though now no longer formally with the Noble House, he was still helping him, bringing him up-to-date on projects and deals, introducing him, with Vargas, to their Japanese suppliers. The books were in good order, the coaling venture with Johnny Cornishman had begun perfectly and should be highly profitable, the quality of the coal first rate, and further arrangements made to fill a barge a week for the next three months as a trial period.\n\nGenerously, MacStruan had given him a twenty percent share of the profit for the first year, and then approval to deal on his own account with Cornishman: \"... should that little bounder still be alive,\" he had said with a laugh.\n\nThanks to Hiraga, Jamie's secret dealings with the shoya had blossomed and the first company formed in principle: I.S.K." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trading—Ichi Stoku Kompeni—the shoya's wife considering it prudent not to use their own name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The stock was split into a hundred parts: the shoya had forty, McFay forty, Ryoshi's wife fifteen, and Nakama—Hiraga—five." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last week he had registered his own trading company, tomorrow he was open for business in temporary offices in the same building that housed Nettlesmith's Guardian. For a week now, Ryoshi's eldest son, shy, nervous and nineteen, reported for work at 7:00 a.m. daily and left at 9:00 p.m., there to learn everything. Particularly English. And in the last mail, an unexpected three-month severance pay arrived with a polite note from Tess Struan thanking him for his services. Three months isn't bad for nineteen years, he thought with grim amusement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No word yet from Hong Kong, too early though Prancing Cloud would have arrived ten days or more ago, Hoag about a week." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four or five more days at the earliest to hear anything, perhaps longer, a huge storm rumored to be in the south China seas might delay that even further. No point in trying to forecast times and weather.\n\nOne day we'll have a telegraph to Hong Kong, and one day, perhaps, the wire will go all the way to London. My God, what a fantastic boon to everyone to be able to get a message to Hong Kong and a reply back in a few days—and to London and back in what, say twelve to sixteen days—instead of four months!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Won't be in my time but I bet the wire reaches Hong Kong in another ten to fifteen years. Hooray for Nakama and my partner Ryoshi, hooray for my new company, McFay Trading. And hooray for Angelique.\n\nNotwithstanding deep mourning, on Christmas Day she had agreed to join the dinner he gave for Albert MacStruan to which Sir William, Seratard, André and most of the Ministers had come." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been a quiet success." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she had none of her previous gaiety, and was little like her former self, she had been gracious and sweet and everyone remarked how even more beautiful she had become in her new maturity. Tonight there was to be a grand soiree at the French Legation to which they were invited. André would be playing. It was doubtful she would dance—betting was ten to one against." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On whether or not she was carrying, betting was still evens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hong Kong no one mentioned. Since their sea adventure and her successful finesse of Sir William, they had become firm friends and dined privately most evenings.\n\nHooray for the New Year, which will be marvelous!\n\nIn spite of his good humor a twinge went through him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Actual business was dicey, civil war around Shanghai brewing again, plague in Macao, the American civil war dreadful, famine in Ireland, rumors of famine here, riots in the British Isles over unemployment and factory wages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then there's Tess Struan.\n\nDamn it, I promised myself not to worry about her from January 1st, 1863, onwards! Or about Maureen...\n\nTo escape his anxiety he used his spurs. At once Hiraga did likewise, both men riding well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was Hiraga's first ride in a long time, his first opportunity to move semi-freely outside the Settlement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drew alongside Jamie, then went ahead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon they were happily galloping. Soon too they were alone, the others having turned off for the racecourse. They slackened pace, enjoying the day.\n\nAhead they could see the twisting Tokaidō, broken here and there with rivers in flood and fords, porters either side waiting to ferry or carry waiting goods and people over the waters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Southwards was Hodogaya. Its barriers were open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the good old days before the murders, during spring and fall, traders would visit the village for saké and beer, taking their own picnic meals with them, laughing and flirting with the coveys of maids who would seek to drag them into their bars or restaurants. They were not welcome in the many brothels.\n\n\"Hey, Nakama, where are you meeting your cousin?\" Jamie asked, reining in on the outskirts, not far from the barrier, more than conscious of the travellers' hostility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not worried. He was armed, openly, with a shoulder-holstered revolver—Hiraga was not, so he thought." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'about' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I 'rook for him. Best I go 'rone other side barrier, Jami-sama,\" Hiraga said. He had been overjoyed to get Katsumata's message, at the same time filled with misgivings: it was dangerous to leave the protection of Sir William and Tyrer. But he had to have news of Sumomo, and the others, and find out what had really happened in Kyōto, and what was the new shishi plan. Daily the shoya had shaken his head, \"So sorry, Otami-sama, I've no news yet about Katsumata or Takeda—nor about the girl Sumomo, or Koiko. Lord Yoshi remains in Yedo Castle. The moment I have news...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still well muffled, Hiraga motioned Jamie to lead." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'hiraga' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"P'rease, then I find good p'race for you to wait.\"\n\nThe barrier guards watched them suspiciously, bowing slightly and accepting their salutes. Hiraga winced, seeing a poster of his likeness attached to a wall. Jamie did not notice it and Hiraga doubted if he, or others, would recognize him with his European haircut and mustache." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga stopped at the first Inn. Using poor Japanese and imitating the gruffness of other traders, Hiraga found a table in the garden and ordered tea and saké and beer, some Japanese foods and told the maid to make sure they were not disturbed and she would get a good tip. The maid kept her eyes down but Hiraga was sure that she had seen his eyes and knew him to be Japanese.\n\n\"Jami-sama, I back in few minutes,\" Hiraga said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be long, old chap.\"\n\n\"Yes, Jami-sama.\"\n\nHiraga sauntered out onto the roadway, heading toward the far barrier. The general hostility and ill manners infuriated him, a few belligerent samurai and some travellers forcing him to step aside and let them pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the same time he enjoyed the fact that everyone took him for gai-jin, and his scrutiny of every eating place and bar as rude gai-jin curiosity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata's coded message had said, \"Come to Hodogaya, any morning over the next three days. I'll find you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feeling conspicuous, as indeed he was, he walked past people loitering, or at benches and tables or hunched over braziers who glared insolently at him. Then he heard the low, signal whistle. He was too well-trained to acknowledge it or turn around. It seemed to come from his left side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With pretended tiredness he chose a bench well away from the street at the nearest eating house and ordered a beer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The maid brought it quickly. Nearby, peasants stooping over and slurping bowls of morning rice gruel and hot saké eased away as though he had plague.\n\n\"Do not turn around yet,\" he heard Katsumata say quietly. \"I did not recognize you, your disguise is perfect.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"Yours must be too, Sensei,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yours must be too, Sensei,\" he said as softly, hardly moving his lips. \"Twice I scrutinized this place carefully.\"\n\nThe low, well-known and admired laugh. \"Drop something and when you pick it up, look around briefly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga obeyed and when, momentarily, he saw the only man within hearing, a wild-looking, bearded, venomous ronin with the filthy thatch of hair glaring at him, he turned his back once more. \"Eeee, Sensei!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No more 'Sensei.' There is little time, Hodogaya crawls with Enforcers and spies. Where can we meet safely?\"\n\n\"Our Yoshiwara—the House of the Three Carp.\"\n\n\"I'll be there in two or three days—it is vital to create an incident with the gai-jin, quickly. Think about it.\"\n\n\"What sort of incident?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A serious one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very well,\" Hiraga said. \"I was relieved to hear from you—we had no idea you were coming here. There have been wild rumors about fighting in Kyōto—Akimoto is with me but we are on our own and we lost many shishi in our Yedo attacks. There is much to tell about Yedo and the gai-jin. Quickly, what happened in Kyōto? Sumomo, how is she?\"\n\n\"Kyōto was bad. Before leaving I assigned Sumomo to Koiko, who was returning here with Yoshi, to spy on him to find out who was betraying us—must be one of our men—too good an opportunity to miss and it got her out of Kyōto safely,\" Katsumata said, his eyes constantly raking; the other men in this eating place, even though they were not near, avoided looking at him. \"We mounted two attacks on Yoshi, both failed, our safe house was betrayed, Ogama and Yoshi working together ambushed us. We—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eeee,\" Hiraga murmured, gravely concerned." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'choshu' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They have become allies?\"\n\n\"For the moment. We lost many leaders and men, I'll give you particulars later but we—Sumomo, Takeda, I and some others—fought our way out. I'm glad to see you, Hiraga. Leave now.\"\n\n\"Wait. Sumomo, I ordered her back to Choshu.\"\n\n\"She brought me valuable information about the situation here and about Shorin and Ori. I suggested she continue on to Choshu but she wanted to stay, thinking she might help you. How is Ori?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dead.\" He heard Katsumata curse—Ori had been his favorite pupil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The gai-jin shot him trying to break into one of their houses,\" he said hastily, his nervousness increasing. \"There's a rumor there was a shishi attack on Yoshi at Hamamatsu, that Koiko was killed in the melee, a shishi also. Who was he?\"\n\n\"Not he, she. So sorry, it was Sumomo.\" Color drained from Hiraga's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Koiko betrayed her, the whore betrayed her to Yoshi and so betrayed sonno-joi and us. But she died with Sumomo's shuriken in her chest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did Sumomo die?\"\n\n\"As a shishi, she will be remembered forever. She fought Yoshi, with shuriken and long sword and almost killed him. That was her mission—if she was betrayed.\"\n\nSo Sumomo had a mission, Hiraga thought with sudden insight, his whole being a volcano—you expected her to be betrayed, and even so, sent her into the pit. There was a tightness in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced himself to ask the essential question: \"How did they bury her? Was it with honor?\"\n\nIf Toranaga Yoshi had not honored her after fighting and dying bravely then he would hunt him to the exclusion of all else, until one or the other of them was dead. Hiraga was leader of Choshu shishi, the strongest contingent. Sumomo, though from Satsuma, had declared her allegiance to him and to Choshu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, I must know, was it with honor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still no answer. He glanced around. Katsumata had vanished. Hiraga's shock was open. The other customers stared at him silently. To one side a group of samurai stood watching him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hackles on his neck rose." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He threw a few coins on the table and, his hand on his concealed derringer, went back the way he had come." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That afternoon, throughout Yedo Castle there was an air of premonition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi was hurrying after the Chinese doctor along a corridor, Abeh and four samurai guards followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor, tall and very thin, wore a long gown and his grey hair in a queue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Up some stairs and along another corridor and then the doctor stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hostile guards stood in the way, hands on their swords, all their eyes on Yoshi and his men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, Lord Yoshi,\" the officer said, \"the tairō's orders are that no one should pass.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And my orders,\" the doctor said, his fear giving him false courage, \"were to fetch Lord Yoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Yoshi, you may pass,\" the officer said grimly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry, your men may not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though heavily outnumbered, Abeh and his men went for their swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop,\" Yoshi said calmly. \"Wait here, Abeh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh was sick with worry, adrenaline pumping, dreadfully aware of rumors in the castle that his master was about to be arrested, rumors that Yoshi scoffed at." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please excuse me, Sire, but this may be a trap.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The opposing samurai stiffened at the insult." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If it is you may kill all these men,\" Yoshi said with a laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one else laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He motioned the doctor onwards having decided that if they attempted to disarm him they might as well fight and die now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They let him through unmolested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor opened the far door and bowed Yoshi through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi's hand was not on his hilt but he was ready for an assassin behind the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was none. Just four guards around the futons in the big room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the futons, crumpled with pain, was Anjo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, Guardian of the Heir,\" he said, his voice weak though spiced with venom, \"you have information?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For your ears.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait outside, Doctor, until I call for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor bowed and left, glad to go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This patient was impossible, he despised him, and as he was slowly dying, only a few weeks or months left, there would be no fee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In China such was the custom—no cure, no fee—and it applied here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards had not moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nor would they. The four were noted fighters and completely loyal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of Yoshi's confidence left him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knelt and bowed politely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This morning, after Inejin had left, he had sent Anjo a message asking for an urgent meeting to give him important information." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, Yoshi-dono?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yesterday I went on one of the gai-jin warships an—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know that, do you think I am a fool and that I do not know what you are up to? You said medical information.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The gai-jin doctor at Kanagawa. The Furansu said he has made miraculous cures, with your permission I will have him brought here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not need you for that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In agony, Anjo raised up on one elbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why so solicitous when you want me dead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not dead, in good health, Tairō-dono. It is important to have you in good health.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshi kept a tight hold, loathing this man and this room with its stench of death and diarrhea and vomit—at the same time afraid he had miscalculated: This could easily be his death trap should the sick man give the order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why be sick if you can be cured? Also, I wanted to tell you I have learned the gai-jin battle plan, not on the ship but early today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What plan, eh? How did you come by it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It does not matter, except I know, so now you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told him the substance of the plan, accurately, but left out the part about the ten days of grace after the ultimatum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we must leave!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice became shriller." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guards shifted nervously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The roju must leave secretly at once, we will take up residence in... in Hodogaya. When we're safe we burn the Settlement by night and catch them in their beds. What dogs! They deserve to die foully, without honor. We burn them out, kill all who escape, and return here when the fleet's sailed away. In the spring we will be prepared. We fire Yokohama tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo's eyes glittered, a string of saliva wet his chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have the honor of leading the assault. Organize it, lead the attack tomorrow or the next day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At once Yoshi bowed in thanks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I accept the honor, gladly, and while I organize it, I have a notion: first your health. Bring the gai-jin doctor here, ours are useless and the Furansu swore the man is a miracle healer. I can fetch him quickly and quietly, tomorrow if you permit it. Why be in pain needlessly? The gai-jin doctor will cure you,\" he said firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A few extra days will not interfere with your wise attack strategy. Until you are well enough to command, we must keep the gai-jin off balance. I can do that while arranging the attack.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By putting myself into their trap.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" The slight movement Anjo made to see Yoshi better caused him to bite his lip to prevent a cry of pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will risk putting myself in their power, meeting with them with only one or two guards. On the ship I found out they are on the point of lashing out at us, senselessly. We must prevent this at all costs, tairō. They are as dangerous as a pack of starving sharks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was said with all the sincerity at his command." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He believed the opposite: that gai-jin were ready to negotiate and compromise, never really wanting to war unless pushed too far... like foolishly attacking them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will be my risk,\" he said, dangling the bait with a pretense of fear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If they hold me hostage, that will cause all daimyos to rush to your support. If they do not, never mind, in either event, you forget that I am hostage and attack them—all this, of course, with your permission, tairō.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The silence became heavy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another spasm. Then Anjo nodded agreement and waved a hand in dismissal." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fetch the gai-jin doctor at once, prepare the attack at once.\"\n\nYoshi bowed humbly, and with difficulty stopped himself from shouting with glee." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Yoshi rode up to the Kanagawa Legation gateway leading the small procession, Settry Pallidar, officer commanding the honor guard, bellowed, \"Pre sent aaarrmms!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and saluted with his sword. The soldiers brought their rifles off their shoulders, presented arms and stayed motionless; thirty Guardsmen, thirty kilted Highlanders, his mounted troop of Dragoons, equally smart.\n\nYoshi returned the salute with his riding crop and hid his anxiety seeing so many enemy soldiers with so many spotless rifles. Never in his life had he been so unprotected. Only Abeh and two guards, also mounted, in attendance. Following were a groom on foot and a dozen sweating, nervous porters carrying heavy bundles on poles swung between them. His other guards were waiting at the barricade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was dressed all in black: bamboo armor, light helmet, wide-shouldered tunic, two swords—even his stallion pony was jet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'saluted' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the tasseled trappings and reins and blanket were deliberately scarlet, enhancing the black. As he passed Pallidar, turning through the gates, he noticed the cold blue eyes reminding him of dead fish.\n\nOn the steps above the beaten earth courtyard he saw Sir William, flanked by Seratard and André Poncin on one side, the Admiral, Dr. Babcott and Tyrer on the other—just as he had asked. All were dressed in their best, with top hats and warm wool coats against the damp morning, the sky overcast. His gaze flicked over them, paused a moment on Babcott, staggered by his great height, then he reined in and saluted with his crop. They bowed as, casually, the Admiral saluted.\n\nAt once Sir William, with Tyrer close behind, came down to greet him, smiling—both covering their surprise at the smallness of his guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The groom rushed to hold the head of his pony. Yoshi dismounted on the right side as was customary in China and therefore here.\n\n\"Welcome, Lord Yoshi, on behalf of Her Britannic Majesty,\" Sir William said. Tyrer translated at once, carefully.\n\n\"Thank you. I hope I am not putting you to any trouble,\" Yoshi said, beginning his share of the ritual.\n\n\"No, Sire, our honor. You give us rare, great pleasure.\" Yoshi noted an improvement in Tyrer's accent and vocabulary and was even more determined to neutralize the traitor Hiraga, who, Inejin had found out, went under the pseudonym of Nakama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, Lord Yoshi, will you take tea?\"\n\nBoth men had already closed their ears to the meaningless phrases, concentrating on the other man, seeking clues that might help them. \"Ah, Serata-dono,\" Yoshi said pleasantly, though he was irritated to be standing, having to look up at them, their height—usually more than a head taller-making him feel inferior, though amongst Japanese, he would look down on most. \"I'm please to see you again so soon. Thank you.\" He nodded to André, then Seratard who bowed formally, André interpreting.\n\n\"My Master Seratar' greet you, Sire, on behalf of his friend, Emperor of Furansu, High King Napoleon III. Honored to be of service.\"\n\nThe moment Yoshi had left tairō Anjo, he had sent Misamoto with a letter to Seratard asking him if he would arrange an urgent, formal though very private meeting with Seratard, Sir William, the Chief Officer of the Fleet, the doctor of Kanagawa, and interpreters André and Tyrer only—no one else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would arrive informally, with minimal escort, and asked that ceremony be minimal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you make of it, Henri?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William had asked when Seratard had hurried to see him the moment André had translated the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. He's an impressive man. He was aboard over four hours so we had the opportunity of studying him carefully—perhaps you'd like a copy of my report.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Sir William said, knowing it would be revamped with all interesting information excised—no more than he would do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a slight cold and sneezed. \"Excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As Guardian of the Heir, one of the Elders, of an ancient Japanese royal family—even connected to the Mikado, the Emperor, whose function you may not know is religious—this man is extremely well connected and important in the Shōgunate. Why don't we see him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will,\" Sir William had said dryly, well ahead of Seratard's information, having spent many hours grilling Nakama for details of important rulers and their families, Toranaga Yoshi particularly. \"We'll do as he asks. Interesting that he wants Ketterer there, eh? That's smelly. We'll go by boat and take some crack troops, dress them up as an honor guard and have H.M.S. Pearl cruising offshore.\"\n\n\"Mon Dieu, you suspect a trap?\"\n\n\"It might be a cunning way to risk a knight to sweep our command structure off the board. Easy to sneak in samurai—Pallidar says they're holed down both sides of the Tokaidō from here to Hodoyama and beyond. I don't smell a trap but just in case we'll put a round in the chamber. No French troops, old man. Sorry, no. No, Henri! But why should he want Babcott?\"\n\n\"On behalf of France I proposed we set up a hospital for them, to cement ties. He was delighted... never mind, William, you can't think of everything. We discussed Babcott who has a modest reputation. Perhaps Yoshi wants to consult him.\" Seratard had seen no reason to divulge the intelligence André had uncovered about the tairō's ill health.\n\nJapanese tea was served in the big audience room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They seated themselves as protocol dictated and prepared for the interminable politenesses that would go on for an hour. One sip of tea and they were flabbergasted to hear Yoshi say, \"The reason I called this private meeting, with the help of Serata-dono... naturally on behalf of the tairō and Council of Elders... is because it is time to make progress in our good relations.\" He stopped and said curtly to Tyrer, \"Please translate that first and then I will continue.\"\n\nTyrer obeyed.\n\n\"First, the Doctor-sama, the rest of our meeting does not concern him.\" Yoshi had intentionally waited the three days to seek the doctor. No need to hurry, he had thought cynically: Anjo said he did not need me to arrange it, let him ache!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly a crick soared from his own stomach at the thought of the unnecessary risks he had taken, putting himself at the mercy of Anjo, who every day became more dangerous." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: Would the doctor please return to Yedo with me to examine an important patient who may not be named. I guarantee him safe passage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stupid to agree to lead the attack and plan it—that part done, too easy—for he would have to do it unless he could finesse the barbarians into doing his will today: \"Would the doctor please return to Yedo with me to examine an important patient who may not be named. I guarantee him safe passage.\"\n\nSir William said, \"An important person such as Doctor-sama could surely not go about without an escort.\"\n\n\"I understand that, but in this instance, so sorry, it is not possible,\" Yoshi said, and now, sitting as he was on eye level with them all, except Babcott, he was more at ease. \"I guarantee him safe passage.\"\n\nSir William pretended a frown. \"George? What about it?\"\n\nThey had already discussed this possibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd agree to go alone, Sir William. One of my assistants told me the tairō is rumored to be sick. It could be him.\"\n\n\"My God, if you could cure that bugger—or poison him—I don't know which is best. Joking, of course.\"\n\n\"It's no risk, not to me. I'm only valuable alive and no use as a hostage. To cure a V.I.P. would be terrific for us.\"\n\n\"I agree. We'll play it by nose. Talking of that, I heard Angelique consulted you yesterday.\"\n\n\"Ha! The whole Settlement seems to have heard, you're the eighth who has sidled into that one! She had a cold, in this weather everyone has a cold, you have a cold, and even if she had consulted me for any other reason, it is and always would be private, so give over.\"\n\nSir William smiled to himself remembering how he had sniffed and protested he was not enquiring about private matters, like her possible pregnancy. Not many days to go and the whole Settlement nervous, no one ready to put down big money yet on what would be \"P-Day,\" or if there would be none—and less than five days for the first blast to arrive from Hong Kong about Malcolm, the funeral and what Tess Struan was going to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William pulled his mind back to the issues at hand. Babcott was saying to Yoshi directly in halting Japanese, \"Yes, go Yedo, Lord Yoshi. When go, please?\"\n\nYoshi said slowly, \"When I leave, Doctor-sama. Thank you. I am responsible for you. I will ensure you come back safely. You will need an interpreter, yes?\"\n\n\"Yes, please, Lord Yoshi,\" Babcott said, not needing one. He looked at Tyrer. \"You're elected, Phillip.\"\n\nTyrer grinned. \"I was going to volunteer.\"\n\n\"Ask him how long I'll be there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says: however long it takes to make an examination.\"\n\n\"Then that's settled,\" Sir William said.\n\n\"I'll leave you to it. I've a clinic going on so you know where I'll be.\" The doctor bowed to Yoshi, who bowed back, and then he was gone.\n\nChoosing his words carefully and trying to talk simply, Yoshi said, \"Porters outside have cases of silver coins to the value of one hundred thousand pounds. This is offered by the Shōgunate in full settlement of the indemnity you have demanded from the responsible daimyo. In principle, the Shōgunate considers this a correct amount.\" He concealed his amusement at Tyrer and André's shock. \"Translate exactly what I said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Tyrer obeyed, not exactly word for word this time, but gave a credible précis, helped here and there by André." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a stunned silence in the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sire,\" Tyrer said weakly, \"my Master ask, he answer now, or Yoshi-sama say more?\"\n\n\"More. The Shōgunate advances this money on behalf of Sanjiro of Satsuma. He alone is responsible. As previously explained, he is not subject to Shōgunate control—in all things. Translate.\"\n\nAgain this was done. He saw the two leaders were off balance as he had planned. This was pleasing, but did not allay his anxiety. \"We cannot force Sanjiro of Satsuma to cancel any orders he may or may not have given his men about gai-jin—or even to apologize—or make him repay the money we are advancing to settle this matter without waging war on him. This we are not prepared to do.\"\n\nThis translation required time to get it accurate, André again assisting, aware of the tension and the way everyone was concentrating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say this exactly and carefully: wanting to be friends with the Ing'erish and Furansu, the Shōgunate has solved what the Shōgunate can solve... without going to war.\" Yoshi sat back, wondering if the bait was succulent enough.\n\nHis last remarks were received in silence. He noted Sir William was impassive now except for an almost inaudible grunt. But Seratard nodded and glanced at André.\n\nInwardly a ferment of glee, Sir William waited for Yoshi to continue. When he didn't, he said, \"Phillip, ask Lord Yoshi if he wants to go on or may I now respond?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'ourselves' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says he does not wish to continue for the moment.\"\n\nSir William cleared his throat and spoke grandly—to Tyrer's private dismay: \"Lord Yoshi, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, and the French Government, may I thank you and the Shōgunate for obliterating part of the problem between us. We thank you personally, wishing to make our stay in your land happy and profitable for your country, the Shōgunate and ourselves. This gesture surely begins a new era of understanding between our two countries—and those others represented in Japan.\"\n\nHe waited as that was translated, both Tyrer and André apologizing and begging Yoshi's forbearance, putting the message in simpler terms, as accurately as possible. When they had finished, Sir William said, \"With his permission I would like to take a short break. Phillip, or André, please ask his indulgence, apologies and all that, but explain my bladder needs assistance. It's my cold.\"\n\nThe two interpreters hastily translated.\n\n\"Of course,\" Yoshi said at once, not believing him.\n\nSir William got up and Seratard made his excuses and once in the corridor heading for the pot that neither needed, Sir William whispered excitedly, \"My God, Henri, did you read him like I did? He's saying we can go after Sanjiro ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seratard was equally elated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a complete reversal of their policy that everything must go through the Bakufu and Shōgunate. Mon Dieu, is he giving us carte blanche?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pas ce crétin,\" Sir William said, switching to French without noticing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we can do it against Sanjiro, it's precedent to go against any other daimyo—the Shimonoseki Straits bugger, for one. But what the devil's the quid pro quo, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blew his nose loudly. \"There's got to be one.\"\n\n\"I've no idea. Whatever it is it'll be rare, mon brave. Astounding that he put himself in our power, never thought he'd arrive with so few men, surely he must have realized we could take him hostage against Sanjiro's performance?\"\n\n\"Agreed. My Lord, what a step forward! Unbelievable that he came to the point at once, no fart-arsing about, never thought I'd see the day. But why, eh? Something's smelly.\"\n\n\"Yes. Merde, pity he's not tairō, eh?\"\n\nHa! My thought entirely, old boy, way ahead of you, Sir William told himself. A little push here, a little pull there and like in India we could be off to the races!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had unbuttoned, and now, idly watching the flow, his ears closed to Seratard's further prognosis, he composed his thoughts, considering what he could barter, how far to go, and how to get Ketterer to agree without Admiralty or Foreign Office approval. God damn the fellow!\n\nAnd God damn Palmerston. I asked for urgent approval to enforce civilized law, so why hasn't he replied? He probably has, he told himself. London's coded message went by telegraph to Basra and is now somewhere on a mail ship in a diplomatic pouch. His flow ceased. He shook himself, as always remembering the schoolboys' admonition at Eton: \"If you shake it more than three times you're playing with it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quickly he stepped aside for Seratard, buttoning up, noticing Seratard was like a small horse in quantity and power. Interesting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Must be the wine, he thought, returning to the conference room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rest of the meeting went breezily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With skill and diplomatic care Sir William, ably assisted by Seratard, established in a very oblique way that \"if a force happened to proceed against someone like Sanjiro, for instance, against his capital, for instance, it would be an extremely unfortunate occurrence even though such action could possibly be merited because of some unacceptable act of murder committed against foreign nationals. This act would precipitate a flurry of protests from Yedo and would merit a formal apology if such an inconceivable action was taken...\"\n\nAbsolutely nothing was said directly, nothing to imply that permission had been given or sought. Nothing would be in writing. Such a possible major hostile act, \"a special case,\" could be contained only if protocol was carefully followed.\n\nBy now, Tyrer and André both had splitting headaches and were inwardly cursing their Masters for the near impossibility of translating the necessary obliqueness.\n\nYoshi was silently ecstatic. Sanjiro was as good as dead and the first barrier removed at no cost." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Good, then translate: Are we agreed this is to be a State secret between us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we understand one another and can move to other matters.\"\n\n\"Yes, quite clearly.\" Sir William sat back, and girded his loins for the quid pro quo.\n\nYoshi took a deep breath and launched the next assault: \"Translate the following, sentence by sentence. Explain this is for accuracy. Say also for the moment this conversation must be considered a State secret between us.\" Seeing Tyrer's blank stare, he added, \"Do you understand State secret?\"\n\nAfter consulting with André, Tyrer said, \"Yes, Sire.\"\n\n\"Good, then translate: Are we agreed this is to be a State secret between us?\"\n\nSir William thought, In for a penny, in for a pound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Agreed.\" Seratard echoed him.\n\nTyrer mopped his brow. \"Ready, Sire.\"\n\nWith an even firmer grip Yoshi said, \"It is my wish to modernize the Shōgunate and Bakufu. Translate. To do this I need knowledge. Translate. Ing'rand and Furansuland are the most powerful outside nations. Trans late. I ask you to draw up various plans to help the Shōgunate form a modern navy, dockyard and modern army. Translate.\"\n\nAdmiral Ketterer jerked upright, his neck pulsating fire. \"Keep quiet,\" Sir William muttered carefully from the corner of his mouth, \"and don't say a word!\"\n\n\"Also a modern banking system and experimental factories. One country cannot do everything. You are rich, the Shōgunate is poor. When the plans are accepted I will agree to a fair price. This will be paid for in coal, silver, gold and yearly leases of safe harbors. I would like a provisional answer in thirty days if this is of interest. If yes, is one year enough time for detailed plans to be approved by your rulers?\"\n\nIt was difficult for Yoshi to maintain outward poise, and he wondered what they would say if they knew he had no authority to make this offer nor any way to implement any of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The offer was made to seduce them into a year's reprieve from outside conflict, a delay he needed to stifle internal opposition to the Shōgunate and to deal with his prime enemies, Ogama of Choshu and Yodo of Tosa, now that Sanjiro would be removed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the same time it was a jump into the future, into the unknown, one that frightened him and elated him in a way he did not understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of the ideas were based on information Inejin's spy had obtained from the unsuspecting shoya Ryoshi about gai-jin methods, and driven home to him by what he had seen and heard on the warship that was immensely impressive but nowhere near as big or as deadly as the Ing'erish flagship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hating the reality but accepting it, he had realized, in self-defense, the Land of the Gods had to become modern. To do this he had to deal with gai-jin. He loathed, despised and distrusted them but they had the means to destroy Nippon, at the very least to put them back into the kind of civil wars that had existed for centuries before Shōgun Toranaga had tamed bushido, the warrior spirit of the samurai.\n\nHe watched the two leaders talk amongst themselves. Then he saw the Ing'erish Leader speak to the young interpreter, Taira, who said in his quaint though understandable Japanese, \"My Master thank you, Sire, for... for conf'dence. Need one hundred twenty day send message to 'Queen Parliament' and 'Furansu King' fetch... to fetch, bring back answer. Both leaders sure answer is yes.\"\n\nA hundred and twenty days was better than expected. \"Good,\" he said, grim-faced, inwardly weak with relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now for the better part, he thought, seeing them preparing to close the meeting." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An eye for an eye, a death for a death: \"Lastly, I am sure W'rum-sama does not know the man he shelters, called Nakama, is a renegade samurai, a ronin and revolutionary whose real name is Hiraga, sometimes called Otami. I require him at once. He is wanted for murder.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment, across the bay in the Yokohama's Yoshiwara, Katsumata said, \"Hiraga, have you thought how we can infuriate the gai-jin, a hostile incident to set them against the Shōgunate?\" The two men were sitting opposite each other in a secluded little house in the garden of the Three Carp.\n\n\"Torching one of the churches would be easiest,\" Hiraga said, keeping his anger buried, for Katsumata was very perceptive—he had just arrived, summoned from his village hideaway by a sleepy servant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Except for a few cookhouse skivvies tending fires and cleaning, no one was about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raiko and her Ladies were still sleeping—few would be up before midday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would madden them, but first let me tell you what I've achieved here an—\"\n\n\"Later, first we must make a plan. A church? An interesting idea,\" Katsumata said, his face cold and hard, no longer disguised as he had been in Hodogaya.\n\nNow he appeared to be a bonze, a Buddhist priest, clean-shaven but for a mustache." