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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Rob MacGregor spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a barren cell somewhere below the palace, Indy hovered on the border of sleep. He saw the eagle flapping its wings, soaring high above him, then Mandraki's face obliterated the eagle. The colonel smiled cruelly, then pointed the barrel of his gun in his face.\n\nIndy jerked awake, pounded the hard mattress, and turned over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew that what had happened to him in the crevice had been more than a dream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he didn't want to think about it, didn't want to give it meaning, because all he could see was death, his death obliterating his future.\n\nHe turned over again, trying to stop his thoughts, but couldn't do it for more than a few seconds. He counted backwards from one hundred. Ninety-nine, ninety-eight ... He made it to eighty-five before the numbers muddled in his mind, and he drifted. Eighty-six, seventy-eight..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blinked his eyes open.\n\nSomething had jarred him from his sleep.\n\nHe listened.\n\nHe heard breathing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon and Conrad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But another noise had awakened him. He heard it again. Hollow, distant voices.\n\nGrowing closer.\n\nFootsteps echoed in the hallway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard a jingle of keys." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A voice like gravel growled, another grunted in response. Now what?\n\nThe door opened. In the dim light from the hall he saw two uniformed guards enter the cell. They looked around. One pointed at Indy and the other immediately jerked him from the floor.\n\n\"What's going on?\" Shannon shouted as Indy was dragged toward the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where're you taking him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Conrad stood, but he was pushed back down. The door slammed shut.\n\nHope this isn't the execution call, Indy thought. \"Is it morning already?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked in Greek as he was led away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards didn't answer. No one had told the prisoners anything. They'd been fed soup, bread, and water, and given a blanket and a thin mattress apiece. But their pleas to see the king or anyone who would listen to them were met with silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, they didn't even know the whereabouts of Nikos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They hadn't seen him since they left the car, and Indy hoped that somehow in the confusion he had managed to escape.\n\nThey reached a stairway, and the guards literally ran him up the steps. \"Hey, boys, what's the rush?\" He was ushered into a back hallway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glimpsed a huge kitchen off the hall where men in white uniforms scrubbed the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smelled the faint odor of food.\n\n\"Oh, time for breakfast already?\" The guards' sullen expressions remained intact. \"Guess not.\"\n\nThey kept walking, and soon they entered another hallway, but this one was ornate, suitable for a palace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His feet sank into the plush carpeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The walls were mahogany and the cornices were trimmed with gold leaf. He had no doubt that he was now in the main part of the palace.\n\nHalfway down the hallway they stopped in front of double doors tall enough for a giant to enter without ducking. One of the guards tapped lightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Immediately, the door opened a couple of inches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few words were exchanged, then Indy was escorted into a library filled with books that reached from floor to ceiling.\n\nThe royal library, he thought. Like in my dream-vision.\n\nA large, muscular man in a suit pointed to a wooden chair and Indy sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up glumly at the man, expecting an interrogation session." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But why in a library? Maybe he was going to beat him to death with books. Joyce's Ulysses could kill him with a single blow.\n\n\"Hello, Mr. Indiana Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked around and saw the king step into view." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was wearing a blue satin robe and slippers—just like in the vision—and he limped slightly as he walked.\n\n\"Your Highness.\" Indy stood up, but the guard shoved him back into his chair.\n\nThe king lowered himself into a swivel chair in front of a fireplace. \"I'm talking to you against the wishes of my advisors. They thought I should expel you from the country without another word.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really?\" It was the best news Indy had heard since they'd left Delphi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure my friends and I will accept that. But—\"\n\nThe king raised a hand, cutting him off. \"The reason I've decided to talk to you is that I feel I owe you at least that. You saved my life.\"\n\n\"I feel very fortunate to be here with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The king laughed. \"You are fortunate to be alive, much less in the palace. If the reports I received were accurate, luck must be on your side.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy tried to answer, but his throat was dry and his voice cracked.\n\nThe king snapped his fingers and murmured something to a man who had been hidden by the bookshelves. Indy looked around, wondering how many other people were in the room. A moment later, the aide handed Indy a glass of water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, tell me why you stole an artifact from Delphi and an automobile from Colonel Mandraki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gulped the water down, and cleared his throat. \"Mandraki was going to kill you. I mean, he wanted me to kill you.\"\n\n\"Wait.\" The king interrupted. \"Start from the beginning. Why did you go to Delphi with Dorian Belecamus?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy told his story, starting with his first encounter with Dorian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told the king everything, from her ploy to become Pythia to the story of Richard Farnsworth. He hoped all the details would make his story about the assassination plot more believable.\n\nThe king listened closely, expressing astonishment at Belecamus's double dealings. \"No wonder the miracle vapors didn't work. The cure didn't last any longer than the new Pythia.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He asked about Stephanos Doumas, and Indy told him that the dead archaeologist had been involved in the Order of Pythia, but not in the assassination attempt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you say that this supposed attempt to kill me had nothing to do with this mystical order, but was a military plot led by Colonel Mandraki?\"\n\nIndy nodded.\n\nThe king looked distracted. \"I'm well aware that my political enemies are growing in numbers, and that everything has not worked as I had hoped. But until now none of them has attempted to kill me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to Indy and smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If what you say about Mandraki is true, I don't feel so bad now about his car being destroyed.\"\n\nHe got up and hobbled over to the fireplace. He rubbed his hands together over the low-burning fire, then turned to Indy. \"I'd like to offer you and your friends a choice of staying in the palace as my guests of honor, or leaving and doing as you please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I can speak for my friends and say that the three of us are ready to go back to Paris.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he asked about Nikos.\n\nThe king glanced to the side and the aide who had brought the water appeared again. The man watched Indy as the king spoke under his breath. He said something back to the king, then after another exchange the aide moved away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Mr. Jones,\" the king said, \"but we know nothing about the boy. I hope he was able to get out of the car.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you saying he never got out?\" Indy raised his voice, and the guard by the door took a couple of steps toward him until the king motioned that it was okay.\n\n\"I'm saying I don't know. If I knew he was dead, I would tell you.\"\n\nThe aide returned carrying the knapsack and handed it to the king, who offered it to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe this is yours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Incredible. He's going to give me the Omphalos, Indy thought. Again, just like the vision.\n\nHe shook his head. \"No, it's not mine. It's the Omphalos. It belongs to everyone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems that there has been more attention given to this stone than it deserves,\" the king said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not so sure about that, Your Highness.\"\n\nThe king reached into the knapsack and scooped out the cone with one hand. \"Dr. Belecamus, for all her faults, is an authority on Delphi, and she told me that the Omphalos is really nothing more than a curiosity, a meteorite actually. I'm sure if it was of great value she wouldn't have left the palace without it. I'd like you to take it as a memento of your trip.\"\n\n\"Your Highness, I think you should put it back in the knapsack. If it's held too long, it may... you may...\" Indy didn't know how to explain it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He really didn't believe it, but something had happened to him, and to Dorian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't see anything unusual about it.\" The king turned it over in his hands. \"It feels warm.\"\n\nHe folded down into his chair. \"I feel a little drowsy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knapsack dropped to the floor as he wrapped his arms around the Omphalos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For several seconds he was motionless. Then his eyes grew wide, his mouth twisted in an expression of shock, and Indy knew that the artifact was working its spell. He rushed forward, but the burly guard caught him before he reached the king.\n\n\"Do something,\" Indy barked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can't you see he needs help? Get the stone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The aide moved to the king's side, asked if he was okay. Carefully, he lifted the Omphalos and set it on the floor. \"The doctor. Quickly,\" he yelled.\n\nThe king raised his hand. \"No. I'm okay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ran his hands over his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Release him,\" he told the guard who still held Indy.\n\n\"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I tried to warn you.\"\n\nThe king stared down at the Omphalos. \"I had the strangest experience. It was like a dream, but I was awake. I was surrounded by horrendous army ants, and they were picking at me. They were trying to carry me away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded, uncertain what to say." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened to me?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said. \"I think the artifact needs to be carefully studied by scientists.\"\n\n\"It needs to be locked away,\" the king retorted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or maybe lost again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A beat passed. \"Well, if you're going to make the ferry on time, you better be on your way.\"\n\nAs the king accompanied him to the door of the library, Indy thought there was something different about him now. But he wasn't sure what it was.\n\nHe thanked the king for his help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for yours. Now, I have some army ants to deal with this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With that, he turned and walked away.\n\nAs the door closed behind Indy, he realized what it was about the king. He no longer limped.\n\nThe city was just coming awake as they walked out a side door of the palace, and headed toward the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A church bell pealed, a rooster crowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clatter of a horse and buggy contrasted with the rumble of a car engine. \"I can't believe we're getting out of this nightmare alive,\" Shannon said.\n\nAs they reached the street, a soldier with a rifle approached them. \"Now what?\" Indy said wearily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soldier pointed to a new Cadillac waiting at the curb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your ride to the port.\"\n\nAs he closed the door after them, Indy couldn't help commenting on the irony. \"That guy was probably ready to kill us yesterday.\"\n\n\"He's only doing his job,\" Conrad said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, just following the score,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what are we doing?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Playing it by ear.\"\n\n\"It's more interesting that way,\" Indy said.\n\n\"To some people,\" Conrad responded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared out the window toward the palace with a look of longing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would have been nice to stay at the palace for a few days. I might have gotten inspired for my novel.\"\n\nIndy looked over at him as the car pulled away. \"What about everything that's happened to you in the last few days?\"\n\n\"Experiences are deceptive, Indy. A writer is much better off working from the material of his inner self rather than from confusing experiences.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy mulled over that a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you ask me, people are confusing, not experiences.\"\n\nConrad didn't answer and they were each left with his thoughts. As they passed the remains of Hadrian's Library and neared the Roman Forum, Indy gazed out at the refugee shanties that were built on top of the ruins. Smoke was curling from a few rooftops and reminded him of the vapors rising from the crevice in Apollo's Temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he saw her moving through the gray dawn, her long hair tied in a braid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no doubt in his mind that it was Dorian Belecamus.\n\n\"Stop.\"\n\n\"What are you doing?\" Shannon asked as Indy opened the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've got to get to Piraeus.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, wait five minutes for me. If I'm not back, go on. I'll meet you at the ferry. There's something I've got to do.\"\n\n\"We don't have much time,\" Conrad warned.\n\n\"I know. I know.\"\n\nHe slammed the door without another word and hurried past a hodgepodge of shanties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had been headed in that direction, and he thought he knew her destination." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He passed by the ancient gate to the Forum, continued a ways, then saw the Tower of the Winds. She stood beneath it, gazing upward.\n\nDorian stared intently at the face of Lips, the southwest wind, who was speeding along the voyage of a ship. Jones and the others would soon be gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The danger was over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And yet, she felt empty.\n\nShe would miss Jones. She had truly enjoyed his company, something he would never believe. He wouldn't understand the complexity of her life, and how forces beyond her personal life were directing her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She also knew that even if she had succeeded in breaking away from Mandraki and becoming Pythia, it would not have been any different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those same political forces still would have driven her, and her fantasy about herself and Jones in the seat of power would have failed.\n\nShe didn't know what her future was. Maybe she would return to Paris. Maybe not. Nothing would be resolved until Mandraki acted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her life was not really hers, and she detested that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now I know why this is your favorite ruin.\"\n\nShe spun around, startled. \"Indy!\"\n\n\"You're just like it. Different faces for different winds.\"\n\n\"What are you doing here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On my way back to Paris. Just saying adio.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She glanced around. Mandraki was inspecting the refugee situation and he would meet her here any time. \"You shouldn't be here. Figete.\"\n\nHe laughed. \"Now you're telling me to get lost. I'm not leaving until you've satisfied my curiosity. Why did Mandraki take you back after you shot him? He doesn't exactly seem like the forgiving type.\"\n\nShe knew he wouldn't go away until she answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't know who shot him. You can see through the vapors better than you can see into them. He only heard me call his name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That figures. You deceived him just like you did me and probably every other man in your life. And I thought for a while that I loved you.\"\n\nShe met his cold stare. \"I'm not really a bad person, Indy. I do what I have to do. But you're a man. You wouldn't understand.\"\n\nHe shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your gender has nothing to do with it. If every woman were like you, we'd all be in—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just go. Please.\"\n\nBut it was too late. Mandraki stood just five feet away, and he was raising a revolver.\n\nThe gun seemed to move in slow motion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This couldn't be happening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vision couldn't be true. What about all the adventures? Had his entire future, or the lack of it, depended on whether or not he left the car to follow Dorian?\n\n\"Jones, you're dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\" Dorian yelled, and she stepped between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get out of my way, Dorian. Now!\"\n\n\"No. You aren't going to kill him.\"\n\n\"Move out of the way.\"\n\n\"You'll have to kill me first.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn you, Dorian.\" The gun fired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy caught Dorian as she collapsed. He felt the warmth of her blood seeping through his shirt and heard the soft, terrible wheezing as she tried to pull air into her lungs. He knew Mandraki was still standing there with the gun as he placed Dorian gently on the ground. He elevated her head so she wouldn't drown in her own blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dorian,\" Mandraki whimpered. \"I didn't mean it. The gun just fired.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tried to speak, but couldn't. She tried to lift her hand, but couldn't do that, either. Indy bent over her, touched her cheek.\n\n\"Get away from her,\" Mandraki yelled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You did this. You killed her. Now you're dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked up into the barrel of the gun. Just like the vision. So this was it.\n\nHe heard a gunshot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mandraki staggered a couple of steps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Malaka,\" he cursed, and he dropped to the ground.\n\nIndy recognized the guard from the king's library, standing in the clearing. As the guard moved toward them, Indy saw Mandraki lift his weapon and aim it at him again.\n\nBut the guard was ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pumped several shots into him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gun fell from Mandraki's hand. Blood oozed from his mouth. This time he wouldn't get up.\n\nWhen Indy looked down at Dorian, she was dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes gazed vapidly at the blue morning sky overhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oddly, he knew he was going to miss her. In spite of her shortcomings, she had influenced his life. He would never be the same person again, and he knew that he had found the career that would be his life's work. He brushed a hand across Dorian's cheek, then closed the lids of her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nikos! What are you doing here?\"\n\nNikos glanced anxiously around. \"I hid in the palace garden all night, then I saw you leaving in the car. I followed you in a taxi, because I wanted to say good-bye.\"\n\n\"I've got to get to the ferry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"C'mon. The taxi's waiting. You can still make it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced once more at Dorian's frozen expression, and turned away.\n\nThe ferry's horn blasted as they arrived at the port. He shook hands with Nikos, and thanked him for his help. \"Come visit me in Paris.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to go to America too, and see a jazz band and the Grand Canyon,\" Nikos called after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\" Indy said, and smiled. Then he strode up the gangway. The horn blasted one final time, and the gangway rose behind him.\n\nAs the ferry edged away from the pier, Indy heard another horn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Shannon playing his cornet on the deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strolled over to him, nodding to Conrad. Shannon blew a few more bluesy notes, then lowered the horn.\n\n\"You just made it, Indy. What the hell were you doing?\"\n\n\"I'll tell you later. We've got plenty of time to talk. But what was that tune? Don't think I've ever heard it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's because you've only seen the lyrics. It's called 'Down in the Quarter.' Still need a singer, but at least I've got a new verse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He snapped his fingers, then tapped a beat on his cornet.\n\nTook a trip to Greece;\n\nleft the Quarter far behind.\n\nBut Lord, never knew how I'd miss" }, { "from": "human", "value": "that second home of mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My sentiments, too,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Got something for you,\" Conrad said, and he handed Indy a package. \"It arrived just before you got here.\"\n\n\"What's this?\" Indy ripped open the envelope attached to the top of the package, and saw it was a note from the king." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dear Mr. Jones—I hope you will change your mind and accept the Omphalos." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bury it at sea, if you wish, but please take it far from Greece and Delphi. The days of Apollo's Oracle are long over, and we Greeks must look to our future rather than try to revive our distant past. Thank you.\n\n\"What is it?\" Shannon asked as the ferry pulled away from the pier.\n\n\"A piece of a falling star, I guess.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Max McCoy spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forteresse Malevil" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marseilles, France\n\nOctober 1933\n\nThe meaty fist hit Indiana Jones like a sledgehammer splitting his upper lip against his front teeth and sending a kaleidoscope of colors dancing behind his eyes. If Indy had ever been hit harder, he could not remember it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head lolled back against the chest of the French giant who held his arms pinned to his sides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The world grew dim and Indy was afraid he would black out. Then the coppery taste of blood filled his mouth and anger brought him back.\n\nIndy managed a bloody, lopsided grin.\n\n\"Who taught you to punch?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked. \"Your grandmother?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His attacker—a twin to the giant who held Indy's arms—did not speak English, but he understood the insulting tone in which the comment was delivered. He hit Indy again, only harder, and this time in the stomach.\n\n\"Schoolboy taunts, Dr. Jones? I would have expected something more substantial from a man of your reputation. And I have waited such a long time to meet you.\"\n\nRene Belloq's lilting voice echoed from the walls of the dank cavern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The French archaeologist was sitting on an upright yellow drum, his legs crossed, his trademark white hat pulled low over his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On a cluttered desk behind him, beneath a bare bulb hanging from a frayed wire that descended from the ceiling, was a half-consumed bottle of the local white wine and an abandoned plate of cheese. Stacked around the desk were packing crates of every size and description, stenciled on their sides with ports of call from around the world.\n\nIn Belloq's lap was Indy's wallet, and he studied it as he might an artifact that had been plucked from the sands of time. Indy's bullwhip, revolver, and fedora lay at Belloq's feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had hoped for a more amiable meeting,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I apologize for the rough treatment you have received at the hands of the Daguerre brothers, but I did not know who you were and in my line of work I cannot afford to take chances. I have followed your career with some interest in the Herald-Tribune, especially your exploits in Central and South America. I had even dreamed of the day when we might work together, but alas, it is not meant to be.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Indy spat.\n\n\"I'm afraid not, Dr. Jones,\" Belloq said. \"Tell me, what are you doing here? I imagine your Titian-haired girlfriend thought you quite clever as you both followed me from shop to shop along the Canebiere and then here, to Forteresse Malevil, this evening. Why have you dogged me so intently, Dr. Jones?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Business,\" Indy wheezed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq laughed.\n\n\"It is most certainly not pleasure,\" he said. Belloq hummed a few bars of the \"Marsellaise\" as he picked up Indy's revolver and shook out the cartridges into the palm of his hand. He put the shells in the breast pocket of his white jacket, along with Indy's wallet, then closed the revolver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is my neighborhood, Dr. Jones, and all of Provence is my domain. A hundred pairs of eyes followed your amateurish attempt at surveillance—ah, what a marvelous French word!—and a hundred lips reported your movements back to me. What were you hoping to steal from me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq spoke to the thugs in French, and they stepped away. Indy slumped to his knees, but managed to catch himself before he fell onto the flagstones.\n\nBelloq offered the Webley.\n\nIndy cautiously took the revolver and returned it to its holster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq then picked up the bullwhip and began inspecting it, just as he had done with Indy's wallet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Curious that you would carry such an arcane weapon,\" Belloq said. \"But it is somehow fitting, considering the American affinity for artless and brutal things.\"\n\n\"It's not a weapon,\" Indy said. \"It's a tool. It comes in handy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I imagine it does, Dr. Jones. Just as I find the Daguerre twins occasionally handy. This business of yours,\" Belloq urged. \"Tell me more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a long story.\"\n\n\"Time is short,\" Belloq said. \"You have stumbled into my lair at a crucial moment, the spring tide of the full moon. Speak quickly, because my guests will be arriving shortly.\"\n\nIndy drew himself up to a sitting position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through swollen eyes, he examined the canister upon which Belloq sat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was marked with a skull-and-crossbones warning, and a German legend that identified it as nerve gas of the type that had been used during the world war.\n\nA few yards from where Belloq sat, the flagstones ended. The single bulb hanging over the desk did little to reach into the vast darkness beyond, but Indy could hear the sound of waves lapping against the stones.\n\n\"I came here to make a deal,\" Indy said, and rubbed his jaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Reliable sources said that a certain artifact—a fully articulated crystal skull, period unknown—was for sale on the black market here. And the black market in antiquities means you, Belloq. Everybody knows that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So it seems,\" Belloq said, and gave a little salute.\n\n\"I'm here for the skull, Belloq. The museum will pay your price, no questions asked.\"\n\n\"You should have held on to the skull when you had it, my friend,\" Belloq said. \"I understand from my Italian contact, a charming fascista, that you once had the skull in your possession—briefly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Name your price.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are hardly in a position to bargain, Dr. Jones. Besides, I doubt if your museum would be willing to pay the equivalent of two million American dollars for it.\"\n\n\"Nobody has that kind of money.\"\n\n\"Some do, I'm afraid. I have a rather important buyer.\"\n\n\"No museum in the world would pay even half that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Show some imagination, my friend,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The skull has appeal far beyond that of a mere museum piece.\"\n\n\"You're bluffing.\"\n\n\"There is no advantage for me in bluffing,\" Belloq said sadly. \"No amount of money is worth double-crossing the kind of people I'm dealing with. Alas, that is the disadvantage of the black market—if I ran a legitimate operation, I could steal all I wanted with a briefcase and there would be no need for the likes of business associates such as Claude and Jean Daguerre.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hearing the mention of their names, the brothers grinned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look,\" Indy said. \"Maybe we could work something out—\"\n\n\"You are too late.\" Belloq looked at his watch. \"The skull is no longer for sale. The exchange will be completed in minutes. But do not despair, Dr. Jones. Time has a way of undoing the best-laid plans, and in the end we really are only stewards of the things we possess. Things become lost, buried, forgotten, and fall into yet other hands.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take this cavern, for instance, and the fortress above it. In medieval times it belonged to my family. My ancestral home. But it was taken from us when we backed the wrong side of the throne—we are Templars, you see, and some say that the soul of Jesus Christ lives in us. Alas, others have taken particular exception to that notion. Forteresse Malevil was occupied by a succession of ignoble squatters, fell into disrepair during the revolution, and now is again the center of a family business, even if that business is underground in more than one sense. In the same fashion, Dr. Jones, perhaps the skull will return to you—or to your descendants.\"\n\n\"I can't wait that long.\"\n\n\"Why do you need it so desperately?\" Belloq asked. \"You have more than a professional interest in this chunk of articulated quartz, do you not? Surely you are not superstitious enough to believe the curse... or perhaps you have been seduced by the dark promise of the skull.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq looked at his watch again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, high tide.\"\n\n\"Name your price,\" Indy said. \"Anything.\"\n\n\"I am greedy,\" Belloq said. \"Under other circumstances, I would make you—how do you say it?—pay through your nose. But backing out on the deal I already have would be akin to suicide, and I am much too self-centered for that kind of foolishness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who,\" Indy asked, \"could be bad enough to scare you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The water beyond the flagstones began to swell.\n\nThe illuminated prow of a German U-boat undulated just beneath the surface, followed by the exposed snout of a forty-five-millimeter deck gun. In the glow of the running lights, Indy could see the telltale bulge of a torpedo tube running alongside her nose.\n\n\"Since Hitler became chancellor earlier this year,\" Belloq said, \"the Nazis have launched a desperate effort to locate arcane treasures with supposed supernatural powers. The Crystal Skull is high on their list.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cavern was filled with the insistent hum of electric motors and the gastric sounds of ballast tanks being trimmed as the submarine fought to maintain its neutral, partially submerged buoyancy in the confines of the cavern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The conning tower, bristling with periscope and radio aerials, rode a half-dozen feet above the water and its fairwater carried the faint outline of a double-blocked alphanumeric, U-357. Unless one was standing beside the boat, identification of it would be impossible.\n\nA pair of sailors emerged from the hatch on top of the conning tower and clambered down to the saddlelike ballast tanks awash with seawater. Slung across their backs were Schmeisser submachine guns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After making fast lines to the centuries-old rings set into the flagstones, the sailors took up positions flanking Belloq." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Daguerre twins drew their own guns.\n\n\"Put them away, you idiots,\" Belloq snapped in French.\n\nThe captain of the U-357, a tired-looking former career officer named Wagner, had watched from the observation platform of the conning tower as the boat was secured. Now satisfied, he called down the open hatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Franz Kroeger squeezed his shoulders through the hatch and emerged on deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kroeger was everything that Wagner was not: young, tall, blond, and with a freshly pressed black uniform that emphasized his perfectly proportioned body. The uniform was devoid of insignia, except for a pair of lightning bolts on the collar. Kroeger was a colonel in the newly formed Leibstandarte SS, Hitler's personal guard, and if things went awry, he wanted no evidence that would point directly back to the former paperhanger who had become, just a few months before, chancellor of Germany.\n\nKroeger's boots rang sharply on the iron rungs as he descended the con." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deck covering the starboard saddle tank of the U-357 was in thigh-deep water, but Kroeger managed a swagger as he waded across." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once up on the flagstones, Kroeger paused and drew a cigarette case from his breast pocket. He lit a Players cigarette with an American lighter, and the smoke wreathed his young blond head like a wicked halo.\n\n\"Monsieur Belloq,\" he said; in his thick German accent the name came out \"Bellosh.\" \"I apologize, but my English is better than my French, and I'm sure that your German would grate upon my ears. You may call me Franz, and I am at your service.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His heels snapped together sharply and he threw up the Nazi salute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq returned a halfhearted wave.\n\n\"You have the artifact?\"\n\n\"It is here,\" Belloq said, and patted the canister beneath him. \"According to your instructions, it has not yet been sealed. Do you have the payment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First things first,\" Kroeger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must inspect the merchandise.\"\n\nBelloq removed the lid of the canister, reached inside, and pulled what looked to Indy like a leather bowling-ball bag from its interior. He started to hand the case to Kroeger, then drew it back.\n\n\"Colonel,\" Belloq said. \"Gloves, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kroeger gave a snort of disgust, but withdrew a pair of leather gloves from the pocket of his uniform and slipped them on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he took the case from Belloq, unzipped it, and with a gloved right hand removed the Crystal Skull.\n\n\"I did not expect it to be so beautiful,\" Kroeger said. \"It is magnificent. Look how it captures the light!\"\n\nKroeger held the skull aloft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy—and the others—caught their breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in the weak glow of the electric bulbs an unholy rainbow of secondary colors burst forth from deep within the skull, shimmering above their heads. The bluish glow of the corona effect, caused by static electricity, danced down Kroeger's sleeve to his shoulder.\n\nAs Kroeger turned the skull on his outstretched—and gloved—palm, its vacant eye sockets seemed to skewer all who returned its gaze.\n\n\"What power is reputed to lie within this thing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kroeger asked. \"What makes it so special that men are willing to risk their lives and their reputations to possess it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have been asking that very question,\" Belloq said.\n\nIndy's palms became damp. He remembered the first and only time he had touched the skull with his bare hands, how the skull had seemed to throb in time to his heart. Indy was close enough to Kroeger to reach out and snatch the skull...." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The chancellor will be well pleased,\" Kroeger said, and plunged the skull back into its leather case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even if its power is based on mere superstition, it is an unparalleled work of art that will become an inspiration to those of us who have sworn fidelity to the point of death and beyond.\"\n\nThe cavern seemed infinitely darker now.\n\nAfter handing the case back to Belloq, who gently returned it to the interior of the canister, the colonel removed his gloves and snapped his fingers. Two sailors struggled with a case from the deck of the U-357." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They placed the case at Belloq's feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aren't you going to inspect it?\" Kroeger asked.\n\n\"I trust you,\" Belloq said. \"But then, I must. What could I do if it were ingots of lead instead of gold? You could blow this cavern to bits, and Malevil above it.\"\n\n\"We could,\" Kroeger said. \"But we won't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Merci,\" Belloq said humorlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we do insist that you retire now from your shadowy activities,\" Kroeger said. \"You have made your fortune. Be well satisfied, and avoid the temptation to accept work from our competitors.\"\n\n\"But mon ami,\" Belloq protested. \"This was not part of the bargain. I am an archaeologist. It is not a matter of money, but of passion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, passion,\" Kroeger said wistfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The weakness of the non-Aryan races. The French, I understand, are particularly susceptible to meaningless sentimentality. How difficult it must be to live with such a handicap.\"\n\n\"You've got to be kidding,\" Indy blurted out. \"Who are you guys?\"\n\nKroeger looked at Indy as if he had just noticed him for the first time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stepped forward and peered at Indy with piercing blue eyes that squinted against the smoke curling up from the cigarette dangling at the corner of his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kroeger placed a hand beneath Indy's chin and held his face toward the light, inspecting the recent work of the Daguerre twins. His thumb paused at the scar on Indy's chin left so many years ago by a bullwhip.\n\n\"Who is this wretched creature?\"\n\n\"The name is Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy grabbed Kroeger's wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a flourish, the sailors on either side of Belloq leveled their submachine guns. The Daguerre twins drew their guns at the same time, and Belloq cringed in the middle.\n\nBelloq began to laugh, if unconvincingly.\n\n\"He is nobody,\" the Frenchman said nonchalantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A fool... An American tourist who stumbled into the cavern quite by accident. As you can see, my men have already taken care of him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too bad they did not pay more attention to his tongue,\" Kroeger said, and motioned for his men to lower their weapons. \"Jones... such a pedestrian name, no?\"\n\n\"I do a lot of walking,\" Indy said.\n\nKroeger lifted the flap of Indy's holster and withdrew the Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do American tourists always go abroad armed, Herr Jones?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Doctor Jones,\" Indy said. \"I'm a college professor. Princeton. And by the way, that thing isn't loaded—I get uncomfortable in a foreign city, and I carry it just in case I need to scare somebody.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\" Kroeger asked. He placed the Webley firmly against Indy's temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled the trigger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hammer fell with a metallic snap!\n\n\"Ah, I see that you are correct.\" Kroeger laughed.\n\n\"There is no need to waste your time on this one,\" Belloq said quickly. \"He is really quite harmless.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quite,\" Indy said. \"Say, I thought all of these old U-boats were destroyed according to the Treaty of Versailles, but looks like they missed this one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slowly took the revolver from Kroeger and returned it to the holster. \"But I guess you guys have been too busy persecuting Jews, closing down newspapers, and abolishing trial by jury. Huh, Major?\"\n\n\"Colonel,\" Kroeger corrected, then bit his lip. \"Clever. I am impressed. But tell me, why do you enjoy flirting with death?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It beats burning books on a Saturday night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You Americans amuse me,\" Kroeger said. \"Everything is a joke to you, and you denounce what you do not understand. Wait, let me tell you one. It's about an American who was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and his overly sentimental French friend is unable to save him. Hilarious. Oh, I'm sorry, you look as if you've already heard it.\"\n\n\"Belloq is nobody's friend,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Is this true, Rene?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kroeger asked. \"You have no association with this man, no connection of any sort?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None.\" Belloq shrugged.\n\n\"Then you won't mind killing him,\" Kroeger said. He relieved one of the sailors of his submachine gun and placed it in Belloq's hands. \"You may keep the weapon, as a souvenir of your service to the Third Reich. And do not be surprised if you receive, from time to time, a reminder of your obligation to the Fatherland.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kroeger snapped his fingers and the sailors lifted the yellow canister between them and carried it carefully toward the U-357." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The colonel followed, stepping from the flagstones onto the submerged deck of the submarine, then paused.\n\n\"I am sorry we did not get to know one another better. But I do not have the luxury of time, since the tide will soon be going out and I have no desire to ground this boat in French territorial waters. Auf Wiedersehen, Doktor Jones.\"\n\nIn a moment Kroeger had slipped down into the conning tower and dogged the hatch behind him. The submarine was already in motion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The con slid deeper into the water as the boat backed out of the cavern toward the subterranean passage to the open sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could come to hate those guys,\" Indy mused.\n\nBelloq tossed the submarine gun to Claude, the nearest of the Daguerre twins.\n\n\"Surely you're not going to kill me,\" Indy said, and showed Belloq his empty palms. \"The Nazis are gone. There's nobody here but us. I thought we were friends. What about all that talk of working together someday?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Impossible,\" Belloq said. \"If I do not kill you, they will kill me. In the measure of things, Dr. Jones, it is a small price to pay for my peace of mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Claude Daguerre jabbed the snout of the submachine gun in Indy's direction and pulled the trigger, but nothing happened. Jean stepped forward and attempted to wrest the gun from his brother. Belloq cursed them in French to find the safety, but Indy was already scrambling toward the water. He snatched his hat and bullwhip from Belloq's feet at the same time as he heard the clink of the safety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cavern erupted in the chatter of gunfire and the whine of ricochets as the submachine gun, the object of a tug-of-war between the Daguerre twins, came to life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq was screaming in French at the twins to take better aim, that any respectable Chicago gangster would know how to handle a fully automatic weapon, so why couldn't they?\n\nIndy jammed his hat tightly onto his head, filled his lungs, and dove into the black water. Bullets zipped around him, strings of bubbles marking their trajectories like aquatic tracers. He felt one of the slugs sting his thigh, but he resisted the urge to grasp the wound and instead swam with all of his might after the slowly retreating submarine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dim glow of the running lights he could see the silhouette of the deck gun, and as he reached it he lashed his whip tightly around the muzzle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could feel the rhythmic thrum of the screws as the submarine negotiated the passage, and the harsh grating of metal against rock made his heart beat a little faster. The pressure in his ears increased to a painful level as the submarine dove deeper. Indy risked freeing one of his hands from the muzzle of the gun. By pinching his nose and blowing gently, he forced air into the tiny eustachian tubes in the back of his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a crinkling sound in his ears as the pressure equalized, and the pain disappeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His chest, however, felt like fire.\n\nThe carbon dioxide building in his lungs was pleading for release. He knew from experience that, for him, this sensation came at a minute and a half underwater. He opened his mouth and let a little of the spent air escape from his lips, which eased the fire somewhat, buying him a little more time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Professional skin divers could hold their breath for four minutes or more, but Indy knew that his own limit was well below that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had, at best, another ninety seconds. If the U-boat had not cleared the passage into the harbor by the end of that time, Indy knew he would drown.\n\nIndy shut his eyes and forced his mind to go elsewhere, to disengage from his tortured lungs and throbbing brain, to green fields and sunlit pastures. Then the pale blue eyes of Alecia Dunstin popped into his mind, and he studied the waves of her hair, the curve of her jaw, the fullness of her lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered their first meeting at the British Museum in London, while he stood in front of her desk with hat in hand as she seemed to reach down to his very soul with those remarkable blue eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he drowned, he thought, he would have only one regret.\n\nThen the beat of the props increased and the drag of water against his body stiffened. The submarine had cleared the passage. Indy unlashed himself from the gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt the deck of the submarine slide at an angle beneath his feet as it executed a lazy turn to point the bow seaward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy kicked off his shoes and made for air. The U-boat had only been at ten meters, and in a moment Indy popped to the surface. He gulped in a few lungfuls of fresh night air, got his bearings, then swam toward shore—all the while mentally cursing Rene Belloq.\n\nAlecia Dunstin had mentally cursed Indy for the hour she had waited on the rock outside the entrance to the ruins of Forteresse Malevil, cursed him for not letting her accompany him into the depths of the cavern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she had grown tired of cursing him, she made her way down to a cafe on the waterfront, drank coffee, looked at the full moon overhead, and waited some more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, she had begun to worry.\n\nShe was more relieved than surprised when she saw Indy swimming toward the shore, and she left her table and picked her way around to the shoreline at the base of the fortress. She waded out and met him in waist-deep water, and she threw his left arm around her neck as she helped him up the rocky bank.\n\nIndy coughed and sputtered and sat down on the nearest boulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He allowed his head to hang between his knees until the coughing subsided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked up at her.\n\n\"It got away,\" Indy said dejectedly.\n\nAlecia sat down next to him and placed a hand on his leg. When Indy grimaced, she drew her hand away and was shocked to see that it was covered in blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're injured,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shot,\" Indy said.\n\n\"My God,\" Alecia said. \"Let's get you to a doctor.\"\n\n\"No.\" Indy felt the wound with tentative fingertips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Most of the force was absorbed by the water. I can feel the bullet just under the skin. I can dig it out with a knife, I think.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I still think we should get you to a doctor,\" she said. \"Or a chemist, at least. That could become septic quite easily, you know.\"\n\n\"I'll live,\" Indy said.\n\n\"How did you get out here in the bay?\" Alecia asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hitched a ride on a German submarine. Belloq sold the skull to the Nazis. There, you can still see the wake of the U-boat in the moonlight. It's running shallow, and if you look sharp, you can see the periscope and radio aerials bristling above the water.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It looks like it's stopped,\" Alecia said.\n\n\"Um.\" Indy took out his pocketknife and slit open his pants leg to better inspect his wound. \"I wish they'd sink. Do you know Belloq tried to kill me?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Alecia said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, I've been thinking. Maybe all of this business about a curse really is nonsense. Let's just pretend it never existed and stop this foolishness of trying to chase it down. Let the skull go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've tried that already,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Don't pick at that,\" she said sternly. \"That knife's not sterile.\"\n\nShe put her hand beneath his chin and lifted his face to hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're going to get yourself into a jam you can't get out of one of these days. A bullet that's too deep, or a beating that's too severe, or any one of a hundred other horrible things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alecia, I almost had it,\" Indy said. \"I was close enough to put my hands on it this time. But that submarine can't take it all the way to Berlin, and somewhere along the line there will be another chance—another chance at our life together.\"\n\n\"This is driving us both mad,\" Alecia said. \"And we're doing it to ourselves. So let's approach this empirically. The hypothesis is that you are cursed to kill what you love, so let's put it to one last test. Show me how you feel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Try,\" she said. \"We're alone.\"\n\n\"But all the other times,\" Indy protested.\n\n\"Coincidence,\" Alecia said.\n\nShe leaned forward and allowed her lips to brush against his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't believe in the scientific method?\"\n\n\"God help us,\" Indy said.\n\nHe took her in his arms and kissed her. The kiss had in it the force of a passion that had been denied for long summer months that seemed like aeons, a forbidden longing that had threatened to drive both of them mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now say it,\" Alecia said as she tore herself breathlessly away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know how I feel.\"\n\n\"Say it, damn you.\"\n\nIndy caught his breath.\n\n\"Alecia Dunstin,\" Indy said, \"I luh—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh-oh,\" Alecia said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was looking over his shoulder toward the harbor. Indy turned. Far out, but closing fast, a pair of luminous tentacles were reaching toward them in the moonlight.\n\n\"Torpedoes,\" Indy said.\n\nThe furious counterrotating screws driving the pair of German self-propelled torpedoes were churning up bioluminescent plankton as they streaked across the harbor toward the base of the old fortress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So much for the scientific method,\" Indy said as he jerked Alecia to her feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They scrambled up the rocky slope, and when Indy saw that the torpedoes had nearly run their course, he ducked behind the biggest rock he could find and pulled Alecia down with him. But when the expected explosions did not come, Indy dared a glance over the top and saw that the wakes of the torpedoes had disappeared beneath the ancient fortress.\n\n\"They can't both be duds,\" Indy said.\n\nAs if in answer, the whum-whump!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "of a double explosion shook the fortress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy felt the power of the blasts reverberate deep in his gut, and he held Alecia tight until the rumbling subsided. When the shower of seawater and small stones subsided, Alecia sat up with a stunned look on her face.\n\n\"They couldn't have been aiming at us,\" she said. \"Could they?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"Just a reminder for Belloq. But if we had stayed down there and continued our—experiment—the concussion would have killed us both.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The explosion had lured a gaggle of tourists from the cafes and shops surrounding the Old Harbor to the ramparts enclosing Forteresse Malevil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They leaned far out and pointed at Indy and Alecia, chattering excitedly, and one of them thumbed through her phrase book.\n\n\"Don't talk to him,\" her husband said in a thick Chicago accent. \"He looks like a bum.\"\n\n\"I'm going to ask him if he's hurt,\" the woman insisted. \"Ooh ahvay-voo maul?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're all right,\" Indy called back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened?\"\n\n\"The gas tank of our fishing boat exploded,\" Indy said. \"I guess I shouldn't have been smoking around it. But we're not hurt, at least not badly. Thanks for asking.\"\n\n\"See there?\" the woman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He speaks pretty good American for a bum.