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thatch had been a wig and was gone. His head had the stubble of a bonze, he wore the orange Buddhist robe and sandals and a belt of prayer beads. His long sword in its back scabbard was beside him on the futons and the mon, the five insignia on his robe proclaimed he was a member of a militant, monastic Order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These virtual military Orders were made up of samurai who had relinquished their samurai status to serve Buddha, permanently or temporarily, to preach and roam the land doing good works, singly or in bands, purging robbers and bandits and protecting the poor from the rich and the rich from the poor—and some monasteries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Bakufu, and most daimyos, tolerated them so long as they kept their violence within bounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At dusk last night he strode arrogantly through the barrier, his false papers perfect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a day late, unheralded, at once to be given the best available bungalow by Raiko. Unlike other shishi, unique amongst them, his family was rich and he always carried numerous gold oban with him.\n\n\"A church,\" he repeated, relishing the idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would not have thought of that—we would leave a message claiming it was done by the order of Yoshi, tairō Anjo and the roju as a warning for them to leave our shores. We need revenge on Yoshi very much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A fleck of foam gathered at the corner of his mouth and he brushed it away angrily. \"Yoshi is the archenemy. One of us must go against him, he killed too many of our fighters in Kyōto, shot some personally. If I could ambush him I would. That, too, later. So, the church will be burned. Good.\"\n\nHiraga was unsettled, finding Katsumata strange, and different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he was impatient, and acting as though he were a daimyo and Hiraga one of his goshi to be ordered about. I'm leader of the Choshu shishi, he thought with more anger, not a student under orders of a Satsuma Sensei, however renowned. \"That would turn the whole of Yokohama into a hornet's nest. I would have to leave, which would be bad at the moment, my work important for our cause. The situation here is very delicate, Sensei. I agree we must plan, for instance where do we escape to, if we are to escape?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yedo.\" Katsumata stared at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is more important, sonno-joi or your safe haven amongst enemy gai-jin?\"\n\n\"Sonno-joi,\" he said at once, believing it. \"But it's important we learn what they know. To know your enemy like—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not need quotations, Hiraga, but action. We are losing the fight, Yoshi is winning. We've only one solution: to turn these gai-jin violently against the Bakufu and Shōgunate. This will advance sonno-joi as nothing before and takes precedence over everything. We desperately need this, then we'll regain support, and face, fighters will flock to our standard, meanwhile the spearhead of shishi regroups here and in Kyōto. I will call for reinforcements from Satsuma and Choshu and again we will attack the Gates to release the Emperor. This time we'll succeed because Ogama, Yoshi, and the stinking Shōgunate will be distracted dealing with hostile gai-jin. Once we have the Gates, sonno-joi is a fact.\" There was no doubting his confidence.\n\n\"And if we agitate the gai-jin, what then, Sensei?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They bombard Yedo, the Shōgunate retaliates by attacking Yokohama—both lose.\"\n\n\"Meanwhile all daimyo will flock to support the Shōgunate when the gai-jin return as they will.\"\n\n\"They would not return before Fourth or Fifth Month, if then. Before that we will have the Gates, at our suggestion the Emperor will be pleased to give the gai-jin the culprit, Yoshi, or his head, Nobusada, Anjo, and any other heads they need to slake their thirst for revenge. And at our further suggestion the Son of Heaven will agree to allow them to trade, without any more war, but only through Deshima in Nagasaki harbor as they did for centuries.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata was sure. \"That's what will happen. First the church—what about a ship?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga, startled, said, \"What about one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked, his mind stuffed with arguments against what Katsumata surmised, certain it would not happen that way, at the same time trying to think of a way to divert Katsumata, to make him go on to Yedo and come back in a month or two-things were going far too well here with Taira and Sir W'rum, Jami-sama and the shoya to want to jeopardize that. Plenty of time to enrage the gai-jin later with the church when a safe retreat was th—\n\n\"Sinking a warship would inflame them, wouldn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga blinked. \"Like... like nothing else.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We use the church as a diversion, while we sink a ship, their biggest one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dumbfounded, Hiraga watched Katsumata open a backpack. In it were four metal tubes, bound with wire. And fuses. \"These contain explosive, cannon powder. One of them, fused, through a porthole or gun port, or attached to the side of the ship would blow out the side, two would be fatal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga was transfixed, all else forgotten. He reached for a tube. In his hand the bomb seemed to pulsate with life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the top was the small hole for the fuse and in his mind he saw the fuse spluttering and his arm slip the bomb quietly through the lowest gun port, then another—then ducking back quickly into the boat that was largely hidden by sea mist, silently away, and then, safe, the vast explosion as the bombs ignited other charges and then the great ship slipping under the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And with it all his own plans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's an enormous idea, Katsumata,\" he said, feeling sick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'd need to pick the correct time of the moon and the sea carefully, and plan carefully. Spring or early summer would be best. After that I could not remain here and... There's so much to tell you about what I've discovered.\" He almost blurted out that he could speak English well now but stopped. \"Just a few more weeks and I'll be done. Then the church and the ship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We burn the church and sink the ship tomorrow night.\"\n\n\"Impossible!\"\n\nKatsumata was coldly amused by his shock and thought what a shame Ori was dead and Hiraga alive—Ori was so much more superior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then he, too, was Satsuma, not Choshu. \"How many times must I say surprise is our shishi's best weapon. That and decisive speed. Where is Akimoto?\"\n\n\"In the village. I thought it best not to bring him now,\" Hiraga said, his mind flooded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since he had come back from Hodogaya he had not shared his innermost thoughts with his cousin, only that Katsumata had told him Sumomo was dead, betrayed by Koiko to Yoshi, not that he believed both had been thrown into the pit by chance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like we would be thrown away uselessly in this wild-eyed scheme and all my work will have been in vain. \"Tomorrow is too soon. I suggest we ma—\"\n\n\"The church will be easy for one man. Akimoto. We will need a dinghy or small fishing boat. Can you get one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps,\" Hiraga said, answering automatically, fogged with myriad questions and dreads. \"Perhaps I could steal one. Sensei, I th—\"\n\n\"You are not thinking clearly. Fishermen always remove the oars when the boat is not in use. No need for that. Buy one.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'concentrate' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katsumata took out a small silk purse and put it carelessly on the table. \"Hiraga, concentrate!\" he said, his voice hardening. \"Has living with gai-jin infected you so much with their evils that you've forgotten your oath to sonno-joi? Concentrate, the plan is good, the timing is perfect. Could you buy a boat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes—yes, but—but, Sensei, where do we retreat to?\"\n\n\"Retreat is simple. Three of us, you, Takeda and me, we sink the warship. Then we beach the boat as near Yedo as possible and lose ourselves in the city.\"\n\n\"What about the other man, the one who fires the church?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He will escape on foot.\"\n\n\"We need more shishi in support, this is a major task. This whole area will become lethal.\"\n\n\"That makes escape easier. Four men is enough. I will lead the attack on the ship and if tomorrow there's a wind the burning church may torch all Yokohama, a further gift. Come back tonight, bring Akimoto and I will make final plans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—where's Takeda?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I left him at Hodogaya. He will be here this afternoon. Until dusk, Hiraga.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curtly Katsumata bowed a dismissal.\n\nIn turmoil Hiraga bowed back, too many years an adoring, awestruck student of the Sensei, master swordsman and tactician, not to accept the dismissal. He went out and stumbled back across the bridge to the Settlement, along the village street, later turned to the promenade and walked back along it, seeing nothing, his head a mess of dark thoughts and impossibilities, his future in tatters all because this Satsuma outsider was determined to shove destiny forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the Sensei is right, he brooded. Those two acts would drive the gai-jin berserk, the fleet would invest Yedo, Yedo would burn, Yokohama would be decimated in revenge. In a few months fleets would come, this time with armies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By then shishi will not control the Gates, but all Nippon would be up in arms. And it would make no difference to the gai-jin.\n\nOne way or another we will have to open to their world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gai-jin have decided. So they will have a base at Yokohama and other places—because they have the power to decimate our coasts and close our ports, forever if they wish, and no Divine Wind will help us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Allo, mate, where you goin'?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh.\" He was standing in front of the Legation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Morning, Sir Sentry. I go Taira-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's not 'ere, mate,\" the sentry said, yawning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mister Tyrer'n the Guv, they's at Kanagawa.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Hiraga looked across the bay. The seascape was wintry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could just discern Kanagawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A frigate, he recognized it as the Pearl, was steaming slowly offshore, against the wind, neat and deadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the roads the flagship with its forty 60-pounders, was at anchor into the wind. \"I come back 'rater,\" he muttered.\n\nDisconsolate, he wandered back to the village." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To buy a dinghy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How ever much he disapproved, he was shishi first." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Early that afternoon in the wardroom aboard H.M.S. Pearl Seratard clinked glasses with Sir William, congratulating the other again on the meeting.\n\n\"A marvelous step forward, Henri, old chap,\" Sir William said jovially. He took up the bottle and rechecked the label. \"Not bad for a '48. Excellent repast too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the table were leftovers of the picnic lunch provided by Seratard's chef: cold pigeon pies, quiche, crumbs of the French bread, and a few slivers of a devoured Brie that had arrived on the last merchantman from Shanghai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Still can't believe Yoshi offered what he offered.\"\n\n\"I agree. Marvelous is the word. We'll train the navy, you take the army, we'll take banking and customs and—\"\n\n\"Dreamer!\" Sir William said with a laugh. \"But we're not going to quarrel about partitions, London and Paris will do that.\" He belched contentedly. \"It'll come down to 'how much' in the end, for obviously we'll have to lend the wherewithal to buy our ships, factories or whatever—however much they say they'll pay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but there'll be the usual safeguards, customs revenues, etc.\" Both laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There'll be more than enough for both our countries,\" Sir William said, still not quite believing it. \"But do me a favor, Henri, please don't bait the Admiral, I've enough trouble as it is.\"\n\n\"All right, but he's so... never mind. What about this Nakama? Astonishing. I think you were lucky he didn't kill you by night, you are their number one enemy. What possessed you to take such a risk?\"\n\n\"He wasn't armed, he was helping Phillip with his Japanese,\" Sir William said. As far as he knew only four of them, Tyrer, McFay, Babcott and himself, knew the man could speak English and there was no reason to share that secret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was well watched,\" he added matter-of-factly, though another pang went through him at the thought of the danger they had been in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you going to do about him?\"\n\n\"What I told Yoshi.\"\n\nThey had all been shocked at Yoshi's revelations—Sir William almost as much as Tyrer—particularly that Nakama was wanted for the murder of Utani, one of the Elders, amongst other killings. At once he had said, \"Phillip, tell Lord Yoshi as soon I get back to Yokohama I will begin a formal enquiry, and if the facts are as he says I will return him at once to the authorities. Phillip!\"\n\nBut Tyrer, speechless with disbelief, was staring blankly at Yoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "André recovered quickly and translated for him, they jerked as Yoshi snapped at him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'william' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He, er, Lord Yoshi says, You question my words?\"\n\n\"Say, Not at all, Lord Yoshi.\" Sir William had kept his voice level, for he had seen the eyes narrow. \"But as you have your laws or customs, for instance your not being able to order this daimyo Sanjiro to obey you, I also have to comply with our laws, which the Treaty specifies clearly is Yokohama's dominating law.\"\n\n\"He says, Sir William, ah yes, the Treaties. In this new spirit of friendship he agrees to... to allow you the duty of giving up the... the assassin. He'll send men to take custody tomorrow. About the Treaty, sir, he says, he said exactly, some changes are necessary, we can discuss them in twenty days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tyrer said quietly, \"Excuse me, Sir William, about Nakama, may I suggest that—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'yoshi' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Phillip, you may not. André, say to him exactly: We would be honored to discuss matters that affect our mutual interests at any time.\" He had chosen the words very carefully and breathed a sigh of relief when the reply came back, \"Lord Yoshi thanks you and says, we meet in twenty days if not before and now will return to Yedo with Dr. Babcott.\"\n\nWhen the politenesses and bows were done and Yoshi had left the room, Seratard said, \"William, I think you slid out of that trap cleverly. He's cunning, that one. Congratulations.\"\n\n\"About the navy,\" the Admiral began hotly.\n\nSir William said, \"First let me get Babcott and Tyrer on their way. Come along, Phillip!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and when he had got him outside he hissed, \"What the devil's the matter with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why is your face around your ankles? Why do you forget your job is just to interpret and not make suggestions?\"\n\n\"Sorry, sir, but about Nakama, sir—\"\n\n\"I know it's about him, for God's sake, you practically shat all over the conference table! Do you think our wily host didn't notice? Your bloody job is to translate what's said and be impassive and that's all. This is the second bloody time I've had to caution you!\"\n\n\"Sorry, sir, it's just that Nakama's important and—\"\n\n\"You mean Hiraga, or whatever other name he's using at the moment? Jesus Christ, he's accused of murder. I agree he's been a fund of information but God Almighty, a renegade outlaw? We're lucky he didn't kill us in our beds when you think he's had the run of the Legation and your quarters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you plan to do, sir?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'trial' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Damn it, what I've already said: investigate and if it's true, as I suspect it is, we are honor bound to turn him over.\"\n\n\"Couldn't you consider him a political refugee?\"\n\n\"Oh, for goodness' sake! Have you taken leave of your senses? We demand reparations and the murderers for the murder of our nationals, so how the devil can we refuse to return to them one of theirs who's accused and probably guilty of murder of one of their rulers? Yoshi promised him a fair trial.\"\n\n\"He's a dead man, that's all the trial he'll get.\"\n\n\"If he's guilty that's all he deserves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had held on to his temper, for Tyrer had done a good job today and he had noticed the growing friendship between the two of them that had worked to his advantage: \"Phillip, I know he's been tremendously valuable but he has to be turned over to them—after I've seen him. I warned him in the beginning that he would have to go if they asked for him. Now forget Nakama and make sure you learn all you can about Babcott's patient. With any luck it'll be the tairō.\"\n\nHe led the way to the forecourt where Yoshi was mounting. Babcott waited beside a horse Pallidar had lent him, another for Tyrer. The honor guard was on alert surrounding them. At Yoshi's order the porters stood away from their poles with the bundles attached, then he beckoned Tyrer who listened, bowed and came back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said you can, er, count the money at your leisure, Sir William, please give him a receipt tomorrow. That man,\" Tyrer pointed at Abeh, \"will come for Nakama tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank him and say it will be done as he wishes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tyrer obeyed. Yoshi waved Abeh forward. \"Ikimasho!\" They trotted off, the porters and groom trailing.\n\n\"You all set, George?\"\n\n\"Yes, thanks, Sir William.\"\n\n\"Off you go then. Phillip, you did well today, a few more conferences like this and I will recommend you be upgraded to full interpreter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, sir. May I be present when you see Nakama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had almost lost his temper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How the devil can that happen when you're going to Yedo with George. Use your brains! George, give him an emetic, the poor lad's witless!\"\n\nBabcott said, \"I don't really need Phillip. I thought it might be important for him to meet this 'unnamed person.'\"\n\n\"You were quite right, this meeting could be very important—Nakama, or Hiraga, whatever his name, isn't. Phillip, has that got through to you yet?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.\"\n\nBabcott leaned closer. \"It might be a good idea not to hand over Nakama until we get back, just in case.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William had looked up at him, this thought jumping the medical consultation to a possible new level." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean they might try to keep you? As a hostage? Both of you?\"\n\nBabcott shrugged. \"Nakama's important to him. No harm in being wise, eh?\"\n\nSir William frowned. \"I'll expect you back tomorrow.\" He had waited until they were out of sight and then went back to the conference room.\n\nAt once the Admiral exploded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never heard so much poppycock in my life! Build them a navy? Have you taken leave of your senses?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not up to us, my dear Admiral,\" he had said calmly, \"that would be up to Parliament.\"\n\n\"Or much more likely Emperor Napoleon,\" Seratard interrupted sharply.\n\n\"I doubt that, my dear sir,\" Ketterer said, his face and neck puce. \"Foreign naval matters are the prime concern of the Royal Navy and any French interference in areas of British influence will be dealt with right smartly.\"\n\n\"Quite right,\" Sir William said loudly, overriding both of them as Seratard's face matched the Admiral's and he volubly began to disagree." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In any event it would be a political decision. For London and Paris.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Political be damned,\" the Admiral said, jowls shaking with rage. \"A dozen of our best warships in the hands of those scallywags when you see what they can do with a couple of swords? I'm totally opposed!\"\n\n\"So am I,\" Sir William said smoothly, \"totally, and will so recommend.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I totally agree with you. Such a major decision is entirely up to the Admiralty, assisted by the Foreign Office. Paris likewise. Not a thing we can do but report to our superiors. You should do likewise. Thank God Japanese authorities at long last approve our right to proceed against guilty parties ourselves. Don't you agree, Admiral?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're talking about your proposed, ill-advised punitive strike, here, there or anywhere, it's not yet approved by the Admiralty so it's not approved by me. I suggest we go back aboard Pearl before the rain starts...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William sighed and looked out of a wardroom porthole." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'we'll' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rain had stopped temporarily, the sea was still leaden but his spirit wasn't. He had the indemnity money, there was no immediate need now to flatten Yedo, and through this Yoshi we'll help modernize Japan, he thought. We'll make a happy place for it in the family of nations, happy for them as well as us. Far better we do it and instill British virtues than the French implant French ones, though their wines and attitudes to food and fornication are far superior to ours.\n\nYes. Except in fornication the Japanese will benefit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In that their attitude is without doubt superior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pity we can't import that into our society but the Queen would never stand for it. Dreadful shame, but that's life. We'll just have to bless our luck to be living here—once we've civilized them. \"Henri, let's get some air.\"\n\nHe was glad to be back on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind was sea-salt heavy, sharp and wholesome, the frigate under sail now, making way nicely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marlowe was on the bridge—officers and men on deck or in the shrouds, achingly aware of the Admiral who sat in the bridge sea chair, sourly hunched into his greatcoat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For God's sake, Marlowe, take her closer to the wind.\"\n\n\"Aye, aye, sir.\"\n\nSir William was not an expert but that seemed to be a pedantic and unnecessary order. Bloody man! Still, can't blame him for wanting confirming orders, it's his neck if anything goes wrong.\n\nWhen the frigate swung onto a new tack his grip tightened on the gunnel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He loved the sea and being on it, particularly on the deck of a British warship, proud that the ships of the Empire possessed the sea as much as any ships could rule the waves." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'trouble' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ketterer's right about not wanting to create another navy, he thought, not with these men—the French, American and Prussian navies are enough trouble as it is.\n\nHe looked aft.\n\nAft, over the horizon, was Yedo. Yedo and Yoshi spell trouble whichever way you look at it, whatever the rosy future he promised. Ahead was Yokohama. More trouble there but never mind, tonight Angelique's my dinner partner—I'm glad she didn't leave but still don't understand why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Doesn't that play even more into Tess Struan's hands?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strange to think of Angelique without Malcolm Struan. Sorry he had such bad luck but he's gone and we're alive and he isn't. Joss. Who'll be tai-pan now? Young Duncan's only ten, last of the Struan boys. Terrible for Tess, more tragedy to bear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wouldn't be surprised if this didn't finish her. Always admired her for her courage, carrying the load of Culum and the Brocks, not to mention Dirk Struan.\n\nWell, I did my best for Tess, and for Malcolm—alive and dead. And for Angelique. When she leaves there'll be an emptiness that won't be filled easily. Hope she regains the youth she's lost, that's another sadness but she's got a whole life in front of her—if she has his child or if she doesn't. Betting's still evens." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Commands on the bridge attracted his attention for a moment but it was nothing urgent, just adding more sail. The wind was humming the shrouds. The frigate picked up speed. Their moorings were under an hour away. Sunset a good two hours. Plenty of time to bring Nakama to heel before dinner." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sunset was just a lowering of light, the sun dying behind a blanket of clouds, regretting the loss of the day.\n\nHiraga said to the group of fishermen, \"That boat will do—no fishing tackle, but oars and sail are included.\" He was on the beach near Drunk Town and he paid the owner what had been asked without bargaining, still unwilling to lose face by negotiating though he knew now—too well hammered into him by Mukfey—that he was being cheated and overcharged and that this man and his compatriots would laugh at him as soon as they were out of sight. He knew he was to blame because he was dressed like a gai-jin and not properly with swords.\n\nHalf of him wanted to scream and lash out at their bad manners and have them crawling on the beach, begging for the privilege of giving him the boat. The other half counselled patience: You have done what you must do, the boat is yours, tomorrow you die with honor in the cause of sonno-joi, these lice have no more value than the barnacles on the filthy little vessel they sell.\n\n\"Leave everything in the boat,\" he said. Unctuously the owner bowed and grovelled his way out of range, then, with his comrades, walked away, blessing their luck for a double profit.\n\nThe boat was an ordinary little fishing boat for one to three men with a small sail and single stern oar. Part of samurai training was the use of boats on short distances to traverse rivers or to reach offshore coastal ships or galleys, so they could all handle it. The news that he had bought one would fly around the village but that did not matter. By the time the shoya and others had worked out its probable use, the revelation would be too late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Satisfied the boat was safe, he began to walk through Drunk Town, through the crowded alleys, stepping over drunks and garbage, disgusted with the filth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taira says his London is the cleanest, biggest, wealthiest city in the world but I do not believe him—not if so many of his kind live like this, with the rest of the Settlement not much better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking a shortcut he crossed into a smaller alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Men passed by, beggars held their hands out, eyes peered suspiciously from doorways but no one bothered him.\n\nNo Man's Land was as always, weed-covered and stinking, the main ref use dump of the Settlement. A few ragged scavengers raked through the latest pile of trash. They glanced at him briefly. His eyes went to the rickety well head. The broken wooden cover that hid the secret passage to the Yoshiwara seemed untouched. Ori's face fleetingly came from his memory and the time they were below, when he was ready to kill him and Ori had thrown, pretended to throw, the golden cross into the depths. Ori was baka to waste his life over that woman. We could use him tomorrow. He shoved Ori out of his mind.\n\nNow his whole being was committed to the attack. All reasoning against it had vanished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a consensus, Akimoto gleefully in favor, Takeda, and the Sensei." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Therefore he was also. The boat was ready. Now he would collect Akimoto and they would go back and finalize the plan. In reality he was glad. He would die in a blaze of glory doing the Emperor's wishes. What more could a samurai desire from life?\n\nWith the suddenness of an ice bath he was shocked from euphoria and disappeared into a doorway. Three Redcoats stood outside the shoya's house, two more were emerging from the nearby hovel he and Akimoto rented. Akimoto was between them, calling out at the top of his voice one of the few English phrases he had learned: \"So sorry, no unn'erstan' Nakama!\"\n\n\"N-a-k-a-m-a,\" the Sergeant said slowly and loudly. \"Where is he?\" Then louder, \"Where Nakama?\"\n\n\"Nakama?\" Akimoto's voice itself was loud, clearly trying to warn him if he happened to be within hearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nakama no unn'erstan', so sorry,\" then in Japanese, \"Someone's betrayed someone,\" then in guttural English again, \"Nakama no unn'er—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up!\" the Sergeant said angrily, \"Corporal, this fool knows nothing. Butcher, you and Swallow stay here until Mister bloody Nakama comes back and ask him—ask him nice-like to come along wiv you to see Sir Will'm but make sure you bring the bugger. You,\" he stabbed a rough, iron-hard finger in Akimoto's chest, \"you come along wiv me in case the Guv wants you.\" Loudly protesting in Japanese, he went with them, then in English, \"Nakama, no unn'erstan',\" over and over.\n\nWhen Hiraga had recovered, and it was safe, he slipped out of the doorway, jumped a fence and hurried back to No Man's Land. There he ducked down into the doorway, not safe yet to run for the well, too much light, the three scavengers too near, too malevolent. Must keep it secret.\n\nWho has betrayed us?\n\nNo time to think about that now. He went deeper into the shadows as one of the scavengers moved nearer, muttering and cursing at the smallness of the pickings, a grubby sack in one hand. All three were skeletal and filthy. One came close to the opening but passed without noticing him. In half an hour light would be gone, nothing to do but to wait. Suddenly the doorway was blocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thort I didn't see you, eh? Wot'cher doin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the scavenger rasped, heavy with menace.\n\nSlowly Hiraga straightened. His hand was on the small pistol in his pocket. Then he saw the knife appear in the clawlike fist and the man thrust forward viciously. But Hiraga was faster and caught the hand and chopped at the scavenger's throat. He squealed like a gutted pig and went down. At once the other two looked up and hurried to investigate.\n\nThey skidded to a stop. Now Hiraga was in the doorway, the gun in one hand, knife in the other and he stood over the man who writhed, choking in the dirt. Knives came out and the two men attacked. Hiraga did not hesitate and lunged at one man who darted away, leaving him the opening he needed. He was through the slot quickly, running for Drunk Town, not wanting to waste time fighting. In moments he had reached a side street but in his haste his hat had fallen off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked back and saw one of the scavengers had grabbed it up with a shout." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In seconds the other had a hand on it too and they began a cursing fight for possession.\n\nChest heaving, Hiraga left them to it. Another look at the sky. Be patient. When they've gone you can go to the well. You must not reveal it, it's essential for the attack. Be patient. Buy a hat or a cap. What's gone wrong?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, where the devil has he gone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can't be far, Sir William,\" Pallidar said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've men at both gates and on the bridge into the Yoshiwara. He's probably in one of the Inns. A matter of time before he appears. You want him in irons?\"\n\n\"No, just here, unarmed, under guard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about this fellow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akimoto was sitting, his back to the wall, a soldier nearby." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had already been searched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll decide that when I've talked to him. Ah, André, come in. Settry, no need for you to wait. I'm dining with the Russian Minister, when you've got Nakama come and fetch me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pallidar saluted and went out. \"André, sorry to bother you but we can't find Nakama. As Phillip's not here could you interpret for me, ask this fellow where he is?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched while André began questioning Akimoto, trying to contain his irritation and wishing Phillip Tyrer were here and not with Babcott. Hope that goes well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Damn it, if Nakama's not caught Yoshi will be irritable indeed, rightly so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says he doesn't know,\" André said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had not taken off his topcoat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William's office was always freezing; even on the coldest day, his coal fire was mean. \"He seems dim-witted, mumbles Nakama who, Nakama could be anywhere, the Yoshiwara, perhaps Kanagawa.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh?\" Sir William was shocked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's not supposed to leave the Settlement without my express approval. Ask him... ask him when did Nakama leave?\"\n\n\"He says he doesn't know, doesn't know Nakama, if he's left or where he is, doesn't know anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps a night in the brig will refresh his memory. Corporal!\" The door opened at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Put this man in the brig overnight, or until I give orders to the contrary. He is to be well treated, understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yessir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is to be well treated.\"\n\n\"Yessir.\" The Corporal jerked a thumb at Akimoto, who backed out of the room bowing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The brig, used for rowdies, and servicemen subject to military discipline, was down the street, a low brick building with a dozen cells, flogging triangle. After the Club, it had been the second structure built, a normal British custom for most Settlements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Merci, André.\"\n\n\"De rien.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you any idea where he could be?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, Monsieur, other than what the man said. See you at dinner.\" André smiled and left and began walking down the High Street, the wind whipping the leaves and papers and debris." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not much light was left in the sky.\n\nGlad we're not responsible for finding him, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where would he have gone?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he has any sense to Kyōto or Nagasaki, or stowed away on yesterday's merchantman to Shanghai if he knows Yoshi wants him. Surely he must have known—no secrets in the Bakufu, or here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Great meeting, good for us too for we have the edge with Yoshi but damn Phillip, he's getting too good. Surely the patient will be Anjo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spat irritably. I should have had the chance—after all it was my idea, Raiko and Meikin must have planted the thought somehow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mon Dieu, they've more power than I imagined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An icy current went through him. Raiko had asked him to see her urgently tonight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What now? Had to be trouble.\n\n\"'Evening, sir,\" the Struan guard at the front door said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've an appointment with Madame Struan.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. She's expecting you, in the tai-pan's office along the corridor. Excuse the mess in the hall, sir, but Mr. McFay's packing. Terrible he's going, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but let's hope th—\" The signal gun at the Harbor Master's cut him off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Astonished, both men glanced seawards, for no ship was expected or overdue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Movement on the crowded High Street stopped and then a murmur of excitement went through Yokohama. Rounding the distant headland was a clipper, all sails set and the bit between her teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They saw puffs of smoke from her cannonade salute to the flagship, then heard the following boom and the flagship's answer.\n\nToo far distant to see her flag." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's one of ours,\" the guard said proudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has to be, like in the old days... oh, 'evening, sir.\"\n\nJamie McFay came out of the door fast and focused his binoculars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, André, just want to make sure... Prancing Cloud! Hallelujah!\" The implications would be clear to everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been scheduled to sail on to London. Returning here, and so quickly, meant she carried urgent news—or passengers. Good or bad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hallelujah,\" André echoed. He saw Seratard with a telescope on the steps of the French Legation, Sir William at his window with binoculars, and next door, Dmitri stood at Brock's entrance, a short telescope to his eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Dmitri lowered it he noticed Jamie, hesitated, then gave him a thumbs-up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie waved back then refocused. The clipper was beautiful charging for her moorings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André said softly, \"Perhaps she's aboard?\"\n\n\"I had the same thought. We'll soon find out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Signal her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By the time I get the Harbor Master to put up the flags the light will have gone. Anyway it's not up to me now, that's Mr. MacStruan's decision.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie looked at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll know soon enough. You're seeing Angelique?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need to worry her, until we know. Eh?\"\n\n\"I agree, mon brave.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André looked back at the clipper. \"You'll meet her?\"\n\n\"The ship?\" The same hard smile. \"Wouldn't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They went into the foyer together. Coming down the staircase was Albert MacStruan, half dressed in evening clothes, tie undone but elegant. \"Prancing Cloud?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Jamie said.\n\n\"Thought so.\" The strange eyes narrowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Evening, André. How are you?\" MacStruan said.\n\n\"Fine, thank you. See you later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie waited until André had knocked and gone into the tai-pan's office that was now MacStruan's. \"You'll meet her?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes.\" MacStruan walked down the last step but now the bounce had gone from his stride. \"Please join me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, but that's your privilege now. I've sent Vargas for the Bosun, the launch will be ready in five minutes.\"\n\nMacStruan said kindly, \"Come aboard with me, meet the ship like you used to, should still be doing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, time to move on, it's all yours now. But thanks.\"\n\n\"I hear Zergeyev's banquet tonight will be grand, as Angelique's accepted. Change your mind, join the party.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can't, not tonight, I'm still not finished packing.\" Jamie smiled at him, then motioned down the corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angelique cleared using your office with you?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, glad to oblige, and better than having visitors upstairs in her suite, especially him. Can't say I like him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"André's all right, his music is the best, certainly the best we have here. Hope Prancing Cloud's news is good.\"\n\n\"Me too. But I doubt it. Do you think Tess is aboard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The thought had occurred to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie grinned, no longer her servant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would explain Cloud's changed schedule. That's what Dirk would have done.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's not Dirk, she's much more cunning—more's the pity, my dear fellow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no love lost between the stepbrothers and Tess Struan, but a codicil in Dirk's will had laid down that should the two boys prove themselves in schools and scholarship, they were to be used in the Noble House to the limit of their ability." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both were smart, their connections with highly placed Etonian and university friends scattered throughout the gentry, the City and in Parliament where his stepbrother, Frederick, had just won a seat, made them even more valuable." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even so both knew Tess Struan would dismiss them, but for the codicil. \"Hope she hasn't come a-visiting—that's a boring thought.\"\n\nMcFay laughed. \"We'll just batten down the hatches.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, André.