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They all do,\" the man said. \"It just proves they understand you, even when they stand flat-footed and stare at you like you were from the goddamn moon. Come on, Edith. I know drunken bums when I see them. Probably wasn't even their boat. Throw them some change and let's go.\"\n\nThe woman opened her purse and tossed a handful of coins over the battlement. The coins jingled upon the rocks between Indy and Alecia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the American tourists left without looking back, and the crowd dispersed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do people always throw coins toward me at times like this?\" Indy mused.\n\n\"Well,\" Alecia said, brushing herself off and trying to regain her composure. She picked up a fifty-centime piece and stared at it.\n\nOn her cheek, a single tear glistened in the moonlight." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Max McCoy" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Princeton, New Jersey\n\nHalloween 1933\n\nAlone in his tiny office on the fourth floor of the Department of Art and Archaeology, Indiana Jones unscrewed the bottle of Scotch and regarded with contempt the pile of student papers and unanswered mail on his desk.\n\nOutside, happy ghouls and goblins raced across the quad in search of new victims." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Indiana Jones's door was locked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had even disconnected his telephone. He had a bellyful of superstition and did not want to be reminded that his belief in science remained unreconciled to his own bitter experience.\n\nIt had been a week since he felt like working, and as the stack of papers grew, the less he was inclined even to begin. Dragging himself to class every day had become an unendurable chore, and he had curtailed many of his lectures and substituted instead heavy reading assignments and guest lecturers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His students would have had cause for concern if his chief pinch hitter had not been Marcus Brody of the American Museum of Natural History." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's routine now pivoted upon the arrival of the daily mail. Only then, as department secretary Penelope Angstrom handed him a new bundle each morning, did a glimmer of hope beat within his chest. Asking Miss Angstrom to shut the door on her way out, he would sort slowly through the letters without opening them. When he had finished he would sort through them again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Invariably, none were postmarked London." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bottle of Scotch was the latest addition.\n\nHe had carried it back to his office and shut himself in this evening on the pretense of attempting to jump-start his flagging work ethic. He allowed himself a crooked smile as he imagined how his father, Professor Henry Jones, would react to this unpardonable breach of trust between a teacher and his pupils.\n\nHe poured some Scotch, swished the smoky liquid around in the glass, then raised it in a mock toast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here's to you, Alecia,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or at least, your memory.\"\n\nAs he closed his eyes and brought the glass to his lips, there came a knock that was so soft that Indy was not sure that anyone was at the door. He paused, with the glass beneath his chin, and when the knock came again he shouted that the department was closed.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" came a female voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I'm looking for Dr. Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was relieved. Princeton was not coeducational, so it could not be a student seeking him out to demand what had become of this paper or that.\n\n\"Just a moment,\" he said, smoothing his hair and straightening his tie. He had almost made it to the door when he remembered the Scotch. He bounded back to his desk, recapped the bottle, and searched frantically for a place to hide it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not a single desk drawer or file cabinet had enough space left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he placed the bottle on the floor beside his chair, then snatched up the glass. He began to pour it into a potted plant beside the door, then stopped for fear it would kill the plant. In frustration, he tossed the contents down his throat and slammed the glass back onto the desktop.\n\n\"I'm Jones,\" Indy sputtered as he swung open the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he coughed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before him stood a woman in her middle to late twenties in a nun's habit. She stood stiffly, and her hands were folded over a paper sack in front of her. On the fourth finger of her left hand shone a golden band. At first Indy thought the habit was a Halloween costume, a prank that had been engineered to lift his spirits by one of his colleagues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, I don't have anything for your sack.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I beg your pardon?\"\n\nWhen Indy saw the well-worn rosary that hung at her side, he knew he had made a serious mistake.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Indy said. \"What can I do for you, Sister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I apologize for disturbing you,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I went to your home but found it dark, so I took the chance that you might be working late. I hope I am not imposing.\"\n\n\"Not at all,\" Indy said, feeling as if he were back in school. \"That is, as long as you're not going to make me recite my Latin. Please, come in.\"\n\nIndy removed a stack of books from a wooden chair and offered her a seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he returned to his own seat behind the desk, he inadvertently kicked the bottle of Scotch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It rolled beneath the desk and toward the center of the room.\n\n\"My name is Sister Joan,\" she said as the bottle came to rest at her feet. She picked it up and regarded the label. \"Still celebrating the end of Prohibition? Personally, I could never stand the taste of this stuff—it was always like trying to swallow liquid smoke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not what you think,\" Indy said with a lopsided grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course not,\" she replied, trying to find space on the desk to place the bottle. \"Even the Lord enjoyed a bit of wine now and again.\"\n\nIndy took the bottle from her and placed it on the windowsill behind him.\n\n\"Pardon me for intruding like this,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know of your reputation, and I have come here for help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on,\" Indy said.\n\nJoan eyed him suspiciously.\n\n\"First, you should know that I'm being followed. Two cloaked figures dogged my trail to the very steps of this building, and I suspect they are still waiting outside. If you agree to help me, you may be placing yourself at a significant degree of personal risk.\"\n\n\"This is Halloween, Sister,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are people running about in all sorts of weird costumes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but these two men have been following me for more than a week. They ransacked my father's home in Connecticut, and I'm afraid they seriously injured our gardener when he got in the way. Broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder.\"\n\n\"Why would they do that?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Joan said. \"You see, Dr. Jones, my father and I believe in the basic goodness of humanity. Such acts are impossible for me to comprehend. But it may have something to do with what I have in this sack, and because my father is Angus Starbuck.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The paleontologist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy could feel his head beginning to clear.\n\n\"Do you know him?\"\n\n\"Of course. I met him while waiting for a train in Shanghai, and we passed a delightful hour talking about the dinosaur statues in Central Park. How is he?\"\n\n\"Lost,\" Joan said. \"Somewhere in the Gobi Desert. That is where this fossil came from, and it is what lured him to such a remote and dangerous land.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She opened the sack and withdrew an oddly shaped horn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took his glasses from his jacket pocket as Joan handed him the horn. It was more than a foot long, and nearly as broad at the base.\n\n\"Remarkable,\" he said as he studied it beneath the light of the desk lamp. He rummaged in a desk drawer for a magnifying glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me more about your father. When did he disappear?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Six months ago,\" Joan said. \"The last letter I received from him was mailed from a place called Urga, in Mongolia.\"\n\n\"Outer Mongolia has been in a tug-of-war between the Russians and the Chinese for decades,\" Indy said. \"Since the Communists took over in twenty-one, all foreigners have been suspected of being spies or saboteurs or worse. It is a difficult place to travel. Six months between letters could be considered normal for that part of the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or perhaps some warlord is torturing him for the location of more of these bones,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Chinese call dinosaur fossils 'dragon bones' and believe they have magical powers. Taken powdered, they are purported to cure everything from the common cold to lack of vitality in men. A cache of these fossils would be worth a fortune on the black market, Dr. Jones.\"\n\n\"Possibly,\" Indy said. \"But it seems unlikely, Sister. You are mistaken about the nature of this piece. It's not a fossil.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"It's not petrified. Bone gets preserved for many millions of years because of minerals that soak into the pores and gradually replicate the original in precise detail. But this specimen shows none of the characteristics of petrification; it is much too light and much too soft for that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So it's a fraud?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's from a living animal,\" Indy said.\n\n\"What kind of animal?\"\n\n\"I'm an archaeologist, not a zoologist. It would take an expert to say with any degree of certainty. But it would be my guess that it is from a rhinoceros.\"\n\n\"Then why would it excite my father so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. But we can ask a friend of mine at the American Museum of Natural History. Tomorrow is Saturday, so I have no classes. Would you mind taking the train to New York with me in the morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you will help me?\"\n\n\"With the bone, yes. In the meantime let's hope that a letter from your father is in the morning post. I think you'll find that we can solve this mystery in short order.\"\n\nJoan nodded.\n\n\"Do you have a place to stay for the night?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure the Young Women's Christian Association will have adequate accommodations,\" she said cheerfully, although her eyes glanced away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe it is just a few blocks down the street, and I'm sure a brisk walk will do me good.\"\n\n\"Sister, you look beat,\" Indy said. \"Would you consider staying with a friend of mine tonight? Penelope Angstrom is our department secretary and I'm sure she would enjoy the company. Please allow me to telephone on your behalf, and if Miss Angstrom is agreeable, I'll take you over myself.\"\n\nJoan blushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, of course,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pardon me, but for a moment I thought you were going to ask me to stay the night with you.\"\n\n\"It had crossed my mind.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones! You're drunker than I thought.\"\n\n\"I meant because you thought you'd been followed, of course, and because of that business with your father's gardener,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Believe me, Sister, I'd sooner cross a rattlesnake than make a pass at a nun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a blunt way to put it,\" Joan said. \"But I'm afraid you're just being honest. Most men, it seems, share your disdain.\"\n\n\"You sound disappointed.\"\n\n\"Frankly, it's one aspect of the calling that I have not quite reconciled myself to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She paused, horrified at what she had just said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't misunderstand me, Dr. Jones. I meant that most men treat nuns as if we're made out of plaster and paint instead of flesh and blood. I have never... I mean, you mustn't think badly of me.\"\n\n\"If you won't call me a drunk, I won't call you a—\"\n\n\"Understood,\" Joan said quickly.\n\nIndy wanted to ask her exactly what kind of order she belonged to, but decided to wait for a better time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead, he picked up the receiver and jiggled the cradle, attempting to summon the operator." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you must reattach the cord for it to work.\"\n\nIndy grinned as he replaced the wires in the brass terminals and snugged down the nuts.\n\n\"May I ask you a question, Dr. Jones?\"\n\n\"Shoot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't seem like the kind of man who would lock himself in his office with a bottle of hard liquor. What kind of demons have you been wrestling with?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Demons,\" Indy said, \"That's a good choice of words.\"\n\nBut he did not explain.\n\n\"You know what, Sister?\" Indy asked as he opened the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've never really liked the taste of this stuff.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened the bottle, held it outside, and let the contents gurgle onto the grass four stories below.\n\nSuspended from the ceiling of the third-floor gallery of the American Museum of Natural History was a life-size model of a blue whale, made of angle iron and basswood and papier-mache. The seventy-six-foot model was frozen in the act of diving from the third-floor gallery (Mammals of the World), down through a huge well that opened onto the second floor (Mammals of North America).\n\nJoan paused and stared up, as tens of thousands of visitors had before her, at the massive bulk of the blue whale looming overhead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The biggest animal that has ever lived,\" she remarked in amazement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Larger even than the dinosaurs. And they feed almost entirely on plankton, which is microscopic. What a triumph for us mammals.\"\n\n\"I like mammals as well as the next guy,\" Indy said, pulling her by her elbow. \"But if we spend any more time on this floor, they're going to catalog us.\"\n\n\"At least we're in the right section,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was clutching the paper sack that held the horn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on,\" Indy said. \"Brody is waiting. There will be plenty of time to visit your cousins later.\"\n\nA few minutes later they were sitting in Marcus Brody's office on the fifth floor of the museum. While Joan related her story Brody turned the horn over and over in his hands, and ran his fingers repeatedly over the tip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The richly decorated office was as quiet as a tomb, and Indy found himself dozing off in the comfortable leather chair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, wake up,\" Brody admonished when the story was finished. \"You're being rude.\"\n\n\"Sorry.\"\n\n\"Don't make him apologize,\" Joan said. \"I'm afraid he has an exaggerated notion of chivalry. He spent the night outside, in his car, protecting me from armies of goblins.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a chivalrous fellow,\" Brody said, placing the horn on the desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Reason enough to excuse him just this once. Indy, would you care for some coffee? That should perk you up.\"\n\nIndy nodded.\n\n\"Sister? Would you care for anything? Tea, perhaps?\"\n\nJoan shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brody touched the intercom on his desk and asked his new assistant to bring coffee for two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" Joan said. \"What do you think?\"\n\n\"The horn? I'm not sure,\" Brody said. \"I am inclined to agree with Indy's assessment, but let's get an expert opinion, shall we?\"\n\nA few minutes later Brody's assistant delivered the coffee tray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assistant was a brooding young man of twenty-something with closely cropped hair and a complexion turned pale from too much studying and too little sunlight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy,\" Brody said. \"You should become acquainted with this young man. He's a doctoral candidate at Columbia, and he's working here part-time to pay for his room and board. He's also my nephew. His name is James Brody, although the family calls him Sunny Jim.\"\n\n\"Uncle,\" the young man pleaded.\n\n\"Sorry, James. Ahem. I would like you to meet Indiana Jones and his friend Sister Joan. Indiana is a professor of archaeology at Princeton, and Sister... I'm sorry, what order did you say you were with?\"\n\n\"I didn't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The young man nodded absently and mumbled some pleasantries.\n\n\"Jim!\" Brody said. \"Can't you be a little more civil?\"\n\n\"Uncle, I was thinking about something that Joe told me yesterday. He said—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's Joe?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Young Joe Campbell, a Columbia graduate and schoolmaster at the Canterbury School in Connecticut,\" Brody said. \"He has Jim quite under his spell. This Campbell spends his weekends lurking around the museum, hands behind his back, staring for hours at the exhibits, particularly those dealing with American Indians. Frankly, he gives me the creeps. I think he would crawl right up and become a part of the exhibits if—\"\n\n\"What did this Joe have to say yesterday?\" Indy inquired, attempting to deflect Brody's rant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not sure that I can relate it correctly,\" James said, suddenly coming to life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Joe has been doing a lot of thinking lately about how preliterate societies communicate values through mythology, and how strikingly similar the myths are to one another. It's as if there's only one hero, and one cycle of adventure, and that it keeps getting told over and over again, but with different names and details. Like the Christ story. It doesn't matter if it happened or not—\"\n\n\"Oh, what rubbish!\" Brody exclaimed.\n\n\"But Uncle, there you have it,\" James said. \"What matters is the pattern of myth, not the verifiability. Religion turns myth into theology, and that's where we get into trouble. Look how strongly you reacted to the suggestion that the resurrection was not an actual, verifiable event. We have the influence of Western civilization to thank for that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And what are we to trust instead?\" Brody asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's in here,\" James said, and he placed a hand over Brody's heart. \"Joe says that recorded history is a nightmare from which we are struggling to awaken.\"\n\n\"That is a quote from Ulysses,\" Indy said.\n\n\"And I suppose we all should throw away our books and turn our backs on the technological wonders of modern science so we can go back to living in grass huts and calling in witch doctors when we're ill,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There you go again, Uncle,\" James said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You turn everything into an all-or-nothing proposition. It's clear that you have lost your natural ability to integrate knowledge and spirit.\"\n\n\"Pshaw!\" Brody said.\n\n\"Actually,\" Joan said, \"I find the idea of recorded history as nightmare compelling, especially considering the most recent chapters—mustard gas, aerial bombing, breadlines, and gangsters. Going back to a more primitive way of life may not be such a bad idea. There would be a certain, well, innocence to it.\"\n\n\"And quite a lot of dirt,\" Brody quipped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't pay your uncle any mind,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These are all things which you'll have to work out for yourself. Besides, I'm sure that when Marcus was your age, he was excited about new ideas, too.\"\n\n\"I'm not ready for the rest home yet,\" Brody protested. \"Look here, Jim, why don't you make yourself useful and run this bone down to the laboratory on the second floor. Ask Dr. Larson to take a look and render us a quick opinion. We will wait. And stay away from that Campbell character, at least for a few days.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" the young man said, carefully taking the bone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When James had left, Indy placed his hand on Marcus Brody's shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're being too hard on the young man,\" Indy said. \"Give him some slack. The world is still new to him, so let him enjoy it while he can. Besides, there may be something to his friend's ideas, even if the world of Marcus Brody isn't yet ready for them.\"\n\n\"God help me if the world ever is,\" Brody said. \"We can't allow ourselves to give in to these impulses and run willy-nilly over thousands of years of learning and tradition. What would happen to us then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We might just be happy,\" Joan offered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or unhappy in a way we could not imagine,\" Brody said. \"Pardon me, I am still arguing with my nephew. Indy, you're right. I am too hard on him. You know, Jim's quick mind and strength of will remind me of another young chap I befriended when he was a graduate student many years ago, and he didn't turn out so badly.\"\n\nIndy grinned.\n\n\"It wasn't for lack of trying,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I like to think my mentoring is what did the trick,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By the way, I'm probably acting too much like a meddling uncle with this question, but how are things going with you and your British-librarian friend?\"\n\n\"You mean Alecia,\" Indy said. \"It's over, Marcus. At least until I can find the Crystal Skull and return it to where it belongs.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She ended the relationship for health reasons,\" Indy said sadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know I don't believe in curses, but this one—that I will kill what I love unless I return the skull—seems to be working. I can't say that I blame her, Marcus, but it doesn't make it any easier—\"\n\nThe phone on Brody's desk jangled.\n\n\"Ah, it looks as if we have an opinion from the good doctor,\" Brody said, and picked up the receiver. As he listened his expression grew serious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He searched his pockets for a pen and a scrap of paper, and he jotted down some notes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brody asked, \"Are you absolutely sure?\" then replaced the receiver and sat down behind his desk.\n\n\"That was Larson,\" he said.\n\n\"And?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The bone is from a recently living animal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at his notes. \"Larson estimates it has been dead for only a matter of months.\"\n\n\"That's what we thought, isn't it?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Well, no,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean—and this is Larson's expert opinion—that the horn is from a triceratops. That is an animal of the Cretaceous Period, which ended sixty-three million years ago. A dinosaur.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy spilled his coffee.\n\n\"Is he sure?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"There is still much to be done, experiments to perform,\" Brody said. \"It is possible that it is some kind of freak of nature, a kind of cosmic practical joke. But Larson is beside himself. He wants us to come right down, and he wants to talk to Sister Joan about the origin of the horn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy dabbed at the coffee stain on his trousers with his handkerchief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If it is authentic,\" he said, \"then it could be the most important scientific discovery of all time.\"\n\n\"And we have it.\" Brody was beaming. \"That is, if Sister Joan would be so kind to loan it to us... I promise we will take excellent care of it and give credit where it is due.\"\n\n\"Certainly,\" she said. \"I must admit, however, that it is all rather hard to believe. And you must remember that my chief concern in all of this remains locating my father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your father? But yes, of course,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Marcus,\" Indy said softly.\n\n\"What is it, Indy?\"\n\nIndy rose from his chair and walked over to the window. He shoved his hands in his pockets and gazed eastward through the glass, across Central Park and beyond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That bone may merely be the prelude to the biggest scientific discovery of all time,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Somewhere out there, there may be a living triceratops that's missing one of its horns. And even if that animal is dead, there may be others.... Marcus, there may be an entire herd of dinosaurs in Outer Mongolia just waiting for us to discover.\"\n\nBrody caught his breath.\n\n\"You can gather all this from an artifact?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"No, it's not an artifact,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Artifacts are man-made. This is an ecofact, a product of nature. And yes, if the horn is indeed genuine, it could prove to be the Rosetta stone of paleontology. It could lead us to the answers to questions that have gripped our imagination since Sir Richard Owen coined the word dinosaur a century ago. Only, we'd have to invent a new word for the study of living dinosaurs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then I gather that locating my father has suddenly assumed some added significance,\" Joan said.\n\n\"And urgency,\" Brody added. He reached behind him and pulled down a color map of Asia. \"This may make the search for Dr. Livingstone seem like a walk around the park....\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So the museum will launch an expedition?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The museum isn't capable of financing a fullblown expedition,\" Indy protested. \"In fact, using museum money for expeditions or fieldwork has been strictly forbidden for the last two years. That's why Marcus has relied on my one-man procural service to keep the collections up to date.\"\n\n\"That's true,\" Brody said. \"The Depression has hit the museum as hard as any other institution, and it is unfortunate that so much museum money was tied up in railroad bonds.... But Indy, this is different. I'm sure that I can convince the old man that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The old man?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Also, I'm certain that we can rely on private investors.\"\n\n\"Henry Fairfield Osborn,\" Indy explained. \"The museum's president since 1908. If he would agree to fund an expedition to anywhere in the world, Mongolia would be it. For years now he has had a pet theory that humanity evolved in Central Asia, and that the earliest human fossils would be found there.\"\n\n\"The missing link?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something like that,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we must keep our real reasons a closely guarded secret,\" Brody continued. \"We don't want to have half the world trying to beat us there.\"\n\n\"But Mongolia, Marcus. Think of the difficulty.\"\n\n\"Yes, I know,\" Brody said, and with his forefinger traced a line from Shanghai in toward the heart of Asia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"An expedition would face some of the harshest conditions on the planet. Temperatures that roast you during the day and freeze you at night. Violent storms and bloodthirsty warlords, and maps that are next to useless. We might as well be launching a journey to the dark side of the moon, so little do we know of the interior. And that's not even considering the attitude of the Russian-controlled government of Mongolia. But then, I didn't say it would be easy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You never do,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Well, you wouldn't expect the last living dinosaur to be stamping around some cornfield in Kansas, would you?\" Brody lifted the receiver and jiggled the switch hook. \"You two go on down and chat with Larson. I'm going to start putting together your expedition.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My expedition?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm in the middle of a term. I can't leave. Think of the logistics involved—we need trucks and camels and equipment. And that's assuming that the Chinese and the Russians and the Mongols will even let us into the country.\"\n\n\"Indy,\" Brody said. \"We have this one shining chance. Your students can wait. But perhaps there is a living, breathing dinosaur somewhere in Mongolia that cannot.\"\n\nDr. Jonathan Larson took a gulp from a beaker of grain alcohol and stared intently at the horn. Then he cleaned his glasses with his shirttail, closed his eyes tightly for a few moments, and snapped them open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I keep expecting it to disappear,\" he told Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm still not convinced that I'm not asleep in bed, having a most astounding dream.\"\n\n\"This is no dream,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Are you certain that it's authentic?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"As certain as anyone can be,\" Larson said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have no type specimen to work from, but it matches in every respect the fossil horns we do have. It is without a doubt from a triceratops and not a rhinoceros.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you tell anything about the age or health of the animal?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Some,\" Larson said. \"The tip of the horn, for example, shows the same pattern of wear—from foraging and battle damage, perhaps—that the fossils do, so it would appear to be from a robust specimen. This horn also appears to be from an adult animal, although it is somewhat smaller than many of the fossil pieces. My guess is that it is from a female. But who knows?\"\n\nHe took another gulp from the beaker.\n\n\"This needs to be properly cataloged,\" Larson said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First, we need to send it down to photographic. Then we will have to figure out a place to store it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You aren't going to put it into one of those awful vats of formaldehyde, are you?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"No,\" Larson said. \"I imagine the best thing to do would be to store it in one of the coolers in the kitchen and hope one of the cooks doesn't throw it into a stew.\"\n\nLarson took a wooden specimen box down from a shelf behind him and placed it on the table. Then, with shaking hands, he placed the horn inside and latched the top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you mind delivering it to photographic?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Larson asked. \"I'm afraid I wouldn't trust myself to carry it that far. It's three floors—\"\n\n\"I know where it is,\" Indy said, and picked up the box.\n\n\"Do you mind if I carry it?\" Joan asked. \"It's the last tangible link I have with my father, and I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to touch it again for a very long time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded his understanding and handed over the case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go easy on that stuff,\" Indy said as he shut the door to Larson's laboratory. \"You may actually need some of it to preserve a specimen other than yourself.\"\n\nAs they exited the elevator at the third floor and strolled along the gallery toward the photographic department, which was adjacent to public education, Indy noticed a pair of Asian men leaning against the railing. They were apparently deep in a discussion about the blue whale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both wore saffron-colored robes that identified them as Buddhists, and both of their heads were shaved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joan was on the outside, nearest the men. As she passed them one gave a quick nod of the head, the kind of abbreviated bow as common in the East as touching the brim of your hat is in the West, and Joan smiled.\n\nThe man then reached out and, quick as a snake, snatched the specimen box from her hands.\n\n\"Indy!\" Joan screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monk with the box was a blur of fluttering orange as he made his way toward the stairwell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy chased after him, but the other monk planted himself squarely in his path. He assumed a fighting stance and his bare toes gripped the floor like claws.\n\nHe bowed, in preparation for combat.\n\nIndy stomped the toes of the monk's forward foot with the heel of a well-polished wing tip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the monk instinctively picked up the foot with the throbbing toes, Indy kicked his other foot out from beneath him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Indy jumped over him and raced to the stairwell.\n\nThe escaping monk was well ahead of him and was taking the steps two at a time. But he apparently ignored a sign placed on the landing between the second and third floors that warned of a wet floor. A janitor who was wearily mopping up after several members of a second-grade class from Brooklyn became ill following the shrunken-heads exhibit watched in bewilderment as the monk sailed past him on the slick floor and crashed unceremoniously into the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The specimen box fell from his hands as the monk landed in a heap on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slid past the sign as well, his wing tips scrambling to find purchase, and crashed into the wall beside the monk. He made a lunge for the box, but the monk kicked it out of his reach.\n\n\"Grab the box!\" Indy shouted.\n\n\"Me?\" the janitor asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monk had Indy in a headlock now and was attempting to twist his chin back over his right shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get him off me,\" Indy mumbled.\n\nThe janitor flailed at the monk with the rag end of the mop.\n\n\"Use the other end,\" Indy suggested.\n\n\"What? Oh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The janitor turned the mop around and swung the handle like a baseball bat at the monk's bald head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monk released Indy, caught the mop handle in the open palm of his right hand, and jerked it away from the janitor. Then he snapped the mop end off with a blow from the edge of his foot.\n\nThe janitor ran away.\n\nIndy grabbed the specimen box, scrambled across the wet floor, and went back up the stairs with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brandishing the mop handle, the monk sprang after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monk caught up with Indy at the top of the stairs and struck him squarely between the shoulder blades with the handle. Indy was driven against the gallery rail and the specimen box flew out of his hands and landed beyond reach on the back of the blue whale.\n\n\"Well\"—Indy grinned—\"what are you going to do now?\"\n\n\"Hai!\" the monk screamed, and charged at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy ducked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monk vaulted over the railing, his arms and legs spinning madly as he sailed through the air like a pole-vaulter. He sank into the back of the whale as the wire mesh buckled, and bits of plaster rained down from the ceiling from the overstressed cable anchors.\n\nThe monk plucked up the specimen box and shouted in Mandarin to his partner, who was sitting cross-legged near Joan rubbing his foot. He jumped up and in a limping run made his getaway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get some help. Seal off the museum,\" Indy shouted as he climbed up on the railing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And tell Brody I'll buy him a new whale.\"\n\nIndy jumped onto the back of the blue whale. His right foot drove through the skin. Chunks of plaster trembled down from the ceiling as the cables squealed in protest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didn't think I would do it, did you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked his foe.\n\nTwo of the cables snapped and the whale listed precariously to starboard. On the second floor, the teacher who was leading the second-grade class could not see the two men on the model's back, and she screamed and pulled the children away as the whale seemed to lurch angrily at them.\n\nThe monk smashed a hole with his fist through the papier-mache and wire mesh and descended with the specimen box into the belly of the beast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy followed, and as he dropped inside, a piece of wire sliced into his cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Drat,\" Indy said, and gingerly touched his cheek.\n\nThen something scurried over his foot and he shook it away. It was a mouse, one of a family of the pesky rodents that had braved the guy wires to make a secret home in the papier-mache belly of the whale.\n\nThe monk was making his way along the angle-iron keel of the beast toward the mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then another cable separated, and the flukes came crashing down on the second floor, smashing a glass display case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rest of the whale settled heavily onto the floor.\n\nThe family of mice scurried in every direction.\n\n\"Bully!\" shouted one of the second-graders.\n\nThe monk rolled backward along the keel toward the tail, and Indy grasped him by the collar of his robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you?\" he demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monk clutched the specimen box and stared at Indy with calm brown eyes. He smiled enigmatically, then apologized in Mandarin, which Indy knew.\n\n\"For what?\" Indy asked.\n\nThe monk pressed his fingers firmly into Indy's solar plexus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sank to his knees, unable to speak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His right hand gripped the hem of the monk's robe, tearing away an orange-colored swatch.\n\n\"It will pass,\" the monk said.\n\nThen the monk kicked a hole through the belly of the whale and disappeared with the specimen box.\n\nAfter a few minutes Indy was able to crawl outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lay on the floor, attempting to catch his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Marcus Brody walked over and stood over him. His arms were crossed as he surveyed the damage to the second floor.\n\n\"They got away,\" Brody said. \"With the horn.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brody knelt beside Indy and inspected his cheek." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no time to waste with apologies,\" he said. \"You must leave for Shanghai this afternoon. Can you pack in three hours? I'll call Dr. Morey at Princeton and attempt to explain your absence, and offer to assume your classes until your return. First, though, we need to have a doctor look at your face. It looks as though you need stitches.\"\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said.\n\nA mouse scampered across Indy's badly scuffed wing tips. Then what was left of the blue whale emitted one last tortured squeal of wire and metal and collapsed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shanghai, China\n\nNovember 7, 1933\n\n\"I hate this place,\" Indy said sourly.\n\n\"The hotel or the city?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shanghai,\" Indy said. \"I always get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach when I'm here, and it's not just indigestion. Some places breed nothing but evil.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were having breakfast in the restaurant lobby of the Cathay, the hotel where, three years earlier, Noel Coward—during a bout with the flu—had written the play Private Lives in less than a week.\n\n\"Come now, Jones,\" Granger said, lighting his pipe and pushing aside his empty breakfast plate. \"What's not to like about the Whore of the Orient? Six million people jowl to arse. Inadequate sanitation and rampant disease. Gangsters, brothels, opium dens. A civil war about to break wide open while the Japanese Imperial Army regularly uses the city for bombing practice. I would think this would appeal to your American sense of adventure, Jones.\"\n\n\"I would appreciate it if you would have a little more respect for the city,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shanghai is also called the Paris of the Orient, and deservedly so. The evil that is here is a product of Western civilization, I'm afraid—not China.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger cleared his throat.\n\n\"Quite right,\" he said diplomatically.\n\nIndy pushed his breakfast away and concentrated on his coffee. He was exhausted from spending three days in the cramped confines of an American cargo plane as it hopscotched across the Pacific toward China." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You had better eat those eggs, Jones,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the last decent food you'll get for some weeks. There are no Michelin guides or four-star hotels where we're going, my brown-eyed friend.\"\n\nWalter Granger was an adventurer, big-game hunter, and veteran of several expeditions to Outer Mongolia before the borders were closed to foreigners. In fact, Granger had been a key figure in an American Museum of Natural History expedition to Mongolia that, in the 1920s, had discovered the very first dinosaur eggs known to science.\n\nAlthough Granger was graying at the temples, he stood ramrod straight at six-feet, one-inch tall and there wasn't an ounce of fat on his tanned body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His only physical defect was a badly mauled right ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was dressed this morning, as he was every morning, in a khaki shirt with loops over the pockets for cartridges. His ever-present bush hat was also khaki, with a leopard-skin band taken from the cat that had chewed off most of his right ear. Granger wore the hat, even indoors, claiming that he could hear better with it on.\n\nBut beyond his obvious qualifications—and in spite of his idiosyncrasies—the real reason Granger had been asked to lead the expedition was that Indy trusted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Years before, Granger had saved him from becoming the main course for a tribe of Polynesian cannibals by convincing them that blue-eyed foreigners were much tastier than the common brown-eyed variety—and setting them on the trail of a notorious Dutch slave trader named Conrad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tribe later thanked Granger for the tip.\n\nGranger knocked out his pipe in an ashtray and dropped the stem in one of the cartridge loops over his breast pocket. Then he cleared the middle of the table and unrolled a map, using the salt-and-pepper shakers and Indy's coffee cup to hold down the curling edges.\n\n\"I laid out the route this morning while waiting for you to arrive,\" Granger explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is subject to your approval, Jones, but I think you will agree it makes the most sense. From Shanghai we will travel by rail to Kalgan, where the tracks end at the base of the Shen Shei Mountains. From there, we will take a treacherous stretch of road that serpentines along the cliffs and leads to a gateway in the Great Wall at Wanshan Pass. That's roughly a thousand miles from here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I believe that is the route my father took,\" Joan said. \"He said as much in one of the last letters I received.\"\n\n\"It is the only way in or out,\" Granger said. \"The pass was used by caravans for a thousand years before Marco Polo saw it.... After gaining the plateau, we have a three-hundred-mile stretch called Desolation Road to the capital at Urga. There, it will be Indy's job to obtain the necessary permits from the Russian-controlled government. Otherwise, the expedition is over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll use my charm,\" Indy quipped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If all goes well to that point,\" Granger said, \"we will obtain camels for our caravan from one of the many traders along the Urga Road. Then we will set out toward the west, and penetrate hundreds of miles into the Gobi. The desert is the haystack, and your father, Sister Joan, is the proverbial needle.\"\n\n\"But if luck is with us,\" Indy said, \"we'll have gathered some clues along the way to guide us in the right direction.\"\n\n\"And if it isn't?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Hopeless is not strong enough a word,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then I will pray for luck,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A young Chinese man entered the restaurant, searched for Granger, came to the table, and handed him a handful of manifests.\n\n\"I'd like to introduce you to a rather capable fellow,\" Granger said. \"This is Wu Han, a scholar and jack-of-all-trades who has helped to put the expedition together these last few days. Frankly, I told Brody that I didn't think I could do it. And I couldn't have if it hadn't been for Wu Han here.\"\n\nWu Han bowed to Joan, then shook hands with Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has been a pleasure to help my American friends,\" Wu Han said in perfectly accented English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I only hope that I can continue to be of service. Is this your first time in Shanghai? Perhaps I could arrange some entertainment.\"\n\n\"This is old hat for Dr. Jones,\" Joan said, \"but it's my first time and I could use a bit of relaxation. I hate to miss an opportunity to explore a new city.\"\n\n\"There is plenty to sightsee,\" Wu Han said. \"May I call for you this evening? Perhaps Dr. Jones would like to come as well. I understand from Mr. Granger that he is quite a fan of hot American jazz.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jazz?\" Indy said. \"Well, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good,\" Wu Han said. \"You may expect me at about six o'clock, if that is convenient. Mr. Granger, sir, is everything in order? May I be excused?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course,\" Granger said, glancing over the manifests that Wu Han had brought. \"Thank you.\"\n\nWu Han bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Trap you later,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Catch,\" Granger barked. \"The phrase is 'catch you later.'\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Wu Han said.\n\n\"Ah,\" Granger said. \"Most of the equipment has been loaded onto the flatcars, with the exception of a special shipment that I had requested from our friends at the British arsenal. We are scheduled to leave at oh-five-hundred, and Brody's instructions made it clear that time is of the essence. No matter how good the jazz is, Indy, I suggest that you get some sleep tonight.\"\n\n\"Sleep.\" Indy sighed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jones.\" Granger leaned conspiratorially toward Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Brody's cable made it clear that this expedition's primary objective is to locate Professor Starbuck. But some of the equipment he has required does not seem to be useful, even tangentially. What do we need with several quarts of animal tranquilizer? I was prudent enough not to wire him back and ask what was going on, but now that I'm sitting across from you, I feel the time is right. Jones, what in hell is going on?\"\n\n\"All I can tell you now,\" Indy said, \"is that Brody is right when he says our mission is to locate Professor Starbuck. You're no fool, Granger. But don't ask me anything else until we are safely inside Mongolia.\"\n\n\"Funny pairing of words, that,\" Granger said.\n\n\"What?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Safe,\" he said, \"and Mongolia.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy traced his finger along the path from Shanghai to Mongolia. Then he spread his hand, bridging the gap from Peking to the Shen Shei Mountains with his thumb and little finger.\n\n\"I would have preferred to launch this expedition from Peking,\" Indy said. \"Now, there's a city I like. Clean, beautiful; friendly people. And it's closer to where we're going.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would bring us too close to the Japs for comfort,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since they've taken Manchuria—Manchuku, they call it—nothing in the north is safe.\"\n\n\"I'd prefer it if you would call them Japanese,\" Joan requested.\n\n\"Why?\" Granger asked. \"They call us worse. They have a name for us that means 'big feet and smells like hamburger.' They think even less of the Chinese and Koreans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we are to expect the best from others, we should demand the best from ourselves,\" Joan asserted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Besides, I'm sure that not all the Japanese feel that way.\"\n\n\"I'm sure you have a point, Sister,\" Granger said. \"But I'm glad I won't have to put up with it all the way to the Gobi and back.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\" Joan asked, stiffening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're staying here,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, that makes no sense at all,\" Joan protested. \"Neither of you knows my father. You don't even have a recent photograph for reference. What if you overlook some important clue?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Indy said, \"but the Gobi is no place for a woman. There are things out there that you can't even begin to imagine.\"\n\n\"How do you know what I can begin to imagine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" Indy said. \"I just—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look here,\" Granger interrupted. \"Do you know what would happen if one of the local warlords got their hands on you? You'd be sold into white slavery quicker than you could say your Hail Mary, and there would be nothing we could do about it.\"\n\n\"You're not going to scare me into being a good little nun,\" Joan fumed. \"The Catholic Church has been trying to do that for years and it hasn't worked, so why should you two hooligans think you can do it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger coughed and looked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That must be some order you belong to,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Stop making jokes,\" Joan said, brushing tears away with the back of her hand. \"Oh, I know what you're thinking now—you're thinking how weak I am, and how I cry at the drop of a hat. Well, let me tell you something. I'm not crying for me. I'm crying for you two because you're such Neanderthals.\"\n\nIndy leaned over the map and jabbed his finger into the center of Mongolia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Urga,\" he said. \"You go as far as Urga. And that's it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the patrons of the Lotus Eaters nightclub knew that Asia was poised on the brink of war, they did not show it. The well-dressed international crowd, Indy thought, was a microcosm of the rest of the world: they drank and dined and danced as if the party would never end.\n\nJoan's habit had not raised a single eyebrow in the exotic cabaret, where the dance floor was crowded with the uniforms and noisy with the tongues of a dozen nations. The only Chinese faces in the crowd were those of the waiters, the jazz band, which tried fiercely but unsuccessfully to capture the Dixieland sound, and the club's proprietor, a round-faced gangster by the name of Lao Che." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite Lao's rotund appearance, his hard eyes had a decidedly wolfish gleam." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy knew him by reputation, but had never met him.\n\n\"This is the busiest nightclub in Shanghai,\" Wu Han boasted. \"All of the best people come here.\"\n\n\"If these are the best,\" Indy said, \"I would hate to see the worst.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been watching the steady stream of traffic past Lao Che's corner table, and noted with dissatisfaction the amount of money that had crossed the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Set into the wall behind the table was a locked cabinet that held rows of jars; the majority were of stone, but a few were ornately carved ivory or jade.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Wu Han said, crestfallen. \"Do you not care for the hot jazz? We could go somewhere else.\"\n\n\"The music is fine,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very good. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. It's just that what is going on at that table over there makes me very uncomfortable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wu Han's face grew serious.\n\n\"Lao Che is a very powerful man, Dr. Jones,\" he said. \"It is better to pretend not to notice such activity. He holds Shanghai like this.\" Wu Han closed the fingers of his right hand into a tight fist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I apologize if I have offended you by bringing you here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no need to apologize,\" Indy said easily.\n\n\"We will go,\" Wu Han said.\n\n\"No, of course not,\" Indy said. \"Besides, it is very impolite to walk out when the band is in the middle of a number. We will stay for a few more songs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As you wish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you enjoy your visit to the Bund this evening?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Oh, yes,\" Joan said. \"Wu Han is an exceptional guide.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As a matter of fact, Wu Han is pretty exceptional at everything he does. He knows instinctively what must be done, and then does it. I don't know what Granger is paying you, but it isn't enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wu Han bowed slightly.\n\n\"The honor of working with the great American archaeologist is pay enough,\" he said. \"Also, Joan has been kind enough to correct my poor English.\"\n\n\"Your English is perfect.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan laughed. \"You just need some help with your idioms.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pardon my bluntness,\" Indy said, \"but you are being paid?\"\n\n\"My services have been acquired through an arrangement with my employer,\" Wu Han said.\n\n\"Your employer?\" Indy asked. \"Granger said you were a scholar. Do you teach at the university?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was a student of political science, but before taking my degree, I was forced to leave for the sake of my honorable family.\"\n\n\"Well, money is sometimes difficult to come by, even for a scholar and a jack-of-all-trades,\" Indy said. \"So you work for a local businessman.