\"\n\n\"'Evening, Angelique.\"\n\nShe was in her favorite chair near the bay window, the curtains open to the harbor. \"Prancing Cloud?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Good. Is she aboard?\"\n\nAndré smiled crookedly. \"It would explain the clipper.\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter either way,\" she said evenly but her stomach was twisting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like a drink?\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" He saw the bottle of champagne opened in its bucket of ice and a half-full glass on the table. \"May I?\"\n\n\"Please.\"\n\nIt was becoming her custom to watch the sun go down, or the gloaming and the night arrive, with champagne. Just one glass to prepare for the long evening and then the long night. Her sleep pattern had changed. She no longer put her head on the pillow and drifted off to wake at dawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now sleep eluded her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first she had been frightened but Babcott had convinced her that fear only made insomnia worse. \"We don't need eight or ten hours, so don't worry. Use the time to your profit. Write letters or your journal and think good thoughts—and don't worry...\"\n\nDearest Colette, (she had written yesterday)\n\nHis advice works but he missed the best opportunity and that is TO PLAN, so important because that woman is plotting my downfall.\n\nGod willing, I will be in Paris soon when I can tell you all. Sometimes it's almost as though my life here is a play, or a Victor Hugo story, and Malcolm, poor man, never existed. But I enjoy the quiet, am content with the waiting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only a few more days, and then I will know about the child, if it is to be or not." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'british' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I so hope and hope and hope and pray and pray and pray I carry his child—and also that your birthing will be smooth, and give you another boy.\n\nI have to be wise. I've only myself to rely on here. Jamie is a good friend but he cannot help much—he's no longer with the Noble House and this newcomer Albert MacStruan is kind, a perfect gentleman, highborn British, and tolerates me only for the moment—until SHE orders otherwise. Sir William? He's government, British Government. Seratard? God knows if he'll truly help, but it will only be for what use I can be to him. Mr. Skye? He does his best but everyone hates him. André?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's too clever and knows too much, and I believe the trap he's in is driving him mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(I can't wait to hear what YOU THINK!!!)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My only hope is Edward Gornt. He will have arrived in Hong Kong and will have seen her by now. My prayers, and I know yours, for his success are abundant and daily.\n\nSo I use my night waking time to plan. Now I've so many good plans and thoughts how to deal with every possible contingency—and plenty of strength to deal with the ones I haven't dared consider, for example if Edward fails me or, God forbid, he never arrives—there are rumors of terrible storms in the China seas, normal at this time of the year. Poor Dmitri's Cooper-Tillman lost another merchantman. Poor sailors, how terrible the sea is and how brave the men who sail her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "André says, rightly, I cannot leave here nor make a move until SHE declares herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am Malcolm's widow, everyone says so, Mr. Skye has registered all sorts of papers with Sir William and has sent more to Hong Kong and more to London. I have enough money and can stay here as long as I want—Albert MacStruan has said I can use Jamie's office when it is vacant and I have ten more chits that Malcolm chopped for me but left the amount blank—wasn't that thoughtful—that Jamie and now Albert have agreed to honor, up to a hundred guineas each.\n\nWhen SHE declares herself I will join battle with her. I feel it will be to the death but I assure you, darling Colette, it won't be mine—this will be her Waterloo, not mine, France will be revenged. I feel very strong, very fit...\n\nShe was watching André, waiting for him to begin. His face was hard, the skin pale and stretched, and he was thinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first glass had been gulped. And the second. Now he sipped the third. \"You're more beautiful than ever.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Your Hinodeh, how is she?\"\n\n\"More beautiful than ever.\"\n\n\"If you love her so much, André, why do your lips tighten and your eyes pop out with rage when I mention her name—you said it was all right to ask about her.\" A few days ago he had told her about their agreement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Part, not all. It had burst out when despair had overwhelmed him. \"If you're so adamant about not making love in the dark and the huge price this Raiko demanded why did you agree in the first place?\"\n\n\"I... it was necessary,\" he said, not looking at her. He could not tell her the real reason—it had been enough to see Seratard's lips curl and see him avoid making contact ever since, careful never to use the same eating utensils or glass even though it was only caught from a woman or a man—wasn't it? \"I just took one look at her and, mon Dieu, don't you understand what love is, how...\" The words died away. He poured another glass, the bottle almost empty now. \"You cannot believe how crushingly desirable she was that once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gulped the wine. \"Sorry, I need money.\"\n\n\"Of course. But I have only a little left.\"\n\n\"You have paper, with his chop.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\nHis smile was, if anything, more crooked. \"Fortunately shroffs talk to shroffs, clerks to clerks. Fill in another tomorrow. Please. Five hundred Mex.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's too much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not half enough, chérie,\" he said, his voice barely audible. He got up and closed the curtains to the last of the sunset, then turned up the oil lamp that was on the table and reached for the bottle. The dregs went into his glass, and then he slammed the bottle back in its ice bucket. \"Do you think I like doing this to you? You think I don't know it's blackmail? Don't worry, I'm reasonable, I only want what you can presently afford. A hundred Mex, or the guinea equivalent tonight, two hundred tomorrow, a hundred the next.\"\n\n\"That's not possible.\"\n\n\"Everything's possible.\" He took an envelope out of his pocket. The envelope contained a single sheet of paper that he unfolded carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dozens of shreds of green paper were pasted meticulously on it to complete a perfect jigsaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laid it on the table, well out of her reach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once she recognized her father's handwriting. The second page that she had seen André tear up so long ago.\n\n\"Can you read it from there?\" he asked softly.\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Your loving father wrote, he signed and dated it, 'and hope, as we discussed, that you will arrange an early betrothal and marriage by whatever means you can. It's important for our future. Struan will permanently solve Richaud Frères. Never mind th—'\"\n\n\"Never mind, André,\" she said as softly, no need now to disguise the venom. \"The words are indelibly written on my brain. Indelibly. Am I buying it, or is it a permanent threat?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's an insurance,\" he said, folding it and replacing it with care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now it goes back to a safe place, with details of the Affaire Angelique, in case anything nasty happens to me.\"\n\nAbruptly she laughed, unbalancing him. \"Oh, André, do you think I'd try to murder you? Me?\"\n\n\"It would wreck any financial arrangement Tess might offer, may be forced to offer, and put you in the dock.\"\n\n\"How silly you are.\" She picked up her glass and sipped her champagne and he noticed, disquieted, how steady her hand was. She was watching him placidly, thinking how foolish he was, foolish to let her know he had done what he had done and was a total cheat, but even more foolish to rile against Hinodeh for preferring the dark—perhaps he looks awful naked—and more foolish to scream about the price he paid, because both are insignificant if she's everything he says she is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd like to meet this Hinodeh. Please arrange it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amused at his expression, she said, \"What's so strange about that? I have an interest in her, I'm financing her, the love of your life. Yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shakily he got up and went to the sideboard and poured brandy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you like some?\"\n\n\"No, thank you.\" Only her eyes had moved.\n\nAgain he sat opposite her. A draft played with the flame and made her eyes glitter. \"A hundred. Please.\"\n\n\"When do I stop paying, André?\" she asked pleasantly.\n\nThe brandy tasted better than the wine. He faced that question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When she's paid for, before you leave.\"\n\n\"Before I leave? You mean I can't leave until then?\"\n\n\"When she's paid for, before you leave.\"\n\nShe frowned and went over to the desk and opened a side drawer. The little purse contained the equivalent of about two hundred Mex in gold oban. \"And if there's no money?\"\n\n\"It will come from Tess, there's no other way. She'll pay, somehow we'll make that happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'We' will?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promised,\" he said, the whites of his eyes bloodshot." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: future, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your future is my future. At least on that we both agree.\"\n\nShe opened the purse and counted half. Then, not knowing why, put them all back and handed it to him. \"There's about two hundred Mex there,\" she said, smiling strangely. \"On account.\"\n\n\"I wish I understood you. I used to.\"\n\n\"Then I was a silly young girl. Now I'm not.\"\n\nHe nodded slowly. Then took out the envelope and held it to the flame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She let out a little gasp as the corner caught and then it flared and he put it into an ashtray and together they watched it curl and twist and die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crushed the ash with the bottom of his glass.\n\n\"Why?\" she asked.\n\n\"Because you understand about Hinodeh. And like it or not we're partners. If Tess doesn't pay you I'm a dead man.\" He stuck out his hand. \"Peace?\"\n\nShe put her hand in his and smiled. \"Peace. Thank you.\"\n\nHe got up. \"I'd better check on Prancing Cloud. If Tess's aboard, it will speed things up.\"\n\nAfter he had gone she sifted the ashes but not a single word could be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Easy for André to forge a copy and tear it up and present it as the original and burn it—and still have the restored original secreted away for later use." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'that's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's just the kind of stratagem he would adore. Why burn the false one? To make me trust him further, to forgive the blackmail.\n\nPeace? The only peace from a blackmailer is when the deadly exposure he threatens you with no longer needs to be hidden. In my case that's when she has paid, and the money banked. And after André gets what he wants—Hinodeh, perhaps. What is it she wants?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hides from him in the dark. Why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because of his color? To titillate? For revenge? Because he's not Japanese?\n\nI know now that the act of love can go from terror to ecstasy to delusion, with every variation in between. My first time with Malcolm was in the light, the second in darkness and both were beautiful. With him. of the other life always in the light and he was beautiful and deadly, his color beautiful, everything beautiful and deadly and terrifying and blindingly powerful, nothing like my husband, Malcolm, whom I truly loved. And honored—and honor still, and will forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her sharp ear caught the toot of the cutter's steam whistle." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'their' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened the curtains and saw the launch hurrying away from their jetty, port and starboard lights clear, Albert MacStruan in the cabin. In the roads Prancing Cloud was scarcely visible, downing sails and easing for moorings.\n\nHer mind swirled aboard and in her mind she saw her enemy—as ever, thin-lipped, pale-eyed, tall and stiff-backed, bony and badly dressed—then sped away to the outer harbor and Malcolm's burial and she smiled, glorying in that victory, the sound of her heart pulsing in her ears. Then she curled up in her chair again—his chair, their chair, another victory—and watched the dark become darker, only riding lights to be seen, hardly able to contain her excitement.\n\nSurely Edward would be aboard." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door to Jamie's office swung open and Vargas rushed in, out of breath, \"Launch's left Cloud, senhor,\" he said, his heavy street clothes still on, hat and head scarf wrapped around his face, telescope in hand. \"Four or five passengers.\"\n\n\"Is she aboard?\" Jamie did not look up from the packing case he was filling with papers. When there was no immediate answer his voice edged, \"Damn it, is she aboard?\"\n\n\"I... I'm... I think so.\"\n\n\"I said to let me know when you were sure, not before!\"\n\n\"I'm—I'm sorry, senhor, I was at the end of the jetty and looked through the spyglass and thought I'd better report and ask what—what I should do.\"\n\n\"Go back and meet her, but first make sure all servants are ready, make sure there's a fire in the tai-pan's suite, she'll take that, Mr. MacStruan's sure to move out.\"\n\n\"But that will mean she'll be next door to Mrs. Angeli—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know that, for God's sake, but that's the tai-pan's suite and that's the one she'll have!\"\n\nVargas fled. Unable to resist, Jamie hurried to the window. The cutter was nearing shore. Just riding lights outside and dancing in the chop. He focused his binoculars. Vague shapes in the cabin but positively one a woman. No doubt about the bonnet, and no mistaking her tall, erect carriage and the way she rode the pitch and toss and tilt of the boat.\n\n\"Shit!\" The breath sighed out of his mouth. To steady the image, he leaned against the window. Not much better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the shapes he identified as Captain Strongbow more by his height and bulk than anything else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two other men, no three—one of them MacStruan." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'thought' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cutter came in fast, the storm damage on the prow still easy to see, not yet completely repaired. Curious bystanders waited under the swinging lantern on the dock, everyone muffled against the dreaded winter flux with hats and head scarfs that were now obligatory. Difficult to see faces but he thought he recognized André there, and... ah yes, Vervene, Heavenly and, yes, and Nettlesmith. The vultures gathering, he thought, though like me, the main ones are watching from their windows.\n\nTonight the dark oppressed him. In his room his fire was good but now seemed to have lost its warmth. His throat felt tight and his chest hurt. Control yourself, he thought. She's not your problem." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Captain Strongbow was first onto the wharf in his heavy sea coat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still difficult to see clearly but no mistaking him. Then, ah yes, MacStruan. They turned and helped her up. She was wrapped against the cold, stiff-backed, dark clothes, dark bonnet tied with the inevitable heavy scarf. Her size. Shit!\n\nThe other two passengers climbed onto the jetty. He recognized them. A moment's hesitation then he went out and along the passage to the tai-pan's office. Angelique was peering into the dark through a crack in the curtain, her fire glowing nicely, lamps lit and the room cozy. \"Ah, Jamie. I can't see them clearly. Is she there?\"\n\n\"Afraid so, yes.\" He saw no change in her expression. \"Here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He offered her the binoculars. \"I thought you might like these.\"\n\n\"No need for me to look, or be afraid, Jamie. Who else?\" Her voice was the thinnest it had ever been. \"Who's with her?\"\n\n\"Strongbow, Hoag and Gornt.\"\n\nShe turned back to the window to hide but for an instant he had seen the joy that flooded her face. Never mind if Jamie saw, she was thinking, dizzy with excitement. That woman and Edward together? The two of them together, Hoag as well!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Doesn't that portend success, Edward's success, that he convinced her? \"I'll be upstairs, dressing for dinner. If anyone wants to see me, I'll come down again. Thanks, dear Jamie.\" Impulsively, she hugged him. And left.\n\nHe stared after her. Why the joy? If Tess is with Hoag, the heavy guns have arrived. Haven't they?\n\nHe went back to his office perplexed, leaving the door ajar, and continued to pack papers and books, his fingers doing the work, his mind elsewhere: on Tess, the future, the shoya, Nemi tonight, the Noble House that he had given twenty years to—Be honest, you don't really want to leave and know it's a bad time to go out on your own—thinking about Angelique's grim future, tomorrow's meeting with the Swiss Minister and possible imports from their armament-watch factories, all mixed with the news of the incredible Yoshi meeting, Babcott and Tyrer now in Yedo, the bullion the Bakufu had advanced already counted and accurate—and about Nakama, poor fellow.\n\nPoor fellow? He's an assassin, the worst kind. I never felt that, never once did I feel threatened. He must be in Drunk Town or somewhere in the Yoshiwara." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the news flashed to us, someone must have whispered to him and he fled. Damn it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now I'll have to cut Tyrer in or Johann..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Voices in the foyer broke into his reverie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A polyglot of voices: MacStruan, Vargas, Hoag, servants bustling around.\n\nNo need to greet them. I'll be summoned soon enough. Depressed, he continued with his work, almost done now.\n\n\"Jamie!\"\n\nHe looked around. And was paralyzed. Maureen. His Maureen in the doorway! Maureen Ross. Navy blue winter bonnet, blue eyes peeping out above the folds of her heavy woolen head scarf. Navy blue topcoat over a dark blue dress. Maureen Ross, twenty-eight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tall, a fraction taller than Tess—the average height nowadays a little over five feet, Queen Victoria four feet eleven." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'christ' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Christ almighty,\" he said, voice strangled, mind gone.\n\n\"Hello to you, Jamie McFay.\" She stayed in the doorway, standing straight like her father, her voice lilting. \"Can I come in, please?\" She unwound the scarf and smiled tentatively.\n\nNow he could see her. Same clear face, not pretty but strong and curiously appealing, hazel freckles, and just as he had last seen her just over three years ago—the dock at Glasgow—though then there were tears at their parting. He had forgotten how her eyes... \"Hello, Sparkles,\" he muttered without thinking, using his nickname for her. \"Jesus Christ... Maureen?\"\n\nHer laugh trilled. \"I take that as a yes and you'll no' be blaspheming anymore, laddie. Once is fair, me coming like a wraith from the night, wanting to surprise you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her smile and the lilt to her voice made her more attractive than she really was, and the light that danced in her eyes and the love that she wore like a shield." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She closed the door and looked at him again. \"You look grand, Jamie, a little tired, but you're as bonny as ever.\"\n\nHe had straightened up but still stood behind the desk, his mind jumbled with My God it's you, not Tess, it's you, easy to mistake in the dark, almost same height same stiff back—remembering his halfhearted, negative letters over the last year and the final one breaking their engagement, his soundless voice saying, Sorry, Maureen, I wrote you, we're not getting married, sorry, don't want to get married, can't now, now that I'm on my own, worst possible time and why didn't...\n\n\"Och, Jamie,\" she was saying from across the room, watching and waiting, her smile deepening, \"you canna know how happy I am to see you, to be here at last, aye, the adventures I've had will fill a volume.\" When he didn't move or reply, a small frown wrinkled her forehead. \"Will you no' get your wits about you, laddie?\"\n\n\"Tess!\" he croaked. \"I—we thought you were Tess Struan.\"\n\n\"Mrs. Struan? No, she's in Hong Kong. Such a lady, she arranged for me to come here, didn't charge me a penny piece. 'You go see your Jamie McFay with my compliments,' she said, and introduced me to Captain Strongbow—who gave me a cabin to mysel'—and to fine Dr. Hoag and Mister Smartypants Gornt.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'jamie' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh?\"\n\n\"That laddie thinks he's God's gift to womanhood but not to me. I'm affianced, I told him, affianced before God to Mr. Jamie McFay. He said he was your friend, Jamie, and Dr. Hoag told me he saved your life so I was nice but kept a distance. Och, laddie, there's so much to learn, so much to tell.\"\n\n\"Christ,\" he muttered, not hearing her, \"easy to make the mistake with the scarf around your face, you and Tess're both the same size, stand the same way...\"\n\n\"Huh!\" Maureen said, her eyes suddenly fiery. \"I'll thank you no' to take the Lord's name in vain, and she's a mite shorter and much thicker and much older and her hair is grey, mine's brown and even in the dark I'm not like her!\" When her sudden smile at her own pleasantry did not get through to him, she sighed. Exasperated, she looked around the room. She saw the decanter. At once went over to it, sniffed to make sure it was whisky, crinkled her nose with distaste but poured him a glass, and a dribble in another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here.\" She looked up at him, close for the first time, a sudden beam covering her. \"My Da' always needed a wusky when the shock of Scotland being part of the British Isles hit him.\"\n\nThe spell broke. Jamie laughed and took her in his arms and hugged her, welcoming her, and the glasses almost spilled out of her hand. \"Watch it, laddie,\" she gasped, managed to put them down and hugged him desperately—all the waiting and standing there, seeing his shock and not the welcome she'd hoped for, trying to be strong and adult, not knowing what to do or how to say that she loved him and could not bear the thought of losing him so she had gambled, gambled and left her sanctuary, she had put her trust in God, took her prayerbook and Bible and her father's derringer in her purse and set out blindly on ten thousand miles of fear. Inside. But not outside—oh no, never, that's not the Ross way!\n\n\"Och, Jamie laddie, laddie...\"\n\n\"It's all right,\" he murmured, wishing her trembles away.\n\nIn time the shuddering stopped and she released herself, untied her bonnet and let her long plait of red-brown hair uncoil. \"That's better,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a bonny man, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'rooms' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She handed him his glass and took hers and touched glasses. \"Scotland forever,\" she said as a toast, and sipped. \"That tastes dreadful, Jamie, but I'm powerful pleased to see you, I canna say it any better.\"\n\nHer smile was more tentative now, some of her confidence gone. His embrace had been like a brother's, not a lover's, oh God oh God oh God. To hide from him she looked around as she took off her coat and gloves. Her dress was warm and well cut, another shade of blue and showed off her curves and hourglass waist. \"Your Mr. MacStruan says you can use your suite and I can have the rooms next door until we have a place of our own. Have you packed up your rooms yet, Jamie?\"\n\n\"No, not yet.\" Confused, not knowing how to start but start he must. Soon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This... all my papers and books were first, I was starting upstairs tomorrow. Everything, the furniture here and upstairs, belongs to Struan's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind. We can buy our own.\" She sat in the chair opposite the desk and looked at him. Hands in her lap. Waiting. Sure that now she had to bite her tongue and wait for him to begin. She had done her part by arriving. Perhaps done too much, arriving unannounced, but she had thought about that carefully and done the best she could by writing the letter, and had imagined this meeting hour after hour in the nauseating months at sea, during the storms and once, in the China seas off Singapore, during a mutiny of Chinese steerage passengers, pirates amongst them, that had been put down bloodily. Jamie was her lodestar and now the time of reckoning had arrived.\n\n\"He's a bad man, this Jamie McFay,\" her mother had told her when she announced her decision. \"I've said it and said it, and he'll do you no good, lassie. His letters are anything but encouraging, just the reverse.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"I mean to go, Ma darling. Will Da' lend me the money?\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean to go, Ma darling. Will Da' lend me the money?\"\n\n\"Aye, if you ask him.\"\n\n\"I mean to go. I must. I'm twenty-eight. I'm old. Past normal marriage age. I've waited so long and would wait another three years if need be but... it's now or never. I've decided. Do you understand, Ma?\"\n\n\"Aye. I understand. But... well, at least you'll be with him, you'll be with your man, if you marry, not like me.\"\n\nShe had seen the tears and listened to advice never given before, secrets never whispered before, and then her mother said, \"Bless you, lassie, go with God, lassie. Let's tell thy da'.\" He was a Major, Indian Army retired, twenty-five years service, eighteen of those with the newly formed Gurkha Regiment, home on leave only every two or three years, before being forced to retire from wounds a decade ago, loathing retirement.\n\n\"Aye lassie, go wi' my blessing on two conditions,\" he said. \"If he spurns you, tell him I'll find him and kill him, second, if ever he rapes you, hurts you, cut off his balls—I'll lend you my kookrie, young Duncan won't need it for ten years yet.\"\n\n\"Yes, Da'.\" The kookrie, the Gurkha knife, was his most prized possession." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was the eldest of three sisters, with a brother of eight, and the first to leave home—children of Britain were children of the Empire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jamie put more coal on the fire and moved his chair closer before he sat down. He took her hand. \"Maureen, three months ago I wrote to you.\"\n\n\"You wrote many a letter, not enough,\" she said lightly, to give herself more time to prepare.\n\n\"In all my letters for the last year I tried to point out as best I could that this is no place for a lady, it's not India where there's a regimental life an—\"\n\n\"I've never been to India, as you know, Jamie, my ma only went once and never again.\" She held his hand in both of hers. \"Dinna fash yoursel', this place can be bonny, never fear. That's the job of a woman. I can make it bonny.\"\n\nThe tightness in his throat was choking him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No way to ease into this, his brain was shouting at him, do it or you'll never do it, do it now!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course it's not fair but you've not been fair to her at all, not fair for years, you're rotten to have taken advantage of her all these years, my God, you've been engaged three and knew her two before that and you're rotten... admit it and say it quickly. Now!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flood commenced: \"Three months ago I wrote you that I felt, it must have arrived after you left, I thought it wise we should break off our engagement and you should forget me and that I was terribly sorry but it was the best for you and I won't go home and live there and work there, I won't leave Asia until I have to, if I get sick or... I won't leave, can't, I love Asia, love my job and there's no hope for a happy time for you, I'm not worth it and I admit I've taken advantage of you but we can't marry, not possible and now that I'm going out on my own...\" He stopped for breath then added throatily, \"I don't know what else to say, there's nothing more to say except again to apologize... there it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had taken his hand away. His stomach was churning. Out came his handkerchief to mop his brow. \"Sorry,\" he said lamely, and got up and sat down, then toyed with the glass. \"Sorry.\"\n\nHer hands lay in her lap. Her eyes were concentrated and open and had never left his face. \"Dinna be sorry,\" she said gently with the barest frown. \"These things happen, laddie.\"\n\nHis mouth dropped open. \"Then you agree?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed. \"Of course, to part of what you said, no' to all, of course—you're a man and I'm a woman and we see things differently.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh? How?\"\n\n\"Well, first about jobs,\" she said. \"A woman's job, her work, is to look after a man, to make a home, that's what I've been trained for, home and family are the most important things in the world.\" She saw Jamie about to interrupt so she added quickly, \"My da' thinks the Empire comes first but he's a man. Men have jobs to go to, to work at to bring home the porridge, a little meat, and aye, some wusky. But there has to be a home to bring it to. Without a woman there's no home. It's very important for a man to have someone you can trust to share the burden while you work, or seek a job or start your own business. You can trust me. Of the two, trying to start your own business is best for you. Mr. Gornt wants to do the same.\"\n\n\"He does?\"\n\n\"Aye, sometime in the future, he says. Now he's back here to take over Brock and Sons an—\"\n\n\"He is?\" Jamie blinked, diverted.\n\n\"Aye. He says he's taking the job of this man who tried to kill you, Mr. Greyfifth.\"\n\n\"Greyforth. Norbert Greyforth.\" Jamie's mind slammed back into gear: I must be losing my wits with you appearing like a ghost, I'd forgotten about Hoag and Malcolm and Hong Kong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened in Hong Kong? About Malcolm Struan? Did Gornt say anything about Morgan Brock or Tyler Brock?\"\n\n\"Patience, my bonny laddie, that comes later. Back to you and me since you brought the subject up as you did. We'll make a grand team, the best, I promise. We're engaged. I promise I will make the best wife ever, I promise.\"\n\n\"But don't you see, lassie, it won't work,\" he said, hating himself, but totally sure. \"This place is rough, the life rough, there are few women here, you'll have no friends, nothing to do.\"\n\nShe laughed. \"Jamie, Jamie, you hav'na heard a single word I've said. Now this is what w—\"\n\nA knock on the door stopped her. She called out, \"Won't be a second!\" She got up, continuing in the same gentle but firm voice, \"That'll be Dr. Hoag, he was urgent to see you but I begged a couple of minutes first, I could'na' wait to see you. Now I'll leave you to him.\" She collected her hat and gloves and coat and scarf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinna concern yourself about me, I'll be changed and ready in good time. I'll knock on your door. Dinner's at nine, dinna forget now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh?\" he asked blankly.\n\n\"This Russian Count, Zerevev, some name like that. We've accepted for dinner, Mr. MacStruan told me all about it.\"\n\nShe swept out, thanked Hoag, and before Jamie could say anything, Hoag had closed the door and had rushed up to him and said breathlessly, the words tumbling out: \"Hong Kong went like a dream, Jamie, Malcolm was buried with full honors, at sea like he and Angelique wanted!\"\n\n\"He was what?\"\n\nHoag chortled, \"You could have knocked me down with a feather too, Tess arranged it off Shek-O, one of his favorite places in all the world, a few days before I arrived. Full honors, Jamie, all flags at half mast, ships dipping their flags, cannonade salutes, pipers, everything, the funeral of the tai-pan, though he never was. The papers covered everything, I've the cuttings, month's mourning for Hong Kong, Governor ordered a special service in our church on the knoll in Happy Valley of Culum fame, Gordon Chen threw the biggest, most explosive procession and wake in Chinatown's history—except for the one he gave Dirk—of course starting the usual bloody fires on the slopes and they say a few thousand squatter shacks went up in smoke, not only that, when I saw Tess... can I have a drink, I'm parched!\"\n\n\"Of course. Go on, don't stop,\" Jamie said, and poured for both of them, his own glass long since empty. He noticed his fingers were shaking. Christ, why would Tess do that, a sea burial, and what the hell is Maureen doing accepting for dinner when we've got to talk? \"Go on, for Christ's sake!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "First Hoag drank. \"My God, that's good!\" He took off his coat and sat down, took a deep breath and felt better. \"My God, I'm pleased to see you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where was I? Oh, yes! When I saw Tess the first time I was so upset for her. It was awful. I met her in Culum's old office and she said, 'Ronald, tell me the bad, all the details, tell it as it happened.' She was standing by the huge desk, straight as a spar, pale, never so pale, Jamie—the painting of Dirk on the wall, staring at you with that green-eyed challenge, daring you to lie. I told her as best I could, of course she'd heard bits and pieces from Strongbow—you remember I'd told him to tell her I was on the mail ship and sorry I couldn't come by Cloud because there was an operation I had to perform.\n\n\"She never wavered, she never wavered, Jamie, just listened as I told about the Tokaidō, engagement, marriage and death as best I could, as gently as I could, the duel, Norbert, you and Gornt. It all came out, don't remember my exact words but I told it as it happened.\" He stopped a moment, less nervous now. \"You know how she is, always holding back, always hiding, the stiffest upper lip in Christendom. She just thanked me, told me she had the death certificate and inquest papers from Strongbow. Remarkable woman. Uncanny. That's about all—oh yes, she thanked me for taking care of the coffin with the undertaker, which went perfectly, thank God.\"\n\n\"Eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hoag's eyes brightened. \"Naturally I didn't want the coffin opened up. I'd told Strongbow to send it directly to Blore. Christenson, Herberts, Herberts and Crink, do lots of business with them, and ordered them 'for medical reasons' to put our coffin directly into one of theirs, top quality, silver handles, and to screw it tight at once, no lying in state or opening it, I recommended against that due to decomposition etc. and had advised Tess by letter to that effect in the strongest terms. Glad to say it went perfectly from our point of view, and Malcolm's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hoag refilled his glass. \"Glad I went. Otherwise all's well that ends well.\"\n\n\"Did you tell her about the other, about our burial?\"\n\n\"Christ, no, am I that stupid? You're witless, Jamie.\"\n\nJamie said, \"I just asked to make sure,\" not pleased to be reminded that Maureen had used the same word. I think I really am losing them. What the hell am I going to do with her? \"Did Tess say anything about Angelique?\"\n\n\"What she planned to do? No, though she asked dozens of questions. How is Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fine—outwardly. Calm, stays to herself, occasionally comes to dinner. Tonight she's going to Zergeyev's, at Sir William's request. Nothing like her old sparkle\"—there's that word again, he thought miserably—\"but, well, lovelier than ever. What did Tess ask?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing much, only about the facts as I knew them, that yes, I believed they were in love, that Malcolm pursued her, not the other way around, that she was a lady about him, she accepted his proposal and agreed to be married on Pearl.\"\n\n\"But nothing about what she plans to do?\"\n\n\"No, that's the strange part. I thought she'd fume about her, ask my advice, give me a clue but she didn't, after all I'm their family doctor for years, employed by her, by Struan's, and I know her better than anyone. She didn't comment on anything, volunteer anything, the questions were just to cover details I'd forgotten to mention. Weird.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Jamie said. \"She'll have a plan.\"\n\n\"I agree. Of course the story was in the press from the gutter to the Peak in lurid details, 'tai-pan dies on wedding night,' that kind of headline though she had tried to bury it—sorry, no pun intended. I've all the cuttings for you, and this.\" His eyes took on a different glow. He gave Jamie an envelope. Tess's handwriting. Mr. J. McFay, Personal by Hand. \"Before you ask, I don't know what's in it. She just said, Please give it to Mr. McFay as soon as you arrive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jamie put it on the desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why did you come back?\"\n\n\"Before I forget, something else. Old Man Brock and his equally vile son, Sir Morgan, turned up at the funeral.\"\n\n\"What, uninvited?\"\n\n\"Created a furor! It happened like this. Tess arranged the funeral on China Cloud. Gun carriage to the clipper along the promenade. Forty guests invited aboard, Governor, all the nobs, Admiral Sir Vincent-Sindery, General Skaffer—the new Commander in chief of Asia, very pukka and Indian Army—all tai-pans and Gordon Chen. No press. Just as China Cloud swung into wind off Shek-O place, the service about to begin, Old Man Brock and Morgan arrived in his clipper, Hunting Witch. She stood off, a few chains away, dressed overall, his flag at half mast, him and Morgan on the quarterdeck dressed in funeral finery, top hats, ruffled shirts, and when the coffin went into the sea, the bastard fired a cannonade salute and opened champagne—everyone aboard said they heard the cork go. They drank a toast, threw the glasses and bottle into the sea, raising their toppers as they sailed off noisily.\"\n\n\"Bastards! Bloody bastards!\"\n\n\"Yes! Later they claimed 'it were to honor the poor dead laddie!' The Governor was standing next to Tess. He told me she did nothing, said nothing, just stayed like a poker, except he heard her breath hiss out and the violence in it shocked him, said it made his balls jump, you know the feeling... Oh, I forgot to mention, Gornt was also on Brock's quarterdeck.\"\n\n\"Maureen said he was taking over Brock's here.\"\n\n\"Yes. Even so he's a nice young man, I think. Even so. He told me he was ordered aboard Hunting Witch and... By Jove, I forgot to mention Maureen! Jamie, you're a lucky man.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very lucky.\" Hoag stuck out his hand. \"Congratulations.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks.\" Jamie shook hands and pretended to be pleased, filled with gloom. \"We thought... I thought she was Tess. Through the binoculars, the dark and being muffled up, easy to make the mistake.\"\n\n\"Eh? Nonsense, she's nothing like her at all!\"\n\nAggravated Jamie said, \"I know that but they're about the same height, and it's the way she stood, just like Tess, you know, stiff.\"\n\nHoag frowned, then grunted. \"Never occurred to me. Now that you mention it that's true, but she's nothing like Tess to look at, she must be at least ten to fifteen years younger and that red-brown hair of hers and sparkling personality.\"\n\n\"Christ, give over! I know that! It was an easy mistake.\"\n\n\"A lucky one.\" Hoag felt queasy. \"Wouldn't have enjoyed the trip with Tess, my God, no! Your Maureen's a smasher! She said she'd written that she was arriving.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, at Hong Kong, not here. And no arrival date there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, obviously there was no time as Prancing Cloud was leaving imminently and she'd just arrived.\" Hoag chuckled. \"Best watch her or you'll lose her. Gornt was quite taken.\"\n\nJamie flushed, jealous in spite of himself. \"Thanks for the tip. How're Tess's kids? Did you see them?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. They're all healthy, though Duncan had another rotten cold. They'd all been to the funeral—I heard it was so sad, young Duncan trying to be brave, Emma and Rose crying, Tess veiled, heavily veiled—everyone knowing it was the end of an era, the end of Dirk's direct line except Duncan, and he can't inherit for years, the lad's just ten. Doesn't augur well for the Noble House. The hottest rumor in Hong Kong is that Brock's have got the Noble House on the run.\"\n\n\"No way!\" Jamie tried to sound convincing. \"The new tai-pan will come from Robb's line, Robb Struan, Dirk's stepbrother. One of his sons or grandsons will be tai-pan.\"\n\n\"I suppose you're right, but it won't be the same. Bloody awful about Malcolm, he was Tess's hope. All the time I was in Hong Kong, I was thinking about our burial, so unnecessary, eh? It's best if we put that away forever. Malcolm was buried there, off Shek-O.\"\n\n\"I wish he had been, as Sir William and we all wanted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last night Jamie had another nightmare about what the Bosun said he had seen, the corpse clawing for the surface, eyes wide open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt chilled again. \"We did the best we could. Now,\" he said, \"why are you back?\"\n\nHoag got up. \"Tess asked if I'd, er, deliver mail to MacStruan, you and... and see Angelique and give her a letter.\" He saw Jamie's eyes. \"I don't know what's in them.\"\n\n\"Them?\" Jamie said sharply. \"You said a letter.\"\n\nHoag reddened. \"Oh, er, yes. Yes, well, a letter. I don't know what's in it. Well, I'd better be go—\"\n\n\"Come on, for God's sake!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tess asked me to give her a... a letter, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, I know you!\"\n\nHoag said irritably, \"I think I'd better go and see her, she'll want to know—\"\n\n\"Sit down! What letters, for Christ's sweet sake?\"\n\n\"I don't know ab—\"\n\n\"Don't give me that shit! What letters?\"\n\nHoag hesitated, then blurted out, \"If you'll swear on your mother's head I'll... I'll tell you.\"\n\n\"Done!\"\n\nThe Doctor sat down. \"She, Tess, she just said, 'Give that woman this letter, wait a week or so and then give her one of these two letters.' She gave me three in all, I don't know what's in them, I swear to God I don't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A week? You mean until Preggers Day? One of two letters, eh? One if she's preggers, one if she isn't?