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Wu Han's face brightened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look,\" Indy said. \"We need someone like you to make this expedition run smoothly, someone to ease the inevitable friction we will meet among the locals. You'll get paid, so you won't have to worry about your family, and when we get back I'll arrange it so that you can finish your studies... in America, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wu Han looked as if Indy had punched him in the stomach.\n\n\"What is it?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"I am undeserving of such a generous offer,\" Wu Han said. \"Although I am very grateful for your confidence in me, I am afraid that it is impossible for me to leave Shanghai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is something you're not telling us,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Duty requires that I fulfill my obligations to my family and to my employer,\" Wu Han explained. \"My prayers, however, will accompany you on your journey.\"\n\n\"This employer,\" Indy said. \"It's Lao Che, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han was silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of mess are you in?\"\n\n\"Please, Dr. Jones. You must remember my family.\"\n\n\"Where is your family now?\" Joan asked. \"Perhaps we can help them, and then you would be free of this gangster.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Family dead,\" Wu Han said, his English disintegrating as emotion welled up inside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Parents and baby sister die in the influenza epidemic.\"\n\n\"I am sorry,\" Joan said.\n\n\"Do not be,\" Wu Han said. \"It is the cycle of things. We loved each other very much in the time we had.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if they are dead,\" Joan asked, \"how is Lao Che controlling you through them? It doesn't make sense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He has their souls,\" Wu Han said softly.\n\nJoan looked puzzled.\n\n\"Their ashes,\" Indy said. \"The bastard has their ashes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He controls many of my people in this way. We are required to do detestable things, to assist in the enslavement of others through opium and prostitution. I keep his books. But I am ashamed, just the same.\"\n\n\"How long must you work for him for the release of their ashes?\"\n\n\"Ten years,\" Wu Han said. \"For each individual.\"\n\n\"You'll be in your fifties before you're free,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have no choice,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're talking about their ashes,\" Joan said. \"Not their souls.\"\n\n\"This is China, Sister,\" Indy said. \"If the dead aren't buried ritualistically in the family plot, then their souls wander the earth, begging for their living relatives to end their anguish.\"\n\n\"That's ridiculous,\" Joan blurted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure that some of your beliefs seem equally absurd to Wu Han. Only, he's polite enough not to say so.\"\n\nJoan blushed.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" she said.\n\n\"No,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am the one who should apologize, for burdening your carefree evening with my unimportant troubles. Please, forget about all of this. I will show you a different club, where the hot jazz is the cat's nightclothes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wu Han stood up.\n\n\"Not yet,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You would like to stay?\"\n\n\"Tell me this,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More than anything else, would you like to be free of this dishonorable life and sure that your family will rest in peace? And if this were to happen, you would accompany the expedition and finish your education when we return?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, Dr. Jones. But—\"\n\n\"No buts. And call me Indy.\"\n\n\"Please,\" Wu Han said. \"I cannot break my agreement with Lao Che. I would lose face and dishonor my family. There is nothing I can do. I made a promise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't make any promises,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And if I allowed a friend of mine to be tortured in such a fashion by a drug-dealing, pig-faced, two-bit gangster like Lao Che, I would lose face. Can you understand that?\"\n\n\"Friend.\" Wu Han spoke the word reverently.\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" Joan said. \"With all due respect to Wu Han and the remains of his family, I don't think we ought to get involved. Don't you think we should let the authorities handle this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lao Che probably has the ashes of their ancestors locked up in that little cabinet of his,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wu Han, which of those urns behind him belongs to your family?\"\n\n\"Third shelf, middle. The stone urn with the characters for peace and prosperity.\"\n\n\"Sister, I'll need your help—if you're game, that is.\"\n\n\"Of course I'm game, as you say. If you truly think we can help Wu Han without getting all of us killed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry,\" Indy assured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Odds are they can only kill one of us before the others get away. I'm going to the men's room now, and I am going to act extravagantly drunk. When I get back to the table, I'm going to be in a rather unpleasant mood. So remember, I'm not your friend.\"\n\n\"Not my friend?\" Wu Han sounded puzzled.\n\n\"We'll be pretending.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the band reached the end of the number, Indy stood, swayed for a moment, then reached over and took Joan's half-empty glass of wine and finished it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he slapped it back down on the table with such force that it tumbled over, rolled to the edge, and broke on the floor.\n\nAll eyes turned toward them.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said with a stupid grin and just enough of a slur to be convincing. Then he ambled across the room and backed clumsily into another waiter, whose tray crashed to the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First night on the job?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, sir,\" the waiter said, reaching first for the mess on the floor and then for Indy's elbow. \"Won't you let me help you to the—\"\n\nIndy shook him off.\n\n\"I'm fine,\" Indy insisted, and continued on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The band leader glanced worriedly at Indy, then struck up a lively version of \"Ain't We Got Fun?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once inside the men's room, Indy nodded pleasantly to the attendant who held a basket of hot towels at the ready. Indy walked to the mirror and inspected his hair, then jerked a thumb toward the dance floor. \"There's a heckuva mess out there,\" he said. \"A drunk dumped a big tray of drinks on the floor. They can't seem to find the janitor. Maybe you should go help.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The attendant looked uncertain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on,\" Indy urged, pretending to admire his own reflection. \"My date would like to dance, and we can't with that mess out there.\" He dug in his pocket and dropped some coins onto the attendant's plate.\n\nThe attendant nodded and hurried out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as the door closed, Indy went to the ash can by the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except for one smoldering cigar butt, it was clean—the attendant apparently took his job seriously—and Indy unfolded the handkerchief from the breast pocket of his dinner jacket and laid the square of cloth on the floor. He frowned as he picked up the moist cigar butt with his bare fingers and flung it away. Using both hands, he repeatedly scooped sand from the ashtray into the handkerchief. When he thought he had about the right amount, he tied the corners of the handkerchief together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as he was shoving the package into his sock, the attendant returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is under control, sir,\" the attendant announced.\n\n\"Of course it is,\" Indy agreed, and left.\n\nIndy repeated his performance with only slightly diminished vigor on the way back to his table, but he did not sit. \"I want you to introduce me to Lao Che,\" he said as he used both hands to steady himself on the edge of the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Dr. Jones,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps now is not the time.\"\n\n\"Now,\" Indy insisted, a little louder than necessary.\n\n\"As you wish.\" Wu Han lowered his eyes.\n\nIndy leaned on Wu Han's shoulder as they made their way to the corner table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan followed a few steps behind, and with every step berated Indy for his inability to judge his capacity for liquor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lao Che was flanked by his three sons. All were from different mothers. There was one fat one, one painfully skinny one, and one that was as handsome as the others were homely. Each, however, had the telltale bulge of a gun hidden beneath his jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In Chinese, Wu Han quickly begged the gangster's pardon and apologized for Indy's vulgar behavior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lao Che laughed and said that all Americans were fools, so why should this one be any different?\n\nLao Che seemed only vaguely aware of Wu Han's identity.\n\n\"Do you work for me?\" Lao Che asked suspiciously in Chinese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han replied that he had been assigned to assist with the American expedition, then quickly filled him in on the details." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am pleased to meet you, Dr. Jones,\" Lao Che grunted in English. \"I am glad that you are enjoying yourself. May I get you anything more? Or for you, Sister?\"\n\n\"No, thank you,\" Joan said. \"And I think Dr. Jones has had quite enough. As you can see, he can be quite a handful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm afraid she's right.\" Indy grinned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this your conscience?\" Lao Che asked. \"Tell me, why does a Catholic sister accompany you? Planning to make some converts upon your arrival in Mongolia, Dr. Jones?\"\n\n\"I do what I can,\" Joan said. \"One soul at a time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As I do!\" Lao Che said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One cannot abandon the spiritual side of life in pursuit of earthly pleasures, eh? And speaking of earthly pleasures, I hope you are not feeling too badly in the morning. Would you like me to send one of my girls home with you to nurse what will soon be an aching head? It is the best hangover remedy I know. I'm sure that the good sister will turn a blind eye to such an act of mercy.\"\n\n\"No thanks, Lao,\" Indy said. \"And if the sister has a blind eye, I've yet to find it.\"\n\nLao Che laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This one—what the devil is his name? I have so many employees that I forget—tells me that everything is in order for your departure,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope that you and Mr. Granger have found him to be of some service.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"He is an excellent employee. You should congratulate yourself on being a good judge of character—and a shrewd businessman.\"\n\n\"It just takes the right incentive,\" Lao Che said modestly.\n\n\"You also seem to be a fine judge of collectibles,\" Indy continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From our table, I couldn't help but admire your collection of funerary vases. Wu Han attempted to discourage me from asking you about it, saying that you would be too modest to discuss them. But I would really like to see them up close.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are nothing,\" Lao Che said.\n\n\"Really, they are quite compelling,\" Indy said, sounding more and more sober. \"Even from a distance, I could tell it is a rather complete collection. If you would grant me just a quick examination, I would be most grateful.\"\n\nLao Che fingered the key to the cabinet, which hung from a golden chain around his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really, Dr. Jones,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Most of them are quite common.\"\n\n\"Where are your manners?\" Joan scolded. \"Can't you see that you are embarrassing Mr. Che?\"\n\n\"I wasn't trying to embarrass him,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Actually, the museum would be interested in purchasing some of the jars to complete its funerary exhibit. But I can understand how he would be reluctant to part with them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Jones!\" Wu Han protested. \"Such things are not for sale.\"\n\nLao Che smiled broadly.\n\n\"Come now,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the interest of contributing to a museum collection, it is possible I could be persuaded. Which of the urns were you most interested in?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lao Che slipped the chain over his head and turned, poised with the key in his hand.\n\n\"The jade one on the top shelf,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Some of them still contain ashes, unfortunately,\" the gangster said as he swung open the cabinet door. \"After so much time, who knows who they belong to? But propriety insists that the remains stay here in Shanghai, where they belong, because eventually a descendant may be found.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The museum is interested only in the pieces themselves.\"\n\nLao Che carefully took down the jade urn and placed it on the table, under the watchful eyes of his sons.\n\n\"Exquisite,\" Indy said. He drew his glasses from his shirt pocket and slipped them onto the bridge of his nose. He bent down so that he would be at eye level with the piece." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lao Che hesitated.\n\n\"The museum would be willing to offer a handsome price for pieces of this quality,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Please,\" Lao Che beamed. \"Be my guest.\"\n\nIndy picked up the jar and cradled it in his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He brushed his thumbs over the intricate reliefs of hissing dragons and soaring cranes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is Manchu,\" Lao Che said.\n\n\"From the Manchu Dynasty?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"It is a relatively recent piece from the large ethnic group called the Manchus. There are more than fifty such groups in China, each with a separate culture, set of beliefs, and language. That's why there's been an almost constant state of civil war, and why travel and politics are so difficult here. Properly, only the Han are considered true Chinese. But even among the Han there are scores of subgroups, and hundreds of dialects.\"\n\n\"Is there an example of a Han vase?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said, and returned the jade container to Lao Che." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This stone one here in the center. Lao, do you mind?\"\n\nThe gangster picked up an urn beside the one Indy wanted.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"The Han vase, there. Yes.\"\n\nLao Che nervously handed over the stone vase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han sucked in his breath and closed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"See how plain this one is?\" Indy said, and he held it just below the edge of the table as he showed it to Joan. As he did, Joan leaned over and pretended to inspect it. With his thumb, Indy tapped the pocket of his jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan tugged upon the pocket with a forefinger, and in one motion Indy lifted the top from the urn and poured the remains of Wu Han's immediate family into the right pocket of his dinner jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No ornamentation except for the bold characters for peace and prosperity. Rather simple, don't you think?\" Indy held the vase up. \"Now, on the bottom here—\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones!\" Joan shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The vase slipped from Indy's fingers and fell to the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy dove to retrieve it and pulled the handkerchief with the ashtray sand from his sock. He spilled the contents onto the floor around the vase.\n\n\"Oh no, look what I've done,\" Indy said. \"It seems I've scattered the remains of some poor devil all over the floor. Here, let me gather it up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han nearly passed out, and had to clutch Joan's arm to keep from joining Indy on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My sons will clean up the mess,\" Lao Che said.\n\n\"Are you sure?\" Indy said, placing the urn on the table and shaking his handkerchief into it. \"I think I've got most of it here.\"\n\nLao Che's skinny son joined Indy beneath the table while the fat one peered into the urn and made a sound of disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his thumb and forefinger he removed a cigarette butt from the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry,\" Indy said, his head bobbing above the table. \"Must have come from the floor.\"\n\nLao Che grunted.\n\n\"Perhaps we should continue this another time,\" Indy suggested, getting to his feet and patting the sand from his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe when I'm a little more sober than I am right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lao Che stared at Indy in surprise.\n\n\"Come along, Dr. Jones,\" Wu Han said, pulling him by the arm. \"Let's get you to bed. The first stage of a very long journey starts in the morning, and you need to be ready.\"\n\nAs they piled into a taxi outside the door of the Lotus Eaters, Indy took off his jacket and handed it to Wu Han." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe this,\" he said, \"belongs to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The expedition's equipment, loaded onto a trio of flatcars at the railyard adjacent to the docks at Shanghai, looked suspiciously like a military campaign in the predawn light. The item that drew the most attention from the railway workers was the .30-caliber machine gun mounted on the back of one of the three brand-new trucks. The trucks had been donated to the expedition by the Dodge Motor Company, which had supplied the museum with vehicles in the past, but the machine gun had arrived from the British arsenal.\n\n\"Really,\" Joan fumed at Indy as a canvas was secured over the truck and the gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do we need that horrible thing? We're here to find my father, not to start a war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sister,\" Indy said, his breath hanging in the cold air, \"that may amount to the same thing. There are things out there—bandits, warlords, private armies—of which you know absolutely nothing. Things that don't share your belief in the natural goodness of humanity.\"\n\nIndy looked at his watch. It was four-fifteen.\n\n\"Wu Han,\" he said, and zipped up his leather jacket. \"Is there any way we can slip out of here now? I would like us to be on our way well before anyone suspects we've gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a freight train,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is a timetable. There are things to consider, such as other trains on the same track. But I will try to persuade the engineer.\"\n\n\"Try with this.\" Indy pressed a wad of bills into Wu's hand.\n\n\"Consider it done,\" Wu Han said.\n\nGranger walked alongside, a clipboard in his hands and his pipe in his mouth, inspecting the flat-cars one last time for everything that was supposed to be on board." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's get rolling,\" Indy called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In time,\" Granger said. \"If we miss anything, there won't be a corner drugstore we can pop into and replace it. Not even Sears and Roebuck reaches this far out.\"\n\nIndy stepped onto the platform at the back of the passenger car, which was coupled to the last of the expedition's flatcars. He pulled Joan up behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy could hear the chugging of the cylinder head of the aging steam locomotive deepen in pitch as the boiler gained pressure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This train is moving whether you're on board or not,\" he called to Granger.\n\n\"All right, old man,\" Granger responded. \"Keep your shirt on. I don't know what the rush is; we're not scheduled to leave for another forty-five minutes.\"\n\n\"Call it Yankee ambition,\" Indy said, and sat down next to Joan on one of the hard-backed wooden seats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Granger came and sat opposite them the car lurched and the locomotive pulled forward to take the slack out of the line of cars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the engineer opened the throttle a couple of notches and the Shanghai railyard began to glide away around them.\n\n\"That was a wonderful thing that you did for Wu Han last night,\" Joan told Indy. Awkwardly, she patted his shoulder through his leather jacket.\n\n\"We're not out of Shanghai yet,\" Indy warned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lowered the fedora, leaned back against the seat, and closed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not feel well. He was not exactly sick, but he did have a terrible case of indigestion. Joan had insisted on eating a traditional Chinese meal before their visit to the nightclub last night, and Indy was afraid that he had gotten a bad eel. \"Let me know when we're safely in the country.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han stepped down from the locomotive and allowed the train to pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the passenger car neared he took a few steps to gain momentum and grabbed the rail, swinging himself up onto the rear platform.\n\nIn a Buddhist cemetery at the outskirts of the city, sticks of incense still burned as gaily colored prayer flags fluttered over the remains of his family. Their ashes had been safely entered into a secretly purchased granite vault. When Wu Han's time came, the lid of the vault would be lifted and his ashes would be sprinkled with those of his parents and baby sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han stood for a moment on the platform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He breathed in great lungsful of air, and he noted, as if for the first time, the aroma of the city: sewage, seawater, wood smoke from the locomotive, and the unmistakable odor of spoiled meat and fish from the nearby open-air market.\n\n\"So long, Lao Che,\" Wu Han said to the wind. \"May I never have to breathe your stench again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three hours outside of Shanghai, as the freight highballed on its ribbon of narrow-gauge rail through an endless quilt of canals and rice paddies, Joan shook Indiana Jones awake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Time for breakfast,\" she said, and placed a cardboard box on his lap.\n\nIndy felt even worse than he had when the train had left. He inspected the contents of the box. Mostly rice, with a little bite of fish rolled up into a large piece of seaweed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Also, a pair of bamboo chopsticks and a rough paper napkin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fish smelled a little too much like eel for comfort.\n\n\"It's unappetizing,\" Indy said, and pushed the box aside. \"Do we have any coffee?\"\n\n\"Green tea,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's a pot of it on the brazier in the front of the car. There's also a cooler of water next to it. Aren't you feeling well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've felt better,\" Indy replied.\n\n\"You were warned about drinking too much last night.\"\n\n\"Very funny.\" Indy wasn't smiling. \"I was just acting, remember?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think you enjoyed it a little too much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the worst first impression I've ever made,\" Indy muttered, and worked his way to the aisle. Although the train was slated as a freight, the passenger car had filled with people from a half-dozen stops since leaving Shanghai. All of them were Chinese, and many of them had their belongings in bundles at their feet. Indy smiled repeatedly as he made his way to the front of the car, but got no smiles in return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He peered into the open top of the battered five-gallon can that was used as a watercooler." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bugs and other less identifiable bits of debris were floating in it. He took a tin cup, rinsed it out with water from the can, and poured some tea from the kettle that sat atop the coal-fired brazier.\n\nAs he sipped the scalding liquid he looked out through the dirty glass in the front of the car at the expedition's equipment. The canvas was in place and everything was still in order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he looked around idly at the interior of the passenger car, and decided from its style and its well-worn condition that it must have been in use since the turn of the century." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he looked at the brake system hanging beneath the flatcar ahead as the train rounded a curve, however, he knew that estimate was overly generous. Although the train was equipped with air brakes, they were the older kind, which required the application of air pressure, pumped from the locomotive, in order to work. The newer safety brakes—which had been in use in America since the 1890s—were designed so that the brakes were applied when air pressure was lost; if the system were ruptured or if the cars became separated from the locomotive, the brakes would automatically engage.\n\nBut the only way to brake this train if the system failed would be to manually turn a huge hand wheel at the end of each car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Great,\" Indy said, and spat out a bug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dumped the rest of the cup out the window.\n\n\"Do you not care for the tea?\" Wu Han asked, coming up from behind. \"Can I get you something else, Indy? There is a small supply of chocolate bars and American soda loaded onto the flatcars. Would you care for something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Soda?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Wu Han said. \"Root beer.\"\n\n\"I would kill for a root beer,\" Indy said. \"My stomach has been queer all morning.\"\n\n\"I could get you some medicine, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, a root beer is what I need. The carbonation, you know. But the flatcars are secured, and it would be too much trouble. Maybe even dangerous, if you lost your balance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No trouble,\" Wu Han said. \"I come from a long line of acrobats. And I know exactly where to look, on the middle car. Just lift the edge of one canvas and there they are.\"\n\n\"I'll go with you.\" As he spoke, Indy suppressed a murderous belch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down,\" Wu Han said cheerfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be back in a spark.\"\n\n\"Flash,\" Indy corrected. \"Back in a flash.\"\n\n\"Of course. Thank you.\"\n\nWu Han was suddenly out the door and walking expertly over the cargo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sat down and watched while his young Chinese friend hopped onto the middle car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused at the corner of one bundle, unknotted the cord that held the canvas, and pried open the top of one of the crates with his fingers.\n\n\"Don't want to arm-wrestle that one,\" Indy told himself.\n\nWu Han withdrew two bottles of root beer, then secured the crate and retied the canvas. As Wu Han worked Indy noticed a second figure darting behind the cargo on the flatcar, sneaking up behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a man, dressed in black, with a knife between his teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watch out behind you!\" Indy shouted from the open door of the passenger car, but his words were lost in the rush of the wind and the rumble of the train.\n\nWu Han smiled and held up the bottles of root beer.\n\nThe figure had crept to within arm's reach of Wu Han." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy opened the door and vaulted onto the platform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He drew the Webley from its holster, then hesitated. The lurching of the train would make aiming difficult. Indy was afraid he would hit Wu Han instead of his assailant.\n\n\"Get down!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assassin had the knife raised in his right hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" Wu Han shouted back.\n\nIndy aimed over Wu Han's shoulder and fired.\n\nThe bullet struck the assassin in the shoulder, knocking him backward onto the covered hood of one of the Dodge trucks. He scrambled for a secure grip for a moment, then tumbled over the edge of the flatcar onto the roadbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy crossed the first flatcar and joined Wu Han." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you say you would kill for a root beer,\" Wu Han said, \"you weren't kidding.\"\n\n\"Get back to the passenger car,\" Indy ordered. \"There may be more of them out here. Tell Granger that we've got some trouble, and keep Sister Joan inside with her head down.\"\n\n\"Right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait,\" Indy said. He took one of the bottles of root beer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bottle opener?\"\n\n\"Right here,\" Wu Han said.\n\nIndy flipped off the cap and guzzled down a third of the bottle before Wu Han had made it back to the passenger car. Indy sat down on a cargo box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While he waited, with his gun in his right hand, he finished off the rest of the bottle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I love root beer,\" he announced.\n\nIndy felt a magnificent burp building in the pit of his stomach, and since he was alone on the flatcar, he opened his mouth and allowed nature to take its course. He belched long and loud, and immediately the pressure in his tortured guts subsided.\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" a voice said in Mandarin as he felt the prick of a knife blade at the back of his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you forgotten your manners? But then, I suppose you never had any.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did Lao Che send you?\"\n\n\"Who else?\" the voice asked, changing to English with a British accent. \"No, don't turn around. The others can't see me and we wouldn't want to alarm them. And careful with that gun—somebody could get hurt, you know. Keep it in your lap.\"\n\n\"You're the boss.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You couldn't have expected to get away with that little switch routine at the nightclub last night. It was apparent as soon as Lao's oldest son went to the water closet and discovered the ash can had been tampered with.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought it was clever.\"\n\n\"You would,\" the voice said. \"You have a choice. Either you will tell me where Wu Han has hidden the remains of his family so that Lao Che can restore his contract, or I will kill you first and Wu Han second.\"\n\n\"You'd kill me even if I told you,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps, but I would do it quickly instead of spilling your intestines onto the deck of this flatcar. There are no surgeons on this train, Dr. Jones, and you would bleed to death despite the best efforts of your friends to patch you up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And why wouldn't you kill Wu Han if I told you?\"\n\n\"His services are too valuable to Lao Che,\" the voice said. \"He wants him back. To waste a good employee in such a profitless manner would show poor business sense. But your pathetic expedition is another matter. It would delight the boss to see it end before it even begins.\"\n\n\"Who the hell are you?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A professional.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like your buddy? Or was he just having a bad day?\"\n\n\"He was careless. I am not.\"\n\nGranger was at the door of the passenger car, a 7.5mm bolt-action rifle in his hand. Indy waved and smiled, and motioned for him to go back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger looked confused, and stepped over onto the first flatcar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell the old fool to get back into the car.\"\n\n\"He can't hear me,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Then shoot him.\"\n\nIndy felt blood roll down between his shoulder blades as the knife pressed harder into the soft hollow at the base of his skull." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pointed the Webley at Granger and shot. The bullet thudded into a crate behind him. Granger looked aghast, not knowing whether to laugh or to return fire.\n\n\"Idiot!\" he cried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy rolled forward, exposing the assassin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger snatched up his rifle, but the dark figure had scrambled down behind the cargo before he could manage to get off a shot.\n\nIndy crawled back to the flatcar, where Granger was kneeling behind one of the trucks and trying to get a clear shot at their opponent.\n\n\"Are you all right?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"That's a relative question,\" Indy snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at the back of my neck.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's nothing,\" Granger said.\n\n\"Nothing? It feels like I'm bleeding to death.\"\n\n\"Flesh wounds always flow like the dickens.\" Granger's tone was dismissive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is that chap, anyway?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An associate of your gangster friend, Lao Che.\"\n\n\"No friend of mine.\" Granger sniffed. \"But one uses what is at hand to get the job done, you know. Jones, did you really have to take a shot at me?\"\n\n\"He was holding a knife on me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, I missed on purpose. I'll bet you're glad the train didn't hit a bump just then, huh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know where you got the idea that you could shoot.\" Granger shook his head. \"Concentrate, Jones, squeeze the trigger gently. I've watched you, and every time you shoot you hold your breath and snap the trigger like a four-year-old kid with a cap gun.\"\n\n\"Sorry to interrupt your little chat,\" Joan said as she crawled up next to them, \"but what do you intend doing about that fellow in black? If you haven't noticed, he's slicing open the canvas over the truck up there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you to keep her back,\" Indy scolded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't argue with a nun,\" Wu Han said.\n\n\"What the devil is he up to?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"Say, that big machine gun mounted on the truck isn't loaded, is it? I mean, you didn't fit it with a magazine yet, right?\"\n\n\"It wouldn't be of any use if it weren't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Terrific,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I doubt whether the bugger will be able to figure out how to operate the thing. It's rather complicated, you know, and most of these simple people have no experience with advanced firearms. If it's not a muzzle loader, they're lost.\"\n\nThe assassin brought back the bolt on the British machine gun and chambered a round. He was crouching in the back of the truck, and the muzzle of the gun was pointed into the air. He test-fired at the sky, laughed maniacally, then swung the barrel down and let go with a short burst at the truck where the others were hidden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The front end of the Dodge truck quivered as bullets chewed into it, shredding the canvas and sending bits of metal and glass spraying upward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the shooting stopped, the truck settled down on two flat front tires and began to hemorrhage oil and antifreeze.\n\n\"I think we ought to be hunting for a safer place to hide,\" Granger suggested. \"This particular flatcar is loaded with petrol drums.\"\n\n\"Indy,\" Wu Han said. \"What's the plan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't have a plan,\" Indy replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do I always have to be the one with a plan?\"\n\n\"You just do,\" Joan said. \"So make one.\"\n\n\"Jeesh.\" Indy took off his hat and jammed it onto Joan's head. \"Take care of this for me. I don't want any holes in it, you understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want me to do?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keep him pinned down in the truck,\" Indy said.\n\nIndy sprinted to the forward end of the car and jumped down onto the coupling while .30-caliber slugs riddled the area where he had been. His boots slipped on the grease-covered iron, but he caught himself before he fell.\n\nHe took hold of the frame of the flatcar and began to pull himself along beneath it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the roadbed whizzed beneath him Indy imagined the killer trying to point the machine gun at the deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If there was a way to do it, he decided, the assassin would probably figure it out.\n\nFinally Indy reached the end of the flatcar and grasped the tongue with both hands. The heels of his boots sparked on the roadbed as he pulled himself up onto the coupling. Then he crouched on top of the coupling, resting briefly between the cars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He studied the mechanism for a moment, then drew his pocketknife and jammed it deeply into the brake hose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to twist with all of his might, but finally the blade punctured the tough hose with a hiss of escaping air pressure. Then Indy pulled the pin and strained against the lever that opened the coupling. Finally, it turned.\n\n\"Let's see how you deal with that,\" Indy announced.\n\nAs the cars began to separate, Indy realized he was on the wrong side of the coupling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the gap widened between the cars he would become a sitting duck for the assassin's machine gun, and there wouldn't be enough time to scramble to safety, regardless of whether he was on the top, side, or bottom of the car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cars were now held together only by the damaged hose. As the drag of the rear cars increased, the line was drawn like a bowstring. Indy leaped to the tongue of the forward car just as the brake line snapped at the wound he had made earlier.\n\nSuddenly free of part of its burden, the old locomotive picked up speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahead, the tracks gradually dipped downward in a slow curve to a river valley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rails crossed high over the river on a wooden trestle.\n\nIndy waved sheepishly at his friends on the retreating car. Then he drew the Webley and climbed cautiously up onto the deck of the flatcar, making sure to stay low enough behind the cargo so that the assassin couldn't see him.\n\nWith the help of the gradually decreasing grade, and no sign of a brake, the locomotive was gaining even more speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the train fanned out around the curve Indy made his way to the side of the flatcar and waved his arms to try to get the attention of the crew up in the locomotive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smoke and sparks belched from the stack. Surely they knew if they didn't slow the train down, they were going to jump the tracks and plunge into the river at the bottom of the curve.\n\nIndy stopped waving.\n\nThe windows in the cab of the locomotive were empty, even though the pair of drivers on each side of the engine were churning furiously against the rails." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crew had left the throttle open and jumped into the nearest irrigation ditch when the shooting started." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is no way to run a railroad,\" he said.\n\nIndy peeked over the top of a crate. The assassin was still in the back of the Dodge, both hands On the machine gun, searching for a target.\n\n\"Cut us loose!\" Indy pleaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His answer was a burst that riddled the top of the crate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, you trigger-happy polyglot,\" Indy shouted. \"We're both going to die if we don't do something quick. I'm coming over the top of this crate, so don't shoot.\"\n\nIndy holstered his gun. He held his hands in the air, fingers spread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squinted, clenched his teeth, and eased himself up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was fully erect and found that he had not been shot dead, he smiled and placed his hands on his hips.\n\n\"Good,\" he said. \"I knew I could talk a little—\"\n\nThe assassin was frantically working with his knife to clear the breech of the gun. The gun had jammed during the last burst, and a shell casing was stuck sideways in the ejector, preventing it from firing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy jumped up onto the hood of the truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get away from there,\" he ordered as he pulled his revolver.\n\nThe assassin backed away from the machine gun.\n\n\"Now uncouple us. Do it, quick!\"\n\nThe flatcar was rocking back and forth on its springs as the train rocketed toward the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assassin walked cautiously to the front of the car, pulled the pin, and raised the lever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The car did not, however, show any tendency to leave the rest of the train.\n\nIndy put the gun in his belt and grasped the wheel to set the brakes manually. The wheel was stiff with rust.\n\n\"Help me,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The assassin got on the other side of the wheel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wheel began to turn, slowly at first and with the sound of tortured metal, then more quickly. Sparks flew from the wheels of the flatcar. At this speed, the brakes were merely an annoyance to the car's momentum. With agonizing slowness, the locomotive and the rest of the train began to move ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flatcar was only twenty yards behind the rest of the train when the locomotive left the tracks and plunged over the side of the trestle to the river below. The tender and a half-dozen freight cars were pulled over the side as well.\n\nIndy ducked.\n\nThe locomotive exploded as the cold river water seeped into the superheated boiler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The debris from the blast peppered the trestle and the flatcar like shrapnel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rails were badly warped, but unbroken, where the train had left the track. The flatcar bucked fiercely as it clattered over the damaged section, then lost speed and rolled to a smooth stop on the other side of the river.\n\n\"We made it,\" Indy said, struggling to his feet. \"Hey buddy, we made it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was no response from the assassin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was lying dead on the deck of the flatcar, a boiler bolt protruding from his forehead." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The expedition's three flatcars, pushed by a tiny switch engine, had finally rolled to a stop at track's end in the city of Kalgan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had taken a hired crew most of the morning to unload them.\n\n\"We don't have room for all of the equipment,\" Wu Han told Indy as the gang pushed the bullet-ridden Dodge down a pair of makeshift ramps. The truck's flattened front wheels refused to follow the path indicated, however, and the workmen scattered as the front end of the truck fell off the ramps. The truck slid the rest of the way on its frame, then bounced as the rear wheels struck the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We need three trucks, not two. What do we do, boss?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you ever driven a team before?\" Indy asked.\n\nIndy took off his fedora and wiped his forehead with a dusty sleeve. Despite the cold, he was sweating from the morning's work.\n\n\"That was nice work back there, Jones,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not only did you manage to destroy a locomotive and most of a freight train, but you ruined exactly one third of the expedition's vehicles and put us two days behind schedule in the process. I can't imagine Brody will be very happy about that, my brown-eyed friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please,\" Wu Han said. \"It wasn't Indy's fault. The assassins... and the machine gun...\"\n\n\"Granger has a very warped sense of humor,\" Indy told Wu Han. \"But don't worry, he's just having some fun at my expense. If he were really angry with me, he wouldn't say a word.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But that doesn't make sense.\"\n\n\"Nothing has so far on this expedition,\" Indy concluded.\n\n\"What are we going to do about that ruined automobile?\" Granger asked. \"I don't think we can afford to abandon the rest of our supplies here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you suppose this town has a blacksmith?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Wu Han said.\n\n\"Then find him. See if he can put the truck back into working order. I don't think the block is cracked, so hopefully it will just be a matter of patching the radiator and so forth.\"\n\n\"But Indy,\" Wu Han protested, \"I doubt if this town's blacksmith has ever seen a new American automobile, to say nothing of repairing one.\"\n\n\"We'll have to chance it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, you seem to know a little about everything. And we have to have that third truck, or else we won't have enough supplies with us to return from the middle of the Gobi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy counted out some bills and gave them to Wu Han.\n\n\"This is the last of our paper money,\" he stated. \"I spent the rest of it on that sorry excuse for a locomotive to take us the rest of the way. But it should more than take care of fixing up the truck. And make sure you have plenty of petrol when you leave.\"\n\n\"And that's all the money the expedition has left?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"That's just the last of our paper money. The Great Wall is seven miles from here, high up on that mountain, and once we pass through, our paper money is worthless. From that point on, it will be strictly gold or barter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time Wu Han found a blacksmith, ascertained that the modifications could be made, and reported back to Indy, the two running automobiles were loaded with all they could carry.\n\n\"The work will take the rest of the day,\" Wu Han said. \"Perhaps more. The blacksmith said that was as fast as he and his apprentice could work.\"\n\n\"But can he fix it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was a little difficult for me to understand his dialect,\" Wu Han said, \"but he promised me that he could make it go. I told him he would have to answer to the white devil who leads our expedition if he failed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Granger, of course.\"\n\n\"No, Indy. The white devil is you.\"\n\n\"With each mile we go,\" Indy said, \"it's like we're going back in time. Airplanes, locomotives, and now blacksmiths to fix a twentieth-century horseless carriage. By the time we get to Professor Starbuck, we'll probably be in the Stone Age.\"\n\n\"Why don't you go ahead?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han suggested. \"The weather is mild and there is plenty of daylight. The expedition is far enough behind schedule already.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you sure?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"Pick the best hired man to stay on with you, at least for a little while, because crossing the wall alone is often the last mistake a traveler makes,\" Indy said. \"Also, always keep your gun handy. Don't be afraid to use it. These people have seen you with the expedition, they know you have money, so be careful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Indy,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have a gun.\"\n\nIndy opened one of Granger's crates and picked up a Colt .45 automatic. He showed Wu Han how to load it, then gave him a box of cartridges.\n\n\"Remember,\" Indy explained, \"when you load the clip into the butt for the first time, you have to pull the action back. That puts a round in the chamber and cocks the hammer at the same time. Got it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, boss,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stuck the Colt into Wu Han's waistband.\n\n\"Keep it there, where people can see it.\" He paused. \"And if you have to draw it for any reason, count on shooting it, even if you have to fire a round into the air. It's bad luck and a sign of cowardice to these people if a weapon is drawn and not used.\"\n\n\"I don't like guns, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said. \"The best kind of person to use one. Now, if all goes well we will make camp about thirty miles on the other side of the wall tonight, along the road to Urga. But if you're not there at first light—assuming the repairs take longer than expected—then we'll have to leave without you. In that case, you catch up with us as best you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry, Indy. You can count on me. I owe you much more than my life, and we Hans pay our debts.\"\n\nIndy climbed into the cab of the truck. He stepped on the starter switch and the six-cylinder engine ground for a moment, then sputtered to life.\n\n\"Xanadu,\" Indy said, taking a last look around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is said that Kubla Khan built his summer palace a few miles from here. You know, the Coleridge poem...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree,'\" Joan recited. \"I'm sorry, but this doesn't look much like paradise to me.\"\n\nThe pair of trucks left the city and struck out on the old road that followed the riverbed up to the Mongolian plateau. Granger was in the lead, driving the truck that had the machine gun mounted on the back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In some places, the wheels of countless carts had cut so deeply into the road that all Indy could see of the truck ahead was the barrel of the machine gun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joan was surprised at the number of people on the road, some with carts but many on foot, carrying goods to and from the market at Kalgan.\n\n\"Where do you suppose they all come from?\" she wondered aloud.\n\n\"Look closely at the hillsides,\" Indy said. \"The people here live in dugouts and caves for the most part, because they are warm in winter and cool in the summer. But because the dugouts are the same color as the earth around them, you have to look sharp to see them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seven miles outside of Kalgan they reached the foot of the pass, at an altitude of just over three thousand feet above the plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The road turned abruptly upward, and Indy had to use low gear to keep the truck from stalling on some of the steeper grades.\n\n\"This is a pass?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"This is the flat part,\" Indy said.\n\nThey climbed another two thousand feet in the space of eleven miles, on a road that was filled with switchbacks and doglegs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had to fight the truck to keep the wheels from becoming mired in the deepest of the ruts, or jumping as they bounced over rocks that would qualify in some parts of the world as boulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just when Joan thought they would never reach the top, they rounded a corner... and before them stretched the Great Wall of China.\n\nGranger had pulled to the side of the road. He was sitting on the running board of the truck, calmly smoking his pipe and admiring the view.\n\nIndy brought the truck beside Granger's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look where we've been,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stretching to the south was mile after mile of tortured hills that looked as if they had been torn from a geography classroom's relief map of China. In many places the hills had been cut raw by wind and rain, and the wounds exposed the very backbone of the earth.\n\n\"No wonder my rump is sore,\" Joan said.\n\nCoiling around these broken ridges, like a serpent hoary with age, was the Great Wall—the biggest, and certainly the longest, structure in the history of the world, stretching for nearly four thousand miles over northern China." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some parts of the wall were two thousand years old; but this part, which had been built and rebuilt over the centuries, dated from less than a thousand years past." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wall was forty feet wide at its granite base, and between the battlements on the top ran a road paved with bricks that had been trod by generations of workers and soldiers. The inside of the wall was filled with earth. And all of the work on its construction had been done by hand, one stone and one cartful of earth at a time.\n\nIndy leaned out of the window of the truck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Granger, you drive like a madman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had to,\" Granger returned, clenching the stem of his pipe between his tobacco-stained teeth. \"I was terrified because I knew you were behind me. Are we ready to cross over?\"\n\n\"I'll take the lead for a while.\" Indy put the truck into gear and eased it forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The road passed beneath the Great Wall through a gate in a fortresslike watchtower that stood four stories high." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gate was open, however, and the watchtower was manned only by crows.\n\n\"This was originally built to keep out the Mongol invaders,\" Indy said as the shadow of the wall engulfed the truck. \"It failed, however. Genghis Khan swept over the wall like the god some said he was, and conquered most of China.\"\n\n\"So what good was it?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quite a lot, actually,\" Indy said, blinking against the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Its real value proved to be as a magnificent make-work project that pulled China together as a nation, much as the pyramids did in Egypt.\"\n\n\"We could use some of that at home right now,\" Joan said.\n\nA figure darted in front of them and shouted something.\n\nIndy did not understand the command, since it was delivered in a dialect he had never heard before, but the intent of the rifle-toting figure who had planted his feet in front of the truck on the Mongolian side of the gate was plain enough: his right arm was extended with his palm toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stood on the brakes and the wheels skidded to a stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger, who was following close behind, was not so quick on the brakes. Although they were only going a few miles an hour, the front bumper of his truck smacked Indy's hard enough to shove it forward a few feet.\n\nThe raked grille of the Dodge had barely touched the greasy pants of the soldier, but he jumped as if the truck had bitten him. His dark eyes burned with disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He muttered something about demons in motorcars, then, with the barrel of his fifty-year-old single-shot rifle, motioned Indy out of the truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slid slowly from behind the wheel, his hands in the air.\n\n\"I take it you're not from the Mongolian Traveler's Aid Society?\" Indy asked. \"Or has living out here made you so stir-crazy that you just throw yourself in front of moving vehicles as a form of amusement?\"\n\nThe soldier hissed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apparently you don't understand English,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldier drew a greasy piece of paper from a leather pouch he wore around his neck. He unfolded it, smoothed it out, and handed it to Indy.\n\n\"Can you read it?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Yes.\" Indy took his glasses from his shirt pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chinese writing is pictographic, which means it is based on pictures. It isn't phonetic. That's why he carries it, I think, considering the number of dialects that must pass through this gate. This is smudged, but I think I can make it out. What is this spot here. Blood?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop teaching school, Jones,\" Granger called. \"Just read the damn thing.\"\n\n\"It says his name is Feng, and that he's an envoy of the great General Tzi. Feng is to be treated with the respect deserving his position, blah blah blah, member of the Rotary and the Cutthroat Chamber of Commerce. Just kidding. Anyway, Tzi has appointed him as gatekeeper of the south, and all travelers must present themselves for the inspection and approval of Feng before proceeding or they risk incurring the wrath of Tzi himself.\"\n\nIndy handed back the paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feng held the rifle in the crook of his arm while he tucked it safely back in the pouch, then returned the pouch beneath his shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay, here we are for your inspection,\" Indy said. \"I hope we meet your approval. I'm Jones, and this is Sister Joan, and that one behind us is called Granger.\"\n\nFeng snapped his fingers impatiently.\n\n\"I think he wants papers,\" Joan suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the trouble?\" Granger called from behind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay in your truck, Walter,\" Indy said pleasantly as he pulled his passport and visa from his jacket pocket and handed it to the soldier. \"Don't shoot, not just yet.\"\n\nFeng opened the passport, flipped quickly through the pages, then tossed it back at Indy, who caught it in his still-raised left hand.\n\n\"I don't think he can read,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then what could he want?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Money, what else?\"\n\nIndy gave Feng his most winning smile and reached slowly for his revolver. He picked it up by the ring on the end of the grip and placed it on the hood of the truck. Then he pointed to the soldier's gun and made a downward motion with his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soldier hesitated, then lowered the gun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy smiled again and reached inside his shirt.\n\nThe gun came back up.\n\n\"Wait,\" Indy said. \"Let me show you what I have.\"\n\nIndy took a single gold piece from the pocket of the money belt and held it up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was an American eagle—a ten-dollar gold piece—and it was a little less than the size of a quarter, but much heavier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feng grinned, took it, and bit into the edge of it with jagged teeth.\n\n\"Why do they do that?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Real gold is soft,\" Indy said. \"If they can bite into it and leave a mark, they know they've got the real McCoy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feng squatted, but kept his rifle upright between his legs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He placed the coin on the ground and motioned for Indy to join him in a palaver.\n\n\"He wants to talk,\" Joan said.\n\n\"He wants to negotiate. He figures there's more where that came from.\"\n\nFeng pointed at the coin, then pointed at Indy's truck, and with his finger made five marks on the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he pointed at Granger's truck and made five more marks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ten,\" Indy said. \"He wants ten gold pieces to let us pass.\"\n\n\"The man is obviously deranged,\" Granger said. \"Ten dollars is more money than most of these nomads see in a decade, and one hundred is out of the question. I've never heard of this General Tzi. He probably wrote up that little paper himself in order to squeeze some dishonest money out of people like us.\"\n\n\"Keep your shirt on,\" Indy called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're not done yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy shook his head at Feng. He smoothed over the lines Feng had made, pointed to both trucks, and made one mark on the ground.\n\nFeng hissed and rubbed out Indy's offer.\n\nHe drew seven marks on the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Indy's turn to hiss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feng held his hand up in a conciliatory gesture. He erased the last two marks, then pointed at Joan through the windshield of the truck and grinned wickedly.\n\n\"I think we may have a deal,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Don't even think about it,\" Joan spat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, okay,\" Indy conceded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy held up two fingers, then pointed at Joan and shook his head gravely.\n\nFeng held up four fingers.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. Then he took two more eagles, placed them on the ground beside the first one, and folded his arms. He took a step back on his haunches, to emphasize that it was his final offer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feng tapped his fingers on his rifle butt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked at Indy, then at the trucks, then back down at the coins. Finally he scooped up the gold pieces, wrapped them in a dirty rag, and shoved them deep into his pants pocket.\n\n\"Done,\" Indy said. \"Thirty dollars.\"\n\n\"It's still robbery,\" Granger muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trucks emerged from the gate onto the Mongolian plateau." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feng slunk back to his lean-to against the wall, put his rifle down, and sat next to the cook fire he had abandoned when he heard the sound of the trucks. A rodent was roasting on a spit over the flames.\n\nA dog chained to the wall paced and watched with hungry, intelligent eyes. Instead of a collar, the end of the log chain was looped tightly around the dog's neck and fastened with a padlock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stopped the truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was something about the dog. It was a purebred Alsatian, Indy judged from its deep chest and head, a breed of shepherd noted for their intelligence and loyalty. This Alsatian was male, and it had blue eyes. It was missing its right ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wound had healed, but it bore other signs of abuse; not only was it starving, as attested to by the painfully thin stomach and protruding ribs, but its back carried a lattice of whip marks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feng tore off a piece of the rodent and popped it into his mouth, chewing contentedly. The dog walked forward until all the slack was out of the log chain, then began to whine for a piece of meat.\n\nFeng told it to shut up.\n\nThe dog bared its teeth and snarled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had never seen such hatred in the eyes of an animal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It fought against the chain like a wild thing, biting and chewing the links, attempting to free itself.\n\nFeng muttered and went to retrieve a horsewhip that hung from a peg inside the lean-to. Then, careful not to cross into the radius described by the log chain, he began to whip the dog furiously. Instead of yelping, the dog snarled and attempted with each blow to catch the whip in its mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feng cried out in surprise as the end of Indy's bullwhip bit into his wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not know that Indy had left the truck at the sound of the first blow, and that Indy's whip was bigger and longer than the one he was using to beat the dog.\n\n\"How do you like it?\" Indy asked.\n\nFeng dropped the horsewhip.\n\n\"It hurts, doesn't it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feng made for the safety of the lean-to, with Indy's bullwhip popping and snapping over his back as he ran." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grabbed his rifle and turned to shoot, but he discovered that Granger was standing behind Indy with his repeating rifle ready for action.\n\nFeng dropped his gun.\n\n\"You can tell General Tzi,\" Granger said, \"to go to hell.\"\n\nIndy took up the spit with the rodent carcass and strode toward the dog." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dog growled, its one good ear going low against its head and the hair on its back bristling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd be careful if I were you,\" Granger said. \"That animal looks as if he could tear a man apart, and considering what Feng here has done to him, it would be justifiable homicide. It would be better to put the dog down, considering the sorry shape he's in.\"\n\n\"We're not going to kill this dog,\" Indy said as he dropped to his knees. He held out the carcass, and the dog quickly lunged for it and tore it from the stick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then it began choking down great chunks of meat and bone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sister Joan,\" Indy called. \"Bring me the bolt cutters from the toolbox in the truck bed.\"\n\nIndy reached out to pet the dog.\n\nThe dog snapped viciously at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want your food,\" Indy said soothingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just come here. I'm trying to help you.\"\n\nJoan brought Indy the long-handled tool, and while the dog finished the carcass Indy slipped the jaws of the cutter beneath the chain at the dog's neck. Then he strained to bring the handles together, and with a chink! the dog was free." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think we'd all better get back in the trucks,\" Granger said, backing away while holding the rifle on Feng." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think I'm more frightened of the dog than I am of this character here.\"\n\n\"Why was the dog chained to the wall like that?\" Joan asked as Indy got into the truck. \"Is it some kind of barbaric custom?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No custom that I know of, Sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Indy started the truck Feng began to rant while standing just outside the door of his lean-to. He swore vengeance on Indy, on Indy's children, and his grandchildren. He vowed to make Indy pay for showing disrespect to an envoy of General Tzi, and he hoped desperately that Indy understood him.\n\nThen Feng spat and threw the gold pieces in the dust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy popped the clutch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The trucks sped away.\n\nThe dog, suddenly aware that it was free, trotted beyond the perimeter of the chain. Then it made a run for Feng, who dashed inside the lean-to and slammed the door in the dog's face. Then he sat cross-legged inside the shack, his rifle across his lap, shaking from fear and anger." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's time to go.\"\n\nIndy nodded, but lifted the binoculars and searched the horizon one last time. They had spent the night without incident in the gently rolling Tabool Hills, and in the bone-chilling cold that came before dawn Indy had climbed a ridge overlooking the Urga Road. On top of the ridge was an obo, a conical pile of stones that travelers had left in appreciation for safe journeys thus far." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun was now well above the horizon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you seen anything?\"\n\n\"Just that dog,\" Indy said.\n\n\"The one from the wall?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"The dog has apparently been following us,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He stays on the horizon, close enough not to lose sight of us, but not within rifle range.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Damn,\" Granger said.\n\n\"You're not going to shoot him.\"\n\n\"If he comes prowling into camp, I will,\" Granger vowed. \"An animal that has been mistreated as badly as that one is liable to do anything. It could rip your throat out before you even knew what hit you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It had a chance to rip mine out and didn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were lucky,\" Granger said.\n\n\"I hope Wu Han's lucky, too.\"\n\n\"I'm sure he's fine. He is a resourceful chap, you know. It's my guess the blacksmith couldn't finish the job in one day. Don't worry. Wu Han will be along in time.\"\n\n\"I hope you're right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Between Kalgan and Urga are three hundred miles of the worst road on earth, and that's not counting parasites like Feng. Do you have a stone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" Granger asked. \"You don't expect me to believe in such foolish superstitions, do you?\"\n\n\"Come on,\" Indy insisted. \"Fork it over. I know you better than that, and we can use all the help we can get, whether we believe in it or not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger removed a fist-sized rock from the pocket of his shooting jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took it and placed it squarely at the apex of the curious monument.\n\nAt noon the next day the little motorcade pulled into Tuerin, the halfway point on the road to Urga. Nothing moved in the little windswept hamlet as the trucks made their way to the center of a knot of buildings.\n\nIndy cut the ignition and sat for a moment, listening to the silence broken only by the incessant wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A dust devil swept down the main street, scattering trash and old newspapers, then disappeared as quickly as it had formed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this a ghost town?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"We're being watched, you can count on that.\"\n\nGranger got out of his truck and pulled his rifle out behind him. He slung it over his shoulder and then went to the front of his truck, where he unhooked a canvas bag of water that had hung from the bumper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knocked the dust from the bag, uncapped it, and took a long drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he wet his bandanna and wiped his face and neck.\n\nIndy walked over to Granger and stared at the ground. Then he crouched and picked up a corroded brass shell casing. Similar casings were scattered everywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Four thousand Chinese soldiers were massacred here twelve years ago,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The army was annihilated by a force of three hundred mounted Mongols, under the direction of a Russian baron. The Mongols rode for days to get here and then struck at daylight, after resting their ponies for only a few minutes. In the end they saved their ammunition and clubbed the Chinese to death with the butts of their rifles or ran them through with sabers. The few Chinese who escaped into the desert froze to death. It was forty degrees below zero.\"\n\n\"The shadow of Genghis Khan,\" Indy muttered, and dropped the casing.\n\nIndy took the canvas water bag and handed it to Joan before taking a drink himself. Joan's face was caked with dust and her habit was smeared with mud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trucks had become mired in a mud hole when the road crossed a narrow stream forty miles back, and it had taken all of them to free the wheels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are we camping here tonight?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"This is where we buy our camels. We need to set up the mess tent over there, in that little clearing, and we will put this on top of the highest pole to announce our presence.\"\n\nFrom his pouch Indy took a strip of blue silk and handed it to Joan. It was a foot wide and three feet long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a hata,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sort of like a Mongol calling card.\"\n\nIn twenty minutes they had the tents pitched and Granger was preparing lunch over a gasoline camp stove in the mess. Lured by the aroma of coffee and sizzling pork, the inhabitants of Tuerin, with their children in tow, had slowly emerged from their homes to inspect the visitors.\n\nGranger placed the food in the center of the wooden table while Indy poured three mugs of steaming coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope you made enough for everybody,\" Joan observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be preposterous,\" Granger scoffed. \"We can't feed the entire village. We have to make this food last.\"\n\n\"The children look hungry,\" she said.\n\n\"Do you think they would feed us if the situation was reversed?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Joan said calmly, \"I think they would.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy placed the pot back on the stove and looked out the open door of the tent to the crowd that had gathered. Most were women and small children, although there were a few old men. They stood a few yards beyond the mess, their hands folded diffidently in front of them.\n\n\"Where are the men?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Two thirds of the male population of Mongolia are lamas,\" Granger said, getting up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could never understand their religion, although I have asked plenty of them about it. Supposedly a special sect of Buddhism, under the rule of the Dalai Lama—the living god, as they call him—but I think it's a rather elaborate con game. A rather cushy life, if you ask me, holed up in their monasteries. I guess they can pray better with their bellies full.\"\n\nGranger closed the tent flaps.\n\n\"And the other third of the male population?\" Joan inquired.\n\n\"Bandits, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy regarded his plate of meat and vegetables and took up his fork." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stabbed a piece of canned pork and held it to his lips, then threw the utensil down.\n\n\"Granger, I can't eat when those people are hungry.\"\n\n\"Neither can I,\" Joan said.\n\n\"Missionaries.\" Granger looked disgusted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right, we have quite a few boxes of powdered milk and more canned pork than I suppose we absolutely need. We can go back to the old system of hunting for our supper when times get rough, I suppose. But I warn you, Jones, we may be eating rodent before this is over.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better to eat a rat than to be one,\" Indy concluded as he rose to find the powdered milk.\n\n\"Can't I even eat my lunch first?\" Granger complained.\n\nJoan tied open the flaps. Then she stepped outside and, taking the hands of one somber-eyed little boy and his mother, led them inside and seated them at the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took Granger's plate and placed it in front of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Joan said. \"You can't. Guests first.\"\n\nThe rest of the crowd followed.\n\nFor the next hour Indy and Joan were busy preparing food and placing it before the apparently inexhaustible appetites of the people of Tuerin. When the last plate had been wiped clean, an elaborately robed figure filled the doorway of the mess tent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man stood at least six feet tall and had a long black mustache that drooped over his pronounced chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the crook of his arm was a Russian-made rifle. His black eyes glanced from face to face.\n\nSilently, the women gathered their children and left. Only one old man was left at the table with the American adventurers, and he was busily gumming the last of his pork." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who feeds my children?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the man asked in English.\n\n\"Who would not?\" Indy asked.\n\nThe man broke into a laugh and strode into the tent.\n\n\"You Americans,\" he said, gesturing expansively at the surroundings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every day is like holiday for you. But I am grateful for your hospitality, even though it should be us that are feeding you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy held out his hand and they shook hands.\n\n\"I am Indiana Jones,\" he said, then introduced Granger and Joan.\n\n\"I am Meryn,\" the man said with a flourish. \"My friends will tell you that I am the best camel driver in all of Mongolia. Others will agree that I am the best and quickest thief. And my enemies—ah, if only they could speak from the grave!—they would tell you that I am the fiercest warrior.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope we're going to be friends,\" Indy ventured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course we are friends,\" Meryn roared. \"An enemy does not feed your children, even after he takes your wife. But you can have your pick of my wives. I see you have already met three of them.\"\n\n\"Which ones were they?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Why, the most beautiful, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are in need of a good camel driver,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you have found him. Tell me, are you friends of the great Andrews? My father drove camels into the heart of the Gobi for Andrews many years ago, when the Americans discovered the hiding place of the fossils of the great allergorhai-horhai. He told me before he died that he would have followed Andrews to the gates of hell itself.\"\n\n\"I knew your father,\" Granger said. \"I am sorry to hear that he is dead.\"\n\n\"The Chinese,\" Meryn said sadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or the Russians. Then again, it could have been the Japanese, I am not sure. We never found the body. But I am comforted by the certain knowledge that he took many of the dogs with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure he did,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You speak English very well,\" Granger observed.\n\n\"My father,\" Meryn explained.\n\nGranger poured a mug of coffee and placed it on the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meryn slung his rifle from a tent pole and sat down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many camels will you need?\"\n\n\"Many,\" Indy said.\n\n\"What I don't have I will steal for you,\" Meryn said, sipping the coffee. \"Do you have sugar?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Steal?\" Joan asked as she placed a tin of sugar before him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just a figure of speech.\" As he spoke Meryn spooned so much sugar into the mug that the coffee threatened to overflow the rim. Then Meryn pressed his lips to the cup and began to slurp down the syrupy concoction.\n\n\"Tell me, have you ever heard of a chap by the name of General Tzi?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meryn nearly choked on the coffee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tzi!\" he spat. \"Where did you learn of the detestable name?\"\n\n\"We ran into an envoy of his at the Great Wall on this side of Kalgan, a rather unpleasant fellow by the name of Feng,\" Granger said.\n\n\"I hope you killed him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Unfortunately, no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tzi the Cannibal,\" Meryn continued, \"calls himself a general and claims that he is a patriot in the fight against the Communists, but he spills the blood of all. He sends his troops out from an impregnable mountain fortress, where he lives under the protection of the False Lama of the Black Gobi.\"\n\n\"What's the False Lama?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"The lama equivalent of the Antichrist,\" Indy said.\n\n\"The False Lama is the rival of the Living God at Urga,\" Meryn explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the confusion since the Communists have outlawed the religion, the False Lama managed to attract a small band of followers and marched into the desert. Tzi would be nothing if not for the evil power of the Black One.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's comforting,\" Indy said. \"Why do they call him the cannibal?\"\n\n\"Because he is rumored to eat the hearts of his victims,\" Meryn said. \"He is relentless and tracks his prey using a pack of wild dogs that he feeds human flesh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan blanched. \"That's... hard to believe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid not,\" Granger said. \"Wild dogs are particularly dangerous in this country because many of them develop a taste for human flesh. That's why I was so concerned with the beast Indy freed at the wall. And don't think I haven't noticed, Jones, how you have been leaving food outside the camp for that killer.\"\n\n\"How do they develop this appetite?\" Joan wanted to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the smaller villages, superstition is rampant,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dead bodies are considered so unclean and such a breeding place for evil spirits that when a person dies, they throw them onto the back of a cart. Then the village's bravest man takes off with the cart, going hell-bent for leather across the countryside and never looking back. Eventually the body is bumped off the cart, where it becomes food for the dogs.\"\n\n\"That's the stuff of nightmares,\" Joan declared.\n\nGranger sighed. \"If only it were just bad dreams.\"\n\n\"Now, let's talk of more pleasant things,\" Meryn suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What kind of price will you pay for these camels you so desperately desire?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joan was exhausted but, in the lonely silence of her tent, found that she could get no rest. Every time she closed her eyes, her mind conjured up visions of wild dogs with glowing eyes that trailed her relentlessly across the desert.\n\nFinally, she gave up. She dressed, put on a heavy wool overcoat, and stepped outside the tent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind had stopped and the stars were shining." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She walked and leaned against Indy's truck, thinking about her father.\n\nA dog began to bark.\n\nJoan froze. The barking was coming from somewhere in the darkness, and it was growing louder. She drew her coat around her and took a few steps toward the tents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dog that Indy had freed from the wall came bounding into the middle of the camp, baying like a mad thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It planted itself between Joan and the tents, its legs spread, the hair on its back bristling.\n\n\"Don't move,\" Granger told Joan.\n\nGranger had slipped out of his tent and held his rifle in his hands. He clicked off the safety, then slowly brought the rifle up to his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh my God,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joan was in the line of fire. Granger began stepping slowly to the side, in an attempt to get a shot at the animal without risking Joan in the process.\n\nThe dog advanced, still barking wildly.\n\n\"I'm almost there,\" Granger said. \"Remain still.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh my God,\" Joan repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger took two more steps to the right and began to squeeze the trigger gently. The dog broke into a run. Indy knocked the muzzle of the gun into the air just as Granger fired, and the bullet went zipping into the night sky.\n\nJoan crumpled to the ground as the dog leaped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The animal sailed over her and landed squarely on the chest of Feng, who had been creeping up on the nun with his knife drawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feng fell backward and the dog sank its teeth deeply into his wrist.\n\nOther figures raced into the camp now, wielding knives and guns, and Granger chambered another round and shot the closest of them in the chest. The brigand fell with a sickening sigh at Indy's feet, a dagger still clasped in his lifeless hand.\n\nIndy drew his revolver and charged the attackers, firing as he went." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They scattered, but not before one of them managed to slice open Indy's cheek with a saber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not again,\" Indy moaned, stanching the blood with the palm of his hand. \"It just healed.\"\n\nFeng kicked himself free of the dog and ran into the night, throwing curses behind him.\n\n\"Not very brave, are they?\" Granger mused.\n\n\"It doesn't take much courage to kill people while they sleep,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sister, are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just shaken,\" she said. \"If the dog hadn't...\"\n\n\"Don't even think about it,\" Indy said. He knelt and patted the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dog cautiously walked up and allowed him to place a hand on his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Loki here hadn't started barking like he did, we'd probably all be dead.\"\n\n\"I'm glad I was wrong about the animal,\" Granger said.\n\n\"I had a dog when I was a kid and I never got over it when he died. He was my best friend.\"\n\nThen Indy added so quietly that the others couldn't hear, \"My namesake, as a matter of fact.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've named him Loki?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure,\" Indy said. \"For the Norse god of mischief who was chained to a wall.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At gunpoint, a pair of policemen walked Indiana Jones and Walter Granger out of the dank prison where they had spent their first night within the ancient walled city of Urga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither had slept, and they had been subjected to repeated interrogations in Russian about their presence in Mongolia.\n\nStanding flat-footed on the street, Indy blinked into the sunlight. His nose itched fiercely, but, like Granger, his hands remained tied behind his back.\n\n\"Aren't you going to untie us?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the policemen shoved the barrel of his gun into the small of Indy's back and pushed him forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd take that as a no,\" Granger said.\n\nBoth of the guards were Buriats, members of a northern Mongol tribe that had for generations considered themselves Russian. Neither spoke as they forced Indy and Granger through the crowded streets, nor did they smile when Indy joked—in Russian—about how grateful he was for the free accommodations for the night and the excellent food.\n\n\"Where do you find roaches of that size?\" Indy inquired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The city stretched for five miles along the Tola River, and despite the best efforts of the Communists, it still retained its character, a curious mixture of three cultures—Chinese, Mongolian, and Russian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Russian buildings were invariably squat, utilitarian structures painted in red or orange, while the homes resembled ornate cottages; the traditional Mongol buildings had great palisades of rough-hewn wood around them atop which fluttered prayer flags; and in the city's business district there was row after row of prim Chinese shops with their wooden counters and blue-jacketed merchants. What had been removed from the architectural scene since the Communists had come to power in 1924, however, was any sign of a religious life. The city's churches, chapels, and monasteries had all been leveled. Taking their place were sandbagged machine-gun nests; these ugly structures dominated every important intersection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Russian consulate was a huge red building that stood on the site of a Catholic church that had been demolished shortly after the Communist takeover." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although the Mongol government was supposedly autonomous, nothing happened without the approval of the Russian officials.\n\nIndy and Granger were forced up the steps, down a corridor of bleak stones, and were shown to a stark office where Joan was already waiting.\n\n\"Are you all right?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this a trial?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked in Russian.\n\n\"Of course not,\" the foreign minister said from behind his massive desk. He was a small, balding man with a bad complexion, and his name was Badmonjohni. He pressed his fingertips together as he leaned over his massive desk toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then why are we under arrest?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are not,\" the minister replied. \"You were detained for twenty-four hours under suspicion of espionage, but after questioning Sister Joan here, I am confident that you are harmless, if misguided.\"\n\nThe man motioned for the Buriats to leave.\n\n\"Where's my dog?\" Indy wanted to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is downstairs, locked in a cage that is ordinarily used for leopards,\" the minister said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is quite unhurt. I'm sorry I can't say the same for the policeman who wrestled him out of the cab of your truck and put a leash on him. It took a number of stitches to repair the damage, and in the end they had to lasso the animal like in one of your Wild West shows. But then, I've been told that Urga reminds you Americans of your western frontier days.\"\n\nIndy smiled.\n\n\"What about our trucks?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"They are outside, waiting for you,\" the minister said pleasantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We even filled the tanks with petrol and checked the oil for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Service with a smile,\" Indy quipped. \"Look, we were on our way to this office when your thugs jumped us and dragged us off to prison. Our intent was to obtain the proper credentials for the remainder of our journey.\"\n\n\"We are sorry to have caused you any discomfort,\" Badmonjohni said. \"I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies. But such things are difficult to arrange, Dr. Jones. Ordinarily such permits take months to process, and that is in the most peaceable of times. We weren't expecting a trio of Americans to burst into the city with an armed motorcade and demand safe passage across the Gobi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But surely some consideration can be made for a mission of mercy,\" Indy began haltingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been some years since he had spoken conversational Russian, and he found himself searching for the right words. \"I'm sorry, but my Russian is rather awkward. May we please speak English?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"We are here to find Professor Starbuck and return him safely to his family.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The good sister has explained all of this to me, and I am not unsympathetic to your mission,\" the minister said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the region is unstable. The Russians distrust the Chinese, the Chinese distrust the Russians, and everyone hates the Japanese. There will be rumors of espionage and intrigue.\"\n\n\"Look, we're not spies,\" Indy declared. \"This is a scientific expedition funded by the Museum of Natural History. We have two objectives—first, to locate Professor Starbuck, and second, to return intact whatever fossils he may have found. It is that simple.\"\n\n\"As a practical matter, there is very little difference between a scientific expedition and a strategic one,\" Badmonjohni said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both are out to collect information, photographs, maps. We have not let an expedition into the Gobi for several years for that very reason. You have wireless and photographic equipment with you, no?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know we do.\" Indy was growing impatient. \"Our trucks were searched.\"\n\n\"That will be a very difficult thing to get around,\" Badmonjohni said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if you would agree to make certain concessions, perhaps a deal could be arranged. It would take several weeks to iron out the details, however.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't have weeks,\" Joan said. \"In another month it's going to be forty below out there on the desert, and my father could freeze to death before we find him.\"\n\n\"There could be a way to speed things up,\" Badmonjohni suggested. \"But it won't be easy. What I am trying to say, Dr. Jones, is that it will not be cheap.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, now we get down to business,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This one apparently decided not to go into religion,\" Joan observed.\n\n\"How much?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"How can you expect me to bandy about figures when we're talking about such a difficult thing?\" Badmonjohni returned. \"It is insulting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned his back to the minister, reaching inside his shirt, and took a handful of gold pieces from his money belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he turned and placed them on the desk.\n\n\"Perhaps this will soothe your pride.\"\n\nBadmonjohni swept the gold pieces into a desk drawer without counting them.\n\n\"I will try, Dr. Jones,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come back in three days. We will know then whether my efforts have been successful or not. In the meantime I suggest that you and Sister Joan do some sightseeing, in the event the request is denied. Then, perhaps, your long journey to Mongolia might not be considered wasted. By the way, I suggest for your own sake that you stop referring to the city as Urga. That city is dead. This is Ulan Bator, the Red City.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Indy said grudgingly.\n\n\"Oh, Dr. Jones,\" Badmonjohni added. \"We have taken the liberty of keeping the shortwave, the cameras, and that curious machine gun until your request is decided. Each of the other guns you carry will require a ten-dollar permit, and the trucks will be fifty. You may pay those fees now if you'd like.\"\n\n\"How much did you give that Buriat thief?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger asked when they were outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About five hundred dollars,\" Indy said as he and Loki descended the steps of the consulate. \"I expect it will take another five hundred to complete the deal.\"\n\n\"Bloody Reds,\" Granger said.\n\n\"What do we do now?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We sightsee,\" Indy said, \"and make ourselves as inconspicuous as possible for the next few days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is too bad that religion has been outlawed,\" Joan commented. \"I would have liked to have visited the Dalai Lama.\"\n\n\"Well, you still can,\" Granger said. \"Religion may be illegal, but it's sort of like Prohibition was in the States—that doesn't mean that you can't get it. You just have to know where to find it. The Dalai Lama has moved underground, and he resides in a compound on the outskirts of town surrounded by a dozen fawning monks. Of course, the last duly recognized Dalai Lama died in 1923, and there is some dissent over whether this one is truly the most recent incarnation of Buddha on earth, but I'll take you to meet him. It's not every day you get a chance to meet God Himself, is it, Sister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside a compound surrounded by a palisade of rough-hewn poles, in a little yellow cottage with a green roof, they were ushered into the presence of the Living God by a pair of monks in flowing red robes with sky-blue cuffs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stood stiffly at attention with his fedora in his hands while Granger slouched behind them with his hands in his pockets. Indy bowed, pulling Joan down with him, while under his breath he told Granger to show a little respect.\n\n\"My word,\" Granger said as he doffed his hat and bowed.\n\n\"We're pleased to meet you,\" Joan stammered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Lama was a middle-aged man with milky-blue eyes and a shaven head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat on a pillow cross-legged and he wore a simple saffron robe over black trousers.\n\n\"Come closer,\" the Lama said. \"My eyes are failing me. The doctors say I will be completely blind by spring.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Joan said as they moved forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monks in the red robes brought a trio of pillows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy told Granger to tuck in his feet as they sat down.\n\n\"Don't be, my dear,\" the Lama said. \"I have seen enough of the suffering of this world, while the beauty of it will never fade from my mind's eye. I have seen you coming for several weeks now, and such a long journey you have made! Across the sea and over the land.\"\n\n\"You have seen us?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In my dreams,\" the Lama said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have also seen packs of wild dogs, and bandits, and much hardship ahead.\"\n\n\"What else can you tell us?\" Joan said.\n\n\"What can one tell from dreams?\" the Lama asked. \"That you are on a journey not of the body but of the soul is obvious, my dear. You are seeking that which has been lost for a very long time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More than your father,\" the Lama said. \"You search for the ancient of ancients, the world as it was before it was corrupted by knowledge. The Garden of Eden.\"\n\n\"Yes, you are right,\" Joan said quickly. Then: \"Will I find it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who am I to say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. \"It is up to you. I only see into my own dreams, not into your heart.\"\n\n\"Excuse me,\" Indy said as he pulled a scrap of orange cloth from his shirt pocket, \"but are you sure that your spies didn't tell you we were coming? Surely you sent the monks after us in New York.\"\n\nThe Lama inspected the scrap of cloth.\n\n\"It means nothing to me,\" the Lama said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You act as if perhaps it should. But this particular piece of cloth is from one of our remote monasteries, deep in the Gobi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can tell that just by looking?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"No, by touch,\" the Lama replied. \"The weave is unmistakable. Tell me more about these monks that you say were after you. What did they want?\"\n\n\"They took the horn,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, a horn.\" The Lama sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now we are getting somewhere. Can you describe this horn for me? No, wait. Let me show you something and you tell me if it resembles the thing that was taken from you.\"\n\nHe spoke to the monks, and presently one of them brought him a brightly colored reliquary. The Lama said a prayer, then opened the top of the wooden box and removed a horn that was a smaller version of the one that had been taken at the Museum of Natural History.\n\n\"Does this look familiar?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said, inspecting the horn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it is not the same one that was taken from us. This is smaller. It's also fossilized.\"\n\n\"It has been handed down from generation to generation and is unimaginably old,\" the Lama said, replacing it in the box. \"Do you know what it is?\"\n\n\"Do you?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" the Lama said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is the horn of the fabled allergorhai-horhai, the sacred stone beast of the desert. Many say the horhai is just a myth, but here we have a bit of tangible evidence, a reminder of the unfathomable cycles of the world. You are familiar with this beast?\"\n\nIndy said that he was.\n\n\"It is said that it still lives in the Gobi.\"\n\n\"I have heard as much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is the beast the object of your search?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are here to find Professor Angus Starbuck, who is lost somewhere in the Gobi. Sister Joan here is Starbuck's daughter.\"\n\n\"But you also seek the beast. Otherwise you would not have shown me this scrap of cloth,\" the Lama said. \"I have heard of your Professor Starbuck. He is well-known in the monasteries across the desert, and I will help you in your search for him if I can. As I recall, he was last seen in the region of Gurbun Saikhan.\"\n\n\"I know the place,\" Granger said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is near what is called the Flaming Cliffs, where the Andrews expedition found many excellent fossils.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gurbun Saikhan,\" Indy repeated. \"The Three Good Ones.\"\n\n\"It was named for you three ages ago,\" the Lama stated.\n\nGranger snorted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Preposterous,\" he said. \"Probably some poor nomad shot three antelope at the spot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps it would be helpful if you replaced your hat on top of your head,\" the Lama suggested. \"Your hearing—or at least your listening—seems to be somewhat impaired.\"\n\nIndy laughed.\n\n\"Do you know anything else of my father?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Lama shook his head. \"He is rather a mysterious figure, and whatever he finds during the long treks in the desert he keeps to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" the Lama continued. \"I wish you the best in your attempt to locate Professor Starbuck. But there is something I must now ask of you.\"\n\n\"I will do whatever I can,\" Indy said.\n\n\"If you should happen to find the horhai in your search for Professor Starbuck, you must agree to keep it safe from harm. Can you do that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy paused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The horhai is a mythical beast,\" he said.\n\n\"The most important truths are often found in myth.\"\n\n\"But what would you have me do to protect it?\"\n\n\"The answer to that is in your soul,\" the Lama said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When the time comes, you will have to search honestly inside yourself for the answer. That is often the most difficult thing for a man of action to do. Can you do that, Dr. Jones?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy replied.\n\n\"Good news,\" Badmonjohni said as the trio filed into the foreign office at the Russian consulate. \"I have worked day and night and have finally obtained the necessary permits for your expedition.\"\n\n\"Excellent,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Badmonjohni placed the papers on the desktop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Included was each of their passports, and they had been stamped with the appropriate visas.\n\n\"There are just one or two minor details,\" the minister said. \"You must, of course, surrender all of your photographic and wireless equipment. The machine gun is out of the question, of course. And I must have seven hundred more dollars.\"\n\n\"What?\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you trying to wipe us out?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Goodwill must be spread around in order to produce the desired result.\" Badmonjohni shrugged. \"The amount is not negotiable.\"\n\nIndy counted out the gold and piled it on the desk as Granger swept up the permits.\n\n\"There is one last requirement,\" the minister said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Absolutely nothing can leave the country without first being inspected and approved by the People's Republic of Mongolia. All of your specimens must be brought back here to Ulan Bator for examination.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger looked at Indy.\n\n\"No problem,\" Indy said. \"We'll have to come back this way to pick up Sister Joan anyway.\"\n\n\"You can't expect to leave me here in this godforsaken place,\" Joan pleaded as they left the consulate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where am I going to stay? In the women's prison?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, you are familiar with it,\" Granger observed.\n\n\"The Lama has taken a liking to you,\" Indy said. \"He has invited you to stay at a cottage on his compound until we return, and I suggest you take him up on the offer. It is the safest place for you here.\"\n\n\"I won't,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, Sister,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We had a deal, remember? You were to go as far as Urga, and that was all.\"\n\n\"You had a deal,\" she stammered. \"I didn't say a damn thing. You just assumed that I agreed to it.\"\n\n\"The cursing nun,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How proud your order must be of you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can go straight to—\"\n\n\"I get the idea,\" Granger interrupted. \"Now listen to me. Are we going to have to tie you up and deliver you to the compound, or are you going to act sensibly for once? I swear, I'll tell the monks that you're crazy and that you have to be locked in your room for your own good if I have to.\"\n\nJoan was silent." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Max McCoy and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With two automobiles and thirty camels strung out in a long line over the sculpted dunes, the expedition at last penetrated the Gobi.\n\nGranger's truck, minus the machine gun, was in the lead. An American flag fluttered over the cab, attached by a long staff to the bed of the truck. Although the sight of the Stars and Stripes always caused a patriotic murmur in Indy's heart, the flag was there for a practical reason as well: so the truck could be easily located as it dipped below the dunes while Granger scouted the best route for the caravan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy's truck flew a blue pennant emblazoned with the logo of the American Museum of Natural History—the skeleton of a man attempting to control the skeleton of a rearing horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The inspiration for the design came from one of the museum's most popular exhibits, but Indy liked the piratical quality of the thing—in the remote Gobi, where the Mongols revered horses and were frightened of the dead, it spoke unintended volumes.\n\nThe going was slow, and Granger constantly checked their progress against his compass and his maps. When they stopped for the evening he would use his sextant and astronomical schedules to fix their exact position, then determine the altitude with a barometer and make a note of it in his log. The maps that were available of the area were as devoid of detail as maps of the open sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Occasionally the desert would yield to hardpan covered with stunted trees that resembled tamarisk, but they passed no watering holes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Animal life was scarce and human habitation was nonexistent; in the week since they had left Urga, they had not met another human being—except for frequent sightings of a Buriat soldier on horseback who had been dispatched by the foreign minister to spy on the expedition. When the soldier's horse died of exhaustion, they invited the incredulous man to join the expedition but told him he would have to do his share of the work for food and water rations. The grateful soldier quickly agreed.\n\nSometimes they would encounter a bleached skeleton sitting next to a weathered food bowl, near the telltale circle of stones where a Mongol yurt—a squat conical-shaped tent—had once stood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Mongol practice was to pull up stakes and abandon those who were dead or dying to unmerciful nature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Granger found it shocking, Indy could see the stark necessity of the practice; the Plains Indians of North America were known to have done something similar during hard winters.\n\nDuring the days it was hot enough that Indy was forced to shed his leather jacket, but at nights the temperature plunged to freezing or below. Meryn and the other drivers seemed to accept these extremes without hardship, but Indy found that the cycle sapped his strength. He was used to harsh conditions, but usually for only a day or two, and then it was back to base camp for a hot shower." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Out here, there was no water to spare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger, however, was finally in his element. He hummed over morning coffee and made detailed notes in his log by the light of a Coleman lantern until well into the night.\n\nHis mood deteriorated on the morning of the seventh day when Joan suddenly rode into camp on a piebald horse that was worked into a dangerous lather. She had abandoned her habit for a purple Chinese tunic, jeans, and boots, and on her hip was an old-fashioned single-action revolver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A flop hat was tied to her head with a rag." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her lips were parched and she was badly sunburned.\n\n\"Surprised to see me?\" she croaked.\n\nThen she fell from the saddle into Indy's arms, and the horse promptly collapsed and died.\n\n\"What were you thinking?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked as he soaked a rag in water from the canteen and placed it on Joan's forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had placed her in his tent so she would be out of the sun. \"Didn't you believe us when we told you how unforgiving the desert is?\"\n\n\"I believed you,\" she croaked, \"but I also believed I could catch up with you in just a day or two. Something inside me was telling me that I had to be on this journey, that you couldn't find my father without me. I didn't intend to kill that horse, honestly I didn't.\"\n\n\"You're lucky he made it all the way, Sister,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he had given up the ghost just a few hundred yards earlier, we would never have found you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How is she?\" Granger asked through the tent flap.\n\n\"Baked, but not done. Frozen, but not spoiled. She'll live.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Granger replied. \"Pardon me, Jones, but could I have a word with you out here?\"\n\n\"You rest,\" Indy told Joan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm leaving the canteen here, but don't drink too much water at one time or you'll cramp up. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks.\" Joan paused. \"And... I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"I'm just glad you're alive,\" Indy said. \"You must have one helluva lucky star up there.\"\n\nHe left the tent with Loki trotting behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He joined Granger, who was standing far enough away so that Joan couldn't overhear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hands were behind his back and he was puffing furiously on his pipe.\n\n\"Can she travel?\" he asked.\n\n\"Tomorrow, maybe,\" Indy said, scratching Loki's head. \"But I'm afraid we're stuck here for at least a day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Blast that woman,\" Granger sputtered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought nuns were supposed to act, well, like nuns. They're supposed to stay put when you tell them to.