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'asked'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The 11th would—would be the first day but it's not possible to tell then, have to wait at least two weeks after that and even then, safer to wait the month and see if she... if she does or doesn't menstruate. The date may be off, it's difficult to tell sometimes, in her case because the poor girl has gone through a tremendous amount of stress—Tess asked me to wait until I could be sure.\" He exhaled. \"There, now you know everything.\"\n\n\"Tess asked you to wait until you've examined her?\"\n\n\"Well, yes, until I'm sure.\"\n\n\"Then it's one letter if she is, the other if she isn't?\"\n\n\"Yes... I told you. Yes.\"\n\n\"Who else have you told?\" Jamie's eyes burned into him.\n\n\"No one.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'william' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who?\"\n\n\"Go to hell!\" Hoag shouted, then spat out, \"Gornt!\"\n\n\"Jesus Christ, why him?\"\n\n\"I don't know, he seemed to know, jumped to the same conclusion as I suppose everyone will. I agree it's fairly obvious now I'm back—I told Tess that but she said nothing, just looked at me with those eyes of hers. It's easy for you, Jamie,\" he said, seething. \"It's easy for you and the Gornts of the world, you're strong and used to business and isn't business lying most of the time? Well, doctors aren't.\" Disgusted with his inability to keep secrets, Hoag blew the breath out of his mouth. \"Can't change after all this time. Tess said to tell Sir William why I was back, Albert and you, and no one else.\"\n\n\"Don't worry, you're right, there won't be a man in Yokohama who won't realize why you're here, for Christ's sake. Poor bloody Angelique! Who else have you mail for, from Tess?\"\n\n\"I... Sir William.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who else? Who else, for Christ's sweet sake?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heavenly Skye.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~seven sentences sentences. Style: James Clavell. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pretending a tranquility he did not feel, Hoag handed Angelique the envelope that was sealed with the chop of the Noble House. Her stomach had been churning ever since Jamie had told her who had arrived with Prancing Cloud, however much she had tried to be detached. Even Vargas's almost immediate news that the woman was Senhor McFay's fiancée and not Tess Struan had not settled her. Nor had Hoag's rambling story about Malcolm's funeral, which had confused her even more. The writing on the envelope was copperplate: \"Angelique Richaud, By Hand.\"\n\n\"Why don't you read it while I'm here,\" he was saying, concerned at her sudden flush.\n\n\"You mean in case I faint?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked sharply, sitting up in the tall chair beside the fire, Malcolm's chair that she had taken from his suite before vacating it for Albert MacStruan.\n\nHoag said kindly, \"I mean you may want to talk. I'm a friend, as well as a doctor.\" He had rushed upstairs directly from Jamie, glad to leave the inquisition, had greeted and hugged her and brushed aside her immediate, What happened in Hong Kong, saying, \"Just a second, let me look at you.\" He had scrutinized her as a doctor, then as a friend. In both cases what he saw had pleased him. \"Just a suggestion.\"\n\n\"The letter's not addressed correctly. It should be Mrs. Angelique Struan, or Mrs. Malcolm Struan.\" Awkwardly, she returned it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tess said you would do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was said gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If she's so wise why didn't she address it properly?\"\n\n\"It's difficult for her as it is difficult for you. She's a mother who's lost a son. Be patient, Angelique.\"\n\n\"Patient? Me? When I'm under siege for marrying and loving a fine man who... You're on her side. Struan's pays you.\"\n\n\"True, but my side is what I think best, that's not saleable, even to you.\" Hoag sat amiably in his chair. The room was warm and feminine and filled with tension. He saw the vein in her neck pulsing hard, fingers twitching ever so slightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I helped you, and Malcolm, but only because I thought it best. For your private knowledge I resigned while I was in Hong Kong. This is my last task for the Noble House.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was startled. \"Why did you do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the same strange smile. \"I'm going back to India, I'm going to try to find that which I lost. Soon as I can.\"\n\n\"Ah! Arjumand.\" That made her feel better and she leaned over and touched him. \"Sorry. Sorry I said what I said, it was wrong. Sorry. It's just-sorry.\"\n\n\"Think nothing of it. Don't forget I'm a doctor, I do really understand the stress you're under. I was prepared for worse.\" He broke the seal and opened the letter. \"She told me to do this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside was another envelope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was addressed simply: Angelique. \"A compromise, eh? A suggested compromise.\"\n\n\"Yours?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Do you know what it says?\"\n\n\"No. God's truth. Do you want me to leave?\"\n\nHer gaze locked on to the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a moment she shook her head so he went to the window to give her space, moved the curtains aside and watched the night, his own heart pounding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hesitated, then opened it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No greeting. No name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cannot forgive you for what you did to my son.\n\nI truly believe, at your father's behest and encouragement, you set your cap for my son to snare him into marriage, any form of marriage. Your \"marriage\" to my son is invalid, I am assured. This \"marriage\" hastened his death, I am assured—the death certificate indicates this, I am assured. To that end Struan's solicitors are drafting writs for the case to be brought expeditiously before the High Court in Hong Kong. If you carry my son's child this will not divert the course of justice or avoid declaring the child illegitimate.\n\nI cannot thank you enough for the invaluable information given me, at your instigation, by a mutual acquaintance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If as I believe will be the case, his material proves to be valid, I and the Noble House will be indebted to you, and to this person in a manner beyond price." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That he named a price, reasonable considering its value, is not your affair, you asked for none and will get none. But your gift to my son's memory and the future of Struan's deserves consideration.\n\nHow to resolve this impasse?\n\nThe resolution, if any can be found, must be private between us foes—we will always be that—and as women.\n\nFirst, I ask that you cooperate with Dr. Hoag, allowing him to examine you at the correct time to establish if you are bearing a child or not. Of course Dr. Babcott or any other doctor you wish can be consulted to corroborate the diagnosis.\n\nSecond, let us wait for the second month to be sure, then we can proceed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By that time the legal brief will be complete and ready for court submission—this is not meant as a threat, only as fact." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'struan'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By that time, the evidence of our acquaintance will have been put to work, partially At present I do not see how it can fail. That you persuaded him to see me has, as said above, obligated me and the Noble House to you.\n\nPerhaps, by then, with the help of God, the impasse may be solved. Tess Struan, Hong Kong, December 30th, '62.\n\nAngelique's mind was hacking between happiness and terror, victory and defeat. Had she won or had she failed? Tess Struan promised nothing, but had she waved an olive branch? Legal brief? Courts?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Witness box?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ashen now, she remembered Skye's words about how easy it would be for the opposition to paint her as a penniless Jezebel, daughter of a felon and other horrid twisted truths. \"Impasse\" and \"resolution\"? Didn't that mean she had won, at least a partial victory?\n\nEdward! Tonight or tomorrow Edward will tell me! And Mr. Skye, he's clever, he'll know. Oh, God, I hope he'll know.\n\nShe looked up and saw Hoag watching her. \"Oh! Sorry, I'd forgotten...\" Numbly she twisted the material of a sleeve, her foot tapping restlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, did you want a drink, I can ring for Ah Soh, I... sorry... I don't seem to...\" The words were difficult to form and he heard the change and wondered if this was the beginning of the breakdown he had forecast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Signs were there, fingers and toes working unnoticed, face white, eyes wide, pupils changed.\n\n\"What did she say?\" he asked easily.\n\n\"I... well, nothing except to—to wait until...\" The words drifted away and her gaze went to the distance.\n\n\"Until?\" he asked, to bring her back, hiding his concern.\n\nBut she was swept up in what she had read. So the battle lines had been drawn. She knew the worst, or the best." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her enemy had made the first move and declared herself. Now she could join battle. On her own terms. The nausea slid away. In its place came fire. The thought that she had laid out the foul and possible so icily was making her sting with rage—nothing on her side, no concern for her, no tiny concession for all the love and agony and pain over Malcolm's death, nothing. Nothing. And worst of all illegitimate, when they were married properly according to British law... I am assured!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never fear, she seethed, that's branded on my memory in molten steel, and she looked at Hoag again, quivering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She said she wants to—to wait... to wait until we—you and I—we know if I'm carrying Malcolm's child or not. She wants to make sure, that's what she wants.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And then?\"\n\n\"She doesn't say. She—she wants to wait and me to wait. There's a vague... I think she says perhaps there can be a peace, a resol—\" The quivering stopped as a decision washed it away and her voice became sibilant, sizzling with venom. \"I hope there will be a peace, because... because, by the Blessed Mother, I am Malcolm Struan's widow, and no one, no court, not even Tess Goddamned Struan can take that away from me!\"\n\nHe covered his nervousness, saying cautiously, \"We all believe you are. But you've got to be calm and not worry. If you break, she wins, you lose, whatever the truth. No need...\"\n\nThe door swung open. Ah Soh waddled in. \"Missee-tai-tai?\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah!\" Angelique flared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get out, why you no knock?\"\n\nAh Soh planted her feet, secretly pleased that the foreign devil had lost her temper and so lost face. \"Mess'ge, you wan', heya? Mess'ge, Missee-tai-tai?\"\n\n\"What message?\"\n\nAh Soh shuffled up, offered the small envelope, sniffed and went away. Gornt's writing. Angelique came down from the mountain of her fury.\n\nInside was a card, engraved e.g." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The message said, \"Warmest greetings. A most intriguing Hong Kong visit. May we meet tomorrow morning? yr most obedient servant, Edward Gornt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly she felt whole again. Strong, filled with determination and hope and fight. \"You're right, Doctor, but I won't break, I swear I won't, I won't for Malcolm and I won't for me, and for you and Jamie and Mr. Skye. You're a dear friend and I'm all right now. No need to discuss that woman anymore.\" She smiled at him and he knew the smile was both good and bad—more danger signals. \"We'll wait... we'll wait and see what the future holds. Don't worry, if I don't feel well I'll call at once.\" She got up and kissed Hoag on both cheeks. \"Thank you again, dear friend. Will you be dining at Count Zergeyev's?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps. I don't know. I'm a little tired,\" he said, and left, hiding his foreboding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again she read the card. Edward's circumspect, another good sign, she thought. If the card was intercepted or read, it gave nothing away. \"Intriguing\" was a good word to choose, and \"obedient servant\" again chosen carefully. Like the words of that woman, God rot her.\n\nWhat to do?\n\nDress for dinner. Gather your allies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bind them to you." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put the plans you've contrived into place. And make Yokohama your impregnable bastion against that woman." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ignore the gai-jin soldiers trying to find you, Hiraga, and forget Akimoto,\" Katsumata said, disgusted with the unexpected snag in his plan. \"Three of us are enough. We attack tomorrow, burn the church and sink the ship. Takeda, you take the church.\"\n\n\"Gladly, Sensei, but why not use Ori's plan and burn Yokohama? Hiraga is right, forget the ship, he is right, so sorry,\" Takeda said, inclined to his side—after all, Hiraga was the Choshu leader and wise to consider how to retreat. \"He is correct that it would be difficult to get close to a ship in this sea and wind unobserved. Why not use Ori's plan instead, burn the whole gai-jin nest?\"\n\nHiraga said, \"Ori's plan needs time, and a south wind. I agree it's a better plan. We should wait.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Katsumata said harshly, rudely, \"with courage we can do both, with courage! We can. Both! With shishi courage!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'water' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiraga was still rocked by the unforeseen soldiers, his mind slow. That he believed he had killed the scavenger bothered him not a bit—the man was motionless in the dirt when, later, he had slunk for the well head, groped down it, then blindly through the meanness of the tunnel and freezing water.\n\n\"Impossible with only three of us,\" he said, \"and tomorrow night is too soon, whatever we decide. If the plan's to burn the Settlement we need three days to place the flamers, and fuses. I advise against haste.\"\n\nHe was wrapped in a quilt, naked but for a loincloth—maids were drying his clothes, sopping wet from the tunnel water. The little bungalow was cold, the wind whining around the shojis and it took much of his will to keep from shivering openly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hard to concentrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He still could not understand why soldiers were searching for him. The moment he had arrived here, Katsumata had angrily asked Raiko to send spies into the Settlement to find out what had happened and the three of them made plans to escape the Three Carp in case searchers came into the Yoshiwara.\n\nNow he was watching Katsumata pour more saké. Anger had tightened his already sharp features, making him seem even more dangerous: \"Hiraga, my opinion is we attack tomorrow.\"\n\n\"My opinion,\" Hiraga said with equal firmness, \"is we move when we have a chance of success and not before—always your advice—unless caught in the open and face death or capture. Takeda, what is your opinion?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First I'd like to know what would be your plan? You know the target like no one else. What would you do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga drank his hot tea, pulled the quilt closer again, pretending to think, thankful that Takeda was teetering towards his position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I had my normal access, Akimoto and I could have all the flamers into place in three days—I have four already prepared and hidden in my village house,\" he said, embellishing the story." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We need about six, eight would be best: one in each of both the two-story buildings, they're wood and tinder dry and almost burned up in the last earthquake; the gai-jin leader's house; the house next door; three or four in Drunk Town; one in each church. In the confusion we can make an escape by our boat to Yedo.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'swords' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, how much time would that take?\" Katsumata asked even more rudely and the two men shifted uneasily. \"How many days, now you do not have 'normal access'?\"\n\n\"I can tell you that as soon as I know why the soldiers search for me,\" Hiraga said narrowly. Katsumata's swords were beside him, his own swords within easy reach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment he had arrived he had asked Raiko for the swords she had hidden for him—in the event they had to make a sudden escape over the walls and into the paddy behind the Yoshiwara." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'hiraga' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All of them had decided it was too dangerous to hide in the tunnel. \"Takeda?\"\n\n\"I propose we wait until we know what your trouble is. Then we can agree on a final plan, Sensei—but if we could do as Hiraga says I would be for that.\"\n\n\"We must attack tomorrow. That is our final plan.\"\n\nThinking better now, Hiraga threw out a bait. \"If we could do both, sink a ship and fire the Settlement that would be best,\" he said, to placate Katsumata." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be possible if we planned it, but we need more men. A few men more, Sensei,\" he added, using the title of respect he had so far avoided, to further flatter him. \"We could get three men from Yedo. Takeda could go, he's not known, he could bring them back in three or four days. I am marked and cannot move until the attack. You will lead us against the ship—I can tell the others where to place the flamers, can still guide them where to go and how to do it.\"\n\n\"It is good plan, Sensei,\" Takeda said, having seized on the chance of escape by boat—never one for a suicide attack. \"I will go to Yedo, and find the men.\"\n\n\"You would be caught,\" Katsumata said, his lips a thin line." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have never been there and do not know the alleys or where to go. You would be caught.\" His rage was near exploding for he could not attack by himself and needed these two, or other men, and without consensus nothing would be achieved. If anyone should go it must be him. That thought did not displease him for he did not like this place, not enough exits, not enough places to hide—he only felt safe in Kyōto or Osaka or Yedo, or at home in Kagoshima. Eeee, it would be good to see my home and family again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they must wait, he thought and hardened his heart: \"Sonno-joi must go forward, Yoshi must be humbled...\" Simultaneously the three men had their hands on their swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shadows came on the shoji door.\n\n\"Katsumata-sama?\" It was Raiko. \"I have a maid with me.\"\n\n\"Please come in.\" When they saw it was she they relaxed. She bowed, the maid did the same, and they bowed back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell them, Tsuki-chan,\" she said to the maid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I went to the house of the shoya, Sires. He said that Akimoto-sama was taken to the gai-jin leader and after a short time taken to their prison. It has not been possible yet to talk to him but with his first meal, which one of our people serve, we can find out more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. He been beaten and was dragged?\" Katsumata asked.\n\n\"No, Lord, neither, Lord.\"\n\n\"Not beaten, you're sure?\"\n\n\"The shoya was also surprised, Sire. Akimoto-sama was whistling and singing and heard to say, as though it was part of the country song, 'Someone's betrayed someone.'\"\n\nHiraga said darkly, \"That's what he called out in the village. What else did the shoya say?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The shoya says, So sorry, he does not know yet why soldiers search for you. Guards are still there. As soon as he knows the reason he will send word.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Tsuki-chan,\" Raiko said, and dismissed her.\n\nKatsumata said, \"If he hadn't been beaten, he must have given them the information they want and they jailed him to protect him from you?\"\n\n\"No. He would not tell them anything,\" Hiraga said, his mind elsewhere: Who's the betrayer? His eyes flicked to Raiko.\n\nShe was saying, \"Perhaps I can find out. A gai-jin client who might know is arriving any moment. He might know, certainly he could find out.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André came into her room with a forced smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Evening, Raiko-san,\" he said, disgusted with his weakness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She greeted him coolly and offered tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the tea had been taken he handed her the small bag of coins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here another payment, sorry not all but enough for moment. You want see me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Waiting a little is fair, Furansusan, amongst friends,\" she said, annoyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feeling the weight of the bag, she was secretly content with the amount—for the moment—and that the first important matter had been settled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she added, to keep up the pressure, so important with clients, \"A little is fair between friends, but a lot is not correct, not at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I promise more in day or two.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So sorry your payments are far behind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André hesitated, then jerked off his gold signet ring. \"Here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not want that,\" Raiko said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Should I release Hinodeh and allow her to leave, then you—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Please, no... Listen, I have information...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André was not feeling at all well, both because of her cool reception and also because of a migraine acquired during the Yoshi interview that would not go away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And because of Angelique." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And because Tess Struan was not aboard Prancing Cloud, for surely that would have made it easier for him to negotiate a settlement and so get the wealth he required." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had no wish to go to Hong Kong, to challenge her there, in the lair of the Noble House." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique's still the only chance you've got, his brain kept hammering at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seratard had again consulted Ketterer, Sir William, and even Skye about the validity of the marriage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were all convinced it should hold up in a court." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In Hong Kong? I'm not so sure,\" Ketterer had sneered, the others saying the same with different words, in different degrees—except Sir William." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too many scallywags there, judges aren't like they are in London—they're colonials, plenty of corruption, plenty of hanky-panky. A few taels of silver... don't forget Struan's are the Noble House...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raiko leaned closer to André. \"Information, Furansusan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" It was now or never with Raiko—and Hinodeh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Special. Secrets about secret Yoshi meeting with gai-jin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So ka!\" she said, all attention. \"Go on, Furansu-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told her what had happened, in detail, to her intense interest, much sucking in of breath and hissed exclamations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when abruptly, he slid in the part about Yoshi wanting Hiraga, she blanched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His anxiety evaporated, he hid his joy and closed the trap: \"So Hiraga friend of you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not at all, he's a client of a friend,\" she said hastily, fanning herself, mind humming with the wonderful pieces of intelligence to pass on to the shoya and the Gyokoyama that would put him and them totally into her debt—and to Meikin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ah, Meikin! she thought in passing, how long will you stay alive?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "So sorry, you and yours will have to pay, one way or another, Yoshi invested too much in your late Koiko, but then you know that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which brings me to my pressing problem, how in the name of all gods and the Amida Buddha, do I rid myself of Hiraga, Katsumata and the other two, they've become far too dangerous and..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she heard André's different voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So Hiraga client of mama-san friend in Yoshiwara. Hiraga with friend now. Neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her guard dropped back into place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would not know where he is. I imagine he is in the Settlement as usual. Lord Yoshi wants him? Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because Hiraga is shishi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André used the word for the first time, aware of what it meant from Yoshi's revelations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Also for kill daimyo. Daimyo Utani. Other killings too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept the fear off her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Terrible. Shishi, you say? I've heard of them. About this information, old friend, may I ask about th—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hiraga dis'ppear, Raiko. No in Settlement. Many soldiers search. Gone, Raiko. Search all places. He gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eeee, vanished? Soldiers? Vanished to where?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here. To your friend. Where's your friend?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, so sorry, I doubt he would be there,\" she said with perfect sincerity, and shook her head emphatically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Probably he was warned and has run off to Kanagawa or some such place, and so sorry, old friend, but that is not a good question to ask. Your information is very interesting. Is there more?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André sighed. He knew she knew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now she was at his mercy. For a time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yoshi samurai come tomorrow for your Hiraga,\" he said, no longer afraid because one word from him and patrols, Japanese or British, would tear the House of the Three Carp to pieces—after Hinodeh was taken to safety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If gai-jin not have Hiraga tomorrow, much trouble, Raiko. For gai-jin, Yoshiwara, all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The way he said it sent a tremor through her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps gai-jin put Enforcers here, there, all places.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He let that hover in the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So?\" she asked, a bead of sweat forming on her upper lip, frightened of what was coming, all else forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have idea: if you... so sorry,\" he said sweetly, \"if your friend hide Hiraga few day, secret, safe place. Then, at right time give gai-jin leader Hiraga... perhaps get much money, enough you, and Hinodeh, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was watching her and she tried not to flinch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or your people give Hiraga to Yoshi. Hiraga is shishi—valuable—better than earrings,\" he said again, and saw a shudder take her. \"Shishi valuable, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When her heart had stopped thundering enough and she could trust her voice, she mustered the best smile she could, for clearly he believed she knew Hiraga was here, and therefore he could, if provoked, put her and the Three Carp in lethal jeopardy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will ask my friend if she has seen him, or knows where he is, then we can talk, quickly,\" she said, voice conciliatory, deciding that it was better to hurry all shishi out of her life as soon as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Preferably tonight. \"What wonderful information you have discovered, how valuable, how clever to know so much, it will bring some profit no doubt! Ah, Furansusan,\" she said as if a sudden thought to further distract him, \"we hear that a gai-jin lady has arrived from Hong Kong tonight. She is the famous mother of the tai-pan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh? No,\" André said absently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, she—she promise in marriage to trader. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would he be one of my clients, old friend?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, think Inn of Succulent Joy for year, perhaps more, Jamie McFay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jami-san? Jami-san of Stru'n?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eeee, she thought like quicksilver, Nemi will need to know quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She must prepare to present herself to this lady in the Struan big house, to bow before her and welcome her, and assure her in sharing his bed she had been looking after Jami-san expertly—very important to have good relations between nee-go-san—second lady, a consort—and oku-san, wife—because the wife pays all bills, and then to invite her to a return visit to the Jami house in the gardens of the Succulent Joy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eeee, that would be grand, then we could all get a good look at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Furansu-sama, there is a rumor the gai-jin put a Japanese in prison tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Don't know about that. Maybe find out later. Not important. Listen, about Hinodeh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She interrupted brightly, \"Hinodeh was asking me earlier if you were honoring her tonight. She will be so pleased you are here—she honors you greatly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André's chest felt tight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that he had Raiko in his grip he would ask her, no, tell her to make Hinodeh forgo the condition of the light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly he was afraid to do so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing,\" he muttered. \"I go Hinodeh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After he left she drank some brandy to steady her nerves, chewed some fragrant tea leaves to take away the smell then, worriedly, went to the three shishi and told them part of André's information about Yoshi demanding Hiraga, and that his men would arrive tomorrow to take possession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry, it would be best if you left tonight, much safer for you,\" she said, her voice heavy with dread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Katsumata-sama, this client swore Enforcers and gai-jin soldiers were due any moment, coming to search everywhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three men were silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hearing of Yoshi's secret dealings with the gai-jin, Katsumata was more determined than ever to create trouble between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, you have been of great service, Raiko-san. We may leave, we may need to stay, either way you will be well rewarded.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I really believe it would be better to leave an—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata's voice rasped, \"Either way you will be well rewarded. Meanwhile we will discuss how best to protect you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did not want to go but she bowed, thanked him and went out into the night, and when safely away cursed him and them and André, at the same time deciding who would be the trustworthy messenger to speed André's intelligence to Meikin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Light the lamps,\" Katsumata said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All had guttered and most extinguished as she had opened and closed the door and the wind had invaded the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the door closed again the few remaining flames settled but for an isolated draft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen,\" he said, so that no one outside could hear: \"Hiraga, I will get more men and return in three days. Hide here, safer than coming with me, use a new disguise and hide in the tunnel. If you are clever you will be safe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Sensei.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In three days we gut Yokohama, sink the ship, kill as many gai-jin as possible, and escape. I will bring Bakufu uniforms. Takeda, help Hiraga with the incendiaries. They must be ready by the time I get back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takeda said, \"Better if I come with you, Sensei. I can protect your back in case you are seen or intercepted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Stay with Hiraga.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsumata did not want to be encumbered, exceedingly uncomfortable inside the Yoshiwara fence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll leave the moment the barricades are open.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is the best plan. Sonno-joi,\" Hiraga said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was feeling nauseated and light-headed at the same time, aghast at the thought of Yoshi's men arriving tomorrow, or Enforcers, and being caught—inevitable now that Yoshi, personally, was after him—knowing, too, the Sensei was right again: the walled Settlement and fenced Yoshiwara were traps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the same time he was marvelously relieved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that his end was inevitable there was no reason not to hurl himself wholeheartedly into the attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three days is a lifetime." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Katsumata gone, who knows what may happen? In any event, I won't be taken alive." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 5 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My God, Jamie, look there!\" Dmitri said.\n\nJamie glanced at the doorway. So did the twenty other guests scattered around the reception room in the Russian Legation. Conversation died then picked up. Angelique was coming in on the arm of Sir William." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A long-sleeved and simple black dress that showed off not only the paleness but the glow of her skin, and set off the column of her neck to perfection, the cut perfect, her tiny waist and swell of her breasts presented modestly, perfect for mourning, but no doubting their hidden magic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hair swept up. No jewelry except a thin gold necklace and wedding ring—Malcolm's signet ring now cut to fit.\n\n\"She's twenty-four karat.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Jamie said. Then, feeling a new stir, looked around. Across the room Maureen was smiling at him, surrounded by men, Pallidar amongst them. He smiled back, liking what he saw, still dumbfounded by her arrival, and courage, making such a formidable journey alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What the devil am I going to do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Incredible about Hong Kong and Malc's funeral, huh?\"\n\n\"You're right, Dmitri. I'd have bet Tess would never do that.\" What's she up to, he asked himself again, and what was in her letter to Angelique? No chance to ask yet, no clue from her appearance. His own had been illuminating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dear Jamie, Mr. Gornt has told me in detail what a good friend you were to my son." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'forgive' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thank you with all my heart. But I still cannot forgive you for not complying with my wishes—company policy—for not diverting my son back to his duty and persuading him to give up his attention to that woman or, at the very least, to put her in proportion and to return here; cannot forgive you aiding and abetting him in his foolishness, particularly as I pointed out at length his minority and that while tai-pan in name he did not exercise those powers until formally installed, and that, to my regret, I did, temporarily.\n\nI understand from Mr. Gornt you intend to try to form yr own business. I wish you luck and thank you for yr many years of fine service. In business Struan's will never be hostile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I enclose a sight draft on London for five thousand guineas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please give my best wishes to yr fiancée. I enjoyed meeting her. Tess Struan.\n\nHe beamed at the thought of all that money. It made his company possible, small to be sure, but it gave him the time he needed, and also to ease forward with the shoya though how those ventures would prosper without Nakama/Hiraga he did not know. He pitied him. And Tess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In her case he understood, and forgave her, not because of the money. \"What, Dmitri?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've every right to be smug. Your Maureen's great.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! Yes. Yes, she is.\"\n\n\"What about Nemi?\" Dmitri asked.\n\nJamie's smile vanished, his discomfort returned, and he turned his back to the door. \"A bloody problem, Dmitri. I'd made a date to see her tonight.\"\n\n\"Jesus, in Struan's?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, thank God. In our... in her place.\"\n\n\"Jesus, that was lucky. Are you going?\"\n\n\"Yes, why not? Christ Almighty, I don't know... When Maureen arrived out of the dark... It's not that I don't like her, I'm still in a state of shock.\"\n\n\"Sure, but a good one—you're lucky. Listen, we're old buddies and can speak straight. If you... if you decide to stop with Nemi, to pension her off, call it a day, whatever, may I ask that you let me know? She's a good sport, good fun and she speaks enough of our lingo.\"\n\n\"All right, but...\" Laughter from the men surrounding Maureen attracted their attention there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then to Angelique. \"Smashing, isn't she?\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Angelique, I mean.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique and Sir William were waiting for Zergeyev to join them. Tonight's dress and coiffure had been decided on earlier—selected specifically for Tess and this soiree, which was to have been their first battleground. Though her enemy had not arrived she resolved not to alter her plan, the effect was so pleasing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had considered wearing the Imperial Jade ring that Malcolm had ordered from Hong Kong and had been delivered by mail ship a week after his death, causing her another flood of private tears. If Tess had been here she would not have hesitated. Without that reason the ring was wrong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Actually I'm glad she isn't here, she told herself. Thank God Vargas warned me. I need more time to prepare for that joust, person to person—ah, time, am I or am I not bearing Malcolm's child... \"Good evening, Count Zergeyev,\" she said with her gentle smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for inviting me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're so welcome, you've already made the evening a success. 'Evening, Sir William. You both know everyone, except a new guest.\" In a sudden hush, everyone watching, comparing, Zergeyev beckoned Maureen from the circle of admirers, Marlowe amongst them now. \"Miss Maureen Ross, from Edinburgh, Jamie's fiancée. Madame Angelique Struan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment Angelique had come in she had seen Maureen, instantly scrutinized her from nice head to neat shoe and decided she was no threat—noticing Gornt in passing, but leaving him for later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Welcome to the furthest British outpost in the world, Mademoiselle Ross,\" she said pleasantly, wondering how old she was, and thinking, Yes, at night, in a muffler, this one could easily be mistaken for that woman—same tall, imposing way of standing; same direct gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie is very lucky.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" The moment Angelique had come into the room Maureen had scrutinized her from shining head to tiny foot, recognized her beauty, and while instinctively liking her, decided at once she was a threat—her eyes had switched to Jamie to see his open admiration, and the men around him, no way of missing the general hum of appreciation—and she readied for battle.\n\n\"I'm so pleased to meet you and was awful sorry to hear about your tragedy, I'm so... everyone's so sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With genuine feeling, she leaned down and touched a cheek against Angelique's." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'friends' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do hope we'll be friends.\" A special smile. \"Please, let's be friends. I'll need a friend, dinna fear. Jamie said what a good friend you've been to him.\"\n\n\"No need for 'please,' Maureen—may I call you Maureen, and would you call me Angelique?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she said with a special smile, acknowledging and understanding the warning put nicely and without claws, that Jamie was personal property and not to be flirted with. \"Good, it would be very good to have a girl friend. Perhaps we could have tea tomorrow?\"\n\n\"Och, I'd enjoy that. Angelique, what a pretty name and pretty dress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too severe, yet too hourglass for mourning.\n\n\"And so is yours, that color goes marvelously with your hair.