\"\n\n\"Like a well-trained horse?\"\n\n\"You know what I mean,\" Granger snapped. \"She has endangered the entire expedition. The drivers are predicting disaster because of the presence of a foreign woman, and I can't say I blame them. We have to maintain a certain speed as we cross this wasteland. We are forty miles from the nearest well, and there is no guarantee that it won't be dry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe we should leave her behind with a little bowl of food.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger was silent.\n\n\"I'm beginning to come around to her view of things,\" Indy said. \"Anybody who is that desperate to find her father deserves to come along on the search. If she were a man we wouldn't think twice about it, would we?\"\n\n\"Yes, but she's not a man. That's exactly the point.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, because she's a woman she can't possibly endure the privations we'll face? Do you know what she did when she ran out of water back there, Walter? She drank her own sweat. Said she read an article in National Geographic about the bedouins doing it. How many men do you think would have the presence of mind to do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger lapsed again into silence.\n\n\"Let's talk to Meryn,\" Indy suggested. \"Have him explain the situation to the drivers. Tell them that she's a holy woman—which isn't a lie, now, is it?—and that we need her to find Professor Starbuck. Tell them to make camp, we'll be staying here for a day or two. And tell them if they don't like it, they can march off in any direction they please.\"\n\nOn the morning of the second day the journey resumed, with Joan riding in the truck with Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of the camel drivers had left, but Granger continued to sulk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meryn had complimented Joan on her courage, and made an extravagant ceremony out of presenting her with a good-luck tassel made from the claw of a leopard to wear from her belt. In return, she gave him her rosary beads.\n\n\"Sai!\" Meryn had exclaimed, and held his thumb in the air to show his approval before tacking the rosary to the butt of his rifle.\n\n\"Does that mean you've given up your vows?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan did not answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They reached the well in the afternoon.\n\nIt wasn't much of a well by Western standards, just a pile of rocks around a lopsided hole, but the tracks of men and animals surrounding the little oasis attested to its importance. Indy dropped a bucket over the side and was relieved when he heard a splash as it hit water.\n\n\"Thank the gods,\" Granger breathed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, we must be careful with our use of water. This well is fed by a little underground spring that seeps, instead of flows, so we must be careful not to exhaust it. If we do, we may be sentencing the next poor devil that comes this way to death by dehydration.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger prescribed the order in which things would be done: the animals would be watered first, then the drivers could drink and fill their water bags, then the radiators of the trucks were to be topped off. Only then would Granger allow Indy to erect a makeshift shower stall from a couple of squares of canvas and a rope stretched between the beds of the trucks. He declared a strict ration for each bather—there would be a common bucket of water to soap with, and one full bucket for each individual to rinse. The Mongols, of course, thought this entire ritual was insane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was the last of the trio to shower, and he used his water sparingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He brushed his teeth and shaved first, then lathered up and poured the bucket of water slowly over his head and body. When he was done he felt better than he had in weeks.\n\n\"That was wonderful,\" he said to no one in particular as he emerged from behind the canvas, cinching on his gun belt. It was a warm afternoon, and he had left his shirt unbuttoned in order to feel the breeze on his skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No kidding,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy jumped.\n\nShe was sitting on the bed of the truck, brushing her long brown hair. A towel was wrapped tightly around her torso, but her arms and legs were bare, and despite the towel's attempt at modesty, it made her figure even more pronounced. Indy paused to speak to her, but was suddenly bereft of words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others were far on the other side of the truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter?\" she asked.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Indy stammered. \"I just noticed how good you smell.\"\n\nJoan appeared unfazed by this remark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We all do after a bath.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. He glanced over and noticed how her bare feet dangled above the ground. \"I mean, it's different.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones.\" Joan's lips were tight. \"Are you looking at my legs?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he said. \"They're nice legs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're just sorry you got caught,\" she teased. \"Have you been in the desert so long that you've resorted to flirting with a nun? At least, I think I still am. I'm not sure. It's been increasingly easy to forget.\"\n\n\"No kidding,\" he said.\n\n\"What I mean is, there's nobody to care what you do out here. It's just the wind and the sky and the desert. Nobody's breathing down your neck trying to tell you how to live or how to get closer to God. Know what I mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, I need to get some work done,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've got lots of things to do that I'd better get right on top of—\"\n\n\"It's the difference between religion and spirituality, I think,\" she said. \"Religion is an institution. Its business is to perpetuate itself by telling people what to do. But spirituality is an individual's own personal relationship with the Almighty.\"\n\n\"Do you want your clothes? I'll get your clothes for you if you want them,\" he offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can get them,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joan slid down from the bed of the truck, and as she did, the towel she was wearing gathered and rose above her knees. Indy glanced quickly away, and his head was still turned as she walked over and placed her arms around his neck.\n\n\"You know what, Dr. Jones?\" she whispered in his ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think God wants me to be a nun anymore.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy swallowed.\n\n\"And you know what else?\"\n\n\"No,\" he said with a rasp. \"What?\"\n\n\"I think I've succeeded in scaring the daylights out of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She flicked his earlobe with her finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shame on you for looking at me like I was the blue-plate special. And shame on me for enjoying it.\"\n\nA moment later Meryn bellowed the alarm.\n\n\"Bandits!\"\n\nThe fast-moving Mongol ponies swept toward the well like the wind, and Indy barely had time to pull Joan down with him beneath the bed of the truck and draw his Webley before the bandits were upon them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The poor Buriat soldier that had been sent to track the expedition on horseback was the first to die, a lance driven through his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meryn shot the lead bandit out of the saddle with his single-shot rifle, then lunged at the next while swinging the rifle like a club. The butt hit the bandit in the stomach, knocking him from his horse. When he hit the ground Meryn was on top of him with a curved knife, and he slit his throat in one motion.\n\nThen Meryn himself fell as a slug took him in the shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You stay here,\" Indy told Joan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy dashed from beneath the cover of the truck and into the thick of the battle. A bandit rode between him and Meryn and Indy gripped the horse's bit and twisted fiercely, causing the iron to gouge the soft palate of the horse's mouth. The animal fell over in a blur of teeth and flashing hooves, pinning its screaming rider beneath.\n\nIndy reached Meryn, grasped his jacket collar with one hand, and began to pull him toward the safety of the trucks while keeping up a regular barrage with the Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had almost made it when a particularly ferocious-looking bandit on a prancing black pony cut them off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pointed the Webley at the bandit's head and pulled the trigger. The hammer fell with an impotent click on a spent cartridge.\n\n\"Time out?\" Indy said hopefully.\n\nThe bandit shouldered his musket and the muzzle hovered over Indy's chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then there was the thunderous report of a large-caliber rifle... and the bandit's blood rolled down onto the front of his shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On top of the bed of the truck, Granger worked the bolt on his 7.5mm rifle and a cartridge flew from the breech. Then, with workmanlike precision, he drove home a fresh round and took aim at another target.\n\nIndy pulled Meryn beneath the truck. Loki was there, with Joan, and he was growling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How're we doing?\" he shouted to Granger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're losing,\" Granger said between shots. \"There must be thirty of them, and we're down to six. And they've made off with half of our camels.\"\n\n\"Where's your gun, Sister?\" Indy asked as he reloaded the Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Up on the bed of the truck, with my clothes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stood up, firing as he went, and snatched down the holstered gun.\n\n\"You had better start using it if you want to stay alive,\" he said as he tossed it at her. \"If you hadn't noticed, things are serious.\"\n\nJoan pointed the revolver at the whirling blur of one of the bandits and fired, but nothing happened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she shot twice more, and the bandit went down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said. \"Keep it up.\"\n\nSuddenly the camp became quiet, but there was so much smoke that Indy could not tell what was happening. Granger jumped down from the bed of the truck and crouched next to Indy.\n\n\"What do you make of it, Jones?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps they withdrew.\"\n\n\"I don't think so.\" Indy shook his head. \"They had us where they wanted us. Wait—do you hear that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My God,\" Granger breathed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the baying of dogs.\"\n\n\"They've brought the dog pack in to finish us off,\" Indy said. \"Quick, we need to get into the cabs of the trucks. It sounds like there are a hundred of them, and we can't shoot them all.\"\n\nThe bandits drove the dogs into camp and the animals surged around whatever was on the ground, including the fallen bandit comrades, and began to shred flesh from bone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan buried her face against Indy's shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't watch,\" she said.\n\nThen the dogs discovered the survivors beneath the bed of the truck. Loki vaulted into the pack, and a terrific fight ensued, while Indy and Granger emptied their weapons at the closest animals. Driven by the scent of blood, the dogs were briefly distracted as they fell upon their own wounded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep shooting,\" he told Joan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is worse than serious.\"\n\nThe dogs were coming from all sides now, snapping at hands and faces and tearing away bits of clothing. Indy and Granger placed Joan between them and continued to fight.\n\nOne of the dogs sank his teeth into the heel of Meryn's boot and began to drag the unconscious man from beneath the truck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger shot the animal and hauled Meryn back, suffering a number of bites on his own hands and arms as he did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is a helluva way to die,\" Granger remarked.\n\nThe volley of a dozen rifles shook the camp, followed by a second and then a third volley. The dogs began to scatter, leaving many of the pack behind to die, and then the bandits retreated through the camp, pausing only to fire a shot now and then at whatever was advancing toward them.\n\nIn a few moments the camp was still once again, although it now stank of nitrate and was littered with the bodies of men and dogs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through the blanket of gun smoke that floated at shin level, Indy could see a pair of Mongol riding boots striding toward them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The dogs have gone.\"\n\nIndy and Granger crawled out.\n\nThe stranger was tall, elegantly robed, and carried an ornate matchlock rifle in the crook of his arm. On his belt was a knife whose silver handle was studded with gems." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held the reins of a magnificent white horse, an Arabian, and behind him loitered a dozen men like himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are grateful,\" Granger said.\n\n\"Don't be,\" the stranger said. \"I am leaving you with your lives, but it looks as if Tzi's men have made a shambles of your caravan. It may have been more merciful to let you die quickly now rather than later, and much more slowly, in the desert.\"\n\n\"Thanks for giving us the choice,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will require something in exchange for my services, since my men do not ride for free. A few camels, perhaps, ammunition. We could work something out if the woman is for sale.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked down at Joan. She was propped up on her elbows beneath the truck, dressing Meryn's shoulder, and the towel threatened to fall away from her upper body. Suddenly aware of the eyes on her, Joan pulled the towel back up.\n\n\"She's mine,\" Indy said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too bad,\" the man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have been eager to make the beast with two backs with a Western woman, but I have not yet found one that is willing. Why do you suppose that is? Here in Mongolia, women consider it an honor to share themselves with guests.\"\n\n\"It is our custom,\" Indy said, \"that we do not.\"\n\n\"What a backward race you Americans are.\"\n\n\"I say, are you chaps bandits as well?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is an ugly word,\" the Mongolian said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We prefer corsairs, privateers, pirates, raiders, guerrillas, irregulars, mercenaries, or simply, patriots. We steal so that we can continue our fight against the Communists.\"\n\n\"We have a little money we would gladly share with you.\" Granger held out a fistful of coins.\n\n\"Bah!\" the man said, and struck the coins to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do we care for money out here on the desert! Where would we spend it, what would it bring us? Give us food, water, grain for our ponies, women for our pleasure, and guns and ammunition so that we may slay our enemies. These are the things that make up the life of a man. Do not insult us with the bits of trash you grovel after in the cities.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"I am Tzen Khan, a descendant of the great Genghis Khan, and this is my band. We live free or die. We do not ordinarily come to the aid of foreign caravans, but I admire courage above all things. You fought well and sent many of the human dogs to the netherworld where they belong.\"\n\nKhan stepped forward and peered intently at Indy's face.\n\n\"I like you,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not know why, but I like you. We have met before, I'm sure, in some other lifetime long ago. I can tell by the fire behind your eyes that you have always been an adventurer, an interloper in strange lands. Who knows? Among the thousand names we have worn, perhaps you were Marco Polo and I, Kubla Khan!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Come to my yurt and we will discuss the battle in detail. My camp is just over those dunes, not more than half a kilometer. It will be cold tonight, and your injured friend should be protected from the elements. And do not fear because I have plenty of goat!\"\n\n\"Indy,\" Joan said. \"What do we do about the dead?\"\n\n\"We follow the Mongol custom,\" he said, \"and let the desert take care of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy spent twenty minutes, however, searching for Loki among the dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The injured dogs he encountered he shot; not for vengeance, but for mercy.\n\nWith the exception of Meryn, all of the camel drivers were dead. So were a score of fallen bandits that were scattered about camp; Khan's men had made sure of that, and had used their knives in order to conserve ammunition.\n\nIndy found no sign, however, of Loki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Khan's yurt was an eighteen-foot conical tent of layered felt that stretched over a lattice frame of willow branches, which, despite its solid appearance, could be erected or taken down in less than half an hour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Joan was amazed when she parted the felt door to see that inside, the yurt was as well-appointed as any Western living room.\n\nThere were bright rugs and lavishly carved furniture, including an imposing red lacquer chest that had a picture of the Buddha on it. The walls were hung with quilts. The rope bed doubled as a sofa, and in one corner there was an iron stove with a stack that led up through the roof of the tent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On top of the stove was a large iron pot of slowly cooking onions and goat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't we travel with these?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Because we're stupid Westerners,\" Indy replied as he and Granger helped Meryn inside. \"We sleep in those freezing, thin-walled tents that just about any stiff breeze can knock down, then we congratulate ourselves on being civilized.\"\n\nThey placed Meryn on the rope bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy opened the medical kit, and as he proceeded to change the dressing and sprinkle sulfa powder on the wound, a woman and a young girl dished out plentiful helpings of the goat stew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girl was about seventeen, with luxurious black hair, and neither of them spoke while they worked.\n\n\"Is it serious?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"The bullet passed through. He will heal, in time, as long as we can keep it clean.\"\n\nWhen Khan's daughter placed a wooden bowl of stew beside him, Indy noticed that her face was scarred, as if from a terrible case of acne, only worse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is wrong with your daughter?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is not my daughter,\" Khan said. \"I rescued her and the woman from one of General Tzi's bands. They both would have been sold into slavery if I had not found them. They stay here now of their own will, and they are free to go if they wish.\"\n\n\"Tell us about this Tzi,\" Granger said. \"Those were his troops that attacked us, were they not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Khan concurred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No one but Tzi uses wild dogs. His citadel is not far from here, perhaps three or four days. I will visit him someday, when the power of the False Lama is broken, and I will rub him out.\"\n\n\"Getting rid of the competition?\" Granger asked. \"I mean, he is a rival of yours.\"\n\n\"More than that.\" Khan's eyes filled with hatred as he spoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tzi murdered my family. My wife, my three beautiful children. Princesses all. He was jealous of their affection for me, so he ate their hearts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Literally, he ate their hearts?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"I understand that he cooked them first.\"\n\n\"How horrible,\" Joan said.\n\n\"I was driven mad with despair and wandered the desert for days until my best friend found me and brought me home to my yurt. Later, when Tzi discovered that I held another living thing dear to me, he kidnapped my best friend. He tortured him to death, then sent me his ear as a reminder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan shuddered. \"How horrible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite,\" Granger said, rubbing the stub of his own mauled ear.\n\n\"That is why I am no longer close to anyone,\" Khan went on. \"That is why the woman and the child do not speak to me. Even though they sleep here in my yurt, I live alone.\"\n\n\"Khan,\" Indy said. \"If you have vowed not to make friends with anyone for fear of endangering their life, then why did you tell me you liked me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Khan's answer was nonchalant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I did not think you would survive long anyway.\"\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Khan,\" Joan asked, \"what's wrong with the girl's face?\"\n\n\"Smallpox,\" Indy answered. \"She was lucky to have survived.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is right,\" Khan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Many of my band have suffered with this disease. Those it does not kill, it marks, like her. Once you have it, though, it never comes back.\"\n\n\"We have medicine for that,\" Indy said. \"Vaccines. Shots. It would spare those of your people who have not had the disease from getting it. We all have had it, so we do not fear catching the disease. But we could share the smallpox vaccination with you, and show you how to use it, and give you other medicines that will fight infection. Many of your people will live who otherwise would have died.\"\n\n\"This is good,\" Khan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have known of such remedies for some time, but never dreamed they would be brought to the very door of my yurt. This would make us stronger, in order to fight the Communists. And to kill Tzi, when he is no longer protected by evil.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Khan slapped Indy on the back.\n\n\"This is what I will do. In exchange for the medicine, I will reprovision your caravan and provide an escort to the edge of my territory, which is three days' ride from here. But beyond that I can do nothing, because the land is under the control of Tzi and the False Lama. If the spell were broken, I could do more, but I dare not. Bullets are no match for black magic, and I must bide my time until I can avenge the deaths of my wife, my daughters, and my best friend.\"\n\n\"I wish you the best of luck,\" Indy said.\n\n\"And I, you!\" Khan smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has been pleasant to have a friend again, if only for a little while. I hope that we meet in your next life as well, but perhaps it would be more interesting to be enemies, no? If only I had an enemy I could admire, then I could die a happy man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stick around,\" Granger said. \"The Communists may prove to be more than a match.\"\n\nOne week and a dozen minor adventures after leaving the protection of Khan's band of brigands, the caravan—with the two automobiles and ten camels driven by Meryn—reached the base of the Flaming Cliffs. An imposing and gigantic structure of red sandstone, the cliffs rose from the desert plateau like a page from a child's storybook—brilliantly hued, and resembling nothing so much as impossibly gigantic fortresses, cathedrals, and spires." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within two minutes of bringing the trucks to a stop, Granger had uncovered the first broken shells of dinosaur egg and showed them to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This place is lousy with them,\" Granger said. \"You can't walk a hundred feet in any direction without stumbling over them. When we first found them, we thought they were birds' eggs—imagine, just ten years ago, we didn't even know how dinosaurs reproduced.\"\n\nIndy took the bit of shell and rubbed his thumb across the porous surface. It felt just like a chicken's egg, only larger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe dinosaurs were just a type of big bird,\" he suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You need to work on your humor, Jones,\" Granger observed. \"It's getting a little stale.\"\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Why are there so many fossils here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan asked. \"I mean, they have found fossils elsewhere in the world—Montana, for example, and even Kansas—but nothing to compare with what has been found around these red sandstone cliffs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody knows for sure,\" Granger explained, \"although much of it may have to do with the unchanging nature of this particular corner of the world. It apparently looks just as it did sixty to eighty million years ago, during the late Cretaceous, the last hurrah of the dinosaurs.\"\n\n\"I feel like I've stepped back in time,\" Joan said.\n\n\"Imagine what wonders some of those cliffs must contain,\" Granger said. \"There are hundreds of square miles to explore here, and we have barely scratched the surface in the handful of expeditions that have come here during the last ten years.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Has anyone actually climbed up into those cliffs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not far,\" Granger said. \"They are too rugged.\"\n\n\"But they're so beautiful. Like the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, and Pike's Peak all rolled into one.\"\n\n\"Meryn!\" Granger called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll set up camp here. Secure the animals and then establish the mess and a latrine. I imagine we will be here a fortnight, at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't believe we are finally here,\" Joan said. \"It seems so remote—like we're on the bottom of the ocean or the dark side of the moon. I wish they'd let us keep the shortwave, at least. Or a camera! How I would love to have some photographs of this place.\"\n\n\"Can you draw?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"A little.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then maybe you should start a sketching in the little notebook you carry and scribble in when you don't think the rest of us are looking. What is that, your diary?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've kept it since I was a kid,\" Joan admitted. \"Well, how do we begin to search for my father?\"\n\n\"We start knocking on doors,\" Indy said. \"Gurbun Saikhan is just a few kilometers distant, and we stop at every yurt we see between here and there and ask.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gurbun Saikhan was a mound surrounded by a loose-knit collection of yurts and goat pens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The elder of the village, a toothless man who smoked an old clay pipe, came out to meet them. There was the usual meal of goat stew and token gifts—Indy had hastily picked up a supply of postcards in New York for just such an occasion—and the old man proudly placed a portrait of the Statue of Liberty next to the yurt's portrait of Buddha, assuming the huge torch-carrying maiden was the visiting Americans' preferred goddess.\n\nAlthough Indy could not understand the dialect spoken in the village, he had brought with him a chalk tablet on which he scratched a succession of Chinese characters to get his point across: Where did old white man go?\n\nLuckily the old man was partially literate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took the tablet and carefully wrote his reply, as if he were taking a test in school:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went into the sky.\n\nIndy and Joan looked at each other.\n\nIndy could not remember the ideograph for aircraft, so instead he threw out his arms and made an engine noise. Then he looked expectantly at the old man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bahai,\" the old man said, and shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That much, Indy could understand.\n\nIndy drew a flurry of new characters. How did he go in sky?\n\nHe walked, of course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Walked into mountains?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes.\n\nAlone?\n\nYes.\n\nWhy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Didn't ask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy struggled with the next question.\n\nWhere in mountains did he go?\n\nDon't know.\n\nThat was all they could get out of the old man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they prepared to leave, Indy spied a curious piece of jewelry hanging from the wall of the tent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was apparently a necklace, made of a fragment of carved dinosaur eggshell on a leather thong, and it looked very old. What caught Indy's attention was that the scene depicted in the carving showed a man riding atop a triceratops.\n\nIndy took up his tablet again.\n\nDid you make this?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No. The Old Ones made it. I found it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where?\n\nAt the base of the cliffs.\n\nMay I have it?\n\nOf course. I'll find another—they're everywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you make of this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked Joan as they got in the truck. She took the necklace and studied the engraving.\n\n\"So the villagers made it,\" she said.\n\n\"They have no idea what a dinosaur is supposed to look like,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And this is exactly correct.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So it's old, it's a fossil.\"\n\n\"You don't understand,\" Indy said. \"It couldn't be. The dinosaurs were all dead before man appeared on earth.\"\n\nThat evening, after supper, Granger examined the piece of eggshell with his magnifying glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He puffed on his pipe, varied the distance of the shell from the lens, then turned it over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" Indy asked, \"what do you think?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Granger said. \"It is possible that there was a Stone Age cult that lived here many thousands of years ago and worshiped the dinosaur eggs. That much was suggested from the many pieces of jewelry we found made from eggshell and the remains of various cliff dwellings we found on the first expeditions. But this carving is an anachronism; it's impossible, according to what is known of natural history.\"\n\n\"It seems we don't know everything,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if it isn't an anachronism; suppose there was not only a Stone Age culture that revered fossilized eggs, but also living dinosaurs. If there was one spot on earth where a dinosaur might have a chance of surviving into immediate prehistory—and perhaps into twentieth century—it's here. This place is the late Cretaceous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jones\"—Granger rubbed his eyes—\"what a long, strange trip this has been.\"\n\n\"You said it yourself, not twelve hours ago,\" Indy said. \"Who knows what wonders remain to be discovered up in those hills? That's why Starbuck went up into the cliffs, Walter, because that's where the trail leads.\"\n\nAt that moment the flap of the tent burst open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Meryn!\" Granger bellowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't disturb us. Can't you see—\"\n\nMeryn couldn't hear him. His body fell face forward into the mess tent, a wicked-looking knife sticking from his back.\n\nGeneral Tzi's lieutenant, a short young man with a face that was badly marked by smallpox, strode into the tent behind the barrel of a Thompson submachine gun with a fifty-round drum clip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A half-dozen soldiers surged in behind him and began to tie their hands behind their backs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do we do?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Nothing,\" Indy said. \"At least not yet.\"\n\nIndy awoke from the beating the soldiers had dealt to find himself and the others chained to a wall in a cold sandstone cavern. His Webley and his bullwhip were gone, of course, and so was his fedora." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you all right, chap?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think so,\" Indy said. \"At least I can't feel that anything is broken—just bent.\"\n\n\"I thought we had lost you for a moment.\"\n\nTheir wrists were manacled to the wall above their heads, and the cavern was lit by an animal-fat lamp that sputtered and popped and hung by a single heavy chain from the center of the cavern's ceiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan hung between them, her eyes shut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How is she?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Unharmed physically, I think,\" Granger said. \"But rather in a state of shock mentally. It was the sight of Tzi's soldiers disemboweling some poor herdsmen that put her over the edge. She began to scream hysterically until the soldiers slapped her quiet, then she closed her eyes and hasn't opened them since. It's been close to six hours now, if my sense of time hasn't left me.\"\n\n\"Did you get a chance to peek beneath your blindfold to see where they were taking us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Granger said. \"But we must be close to the cliffs, with as much climbing as we did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of dungeon is this?\"\n\n\"I'm afraid it's no dungeon. This is where they do most of their meat processing, judging by the bloody pile of bones in the corner.... Ah, Jones?\"\n\n\"Yes, Walter.\"\n\n\"What's the plan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, I'm fresh out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was the rattle of a key being turned in a lock and then the heavy wood door of the cavern swung open. General Tzi, flanked by two of his machine-gun-toting soldiers, waddled into the room.\n\nTzi was grotesquely fat, with a black Fu Manchu mustache that hung over his jowls and quivered when he spoke. He was wearing a faded green army uniform from the Great War with rows of medals hanging from the chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The medals were from a half-dozen nations and had been taken from a variety of soldiers he had killed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the shoulders of the uniform he had pinned large gold stars. Beneath his arm he carried a riding crop.\n\nPerched on the top of his head was Indy's fedora. It was several sizes too small, and the effect would have been comical if Indy had not known who Tzi was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the guards carried a bucket of water, and at Tzi's command he tossed the water into Joan's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello,\" Tzi said.\n\n\"Go to hell,\" Joan sputtered.\n\n\"My dear, we are already there,\" Tzi said. \"The Citadel of the False Lama. I have followed your trek across Mongolia for some time, ever since that business with Feng at the Great Wall.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You must have some communication network,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The False Lama sees everything,\" Tzi averred.\n\n\"Baloney,\" Granger spat.\n\n\"Actually, you are right. Foreigners have marveled for generations over how quickly news travels here, where there are no telegraph lines or radio stations. The answer is quite simple, actually. Gossip travels from well to well like wildfire, and all of my envoys are trained to listen for any information that might be useful to me. Information is power, don't you agree?\"\n\n\"I wouldn't agree if you said two plus two is four,\" Indy declared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Such courage in the face of certain doom.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tzi's eyes twinkled evilly. \"I will enjoy cooking your heart in a little sherry and eating it for my dinner tonight. That also is power, is it not? To consume the organ that is the source of courage? Hmm, you are a university professor, are you not, Dr. Jones? I might just scoop your brains out of your skull as well.\"\n\n\"I hope I give you indigestion,\" he said.\n\n\"Tzi,\" Granger put in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have had quite a career as a big-game hunter and my courage and resourcefulness are well documented. Why, some might even say they are legendary. Why don't you feast on my carcass, old man, and let the others go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are an old fool whom I find unappetizing,\" Tzi said. \"You, I will feed to my dogs.\"\n\n\"Really,\" Granger said. \"Jones can't even shoot.\"\n\n\"Now, what will I do with this one?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tzi asked as he placed his riding crop beneath Joan's chin and turned her head to the torchlight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he reached out and caressed the front of her tunic.\n\nJoan spat in his face.\n\n\"What shall I do indeed,\" he continued, wiping away the saliva. \"It would be a shame to eat you because then you would be all gone! No, I think I shall keep you around a few days to amuse me, then I will sell you into slavery. Many men in this territory are curious about Western women and I will have no trouble finding a buyer. What a profitable venture your expedition has become for me. What a price this one will bring!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tzi...\" Joan assumed a businesslike tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, my little concubine?\"\n\n\"It is apparent that you desire power and knowledge above all things,\" she went on.\n\n\"What a perceptive woman.\"\n\n\"If you get rid of us, you will never know the secret of the allergorhai-horhai,\" she concluded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The sacred beast?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The same.\"\n\n\"Legend has it that to eat the flesh of the sacred stone beast makes one indestructible,\" Tzi said wistfully. \"But it is just a silly folk legend.\"\n\n\"It's not a legend,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have come in search of the horhai, and we were close to finding its hiding place when your men seized us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tzi barked orders for the guards to release her.\n\nJoan put her arms around Tzi's neck.\n\n\"You know what else the flesh of the horhai makes you?\" she whispered. \"Immortal.\"\n\n\"Let us go upstairs and discuss this with the Black One,\" Tzi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He will know how to interpret it. Guards! Prepare these two Americans for the evening meal. Do be careful not to spoil the heart tissue this time, will you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards slung their machine guns on their backs and advanced toward Indy and Granger with skinning knives. Between them was the water bucket, where they intended to fling the choicest cuts.\n\n\"Tzi,\" Joan wheedled.\n\n\"Yes, my morsel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the guards ran his blade down the front of Indy's shirt, popping the buttons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The second guard, who had hesitated because of the reprimand he had received from Tzi, asked the first guard for advice on technique.\n\n\"We need them. They have all the maps and clues and things in their heads, and if you eat them we won't know where to look for the horhai because I'm just no good with things like that. I get lost just going around the block, you know?\"\n\nTzi paused.\n\nThe guard ran the tip of the skinning knife over Indy's bare chest and ribs, leaving a thin red line indicating the preferred pattern for butchering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he invited the other guard to proceed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Release them,\" Tzi said.\n\nThe knife had just drawn a trickle of blood along Indy's sternum when the guard was forced to release the pressure on the blade. Muttering, he threw the knife into the bucket and unshackled Indy's wrists.\n\n\"Thanks.\" Indy grinned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other guard did the same for Granger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remind me,\" Granger muttered as he rubbed his wrists, \"to kill as many of these buggers as I can before we get out of here.\"\n\nThe guards led them out of the dungeon and up a winding corridor of steps that emerged into a great hall. Black prayer wheels lined both sides of the hall, and whenever one of the monks in the black robes with red cuffs passed, the wheels were spun backward. Instead of prayer staffs, the monks carried with them long black pikes tipped with silver blades." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the center of the hall was a huge caldron on a tripod over a crackling fire, and as the caldron bubbled Indy could catch glimpses of human arms and legs churning in the broth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the end of the hall, on a high throne carved from red sandstone, sat a painfully thin figure in a black robe and hood. Indy could not see a face. Beneath the hem of the robe peeked a pair of antiquated and yellowing shoes called crakows, their floppy points looking like bird's feet.\n\n\"Let's get on with it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have places to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before an audience with the Black One,\" Tzi said as a trio of monks came forward with wooden bowls of an amber-colored liquid, \"you must be prepared.\"\n\n\"You can kill me, but I won't drink what's in that pot,\" Indy swore, and clenched his teeth.\n\n\"Don't be so dramatic, Dr. Jones,\" Tzi said. \"The milk of human kindness, as we call it, is reserved for those of us who have pledged our souls to the Dark One. This is merely something to loosen your tongues so that we can get at the truth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" Indy sniffed the bowl that was held in front of him by the monk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is reindeer urine, provided by our friends in nearby Siberia,\" Tzi explained. \"The reindeer feast on the mushroom known as redcap, the fly agaric, and its already potent hallucinogenic qualities are rarefied as they pass through the kidneys of the deer.\"\n\n\"I won't drink it,\" Indy said.\n\nFrom behind, Tzi's lieutenant—the same one that had taken them at gunpoint from the camp—jammed a dowel into Indy's mouth and pulled his head back as if he were reining in a horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guards held Indy still." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He attempted to bite through the wooden dowel, but it was too stout. The monk poured the contents of the bowl over the dowel, and the ammonia-smelling liquid ran down Indy's mouth and pooled in his throat. As the guards held him between them the monk placed his hand over Indy's nose and mouth. Indy was faced with either swallowing the liquid or choking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy swallowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lieutenant laughed.\n\n\"Well done, Chang,\" Tzi told the lieutenant.\n\nThe dowel was removed.\n\n\"It won't hurt you,\" Tzi told the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, it will upset your stomach and you may have a little vomiting spell when it is over, but you'll experience far more pain if you put up the kind of fight Dr. Jones did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger and Joan swallowed the contents of their bowls.\n\n\"This is a nightmare, right?\" Joan said. \"I mean, I'm asleep in my tent and I'm having this terrible nightmare. Wild dogs, I can believe. But being held prisoner by cannibals and being forced to meet the devil—this has to be a dream. I've had enough of it, and I'm going to wake up now.\"\n\n\"It's no nightmare, Sister,\" Indy told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Darn,\" she said. \"I'm still here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Tzi said. The guards shoved the trio across the stone floor toward the throne. \"On your knees.\"\n\n\"Nope,\" Indy said. The guards clubbed the backs of his knees, causing his legs to buckle. He hit the floor on his hands and knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger was treated to the same procedure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God forgive me,\" Joan said as she knelt.\n\n\"That is not the one you have to worry about here,\" Tzi said.\n\n\"What now?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Stare into the face of the False Lama. Allow the Dark One to enter your soul, to become intimate with the secrets you are careful to hide from the light of day. We are all intrinsically evil; we come from darkness, and to darkness we shall return. The light is merely illusion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy attempted to look anywhere but at the figure on the throne, but he found his eyes being inexorably drawn to the darkness within the hood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a few moments he was fascinated by the void, and the darkness seemed so complete and reassuring that he forgot why he had been fighting in the first place.\n\nGranger and Joan could not remember, either.\n\nA constellation of stars seemed to gather within the void. With a bony hand enclosed in a red glove, the figure on the throne slowly reached up and pulled back the hood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy gasped as he saw a tangle of red hair spill over the shoulders of the black robe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alecia smiled at him, her blue eyes burning into his very soul, and she asked who it was that he had expected to meet.\n\n\"I don't know,\" he stammered.\n\n\"You don't think love would torture you like this for so long, do you?\" she asked. \"How could true love be this painful? How could real love be so cursed? No, Junior. But you've known the answer to this one all along. My names are Fear and Desire, and you will never be able to reconcile the two.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These emotions govern the world. Desire is the bait. Death is the hook. Love is an illusion, a convenient excuse for those who are too weak to take what they really want. You are weak, and so far you've gotten exactly what you deserve: nothing.\"\n\n\"You are not Alecia.\"\n\n\"Of course I am,\" she said soothingly. \"Or don't you remember the tattoo across my back? Or the search for the Philosopher's Stone? Or any of a thousand other things we have shared since that day you walked into the British Museum?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes I hate you,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course you do,\" she murmured. \"Hate is a healthy thing. At least it is passionate. If you loved me, do you think you'd be having those thoughts about that nun? And why shouldn't you hate me? We have shared everything except that one thing which you desire most. And you could have it so easily, and so completely, if only...\"\n\n\"If only what?\"\n\n\"If only you would quit trying to save the world,\" she replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The world doesn't want to be saved. If it did, there wouldn't be a Hitler or a Mussolini. And you know what else? In your heart of hearts, you know that one person can't make a difference. It's stupid and useless. And the reason you hate those guys in the starched uniforms so much is because they remind you of yourself. Junior, you would make one perfect Nazi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alecia began to laugh.\n\n\"I can make a difference,\" Indy said, nearly pleading. \"I have to make a difference....\"\n\nAs Alecia's laughter died out the face in the hood slowly transformed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blue eyes turned to golden slits and the hair receded into scales." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am the Serpent King,\" a reptilian voiced boomed from the snake's mouth. \"The Wyrm Primeval, consciousness engaged in the field of time, the cycle of life, the consumption of the weak by the strong. There is no meaning to life. It is an unending alimentary canal....\"\n\nIndy looked away.\n\n\"There is meaning,\" he said, his knees shaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he dared to glance back he found himself staring into the orbitals of a grinning crystal skull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell us about the horhai,\" the skull asked pleasantly in a female voice.\n\n\"The triceratops.\" Indy shook his head in an attempt to understand why he was suddenly talking to the skull.\n\n\"Go on.\"\n\nIndy took a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Continue, I said!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now let me get this straight,\" Indy said. \"You're the all-powerful and all-knowing False Lama, right? Then why are you asking me things that you should already know?\"\n\n\"Worm bait! How dare you answer my questions with questions.\"\n\n\"Granger,\" Indy said. \"Are you here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here and there,\" Granger replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remember what you asked me to remind you of?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he said.\n\n\"Well, it's that time.\"\n\nIndy spun and grabbed the pike from the surprised monk behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thrust it with all his might toward the throne." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The silver blade drove all the way through the robed figure and grated on the sandstone behind. The yellowed crakows danced a jig of death.\n\nThere was a moment of stunned silence.\n\n\"You killed him,\" one of the guards said, the Thompson dangling from his limp hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger lunged and jerked the gun free and opened fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard jerked like a marionette as the bullets pierced his body, while the other guard dropped his gun and ran.\n\nThen Granger sprayed the interior of the great hall in a wide arc. Slugs chattered over the stone walls, ricocheted from the ceiling, played the big iron cooking pot like a kettledrum, and spun the prayer wheels in the correct direction. Amid this cacophony of righteous anger, the soldiers and monks ran for cover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tzi waddled after them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are out of their minds on redcap,\" he screamed. \"Run for your lives!\" The fedora fell from his head and landed upside down on the stone floor.\n\nTzi and all but the unluckiest monks and soldiers managed to find a hiding place, because Granger was having difficulty distinguishing the real targets from the elves and fairies that he saw capering about the chamber." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn imps,\" he murmured as he clenched his teeth and laid down another barrage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A brownie scampered out from behind the iron pot and placed its tiny hands on its hips. \"You call that shooting?\" it scolded. \"My fairy godmother can shoot better than that, and she's been dead for four hundred years!\"\n\n\"Indy!\" Granger shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What in the devil are you doing? Get down here and help me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had climbed onto the throne and was sitting on the False Lama's lap. He was attempting, with all of his might, to pull free what he believed was the Crystal Skull.\n\nThen the skull dissolved and the wizened head of a very old man took its place between Indy's hands. He released it, and the head lolled on its shoulders and blood dribbled from one corner of its mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was, Indy could see quite clearly now, simply a dead old man in funny clothes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy jumped down and snatched up his fedora, then picked up the machine gun that the guard had abandoned. He also gathered a pair of hand grenades that hung by clips from the dead guard's belt.\n\n\"Which way is out?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"There's a passage behind the throne,\" Indy said, \"hidden by a wall hanging. It has to lead to the outside, because the wall hanging keeps sighing with the wind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but where does it lead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's obviously an escape route for the so-called black one when things get too hot.\" Indy fired a burst at a group of soldiers who had dared to peek around a column. \"Since he doesn't need it any longer, I think we should make use of it.\"\n\n\"Go,\" Granger said, pushing Joan in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Run. It's our only chance, Sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stumbled into the narrow passage. Granger, who had exhausted the clip, threw down his gun and followed. Indy snatched one of the torches that still blazed beside the throne, sent one last burst into the great hall, then followed.\n\n\"That was some stunt you pulled back there,\" Granger said appreciatively as they raced down the corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You nailed that fakir to the throne as if he were an insect you were mounting for your collection.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not much of a plan,\" Joan said. \"But it was effective.\"\n\n\"Tell me, Jones. What did you see?\"\n\n\"Snakes and skulls,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A woman I knew. What did you see?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me?\" Granger laughed. \"I didn't see anything, of course, except a pathetic old man.\"\n\n\"Sure,\" Indy said as he ran. \"That's why you were raving about imps. So that's what you see in your nightmares, huh? Joan, how about you?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Max McCoy spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Run!\" Indy shouted as he pulled the pins on both grenades. He was waiting, his back against the wall and a grenade clenched in each hand, as the slap of the boots on the floor of the stone corridor grew louder.\n\nWhen it sounded as if the soldiers were a few yards away, Indy tossed the grenades around the corner. The safety clips sprang from the handles as they rolled toward the soldiers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy ran and threw himself upon the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Behind him, on the other side of the corner, the explosions brought the roof of the corridor down, blocking the passage.\n\n\"Good show,\" Granger said.\n\n\"What?\" Indy asked, shaking his head and tugging at his ears.\n\nGranger simply patted his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The corridor spilled the trio out onto the desert floor, inside a corral that held Tzi's horses and camels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was hidden from view by rocks and scrubby trees. The expedition's two trucks were parked inside the fence. A surprised guard looked at the machine gun in Indy's hands, regarded his own single-shot weapon, then threw down the rifle and ran.\n\n\"Wise decision,\" Indy commented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger's truck had a flat tire—owing to some rough treatment by the soldiers—so they climbed into the cab of the other, the one with the flag that bore the museum's logo, and Indy took the wheel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I almost forgot,\" Indy said.\n\nHe opened the door and fired the machine gun into the radiator of the other truck.\n\n\"Hey,\" Granger said. \"That's expedition equipment.\"\n\n\"You want them hunting us down and killing us with expedition equipment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. Then he reached for the ignition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are the keys?\" he moaned.\n\nIndy hunched beneath the dash and tugged at a spaghetti-like bundle of wires until he found the colors he needed. \"I need a knife, a pair of pliers, something,\" he said. Granger handed him a pair of nail clippers he found in the glove box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy quickly stripped the insulation from the wires, but was careful not to break them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he twisted the exposed sections of the copper wire together.\n\nWhen he pressed the starter with his foot, the engine came promptly to life. Indy put the truck in gear and drove through the corral gate and onto the plateau. Horses and camels scattered across the desert behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which way?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I haven't the faintest,\" Granger said, \"since I don't know where we've been. The only landmark I recognize is the Flaming Cliffs over there, so I suggest we make for them.\"\n\nJoan looked behind. The Citadel of the False Lama stood within a huge sandstone outcropping that jutted up from the desert floor. There was no suggestion that the interior of the formation was inhabited.\n\n\"How long must it have taken them to carve all of that from the inside?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've got to remember that these are descendants of the people that built the Great Wall,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure it took generations, and that Tzi and his dead friend were just the latest squatters to move in.\"\n\nIndy looked at the gas gauge, then at the base of the cliffs. He tapped the gauge with his finger, and was alarmed when it went down instead of up.\n\n\"I hope we can get there,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're practically running on fumes as it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy reached beneath the dash and pulled the cable that opened the exhaust cutout. The sound of the engine became a throaty roar, like that of an airplane, as the truck sped across the open desert.\n\nThirty minutes later the engine coughed and died. Indy took the transmission out of gear and let the truck coast a few meters closer to the Flaming Cliffs before the laws of motion finally brought the wheels to a stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were almost to the cliffs, close enough to see the fairytale spires and turrets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any sign behind us?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"No,\" Granger said. \"But there will be, soon enough.\"\n\nThey got out of the truck; Granger inspected the water bag on the front bumper. It was empty. Everything else had been stripped from the truck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took down the museum flag, carefully folded it into a tight croissant-shaped package just as he had learned to do in Boy Scouts, and tucked it beneath his shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're stranded,\" Joan wailed. \"Out in the middle of this godforsaken country with no water and no provisions. What are we going to do?\"\n\n\"Now we walk,\" Indy said, striding off toward the cliffs. \"And I suggest you pray as you walk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half an hour later Granger stopped and placed his hands on his hips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were within a quarter mile of the base of the cliffs. \"Indy,\" he said. \"Do you think we are still feeling the effects of the mushroom?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy replied. \"I don't think so. Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look there.\" Granger pointed midway up the cliffs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you see it? There's a castle in the cliffs, same color as the sandstone.\" He shielded his eyes with his hands.\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I thought it was a figment of my imagination, a remnant of the drug perhaps, but I keep seeing people moving about the tops of the towers and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Am I insane? It's not the imps again, is it? Or have we died out here in the desert and are those the gates of heaven?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe they're the gates of hell,\" Joan suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems that somebody heard our prayers,\" Indy said. \"The gates have opened and they're sending a party out to meet us. And unless Saint Peter or Old Nick has developed an unusual liking for orange robes, I think that is a procession of lamas.\"\n\nA tall, athletic-looking white man with a flowing white beard was at the head of the procession of lamas, a staff in one hand, his robes flowing behind him. As the trio met the group Granger stuck out his hand and grinned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Starbuck, I presume.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man grasped Granger's hand warmly.\n\n\"Of course,\" Starbuck said.\n\n\"I am Walter Granger. And this is—\"\n\n\"Indiana Jones,\" Starbuck said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a pleasure to meet you again, Dr. Jones. I hope that not too many from your expedition were slaughtered by Tzi and his cannibals.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're all that are left,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'm sorry to hear that,\" Starbuck said. \"I hope you didn't risk all of this just in order to find me, because I lost myself quite on purpose. I didn't even tell my daugh—\"\n\nStarbuck stared at Joan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tear was rolling down her dirty cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped toward her, took a gourd of water from one of the other monks, and washed her face with his hands.\n\n\"Joan?\" he asked. \"Is that you? Child, I didn't recognize you. Not only do you look older, but you look different somehow. How on earth did you manage to get this far from home?\"\n\nStarbuck swept Joan into the folds of his robe while she cried on his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Daddy,\" she said. \"I've missed you so much. I thought you were dead. Why didn't you write?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's complicated, my dear,\" Starbuck said. \"Come back with me to the lamastery and it will all be clear to you.\"\n\nThe trio followed Starbuck down corridors that were spotlessly clean and full of light, with cheerful monks who bowed politely as they passed. Indy noted that their robes were of the same rough weave as the piece of cloth he had ripped from the intruder's robe in New York." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You joined a lamastery?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger asked as they walked. \"That's why you disappeared from the face of the earth?\"\n\n\"I joined nothing,\" Starbuck declared. \"After a while, however, one's old clothes simply wear out, and the robes are convenient. The cloth is made and dyed right here, by the brothers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He led the way up a spiral staircase into one of the towers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the top of the staircase, he rapped on the wooden trapdoor.\n\n\"It's me, Starbuck.\"\n\nA monk opened the door. The monk looked strangely familiar to Indy, and when he saw that his robe had been patched, Indy knew why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The three emerged into a warm room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A trio of braziers, fueled by goat droppings, burned constantly. In the center of the room, on a bed of straw, were three eggs. Each was about the size of a football, and they were a peculiar green color that was tinged with pink.\n\nIndy caught his breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't believe it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He marveled. \"Am I dreaming?\"\n\n\"You're not dreaming,\" Starbuck said. \"Although that was my first reaction as well. It took quite some time to convince myself that these were authentic dinosaur eggs—but that is the undeniable, if somewhat fantastic, truth.\"\n\nIndy approached the eggs reverently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I touch them?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Starbuck said. \"But do be careful.\"\n\nWith a lump in his throat, Indy walked over and placed his hand gently on one of the eggs. The shell felt leathery and warm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had the dreamlike feeling that he had stepped through a doorway and was actually touching the past." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger and Joan crept up next to him and gazed in wonder at the eggs. \"I never imagined that they would be so beautiful,\" Joan said. Then something inside the egg moved and Indy jerked back his hand.\n\n\"These eggs are alive!\" he exclaimed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We hope so,\" Starbuck said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are triceratops eggs. I am not exactly sure of the gestation period, but I am guessing it is eighteen months. That would put us very near to hatching, considering the length of time the mother has been dead.\"\n\n\"The horn,\" Indy said. \"The horn was from the mother.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Starbuck said. \"I sent it to Joan at the newspaper before fully realizing where the adventure was to lead me. I knew it was a triceratops horn, of course, and I knew that it was from a living animal. Doubtless you surmised the same, Dr. Jones, or else you wouldn't be here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you send it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was so excited that I wanted Joan to share in the find, although I dared not include a written explanation of its significance. Besides, I knew she would be able to deduce that for herself. Only later did I realize that it was a mistake to send such bait to the world, so a couple of the brothers brought it back. I'm sorry that we were too late to keep you from wasting your time.\"\n\n\"Wasting our time?\" Granger asked. \"We have living dinosaur eggs. I would hardly say we have wasted our time getting here.\"\n\nFor the first time Indy detected a sense of wonder in Granger's voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And they are going to stay here,\" Starbuck said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are desperately trying to keep them alive. But we don't know what temperature is correct, or how often to turn them, or anything really besides keeping them moist. We brought the eggs here so that we could tend them around the clock and so that they would be safe from predators. These eggs, you see—these eggs represent the last of the kind. We knew of no other such living animal besides the mother.\"\n\n\"I don't know whether leaving them here would be a good idea,\" Granger said. \"They must be studied. They belong in a museum, and we should take them back to New York without delay.\"\n\nIndy was alarmed at Granger's sudden passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Starbuck was about to argue with Granger when Indy, alerted by a sound outside, went to the tower's narrow window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid there is one other predator that you won't be able to avoid, and I'm afraid we have led him straight to your door,\" Indy said. \"General Tzi. He's out there on the plateau now, planning to lay siege to the lamastery.\"\n\nStarbuck joined Indy at the window.\n\n\"We'll have to get the eggs out of here,\" Starbuck said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good God,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're unlimbering a howitzer down there. Tzi means business.\"\n\n\"I'll alert the brothers,\" Starbuck said.\n\n\"Professor,\" Indy said. \"Just one more question. I thought I heard you say that you sent the horn to Joan's paper, but that couldn't be right. Didn't you mean you sent the horn to her order?\"\n\n\"Her order? Order of what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Starbuck asked as he opened the trapdoor and began to climb down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Joan is a reporter for the Kansas City Star.\"\n\n\"Sorry,\" Joan said. \"I've been meaning to tell you, but I just didn't know how.\"\n\n\"I think I'll see if Professor Starbuck and the brothers need any help,\" Granger improvised. \"It seems you kids have a few things to work out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He left the tower also." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why the masquerade?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Well, if I had told you I was a reporter, would you have taken me as seriously?\" Joan asked. \"I wanted to find my father, and I knew you were the right man to help me do it, but I didn't have the kind of resources necessary to mount such an expedition. I figured I had to get the resources of the museum behind me, so I just played dumb and made it seem like yours and Brody's idea.\"\n\nIndy's face was red with rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fact that you knew you were onto the story of the century—no, of the millennium—probably didn't hurt, either,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How could I have been so stupid? The constant questions about this or that, your demand to accompany us all of the way... it all makes perfect sense, now.\"\n\n\"He is still my father,\" Joan said. \"And I had a desperate desire to find him. And I didn't lie when I talked about my family's belief in the basic goodness of humanity. But my editors at the Star laughed at me when I suggested they send me to Mongolia, so I had to come up with something to get here. The habit was a Halloween costume I had worn to a party earlier in the week, so I decided to use it. I can see now how wrong that was, but it made sense at the time.\"\n\n\"It's called rationalization,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know what I did was wrong,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you seemed to enjoy it,\" Indy said. \"You played the slutty nun to the hilt. You seemed to like it so much that I'll bet it was hard for you to leave the costume behind.\"\n\n\"I was lonely and I was scared much of the time,\" Joan said. \"I'm just human, you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, you're something more than human. Were you going to tell me that you weren't really a nun before or after you got me into the sack, Sister?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at him.\n\n\"Sorry, it's a hard habit to break.\" She laughed in spite of herself.\n\n\"Look, Dr. Jones. We both know you would have gone on this expedition whether I was a nun, a newspaper reporter, or had two heads and purple hair. So what's the damage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took off his fedora, draped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. Hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pulled himself away.\n\n\"Sorry,\" he said. \"I don't give my heart to liars. Besides, I'm in love with somebody else.\"\n\n\"You mean that witch who dumped you?\"\n\n\"Did you say witch or—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You heard me,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't believe you're carrying a torch for her after all she's put you through, and obviously I don't know the half of it. But I can gather enough from the conversations you've had with Brody and Granger that you're way too good for her.\"\n\n\"You don't understand,\" Indy protested.\n\n\"And what is it that I need to understand about Indiana Jones?\" she asked.\n\n\"That I'm a hopeless, raving romantic,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That I keep my word to my friends. That I don't sleep around when I'm in love with somebody else. That I don't lose my values just because I'm a few-thousand miles from home. That there are things in this world which science can't explain but which just maybe the human heart can. And that I would never, ever date a girl who dresses like a nun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first shell from the howitzer blasted a hole in the wall of the lamastery the size of a bushel basket.\n\n\"Time to abandon ship,\" Indy said. \"We can't hold off Tzi's army with one machine gun and five rounds of ammunition.\"\n\n\"If only we had more weapons,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't, so we'll have to make a run for it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even if we had weapons,\" Starbuck said, \"I would not resort to killing. That would make us no better than the animals beyond the gates.\"\n\n\"Sometimes it's better to be a living animal,\" Granger said, \"than a dead philosopher. If you find some guns, you let me know.\"\n\n\"Professor,\" Indy said. \"I'm sorry, but I think that Tzi is going to blow this monastery to bits. You need to tell the brothers to come with us.\"\n\n\"They'll be fine,\" Starbuck insisted as he lifted a dinosaur egg from the bed of straw and slipped it into Indy's satchel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They are used to playing this cat-and-mouse game with Tzi and his men, and they will scatter when we leave. I am hopeful that it will buy us some time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are we going?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Through a narrow passage in the cliffs,\" Starbuck said. \"There is a valley beyond which has been untouched by time. We must be careful, because the path is perilous, and we must make sure that Tzi's men do not follow us into the valley. I only wish there were another place that we could take refuge, but I am afraid it is our last hope—and the last hope of our three little ones.\"\n\nStarbuck placed another of the eggs in a straw-filled leather pouch and handed it to Joan, who slung it beneath her shoulder like a purse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me,\" Granger offered as Starbuck placed the last egg into a pouch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have anything to do with my hands, and you're going to be busy leading the way. I promise that I'll take good care of it.\"\n\n\"Hey,\" Indy said, and whistled at Granger. \"Nice purse.\"\n\n\"You should talk,\" Granger returned. \"You've carried that little bag of yours around the world three or four times, I understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This,\" Indy said, \"is a satchel. That, however, is a purse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, then,\" Starbuck said, taking up his staff. He rapped on the back wall of the tower, breaking away the plaster over a hidden passage. When they were gone, the monks had instructions to patch over the doorway before abandoning the lamastery.\n\nStarbuck took up a bundle of torches, lit one from the nearest brazier, and turned to face the group." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This passage was staked by the ancients, and it is full of traps for the unwary,\" Starbuck called back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure you've experienced nothing like it before.\"\n\nIndy smiled.\n\nThe path led deep into the mountain, and the first obstacle they encountered was a narrow footbridge of natural stone that crossed a gaping chasm.\n\n\"Be careful,\" Starbuck warned as he carefully put one foot in front of the other, like a tightrope walker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This abyss has no bottom.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any chasm that is too deep from one to easily see the bottom,\" Granger remarked, \"is said to be bottomless.\" He picked up a stone and, when he was in the center of the bridge, let it drop from his outstretched hand. He waited.\n\nThirty seconds later he was still waiting.\n\n\"Let's see,\" Indy calculated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Given the law of falling bodies, that rock must have fallen... that would be 16.08 times 30 squared... around 14,400 feet, or nearly three miles by now. I'd call that bottomless, wouldn't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We just didn't hear it,\" Granger said, and moved on.\n\nThe natural bridge ended at a spectacular staircase hewn from the rocks, and the staircase led into the mountain for several hundred feet and then began to serpentine along the rim of a gorge. They could see all the way to the bottom of the gorge, because it was filled with molten lava.\n\n\"I didn't think we were near any active volcanoes here,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heat had plastered her hair against her face, and the weight of the egg was beginning to make her shoulder ache." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is part of the intricate ecological system of the valley where we are going,\" Starbuck said. \"The ground and the water there are warm, defying even the Gobi's harshest winters.\"\n\n\"Sounds like a paradise,\" Joan said.\n\n\"It is,\" Starbuck concurred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope it stays that way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The staircase ended at a precipice. A heavy rope was tied around the base of a stalagmite, and the rope disappeared into darkness beyond the edge. The river of molten rock flowed far below.\n\n\"Now for the hard part,\" Starbuck announced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's been easy so far?\" Joan asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must pull ourselves across on this rope.\"\n\nStarbuck handed the torch to Granger. Then, to demonstrate, he sat on the edge of the precipice, grasped the rope with both hands, and swung out. He swayed there for a moment, then began to swing his legs up, and finally grasped the rope with his ankles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the best way to cross,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pull yourself along, hand over hand.\"\n\n\"What do I do with the torch?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"Give it to me. I'll carry it in my teeth,\" Indy said.\n\nJoan was next. She looped the bag containing the egg around her neck, then confidently grasped the rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She swung her legs up, and began to pull herself across." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My hands hurt,\" she complained halfway across.\n\n\"Keep going, Sister,\" Indy said behind her.\n\n\"They're bleeding.\"\n\nThe blood on her palms made the rope dangerously slick, and Joan's pace slowed to a few inches each stroke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when she tried to hurry up so the ordeal would be over with and the pain in her hands would end, she lost her grip on the rope entirely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bobbed upside down by her ankles, the leather pouch hanging by her chin.\n\n\"The egg!\" Indy shouted. His words were muffled because of the torch in his mouth.\n\n\"What do I do?\" Joan mumbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't talk,\" Indy ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looped an arm around the rope and took the torch out of his mouth. \"Everybody, stop. Don't bounce the rope. Joan, can you reach the egg?\"\n\n\"No,\" she said. \"The strap's too long.\"\n\n\"Okay, listen carefully,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want you to very gently reach down and grasp the strap. Firmly. You got it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Joan said. \"But the blood is rushing to my head and I'm getting really dizzy.\"\n\n\"Slowly, raise the pouch.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" she said.\n\n\"Slowly!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop there,\" Indy said. \"With your fingertips, try to tuck the egg back into the pouch. It's on the edge, so don't jostle it.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Joan said.\n\nHer fingertips touched the leathery surface of the edge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as she nearly had the girth of the egg safely pushed back over the lip of the pouch, the rope jerked as several of its strands separated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The egg bounced out of the pouch. It fell for several seconds and then struck the lava river with a hiss.\n\n\"Oh my God!\" Joan said. \"I'm sorry, I tried—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wasn't your fault,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's too many of us on this rope. We need to get to the other side, as quickly as we can.\"\n\n\"But Indy,\" Joan protested. \"I can't reach the rope with my arms. I don't have the strength. And Indy, I am really dizzy and I am really tired.\"\n\n\"Hang on,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moved quickly across to where she hung." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, switching the torch again and looping his left arm around the rope once more, he extended his right arm toward her.\n\nShe struggled against her own weight and reached up with her left hand. Their fingertips brushed, then Indy had her hand in his and hauled her up.\n\nThe rope shook again as more strands separated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan started to cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go,\" Indy said. \"Don't worry about it. It was absolutely not your fault. We've got two whole eggs left.\"\n\n\"Correction,\" Granger said as he dipped his fingers in the fluid dripping from his pouch. \"We've got your whole egg left, but I'm afraid mine's been scrambled somehow. Actually, it doesn't smell half bad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is worse than the egg toss at the county fair,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Granger? If I don't get out of this thing, please do me a favor and don't deliver the eulogy at my memorial service. I don't want you sticking me with a fork.\"\n\n\"Wouldn't dream of it, old boy. Brown eyes, you know.\"\n\nOnce they all had reached the other side, Indy took out his sheath knife and hacked through the rest of the rope. He watched the frayed end as it fell into the darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That will make it a little harder for Tzi,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he comes,\" Starbuck suggested.\n\n\"No,\" Granger put in. \"When he comes.\"\n\n\"But what if we want to go back?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"We'll make ourselves a slingshot,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come,\" Starbuck said. \"We are almost there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In another three hundred yards, the passage ended in a large cavern. They slid down a clay slope to the floor, then walked out of the mouth of the cavern into a sunlit valley.\n\nIndy blinked. The valley was filled with pine trees, broad leafy ferns, and a number of flowering plants that he could not identify. A girl of about eighteen or twenty, bare from the waist up and wearing a skirt made of antelope skin, came over to Indy and placed a garland of the unusual flowers around his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she laughed and ran away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Welcome,\" Starbuck said, \"to the Stone Age.\"\n\n\"These are the Dune Dwellers,\" Starbuck explained as he laid the remaining dinosaur egg on a bed of ferns inside a little wooden shrine that had quickly been fashioned for it. \"Or at least they are cousins of the Dune Dwellers whose jewelry you found outside the Flaming Cliffs. They revere the allergorhai-horhai, the triceratops, just as the Plains Indians worshiped the buffalo. It has been the center of their life for countless generations. Only, the dinosaurs are all gone now, except for our single egg.\"\n\n\"But this valley,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How has it survived untouched for so long? This isn't like the late Cretaceous. This is it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, you saw what it took to get here,\" Starbuck said. \"It is protected by the Flaming Cliffs, of course. And this area is so remote. These people have been cut off for several thousand years from the rest of the world. A stray traveler has obviously gotten through from time to time, judging from Mongolian folklore about the horhai, but that of course can be dismissed as myth. Actually, the introduction of an occasional stranger has helped these people survive by adding to the genetic stock. It is a common genetic stock and apparently hasn't upset things too badly.\"\n\n\"How many are they?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"Forty-six,\" Starbuck said. \"That includes about twenty-five adults. There are a dozen children, and the rest are old people. Both the children and the elderly are cared for by the community as a whole.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I had a camera,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This place is unbelievable. Can you imagine the sensation a story with photos would make?\"\n\n\"That is precisely why I am glad that you don't have a camera,\" Starbuck said. \"There is nothing that would destroy these people more than being discovered. There would be an airstrip in this valley in a matter of weeks, and then what would we have?\"\n\n\"But wouldn't they be happier?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger asked. \"Surely disease takes its toll on these people. Wouldn't the modern world be a blessing for them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" Starbuck was emphatic. \"It would be a curse. They have been isolated for so long that they are free of the diseases that most modern cultures spread. Smallpox, for example. You've all been vaccinated? Good. It spread through the Native American tribes like wildfire after the invasion of America.\"\n\n\"Invasion?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"I have a deep conviction, Mr. Granger, that the American Indians would have fared much better had their continent not been discovered by the Europeans. Our Dune Dwellers here are the same. Look at them! Laughing and playing like children. They are well fed and free of most of the diseases that ravage humanity, and they live in a valley that is perpetually temperate. The lamastery has guarded this valley for hundreds of years, and they will set a broken bone when needed or assist with a difficult childbirth, but otherwise there is a strict prohibition against contact.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Incredible,\" Granger said. \"I don't know whether to pity these people or to envy them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why the confusion?\" Starbuck asked. \"The People do not have to work for their survival. All they need is here. And they have never been introduced to the idea of sin.\"\n\n\"It's the Garden of Eden,\" Joan said.\n\n\"Pardon me, Professor,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I appreciate your views, but what about your responsibility to science. Aren't you being selfish, keeping all this to yourself as your own paradise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe I can best serve that duty by remaining here,\" Starbuck said. \"I have taken voluminous notes since I first arrived six months ago, and I intend to continue. Why, I have just scratched the surface of their language and their way of life. I don't even know what to call them. They call themselves the canobi, which simply means 'the People.' They have no word or concept for what a stranger is. They make no distinction between themselves and others. To them, we are all part of the tribe—we've just been away so long they can't remember us. That's why they have no fear.\"\n\n\"Original innocence,\" Joan said.\n\n\"What we are dealing with is the source of all cultures—all of us sprang from people like the Dune Dwellers, if not the Dune Dwellers themselves. In the geological scheme of things, modern man has just left this happy valley. Imagine what a boon to the world it would be if we could get a glimpse inside those Neolithic heads and find out what makes us tick. There is much to be done, Dr. Jones, and so very little time to do it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Time is running out for this happy valley,\" Starbuck told him. \"It is inevitable that the rest of the world will discover them. When that happens, the opportunity to study them in their natural environment will be over. Then this will no longer be the Stone Age—it will be just another backwater blemish on the face of the twentieth century.\"\n\n\"Say,\" Granger interjected, examining the contents of his pouch. \"What are we going to do about this ruined egg? Is there any way we can preserve it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm afraid not,\" Starbuck said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They spoil rather quickly.\"\n\n\"What a waste.\" Granger shook his head.\n\n\"Perhaps not,\" Starbuck said. \"The People consider the eggs a great delicacy, and I have had a devil of a time keeping them from making Neolithic omelettes out of our three. They also think there is something mystical about the consumption of the dinosaur eggs which confers vitality upon them and ensures survival for the species. Since there's nothing we can do to save this egg, let's cook it up and put their superstition to the test.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bravo,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Starbuck patted the egg, covered it with a frond, and rose.\n\n\"My hope is to buy the People a little more time. In a few more years—in a few more decades, if we're lucky—it will be all over. But until that happens, I will remain here, living and studying these people, and that baby triceratops that's about to hatch. Then, when the world comes bursting in, clamoring for the story—the story will be ready to be told.\"\n\n\"What about Joan?\" Indy asked.\n\nShe had left the conversation to wander among the People." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A slim young man with a shock of black hair was following behind her, a bouquet of Cretaceous buds in his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She will have to make up her own mind,\" Starbuck said. \"One photo, one wire dispatch, will prove the happy valley's undoing. But I am not her master. Only her father.\"\n\n\"There's something I'm curious about,\" Indy said. \"That girl that greeted us seemed to be extremely friendly. Pardon my asking, but how intimate are you with these people?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They call me grandfather.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Starbuck laughed. \"And I feel grandfatherly toward them, as well. Besides, I am too old to adopt their ways. And no one could take the place of Joan's mother, who died in childbirth.\"\n\n\"Pull up a seat, old man,\" Granger said.\n\nIt was after the feast of the dinosaur-egg omelette that evening, and Granger was sitting contentedly on a rock, smoking his pipe. Indy sat next to him and plucked up a blade of grass and began to chew on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That egg was delicious,\" Granger began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't eat any of it,\" Indy said. \"Reminded me of when I was a kid and I'd get an egg at breakfast that had an embryo in it. I'd be sick for days just thinking about it. I just wish there was some way we could have preserved it—what I wouldn't give for a little bit of formaldehyde—but it was useless.\"\n\n\"Why, we could make a fortune if we could just get our hands on some more of those eggs. We could serve 'em up at one-thousand-dollar-a-plate dinner parties. Granger's famous chicken-fried dinosaur. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?\"\n\n\"Will you be serious for a moment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was only partially joking,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know, that egg does belong on the outside. It is much too valuable to leave in this lost valley, where it runs the risk of being eaten by the inhabitants.... What is it, Jones? You look like you've gotten your marching orders.\"\n\n\"In a way,\" Indy said. \"I went back into the cavern a few minutes ago, and I could hear Tzi's dogs sniffing out our trail on the other side of the rope gorge. Starbuck is wrong about how much time these people have. It isn't a matter of decades or years... it's a matter of hours. And when Tzi finds this valley, he will destroy everything in it.\"\n\n\"So what do we do?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm leaving,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Going to try to put Tzi off the trail, to lead him far away from here and into the steppes. To do anything to get him away from this valley.\"\n\n\"You always were the idealist,\" Granger said. \"Actually, I had hoped to stay here for a little while. We've been here only a few hours. It's a pleasant valley and I haven't even had time to meet these people, to learn their names and so forth. Some of them seem quite clever, actually. Not to mention beautiful.\"\n\n\"We can't know these people,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They are wonderful children and we are big awkward adults. Besides, what good are we doing ourselves if we stay here? How are we supposed to fight when Tzi finally comes down out of that cavern with his dogs and his soldiers?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We fight like we always have,\" Granger said. \"We've managed to save our skins through a little tenacity and a lot of luck enough times to know that you never know how these things will turn out. One should never give up. It's better to die on your feet than on your knees.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said. \"Say a miracle happens and we win. We train these people to use spears and clubs and we drive Tzi out of this valley by force. We'll still have lost, because we'll have taught these people how to kill.\"\n\n\"They'll learn that soon enough anyway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to stay,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've wanted to stay from the minute I set foot here and that girl with the wonderful eyes gave me the flowers. When I asked Starbuck if he was intimate with these people, it wasn't just out of curiosity. I wanted to plan a life here. No more fighting, no more curses, and especially no more jackbooted fascists. But I can't. For me, it's wrong.\"\n\n\"Jones, you're giving me a headache.\"\n\n\"I'll make it simple for you.\" Indy stood up and shouldered the Thompson and its five-round clip." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Max McCoy.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Max McCoy every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked over the lip of the ravine and across the steppe with red-rimmed eyes. His gaze took in every feature, each rock and scrubby tree, anxious for any sign of Tzi.\n\nFor the last week he and Granger had played a desperate game of hide-and-seek with Tzi and his soldiers, leading them away from the valley and ever farther into the steppes. In Granger's capable hands, the five rounds in the Thompson had accounted for five soldiers, soldiers who had wandered too far from the rest of Tzi's army and had paid for the mistake with their lives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From those careless soldiers came a little food, some water, a Mauser rifle, and the Webley revolver that had been taken from Indy in what now seemed like a geologic epoch gone by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had only a few rounds left for the Webley—a handful in a jacket pocket and the six in the cylinder. Mongol horsemen were among the best riders on earth, and they would prove difficult targets with a handgun.\n\nGranger was in even worse shape. The box magazine on the Mauser held ten shells and his ammunition belt was empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're out of water,\" Granger announced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We ate the last of that pitiful rodent meat yesterday.\" He removed his safari hat and sleeved sweat from his brow.\n\nIndy watched shadows lengthening below a rocky escarpment as the sun lowered. \"I suppose it would be pointless to ask if you have any good news.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" Granger asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good news,\" Indy repeated. \"Do you have any?\"\n\n\"These little horses are spent,\" Granger told him, replacing his hat. \"We've ridden them too hard. I tried to warn you, Jones. As always, you wouldn't listen to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a furtive movement that may have been an antelope—or one of Tzi's soldiers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy studied the spot carefully when he saw the movement again, and now he was certain it was someone creeping slowly toward them.\n\n\"They're out there,\" he added, \"crawling this way. Still out of pistol range.\"\n\nGranger examined the spot where Indy was looking. \"I see it now. If he's one of Tzi's scouts, they'll send their wild dogs in for us first.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised his Mauser, working sweaty fingers on the pistol grips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is a bad place to make a last stand,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You're developing a rather annoying habit of stating the obvious with unnecessary clarity, Jones. I don't need the help of a college professor to calculate that twenty cartridges won't be enough to kill about a hundred wild dogs and fifty Mongol cannibals.\"\n\nIndy's sorrel pony pricked up its ears and turned its head toward the outcrop, sensing something.\n\n\"They're coming for us now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy reached for the Webley tucked into his belt, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck rise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think he'll send the dogs in first?\" he asked. \"I hope they don't send the dogs. I'd like a shot at Tzi.\"\n\n\"Count on the dogs,\" Granger said.\n\n\"You're a comfort,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sorrel snorted once more, bowing its neck and fighting the lead that was tied to the trunk of a scrubby little tree." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The eyes of both horses were wild. They had smelled the dog pack approaching.\n\n\"What about the horses?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"What about them?\" Granger returned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The dogs will get them, too. They'll rip open their bellies first and spill their intestines on the ground. Then they'll take their time finishing them off.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let 'em go,\" Indy said.\n\nGranger agreed. \"Of course. I don't suppose we have any more need of them. And it could buy us some time if they pursue the ponies and leave us alone.\"\n\nGranger put down the Mauser and went over to where the horses were tied. He untied the sorrel, looped the reins around the pommel so they wouldn't become tangled beneath its hooves, then released the animal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It reared and then took off across the steppe, its hooves flashing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he did the same with the other horse.\n\nIndy looked around. The plain was clear for several hundred yards on either side of the gully. He put his attention back on the escarpment where he'd seen the shadow move.\n\n\"Do you think it's better here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"Or down there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd rather stay here.\" Granger returned and took up the Mauser. Then he picked up a handful of sand and sifted it through his fingers. \"Is it worth dying for, to say with our last breath that we helped hatch the world's only living triceratops?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are worse things to die for,\" Indy replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Besides, it's more than that. It's Joan and Starbuck we're talking about, too, and the Dune Dwellers—or whatever they call themselves. Do you think Tzi would spare any of them?\"\n\n\"If we could just have gotten that egg back to New York, we'd be credited with the greatest scientific find of all time,\" Granger said. \"Imagine what a sensation if it actually hatched. Instead, I'm going to wind up in a Mongol stew.\"\n\n\"Relax,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's only your heart they eat, and yours is so black it will probably give Tzi a bad case of indigestion. Wait, I see something....\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An animal skulked along the base of the same rock formation. \"A dog,\" he said quietly, with growing concern. \"Isn't it ironic that the animal I like best in the world is going to be the cause of my death?\"\n\n\"I always figured an animal would get me in the end.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger rubbed his damaged ear as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A leopard, an elephant. Perhaps a lion. Wouldn't that be a grand way to go? But a dog? You've never seen a dog mounted on the wall of anybody's book-lined study. And a dog doesn't even make a decent hatband.\"\n\nAnother wild dog crept over the rocks behind the first.\n\n\"It would be extremely fortuitous if that brigand Khan would show up about now.\" Granger paused listening. \"Here they come.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said. \"I'm tired of waiting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spread out across the horizon, mounted Mongol warriors galloped toward them, surrounded by packs of running dogs. Indy didn't bother counting dogs or horsemen, not with only a dozen bullets to his name.\n\n\"Jones,\" Granger said.\n\n\"Yeah?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobody ever expects to find themselves in a situation like this, but I'm glad that... What I mean is that there's nobody I'd rather... Dammit, Jones, you know what I'm trying to say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The feeling's mutual,\" Indy said.\n\nMounted on a bow-backed chestnut stallion, General Tzi and his lieutenant, Chang, rode along the bottom of the draw flanked by dozens of Mongol tribesmen carrying an assortment of weapons. Most were single-shot muskets, but there were a few men who cradled repeating rifles in the crooks of their arms. Trotting around them, a pack of wild dogs yelped and snarled at one another as if they awaited the command to begin feeding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're doomed,\" Granger whispered softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are too many of them. They've got us surrounded.\"\n\n\"Things could be worse, I suppose,\" Indy remarked dryly.\n\n\"How's that?\" Granger asked, searching Indy's face.\n\n\"They could be carrying baskets of snakes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy studied Tzi's rotund face, and then looked at Chang's hooded eyes and hawk-beak nose, a Fu Manchu mustache decorating his chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those two guys are really ugly,\" he added, bringing the barrel of his Webley up, his finger curling around the trigger.\n\n\"What they're planning to do to us will be ugly,\" Granger shot back. \"If I get a chance I'll take a shot at General Tzi as soon as he gets in range. If I allow for the wind, I might be able to drop him. That ought to take the wind out of their sails!\"\n\n\"He won't ride that close,\" Indy promised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fat bugger is too smart for that. He'll let his dogs do the dirty work.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too many dogs,\" Granger observed, with a hunter's understanding for wild animals attacking in packs.\n\n\"They'll come at us from all directions.\" Indy swallowed hard. \"Our guns won't scare them off.\"\n\n\"Not the way you shoot, anyway,\" Granger agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you quit picking on my shooting,\" Indy snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It may not be fancy, but it gets the job done.\"\n\n\"Indy,\" Granger said. \"Save two bullets for that famous shooting of yours.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"For us,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Our situation looks hopeless.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll never be that hopeless,\" Indy said. \"If they want me dead, they're going to have to fight for the opportunity to kill me.\" He readied his pistol.\n\n\"Get down, Jones!\" Granger cried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Indy's attention was riveted on a solitary animal well behind the riders and the other dogs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its nose was to the ground. It was a dog of unusual size, with blue eyes, and it behaved as if it were tracking General Tzi and his men rather than being a part of the pack. It was difficult to tell at this distance, but it seemed that it had only one ear.\n\n\"If I didn't know better I'd swear that's Loki,\" Indy muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he wasn't given time for a closer inspection of the dog." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Mongol warrior wheeled his pony and sent it lunging down the side of the ravine. Indy drew back the hammer of the Webley. The warrior drummed his heels into the horse's ribs and charged, bending low over his black pony's neck with a carbine in his hands.\n\n\"This fool is committing suicide,\" Granger said, sighting down the barrel of his Mauser." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly the rider disappeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A split second later he was hanging off the far side of his horse only inches from the ground, with one foot suspended in a length of rope, peering between his pony's flying legs, and it seemed he was almost smiling at them.\n\n\"What the hell?\" Granger wondered, scowling.\n\nIndy relaxed a little. This was showmanship, not an attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's called the Cossack drag. I saw it once in southern Russia. General Tzi wants his men to put on an exhibition before he kills us so we'll be scared of him. I figure he won't kill us both until we tell him where to find that egg, so he aims to try to frighten us into a real talkative mood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't shoot him without killing his horse,\" Granger said, lowering his gun barrel when the rider was hidden again behind his pony. \"A nine-millimeter slug won't pierce that much tissue and bone. I'd be wasting a bullet.\"\n\nThe Mongol galloped past them before he steered his speeding pony away. Indy glanced back to the ravine, noticing the absence of the one-eared dog he'd seen a moment earlier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he turned his attention to Tzi and Chang." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Looks like General Tzi has gained even more weight,\" Indy commented. \"Nothing like a diet of human hearts to put some fat around a hungry warlord's belly.\"\n\n\"Good grief, Jones. What a lousy time for bad jokes.\"\n\nThe warrior returned to the pack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rode over to Tzi and said something while motioning with his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tzi nodded, then turned a baleful stare toward Indy and Granger. For a moment he sat on his horse as if he were cast in bronze.\n\n\"They'll really be coming this time,\" Granger said. \"The show is over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're beginning to irritate me with all your whimpering, Granger. We're not dead yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy examined the pack of dogs again. \"I'd almost swear I saw Loki a minute ago, only I know it can't be the same dog. He would have found his way back to us long before now if he could.\"\n\nWhen Indy glanced over his shoulder, he saw a line of mounted tribesmen beginning to form a loose circle around them. It was, he had to admit, a fearsome sight the way they were spread out with their dogs trotting at their horses' heels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rifle barrels and swords glistened in the afternoon sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger was sweating profusely when he saw the circle tightening. There appeared to be no escape.\n\n\"This is what I get for listening to you, Jones,\" Granger snapped angrily. \"If things were left up to me, I'd be on my way to New York now. Being friends with you will cost me my life, and all because of your stupid sentimentality over a reptilian egg.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was stunned by Granger's sudden outburst." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before he could answer, a swirl of dust cloaked the approach of General Tzi and his army to the rim of the ravine. Groups of wild dogs scrambled everywhere, eyes fixed on the two men at the center of a tightening circle.\n\nIndy placed his back against Granger's.\n\n\"Maybe it was stupid sentimentality, but Starbuck may give the world a gift so rare it could rewrite everything we know about the past,\" he said over his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I will ignore your bad temper because of the years of friendship we've shared. And I hate to interrupt this lovers' tiff, but try to kill as many of the dogs as you can. Maybe a few gunshots will bring someone to our rescue before it's too late.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You call that a plan?\" Granger snarled over his shoulder. \"If you hadn't noticed, it's much too late for that. I should never have listened to you in the first place, Jones.\"\n\nGeneral Tzi raised his hand, making ready to signal a charge toward Granger and Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A silence spread around the far-flung circle of warriors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More tribesmen drew curved swords, reflecting rays of brilliant sunlight. Most of the dogs stopped barking as though they knew what would happen next.\n\n\"Dr. Jones!\" Tzi shouted. \"How does it feel to know that you will die now at the hands of the great General Tzi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was hard to hear in the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not all that bad, actually!\" Indy replied at the top of his lungs. \"We were just saying that today was about as good as any to dine on fresh dog meat! And I'm saving my last bullet for you, you fat old—\"\n\n\"It is time!\" Tzi cried, giving Chang a wicked half grin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A dog came out of the ravine, trotting closer to Tzi's pony in a curious way, limping slightly as if some old wound made it lame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy saw the dog when it broke into a run. There were so many dogs around them that none of Tzi's soldiers noticed it at first.\n\nGeneral Tzi's massive head turned and his piglike eyes grew wide. He pointed toward the running dog and shouted a command." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chang drew his sword, but he was too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dog was already in the air, teeth bared.\n\n\"That's Loki,\" Indy whispered disbelievingly, blinking his eyes to make sure of what he saw. \"It can't be....\"\n\nTzi tried to block the dog's open jaws by bringing up both arms and twisting his head, but Loki landed in the saddle with Tzi. Razor-sharp fangs dug into the flesh of Tzi's right cheek, while the dog's springing leap knocked the overfed warlord from his chestnut's back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He toppled heavily to the ground, landing with a thud and a groan as blood spewed from his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Loki backed away snarling, a chunk of bloody tissue dangling from his jaws.\n\nChang shouted to other warriors as he came at Loki with the gleaming sword, swinging his blade in a deadly arc toward the Alsatian. But the scent of blood triggered a far more frenzied reaction among Tzi's wild dogs. First two, then half a dozen animals jumped on him, tearing at his bleeding wound while the warlord began to kick and scream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More wild dogs landed atop Tzi's fat belly to bite him wherever spilled blood had fallen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good Lord,\" Granger muttered.