\" Green silk, expensive, but English not Parisian and the cut old-fashioned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind. That can be improved, if she becomes an intimate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jamie was a great friend to my husband, and to me when I needed one badly. You are very lucky,\" she said truthfully. \"Now where is your handsome fiancé? Ah, there he is!\"\n\nWatched by all eyes, she linked arms with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone beamed at the Entente Cordiale and, still the center of attention, she guided Maureen to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be careful, Jamie, it's easy to see this lady is very precious—there are too many pirates in Yokohama.\"\n\nThose around laughed and she left them and went back to Sir William, greeting Ketterer en route—a special compliment and smile to him, and later to Marlowe—as well as Settry Pallidar, resplendent and rivaling Zergeyev in his Cossack uniform. \"La, Sir William,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How lucky we are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To be...\" Zergeyev stopped himself in time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He almost said, To be alive? Instead he took a glass of champagne from a silver platter held by a liveried manservant and said, \"To be in the presence of two such lovely ladies, we are lucky! Your healths.\" Everyone drank, and continued to compare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zergeyev was too worried to follow suit, much more concerned with what other foul news had arrived with Prancing Cloud, particularly for the other Ministers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An urgent, coded dispatch from St. Petersburg—three months old—had arrived. First, it related the usual trouble with Prussia, troops massing on their Western borders, six armies sent there; trouble expected soon with the Ottoman Empire and Moslems to the south, three armies sent there; famine everywhere, with intellectuals such as Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy advocating change and liberalization. Second, it ordered him to press the Japanese to remove their fishing villages from the Kuriles and Sakhalin under threat of \"serious consequences.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And third, much trouble for him personally: You are appointed Governor General of Russian Alaska." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the spring the warship Tsar Alexandre will arrive with your replacement for the Japans, and then carry you and your entourage to our Alaskan capital Sitka where you will be in residence for at least two years to expedite Friendship.\n\n\"Why so glum, friend?\" Sir William asked in Russian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zergeyev saw that Angelique was again surrounded, so drew him aside and told him about his new posting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not about \"Friendship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the code name of a top-secret State plan to facilitate enforced, massive immigration of hardy Siberian tribes into their vast Alaskan-American territories that spread hundreds of miles inland, adjoined Canada and hugged the coast southwards to end not far from the American-Canadian border. Hardy, tough, warlike peoples who could, and would, over a generation or three, trickle southwards and eastwards to the vast prairies and warm exotic lands of California, eventually to possess America. The plan had been proposed by an uncle twenty-five years earlier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Two years! A fornicating prison sentence!\"\n\n\"I agree.\" Sir William felt equally uncomfortable with the vicissitudes of his own Foreign Office, their aptitude for sudden postings, equally olympian. \"Alaska? Ugh! Know nothing about it—have you ever been there? Last year, the ship I was on stopped at Vancouver, in our colony there. It's just an outpost, and we went no farther north.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sitka's not much farther. I was there as a youth once. Now we've permanent settlement, lots of traders, a few hundred shacks,\" Zergeyev said sourly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Furs, freezing, lawlessness, illiterates, Indians, drunks, and no society. The place is a foul wasteland, discovered by Bering and Chirikov a hundred-odd years ago... at first they thought it was just part of our northern territories, fifty-odd miles across an inlet, not realizing it was a Strait they named after Bering. Sixty-odd years ago, one of my granduncles helped form the Russian American Fur Company, our fur-trading monopoly, and appointed an imperious son of a whore—a cousin called Baranof—to be Director, who moved the capital to Sitka. It's on an island off the coast, totally miserable, and called, guess what, Baranof Island. Unfortunately my family made Alaska a special interest. Hence the posting. Matyeryeybitz! Both of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William laughed and Angelique turned back to them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I share the joke?\"\n\n\"Er, it wasn't well, very funny, my dear,\" he said, docketing the highly interesting data for transmission to London, \"just a Russian vulgarity.\"\n\n\"English humor, Angelique.\" Zergeyev laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And on that happy thought, it is time for dinner.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gallantly he bowed, went over and took Maureen into the dining room, Sir William and Angelique followed, then the others. Abundant silver on the refectory table, liveried menservants behind each chair, others to bring in huge quantities of meats and borscht and beets and pies and jugs of iced vodka, champagne and French wines and sorbets. Gypsy musicians from the Russian warship, then later Cossack dancers from his entourage for entertainment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Conversation buzzing and all of them still comparing: tiny and tall, French against one of us, delightful French accent, comfortable Scots." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both beddable, Angelique much more so, both eligible, and marriageable, Maureen much more so." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mass'er down stair, Missee-tai-tai.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Master Gornt?\"\n\nAh Soh shrugged, standing in the doorway of Angelique's boudoir." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kwailoh Mass'er.\" With her hand she indicated someone tall, and closed the door with a customary bang.\n\nAngelique glanced quickly in the mirror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her suppressed excitement was all the makeup she needed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A moment while she locked her journal and put it away. A final check and she swept out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Black silk dress with many petticoats, hair tied with a neat chiffon scarf, also black." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Signet wedding ring. Down the staircase, oblivious of the servants at their early morning chores." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Into the tai-pan's office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt stood by the window, looking out at the bay. Chen waited lugubriously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good morning, Edward.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and smiled a welcome. \"'Morning, Ma'am.\"\n\n\"Can I order coffee, or champagne?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, thank you, I've had breakfast. Just wanted to tell you about Hong Kong, and your shopping list. Hope I'm not disturbing you.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Chen, wait outside, heya.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment they were alone she said softly, \"This is Albert's office now, I'm borrowing it while he's in the counting office with Vargas so we may not have much time—it's hard to have somewhere to talk privately. Let's sit here, Edward,\" she said, motioning to the table in the window, the curtains open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Passersby can see us, that should be safe, you were Malcolm's friend. Please quickly, what happened?\"\n\n\"May I say first how marvelous you look?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So do you.\" Her anxiety was open now. \"Please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It went very well, I think,\" he said quietly. \"Tess would make a great poker player, Angelique, so I can't be sure. At our first meeting I told her about my Brock information, as we agreed, saying several times in different ways it was because of you I was seeing her. Not th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Were you the first to see her from the ship?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I'm quite sure because I went ashore on the pilot boat before Prancing Cloud docked, with Captain Strongbow. After I told Tess about the Brocks, there wasn't much of a reaction, she listened intently, asked a few questions and then said, 'Please come back tomorrow, with your evidence, shortly after dawn. Use the side door in the alley, it will be unlocked, and be muffled up and careful, the Brocks have spies everywhere.' The next day...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait! Did you tell her about—about Malcolm dying, and about our marriage?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I let Strongbow do that,\" Gornt said. \"I'll start from the beginning. We went ashore together on the pilot boat, at my suggestion, keeping quiet about it, and Hoag out of the plan—he's a loose mouth. I had volunteered to support Strongbow and help because I was a witness to part of it... the poor fellow was scared to death though it really was his duty to tell her. When he blurted out that Malcolm was dead she went white. In a few seconds she had recovered her composure, astonishing how fast, but she did and then she asked, her voice flat, she asked him how Malcolm had died. Strongbow was distraught and he stuttered, 'I brought the death certificate, Mrs. Struan, and inquest findings and a letter from Sir William and it was from natural causes and happened aboard Prancing Cloud. We found him dead in the morning, after the night he was wed'...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'gornt' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She shot to her feet like an arrow and screeched, 'You married my son to that woman?' Strongbow almost died and gabbled out the story as fast as he could, about Pearl, about the duel, me saving Jamie's life by killing Norbert, finding Malcolm, telling everything he knew, how you were in shock. The sweat was pouring off him, Angelique. I must admit I was sweating too—after the first screech Tess just stood there, eyes on fire like a Medusa. Then he gave her some letters, I saw one was from Sir William, mumbled sorry but it was his awful duty to tell her and he stumbled away.\"\n\nGornt took out a handkerchief and dried his forehead, and Angelique felt weak, nauseated at the strength of her enemy—if Tess could make Gornt sweat like this, what might Tess do to her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She just stood there and then her eyes turned on me. Astonishing how such a woman could seem so... so tall. And tough. Tough one minute, soft the next, but never her guard down. I had to force my feet not to back off and looked around pretending to be afraid of being overheard, and said in a rush that I was dreadfully sorry too, Malcolm really was my friend, that you were her friend too and it was because of you I was there, as I had information that would bankrupt Tyler and Morgan Brock. The moment I said 'bankrupt Tyler' the madness left her, at least the scary fire left her and she sat down, still didn't take her eyes off me, sat down and after a long time said, 'What information?' I said I'd come back tomorrow but she said with a voice like a knife, What information? I gave her the bare bones... Sorry, Angelique, could I have a drink? Not champagne—whisky, bourbon if you have it.\"\n\nShe went to the sideboard and poured for him, water for herself as he continued, \"The next day I brought half of the evidence and left it with her. She—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait, was she the same as the day before?\"\n\n\"Yes and no. Thanks, health, a long one and a merry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a deep swig and gasped as the spirit caught his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks. When I'd finished she looked at me and I thought I'd failed. That's one hell of a scary woman, I wouldn't like to be her enemy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I am? Mon Dieu, Edward, tell me the truth.\"\n\n\"Yes, you are, but that doesn't matter for the moment, let me go on. I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You gave her my letter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes, sorry, forgot to mention it, I did that the first day, before I left, just as we agreed, again stressing this was all your idea, telling her then that as my arrangement was with Malcolm, the tai-pan, and he was dead, I had considered the deal was off and was going back to Shanghai to wait for a new tai-pan. But you sought me out and begged me to come to see her, saying I owed it to my friend Malcolm, that he had mentioned my proposal to you in secret—with none of the details—and you were certain it would be his wish to pass the information on to his mother as soon as possible, that I must do it urgently. At first I didn't want to, but you pleaded with me and persuaded me. So I was there because of you and you had asked me to give her a letter. I passed it over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did she read it in front of you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'after' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. That was the first day. The next day at our dawn meeting, after I'd given her part of the info, she asked lots of questions, intelligent ones, and said to come back after sunset, the side door again. I did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once she said the dossier was incomplete. I told her yes, sure, no point in showing everything until I knew how committed she would be—was she truly interested, like Malcolm, in wrecking the Brocks?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said yes, and asked why was I after them, and what was my interest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told her bluntly. The whole story of Morgan, the truth. It was Morgan I wanted to break, if his father went too, that was fine with me. I didn't mention that this made her my stepaunt, not once in all the meetings, nor did she. Never. Nor did she mention your letter to her. Not once. All she did was ask questions. After the Morgan revelations I expected her to say something, how sorry she was, or that that was typical of Morgan—after all he is her brother. But nothing. She didn't say a word, asked details of my deal with Malcolm and I gave her the contract.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He finished his glass. \"Your contract.\"\n\n\"Your contract,\" she said, on edge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How you must hate her, Edward.\"\n\n\"You're wrong, I don't hate her. I think I understand, she was living on her nerves. Malcolm's death had torn her apart, much as she tried to hide it and rise above it. I'm sure of it. Malcolm was the future of the Noble House, now she faces chaos. Her only ray of hope was me and my scheme—barely legal, by the way, even in Hong Kong, which stretches rules like nowhere else. May I?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked lifting his glass.\n\n\"Of course,\" she said, wondering about him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She read the contract carefully then got up and stared down at Hong Kong harbor, looking frail in a way, like spun steel in another. 'When do I get the rest of the evidence?' she asked, and I told her now, if she agreed to the deal. 'It's agreed,' she said, and sat down and signed her name, and chopped it in front of her secretary as witness, then told her to lock up and leave. She—\"\n\n\"She never mentioned my signature as witness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, though as you forecast she sure as hell noticed it first thing. To continue: I stayed with her perhaps four hours, guiding her through the maze of papers and copies of papers, not that she needed much guiding. Then she put them in a neat pile and asked me about the Tokaidō affair, Malcolm, you, McFay, Tyrer, Suh William, Norbert, what Morgan and Tyler had told me in Shanghai, my opinions of you, of Malcolm, did he pursue you, did you pursue him, volunteering nothing, questions and more questions—avoiding mine—her mind as sharp as a samurai's sword. But I swear to God, Angelique, every time Morgan or Old Man Brock's name came up, every time I mentioned another quirk that the papers allowed, or suggested another barb that would rip into their empire, Tess almost salivated.\"\n\nShe shuddered. \"Is—is there a chance for a peace with me, do you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think so, let me finish in sequence. She asked again if the deal Malcolm had signed was still an agreeable reward. I said yes. She said, 'Tomorrow I will replace it with a more legal document chopped and signed as the other. Now to the last matter tonight, Mr. Gornt. What should I give this woman?' Angelique, I had told her you had asked me for nothing, you only wanted to put your husband's wishes and hopes before her, and that, if they proved fruitful—I had told her you knew nothing of their contents—that that would be reward enough.\"\n\n\"You used that word, 'husband'? And she let it pass?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Yes, but she said at once, 'I am informed that " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but she said at once, 'I am informed that \"marriage,\" whatever she claims or Sir William says, is not valid.'\"\n\nAngelique began to bridle but Gornt said, \"Not so fast, honey, be patient. I'm telling you what she said. Be patient, time enough to make our play. After that meeting she wanted another the following evening. To keep everything on the table, I told her I had seen the Brocks and told them the same Yokohama story, particularly about the duel, and had given them a copy of Norbert's inquest. Old Tyler was mad as a pit bull terrier but Morgan calmed him, said that shooting Jamie McFay in the back would have hurt them more than the loss of one easily replaceable manager.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique watched him collect his thoughts, her heart thumping, so many questions unanswered yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She'll act... act on the information?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On my evidence, yes. Oh, yes, and quickly. I'll have my revenge and you'll get a settlement.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure, Ma'am, never fear. It's taken years of biting my tongue, kowtowing, but soon... you'll see! When I told her about my meeting with the Brocks—she kept asking about them, what was Tyler's reaction to the marriage and death of her son and so on, and never once used the term 'father.' I told her frankly how they both guffawed over your naval marriage and going against her wishes: Old Man Brock had said, 'Pays the bitch back, for goin' agin mine!' I told her straight how both gloated over Malcolm's death, Morgan saying, now they've no tai-pan and come February 1st Tess will be out of Jockey Club, busted in Hong Kong, Tyler adding, An' I'll be the tai-pan, Dirk's nose be in't shit an' Noble House an' his name forgot forever!\"\n\n\"You said that to her?\" Angelique's head reeled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Ma'am, but that's what Tyler said—he really did. And he's the engine to send her mad, so I thought I should report it accurately and when I did, Lordy, Lordy, Ma'am, her head was shaking so much her eyeballs had a hard time catching up and I thought the Medusa was coming back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it didn't, not this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time the fiend's fire was confined—it was still there, oh yes, Ma'am, yes indeed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she corked it, she kept it inside, even so I sure as hell... sorry, I sure as shooting sweated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not proper for a woman to have that amount of rage, but after Tyler and Morgan it's easy to see where she gets it from.\n\n\"When she'd cooled down a bitty, I told her Tyler had eventually agreed to Morgan's suggestion I should come back here as manager, on trial for a year, with plenty of dire threats for nonperformance. She asked my salary. 'Excellent. Publicly we will be enemies, secretly we will be close allies, and if Brock and Sons goes under forever, which I pray to God happens, your Rothwell-Gornt will take their place.' That's about it, Angelique, except she had decided to send Hoag back here and was writing you a letter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sipped his bourbon, the taste turned smooth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't ask what was in it or make any defense of you other than continuing to say in various ways, if my scheme helped her destroy Brock's, she had you to thank too. What was in her letter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had given it to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A lot of dung with the bales of cotton,\" he had said, handing it back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's her first bargaining position—and clear from this I kept my bargain: she's convinced she has to thank you as well. You'll win.\"\n\n\"Win what? No legal harassment?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That and a stipend. She admits she's in your debt.\"\n\n\"Yes, but nothing more, just threats.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We hold a few trumps.\"\n\n\"What?\" They heard voices outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Time, among others, Angelique. Tonight I'll invite you to a casual supper, we can talk safely there an—\"\n\n\"Not in Brock's, and not alone. We must be careful,\" she said hastily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please invite Dmitri and Marlowe. We must be very careful, Edward, must pretend not to be too close—that would make that woman suspicious and she's bound to hear; Albert is totally on her side. If we can't talk tonight I'll promenade tomorrow at ten and we can continue...\" To forestall the embrace she had felt imminent she had kissed him quickly on the cheek and offered her hand, thanking him effusively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When alone once more in the privacy of her boudoir, she let her mind roam." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What trumps? What aces? And why that strange smile?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And what had he really agreed with Tess? Is he hiding something from me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's true from her letter he convinced her of my help and that's important. Or am I just being oversuspicious?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If only I could have been there!\n\nThen the Am-I-or-am-I-not took possession of her, racking her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once, frightened, she had mentioned it to Babcott who said, \"Be patient, don't worry.\" For a moment she wondered if Babcott and Phillip Tyrer would return from Yedo out of the enemy net they had gone into willingly, sent by Sir William.\n\nMen with their stupidities of patience and mendacity and wrong priorities, what do they know?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Yedo Castle, Yoshi was anxious and irritable. It was midmorning, he was in his quarters and still had no word how the gai-jin doctor's examination of the tairō had gone. When he came back to Yedo from Kanagawa yesterday with Babcott and Tyrer, he had installed them in one of the daimyo's palaces outside the castle walls that he had carefully chosen, staffed and ringed with trusted guards for further security, and at once invited Anjo for the examination.\n\nThe tairō arrived in a nondescript closed palanquin, protected by his own bodyguard—the assassination attempt on him had happened barely a hundred yards away. This, together with the mass shishi attack on Shōgun Nobusada and the various attempts on Yoshi had increased the Elders' sensitivity and security needs.\n\nYoshi, with Babcott and Phillip Tyrer beside him, met the clandestine palanquin in the courtyard. They bowed, Yoshi making the lowest bow, laughing to himself as, painfully, Anjo was helped out. \"Tairō, this is the gai-jin doctor, B'bc'tt, and interpreter Firrup Taira.\"\n\nAnjo gawked up at Babcott. \"Eeee, the man really is as big as a tree! So big, eeee, a monster! Would his penis be in proportion?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he looked at Phillip Tyrer and guffawed: \"Straw hair, a face like a monkey, a pig's blue eyes and a Japanese name—that is one of your family names, Yoshi-dono, neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The name has almost the same sound,\" Yoshi said curtly, then to Tyrer, \"When the examination is completed, send these two men for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed at Misamoto, the fisherman, his spy and false samurai, and Misamoto's constant guard, the samurai whose orders were never to leave him alone with any gai-jin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anjo-dono, I believe your health is in good hands.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'worried' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you for arranging this. The Doctor will be sent to you when it pleases me, no need to leave these men here, or any of your men...\"\n\nThat was yesterday. All night he had worried and this morning, worried and hoped. His room was changed. It was even more austere. All traces of Koiko had been removed. Two guards stood behind him and two at the door. Irritably he got up from his writing table and went to the window and leaned on the lintel. Far below he could see the daimyo's palace in the inner circle. The tairō's men were standing guard there. No other signs of activity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the rooftops of Yedo he could see the ocean, and smoke trails of some merchantmen and a warship out at sea inbound for Yokohama.\n\nWhat do they carry, he asked himself. Guns? Troops, cannon? What mischief are they planning?\n\nTo settle his nerves he sat back at his table and continued practicing calligraphy. Ordinarily the exercise soothed. Today it brought no peace. Koiko's exquisite brushstrokes kept forming on the paper and, try as he could, he could not stop her face rising to the forefront of his mind.\n\n\"Baka!\" he said, making a false stroke, spoiling an hour of work. He threw the brush down, splattering ink on the tatami. His guards shifted uneasily and he cursed himself for the lapse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must control your memory. You must." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since that evil day she had beset him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The smallness of her neck, hardly feeling the blow, then rushing away instead of lighting her pyre, the nights worst of all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lonely in bed, and cold, but no wish for a female body or for succor, all illusions gone." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'would' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After her betrayal, her treason introducing the dragon woman Sumomo into his inner chambers—no excuse was acceptable for that, none, he told himself again, none. She must have known about her. No excuse, no forgiveness—not even, as he now believed, for her sacrificial charge to receive the shuriken that would have impaled him. No woman could be trusted again. Except his wife, perhaps, and consort perhaps. He had not sent for either of them, only written, telling them to wait, to guard their sons and keep their castle safe.\n\nHe felt no real joy even in his victory over the gai-jin though he was certain it was a superb step forward, and sure that when he told the Elders, they would be ecstatic. Even Anjo. How sick is that dog? Unto death I hope. Will the giant do his magic and cure him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or is the Chinese doctor to be believed, he who Inejin says has never been wrong and whispered an early death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never mind. Anjo, sick or not, will listen to me now, the others will listen at last, and agree to my proposals. Why not? The gai-jin are boxed, no threat now from the fleet, Sanjiro almost done to death by gai-jin, Ogama satisfied in Kyōto. Shōgun Nobusada will be ordered back to Yedo where he belongs, once he explained the part the boy should play in the great plan. And not only returning, but returning alone, leaving his hostile wife, the Princess Yazu, to \"follow in a few days,\" never to follow if Yoshi had his way—no need for the others to be in his confidence. Only Ogama.\n\nNot even Ogama to know all of it, only the part to enmesh the Princess and have her divorced by Imperial \"request.\" Ogama would see to it that she stayed out of the way until she was safely and permanently neutralized, content to live forever within the palace quagmire of poetry competitions, mysticism, and other world ceremonials. And a new husband. Ogama.\n\nNo, not Ogama, he thought, cynically amused, though of course I will propose the union. No, someone else, someone she will be content with—the Prince to whom she was once promised, and still honors. Ogama will be a fine ally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In many ways. Until he goes onwards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meanwhile there is no need to share an immortal truth I have discovered about gai-jin—with Ogama, Anjo or anyone: Gai-jin do not understand time as we do, they do not consider or think about time as we do. They think time is finite. We do not. They worry about time, minutes, hours, days—months are important to them, exact appointments sacrosanct. Not to us. Their version of time controls them. So this is one cudgel we can always use to beat them with.\n\nHe smiled to himself, loving secrets, dreaming of a thousand ways to use gai-jin time against real time to dominate them, and through them the future. Patience patience patience.\n\nMeanwhile I still have our Gates, though Ogama's men control my men who guard our Gates. That does not matter. Soon we will possess them entirely, and the Son of Heaven. Again. Will I live to see that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I do, I do, if I do not, I do not. Karma.\n\nKoiko's laugh sent a chill down his spine: Ah, Tora-chan, you and karma! Startled, and he looked around. It wasn't her. The laughter came from the corridor, mixed with voices.\n\n\"Sire?\"\n\n\"Come in,\" he said, recognizing Abeh.\n\nAbeh strode in, leaving his others outside. The guards relaxed. With Abeh was one of the household maids, a cheerful, middle-aged woman, carrying a tray and fresh tea. Both knelt, bowed. \"Put the tray on the table,\" he said. The maid obeyed, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh stayed kneeling near the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were new orders: no one was to come within two metres without permission." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What were you laughing at?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"Please excuse me, Sire, I do not know,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his surprise she said merrily, \"At the giant gai-jin, Sire, I saw him in the courtyard, I thought I was seeing a kami—two in fact, Sire, the other one with yellow hair and blue eyes of a Siamese cat. Eeee, Sire, I had to laugh. Imagine, blue eyes! The tea's this season's, as you ordered. Would like something to eat, please?\"\n\n\"Later,\" he said, and dismissed her, feeling calmer, her warm nature infectious. \"Abeh, they are in the courtyard? What is happening?\"\n\n\"Please excuse me, Sire, I do not know,\" Abeh said, still furious that yesterday Anjo had ordered them all away. \"The Captain of the tairō's bodyguard came a moment ago and ordered... ordered me to conduct them back to Kanagawa. What should I do, Sire? You will of course want to see them first.\"\n\n\"Where is tairō Anjo now?\"\n\n\"I only know that the two gai-jin are to be taken back to Kanagawa, Sire. I asked the Captain how the examination went and he said insolently, 'What examination?' and left.\"\n\n\"Bring the gai-jin here.\" Soon there were heavy, foreign footsteps. A knock. \"The gai-jin, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abeh stood aside and motioned Babcott and Tyrer forward, knelt and bowed. They bowed standing, both unshaven and clearly tired. Immediately one of the door guards angrily shoved Tyrer to his knees, sending him sprawling. The other guard tried the same with Babcott but the Doctor twisted with uncanny speed for such a huge man, grabbed the man by his clothes near his throat, one-handed, lifting him off his feet, slamming him back against the stone wall. For a second he held the unconscious man there, then gently let him crumple to the floor.\n\nIn the shocked silence, Babcott said carelessly, \"Gomen nasai, Yoshi-sama, but these twits shouldn't pick on guests. Phillip, please translate that, and say I haven't killed him though the ill-mannered sod will have a headache for a week.\"\n\nThe other samurai were coming out of their trance and going for their swords. \"Stop!\" Yoshi ordered, furious with the gai-jin and furious with the guards. They froze.\n\nWeakly, Phillip Tyrer had picked himself up, ignored the inert guard and said in his quaint, halting Japanese, \"Please excuse, Yoshi-sama, but Doctor-sama and I, we bow as foreign custom. Polite, yes? No mean harm. Doctor-sama say, Please excuse, man no dead only...\" He searched for the word, could not find it, so he pointed at his head, \"Pain, one week, two.\"\n\nYoshi laughed. Tension left the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take him away. When he wakes bring him back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waved the others to their places and motioned the Englishmen to sit opposite him. When they had settled themselves awkwardly, he said, \"How is the tairō, how did the examination go?\"\n\nAt once Babcott and Phillip replied with simple words and gestures that they had agreed in advance, explaining that the examination went well, that the tairō had a bad hernia—a rupture—that Babcott could help relieve the pain with a truss and medication, which would have to be made and fetched from the Settlement, that the tairō had agreed he should return in a week to fit it and bring the results of tests. Meanwhile, he had given him medication that would take most of the pain away and help him sleep.\n\nYoshi frowned. \"This 'hern'ah,' it is permanent?\"\n\n\"Doctor-sama say that—\"\n\n\"I know the doctor is talking through you, Taira,\" Yoshi snapped, displeased with what he had heard, \"just translate his words without ceremonial titles!\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire. He says damage is per'man'nt,\" a new word for him. \"Tairō Anjo need... need medicine always stop pain, all time, sorry, each daytime, and also use each daytime this 'truss.'\" Tyrer used the English word and with his hands, explained the belt and pressure point." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doctor think Tairō-sama good if has care. No can... cannot fight use sword easy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshi scowled, the results not heartening. \"How long...\" He stopped and waved his guards out. \"Wait outside.\" Abeh stayed. \"You too.\" Reluctantly his Captain closed the door. Yoshi said, \"The truth: How long will he live?\"\n\n\"That only God says.\"\n\n\"Huh, gods! How long Doctor thinks tairō will live?\"\n\nBabcott hesitated. He had expected the tairō to order him not to speak to Yoshi but once he had told him about the hernia and medicine, and had given him some of his laudanum tincture, which had relieved the pain almost at once, the tairō had chuckled and encouraged him to relate \"the good news.\" But the hernia was only part of the problem.\n\nHis fuller diagnosis, one that he had not told Anjo, or Phillip Tyrer, wanting to reserve judgment until he had made an analysis of urine and stool samples, had consulted with Sir William and made a second examination, was that he was afraid there could be a dangerous deterioration of the intestines from unknown causes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The physical had only taken an hour or so, the verbal probing many hours. At forty-six, Anjo was in bad condition. Teeth rotten, surely septicemia from those sooner or later. Bad reactions to delicate probing of stomach and organs, obvious constrictions inside, very enlarged prostate.\n\nMost of his diagnostic problem was due to his and Phillip's lack of fluency, because the patient was impatient, did not trust him yet, and was not forthcoming with symptoms or clues. It had taken much diligent questioning for him to probably establish the man experienced difficulties with bowel movements, passing urine and an inability to hold erections—which seemed to concern him the most—though Anjo had shrugged and would admit none of the symptoms outright.\n\n\"Phillip, tell Lord Yoshi I think he will live about the average for a man in his condition of the same age.\"\n\nTyrer's headache had returned, aided by his desperation to do a good job. \"He live about same as man of same age.\"\n\nYoshi thought about that, also understanding the difficulties of probing delicate matters in a foreign language with inadequate interpretation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Therefore he must keep the questions simple. \"Ask: two years, three years, one year?\" He watched Babcott closely, not Tyrer.\n\n\"Difficult say, Lord. In one week perhaps know better.\"\n\n\"But now? The truth. One, two or three, what think?\"\n\nBabcott had realized before he left Kanagawa that his function here was not only as a doctor. Sir William had said: \"To put it bluntly, old chap, if the patient turns out to be Anjo, you're also an important representative of Her Majesty's Government, me, the Settlement, and a bloody spy—so, George, please don't pong on this golden opportunity...\"\n\nFor himself he was first and foremost a doctor. With doctor-patient confidentiality. No doubt that Yoshi was the enemy of the patient, a powerful enemy, but also a potentially powerful friend to H.M.'s Government. Balancing the two, Yoshi was the more important in the long run." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anjo had issued the ultimatum to evacuate Yokohama, he was the head of the Bakufu who would, unless there was a violent end to Yoshi, certainly die before him. If forced what would you answer? he asked himself. Within a year. He answered instead: \"One, two or three, Yoshi-sama? Truth, sorry not know now.\"\n\n\"Could it be more?\"\n\n\"Sorry, not possible say now.\"\n\n\"Can you say next week?\"\n\n\"Perhaps say can, not more than three year next week.\"\n\n\"Perhaps you know more than you say, now or next week.\"\n\nBabcott smiled with his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Phillip, tell him politely I am here at his invitation, a guest. As doctor, not magician, and I don't need to return next week or any week.\"\n\n\"Damn it, George,\" Tyrer muttered guardedly, \"we don't want trouble. I don't know what 'magician' is, and damned if I can cope with these nuances. For God's sake, make it simple.\"\n\n\"What did you say, Taira?\" Yoshi asked sharply.\n\n\"Oh! Sire, that... difficult translate words of High Leaders when... when many meanings, and not know bet word... best word, please excuse me.\"\n\n\"You should study harder,\" Yoshi said testily, infuriated that he did not have his own interpreter. \"You do well but not well enough, study harder! It is important you work harder! Now, what did he say, exactly!\"\n\nTyrer took a deep breath, sweating. \"He say, he doctor, not like god, Yoshi-sama, not know exact about tairō. He... he here Yoshi invite. So sorry, if not want come Yedo, Doctor-sama, not come Yedo.\" He died a little more seeing Yoshi smile the insincere way Babcott had, no mistaking that meaning, and he cursed the day he decided to be an interpreter. \"So sorry.\"\n\n\"So ka!\" Grimly Yoshi weighed his next move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor had proved useful though he was hiding facts from him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'whore' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If that was the case, he deduced the real facts were bad, not good. That thought pleased him. A second thought pleased him. It was based on an enlightened idea Misamoto unknowingly suggested months ago. Yoshi had at once initiated the practice through his spymaster, Inejin, for future use: one way to control barbarians was through their whores.\n\nInejin had been diligent as usual. So now Yoshi knew a lot about the gai-jin Yoshiwara, which were the most popular Inns, about Raiko and the whore of this strange and so ugly youth, Taira, the old one of many names now called Fujiko. And about the strange whore of Furansusan. The gai-jin leader, Sur W'rum, had no special whore. Serata used two sporadically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nemi was named as the consort of the chief gai-jin trader and an especially good source of information." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'doctor' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor did not visit the Yoshiwara. Why? Meikin will find out...\n\nAh yes, Meikin the traitoress, you are not forgotten!\n\n\"Tell the doctor I look forward to seeing him next week,\" he said, his voice flat. \"And thank him. Abeh!\"\n\nAbeh was in the room, kneeling, in an instant. \"Escort them to Kanagawa. No, take them to the gai-jin leader personally, at Yokohama, and bring back the renegade Hiraga.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: 1 sentence sentences, James Clavell style, historical fiction, Japan genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello, Jamie! It's lunchtime! Last night you said to call for you at one o'clock!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen smiled at him from his office doorway, bonnet and dressed nicely, her cheeks rosy from her brisk walk along the promenade from Struan's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One o'clock, you said, for lunch at this Club of yours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be right with you, lassie,\" he said absently, finishing the letter to his banker in Edinburgh about the joint venture with the shoya, enclosing Tess Struan's sight draft for deposit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Got to talk to Nakama-Hiraga somehow as soon as he's found, he was thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Where the devil is he?