\n\nThe entire pack charged him now, snapping and yelping in a feeding frenzy. Twenty dogs, then a few more, nipped and chewed upon Tzi's flesh, tearing off his clothing and pieces of skin. Tzi thrashed back and forth on the ground, shrieking with pain, wind-milling his arms and legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy saw Loki trot off a short distance, then the shepherd sat on its haunches and watched while General Tzi was ripped to pieces by his own dogs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of the other Mongols came to the general's rescue.\n\nChang backed his pony away, staring down at the feeding dog pack as he sheathed his sword. A wild dog tore off Tzi's left foot and slunk away to chew on a morsel of flesh and bones. When Chang saw this he shouted to his tribesmen, but because of the din made by so many snarling animals, Indy couldn't hear what he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good Lord,\" Granger mouthed again breathlessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attack had come so fast he hadn't had time to speak. \"That was Loki who knocked General Tzi off his horse, wasn't it?\"\n\n\"That was him all right.\" Indy sighed, examining his beloved dog's coat from a distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who needs bullets when you can rely on the loyalty of a dog? I can't remember when I was so glad to have a friend show up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wild dogs continued feeding on Tzi's carcass, only now there was no movement from him, save for a jerk or a twist when a dog bit off a hunk of meat, nor were there more of his eerie, bloodcurdling screams. Blood lay everywhere in dark crimson pools, quickly lapped up by smaller canines. A speckled female ripped open Tzi's belly, seeking his internal organs, burying her head inside his rib cage.\n\nMore Mongol warriors rode slowly toward Chang, sheathing their swords, lowering their rifles, no longer paying any attention to Granger and Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're having some sort of conference,\" Granger observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must have to do with what they plan to do with us.\" He put his pistol inside his belt to watch what was going on. \"Do you suppose they'll let us go free?\"\n\nLoki abandoned the melee and trotted in Indy's direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn, what a beautiful sight,\" Indy said under his breath, ignoring Granger's question, hoping Loki could get to him before Chang or any of the others exacted revenge for what he had done to General Tzi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy noticed Loki's limp, and all the old scars covering the dog's body, and a few new scars, and of course the missing ear.\n\nLoki walked up, wagging his tail. A trace of blood remained on the dog's upper lip until a long pink tongue flicked it away.\n\n\"I thought you were dead,\" Indy said as he hugged the dog's neck and stared into the Alsatian's mysterious, almost human blue eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loki made a sound in his throat, a happy noise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good to see you,\" Indy whispered, then Loki began to pant. \"You look like you've been half starved.... What's the matter, can't bring yourself to eat what they feed the others?\"\n\nA commotion at the end of the ravine halted Indy's reunion with the dog. Chang, for reasons Indy couldn't understand, began to lead his warriors away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nomads who just minutes ago had formed a deadly circle around them reined their ponies, starting back in the direction from which they had come, taking their dog packs with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rode off in a cloud of pale sandstone dust, leaving Indy and Granger to themselves.\n\n\"Why, they aren't going to kill us after all!\" Granger exclaimed. Some of Tzi's wild dogs chewed on bits of his dismembered carcass for a moment more, until a tribesman whistled sharply, ending the animals' feeding. One brown cur carried Tzi's bloody severed head toward the ravine, until a spotted dog attacked the brown's flank savagely over the prize." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tzi's fleshless skull now appeared to be grinning as it rolled over the lip of the ravine like a misshapen ball." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The nomads never wanted us in the first place,\" Indy said. \"It was Tzi and the False Lama who had them under their spell. Now that they're both dead, maybe they'll forget about us.\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Granger said. \"But I think we just got lucky.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Indy said. \"And our luck is a blue-eyed dog.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We could use a little more luck to retrieve those horses,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was a damn fool idea, letting them go like that. We have to get back to the valley. Our egg is waiting on us.\"\n\n\"It isn't our egg,\" Indy warned. \"It belongs where it is, in the valley. It's too important to history for any disputes over ownership.\"\n\n\"Now hold on a minute!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger complained. \"You and I saved that egg from certain destruction. We were lucky to get out of this thing alive. It is our egg, and we should take it back to New York.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's staying in the valley of the Dune Dwellers, where it is being watched over by somebody with even more claim to it than we have. Get off the ownership crap, Granger. It won't wash with me and you know it.\"\n\n\"How dare you!\"\n\n\"That egg, and whatever's inside it, belongs in that valley, period.\"\n\n\"I deserve credit for finding it, Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We all found the eggs, in a manner of speaking.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy patted Loki's head, not wanting any more senseless argument. He gave the Mongols a final glance as he stood up. \"Let's get out of here before they change their minds about feeding us to the dogs.\"\n\n\"This issue isn't settled,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy gave his friend a steely look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I don't suppose it is at that,\" he said. \"But we can settle it someplace else... some other time.\"\n\n\"Don't push me on this, Jones. I have every right to claim this discovery and you know it. For all the time I have known you, Jones, I have labored in obscurity while you sucked up the headlines. It's my turn for a little fame and fortune.\"\n\n\"Shut up,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have some ponies to find.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither of them spoke on the long search for the ponies, or even after, during the longer ride back to the ravaged monastery in the Flaming Cliffs. With nowhere to keep the ponies while they entered the mountain, they again let them roam free.\n\nThey navigated the dangerous passageway in the dark with as much caution as they could muster, having gone without food or water for two blistering days and as many freezing nights. Indy led the way, walking a few yards in front of Granger across the sheer, narrow ledges." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loki trotted behind, his toenails clicking on the stone passageways." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally they emerged at the cavern that was the entrance to the lush valley as morning sunlight paled the skies beyond the towering sandstone peaks.\n\nIndy paused a moment to take in this eerie primordial sight, allowing his eyes to wander across the traces of a Stone Age civilization below: the thatched huts and, farther down, the little shrine they had erected to the egg.\n\nHe wondered again if the wisdom of Urga's holy man might not have transcended all modern knowledge when he extracted a promise to protect the beast called allergorhai-horhai. Here, in the heart of Mongolia, awaited living answers to riddles having to do with the dawn of mankind and the end of the dinosaur age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy felt his animosity toward Granger soften." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It feels like home, doesn't it?\" he asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" Granger allowed, \"it does.\"\n\n\"Where is everybody?\" Indy asked. \"I don't see a sign of a living soul.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's because they're all down at the shrine,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look! I think the entire population is crowded down there. I think we may have arrived just in time, Jones.\"\n\nStarbuck greeted them warmly outside the shrine. He embraced Indy, but before he could do the same to Granger, the hunter put out his hand.\n\n\"Come and see what's happening!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Starbuck exclaimed as he pumped Granger's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The egg is moving. Once in a while we can hear a tapping noise from inside the shell—I believe one of its developing horns is ready to break through. Quite possibly the smaller horn on the tip of its nose develops first to fulfill this purpose.\"\n\nAll of the People were crowded around the shrine, gesturing and talking excitedly in a language that neither Indy nor Granger pretended to understand. Then a young girl dropped to the ground and draped her arms around Loki, followed by several other of the children.\n\n\"Where's Joan?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is with the egg, as always, my friend,\" Starbuck answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She sleeps with it and never leaves the shrine. There has been more movement the last two days. It may hatch at any moment.\"\n\n\"I guess they've never seen a dog,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Then we're even,\" Granger said. \"I've never seen a triceratops.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where have you two been?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Starbuck asked. \"We've been looking for you everywhere. You just seemed to disappear.\"\n\n\"We had some unfinished business to attend to,\" Indy said, but Starbuck was too excited to ask him to explain. The old man took Indy by the arm and led him through the Stone Age crowd to the center of the shrine.\n\nLoki abandoned the children and followed his master, nosing his way through the tangle of legs and bare feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan was sitting beside the egg, a notebook in her lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the open page of the notebook was a sketch of the egg and the shrine.\n\n\"Miss me?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"You don't know,\" she said, and looked away. \"I didn't expect to see either of you again, alive or otherwise. My father didn't know where you had gone, but I did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why we didn't tell you,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought I would at least rate a good-bye.\"\n\n\"I was afraid you would talk me out of it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Where's Tzi?\" she asked.\n\n\"Dead,\" Indy answered. \"Eaten by his own wild dogs. If it hadn't been for Loki, we never would have gotten out alive. He seems almost human. Any other dog couldn't have known what to do to help us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some animals have rather remarkable intelligence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Starbuck reached down to scratch Loki's ear. He drew his hand back when Loki growled. \"But then, others are poor judges of character.\"\n\nIndy laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan extended her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Loki smelled it, then accepted a few pets from her. \"You poor fellow. You look hungry and there are fresh wounds everywhere. But we'll fix you right up—\"\n\nA tapping sound interrupted her.\n\n\"There!\" Starbuck said with great enthusiasm, pointing to the egg with a trembling finger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen to it! The triceratops is almost ready to hatch. It could come at any moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger pushed past Indy to approach the egg, leaning over it as a soft, irregular tapping continued. \"It's alive,\" he said in a hushed voice. \"The damn thing's actually alive. When the world sees this we'll be the most famous explorers on the face of the earth.\"\n\nIndy pushed his fedora back on his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's not count our dinosaurs before they're hatched,\" he said pleasantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We need to settle this,\" Granger said.\n\n\"You can't be serious about removing it,\" Starbuck said. \"I thought you agreed with me that there are too many risks, taking it out from this valley across hundreds of miles of desert, then a voyage to America. A thousand things could go wrong.\"\n\n\"He's right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, how do you plan getting it past the authorities at Urga? We agreed that they could inspect whatever we took out of the desert? Do you want to give them the greatest find of the century?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can smuggle it out,\" Granger said.\n\n\"Please,\" Starbuck pleaded. \"You can't remove it. There's an outside chance that another living egg exists somewhere inside this valley—perhaps even another living triceratops. If you remove this egg, you will be dooming the species to certain extinction. And if you attempted to smuggle it out of Mongolia, you could end up killing it. What are you going to feed it? Do you know that the triceratops eats those wonderful late Cretaceous blooms that the People hung around your neck upon your arrival? Where are you going to find those on the outside?\"\n\n\"Even if we had a dead specimen, it would be the most amazing thing the world has seen,\" Granger said. \"I refuse to come back from this expedition empty-handed. Besides, Joan has been studying things here, and she will know how to take care of it on the way back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not going back,\" Joan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" Granger asked.\n\n\"I'm staying here,\" she said. \"It's where I belong.\"\n\n\"What about your newspaper story?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger was incredulous. \"Don't you ever want to see that in print?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will be published, eventually.\" She smiled. \"And I'm sure it will be a major story. But now is not the time. And the outside world is not for me.\"\n\n\"Utter nonsense,\" Granger argued. \"You are just enamored of these good-looking bare-butted Stone Age lads. When you tire of them, you'll want to come back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you all gone insane?\" Granger shouted. \"The three of you have no right to make a decision like this, keeping an earth-shattering zoological find from the outside world because you feel better qualified to study it in private. It's outrageous. This expedition was commissioned by the museum. Marcus Brody has a stake in this—he financed the whole thing as he has in the past, and what we found belongs to the museum. Brody has to be consulted and I'm quite sure what he'll have to say about it.\"\n\n\"Brody will agree,\" Indy said, \"when I have a chance to explain things in private. And this will remain confidential, Granger, until Professor Starbuck here decides that the time is right.\"\n\nGranger's eyes narrowed to slits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're trying to cheat me out of the recognition I so richly deserve for leading you here, Jones,\" he railed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't take it lying down.\"\n\nHe moved toward Indy with his hands doubling into fists.\n\n\"What is wrong with him?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe he's experiencing an aftereffect of that mushroom drink.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you think I'm insane, eh?\"\n\n\"Take it easy, Granger,\" Indy protested. \"Everyone will see to it that you're credited with guiding the expedition. All any of us wants is what is best for whatever is inside that egg. It will be safer here and you know it.\"\n\nGranger halted a few inches from Indy's chest, his dark eyes flashing with smoldering anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't let you take advantage of our friendship, Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not—\"\n\n\"I'm in charge of this expedition, if you'll remember, so back off and let me do my job. You have ruined everything you have touched on this journey. The dinosaur goes to New York and I won't let you stop me from taking it.\"\n\n\"Don't do this. You aren't thinking straight.\"\n\n\"There's nothing wrong with my thinking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger laughed. \"But yours is out of line. Whatever is inside that egg is going back with me, and that's final.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You aren't leaving me much choice.\" Indy sighed.\n\n\"Whew!\" Joan said, attempting to change the subject. She put her arm around Indy's waist so that he wouldn't be able to lunge at Granger. \"Is it me, or is it hot in here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not the heat,\" Indy said. \"It's the stupidity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger swung a meaty fist toward Indy's jaw so quickly that Joan had no time to get out of the way.\n\nIndy shoved Joan aside as he brought up a forearm to block Granger's heavy blow. Joan tumbled to the floor of the shrine just when Granger's fist landed on the muscle below his elbow. Indy felt sharp pain, wincing before he took a step back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You shouldn't have done that,\" he added in a voice like dry sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To the devil with you, Jones!\" Granger shouted, bringing his left fist whistling through the air in Indy's direction.\n\nCat-quick, Indy sidestepped the wild punch and swung a fist into Granger's belly, striking soft flesh that brought a grunt from deep in his throat. Granger's knees buckled momentarily, then he righted himself and reached for his stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy threw a left jab, hitting bone above Granger's temple with enough force to crack knuckles, twisting his head violently to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Granger staggered back near the shrine, blinking furiously to clear his addled brain.\n\n\"The egg!\" Starbuck shouted, rushing toward Granger to block his path.\n\nGranger shook his head, crouching down, his senses returned all at once. He leaped for Indy, looping a dangerous right hook at his opponent's cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dammit, Granger!\" Indy cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're forcing me to knock some sense into your empty skull.\"\n\nGranger's fist whispered past Indy's face, off by a mere few whiskers. This gave Indy an opening he hadn't counted on while his adversary was off balance. He drove a fist into Granger's belly again, not wanting to seriously hurt a friend who was, for the moment, out of control." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His punch brought a deeper groan from Granger, who fell back from the force of Indy's knuckles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stumbled toward the shrine on rubbery legs, reeling back blindly, gasping for air.\n\n\"The egg!\" Starbuck cried again.\n\nGranger tripped, slamming against a much smaller and lighter Starbuck. Both men tumbled over the cradle that held the egg before they slumped to the dirt floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan screamed. In the same instant Indy was diving for the egg with arms outstretched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The precious egg teetered on an edge of the shrine, then it rolled off.\n\nAs if in slow motion the egg fell into Indy's hands, but the weight of it dropped his knuckles to the stone floor. A cracking sound echoed like thunder in the grotto, a sound that brought a groan of a different kind from Indy and Starbuck.\n\n\"It's broken!\" Starbuck shrieked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan wailed as though she was in pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dim light from the lamp, Indy saw the shell split in two places. Fluid leaked into his palms before the egg broke in half near its center. Bits of shell cascaded to the floor. Indy was left holding a sticky, squirming ball of rough skin and armor plate that was so heavy he moaned with effort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A nightmarish face arose from the ball of flesh he tried to grip in his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dark, reptilian eyes beheld him for a moment. A pair of knobs protruded above the eyes, two tiny horns in their earliest stage of formation. A single ivory-colored knob adorned the little creature's nose. Indy was struck immediately with how much it resembled a miniature rhinoceros." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joan gasped. \"It's a triceratops, and it's alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The creature made no sound. It stopped squirming in Indy's palms, moving its unsightly head toward the carbide light. Indy put it down gently on the grotto floor when Starbuck knelt beside it.\n\n\"A living fossil,\" Starbuck said with reverence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It isn't a dream any longer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The animal moved its short legs, testing them. In a moment of silence Granger groaned again, clasping both hands to his stomach.\n\nA second later the triceratops planted its rear legs underneath its body and raised up unsteadily, hindquarters in the air. Next, it came to its front feet, swaying a little until it was sure of its balance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And still it made no sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be damned,\" Indy whispered. \"Here's the last dinosaur on earth and it's looking at us like we're the ones who don't belong here.\" Indy took his hands away, wiping the sticky fluid clinging to his palms and fingers on the straw.\n\nGranger sat up, warning Indy to be ready for another round of flying fists." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at this thing, Granger,\" Indy said, coming to his knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you or anyone else believe something so spectacular is worthy of being stuffed in a taxidermy shop? This creature is a part of something much larger than any of us can comprehend. We can't run the risk of doing anything that might upset nature's peculiar balance here. Some freakish twist of fate allowed this triceratops to escape extinction in this exact spot. It simply can't be removed. The odds against its survival are too high.\"\n\nGranger struggled to his feet.\n\n\"Don't you think nature—or God, if you will—has some plan for this living, breathing anachronism? We can't kill it like we have killed other living things on the planet. I'm sure it would make one helluva hatband, Granger old boy, but it seems to me it's here for something more important.\"\n\nIndy got up cautiously, keeping an eye on Granger's hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Granger studied the baby dinosaur for several thoughtful seconds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The animal simply stood there watching as four humans stared back at it.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Granger said, taking a deep breath. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. \"I don't know what came over me. All I could think of was a lifetime of hardship with no reward.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No reward?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Granger, are you nuts?\"\n\n\"Normally, no.\"\n\n\"Think of the adventures we've had together,\" Indy said. \"How many other people can say they actually did something to make a difference in this world, instead of just going along with the crowd?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't put it in the bank,\" Granger complained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Friendship won't fit in a savings account either,\" Indy said, \"but I wouldn't trade your friendship for all the money in the world. I know you hate those funny guys in the orange robes, but what they say about money makes sense.\"\n\n\"Sorry I lost my head just now,\" Granger said.\n\nStarbuck distracted everyone by touching the dinosaur with the tip of a finger.\n\n\"He'll be getting hungry,\" Starbuck said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he spoke to one of the children outside the shrine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon, a willow basket full of colorful blossoms was brought to the shrine.\n\nStarbuck offered the baby one of the flowers.\n\nHe sniffed at it and then took it in his parrotlike beak, munching happily.\n\n\"He's eating,\" Starbuck said excitedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A noise startled Indy and the others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounded like the grunt of a baby pig. The tiny triceratops blew through oblong nostrils at the end of a somewhat pudgy nose, its pointed lip curling toward Starbuck's finger.\n\n\"He said hello to us,\" Starbuck joked.\n\nJoan knelt beside her father, staring at the baby with a look of utter fascination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Welcome to the twentieth century,\" she said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can't imagine how surprised we are to see you.\"\n\nIndy turned back to Granger. Granger extended a handshake.\n\n\"I'm truly sorry for the way I behaved, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy rubbed sore knuckles, then grinned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need to say any more. All I want is your word on one thing... we never reveal the location of this valley to anyone, until Professor Starbuck and Joan agree that the time has come to show the world our secret.\"\n\n\"Agreed,\" Granger promised.\n\nThey shook hands.\n\nLater, as Joan held the sleeping baby dinosaur in her arms, Indy sat down next to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's hard to imagine,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This little ball of horn and skin will eventually grow to be over thirty feet long and weigh eight tons. A real monster.\"\n\n\"Why, Sister\"—Indy grinned—\"you seem almost happy.\"\n\n\"I am,\" she said. \"For the first time in my life, I'm thinking of something besides myself. My father needs me, and this little thunder lizard needs me as well. Two out of three ain't bad.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had hoped you would round out this happy trinity.\"\n\nIndy was silent.\n\nShe placed a hand on his arm. Then she leaned over, carefully so as not to disturb the sleeping baby, and kissed him with as much passion as she could muster in so awkward a position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy closed his eyes and could feel the world slip away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay with me,\" she urged.\n\n\"It's tempting,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Then why not?\" she asked. \"You'll never find another paradise like this one. No war, no crime, no need to worry about money. Everything you could hope for is here—and more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is a paradise. And I think, in time, I could learn to forgive you for lying like a rug to me and Brody and Granger. Hell, who am I kidding? I already forgive you.\"\n\n\"Stay,\" she urged.\n\n\"I can't.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's too easy,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to forget all the hatred and disappointment that is in the world. But it would be just too damned comfortable. It feels wrong.\"\n\n\"What's so wrong about feeling good?\" Joan asked.\n\n\"Nothing, if that's where your destiny leads you,\" he said. \"But this isn't for me. My gut tells me I still have some things to do out there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you're still in love with—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alecia,\" Indy said.\n\nJoan looked away.\n\n\"But I'm going back to the world knowing that you were the good person I thought you were when I first met you,\" Indy said. \"Despite all that has happened on this journey, the cannibals and the privations, you have restored my faith in humanity. That is what I'm taking back with me. And the knowledge that you and your father are here, taking care of the past for the future.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll miss you,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll miss you, too,\" Indy said. \"But keep taking notes. Write that book. You owe it to the world. That's your destiny.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Max McCoy would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A desert wind blew hot and dry across Indy's sun-blistered skin. The crown of his hat was soaked with sweat and sand particles clung to his dampened neck and forearms. Loki trotted beside him, staying in his master's shadow to be out of direct sun.\n\nGranger walked beside them, the Mauser slung like a pole across his shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Off to the south a range of tall mountains purpled in haze stirred up by the mighty steppe winds blasting across the open flats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few stunted trees dotted the horizon here and there, offering scant shade for weary desert travelers. Indy knew that both he and Granger, and probably the dog, were too thirsty to go much farther. They had slung gourds filled with food and water over their shoulders before leaving the secret valley, but despite their best attempts at rationing, their supplies were now exhausted.\n\n\"Stop,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" Indy asked tiredly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Over there, Jones.\" Granger pointed. \"On that ridge to the south. It's about four hundred yards, but I think I saw antelope.\"\n\nIndy nodded.\n\n\"I'm going to attempt to bag it,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's worth a chance. We need meat, and we could drink the blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy made a face.\n\n\"You stay here,\" Granger said. \"I can't get close enough for a shot with you and the dog in tow. Why don't you go take a rest in the shade of that rock over there. And stay put, because I need to be able to find you when I get back.\"\n\n\"No problem,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can use the rest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy trudged over to the boulder and sat down with his back to the shady side. Loki followed and put his head on Indy's thigh, begging for affection.\n\n\"How're you doing?\" Indy asked the dog. \"Thirsty? So am I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dog panted happily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had waited in the shade of the rock for more than an hour when Loki growled.\n\n\"What is it, boy?\"\n\nThe dog looked back at Indy with concerned eyes, as if he understood. Then he growled again, hairs bristling along his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was sure they were back in the territory controlled by Tzen Khan, so why did Loki sense trouble?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or had Granger's memory failed and led them into a region ruled by some other warlord?\n\nLoki continued to growl.\n\nThe shepherd's good ear stood up, cocked in the direction of a sand dune a couple of hundred yards away. Indy trusted the dog's keen senses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something's behind that dune,\" Indy said to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood, took the revolver from his belt, and moved cautiously forward.\n\nWhen they had closed to within fifty feet of the top of the dune, Loki became hesitant. He whined softly, and looked at Indy with eyes that seemed to plead for them to go back.\n\n\"C'mon, Loki. Whatever's back there can't be all that bad. Tzi is dead, and that only leaves—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loki barked savagely when a distant figure rode over the top of the dune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A thick-chested Mongol atop a nervous chestnut stud halted his mount on the crest of the sand hill.\n\n\"That's General Tzi's stallion,\" Indy breathed. \"Only he's dead. It looks like Tzi's lieutenant. At least he's ugly enough to be.\"\n\nIndy knew Chang hadn't followed them just to be sociable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a challenge, a fight Chang wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy wondered why Chang would wait for another opportunity when he and the soldiers could have killed them at the ravine.\n\n\"I hope he came alone,\" Indy said.\n\nIndy strode forward, deciding that any sign of cowardice would be fatal. Loki struck a trot to stay beside him, growling softly, ear pricked forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The closer Indy came to the horse and rider, the surer he was of the Mongol's identity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chang had a carbine, and he rested the stock against one knee. He watched Indy approach without moving a muscle, holding his stud in check with a tight rein.\n\nIndy was well within rifle range, and still Chang sat his horse like granite.\n\n\"What in the devil is he up to?\" Indy asked Loki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they neared, Loki's growl became louder, a warning as plain as the dog could make it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's boots crossed a slab of sandstone where footing was better, then on to the next stretch of sugary sand.\n\nAt the crest of the dune Indy stopped, watching Chang carefully, ready for any sudden move he might make to shoulder his rifle. Chang remained stock-still, while a gust of dry wind blew sand away from his horse's fidgeting hooves. Indy cast a hurried glance around him, making sure they were alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jones!\" Chang shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where you hide big eggs?\"\n\nLoki snarled at the sound of Chang's voice.\n\n\"We don't have them.\"\n\n\"Tell me where is eggs or you die,\" Chang said, his face an unreadable stoic mask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One monk tell general about eggs before he die. Allergorhai-horhai eggs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We got hungry,\" Indy said, \"so we ate 'em.\"\n\nWere soldiers hidden behind the dune? When Tzi died, surely Chang became the army's leader. Or was Chang in the prehistoric egg business by himself, so that profits didn't have to be divided among his relatives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not funny,\" Chang said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not kidding,\" Indy said.\n\nA steady increase in westerly winds began to sweep bigger clouds of dust and sand across the plain. With a thick sand screen between them, Chang's aim might be off just enough to make him miss with a rifle.\n\n\"I kill unless you talk!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am talking. The eggs broke. It was an accident, so we ate what was inside. It tasted terrible. Tough as rubber. Like bad chicken.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now Chang's calm disappeared. He sent his horse forward in a walk, riding closer to Indy.\n\n\"Tell me, Jones, or I cut out your heart!\"\n\nWind blasted across the dune, driving sand into the air in billowing swirls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy's hat almost blew off his head until he tilted its brim into the gust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some people say I don't have a heart,\" Indy said. \"There's a woman in England who said my heart was made of stone.\"\n\nChang urged the chestnut farther down the sandy slope, but as he approached he was quickly surrounded by gritty clouds of pale dust. Wind gusted, howling across the tops of surrounding sand dunes, screaming through apertures in rock formations, kicking up more dirt particles and sand as it swept across the land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now! Indy thought as the chestnut horse edged a little closer, fighting against the storm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy lunged and grabbed the barrel of Chang's carbine and pulled him from the saddle. Chang's foot caught in the stirrup.\n\nThe horse took off down the dune, dragging them both. Indy would not release his grip on the rifle for fear that Chang would make good on his promise to shoot him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chestnut struck an awkward gallop through deep sand drifts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spits of windblown sand struck Indy's face and stung his eyes as he wrestled for the carbine. Chang pulled the trigger and the gun fired repeatedly. Although the barrel became hot, Indy would not let go.\n\nSuddenly Chang's boot was free of the stirrup, and they were both tumbling down the side of a sand dune." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy let go of the rifle, letting Chang spin away, while he grabbed his revolver and attempted a quick now-or-never shot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chang came to a stop and threw down on Indy.\n\nThe Webley's blast thundered above screeching winds, and Indy imagined he could hear the singsong flight of the bullet. Chang flew backward as the carbine cartwheeled from his hands.\n\nThe chestnut continued to run." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cannibal lieutenant landed on his back, and slid on a moving carpet of sand to the base of the dune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Loki barked his approval.\n\nSand peppered Indy's face until, as if by design, the wind died down enough to allow him to see Chang's body clearly.\n\n\"A lucky shot,\" Indy said to himself.\n\nA dark red stain was widening on the Mongol's chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy walked down the dune cautiously, making sure Chang was not moving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he was ten feet away he kept his revolver aimed in front of him.\n\nChang lay motionless, eyes closed, with blood streaming down his belly. Indy stood over him, casting a shadow across the spot where the Mongol had fallen. Blood seeped into the sand, disappearing when it trickled off Chang's ribs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His carbine lay a few feet away out of reach, a rusted Polish Karabin army rifle with its stock scarred by long use and neglect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Indy was satisfied that Chang was unconscious, he squatted down to check the body for any sign of a pulse. He reached for Chang's throat to touch a carotid artery.\n\nChang's eyes flew open—he made a grab for Indy's shirtfront and seized a fistful of fabric while his other hand formed a claw to scratch across Indy's face.\n\nFingernails tore into Indy's cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy leaped backward, wielding his gun like a club to strike Chang's jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The barrel of his Webley slammed into skin and bone with a dull thump, yet Indy was blinded by the Mongol's palm and he had only the sound and feel of his blow by which to judge the force of its impact. He heard a grunt as he fell back on his rump. At the same time Chang's fingers relaxed their ironlike grip on his cheeks and forehead.\n\nChang tumbled over on his side kicking, making a sound like a wounded animal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tiny fountain of red squirted by his right ear where a plug of skin dangled from his scalp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The front sight on Indy's .38 was bloody—a sliver of flesh dangled from it until he wiped it off on his pant leg.\n\nIndy scrambled to his feet breathing heavily and his heart was pounding like a drum. \"That was close,\" he wheezed, after taking stock of his condition. When he touched his face a trace of red smeared his fingers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chang cupped a brown palm over the hole above his ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fell silent and rolled over on his back. The look he gave Indy was one of pure hatred.\n\n\"The hot breath of Buddha save you, Jones,\" he gasped with a great deal of effort, pink foam bubbling from his lips, indicating a torn lung where Indy's bullet had pierced his chest. \"The Brilliant One spare your life by making wind blow....\" He coughed up a mouthful of blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You had your chance to leave it alone, Chang.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have egg of horhai. It belong to us.\"\n\nIndy pounded his fist in the sand.\n\n\"Why do all of you tough guys insist on ownership?\" he asked. Chang was dying and for some strange reason he wanted to explain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The egg hatched. The horhai lives.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chang blinked.\n\n\"Horhai lives?\" he asked, spitting blood down his chin when he spoke.\n\nIndy nodded. \"It lives,\" he said. \"If nothing goes wrong—and if nobody bothers them, the horhai may come back as a species. My friends are scientists and they know what they're doing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chang's eyes began to cloud with death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Enlightened One must want it to be,\" he said. Then he lifted his hand and regarded the blood on his fingers and palm. \"And this.\" Chang smiled.\n\n\"Next time,\" he said, \"I not follow False Lama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyelids fluttered closed, he coughed a final time, and he stopped breathing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a moment there was a rush of air from his mouth as his lungs emptied.\n\n\"I hope not,\" Indy whispered.\n\nHe got up and brushed the sand from his palms.\n\nThen he hesitated. He looked at the body, then at Loki, who was sniffing Chang's pant leg." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"C'mon, boy,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're not that hungry.\"\n\nLoki hesitated a moment, sniffed the wind, then followed Indy away from the dune. Even before they had returned to the boulder, the wind began to scour away their footprints and other signs of the desperate struggle.\n\nLoki put his nose in the air and began to bark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cranking over the dunes was the most curious contraption Indy had ever seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the expedition's third truck, the one that had been left behind at Kalgan, only it was being pulled by a team of horses.\n\nThe windshield had been knocked out and Wu Han sat in the driver's seat, but instead of a steering wheel, he had a pair of reins in his hands. The back of the truck was piled high with supplies.\n\nGranger sat in the passenger seat, laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the hood of the truck was an antelope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Jones!\" Wu Han called through the vacant windshield. \"At last I have found you, after searching the length and breadth of the Gobi. I told you to count on me!\"\n\n\"Wu Han,\" Indy breathed. \"What have you done to our truck?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, but this is what the blacksmith had in mind when he said he could fix it,\" Wu Han said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope you aren't angry. It is slow, but reliable.\"\n\n\"I'm not angry, Wu Han,\" Indy said. \"I'm just glad to see you. And you're right—you did come through when we needed you. Now we can ride back in comfort, even if our truck only has two horsepower instead of a hundred.\"\n\nGranger handed Indy a canteen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy poured some water out in the palm of his hand and let Loki lap it up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he took a long drink himself.\n\n\"Where's Sister Joan?\" Wu Han asked.\n\n\"Heaven,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Wu Han replied, his head bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's with her father, which is what she wanted all along.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Wu Han said. \"I can understand that.\"\n\nIndy took the expedition flag from his pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wu Han found a long pole, and together they mounted it over the cab of the truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It unfurled and snapped in the wind.\n\n\"There,\" Indy said. \"What do you think?\"\n\n\"Well,\" Granger remarked as he leaned against the truck, \"it's not what I had in mind, but it will do. A fitting end to the most backward expedition I've ever seen. Instead of bringing things out of the Gobi, we saw how much we could leave here.\"\n\nAn oasis beckoned at the bottom of a shallow valley, emerald green against brown sandstone on an arid plain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A Mongol warrior on a dappled gray pony approached Indy from a rock formation overlooking Khan's village of yurts, a lookout posted nearby to prevent a surprise attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy halted the team, awaiting permission to drive down to speak with Khan. The sentry galloped up and reined down hard in a cloud of dust. The Mongol was short, wiry, with a long scar down his cheek and traces of pockmarks on his skin, a survivor of the smallpox outbreak. Indy thought he remembered seeing this man with Khan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are Dr. Jones,\" he said in halting English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He carried a very old Mosin Russian rifle, which he lowered in surprise as soon as he saw Loki. The dog was trotting beside the truck.\n\n\"We are here to pay our respects to the Great Khan,\" Indy said. \"I have news of the death of General Tzi and the destruction of the False Lama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have heard,\" the sentry said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The exalted Tzen Khan is in the desert asking Buddha to show him nirvana, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no desire. He seeks a vision. He still grieves for his family.\"\n\nAgain the sentry's gaze fell on Loki.\n\n\"This is your dog?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is the one who saved us from General Tzi and his band of dogs and cannibals.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wonderful!\" the sentry said.\n\n\"I'm glad you're pleased,\" Indy said, somewhat confused.\n\nThe Mongol grinned. \"Khan will be very grateful for this wonderful news. More than anything, for the safe and unexpected return of his friend.\"\n\n\"I'm glad to be here,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me where I can find him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In the desert to the north. There is a holy mountain where Khan goes to pray. You can see it in the distance if you look closely with your heart.\"\n\nHe pointed.\n\nIndy saw the faint outline of a bald mountain on the horizon despite the blowing sand clouds, which had become their ever-present companion.\n\n\"Come with me,\" the sentry said, wheeling his gray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am called Turi, and if you wish I will take you to our camp, then give you a horse so you can visit Khan at the sacred place.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy flicked the reins and the horse-drawn truck followed, with Loki running behind.\n\n\"Do you Mongols go everywhere at a full gallop?\" Indy shouted, holding on to his hat.\n\n\"Life is short!\" Turi shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The desert is vast. You go slow, you see little. You go fast, you see much!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where did you learn to speak such good English?\"\n\n\"American missionaries came to Urga when I was a boy, before the Communists drove them out,\" Turi said. \"The father of Tzen Khan sent us both there for learning.\"\n\nThey drove down to a spring pool surrounded by rocks and a few stunted trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dozens of tents had been erected around the pool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curious villagers came out to watch them ride in. Some pointed to Loki and began talking excitedly among themselves.\n\nTuri shouted to a tribesman. Moments later a group of women hurried from one of the tents carrying clay vessels of water and bowls of smoked goat meat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was offered a jar of dark red wine, which he politely declined while a young Mongol boy came to the pool leading a bridled bay gelding bearing a typical Mongolian wood saddle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy ate goat meat while Loki ate his fill as well.\n\n\"Take care of the team,\" he told Wu Han. \"Granger, are you coming with me?\"\n\n\"No, Jones, I think not,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You and Khan seem to have some sort of spiritual bond which I don't pretend to understand. I will just stay here and grow fat on goat's milk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Suit yourself,\" Indy said, taking the reins on his borrowed bay. \"Can we leave, Turi? I'd like to get there before sundown.\"\n\n\"I understand, Dr. Jones,\" Turi said. \"You wish to make Khan happy so that his long quest for inner peace may end.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turi swung up on his dappled pony, then shouted something in his native dialect to villagers standing near the pool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cheer went up all around the village.\n\n\"What did you tell them?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I told them that you and Loki are responsible for the death of Tzi and the False One. Perhaps now there will be less fighting between us.\"\n\nIndy mounted and looked down at Loki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Coming?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know your paws are sore and this would be a good place for a rest. You can stay if you'd like.\"\n\n\"Jones, you've gone insane,\" Granger shouted. \"You think that dog can understand you?\"\n\nLoki barked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy couldn't help but grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This one does,\" he replied.\n\nThe mountain loomed above the desert floor, a craggy mass of huge sandstone slabs tilted oddly, as though the earth beneath it was slightly out of kilter when volcanic forces pushed it through to the surface. Indy looked over his shoulder to watch dust from Turi's horse boil into a cloudless evening sky as he rode back to his village.\n\nNear sunset the fierce desert winds died, leaving empty land around the mountain as still as quiet water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy rode slowly to the base of a steep slope, where he got down, leaving his pony to graze on short, sun-curled grass between piles of rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was then that he noticed Loki's strange behavior. The Alsatian looked up at the mountain and began to whimper. It was a sound almost akin to human crying, unlike any noise the dog had ever made before.\n\n\"You know who's up there?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loki turned his pale blue eyes on Indy, and the moment Indy saw them he knew instinctively that they did not belong to an animal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The question is,\" Indy whispered, \"who are you?\"\n\nLoki stared at him a moment longer then he started up the mountain alone. Indy stood there until he realized he was being left behind, and he began to scramble up the rocks.\n\nHalf an hour was needed to approach the peak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loki limped badly near the top, winding his way between boulders, appearing again on barren slabs of stone with Indy close on his heels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A silence gripped the mountaintop, only the sounds of Indy's boots interrupting the quiet. Almost out of breath, Indy gave the last few yards every ounce of determination he possessed, until he came out on a flat spot overlooking miles of desert in every direction.\n\nOn the far side of the plateau a figure in a flowing robe stood with his face to the sky, palms outstretched. Even when he was imploring the All-Powerful for mercy, Khan cut a figure of nobility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy hurried toward him, but it was Loki who found new energy, breaking into a run across the plateau until he reached Khan's side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Khan turned suddenly, startled. He saw Indy, then he looked down at the animal near his feet. He slowly lowered his hands to his sides.\n\nIndy walked over, reading Khan's expression as he stumbled to a halt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't believe you expected to see us again,\" he said quietly, out of breath after the difficult climb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Khan shook his head as he knelt down.\n\n\"No,\" he said in a distant voice, reaching for Loki's nose.\n\nLoki licked Khan's hand gently, but he made no sound.\n\n\"Buddha's first great truth is that life is suffering,\" Khan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had climbed this mountain seeking understanding of that truth, to shoulder my great sorrow. And now I find that the universe is laughing with joy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean by that?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"You have returned my best friend to me.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"The dog,\" Khan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has always been my best friend, during several lives. The Buddha reincarnated him as a dog for this one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But—\"\n\n\"Tzi cut off his ear and sent it to me,\" Khan said. \"I feared that he was dead. But I see now that Tzi attempted to make him a part of the dog pack, to force him to eat human flesh or starve.\"\n\n\"It didn't work,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course not,\" Khan said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A spirit as great as Zolo's cannot be broken by torture.\"\n\n\"This is hard to believe,\" Indy said. \"I was sort of hoping to keep the dog for my own.\"\n\nKhan laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You would be better hoping to own the wind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So this dog is the reincarnation of your old buddy—what's his name, Zolo?—that has been at your side for several thousand years, that's what you're trying to tell me?\"\n\n\"I can only tell you this, Marco Polo/Indiana Jones. There are things in this world we do not always understand. As mortals, we can only know what a mortal can know.\"\n\nKhan fixed his gaze on Indy.\n\n\"This is not a dog, nor can I explain what he is. It is written that only a Lama can see true enlightenment. Buddha reveals all knowledge of what lies beyond only to those who take his vows. This will be very hard for you to believe; however, I can only tell you that this animal is much more than what he seems. He is the embodiment of an ally and friend, long-dead and yet unborn, a place of habitation for a man's soul.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy hesitated a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe,\" he said sadly, \"that there is something special about this dog. If you say that he is your friend, then I am glad that you are reunited.\"\n\nKhan smiled.\n\n\"You are very wise for one who does not know the path to enlightenment.\"\n\nKhan touched the top of Loki's head affectionately and said something in a foreign tongue Indy did not understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loki rested on his haunches, watching Khan's face intently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He saved my life,\" Indy said. \"He killed Tzi.\"\n\nKhan's smile widened.\n\n\"He has avenged the death of my family well,\" Khan said. \"Of course, the False One is dead as well if this is so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Splendid. I hope he suffered.\"\n\n\"Khan,\" Indy said. \"I am somewhat attached to this dog. I will miss him, but this is where he belongs, and I guess I've known that all along.\"\n\nKhan came to his feet and embraced Indy.