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hope to God he hasn't fled as everyone thinks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take a seat, Albert's joining us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was so engrossed he missed her disappointment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This new office was in the Guardian building, near to Drunk Town, on the High Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was much smaller than the one in Struan's but it had a pleasant view of the bay, so important for the trader to be able to follow the coming and going of ships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfurnished except for a desk and three chairs, half a dozen filing cabinets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Piles of books and boxes, sheaves of blank paper, pens and new ledgers that he had scrounged until his order from Hong Kong arrived, were scattered everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heaped on his desk were more papers, letters, orders and a big mailing announcing the launch of his new company and requests for business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All had to be made ready for Prancing Cloud's departure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you sleep well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sealed the letter, hardly hearing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, thank you, did you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and picked up another of the mailings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "These were being copied by two Portuguese clerks in their office down the corridor, next to the printing shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clerks had been lent by MacStruan until he could make permanent arrangements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Albert's a good fellow, isn't he? I said we might be late,\" he remarked absently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it had been up to him he would have skipped the Club and asked one of the clerks to make him a sandwich, or ordered some of the Chinese food that they ordered daily from Drunk Town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half an hour later he put down his pen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All set?\" he asked brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's up?\" he asked, seeing her look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Weel, laddie, I'd hoped we could be alone for lunch, there's a lot to talk about—obviously there was no time last night. It was a bonny party though, wasn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, it was. The Cossack dancers were stunning. We've lots of time to talk—sorry, didn't think it was important.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Angelique was stunning too, aye, and many of your friends, Marlowe and Settry!\" She laughed lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Relieved, his guard came down and he picked up his hat and coat and opened the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Glad you enjoyed it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You went out last night, after we'd said good night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His guard came up too late to prevent the guilty flush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, er, yes, I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I knocked on your door but there was no answer—I just wanted to talk, I wasn't tired. You said you were tired.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, yes, I was, but then I wasn't. Shall we go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, I'm hungry.\" They went out onto the promenade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Few people were about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day was not the best, sea choppy and wind cutting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's no' as bad as Glasgow at this time of the year,\" she said pleasantly, taking his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's true, but the cold won't last, soon it'll be the best time, the spring and autumn are best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was breathing better now that the subject had been dropped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Spring and autumn are the best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You went to the Yoshiwara?\" she asked pleasantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An ice pick leapt from his testicles to his heart and back again and a thousand answers presented themselves, the best of which was, If I want to go to the Yoshiwara, by God, I will go and we aren't married and even if I was... and I told you I didn't want to be married, at least not yet, not now that the new business has a chance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Confidently he opened his mouth to say all that but for some reason his voice came out strangled and limp: \"I, er, yes, I did, but th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you have a good time?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Maureen. There's some—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'about' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know about the Yoshiwara, laddie, and about men,\" she said matter-of-fact and kindly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you have a good time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped, rocked at the gentle voice and manner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I, well, I suppose... but you see, Maur—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's too cold to stop, Jamie, dear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a friendly fashion, she took his arm again and forced him to walk on again and continued, \"Good, so you had a good time. Why did you no' tell me? And why tell a fib about being tired?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, because...\" Again a dozen answers, but his mouth only issued, \"Because it's obvious, for goodness' sake. I didn't want...\" He couldn't say, I didn't want to hurt you because I'd made a date, wanted to see Nemi yet didn't want to, didn't want you to know about her and actually I had a dreadful time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had walked into their little house Nemi was dressed in her best sleeping kimono, their little sanctuary pristine, food and saké prepared and she was laughing and happy and completely attentive: \"Heya, Jami-san, good you see, ah! Hear good news from boat. You to marr'iage 'rady from Scut'rand, marriage, heya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been flabbergasted at how quickly the news had travelled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All Yoshiwara know-ah! 'Portant, neh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nemi bubbled. \"Two day I at Great House kowtow meet soon oku-san you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"EH?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Portant, Jami-san. Wen marr'iage? 'Portant, for oku-san, nee goh-san' frien', neh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you touched?\" he had burst out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had stared at him without understanding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wat for mad, Jami-san? Oku-san pay now. Oku-san pay, Jami-san, iyé? 'Portant oku-san nee—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not the way things are done, for God's sake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No unn'stan'... 'Portant Nemi go oku-san...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're crazy!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No unn'stan',\" she had said sullenly, appalled at his bellicose manner, deciding flight was the best defense from this incredible behavior—but flight of course in tears." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'could' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was gone before he could stop her, the mama-san could not convince her to return and so, furiously, he had stomped home to bed and to little sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God Almighty, Nemi coming to Struan's to see Maureen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maureen's to pay Nemi in future?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Important for mistress and wife to be good friends?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "God in Heaven! I must have misunderstood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, you bloody didn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's what she bloody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eventually, he had come to the office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before dawn. Bloody hell, he had thought all morning and now he had two bloody women to contend with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Maureen, I'm sorry I lied,\" he said lamely, \"but... well, I don't quite know what else to say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinna' fash' yoursel', these things happen.\" She smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eh? You're not pis—sorry, you're not angry?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nay, laddie, no' this time,\" she said so nicely, \"no' till we've had a wee chat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no threat in her voice or manner that he could detect, she still held his arm tenderly, yet his innermost being screamed danger, and for God's sake hold your tongue, say nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wee chat?\" he heard himself ask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye.\" Then there was a deafening silence even though the wind was clattering roof shingles and shutters, church bells, steam whistles from the harbor, dogs barking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hold your tongue, two can play in this negotiation, he cautioned himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye? What's that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen was feeling her way carefully, enjoying the learning—and teaching—process." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was merely the first of a never-ending series of confrontations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All men are dreadful, Maureen,\" her mother had said, amongst other counsel. \"Some worse than others, they're all liars though a canny wife can always see through her man's lies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the beginning husbands are sweet and send your head to the stars, their warmth and lovemaking, and silly little kindnesses. In the beginning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then come the bairns, the children, and looking after the home, most always wi'out enough money." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By this time you're inclined to let yoursel' go in dress an' your hair and person." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's awful difficult with bairns, and lack of sleep an' being mortal tired, so soon thy man turns his back in bed, begins to snore, aye, that's na' a wee difficulty if you canna' learn to close your ears tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they go awenching... but dinna' fash' yoursel', it's a temporary game for them an' willna' last, and if you're a canny wife, thy man will always come back—you've always got the bairns, and you've got God." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remember it's no' an easy task to earn the daily bread, as he should remember it's also no' an easy task to raise bairns and keep the home cozy, but they never will remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thy father, he's nay different with his women or woman in India, but he's home now and his problem's different. I should have known he was already wedded to his Regiment when we wedded. At least this Jamie, he's no' in the Services, that's terrible hard for a wife to compete against.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you become a canny wife, Ma?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wish I knew, lassie, I wish, but some rules are certain: choose thy man cannily, a good hold on thy tongue will help, a good stiff broom and a wild temper if used shrewdly will help, lots of understanding and forgiveness all the time, and a warm, soft bosom for the poor wee laddie to cry on...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wee chat?\" she heard Jamie say again, his voice choked, and she almost laughed aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kept her smile and demeanor forgiving, the broomstick and temper ready in case." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I learned about the Yoshiwara on the boat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She left that hanging and he snapped up the bait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gornt told you? Or Hoag? It was him? That idiot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, it was your fine Captain Strongbow—and Dr. Hoag's no idiot, lad. I asked Strongbow how you all managed to stop from going mad without lady friends, was it the same as in India, or China?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed remembering how difficult it had been to get him to talk openly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wusky's wonderful, she thought, blessing her father for teaching her to drink, when necessary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think your Yoshiwara's very sensible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was going to say, You do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time he said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her silence tortured him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was ready she said, \"Tomorrow's Sunday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head reeled, unprepared for the non sequitur." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I... yes, I suppose... yes, it's Sunday. Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This afternoon I thought we could go to the Reverend Tweet, I hope he's not as silly as his name, and we should ask him to publish the banns.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He blinked. \"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, banns, Jamie.\" She laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've no' forgotten banns must be read three consecutive Sundays, have you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, but I told you I'd written and said th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was when I was there, I'm no' there anymore. I'm here and I love you,\" she said, and stopped and looked up at him and saw he was fine and what she desired in life and, all at once, her control went with the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie darlin', we're engaged and I believe we should marry because I will make the best wife a man ever had, I promise I promise I promise and no' just because I'm here, I've loved thee from the first moment and now is a grand time to marry, I know it, I'll go back, back to Scotland and never... if you want me to go back I will, by the next boat, but I love you, Jamie. I swear I'll leave if you want me to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tears sprang into her eyes and she brushed them aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, it's just the wind, laddie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it wasn't the wind, all guile vanished, her spirit open and naked for him to see." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just love you, Jamie...\" His arms went around her and she buried her head in his shoulder, feeling more terrible than she had ever been, desperate for his love, tears pouring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When her terror had abated, pushed by his warmth, she heard him saying nice things to her, mixed with the wind and the surf, that he loved her and wanted her to be happy, and not to worry and be sad but this afternoon would be too soon, he had so much work to do for the company that it was going to be hard to start it and keep it alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinna' worry about the new company business, Jamie, Mrs. Struan said that she'd—\" She stopped, horrified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had not intended to tell him but it was too late now as his arms tightened and then held her away from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She said what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesna' matter. Let's...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did she say to you? What!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His face was grim, eyes penetrating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told you she was sending me money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no, she didna', she said... she just said you were a good trader and you'd be a success. Let's eat, I'm starv—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did she say? Exactly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told you. Let's have lu—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me what she said, by God. Tell the truth, exactly! She told you about the money, didn't she?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no' exactly.\" She looked away, angry at herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The truth!\" He held her shoulders. \"Now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right.\" She took a deep breath and in a gathering rush said, \"It was this way, Jamie, exactly. When I went to Struan's, to the Edifice on the promenade, to ask where you'd be, if you were in the Japans or where, I was told to wait and then she sent for me, Mrs. Struan did, to the great office overlooking all Hong Kong, but such a sadness to her and such strength, poor lady. Let me be a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again she dried her eyes and took out a handkerchief and blew her nose and then, not knowing what to do with her hands, put her arm in his and her hand found its way into his coat pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's walk, Jamie, easier to talk walking, it's cold. Mrs. Struan asked me to sit down and told me you'd been dismissed and I asked why and she told me and I told her that was no' fair, no' your problem that her son was a wee devil and crazy in love with an unacceptable adventuress called Angelique—I don't know about adventuress but having seen Angelique, Jamie, I can understand why her son or any man would be in love with her, and having met his ma I understand why there was anger between them...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A gust pulled at their hats and they held on to them, then she went on, \"We... we had a row, dinna forget this was days before we heard about his death. It was a terrible row, Jamie. Soon we were both on our feet and I'm afraid I lost my temper, you'd have been ashamed of me and I used some terrible words of my da'.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped and gaped at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You had a row with Tess?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, never in my life so bad, not even with my sisters and brother in secret. I was na' very brave about it, but her unfairness made me angry and it spilled out and I gave her...\" Maureen's good nature and sense of humor returned and she laughed nervously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Och, it was a Glasgow cat fight, like two fishwives at the docks, ready to tear each other's hair out. At one time someone came in and she threw them out and... So, Miss Ross? she said, lips like a gillie's dirk, both of us panting and no' at all friendly, What do you think I should do? Do? I said, First you give Mr. McFay a handsome parting bonus he's earned a dozen times over during his years of service, you give him business to start his business and you write him a nice note.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said that? To Tess?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, I did.\" She saw and heard the disbelief and dispelled that instantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I swear this's the God's truth, Jamie, I swear it. I was no' going to tell you but you insisted and I wouldna' lie. By the Lord God, I swear this's the truth!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sorry. Please go on.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: thousand, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dinna be sorry, laddie, I didna' believe it mysel' at the time. After I said my piece, not kindly at all, Mrs. Struan laughed—she laughed and said, Sit down, all right, but no nice note. That's no' good enough, I said. What's fair compensation? I asked. Her smile vanished and she said, A thousand guineas. She spat it out just like Da' when he's in a rage. Poppycock, by God, says I. Ten thousand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maureen stopped and looked at him searchingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had to settle for five. Was that all right? I dinna' know if that was enough, is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You settled? You settled for five?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aye, it took time and more curse words... that night I asked God's forgiveness for the curses, more of my da's words. I hope that was fair, Jamie, along with extra business... and she did agree no bad acts, to be business friends, I thought that important. After she agreed, she threw in a free passage with her icy smile, Go find your Mr. McFay, with my compliments.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maureen glanced at the surf a moment, collecting her thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another little nervous shrug, then she stared up at him, artlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what happened, but it was for you, no' for me or for us, for you, I didna' mean to mention it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jamie! M'ssross.\" Lunkchurch had reeled out of his office and was standing with them before they knew it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He greeted them effusively, nearly asphyxiating her with the smell of whisky, invited them to dinner that night and reeled away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's always drunk by two o'clock, but he's all right,\" Jamie said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He won't remember the invitation or our refusal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time he took her hand and put it in his coat pocket for warmth and held it and walked on. \"Maureen, I th—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'didna' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before you say another word, let me finish. I didna' mean to tell you about her and me, it slipped out. I'm deeply sorry, I swear to God I didna' mean to tell you, God's truth, no' when we were talking, serious, about... talking about us, you and me. Please believe that, God's truth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe you, I do, no need to worry on that score, and Tess wrote to me, kept her word, sent the money, more than I've had in my whole life, enough to start and all because of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears of remorse began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No' because of me, Jamie. You'd been wronged and Mrs. Struan owed it to you—I would no' have told you but—but you wanted me to. And you were right to be angry, I was wrong to say, 'this afternoon,' please forgive me, it was just... you're right, this afternoon is too soon, you're right and I was wrong to suggest that. Can we wait, Jamie, please? Can we wait, say a week or two, a month, see how you like me? Please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now you listen,\" Jamie said, and gave her hand a squeeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I like you too much as it is and no, I don't want you to go and yes, we will wait a little while and no, I'm not angry, and yes, I believe you and thank you with all my heart and no, you weren't wrong to make a suggestion. Let's think about it and talk over dinner. Sparkles, just you and me, eh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before she knew what she was doing she reached up and kissed him in thanks, the use of her nickname a harbinger of joyous portent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand went back to his and both into his pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're bonny, Jamie, that's the truth and I love you and...\" She was going to add, And you dinna have to say that until you're ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She withdrew from that precipice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a bonny laddie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you're a bonny lassie,\" he said, more calm about her than he had been for years, the ache and guilt no longer to the fore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What about marriage? he asked himself, for the first time without a shudder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Absolutely a man should be married and have children, at the correct time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not opposed to marriage, far from it. When?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the business has settled and we're in profit?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's terrific, clever, good-looking, good family, patient and faithful and loves me, incredible that she stood up to Tess and did what she did, show's how smart she is. It might work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do I love her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I like her enormously..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm thirty-nine. And trim and fit, and should be married—should have married before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She's twenty-eight, young for her age too, so she must know her own mind, and there's no doubt she sparkles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Last night Marlowe and Pallidar noticed too, noticed a little too much!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That randy bastard Settry wouldn't leave her alone, not that I minded—one little jerk of my head and the darling came a-running." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squeezed her arm, liking that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing. I'm glad you enjoyed the party last night,\" he said, but he was thinking, in three or four months, no need to hurry, not a bad idea. \"Here we are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They turned into the clubhouse forecourt." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'dmitri' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "MacStruan was talking to Dmitri on the steps and he saw them look up and Dmitri waved cheerily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ice slammed back into his guts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nemi! When Nemi gets the bit between her teeth..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "God Almighty, he thought aghast, how the hell do I cope with Nemi, the Yoshiwara and Sparkles?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Can't be done. Must be done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was it she said about the Yoshiwara?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't pissed off this time... \"no' till we've had a wee chat.\" Chat?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you cold, Jamie darling?\"\n\n\"No, no, just fine.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Phillip, tell Captain Abeh again, I'm sorry but Hiraga cannot at the moment be found.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William stood with his back to the fireplace in one of the Legation reception rooms, Tyrer, Babcott and Abeh just arrived from Yedo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was dusk. \"We're still looking everywhere. And Phillip, wipe that smug look off your face, do you really want to irritate him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abeh was angered. So was Sir William." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had done everything he could, the Settlement had been combed and soldiers were again going through Drunk Town and the village. The Yoshiwara was more difficult. Weapons were not allowed, access to Inns was almost impossible without breaking and entering, a hideous idea and bound to create an international incident. If he did it, then samurai at their Gates would insist on the same right. In the beginning of the Settlement it had been agreed, so long as there was no rioting, the Yoshiwara was to be left alone to float and to serve.\n\n\"He says he cannot go back without Hiraga and Hiraga was promised to Lord Yoshi today.\"\n\nSir William bit back the oath. Instead he said sweetly, \"Please ask him to wait. At the guard house. Surely Hiraga will be found soon, if he is still here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says, Still here? If not here, where is he?\"\n\n\"If I knew I would certainly fetch him for Lord Yoshi. Perhaps he has escaped, to Yedo or Kanagawa or somewhere.\" Even Sir William was shocked at the black rage in Abeh's face who spat out some Japanese, turned on his heel and stomped out.\n\n\"Rude bugger!\"\n\n\"He said, Hiraga had better be found, Sir William.\" Tyrer rubbed his unshaven face, feeling filthy and anxious to have a bath, massage and siesta before Fujiko. Most of his fatigue had immediately dissolved by the joyous news that Hiraga was not locked up and in irons. \"Have to feel sorry for Abeh, sir. He can't go back without Nak—without Hiraga, more than his life's worth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, that's his problem. Have you any idea where Nakama would be?\"\n\n\"No, sir, if he's not in the village or the Yoshiwara.\"\n\n\"You might try and find out, obviously it's important.\" Sir William looked up at Babcott. \"Now, more important. George, the patient? Was it Anjo?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Tallyho! Phillip, you look exhausted, no need for you to wait, we can talk later. George can fill me in. If Nakama-Hiraga appears you bloody clap him in irons at once. At once!\"\n\n\"Yes, sir, thank you, sir. Before I go, can I ask what happened in Hong Kong?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The moment they had arrived both had asked, noticing anxiously that Prancing Cloud had returned, but Sir William had said, First Abeh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's all quiet in Hong Kong, all quiet here, thank God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told them about the funeral, Hoag returning and why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The reason's supposed to be confidential but it's common knowledge. So it's a waiting game, Tess is waiting, it seems Angelique has agreed to wait, so Hoag says, not that she can do much else. She is, or she's not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Babcott said, \"If she's not she'll know in a few days. And so will we.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ,\" Tyrer muttered. \"What happens: if she is or if she's not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William shrugged. \"We have to wait too. Now off you go, Phillip. Whisky or brandy, George? Do you mind bringing me up-to-date now—you're not too tired?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" The two men were alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Brandy, please. Yedo was very interesting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Health! And?\"\n\n\"Health. Before Yedo, do we know more about Hong Kong?\"\n\nSir William smiled. The men were old friends, and Babcott Deputy Minister. \"It went perfectly. Yes. Tess wrote privately to thank me. Most of it I can tell you now: Hoag brought three letters for Angelique, she doesn't know this, by the way. One Hoag gave her at once and told me there was no noticeable reaction one way or the other, no clue, he presumed it was just asking her to wait. Tess confirmed the contents of that letter to me, that she proposed a lull until it was established if Angelique was pregnant or not. If Angelique has her period, he gives her one letter, if not he waits to the second month to make sure and he gives her the other. Hoag swore he does not know the contents, nor did Tess reveal them in her letter to me.\"\n\nHe sipped his whisky, his face set. \"One issue Tess wrote that, I'm afraid, indicates her thinking: Struan's solicitors are drafting a brief to nullify in court the 'Ludicrous Ceremony'—she puts that in caps—whatever the legality or illegality, whatever the pregnancy result, and to contest any will if one is found there or in the Japans.\"\n\n\"My God! Poor Angelique... how awful!\"\n\n\"An emphatic yes to that. My letter asking for forbearance had no effect. Bloody, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William stalked to his desk and brought out a dispatch. \"This is what I really wanted to discuss—highly confidential, of course.\"\n\nBabcott turned up the oil lamp. Daylight was fading fast. The Governor of Hong Kong wrote formally:\n\nMy dear Sir William, thank you for your dispatch of the 13th. I'm afraid it's not possible to send extra troops at the moment. I have just heard from London that all troops are needed elsewhere, that budgetary considerations preclude raising new levies in India or elsewhere so you will have to do with what you have." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: They're a bunch of idiots, the whole bloody lot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, I am sending another 20-gun, sailing frigate, H.M.S. Avenger, on temporary loan. Rest assured if there is a major attack on Yokohama, in due course the attack will be punished.\n\nI am instructed by London to inform you of the following directives for immediate prudent action: you will collect the indemnity demanded, together with possession of the murderers (or witness their trial and execution), you will punish and bring to heel the petty tyrant responsible, Sanjiro of Satsuma. I am to advise you further that the Naval and Army forces you presently have at your disposal are considered more than adequate to deal with one petty princeling.\n\nBabcott whistled tonelessly. At length he said, \"They're a bunch of idiots, the whole bloody lot.\"\n\nSir William laughed. \"I rather thought the same. But having said that, what do you think?\"\n\n\"'Immediate prudent action'? That's a negation.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: Yes, by chance and not one hundred percent certain and not as punishment for the crime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Diplomatic verbiage to cover their tails, obviously.\"\n\n\"We have the indemnity, we...\"\n\n\"The bullion was advanced on Sanjiro's behalf. It was a loan, not a payment by the guilty party.\"\n\n\"True. And both murderers are dead, probably.\"\n\n\"Yes, by chance and not one hundred percent certain and not as punishment for the crime.\"\n\n\"Well, yes. We...\" Babcott looked at him and sighed. \"What do I think? Between us I think you've already decided to launch a punitive strike against Sanjiro, probably at Kagoshima, particularly as Yoshi gave you tacit approval.\"\n\n\"Possible approval. Is the dispatch and are my answers enough to convince Ketterer a strike, if any, is authorized?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No doubt about that, they've given you directives. The dispatch clearly makes it obligatory, however stupid and however much I disapprove of it.\"\n\n\"Because you're a doctor?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"If you ever have to take charge, George, I hope you'll forget that you are.\"\n\n\"You don't have to say that, William. I know on which side my bread is buttered. Meanwhile Put not your trust in princes, bureaucrats or generals, they will plead expedience while spilling your blood from a safe distance.\" He raised his glass. \"To London. Christ, I'm tired.\"\n\n\"Meanwhile remember that Machiavelli also said, The safety of the State is the overriding duty of the ruler, or some such platitude.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes crinkled. \"Now Anjo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Babcott told him. And being asked, gave his considered diagnosis. \"Six months. A year, no more. Subject to my tests.\"\n\n\"Interesting.\" Sir William thought long and hard. Outside night had settled, the fleet bedding down. He closed the curtains against the drafts, went over to the fire and poked a blaze. \"Putting that aside for the moment, my inclination is to order an immediate naval presence off Kagoshima, immediate bombardment if Sanjiro gives us no satisfaction—as much for Yoshi's benefit, Anjo and his Council of Elders as for scallywag Sanjiro, especially Yoshi.\"\n\n\"Sending the fleet there leaves the Settlement naked. What about the reports of samurai quietly surrounding us—we saw a great number around the Tokaidō.\"\n\n\"That's the risk.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for two sentences more. historical fiction, Japan genre, James Clavell style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At dinnertime, Angelique knocked on the tai-pan's office door, dressed to go out. \"Albert?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come in! I say, I love your hat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was an elegant dinner hat, discreet, still suitable for mourning, dark blue, yet made chic with a few silk flowers she had tucked into the band.\n\n\"Thank you. You're working late.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Part of the job.\" Like everyone else he wondered what was in the letter Tess had written to her, wild rumors around the Settlement, from ordering her to get out of Asia to charging her with murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no sign on her face, only a becoming melancholy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his own letter Tess had cautioned him to be wary about making commitments on armaments, and if proposed, to keep them very confidential. To use McFay if need be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have asked him to cooperate with you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, his main interest will be to promote his own business but you are to treat him as friendly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that Mr. Edward Gornt has assumed control of Brock's in Japan, he is enemy—be careful of him, he's more cunning than we presumed. As to that other person, Dr. Hoag has agreed to assist me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I understand she still occupies quarters in our house granted by my son." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You will be informed later of new arrangements." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are you dining? French Legation?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I accepted to sup next door with Mr. Gornt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw his face harden. \"It was a last-minute supper invitation with mutual friends, Dmitri, Marlowe. He asked me to ask you to join us to—to escort me if you would—are you free?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, can't, glad to take you to the door and to call for you, but that's Brock and Sons, he's the head of it and this's the Noble House.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should be friends, you could still be competitors. He really was my husband's friend, and mine, and Jamie's.\"\n\n\"Sorry, it's my problem, not yours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled again. \"Come on.\" He took her arm, not bothering about a coat, and they went into the cold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind tugged at her hat but did not displace it. She had secured it with a chiffon scarf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Evening, Ma'am.\" The guard on Brock's door bowed.\n\n\"'Evening. Thank you, Albert, no need to come and fetch me, one of the others will see me home, off you go or you'll catch cold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed and was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the same moment Gornt was there to greet her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Evening, Ma'am. My, but you look smashing.\"\n\nNow, as he accepted her wrap, her worries began to well up again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What trumps? A burst of laughter came from an inner room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She recognized Marlowe, saw that the guard had gone and there were no servants about and they were alone for the moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Edward,\" she whispered, her concern overcoming her caution, \"why are you so sure I'll be all right?\"\n\n\"Tess invited me back. Don't worry, it's in control. Better we talk during your promenade tomorrow—tonight is only for good conversation amongst friends, gentle pleasure. I'm truly honored you accepted my invitation—it's due to you I'm head here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt took her arm and in a normal voice said, \"Welcome to Brock and Sons, Angelique. Shall we go in?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dining room was as big as the one in Struan's, as lush, the silver as good, the wine superior, the linen richer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Liveried Chinese servants. Marlowe, Pallidar and Dmitri stood in front of a roaring fire, waiting to greet her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They kissed her hand, admired her hat that she kept on as was custom, Marlowe and Pallidar in their informal uniforms. And while she greeted them and listened with her quiet charm, her inner motor was sifting Gornt, what he had said and what was missing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shall we sit now that our honored guest is gracing us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt settled her at one end of the table. He took the other." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'enough' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The table was small enough to be intimate, large enough to be impressive. \"Suhs, a toast!\" he said, lifting his glass of champagne, \"To the Lady!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They drank and his eyes never left hers. An invitation, discreetly given." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled back, neither yes nor no.\n\nPlenty of time, he thought, delighted to be the host and even more delighted with himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So much left to tell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the best part." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the last day in Hong Kong, Tess Struan had again sent for him, secretly. \"I've been through all the papers, Mr. Gornt. It's not absolutely certain the support the papers give your scheme will bring about the Brock crash.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think they will, Ma'am,\" he said, impressed that she knew so much about business. \"I truly believe you have everything needed to unlock Pandora's Box\"—this was the code name they had agreed on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's one last piece of the jigsaw that would complete the picture and guarantee success.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And that is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Norbert's official chop. It's in his safe at Yokohama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had sighed and leaned back in the carved chair. No need for either of them to articulate that this chop on almost any Brock letterheaded document, correctly couched and dated, validated it, committing Brock's of Yokohama through him to whatever was on the paper." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'could' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No need to say aloud that all kinds of incriminating information could be written now, backdated, and found or slid surreptitiously into the pile. Who could challenge such a letter with Greyforth dead?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'cotton' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both of them knew its value.\n\nMorgan and Tyler Brock had speculated heavily on this complicated but incredibly ingenious scheme to corner the Hawaiian sugar market—in principle already accomplished—bartering the sugar crop forward for Southern cotton which they had presold legally to guaranteed French interests—historic U.S. allies and not subject to Northern blockade in this instance through certain congressional help and safeguards—then to be shipped legally from France to Geneva, to be sent on legally to Lancashire cotton mills that were almost destitute and desperate for the raw material." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'because' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tiny hazard: If the Union government discovered for certain the ultimate destination—Britain was formally neutral, most of the British were actively pro-Confederate—and this was made public knowledge, they would inhibit the export by interception. This was a minor risk because of high-level agreement to the French connection, which was, for the first time, proven by Gornt's papers to be a Brock company shell, and governmental noninterference more certain because a goodly proportion of the sugar, also desperately needed, was to be bartered for diverted Union armaments, which Brock's would promptly import to Asia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Projected profits were immense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brock's standing in the Asia-America entente would become preeminent, whoever won the civil war. In Asia they would be supreme." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And no possible way the plan could fail, because the Victoria Bank of Hong Kong was the underwriter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bank, biggest in the Colony, had eagerly underpinned the venture, approved by the Board of twelve of whom Tyler Brock was one, with Brock and Sons shares and liquidity as nominal collateral." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For all intents and purposes the Victoria was a Brock preserve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old Man Brock had been a founder in '43, he had chosen the other members—excluding any director of Struan's perpetually from the Board—had retained a forty percent interest and had permanent voting control of at least nine to three." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And while backing Brock's on the international scene, the Board had meanwhile agreed to crush Struan's through repossession of all Struan's debt paper, due by January 30th—the timetable and questionable methods of the clandestine, long-term acquisition was also tabled in Gornt's evidence.\n\nGornt had excitedly pointed out that for the first time Brock and Sons were vulnerable—never before had they put up the control of their company as collateral." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Victoria was the key to the Pandora's Box. The key to the bank was the Board." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had to be subverted, turned around, and financial support withdrawn suddenly from Tyler and Morgan on the correct day, leaving them destitute without the necessary funds to oil the wheels. Meanwhile evidence of the scheme from Gornt's papers, and notice that the Victoria would not be supporting the deal any longer, had to be rushed by clipper to Washington to the right hands, which would make interception probable—without the Bank's backing there was no sugar to barter for cotton or for armaments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this had to be done now, before rearranging the Bank's voting control.\n\nHow to turn the Board was the pivot of Gornt's plan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The papers revealed highly embarrassing facts on the background of two pro-Tyler Brock Board members, so serious that their votes would go to whoever had the documentation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seven to five. More facts about one other man, less damaging and questionable, were also there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A possible six to six." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt's idea was that Tess should approach the chairman privately, give him the facts, tell him that details of the scheme were already en route to Washington, and propose \"that they pull the plug on Brock's and swing to you and Struan's, granting an extension of six months on Struan debts, two seats on the Board, take immediate control of Brock's and sell off the assets at bargain prices, enough to cover debts, leaving Tyler and Morgan Brock to drown in sugar they can't pay for. And last the Bank agrees to split Brock's forfeited forty percent bank holdings into four parts: one to the chairman, one to two Board members of his choice, one to the Noble House.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In return for what? Why should the Bank cross Tyler?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tess had asked. \"Double-cross, isn't that the American word?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Ma'am, but this would be a triple-cross. Why should the Board gorge on the deal? Because they'll be huge winners, the chairman and all of them, because they hate Tyler privately and fear him, like everyone else. They don't hate you, you're the Noble House and no threat to them. Hate, not money alone, is the grease that oils the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't agree, but let that pass. Back to this mythical chop. What do you propose to do with it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile had been cynical. \"If you obtain it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anything you like, Ma'am.\"\n\n\"Perhaps you should bring it here by Prancing Cloud.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sorry, that's too soon, unless you'll leave her to wallow for a week or two. I'll bring it in good time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why delay? Send it, Strongbow's trustworthy.\"\n\n\"I'll bring it in good time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered how her eyes, so pale and seemingly so innocent most times, penetrated like molten iron. \"I promise.\"\n\n\"Put that aside for the moment. The price, Mr. Gornt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would like to tell you that when I return, Ma'am.\"\n\nShe had laughed without humor." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'delay' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure you would. I thought you knew me well enough by now not to try to squeeze me or Struan's. You could delay till the last moment, by which time I will have had to launch the assault, on both Tyler and the Bank, Struan's would be terribly exposed and I would have to agree, whatever you demand.\"\n\n\"There must be trust on both sides. I've given you the evidence you need to crush Tyler Brock and Morgan, for a deal you promise me in the future, I'm trusting you to deliver, Ma'am. It's not much to ask to delay, I swear I'll be back in good time. What I would bring from Yokohama is the icing on the cake and the price will be fair.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've never liked cake, or icing, Mr. Gornt—any liking was beaten out of me by my father, who disapproved of such vittles, when I was very young. The price?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'honor'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I assure you, Ma'am, it will be a price you will gladly pay, on my honor and my word as a gentleman.\"\n\nShe had looked at him. \"May I assure you, Mr. Gornt, equally, if you cross, or double-cross or triple-cross me, I will see you will be an extremely unhappy man, apart from being persona non grata in Asia and throughout the Empire—on my honor and my word as tai-pan of the Noble House...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on this story segment like James Clavell would, staying true to the historical fiction, Japan genre. Characters may have existing backgrounds." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt went cold, remembering the way Tess's words had surrounded him, the pride with which she had said tai-pan of the Noble House even when she added, \"however temporary.\" All at once he realized that this woman really was tai-pan now, realized whoever held the title soon would not hold the power. Realized with a stab of fear that he would have to deal with her for a long time, that by destroying Brock's perhaps he had created a monster for his own destruction.\n\nGod in Heaven, she can blow me to pieces at her whim! How do I make her an ally, keep her an ally? She's got to be my ally, whatever the cost.\n\nThen laughter from Dmitri and Marlowe brought him back. His world came into balance again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Candlelight, dining table, fine silver, fine friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Secure in Yokohama, the chop already removed from the safe and hidden away, a letter already written, backdated and chopped that corroborated the loose evidence against the key Board member, another letter implying collusion of the chairman. Without them the Board will collapse into our laps like a bent house of cards, has to, they won't resist their one and only chance of revenge on Tyler and Morgan Brock. And no need to fear Tess Struan. She's in my power as much as my future's in hers.\n\nI've a lot to be pleased about. Here I am, twenty-seven, Morgan's head is almost in the basket, I'm tai-pan of Rothwell-Gornt's-to-be, head of a splendid table, servants waiting for orders. And she's there, beautiful, rich-to-be, and loving me however much she tries to hide it, my bride-to-be whatever the outcome—a child by Malcolm only makes the price higher to Tess, a sumptuous but bargain price she will gladly pay!\n\n\"Health and a long one,\" he toasted silently, raising his glass to Angelique and to himself and to them both together, sure his future was limitless." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His guests did not notice the private toast, too involved in chattering, vying for her attention. Comfortably he watched them. Mostly he watched her. Then he tapped the table.\n\n\"Angelique, gentlemen, your attention please. We have mulligatawny soup with sherry, baked fish with onions, olives and iced Pouilly Fuissé, sorbet and champagne, then the roast with potatoes and St.-Emilion—the cook 'found' a fine piece of Struan beef... Don't worry, Ma'am,\" he said with a laugh, \"it was bought, not stolen. Then chicken pie and, to end, a surprise to end all surprises.\"\n\n\"And what's that?\" Marlowe asked.\n\n\"Wait and see.\" He glanced at Angelique.\n\nShe smiled her enigmatic smile, the smile that excited him so much, like the Mona Lisa he had seen in the Louvre on a trip to Paris—never to be forgotten.\n\n\"I think we must trust our host, Captain,\" she said softly. \"Don't you agree?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes and character familiarity in the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the night Angelique awoke in a cold sweat, back in time, back in the French Legation, the mama-san's little bottles on the side table, one already empty, the other ready to uncork and swallow as soon as the cramps began.\n\nFinding herself warm in bed in her own suite, the fire coals still glowing, her night light casting solid shadows, the terror left and her pulse slowed and she waited for the indications. Nothing. No cramp or stomachache. Waiting. Still nothing. Thank God, she thought, I must have dreamed they had begun. She relaxed in the down mattress, watching the fire, not quite awake, good pictures in the coals, happy pictures of the roofs of Paris in the sunset, melding into the summerscape of her dream house in Provence, her baby son contentedly sleeping in her arms. \"Jésus, Marie, please don't let it begin. Please.\"\n\nYesterday afternoon Babcott had arrived, \"Happened to be passing, and wanted to see how you were.\"\n\n\"No need to tell fibs,\" she said sharply. \"Dr. Hoag said the same thing this morning. The very same words.\"\n\n\"Steady on, dear Angelique, I really did happen to pass by and I really did want to see you. To reassure you.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, old Hoag said you were a little touchy. Rightly so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded, smiling. \"And to tell you what you didn't give him a moment to say, that it's quite possible for your monthly to be delayed, to have slight period cramps that go away to return properly in a day or so. Or even never to return.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why is it you doctors are so wise but know nothing, not really, not even about such a simple matter as having a baby or not having a baby, a process which has been with us a few years,\" she had fumed, exasperated and weary of all the sidelong glances of the last few days and the sudden silences as she walked by. \"Kindly leave me be, both of you, I will inform you when I need to see you, if ever. Leave me alone!\"\n\nHe had gone away, chastised, but she did not care. Since last Sunday's flaming row with Father Leo she had kept to herself as much as possible.\n\n\"I hate that man,\" she muttered, \"hate him for upsetting me so much. He's vile, he's no man of God!\"\n\nDuring Confession he had said, \"Perhaps you should ask forgiveness for this sham marriage you took part in, my child—oh, I know you were cajoled, tricked. Even so, it's a sin.\"\n\n\"I wasn't cajoled, Father, and it's not a sin or a sham,\" she had said. \"It's perfectly legal according to law.\"\n\n\"Heretic law? It's false. You blind yourself. Of course it is not lawful and not valid in the sight of God.\"\n\n\"It is in the sight of English law,\" she said, seething. \"It is in the sight of God, it is!\"\n\n\"Ah, my poor child, it's not and you know it's not. The Church does not recognize a heretic marriage, let alone by a simple sea captain. You're not married in the sight of God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am, Malcolm's Church recognizes my marriage, his law does, my husband's law does. I'm married legally.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"André, am I married or am I not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How foolish you are. Don't blind yourself. You're Catholic, the True Church does not recognize such a marriage. Repent, my child.\"\n\n\"I'm married and that's the end of it!\" She had got up.\n\n\"Wait! It's not the end, my child, to give you absolution you must admit your sins, to come before Him blameless! How can I give you absolution?\"\n\n\"Their God is the same as our God, my God,\" she had said, tears of rage and frustration blinding her. \"I can worship Him in their Church as well as here.\"\n\n\"You risk damnation and Eternal Torment. Excommunication, the sacraments withdrawn from you. Beware, your mind has been taken by the heretics, pray for forgiveness...\"\n\nShe had fled.\n\nAndré and Seratard were in the congregation. Later André had asked what the trouble was and she had told him. He said, \"Thousands of Catholics are happily married under Protestant dogma, and vice versa, whatever Church hierarchies claim.\"\n\n\"André, am I married or am I not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are, according to British law, and British naval law, until a British court says you are not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not according to the Church?\"\n\n\"To their Church, yes, subject to the above, to ours, no. You already know the answer to that, no.\"\n\n\"I hate that man.\"\n\n\"He's a priest. Not all of them are good, we both know that too. Listen, Angelique, about your... your time, please, as soon as you know, one way or another, please tell me privately so we can begin to plan. Henri expects any day to have the French Ambassador's approval that you are a ward of the State. Don't worry, I promised we will guard you and your interests and we will,\" he said, and left her to brood.\n\nNot married according to the Church? Then to hell with the Church of Rome, she had thought, sick with apprehension. Beware! Never admit that openly, never. You are French, French people understand about Catholic Rome, its corruption and heresy and about misguided popes. Every night in her prayers she asked, implored, the Blessed Mother for guidance and succor.\n\nMonday and all the other days dragged, always eyes and unspoken questions so she went out less and less. To pass the time she read and slept and read and wrote letters and began a story about a French girl who was cast ashore in Yokohama. This stopped abruptly and she burned the pages as she started to relive Kanagawa and him and the nights and days with Malcolm and their one night on Prancing Cloud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Prancing Cloud had left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been glad to see that harbinger of ill wind disappear into the distance.\n\nSince her promenade when she had talked again with Gornt—learning nothing new—by mutual consent they had decided not to meet for a few days. Twice she had invited Maureen Ross to tea, the second time deliberately receiving her in bed to encourage rumors that she had a fever. Their chats were gossipy, ordinary, about fashion, the problems in the Settlement, the life here, nothing serious. Later these visits would be fun when they could discuss more intimate matters and thoughts. Not now. But she liked Maureen who had brought welcome books and magazines and told about Jamie's new office, how he was working all hours, and, shyly, her hope that they would be married soon.\n\nThe only person she had enjoyed seeing was Phillip Tyrer. He had been sent by Sir William with best wishes for a quick recovery, bringing the latest London papers with him and presenting her with flowers he had purchased in the village. \"By Orders of Her Majesty's Government,\" he had said in French with a flourish, his boyish grin and joie de vivre infectious.\n\nFor an hour or more he had chatted, mostly in French, relating the latest rumors. About his trip to Yedo, about Nakama-Hiraga who had vanished without a trace, creating a diplomatic problem for Sir William, and about his Captain, Abeh, \"who's still waiting and seething at the North Gate.\"\n\n\"What's going to happen, Phillip?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't know. We hope the problem's going to go away. Pity of it is we had to describe Nakama, what he looks like now, so there's not much chance for him escaping. Damn nuisance, 'cause he was a fine fellow and he helped me greatly. I don't believe a word about him being an assassin. We didn't get a sausage of info out of the other fellow, Nakama's friend, whose family are shipbuilders in Choshu. I got him a look around one of our frigates. Nice enough fellow but fairly dumb. He knew nothing about Nakama or would say nothing. Sir William didn't want to give him to the Bakufu so he let him go. Damn nuisance, Angelique, Nakama aided me tremendously—not only with Japanese, and if it weren't for him...\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'stomach' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later they had soup together and at her probing he had admitted, first swearing her to secrecy, that he had a girl, a special girl in the Yoshiwara. \"Oh, she's so beautiful and nice, Angelique, I think I can swing the money for the contract without straining the old Exchequer, the liaison is so comfortable...\" and she had been amused by how young he seemed, envying him his simple love, and, compared to him, how adult and sophisticated she felt.\n\n\"One day I'd like to meet her,\" she had said. \"I can easily sneak into your Yoshiwara. I'll dress up as a boy.\"\n\n\"Oh, my God, no, you couldn't. Angelique, you mustn't.\"\n\nIt might be amusing to do that, she thought, chuckling, and turned over in her bed, almost asleep. André will take me. I'd like to see this Hinodeh I've so much invested in. I wonder how she looks.\n\nOn the threshold of sleep her stomach spasmed.\n\nAnother cramp, different. Another. Wide awake now. Apprehensively she rubbed her stomach and loins to take the ache away but it did not go away and now she realized for sure it was the old familiar ache with the slightly bloated feeling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had begun. The bleeding followed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And with the flow all of her longing and worry and hoping burst. In abject grief she began to cry and buried her head in her pillows, \"Oh, Malcolm, I had hoped so much, so much, now I've nothing left to give you, nothing left of you, nothing left to give you... oh, Malcolm, Malcolm, I'm so sorry, so awfully sorry... oh God, I'm so awfully sorry... thy will be done...\"\n\nCrying and crying; after an eternity, crying herself to sleep, no more tears to shed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Missee, wakee! Missee-tai-tai, cawfee, heya!\"\n\n\"In her waking mists Ah Soh banged the tray on the side table and Angelique smelled the warm, heavenly smell of fresh-brewed coffee—a present from Seratard and one of the few services Ah Soh would and could do properly—wafting around her, bringing her into the day without hurt.\n\nShe sat up in bed and stretched, astonished and delighted she felt so alert and so well. The cramps had gone, the ache had subsided into its normal pattern, better than usual, the bloated feeling less than usual.\n\nAnd best of all, despair had left her. It's her miracle, she thought, reverently. During the last month in nightly prayers to the Blessed Mother, talking, asking, pleading, one night exhausted by anxiety, she had listened. \"Leave it to me, child, it is my decision not thine,\" she heard, not hearing with her ears but with her innermost self, \"my decision, all of it, rest in peace.\" The anxiety had left her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was her decision, how wonderful!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'thanks' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique would accept her verdict. The Will of God. And she had.\n\nImpulsively she knelt beside the bed, closed her eyes and blessed Her and gave passionate thanks, and said again how sorry she was but thanked her for lifting the burden. Thy Will Be Done, then slid again under the covers ready for coffee and the world. Coffee at this time, nine, was custom on a Sunday, just enough time to bathe and dress for church.\n\nChurch! Why not? she thought, I must give proper thanks, but no Confession. \"Ah Soh, bring my bath and...\" Ah Soh was staring at her, glazed. Abruptly she realized her maid must have seen bloodstains on the back of her nightdress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hastily Ah Soh said, \"I get bar'f,\" and waddled for the door but Angelique was there before her and pushed her back. \"If you tell anyone I'll scratch your eyes out!\"\n\n\"Ayeeyah, no unn'erstan\" Missee-tai-tai,\" Ah Soh grunted, petrified by the venom on her mistress's face and in her voice. \"No unn'erstan'!\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, you do! Dew neh loh moh-ah.\" She spat out the Cantonese curse words as she had heard Malcolm use them at Chen once when he was angry with him, and had seen Chen go white. He had never told her what the words meant but they had the same effect on Ah Soh, whose legs nearly gave way. \"Ayeeeeeyahhh!\"\n\n\"If you talk, Ah Soh, tai-tai will...\" Furiously Angelique stabbed her long nails to within a millimeter of her eyes and held them there. \"Tai-tai do this! Understand?\"\n\n\"Unn'erstan'! Sek'ret, tai-tai!\" The frightened woman moaned some Cantonese, put fingers to her lips parodying a clamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah Soh no talk, unn'erstan'!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Getting hold of her fury though her heart was still racing, Angelique pushed the woman towards the bed and got into it again. Imperiously she pointed at the coffee cup. \"Dew neh loh moh! Pour my coffee!\"\n\nSaturated with humility and genuine fear, Ah Soh poured the coffee and handed it to her and stood there meekly.\n\n\"No talk, make all bed, clothes, clean. Secret!\"\n\n\"Unn'erstan' tai-tai, no talk, sek'ret, unn'erstan'.\"\n\n\"No talk! Or...\" Her nails slashed the air. \"Bath!\"\n\nAh Soh scuttled away to get the hot water but first, to breathlessly whisper the news to Chen, whose eyes would turn to Heaven and he would say, \"Ayeeyah, what will Tai-tai Tess do now,\" on the run to speed the news on the fastest ship to Illustrious Compradore Chen who had commanded them to inform him at once, irrespective of cost.\n\nThe coffee was delicious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It soothed her stomach and spirit and took away the slight tumescence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of Angelique's true joys in all the world was early morning coffee, most of all with croissants and Colette on the Champs-Elysées at one of the elegant street cafés, reading the latest Court Circular and watching the world stroll by.\n\nFirst church. I will pretend that nothing has happened yet—Ah Soh won't dare to say anything. Who to tell first? Hoag? André? Edward? Mr. Skye?\n\nShe had already had a discussion with Heavenly Skye. His advice was that they had no option but to wait, to see what Hoag would do, and after that, what Tess would do. Tess's letter to him had been brief: Dear Mr. Skye: I know my son had dealings with you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cease and desist in our affairs, my son's and mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No good will come of it.\n\n\"Interesting choice of words,\" he had commented.\n\n\"You sound afraid, as though we've lost already.\"\n\n\"Not at all, Angelique. Our only posture can be to wait. She has the initiative.\"\n\n\"By the next mail I want you to write to Struan's solicitors, asking for an accounting of my husband's estate.\" This had been an idea André had given her, favoring opening of an immediate offensive.\n\n\"Gladly, if you want to fall into her trap.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Your only posture is the aggrieved, wronged child-widow who was enticed into an early marriage by a strong-willed man—not the impoverished, rapacious widow of a rich husband, a profligate minor, who had gone against his mother's wishes in marrying an impoverished lady of questionable antecedents—please don't be angry, I only tell you what can, may and probably will be said. You must wait, dear lady, pretending to hope that Tess will behave like a human being should. If his child was, er, is en route, that would be a great assist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if there isn't?\"\n\n\"Let us consider that when it happens, I mean when it doesn't. Lots of time to con—\"\n\n\"I don't have lots of time. I will run out of money.\"\n\n\"Be patient...\"\n\nMon Dieu, patience! Men and their patience.\n\nNow that Angelique knew beyond doubt she was not bearing Malcolm's child, she set aside all the ideas she had formulated in the event of a baby and concentrated on the other set.\n\nAn immediate onslaught on that woman? No, that comes later, Mr. Skye's right in that. I have to find out what she is going to do first." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To do that I have to tell Hoag or Babcott. Hoag delivered her message so he will have to be the one. No need to have him paw me, either of them. I can tell him. At once or later? Is it worth asking André, or Edward? I don't think so.\n\nHaving no baby to contend with, to consider, makes my life simpler, my chances of remarriage better. Whatever happens, like every girl in the world, I must have a protector, the right husband—or, at length, any husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As to my prospects: I don't have money enough to get back to Paris to set myself up there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've no prospects except through a settlement with Struan's—no, not with the company, with that woman. Even Edward is tied up in that. Especially him. Without a good settlement for me, and her benevolence on his deal, his marriage interest will evaporate. That's fair because mine will evaporate quicker. He's in love with me, I'm not in love with him though I like him a lot, but without mutual financial security the connection has no logic.\n\nAlways back to that woman, whatever idea comes up, Angelique thought, not a little pleased with the way her mind was working, coolly, logically, not worrying, simply examining all aspects as a prudent woman should.\n\nI can last a month or two, no more—if I don't give any more money to André. Soon my chits will run out, any day Albert can get orders to stop my credit and throw me out. I can almost read her spiteful mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind, I can move to the French Legation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they won't support me for very long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sir William? No reason for him to do more than he has." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "André is the only one outside her grasp who can help. Think clearly, Angelique, that's wrong! When André sees that the money is drying up or has dried up, no telling what he may do in desperation. He could sell Tess that awful paper, he could give her proof about the... about the past. He's a cynic, callous enough or clever enough to have kept proof I paid for the medicine with the earrings I lost. He'd settle for much less money than I would. Even so he's the only man here evil enough to combat her. Edward will go against her but only up to a point. He won't lose Rothwell-Gornt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should I get Edward to go back to Hong Kong at once?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or Hoag, he's a friend, a sort of friend, and he's the one she sent to me? Or André? Not him, for then I wouldn't sleep a moment knowing he was in Hong Kong with that woman, unwatched." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For her, church was a huge success, even with her melancholy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had dressed as usual in black, a medium veil covered her hat and face. Prayer book in hand she had set out on the blustery day, and when she passed the Catholic church on the promenade, joined the throng that headed for Holy Trinity, and went up its path and entered the church and sat in the empty back row, at once going to her knees and beginning to pray, a current went through the nave, already half full, echoed by latecomers, the current gathering strength and swooping through the Settlement and into Drunk Town.\n\n\"God Almighty, the Angel's gone to church, our church...\"\n\n\"Holy Trinity? Bollocks, she's Catholic...\"\n\n\"Bollocks or not she be in't Holy Titties, bright as a berry, all dressed in red and no knickers on...\"\n\n\"Oh, for God's sake, don't spread rumors...\"\n\n\"That's no rumor, she don't never wears knickers...\"\n\n\"In Holy Titties? Holy God! Is she become one of us'n?\"\n\n\"Old Tweety'll wet hisself with glee...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maureen and Jamie had been behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They hesitated beside the last pew, readying to say, May we sit with you? but Angelique was still kneeling as if in prayer and did not acknowledge them though aware of their presence; and not a little envious of the joyous green of Maureen's dress and coat and matching hat, with its plume of yellow chiffon hanging down her back. In a moment they moved on, shoved ahead by the press of the others and not wanting to disturb her—which was what she wanted. After her initial passionate prayer of thanks for the strength to conquer her vast dis appointment, she stayed on her knees, the hassock comfortable, and, protected by her veil, watched wide-eyed to see what would happen. This was the first Protestant service she had witnessed.\n\nThere was not as much reverence as in her own church but it was packed, braziers spotted here and there against the damp and everyone mobile was in attendance. The stained-glass windows were rich, the altar and trappings throughout more stark than she was prepared for.\n\nOthers would have stopped to greet or to nod, filled with degrees of delight or bewilderment, ready to sit beside her. But they did not, again not wishing to interrupt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt chose an opposite pew." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'stood' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So she was left alone and soon the service began. First hymn and she imitated the others, standing when they stood, sitting when they sat, praying when they prayed but always to the Blessed Mother, listened to the sermon that the Reverend Tweet stuttered, completely undone by her presence. More hymns and chanting and the plate, an embarrassed moment as she fumbled for a few coins, another hymn and the blessing and then it was over to an audible, well-earned relief.\n\nThe congregation stood as the vicar went into the vestry preceded by an ancient altar boy. Most began to shuffle toward the exit, palates ready for the traditional Sunday lunch, the best meal of the week: roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes for the lucky ones who could afford a joint from the last shipment of ice-frozen Australian beef.\n\nA few remained for a final prayer. Hers was for forgiveness that she had come to this church but she was confident that God would understand it was only a momentary, necessary protest to Father Leo. All eyes watched her as they filed out. Then she joined the last of them, nodding and saying \"'Morning\" to murmured greetings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The vicar stood just outside the door, greeting some, glowering at others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she came up he became both seraphic and stuttering, \"Oh, my, Miss Ang... oh, Madame, how wonderful to see you, welcome to Holy Trinity, may we see more of you... if there's anything I can explain... Oh! No? Well, I hope you enjoyed, well, please, please come again, wonderful to see you, you're welcome...\"\n\n\"Thank you, Reverend,\" she said, bobbed a quick curtsey, hastily walked up the path and onto the promenade.\n\nSir William was waiting for her, Babcott with him, muffled like everyone against the gusts. \"Glad to see you up and about,\" Sir William said sincerely, \"particularly here. We're rather proud of Holy Trinity and you're very welcome, very, and we're all happy you're here. The Vicar was a bit off today, sorry about that, he's usually quite good and not too much fire and brimstone. Did you enjoy the service?\"\n\n\"It was so different, Sir William,\" she said. \"To worship in English and not Latin was exotic.\"\n\n\"Yes, I suppose it was. May we walk with you?\"\n\n\"Please.\" They set off briskly, exchanging pleasantries and genial questions, avoiding the issue central to their mind with: the weather's shocking, isn't it? The football match yesterday afternoon was grand—may we escort you next week; have you seen the latest papers, or heard the Yokohama Players were putting on a performance of Romeo and Juliet—-Mrs. Lunkchurch has kindly consented to play the starring role against Mrs. Grimm's Romeo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you ever been on the boards, have you performed, Ma'am?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only children's Nativity plays in the convent,\" she said. \"And not very well... oh!\"\n\nA gust had seized Sir William's top hat and sent it twirling, Babcott just managed to hold on to his, she was not quick enough and hers went sailing away with hats all along the promenade to curses, wails, cheers and laughter. She joined the melee and scurried after hers, but Babcott retrieved it just before it went rolling down onto the beach. Sir William's was stopped by Phillip Tyrer who hurriedly handed it to him then charged after his own.\n\n\"My best beaver,\" Sir William said sourly, brushing off mud that looked suspiciously like manure. Her hat was undamaged and, smiling, she put it back on firmly, adjusted her hat pin. \"Thank you, George, I thought it was going for a swim.\"\n\n\"So did I. Can we entertain you at lunch?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you but no, I'm staying indoors today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon they were at the Struan gateway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men kissed her hand and she disappeared inside.\n\n\"Lovely lady, good sort, good sport,\" Sir William said.\n\n\"Yes.\" Babcott was frowning, looking out to sea.\n\nSir William followed his intent look. Nothing amiss in the bay that he could see. \"What's up?\"\n\n\"Her period's begun.\"\n\n\"Christ Almighty, you've examined her? Or Hoag? Why the devil didn't you tell me?\"\n\n\"We haven't examined her. I just know, that's all.\"\n\n\"Eh? How d'you th—\" He stopped as MacStruan and Dmitri went by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Morning, 'morning to you,\" he said impatiently, then took Babcott by the arm and started him down the street to the Legation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 10 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How d'you know? Eh?\"\n\n\"I'm a doctor, for God's sake. I saw her yesterday, and today when I saw her without the veil it leapt into my head. Her face was a little puffy and when she ran after her hat I noticed she ran awkwardly.\"\n\n\"Damned if I did! God Almighty! You're sure?\"\n\n\"No, but a hundred guineas says so against a farthing.\"\n\nSir William frowned. \"Will Hoag know just by looking at her too?\"\n\n\"I can't say.\"\n\n\"In that case don't tell him.\"\n\n\"Why on earth not?\"\n\n\"Let's leave it private between us, that's best.\" Then Sir William said kindly, \"Let's leave Angelique to play her cards as she wants. It is her game, hers and Tess Struan's, not ours. It's ours no longer.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'teahouse' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four Bakufu Enforcers, including a sergeant, stomped through the Yoshiwara gateway. They were like any other patrol of samurai except the men were tougher, meaner and more alert. It was early afternoon. In spite of the weather, the traditional, leisurely procession of courtesans, trailing maids, paraded up and down, showing off their finery one to another and to the groups of gai-jin gawking and drinking at the cafés and Teahouse, laughing as the wind sent a few decorative umbrellas sailing.\n\nFrom time to time one of the Enforcers would stalk up to the doorman of an Inn, or patron of a Teahouse, or restaurant maid. At once the person would bow and grovel and say, \"No, Sire, the traitor Hiraga has not been seen. Oh, no, Sire, thank you, Sire. Yes, at once, Sire. No, I don't know him, Sire.\"\n\nAlmost all of them knew where he was but kept their peace, hating Enforcers, knowing, also, no reward was big enough to prevent shishi vengeance, or Floating World disgust, at a betrayal. In their world, secrets were the spice and currency of life, adding to the day's excitement.\n\nThe patrol's progress seemed to be haphazard. Then the Sergeant changed direction, turned into the alley of the Three Carp and hammered on the door in the fence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga was trapped. Whenever patrols were in the vicinity, lookouts alerted him in good time to flee to his underground hideaway in the tunnel where he now had a rough bed, candles, matches, food, his swords and pistol, and Katsumata's explosives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today when the alarm reached him, Hiraga discovered other samurai searching that garden, so there was no chance to reach the well.\n\nIn panic, he had rushed for the kitchen area and had barely enough time to assume a disguise, secreted there, that Katsumata had given him as, a few metres away, masked by a hedge, the Sergeant shoved past the bowing doorman, kicked off his sandals and stomped onto the veranda of the main house.\n\nUnaware Hiraga was aboveground and so near, Raiko came out to greet the Sergeant, knelt and bowed, her face all charm, her insides fluttering, for this was the third day of searches—too many for comfort. \"Good afternoon, Sire, so sorry the ladies are resting and not ready to receive clients.\"\n\n\"I wish to search.\"\n\n\"With pleasure, please follow.\"\n\n\"Go to the kitchen.\"\n\n\"Kitchen? Please, please to follow.\" She led the way pleasantly. When she saw Hiraga head down in the dirt amongst the dozen cooks and workers, her knees almost failed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiraga was filthy, his head covered by the matted wig Katsumata had worn in Hodogaya, and naked except for a soiled loincloth and ragged singlet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tie a pebble under your instep, Hiraga,\" Katsumata advised. \"Your walk as much as your face will give you away. Smear dirt on your face and armpits, dung is better, pretend to be a scullion, do not act, be one. Meanwhile make incendiaries, instruct Takeda how to do it, and be ready for when I return...\"\n\nThe leather-faced Sergeant stood with his hands on his hips in the silence and looked around. Painstakingly. Every corner, cupboard or storeroom was scrutinized. Rows of rare spices, teas, barrels of saké and bottles of gai-jin liquor and bags of the finest rice. He grunted to hide his envy.\n\n\"You! Head cook!\" The portly, terrified man raised his head. \"Stand over there! Line up, all of you.\" In their haste to obey they stumbled over one another, Hiraga limping badly, dirty, shoved his way into line. Muttering curses, the samurai stared at each man as he went down the line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he came up to Hiraga his nostrils wrinkled with disgust at the stench, then he moved to the next man and the next, vented his pent-up rage by shouting at the last man, who collapsed in a petrified heap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the Sergeant stalked back and stood in front of Hiraga, feet planted. \"You!\" he bellowed. \"You!\"\n\nRaiko cried out and nearly swooned, everyone stopped breathing, Hiraga fell on his face, grovelling and moaning, bracing his feet against the wall to hurl himself forward at the Sergeant's legs. But the man began raving, \"You are a disgrace to a kitchen, and you\"—he whirled on Raiko, who backed against the wall, terrified, Hiraga just managing to stop his lunge in time—\"you should be ashamed to have a dung-covered scum like this in a kitchen for the rich.\" His iron-hard toe kicked the befouled in the neck and shoulder joint and Hiraga cried out in real pain, the wig almost came off and he grabbed it in panic, hands over his head. \"Get rid of him. If this lice bag is here or in the Yoshiwara by sundown, I will close you for filth! Shave his head!\" Another kick and he stalked out.\n\nNo one moved until the all-clear came. Even then they started to pick themselves up warily, maids rushed in with smelling salts for Raiko, who tottered away leaning on them, while kitchen workers helped Hiraga to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was in pain but did not show it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once he stripped and went out to the servants' area and washed himself, scrubbing and scrubbing, filled with revulsion—he had had only enough time to dig his hands into the nearest bucket of night soil and smear himself and rush to a place near the fires.\n\nWhen he was partially satisfied he stalked naked to his house, to bathe again, this time in hot water, certain he would never feel clean again. Raiko intercepted him on the veranda, not fully recovered from her alarm.\n\n\"So sorry, Hiraga-sama, the lookout failed to warn us, but the samurai in that garden... Hot water and a bath maid is waiting for you inside, but now, so sorry, perhaps you should go, it's too dangerou—\"\n\n\"I am waiting for Katsumata, then I shall leave. He has paid you well.\"\n\n\"Yes, but the Enforc—\"\n\n\"Baka! You are responsible for the warning system. If there is another mistake, your head goes in the bucket!\"\n\nGrim-visaged, he stalked into the bathhouse where the maid knelt and bowed so fast she banged her head. \"Baka!\" he snarled, not yet over his utter fright, the foul taste of fear still with him. He squatted on the tiny stool, ready for the maid to begin scrubbing. \"Hurry up!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baka, he thought, enraged." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone is baka, Raiko is baka, but not Katsumata—he is not baka, he was right again: without the shit I would be dead, or worse, captured alive." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dusk was a busy time for the inhabitants of Yedo's Yoshiwara, the biggest and finest in all Nippon, a maze of tiny streets and pleasant places on the edge of the city, covering almost two hundred acres, where Katsumata and other shishi, or ronin, could hide in safety—if acceptable.\n\nKatsumata was particularly acceptable. Money was not a problem for him. He paid the waitress for his soup and noodles and strolled unhurried towards the House of Wisteria, still disguised as a bonze though now he wore a false mustache and was clad differently, his shoulders made wider with pads, his robe richer.\n\nColorful lanterns were being lit everywhere, gardens and paths given their last brushing, fresh flower arrangements finished. Inside the Teahouses and Inns of greater or lesser importance, geisha and courtesans and mama-sans were being bathed and dressed, chattering and preparing for tonight's entertainment. Kitchens abuzz, men chopping and dicing and preparing sauces and sweetmeats and decorations and cauldrons of the choicest rice, cleaning fish and caressing marinades into them.\n\nLots of friendly laughter. Misery here and there, some in tears thinking of clients allocated or strangers who must be received and welcomed with smiles and laughter, and satisfied—and not the young lovers many hearts yearned for, the yearning to be left alone and allowed to sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As always, mama-sans and older, more experienced courtesans gentled them, repeating the same dogma that Meikin was saying to Teko, Koiko's maiko, now in tears, who was to make her debut as a courtesan this night, \"Dry your tears, Moonbeam, accept without thinking the sad impermanence of life, accept what lies ahead, laugh with your sisters, enjoy wine and song and your pretty clothes, gaze at the moon or at a flower and drift with the current of life like a gourd drifting downstream. Run along now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will not accept that Katsumata betrayed my Koiko with just cause, Meikin thought, her heart aching. He had no need or justification to compromise my precious with that woman shishi, however brave! Worse, he was baka to end such a marvelous source of influence and private information from Yoshi's shadow: stupid, stupid, stupid! But it is done. Finished. Take your own advice, Meikin: Drift, what does it matter, truly?\n\nI accept that it matters. Koiko mattered to all of us, not the least to Yoshi, now pitilessly against all shishi.\n\nAgain the mama-san sat at her mirror. The reflection stared back at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her makeup, heavier than usual, no longer hid the shadows and sagging care lines.\n\nI accept, too, that I have aged horribly since the shoya interrupted us, Raiko and me—Eleventh Day of Twelfth Month, Last Month, the last day of my life. Just thirty-three days ago. Only thirty-three days and I look like a crone, long past the normal span of fifty years. Thirty-three days of tears, a lake of tears when I thought I was safely beyond tears, sure that I had used up all my tears long ago, over lovers I can hardly remember, over one I can still feel and smell and taste and yearn for, my penniless young samurai who left without warning, without a word or letter, for another Teahouse and another woman, taking the little money I had saved and the broken pieces of my spirit that he cast into the gutter. And later then more tears over my baby son, dead in the house fire of his foster parents, his rich old merchant father wandering off like the other, my suicide unsuccessful.\n\nToo many Floating years. Thirty-three years drifting, one for each of the harrowing days. Now I have forty-three years, forty-three years today I was born." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What should I do now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon the Lord Yoshi will demand payment. Karma.\n\nI accept that I trained Koiko, offered her, guaranteed her. What more can I offer in supplication? What can I do?\n\nHer reflection did not answer.\n\nA knock. \"Mistress, Katsumata-sama is here, he is early.\"\n\nHer stomach felt hollow. \"I will be there instantly.\"\n\nTo calm herself Meikin drank some of the gai-jin brandy that Raiko had given her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was easier, she went out and along the exquisite corridor towards a guest reception room, all woods and tatami and shoji the most expensive. In wonderful taste. Bought and paid for with so much effort and heartache and cajoling but, because of Koiko the Flower, her House was immensely profitable and a pleasure for her bankers. Today she had a meeting. \"We notice, so sorry, your receipts are considerably down compared to last month.\"\n\n\"It is the season, a poor time of the year for all Teahouses, and unseasonably cold. Business will pick up with the spring. We are in huge profit for the year, there's no need to worry.\" But she knew, and knew the Gyokoyama knew, that most of her profit was because of Koiko, that now a gossamer curtain hung between her and ruin. If Yoshi decided.\n\nThen why increase your risk, allowing shishi here, she asked herself. Particularly Katsumata—he's the first of Yoshi's enemies now. What does it matter?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There must be bad with the good, the bad can be dealt with and the good enjoyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Exciting to be part of the shishi, their bravery and sonno-joi, their fight for freedom from the yoke of centuries, laying down their lives for the Emperor in their tragic and hopeless quest, all of them so young and valiant, born to fail, so sad. And if they were to win, would those who next rule, would they free us from our yoke of ages?\n\nNo. Never. Not us, not women. We will be where we are now, in thrall to the yang.\n\nHer eyes caught a glimpse of the moon breaking out of a sunset-reddened cloud, for an instant peerless, to be swallowed again, the red becoming more brown and then gold and into darkening flames—one moment alive, the next dead.\n\n\"Beautiful, neh?\"\n\n\"Yes, Katsumata-sama, so sad and so beautiful, yes. Ah, they have brought tea, so sorry you are leaving us.\"\n\n\"I shall be back in a few days. Have you anything more from Raiko? Anything further about the gai-jin, their plans?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meikin poured tea for him, pausing a moment to admire the superb design of the cups." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'raiko's' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems the Lord Yoshi has had a meeting with the gai-jin leader to make friends with them.\" She related Furansusan's information that Raiko's envoy had whispered to her a few nights before, but had kept from him until now. \"Also the gai-jin Kanagawa doctor secretly examined the tairō here the same day, giving him gai-jin medicines—I hear he is improved.\"\n\n\"Baka,\" he said disgustedly.\n\n\"Yes. This doctor should be stopped. Raiko's source says he returns tomorrow or the next day to see the tairō again.\"\n\n\"So ka?\" His interest doubled. \"Where? In the castle?\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"No. This is the best part, outside the walls, in the palace of Zukumura the Idiot, as last time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face twisted. \"So many choices, Meikin, rare choices. Just like Utani, rieh? So much temptation. Utani's killing still resounds around all Nippon! Hiraga? Is he caught yet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, the chief gai-jin let Akimoto go and Takeda is still also safe.\" She watched him and wondered what he was thinking, then added softly, \"Two last facts you should know. Lord Yoshi was at the meeting of doctor and tairō, also with only a few guards. I hear he will be there again.\" She saw his eyes glitter in the light that permeated the room and felt a sudden fear, sensing his restrained violence.\n\n\"Yoshi and Anjo together, those dogs outside the walls together? Eeee, Meikin, how rare!\" Katsumata trembled with excitement. \"Can you find out exactly when the doctor arrives?\"\n\nShe leaned forward, almost sick with hope, and whispered, \"Another courier is due this evening. I will know then. Raiko would understand what a vital chance it could be for us, for all of us, for all of us to settle many scores.\"\n\nIn truth it was a never-before opportunity, if it came to pass. He scowled. \"I cannot wait here, or come back tonight. When was the other meeting, what part of the day?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Early.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scowl deepened, then dissolved. \"Meikin, all shishi will thank you. If the meeting's tomorrow, send me the time at once, the Inn of Blue Skies, near the bridge at Nihonbashi.\"\n\nHe bowed and she bowed, both satisfied, for now." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! ten sentences more. match character knowledge. historical fiction, Japan pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'warship' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bridge at Nihonbashi was considered the first stage of the Tokaidō, on the fringe of Yedo, and the Inn of Blue Skies one of dozens, rich and poor, that were scattered in the district. Tonight was black and cold, the sky solid cloud, midnight still hours away. The Blue Skies lay in a dirty little alley, one of the poorer establishments, a nondescript, ramshackle, two-story building with outhouses, kitchens and a few separate one-room bungalows in the garden behind the walls. On the veranda of one of these, Katsumata sat meditating, his robe padded against the chill, enjoying the garden that alone had had care lavished on it.\n\nColorful lanterns amidst choice plantings around a tiny stream, a bridge, the soothing, friendly sound of trickling water and cloppp cloppp of the pivoted, resonant bamboo cup falling against its stone, filling with water and emptying from the miniature waterfall as long as the water fell. His silent shishi bodyguard stopped momentarily, motioned that all was well, and continued on his roving patrol around the Inn.\n\nKatsumata was content, his plans perfected: two shishi were to join him in the morning for Yokohama, this guard and one other. The sacrifice of these two with Hiraga, Takeda and Akimoto would ensure the burning of the Settlement and sinking the warship, and therefore the bombardment and obliteration of Yedo with all its consequent results. At the last minute he would take over the firing of the church as he had always anticipated, allowing Hiraga to lead the assault team against the warship, thus giving himself plenty of opportunity to escape whereas the others would have none.\n\nHis fingers fondled the hilt of a long sword in his lap, enjoying the touch of the fine leather, already imagining himself part of these acts of terrorism that would lift sonno-joi from the present apathy that surrounded it, making certain his leadership of the newly formed shishi cadres, from now on to be dominated by himself and Satsuma." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Next, Yoshi and Anjo, however tempting, were not as important as Yokohama, so he had left them to other shishi here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were not enough men to mount a frontal attack, so he had devised an ambush. An ambush might succeed, probably would not, but its very audacity again would be uplifting. For this he needed to know the exact time of the doctor's return. If Meikin reported it was tomorrow, he would alert men already primed and waiting in a nearby Inn for this suicide mission, still leaving him his two for Yokohama.\n\nIt will be enough if the ambush is launched so close to the castle, he told himself, light-headed with anticipation. This, together with Yokohama, will assure sonno-joi and make my future sublime. If only there was more time to prepare! Ah, time! \"Time is a thought,\" he had told his students in their Zen classes, opening and closing his fist for emphasis. \"Time exists but does not exist, is permanent and impermanent, fixed and elastic, necessary and unnecessary, to be held in the hand and wondered at: why?\"\n\nSolemnly he opened his palm and stared at it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then chuckled. What nonsense! But, oh, how those youths used to rack their brains for meaning when there was none, Ori especially, and Hiraga, my best students, future leaders I had hoped. But Ori is dead and now Hiraga is tainted and treacherous.\n\nThe cloppp cloppp of the water mobile was comforting. And the trickling water. His being was filled with vitality and plans and ideas, the future once again balmy, no tiredness tonight, plenty of time for Meikin to send...\n\nA shadow moved in the shrubs, another, slight sound at the back and he was on his feet, sword in hand, racing for the secret door that was hidden in the bushes but three ninja-clad men came out of the shadows and blocked him from it, swords raised. At once he twisted and charged another way, but more ninja were there, the whole garden filling, some moving at him, others rock-still, waiting for him to come to them. At once he launched a berserk attack against an easy target, the four men closing on him from the left, killing one, the others evaporating as quickly as they appeared. A sudden blinding pain in his eyes from acid powder they had flung in his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In agony he howled with rage, lunging sightlessly at the enemy, his frenzy at being ambushed and tricked lending him maniacal strength to his arms and wings to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His sword found flesh, the man cried out, armless, and Katsumata coiled and blindly lashed out again, darted left and right and right again, feinting, trying to wipe his eyes clean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Twisting, hacking, darting this way and that in panic, clawing at his eyes.\n\nHis sight cleared momentarily. An open path to safety and the fence lay in front of him. Berserk, he leapt forward, then an enormous blow on the back of his head sent him reeling. In desperation he reversed his sword to fall on it but another blow smashed it away, breaking his arm. He shrieked. His consciousness vanished.\n\nThe swirling black pit was an eternity of torment with red and green flashes behind his eyes, no sight there, no hearing but for a gigantic hammering, chest afire, heart pulsating, all openings out of control. Icy water drenched him and he gasped. Another deluge in his face and another. Coughing and heaving, he came out of the dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Agony from his broken arm, the bone splintered and protruding, soared into his head and blew his sight back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found himself spread-eagled on the ground, helpless, a ninja standing on each wrist and each ankle but they were not ninja. Now their masks were off. He recognized Abeh who stood over him. Then he saw Yoshi nearby, dark clad, but not as the fighters. Twenty or thirty others all around. Silent as the night and the area.\n\n\"So, Katsumata! Katsumata the Raven, Katsumata the shishi and leader of shishi and patron of women,\" Yoshi said, his voice so kind. \"What a shame you are alive. Please, the truth. Koiko, she was part of your plot, neh?\"\n\nKatsumata was frantically trying to collect his wits and when he did not answer immediately, the samurai standing on his fractured arm twisted the protruding bone viciously and he screamed, the iron will he always presumed he possessed lost with his freedom. \"Please, oh please...\"\n\n\"Koiko, she was part of your plot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not my plot, Sire, hers and the mama-san's, hers, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The broken man babbled, his head on fire like his arm, the pain intolerable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not... she was... it was her, her and the mama-san, not me, Lord, nothing to do with me. It was her and Meikin her mama-san, not me, it was them, not me...\"\n\n\"So ka? And Sumomo, the shishi who escaped with you through the tunnel, the Kyōto tunnel, remember? You remember Sumomo? You blackmailed Koiko and without her knowledge secretly ordered Sumomo to murder me, neh?\"\n\n\"Sum... momo, Sire? I don't know, who is—is she... nothing to do with me, noth—\" The words trailed into another scream as the man standing on his arm shifted his stance.\n\nYoshi sighed, his face a mask. He motioned to Meikin who was standing to one side, out of Katsumata's eye line, Inejin beside her. \"You heard your accuser, Meikin?\"\n\n\"Yes, Sire.\" She came forward weakly, her voice small and shuddering. \"So sorry, he is a liar. We were never part of any plot against you, never, he is a liar. We are blameless.\" She looked down at Katsumata, loathing him, glad she had betrayed him and that she was revenged—his cowardice and being caught alive better than anything she had dared hope for.\n\n\"Liar!\" she hissed and backed off as he began raving, trying impotently to get at her until another of the men smashed him senseless and he lay back moaning fitfully, not one of them with any sympathy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her head was pounding like never before, her mouth tasted vile." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Traitor, you won't fornicate in hell, if there is a hell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But, Sire, so sorry, it is also true I knew him, so did my treasure but only as an ancient client, only that. He was an ancient client and I did not know then who he was or what this\"—she hesitated, trying to find a word that fit her loathing—\"this thing really did.\"\n\n\"I believe you, Meikin. Good, at last the truth. Good. And because he is the liar you may have him, as I agreed.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Lord.\"\n\n\"Obey her,\" he said to Abeh, \"then bring her outside.\"\n\nHe strode off. All the men went with him, surrounding him, shielding him, except for Abeh and the men restraining the spread-eagled man, now moaning into consciousness again. She waited, savoring the moment, for herself, for Koiko and all the Floating World, so rare to have revenge, so very rare.\n\n\"Please strip him,\" she said, quite calm. They obeyed her. She knelt and showed Katsumata the knife. It was small but sufficient for her purposes. \"Traitor, you won't fornicate in hell, if there is a hell.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When at length the shrieks subsided into unconsciousness, she dealt with him as with a pig. \"That's what you are,\" she murmured, and wiped the knife clean and slipped it into her obi, blood still on her hands and sleeves.\n\n\"I will take that, please,\" Abeh said, nauseated by her vengeance. Silently she gave him the knife and followed to the courtyard, men surrounding her. Yoshi was waiting. She knelt in the dirt. \"Thank you, Lord. I believe he regretted he betrayed you, betrayed us before leaving. Thank you.\"\n\n\"And you, Meikin?\"\n\n\"I never betrayed you. I told the truth. I have told you all I know and gave you the traitor tonight.\"\n\n\"So?\"\n\nUnafraid, she looked at him directly, not many eyes so unrelenting as his, and dismissed that, preferring to see him as a man, one of a thousand clients or officials she had had to brave in her lifetime, for money or favors, for herself or her House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is time to go onwards, Sire.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She put her hand into her sleeve and brought out the small phial. \"I can do it here if you wish, my death poem is written, the Gyokoyama possess the House of Wisteria. But I am of the Floating World,\" she said proudly. \"It is not seemly to depart befouled, with unclean blood speckling me and on my hands. I would like to go onwards clean. I would like to go back to my House. A death wish, Sire: a bath and clean clothes. Please?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with three sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Angelique was among the riders exercising their ponies in the early morning light at the Yokohama racetrack, cantering alone, by choice, hardly noticing the others. The circuit was busy and all the riders watched her. A lot of money was riding with her that morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was overdue. At least a day.\n\n\"Edward, she is, isn't she?\" Pallidar asked, riding alongside Gornt on the other side of the field. \"Er, overdue?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, suh, the figures add up that way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt looked across at her and pondered what he was going to do. She was mounted on a black pony that Malcolm had given her, and wore a black riding habit, very snug, black boots and hat with a half veil. \"Her tailor's good, never seen that outfit before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, and she's got a good seat too,\" Pallidar said dryly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both laughed. \"But she does ride like a dream, no doubt about it, pretty as any Southern belle.\"\n\n\"Seriously, what do you think? I mean, there are all sorts of rumors about dates, not many of us have ever had, I mean, not many of us know about the Curse, the intervals, and all that. Have you money on it?\"\n\nSo much you'd never believe, Gornt thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yesterday I asked Hoag point-blank.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good God, just like that? I'd never have had the balls, old boy.\" Pallidar leaned closer, his mount a dragoon gelding grey, and a hand bigger than Gornt's pony. \"What did he say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says he doesn't know any more than we do. You know what he's like, so I believe him.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'until' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gornt hid his impatience, missing her company. They had agreed to keep up the pretense of avoiding each other until she was sure if she wasn't... nothing could begin until then—or until the second month. \"The 11th or 12th are right though he did say she could be late but not much later to... start. If she doesn't, she's bearing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christ! Makes you think, what? Tough for her if she is, poor lady, more than tough when you think of Hong Kong Tess and the problems. And tougher if she isn't, if you believe the rumors—don't know which is tougher.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bugles began sounding on the bluff above the racecourse where the soldiers' tented encampment lay—a thousand soldiers there. \"Bloody hell,\" Pallidar muttered.\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a 'Return to base.' The General's probably just got a hangover and wants to snarl at everyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You going with Sir William tomorrow?\"\n\n\"The Kanagawa-Yoshi conference? Suppose so. Generally I'm the dogsbody. I'd better go. Dinner in the Mess?\"\n\n\"Thanks, I'd like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gornt watched Pallidar pirouette his horse impeccably to gallop off and mingle with other army officers streaming away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He noticed Hoag coming up from the Settlement to join the circuit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Doctor rode well, easy in the saddle for such a heavy man. Deciding to intercept him he heeled his pony—a brown stallion, the best in the Brock stable—into a canter, then changed his mind. He had ridden enough for today." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They would hear soon enough, Hoag would never be able to keep that news to himself once it was fact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before leaving the track he waved to Angelique and called out, \"'Morning, Ma'am, you're a joy to see on a chill day.\"\n\nShe looked up, pulled from her own private world. \"Oh. Thank you, Mr. Gornt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw her melancholy, but she smiled at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reassured, he trotted on, content, no need to rush her. First, is she or isn't she? Either way is fine with me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique had been pleased to see him, enjoying his open admiration and elegance and masculinity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The strain of the waiting, remaining alone, holding to her regimen of mourning, bottling up secrets, was beginning to tell—her early morning ride, occasional promenades, reading as many new books as she could find, talking to Vargas about silk and silkworms, trying to work up an enthusiasm, were the only luxuries she allowed herself. Then she saw Hoag.\n\nHoag! If she continued her canter she would catch up with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A trot would avoid him, and even easier to turn and go home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good morning, Monsieur le docteur, how are you?\"\n\n\"Oh, hello, you're looking well.\"\n\n\"I'm not,\" she said, \"I'm piqued. But thank you anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A slight hesitation and she added casually, \"A woman never feels well during that time of the month.\"\n\nStartled, he jerked his reins and his mare bridled, neighed and shook her head, frightening Angelique's mount. In moments both were in tight control again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he said gruffly, \"I'd... I'd expected the opposite.\" The suddenness and her nonchalance was so unsettling that he almost said, Are you sure? Must be getting old, he thought, irritated with himself for not seeing the obvious—obvious now that he looked at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, at least you know.\"\n\n\"I'm terribly disappointed, for Malcolm's sake, but somehow it doesn't seem to—to skewer me anymore. Of course I cried my heart out but now...\" Her guilelessness made him want to reach out and comfort her.\n\n\"With all the rest, that's understandable, Angelique. Better that way. I told you before, so long as you can cry, none of it will damage you. May I ask when you started?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were more bugles from the bluff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on? I saw Settry and other officers rush off.\"\n\n\"The bugles are just recalling officers, routine, nothing to worry about.\" Hoag looked around to make sure no one was near." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks for telling me,\" he laughed nervously, \"if a little abruptly. Can we talk as we ride?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly,\" she said, knowing full well why she had told him. It was seeing Gornt today and Hoag convenient. And because she wanted the fight to begin. \"It began Sunday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know whether to say you're lucky or unlucky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's neither,\" she said. \"It was the will of God, I accept that. I'm sorry for Malcolm, not for me. For me, it's the will of God. What do you do now, inform her?\"\n\n\"Yes, but first I have to give you a letter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was her turn to be startled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You had a letter all this time but didn't give it to me?\"\n\n\"She asked me to give it to you if you were not bearing Malcolm's child.\"\n\n\"Oh.\" She thought about that, feeling slightly sick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if I were, what then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a hypothetical question now, isn't it?\" he said gently, her sudden pallor worrisome. This young lady's not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was asked to give you this letter if your period began, Angelique. Would you like to go back now? I'll bring it to your suite.\"\n\n\"Thank you, but I'll... I'll wait while you collect it, I'll wait outside Struan's.\" She spurred ahead, finished this circuit, oblivious of the others—every one of them watching her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On a whim she wheeled to take the path for a short gallop to clear her head of fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spurs and knees and hands and the pony was smoothly flat out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahead were two church spires and the perimeter fence, the Yoshiwara nestling outside but inside its own walls, the bridge and guard house." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment her mind took her back in time and it was as if she were galloping towards them panic-stricken, the bloody Tokaidō behind her, hat gone, clothes torn, frightened nearly to death. The vision evaporated as she reined in—how long ago that all seemed. A different kind of fear remained. She had cast the die." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding nine sentences in the historical fiction, Japan genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tess's letter read:\n\nI'm sure you will agree there is no need for pleasantries that are meaningless between us.\n\nI'm glad that you are not bearing my son's child. That makes the future simpler and less messy. I do not accept or acknowledge the \"marriage\" or that you have any legal claims whatsoever against him—to the contrary.\n\nBy the time you read this the Noble House will have begun a new era, or be teetering on bankruptcy. If the first, it will be due in part to yr sending me that person.\n\nBecause of that, as a finder's fee, I will pay capital into the Bank of England, in trust, necessary to provide you with an income of two thousand guineas a year—if, in turn, you provide me within thirty days from today's date (when your period has been established), with an affidavit on the following conditions:\n\nFirst, that you repudiate and relinquish forever any and all claims you or any representatives might dream up against my son's nonexistent estate—you realize that, as a minor and never accredited legally as tai-pan, he had no estate to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Second, that you agree to relinquish all claims to, and agree no longer to use, the \"Mrs. Malcolm Struan\" title or any version of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "(For face, yrs, I suggest you have regretfully decided to do this because, being Catholic, you accept you were not legally married according to yr faith and yr Church, not that I accept the ceremony was valid in any way.)\n\nThird, that you will not set foot in Hong Kong again, other than to transship, nor seek to meet me, write to me or have any contact with me or my line in the future.\n\nFourth, that yr affidavit formally notarized by Sir William Aylesbury HM. 's Minister for Japan, be delivered to me here in Hong Kong, via Dr. Hoag as surety, by February 14th, a little over thirty days approximately from today (the date yr period has been established).\n\nLast, that if you marry within the year the capital will be enlarged to increase the yearly stipend to three thousand guineas for the first ten years. On yr death the capital reverts to me or my heirs.\n\nWithin three weeks of reading this, please remove yourself from Struan premises. I have advised Mr. Albert MacStruan, by letter today, to that effect, and also that, from today, yr credit with Struan's is ended and that any chits given, or purportedly given, by my son and authenticated by his chop only are not to be honored—excepting those that are personally signed and dated by him, thus completely bona fide.\n\nIf within three weeks, yr affidavit is signed and ready for Dr. Hoag, then Mr. MacStruan is authorized to give you at once credit to FIVE HUNDRED guineas on account of your guaranteed trust which will be erected within thirty days, the yearly amount to be paid quarterly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Should you decline the above conditions (you have my solemn word they are not negotiable) or I do not see Dr. Hoag by said specified date, February 12th, the next day, Friday 13th, my solicitors will file court proceedings against you to the maximum I and they feel justified, the first of which is that with malice aforethought you caused the death of my son." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'gornt' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A piece of advice: Mr. Skye may twist and turn and scream duress, that these are threats against yr person. They are not. My solicitors advise me they are not, that this is a generous, legal way to remove a tiresome problem my son, for whatever ill-advised reasons, has caused.\n\nPlease ask Dr. Hoag to return as soon as possible with yr affidavit, or nonagreement. Tess Struan, 28th December,\n\nYear of our Lord, 1862, at Hong Kong.\n\nGornt looked up from the letter. \"You don't accept.\"\n\n\"That's exactly what Mr. Skye told me.\" Some of Angelique's fury dissipated on the spot. She sat in her tall chair, stiff and setfaced, Gornt opposite her, and they were in her boudoir." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'I'm glad you agree. I'll reply in kind to that—that woman this afternoon!' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm glad you agree. I'll reply in kind to that—that woman this afternoon!\"\n\n\"No, that would be wrong. I'm saying you don't fight, that's the worst you can do. You compromise.\"\n\nShe became ashen again, more than angry. \"You say accept these... this foulness?\"\n\n\"I'm just saying you can compromise in due course,\" he said, his mind working well and logically though his chest and throat felt tight. \"I'm sure I can get you better terms.\"\n\n\"Terms? Then you do say accept this in principle? Accept this? I thought you were a fighter and my friend but you'll let her get away with dragging my face in the mud?\"\n\n\"I know she said it's nonnegotiable, but I don't believe that. I can improve it. Her first offer, two or three thousand, already makes you comfortable, five and you'd be rich.\"\n\n\"That doesn't outweigh her vile manners, her evil threats, constant hostility and enmity! I was married legally. Legally!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angelique stamped her foot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not to be Mrs. Struan? Not to set foot in Hong Kong, to be addressed in this way, how dare she? As though I am... I am a felon!\"\n\n\"I agree. On your behalf I'll renegotiate.\"\n\n\"Jésus. I want her humbled, smashed.\"\n\n\"So do I, but now is not the time.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"The great Dirk Struan really did ill-use my mother's family, the Tillmans—not as bad as Morgan, but bad enough.\" His smile was cruel. \"If I can crush Brock's, why not Struan's? It's all the same to me. Revenge is a meal we can eat together leisurely, morsel by morsel.\"\n\n\"We can?\" A sudden warmth went into her loins, he looked so confident and handsome and strong. \"How?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First, what did Skye say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said at once to fight and showed me papers he has prepared for filing in Hong Kong, London and Paris an—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Paris? Why Paris?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She explained about \"ward of the State.\" \"He says in Paris with ward of France as a fact we will win, the marriage will be declared legal according to French law, and then I can settle at my whim, not hers.\"\n\n\"Has he mentioned fees, Angelique?\"\n\nShe flushed. \"That has nothing to do with his advice.\"\n\n\"Nonsense,\" he said harshly. \"Our only safety is to face the truth and understand the games being played. That little bastard, 'scuse me, but I use the term advisedly—he is by the way, I found that out in Hong Kong—that little bastard is only thinking of his future, not yours, imagining himself in various courts defending this poor but beautiful French widow, swaying various juries—and losing everything for you.\"\n\n\"I don't see... Why?\"\n\n\"Malcolm has no estate.\"\n\n\"But... but, Mr. Skye says according to French law th—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wake up, Angelique!\" His voice was even harsher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was vital to get her out of this stupid, useless rage.\n\nThe moment he had come into her boudoir and had seen her tight-lipped, seething, a letter shaking in her hand, he had realized that this was the letter Hoag had told him about, that therefore there was no child and now Plan A could be hurtled into place. His joy had crested.\n\nPretending to know nothing, he had begun cheery greetings but these were spurned, the letter shoved at him, her fury making her even more attractive—the passion good for both of them, he had thought contentedly. But now it must be channeled and refined, like his. \"Skye's full of wind! Wake up!\"\n\n\"I am awake, he is not, and don't think for a mom—\"\n\n\"Stop it! Use your head, for God's sake! It's you who're at risk, not him!\" For an instant he wondered again what Tess's second letter, the other letter, contained that, now, no one would ever know—Hoag had said part of the agreement with Tess was that, prior to delivering this one, he would burn the other unopened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would Hoag really do that, or would he have read it before burning it though he had sworn a holy oath to abide exactly by her wishes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wish I knew, but then that's only icing on the cake.\n\n\"Angelique, dear Angelique...\" He tossed the letter on the table as though it were dirty, believing it to be wonderful, got up and sat beside her and took her hand. \"Paris and French law and all the rest are only for Skye's benefit, not yours. Even if he won, I'd wager ten thousand to one against, their ruling would have no bearing on Tess Struan and Hong Kong... Listen to me,\" he said louder as she started to override him. \"We've not much time and you have to be sensible. While you borrow or pauper yourself or sell yourself to pay his costs, let alone the fees he needs, you'll lose this one chance. He hasn't got but a few dollars. How's he going to get to Hong Kong, let alone Paris or London? That's a pipe dream.\" Sullenly she pulled her hand away. He laughed. \"You're like a spoiled brat and I love you for it.\"\n\n\"You...\" She stopped. \"You do?\"\n\n\"Love you or think you're a spoiled brat?\"\n\nWith a different voice she said, \"Both.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both,\" he said in a different voice, and took her hand again and grinned when she tried to pull it away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time he did not allow it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With equal, gentle firmness he pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. Her fight was immediate, soon to lessen, soon to enjoy. Both of them. When he released her he ducked at once, correctly anticipating her nails, which slashed at him. \"Whoa, there,\" he said as though to a spirited horse, delighted he had the measure of her. \"Whoa, there, Nelly!\"\n\nShe laughed in spite of her anger. \"You're a devil.\"\n\n\"Yes, but I'll make a fine husband, Ma'am.\"\n\nHer smiled faded. The anger vanished. She got up and went to the window and stared out at the bay and the ships there. Lots of activity around the warships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched and waited, hoping that he had judged correctly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she was ready, she said, \"You say compromise, Edward. How?\"\n\n\"I'd take the next, fastest boat to Hong Kong,\" he said. \"I'll see her at once and make changes you and I agree on—and I think are possible. I'm sure I can up the stipend. Five instead of two or three thousand would be acceptable, yes?\"\n\n\"She says those disgusting terms won't be changed.\"\n\n\"I will change them, some of them.\"\n\n\"Which?\"\n\n\"We can discuss those today and tomorrow. I'm confident about the money.\"\n\n\"Mon Dieu, the money's not everything, and why so quickly? There's till the 14th of next month.\"\n\n\"I must be first with the news, to catch her off balance. That makes my bargaining position better. For you,\" he added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned and looked at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Also for you too.\"\n\n\"Also for me,\" he said, these twists and turns and risks and gambles, a wrong word fatal, more thrilling than the best poker game he had ever been in, the stakes the highest. Her. Her and his future indivisible. And she holds most of the aces, he told himself, though she doesn't know it: her immediate agreement to Tess's demands, at his persuasion, would make Tess more keen than ever to be his ally, so vital to his future; her five thousand guineas would help to cement Rothwell-Gornt; and her venom would ensure Tess's end.\n\n\"I love you and want to marry you,\" he said. \"Please.\"\n\n\"It's much too soon to answer that.\"\n\n\"I don't agree, you're footloose and fancy free.\"\n\n\"Because I'm not married and never was?\" she snapped.\n\n\"Calm down, honey, think calmly! We're adults, I have a right to ask, to say I love you and to want to marry you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dropped her gaze and conceded, needing him, he alone could shield her from Tess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, yes, sorry, the... the letter unsettled me. But, it's too soon to answer you, really.\"\n\n\"I don't agree. I believe you love me, the promise could be private, not to be advertised, between us. I love you, we would make a grand team,\" he said, meaning it. \"The future's vast for us once this\"—he motioned at the letter—\"once this no longer threatens you. We've much in common and a common goal, to destroy your enemy and mine, at leisure.\"\n\n\"I don't love you, I like you, immensely, perhaps I could, perhaps I would love you in time and I would try if... if I was to marry you—no, don't move, let me finish.\" Her fingers were toying with a pearl buckle that she had bought in the village and that reminded her as MacStruan would not honor her remaining chits it was, apart from her engagement ring and the jade ring, the only jewelry she still possessed. And André would be around this afternoon again. She put that worry away for later and concentrated. Curious that Edward should have the same idea that I have. We think alike in many ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For the moment let me answer that later. When's the next ship for Hong Kong?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The best and fastest would be tomorrow night. Cooper-Tillman's Atlanta Belle, direct to Hong Kong then San Francisco,\" he said at once, arrivals and departures in the forefront of every trader's mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She'll be in Hong Kong before our clipper, Night Witch—she's not due here for three days.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"You'd want to be on her, the Atlanta Belle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd want to be on her, the Atlanta Belle?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then, Edward, let's discuss what you think can be bettered with that woman in the morning, that gives me time to think. If we agree, then please go quickly to Hong Kong... and hurry back, quickly.\"\n\n\"Good. But your answer to my proposal?\"\n\n\"I will give you that when you return.\"\n\n\"I must have it before I leave.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"For my pleasure,\" he said.\n\nShe saw the same strange smile and wondered what was behind it. \"Why? Seriously?\"" } ]