\n\n\"You are indeed a good friend. You have saved many of my people from smallpox, and now you return with my closest companion. I must find a way to repay you for all of your kindness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You owe me nothing,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nonsense,\" Khan said.\n\n\"What we found in the desert was payment enough.\"\n\n\"You found what you were looking for?\"\n\n\"And more,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to the sunset." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should be going,\" Indy said. \"My friend in New York anxiously awaits word. Unfortunately, we do not have the excellent system of water-hole telegraph.\"\n\nHe reached down and gave Loki a scratch behind his ear.\n\n\"So long, partner. We had our share of close calls. Thanks for warning me about Chang, and thanks for what you did when Tzi found us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shepherd panted in response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait,\" Khan said.\n\nHe opened his robe and drew out a dagger with a strangely curved blade. The handle sparkled with brilliant jewels, rubies and emeralds and sapphires.\n\n\"This is the knife of Genghis Khan,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has been handed down in my family for many generations. Let this be a symbol of our friendship for as long as we both shall live—and beyond!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Khan extended the knife in both hands.\n\n\"I can't accept it,\" Indy protested. \"It must be worth a fortune.\"\n\n\"Bah!\" Khan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"True worth is measured in the hearts of one's friends. Take it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy allowed Khan to place the knife handle in his palm. It was then he saw etchings on the blade, a map of sorts and an inscription, difficult to read in fading sunlight.\n\n\"What are these markings?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"A secret,\" Khan said, \"that even I cannot decipher. This knife was said to be old even in the Great Khan's time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face turned grave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you read it, Indiana Jones?\"\n\n\"Perhaps with some work,\" Indy said. \"These characters appear to be the name of Qin-Shi-Huang, the first emperor of China. I know very little—nobody does, really—other than that his tomb is reputed to be a scale model of the universe, with jewels portraying the constellations and constantly flowing streams of mercury representing the rivers.\"\n\n\"Now you play upon my disbelief,\" Khan said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that's the story,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't say it was true. Thank you for such a beautiful gift. It will remain one of my prized possessions.\"\n\nIndy tucked the knife in his belt.\n\n\"Farewell,\" Khan said. \"May your journey be safe—but not too safe. That would be boring!\"\n\nIndy smiled. \"I could stand to be bored for a while.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then, may you find peace.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Khan gazed across the desert as purple shadows formed below rocks and sand dunes. \"Inner peace comes from the mind,\" he said knowingly. \"It has no special place, no special time. Buddha has granted all men the opportunity to find peace. So few know where to look for nirvana. It lives within the minds of men.\"\n\nIndy stuck out his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See you next time around,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good-bye, Indiana Jones,\" Khan said. \"And be careful of what you go in search of—you just might find it.\"\n\nThey shook, and Indy gave Loki one last pat on the head. Then he left and did not look back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three weeks later the horse-drawn truck rolled into Kalgan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They sold the contraption to the blacksmith, then used the money to buy passage on the train to Shanghai. While they waited to board the train, Indy prepared a cable for Brody. It read:\n\nMARCUS BRODY\n\nC/O AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY" }, { "from": "human", "value": "NEW YORK CITY" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "FOUND STARBUCK STOP LOST PARADISE STOP WIRE MONEY TO CATHAY HOTEL SHANGHAI STOP JONES STOP END\n\nThey boarded the train at Kalgan, leaving the Shen Shei peaks behind. The pounding of the steam locomotive seemed to ease Indy back toward the twentieth century.\n\n\"Well, Jones,\" Granger said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you suppose the world will ever know? Or will Starbuck and his daughter simply become lost in the mists of time?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't say that I would blame them,\" Indy said, looking out the window at a truck convoy of Chinese troops with bristling bayonets, waiting for the train to pass. \"And I wonder if we aren't the ones lost in time, hurtling forward with all the sound and fury of a dive-bomber.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Off the coast of Denmark" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "December 31,1933\n\nThe U-357 had torn open her starboard ballast tanks while attempting to put into a narrow fjord where an unmarked truck waited to take the Crystal Skull to Berlin.\n\nDriven by the fear of ripping open her pressure hull on the jagged rocks, the captain of the U-357 had limped her back out to sea, but had discovered too late the true extent of the damage to the ballast tanks. The air trapped in the recesses of her starboard tank provided enough buoyancy to maintain the boat in the shallow fjord, but as more water and pressure built above her decks in the open sea, the critical balance between floating and sinking had been lost in a fraction of a second." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite the best efforts of her electric motors to drive the boat back to the surface, the U-357 had yielded to the inevitable embrace of the deep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had gone down bow-first in a hundred and twenty feet of water and, without the use of the starboard tank, had been unable to regain positive buoyancy. There had not been time to trail a long wire, the underwater antenna needed to communicate at depth, so the location of her final resting place remained a mystery to Berlin. Even the jack-booted men who waited in the truck were unsure of her location, since she had entered the fjord submerged and under radio silence. The time and coordinates of the transfer had been established days before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her crew had no choice but to brace themselves for a white-knuckled ride of no return as the submarine slid deeper and deeper into the freezing waters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When her bow finally snubbed against the bottom, flooding the forward torpedo room but leaving the rest of the hull uncompromised, a spontaneous cheer had erupted from the crew. It was not for any hope of rescue—each and every man knew the boat was beyond hope—but from a sense of relief. They would eventually suffocate, choking on the poison expelled from their own lungs, instead of drowning. They spent the time waiting playing cards, reading, or writing a last letter to families that would never read it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indiana Jones found the submarine at the coordinates Belloq had provided, although he had not expected the boat to be perched on a shelf overlooking a five-hundred-foot drop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq had not volunteered to Indy how he knew the location of the missing submarine when Berlin did not, or why he had chosen to share this information. The latter, Indy suspected, had to do with the Nazi's treatment of Belloq— Bellosh!—as an employee. But whatever his reason, Indy didn't care. The important thing was that the Crystal Skull was again tantalizingly within his reach, if not quite within his grasp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But soon, Indy told himself as the brass diving helmet was bolted into place over the breastplate of the nylon diving suit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon. Then he stepped off with his lead boots into the freezing waters and began his descent.\n\nHe landed almost on the deck of the U-357, thanks to good soundings by the crew of the French salvage ship Jules Verne. Although he had done some hard-hat diving before, he had never attempted such a deep or a cold dive. His breath was coming in gasps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He forced himself to gain control before proceeding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Walking across the bottom of the ocean in comical, exaggerated steps, Indy made his way to the bow of the submarine and entered the torpedo room through the gap in her hull. He was careful not to snag his air lines on the jagged edges, and he pulled plenty of slack in with him in order to be able to move freely inside.\n\nHe snapped on the diving lamp at his belt.\n\nHe took a wrench from his belt and laboriously turned the mechanism in the center of the pressure door between the torpedo room and the rest of the boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Air bubbles—the last air the crew had breathed—streamed from the perimeter of the door as the interior equalized to ambient water pressure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could also feel a groan shake the boat from stem to stern as her weight shifted.\n\nThe door opened freely on its hinges.\n\nIndy stepped awkwardly through the bulkhead and proceeded down the hall. There was plenty of paper and trash floating in the clear, cold water, but no sign of a yellow canister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy proceeded to the officers' quarters, a few yards down the hall, and opened the cabin door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kroeger floated out of the cabin like a ghost, his arms extended toward Indy, his blond hair washing back and forth over his perfect forehead.\n\nIndy jumped, hitting the back of his head against the diving helmet. Instinctively he put his gloved hand up to the helmet in an attempt to rub the sore spot, but of course he couldn't.\n\nIndy pulled Kroeger's body out of the doorway, then took the diving lamp from inside his belt and shone it over the interior of the cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time was running short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crew of the Jules Verne had said that at this depth, Indy would have only about fifteen minutes to search the wreck. If he ignored that time limit, he would risk the bends. Indy was about to leave the officers' quarters when a thought occurred to him.\n\nHe shone the light upward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yellow canister floated against the ceiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy tugged the canister down and placed it beneath his arm, then began to trudge back down the corridor the way he had come. Even though his arms and legs were freezing, inside the diving helmet sweat rolled from Indy's forehead and dripped into his eyes.\n\nHe had almost made it to the torpedo-room bulkhead when he felt the deck shift beneath his feet. Suddenly the hallway had tipped over on its side as the U-3S7 rolled to port and inched a little farther over the shelf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was difficult to walk against the curved interior of the pressure hull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stumbled over the pipes and other equipment that were secured to the wall. So he tried swimming. That didn't work, because of the lead boots. He could kick, but he didn't get anywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, he grasped his air line and began to haul himself along toward the bow with his right hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His left arm was fighting the buoyant yellow canister.\n\nAs he squeezed through the bulkhead door the boat shuddered and began to fall backward over the cliff. Indy lost his hold on the canister, which became entangled in the mass of pipes and fittings in the torpedo room.\n\nDesperately, he pulled himself through the torpedo room and out of the gash in the hull." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bow of the U-357 scooted along the bottom toward the abyss, threatening to suction Indy down with it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy jerked frantically on the lifeline to signal the crew to haul him up.\n\nOn the deck of the Jules Verne, the crew removed Indy's helmet. Behind him, the pump used to force air down the line spun to a stop.\n\n\"What happened?\" the dive master asked, a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had it under my arm and then the submarine shifted and started to go over the edge. I had to let go of it and get out.\"\n\n\"That is the way with wrecks,\" the dive master said. \"Opening, closing hatches, shifting weight, you never know what will happen. But at least you made it out alive, monsieur.\"\n\nIndy looked up as the other members of the crew rushed to the side and pointed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the U-357 reached the end of her long plunge to the seafloor beneath the shelf, her hull had buckled and broken in two, freeing all manner of buoyant debris: hats, clothing, unused life vests, tins of food." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look!\" Indy shouted.\n\nA yellow canister had popped to the surface and was bobbing happily among the waves.\n\n\"Bring us around,\" Indy said. \"Let's haul it in.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Martin Caidin.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of Martin Caidin.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a Martin Caidin sorta thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three thousand feet above the rugged gullies and thick woodlands of the New Forest of southern England, wind blowing her bright red hair in a swirling billow, Gale Parker yanked back the throttle of the little training plane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soft ticking of the engine at idle and wind sighing through wings and wires enabled conversation between the front and aft cockpits.\n\nIndiana Jones, startled by the unexpected quiet instead of the engine roar that had become so comforting at this height, glared at the redhead as she turned to look back at him. Before she could speak, he pounded his fist against the cockpit padding.\n\n\"Turn it back on!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he shouted. He watched the nose drop below the horizon as they slid off into a downward glide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't like it. He wanted to hear that engine, feel its vibrations, smell the exhaust. That was comforting; this was ridiculous.\n\nGale laughed at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not to worry, Indy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she called back. \"I have to talk with you.\"\n\n\"Talk to me on the ground!\" he yelled. His eyes widened as the high trees began to expand in size as the airplane kept drifting downward.\n\n\"This is only your first lesson!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she called back. A wing dipped down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gripped the sides of the cockpit with white knuckles as Gale righted their little craft with a smooth motion. \"Are you sure you want the aerobatics?\" she asked, the wind thinning her voice.\n\n\"Yes, yes!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want to waste time like this! For God's sake, start up the engine!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's running, it's running,\" she scolded him. \"It's idling. One of the things you have to learn. Indy, I'd rather we went into this easily.\"\n\n\"The words!\" he demanded, shouting louder. \"Stop talking like a woman and start flying like a pilot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled, teeth white in the afternoon sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever pleases you, ducks!\" she called merrily. She turned around, then back again. \"Remember, Indy! Keep your hands on the controls and follow through with me. Got it?\"\n\nHe gripped the stick and planted both feet on the rudder pedals. \"Got it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go with me, but don't fight me on the controls!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't, blast it!\" he shouted angrily. \"Just fly!\"\n\nHe felt the throttle knob move forward under his left hand. Immediately the engine roared fully to life and the nose came back to level." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her voice drifted back to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, luv! Here we go! Like you say, no holds barred!\"\n\nThe nose dropped sharply. They seemed to be diving straight for the trees. The wind howled about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was she crazy? What was she doing.now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stick in his right hand pulled back sharply toward him with a force so great he felt a brief pain in his wrist. Abruptly the trees before him fell away and blue sky and white clouds were everywhere. He felt as if an elephant had suddenly sat on his chest and head and arms. His feet were leaden as Gale hauled back into a tight inside loop, the airplane rushing upward, continuing over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through the upward climb, the centrifugal force, what these lunatic pilots called g-forces, mashed him down in his seat, hung his lower lip low, and sagged sudden bags under his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pressure was gone; now he was hanging upside down. He was falling out of the airplane! No, he wasn't! His seat belt and shoulder harness supported his weight or he would have tumbled out of the cockpit. His stomach sent him a warning complaint, the engine roar abruptly ceased, the stick moved forward, then hard back again, and the wind's shriek increased rapidly as they hurtled downward in a wide soaring plunge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to focus on the controls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gritted his teeth, determined to be the best student the lithe redhead had ever flown with. They pulled out into level flight, Gale advanced the throttle, the engine thunder comforted him, and without warning he felt the left rudder pedal slamming down. The right pedal came back and shoved his leg back and his right knee up, and in the same movement the stick slammed back against his body.\n\nGale whipped the trainer into a wild snaproll, hurling the aircraft forward through a gyrating, twisting maneuver that made mush out of the horizon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy could see only a blur of sky, clouds, and trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had no idea where he was and what he was doing as Gale followed up with another snaproll, then eased level.\n\nAgain she pulled the power back to idle and twisted in her seat to look at him. \"How you doing, ducks?\" she called.\n\nHe swallowed a bitter taste in his mouth, felt his heart trying to jump from his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tasted blood where he'd bitten his own tongue, but still he managed to offer her a smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale recognized the signs; Indy's grin was more that of a death's-head than of someone having a good time.\n\nHe thought he heard her call out something like \"hammerhead\" before the advancing throttle drowned out her words. \"Hammerhead?\" What did a shark have to do with this? \"Uhhhh.\" He realized the sound was dribbling from his own mouth as she hauled back again on the stick; they were going straight up now, and—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're too slow!\" he was shouting uselessly beneath the storm of sound from engine and wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The airplane went straight up, almost hanging on its propeller. As the speed fell away he felt it vibrate and tremble, and he knew they were going to fall out of control. The whole frame shuddered, and abruptly that left rudder slammed down again, the stick banged to the side, and the airplane went into a perfect rolling half cartwheel through its hammerhead maneuver.\n\nGale went straight up and straight down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She flew knife-edged maneuvers so that the wings were vertical to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She rolled and jackknifed, whirled, hauled up into a steep climb, chopped the power, and slammed down on left rudder.\n\nThe world went mad as they whipped into a tight tail-spin. He couldn't believe the scene before him. Over the red hair whipping in the wind and the blur of the propeller, the world rotated madly as they went straight down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that was impossible!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced himself to think through the cotton he felt being stuffed into his head. He knew his stomach was about to revolt, but through it all he realized he was seeing an optical illusion. It wasn't the world whipping about; it was them.\n\nGale kicked right rudder, shoved the stick forward, and the rotation stopped with a jolt that banged Indy's head on the side of the cockpit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again they were level." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale turned to see a greenish pallor across Indy's face. She knew the signs. \"Oh, no!\" she called aloud to herself. Immediately she crossed the controls—barely in time as Indy hung his head and shoulders over the edge of his cockpit and offered up everything he'd eaten the last day to the world far below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt ghastly. He fumbled for a handkerchief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt as if he were drooling. His stomach was still upside down and he knew his eyes were crossing. But since he'd thrown up, he felt better, and—\n\nThe dry heaves hit next, and again he was hanging over the cockpit, hating the moaning sounds that rumbled up through his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had nothing left to offer the wind, but his body muscles still spasmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally he just hung along the cockpit edge in an imitation of a wet rag, looking straight down at the thick woods below. They were still over the New Forest, and through the yellow haze before his eyes he recognized the buildings and hamlet of St. Brendan Glen.\n\nHis senses took over swiftly. Something was terribly wrong beneath them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In that moment his unease fled, his stomach behaved, his mind went back to work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flashes of light pierced the high tree canopy, then bursts of red flame slivered upward. He stared down in disbelief. Those were concussion waves rippling along the treetops! That was Caitlin St. Brendan's home down there!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her village... and it was being torn with explosions and spreading flames." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy banged his fist against the side of the airplane. Gale turned, grinning. Her smile vanished as she saw the distressed look on his face. As loudly as he could, he shouted to her, \"Kill the power!\" She rolled level, yanked the throttle back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed to the ground. \"Caitlin!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gale, look down there! Those are explosions!\"\n\nThick smoke was already flowing across the trees. \"Oh, no,\" Gale murmured. \"We've got to get there right away!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she called back. \"Hang on, Indy! We'll be on the ground in ten minutes!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first time he didn't mind the wild curving power dive as she went at full speed for the grass airfield on Salisbury Plain. He couldn't miss the sound of desperation in Gale's voice. Down below, in the heavily wooded St. Brendan Glen, were Gale's closest, lifelong friends. Especially Caitlin, more than a friend, closer than a sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A soul mate. Something horrible was happening beneath those trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was much too familiar with the flash detonation of powerful explosives and the outward-spreading ring of concussion waves not to realize that the remote hamlet was being ravaged by unknown assailants for some inexplicable reason.\n\nIndy slipped lower in his seat, away from the wind that now shrieked past the little airplane in its reckless dive for a landing. A deep sigh went through his body. He had waited for months to break away from the demands of not one, but two universities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Albeit grudgingly, he had been given a sabbatical from Princeton as well as London University, and only days into his long-delayed freedom, he knew that whatever was going on below them in the New Forest was about to destroy any quiet in his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had the feeling he was going to miss the tedium of the classroom.\n\nOn the ground, feet planted solidly within ivy-bedecked walls, Indy lived a life far removed from that of an explorer and adventuring archaeologist whose well-being, to say nothing of his survival, depended so often on his knowledge of local customs and language, his quick wit, and the physical prowess of a man as skilled at mountain climbing as he was at skiing across desolate arctic wastes.\n\nHis other, adventurous life was aided in no small degree by his skill with the powerful bullwhip and Webley .44-caliber revolver he was forced to use when his closest companion was imminent death.\n\nBut to the academic world he was Professor Henry Jones, learned teacher of medieval literature at Princeton University, a tall man of bookish habits in coarse tweeds, who peered owlishly through wire-rim glasses at his students." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those students, and the Princeton faculty, never knew when Professor Jones would appear on schedule to minister to the young minds awaiting him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Princeton had a special relationship with Sir William Pencroft, the crusty, wheelchair-bound chairman of the Department of Archaeology of London University. That relationship enabled Pencroft to call upon Princeton for Professor Jones's services for field research in hostile lands.\n\nJones's extraordinary skills in ancient languages were renowned throughout the world of archaeological studies. He delved into the past with an almost casual air, as much at home among ancient ruins as he was in the classroom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His research and investigations had taken him across Europe, through the United States, down to the diamond mines of South Africa, and to Asian cultures still not known to ethnographers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In every respect Professor Jones, known in the field as Indiana Jones, a name he far preferred to his scholastic title, was a time-travel detective. Ancient languages, artifacts, long-forgotten cities came alive for him, and it was these skills that Sir William judged invaluable.\n\nBut Indy could not be all things. Through the years he had tried time and again to learn to fly an airplane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This ability would shrink distances for him, open new vistas, and gain him many hours otherwise lost in tedious surface transport." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a recent adventure during which he had pursued a criminal group bent on gaining international economic, industrial, and military strength, he had traveled in a rugged, ugly three-engined beast of an airplane not only in Europe and the United States, but also across the Atlantic Ocean. His time in the Ford Trimotor, which he helped navigate and had even taken the controls of for brief periods, only hardened his determination to become a pilot in his own right.\n\nAs a result of this desire, he now found himself several thousand feet above the rugged gullies and thickly covered landscape of the New Forest of southern England, flying from a grass airstrip on the Salisbury Plain. Never had he thought his instructor would be a woman!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had enormous confidence in the fiery redhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been aloft since she was a young teenager and had flown gliders; since then she had progressed to everything from small seaplanes to heavy airliners.\n\nGale Parker had become in many ways his partner in their recent adventure—misadventure, he corrected himself—across continents and oceans. This in itself was a drastic departure for Indy, who preferred to operate on his own, without having to care for and protect other people. However, the more time he spent with this woman, keen-minded and swift in her reactions, the greater was his respect for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had met in the New Forest, by accident, when each was stalking the same wild boar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy used a powerful bow and arrow, she a crossbow of her own design and making. A slight rustle in the bush brought her about faster than he believed possible; then a bolt hurtled away and the animal fell with a steel shaft through its brain.\n\nShe fascinated him. He studied her features carefully and then he caught her by surprise. \"Your name—\"\n\n\"Gale Parker.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That isn't your name,\" he said coolly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh?\" An eyebrow went up; she tilted her head to study this stranger for whom she had an instant liking. There was something special about this man, a self-confidence evident in every move he made. And his eyes! They seemed, even in the brief time since they nearly collided in the thick glen, to miss nothing. They were piercing, knowing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then tell me, stranger—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jones. Indiana Jones.\"\n\n\"A strange name, indeed.\"\n\n\"But not as strange as yours.\" He laughed.\n\n\"Why,\" she asked slowly, \"do you deny me my name?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because it is English, and you have blood in you that is not from this land.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are perceptive.\"\n\nHe shrugged, waiting.\n\nShe amazed herself by telling him, \"I am Mirna Abi Khalil. My father's name.\"\n\n\"Bedouin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A ruler. A bloodline unbroken for hundreds of years.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He studied her carefully. \"But your mother—\"\n\n\"Sybil Saunders.\" She gestured in a wide sweep of her arm. \"This is her home, and her own bloodline, too, has been unbroken for more than a thousand years here in the New Forest. She is of the early Wicca.\"\n\nShe watched his face, waiting for whatever expression might reveal his thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She saw recognition and respect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded slowly. \"The ancient religion,\" he said. \"Then it must be your mother who had you change your name to Gale Parker.\"\n\n\"A witch's family has its problems in today's world.\"\n\n\"Agreed,\" he acknowledged. He looked about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And this, the New Forest, is your home?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was raised here. Except for four years, which I spent in Germany with cousins. Hard schooling, flying gliders, learning different languages. I returned when I was eighteen. To here, my true home. That of my family.\"\n\n\"You don't live in the woods,\" he said, again studying her.\n\n\"Oh?\" her smile was mocking. \"Then pray tell me where do I live?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where you are with friends, the comforts are all about you, the food is wonderful, and you commune with nature, and\"—he paused, locking his gaze with hers—\"what lies beyond everyday vision of nature.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You do not tread lightly.\"\n\n\"No need to,\" he replied easily. \"I understand. I have been here before. With the Romanies—\"\n\n\"They care little for outsiders,\" she warned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said I have been with them, joined their campfires, learned their names, shared their friendship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remarkable for—\" Her eyes widened and she stabbed a finger at Indy. \"I know you!\" She corrected herself quickly with a sudden shake of her head, her bright red hair swirling like a lovely mist about her face. \"I mean, I know of you! You're the professor bloke from America—\" Again she shook her head as if to force belief into her mind. \"You were with the giants at Stonehenge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From what I hear, you did not interfere, with your presence, I mean, with the Dance of a Hundred Years.\"\n\n\"You are right. I did not interfere,\" he said, more stiffly than he liked. \"And yes, I was finally accepted.\"\n\n\"Then it's a handshake between us that's called for!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They clasped hands. \"I'll give you some help with that boar.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You would share the kill with me?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" he said. \"I'd be very pleased to.\"\n\n\"Then we eat here,\" she announced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look about you, Indiana Jones. Darkness settles about us, a fog that would make our way through these thick bushes and the gullies and ravines almost impossible. In the dark, the gorse bushes would tear our clothes to shreds. No. We will cut what we need from the animal, build a fire, eat as people ate here a thousand, even five thousand years ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled, creating a devastating warmth in the settling gloom. \"I promise a hearty and delicious meal.\"\n\nHe bowed in deference to ancient courtesy, then eased the pack from his back. \"I travel prepared,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which means?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He placed shakers of salt and pepper on a leather sheet. \"Red wine and a loaf of bread,\" he announced. \"And if you like, some cheese.\"\n\n\"A feast!\" she cried, clapping her hands. \"Wonderful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hand dropped to his holster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faster than her eyes could follow, the Webley was in his hands, hammer cocked back for instant firing.\n\n\"What would you shoot, my American friend?\"\n\n\"I heard something moving in those bushes.\" He pointed. \"If it's the mate to this boar, we could be hurt badly before we have time to react.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" she said with deceptive calm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no need. What you heard, the bushes rustling, no doubt were noises made by those who will share our kill.\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\nHer laugh was the tinkling of silver bells. \"Why, the people of the forest night, of course. We have always shared with them. Put away your weapon. They are friends. And what you heard was the carving of the boar. The finest meat will be left for us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The people of the forest night?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he repeated, his study of her expression piercing. \"Would they also be known as the little people?\"\n\n\"Perhaps.\"\n\n\"You're being something of a pixie yourself, Gale Parker.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you start the fire, please? You ask so many questions!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No food tasted better, the flavor of the boar heightened by the seasonings and wine he always carried on such treks. When they were done, she gathered ferns and moss. \"We will sleep here tonight. Soon you will be unable to keep your eyes open, my new friend, and you will sleep deeply, indeed.\"\n\n\"What makes you so sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked, yawning. He was sleepy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The spell, of course.\"\n\nHe could barely keep his eyes open. \"Spell?\"\n\n\"You are accepted. We have nothing to fear. The little people will tend to our safety.\"\n\n\"That's ridicu...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had awoken in a sea of drifting golden mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blinked, trying to remember where he was. Soft moss had been his pillow. He sat up slowly and saw the gold from the rising sun streaming through the trees. Gale sat against a rock, studying him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled; all the good morning he could ever ask for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had worked their way through the New Forest to a picturesque little village, seemingly untouched by modern civilization. Everyone seemed to know Gale, nodding or waving to her. She led Indy to a bakery shop where they shared steaming biscuits and mugs of coffee.\n\nIn the days that followed, he became ever more impressed with this young woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind the stalker of wild game in the forest lay a swift mind and an extraordinary spectrum of abilities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was an expert geologist. She knew the name, history, and properties of every plant, bush, and tree they saw. She laughed at his surprise. \"When you grow up in this forest, you learn all these things at an early age. It becomes second nature. You learn to live off the land, and if you are kind to the forest, it is kind to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That include the little people?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked, half in jest.\n\nShe peered slyly at him. \"It does.\"\n\n\"What do you call them?\" he pressed.\n\n\"Oh, the world has its own names,\" she said airily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Elves, faeries, gnomes, wee folk—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You haven't mentioned troglodytes.\"\n\n\"Ah, those are supposed to be the evil ones.\" She smiled. \"The nasty denizens of the dark woods.\"\n\n\"You don't seem to believe in such evil folk?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've never met any.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That had been answer enough—and all he could get from her on that matter. When she talked about her mountain climbing and geological expeditions, her flying, hunting—she'd even made more than sixty parachute jumps from airplanes!—he had realized how talented and rare a person was this Gale Parker.\n\nThen he had been plunged into helping American and British military and civilian intelligence agencies on their wild pursuit of the international power group that had been amassing enormous wealth and military forces. A group that killed in cold blood, and shocked governments with their reported find deep within a South African diamond mine of a mysterious cube, reputedly thousands or even millions of years old, and marked with unknown cuneiform symbols." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They offered the cube, which could possibly have unlocked secrets of an ancient alien civilization, with all the enormous ramifications of a technological leap into super-science, for no less than one billion dollars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was where Indy came in. Both the American and British governments sought his cooperation in attempts to decipher the mysterious, perhaps extraterrestrial, cuneiform markings. The deeper Indy went into the twisted snarls of international intrigue, power plays, and remorseless murder, the greater was his need for the speed, versatility, and firepower of a rugged machine that could fly, land, or take off from almost anywhere.\n\nThe investigation into allegedly ancient markings exploded into a constantly hazardous, life-threatening series of confrontations in which Gale was Indy's almost constant companion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the flaming conclusion to the affair finally occurred, the two knew they were a formidable team, had complete faith in one another—and Indy was more frustrated than ever in still not being able to pilot an airplane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He drove anything with wheels, navigated over seas and oceans with great nautical skill, clambered up steep mountains—but he could not fly a plane. Every time the opportunity presented itself, something, including rather nasty people who were out to end his life, would interfere.\n\nNow his misadventures were behind him, he and Gale were back in England, and he would use the young woman's skill as a pilot and flight instructor to win his own wings. Off to the Salisbury Plain they went." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy rented a cottage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale was to teach him every possible hour, seven days a week, a nonstop cram course—which was how Indy always attacked new challenges.\n\nNow, on his first lesson, after he had insisted that Gale fly their little trainer through the gamut of aerobatics, he had succeeded splendidly in turning green, throwing up, and then...\n\nThen the searing flashes, the leaping flames, and smoke pouring above the treetops of St. Brendan Glen in the New Forest.\n\nWhere Gale's mother and her closest friends lived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale swung the trainer over the grass field, chopped the power, and swung about in a wild approach into the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She landed hard, bounced, gunned the engine, and tramped rudder to turn to the far end of the field where Indy had parked his sports roadster.\n\nWhen she climbed from the cockpit, Indy was startled to see tears streaking Gale's cheeks. \"They're dead,\" she choked out. \"My family... friends... dead.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Martin Caidin spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy roared away from the Salisbury airport, tires spinning on gravel as he headed for the main road leading westward. Gale sat quietly to his left, her eyes almost vacant as she struggled against the emotional pain. Indy needed no urging to run his Bentley BG 400 to high speed. His car was a modified convertible with a powerful eight-cylinder in-line engine of 220 horsepower, and high torque that made it perfect for the winding narrow English roads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For perhaps twenty miles he drove along a paved highway; then Gale sat up straighter, pointing to a cutoff before them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take that turn to the right, Indy,\" she directed.\n\nHe eased off their speed, downshifting. The turn she indicated seemed more a country path than a road, tree branches hanging low over its surface. He started to question her, then reminded himself that she had lived in this country most of her life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made the turn, ducking as branches whipped over their heads, and glanced in his rearview mirror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's eyes widened. The road directly behind them, the very road on which they were driving, skidding around turns, dashing up and down the sharp rises and dips, was gone! The dust clouds thrown up by the powerful car swirled back, then vanished as if sliced off neatly by a huge knife. He kept checking the rearview mirror. The amazing effect continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, tell me about this road,\" he said to his passenger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked up slowly, turned to see behind them, shrugged, looked forward again. \"Its not a road for everyone,\" she said at last.\n\n\"That makes a lot of sense.\" His sarcasm was obvious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean, only certain people can see the road. Normally, I doubt if you could.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pursed her lips, thinking hard. \"But then again, being who and what you are, and everything you've done with the unusual, you might be able to see it.\"\n\n\"I see it well enough to drive on it!\"\n\n\"Yes, because I'm with you. Otherwise you'd never have seen the turnoff.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's disappearing behind us as we drive. Like it rolls up invisibly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced at her. \"You know that's impossible.\"\n\n\"Yes. But it's a magic road.\"\n\n\"A magic road,\" he echoed in a hollow voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What next? he wondered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A marching band of pixies blowing bagpipes?\n\n\"I mean, it's used only by the people of the forest. It's really a horse-and-cart trail.\"\n\nThey slammed and bounced around a rough turn. He clenched his teeth to keep from biting his tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can believe that,\" he grunted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what makes it magic?\"\n\n\"Only certain people can see it. It's been like that for hundreds of years. The old legends say it was used by sorcerers and kings for protection against bandits and marauding gangs.\"\n\n\"That's nice,\" he said. \"Legend. Fairy tales. But you didn't really answer me. How does it disappear behind us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I see what you mean. It doesn't really disappear. It's really still there. See?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\nShe looked at him, shaking her head. \"Indy, you should understand. Being a scientist and all that.\"\n\n\"Explain some more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aren't there things in life we know are there but we can't see with our eyes? We don't see the air about us. Or radio waves. And there are mirages. Reflections of things from many miles away that shimmer on the ground or float in the sky. You can even take pictures of them with a camera, but they're not there. They just seem to be. The road is still behind us, but it takes special sight to see it. The light curves, or bends, around it, so someone looking at the road sees only where the curved light goes. They see trees and bushes, but\"—she shrugged, holding out her hands, palms upward—\"no road. Does all that make sense?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Strangely enough, it does.\"\n\n\"Really?\" She looked surprised.\n\n\"Sure. Like looking at a fish under water when you're above the surface. The water bends the light, shifts its rays. The fish isn't where you see it. It's displaced, so to speak, but it's all a trick that distortion plays on the eyes.\"\n\n\"Like a prism?\" she offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You bet. I still don't understand why I can't see the road because I don't understand how you—or whoever—is bending the light.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, that's easy. It's sorcery. Magic, you know.\"\n\n\"I know?\"\n\n\"Of all the people I know who live outside the New Forest, Indiana Jones, I do believe you're the only man I have ever met who would know. It's... it's, well\"—she struggled for the words—\"like when the sun turns green.\"\n\n\"Sunset seen through thick dust,\" he said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or when the moon eclipses the sun. The sun is still shining, but you can't see it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's classroom physics,\" he came back at her. \"Where does your magic come from? Who's the sorcerer?\"\n\n\"Who sliced our dinner that night we shared the boar?\"\n\n\"You said it was the little people,\" he answered, almost in rebuke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wasn't?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know, Gale. I never saw anyone there!\"\n\n\"Then you don't know it wasn't the little people, do you?\"\n\n\"Well, um, not really, but—\"\n\nFor the first time since they'd begun their wild dive for the ground in the training airplane, she showed the edge of a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There. I rest my case.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked ahead. \"Oh, Indy, slow down, please. We're coming to a river.\"\n\n\"We cross on a bridge?\"\n\n\"No bridge.\"\n\n\"What then? A raft? Or is it shallow enough to ford our way through?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No raft and no one knows how deep it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe we'll simply levitate across,\" he said, irritated with the exchange.\n\nAgain a smile. \"You'll see.\"\n\nIndy slammed on the brakes. He didn't conceal his sudden irritation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're playing word games,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If there's a river and it's deep and you expect me to go plunging into the water, I expect more of an answer than you've given me.\"\n\nShe studied him carefully. He understood what was running through that carrot head. The lethal dangers they'd faced, the times each had saved the life of the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trust they had for—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She seemed to read his thoughts. \"You trust me, Indy?\"\n\n\"Don't ask silly questions. It's my life we're talking about.\"\n\n\"So go ahead,\" she egged him on. \"Shoot the rapids!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A Bentley isn't a kayak,\" he said, almost snarling at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he jerked the gearshift down and back, floored the accelerator, and shot ahead. They started down a long slope, and through the trees he saw water ahead. The river and—\n\nA blast of frigid air hit him with shocking effect. He felt as if he'd been thrust into a huge freezer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glanced at Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frost on her hair! Frost? Moments ago it was warm and comfortable, then suddenly...\n\nHe felt his ears, painful from the cold. His nose. Frost spread across the windshield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was like the arctic!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There; the river. Straight ahead. No... not water. It couldn't be... but it was. In the few seconds he had had the river in sight as they rushed down the slope, the blue water had misted over and assumed the colorless sheen of ice.\n\nThe Bentley sped across ice, tires beginning to skid and slip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as he realized he was losing control they bounced up on the opposite bank, the tires dug in again, and he accelerated up and around a turn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time they completed the turn, his ears and nose were wet with melted frost and water was streaming down the windshield.\n\n\"The little people again?\" he shouted above the roar of the engine and the howling wind.\n\n\"Yes!\" she called back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just like the light that curves! They turned away the warmth of the sun!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's impossible!\" he shouted.\n\n\"I know!\" she shouted back, laughing.\n\nHe couldn't argue with that infectious laughter, or the manner in which she accepted magic and sorcery as if they were as common as flowers and sunshine. Besides, he knew better than to mix his own battered perception with the task of whipsawing the Bentley through the horse trail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Too bad, he muttered to himself, they don't have the magic to turn this rutted mess into a decent highway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet through it all he was grateful for the intrusion of fog and bent light and curving sunshine and the \"little people\" he couldn't see, but with whom Gale maintained a warm and friendly relationship. For these brief moments of wild driving and inexplicable magic, Gale seemed free of the terrible gloom and fear that somehow was being communicated to her.\n\nHe heard her laugh again, and then he knew there would be no more for a while. He could feel her misery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several times he glanced at Gale and saw the lines of empathy appearing on her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The closer they came to St. Brendan Glen, the more intense became Gale's mood. He was startled to see her flinch as though a wave of pain had shot through her body. Blood appeared at the side of her mouth; Gale had bitten down unknowingly against her own lip.\n\nHe forced his attention back to the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, how much longer?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Twenty minutes, perhaps.\"\n\n\"You all right, girl?\"\n\nHer answer surprised him. \"No.\"\n\nHe'd spend these moments better by trying to remember whatever he could of St. Brendan Glen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd been there before, but in the dead of night, and Gale had brought him there by the main highway that skirted around the dense forest and rugged terrain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there was much he knew from his own studies and his years of travel through this part of England. He loved the southern part of this country, so stunning to the eye, so steeped in history, the ground almost hallowed with memories of races and cultures and religions long gone. This countryside had once been a bloody battleground for tens of thousands of men and horses, war machines, slashing swords and bludgeons. There was magic in the massive stone monuments of Stonehenge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Arthur and his knights had lived and loved here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy thought of Camelot. Of Utherpendragon and Merlin, of Excalibur and Caliburn. Of the Lady of the Lake... the marvelous intertwining of myth and fact, legend and reality that was known as the \"mother of Britain.\"\n\nIt was not so simple a matter for an outsider to draw hard conclusions as to what was solid rock and what might be a phantom mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whatever existed here had been sustained for more than a thousand years longer than Indy's own country even existed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever it all was, it defied science, laughed at logic, tugged at the heartstrings, and sang of life and love and tradition.\n\nIndy had always wanted acceptance within the inner circle here in the New Forest. Difficult enough for an Englishman; until now, impossible for a man considered barely one step above the savages English explorers had encountered during the colonial days of that strange faraway land called America.\n\nIndy laughed to himself—at himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was like a colonist visiting a new and strange land." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His laughter faded in his mind. He wished fervently to banish the scent of death, the knife of pain he could almost feel emanating from Gale the closer they came to the Glen.\n\n\"S-slow down, Indy.\" Gale was forcing the words out. She was nearly doubled over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will be better,\" she gasped, \"when we cross the line and enter the circle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slowed into a hairpin turn. A huge tree trunk blocked the road and Indy hit the brakes. Through broken branches he saw eyes peering at him and Gale. She rose in her seat, looking directly at the eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she slid down slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy turned to look again at the tree blocking the road. Before his eyes it began to fade, until suddenly it wasn't there anymore. He shifted into gear; this time he didn't need Gale's words to tell him to go ahead.\n\nThey rounded another turn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt as if they drove suddenly through a field, a force field of some kind." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever it was, it made his entire body tingle, raised the hair on his arms and the back of his neck. Even his teeth seemed to respond to a vibration he couldn't place. Then it was gone and he knew they were on the other side of what Gale described as \"the circle.\"\n\nFinally he was in St. Brendan Glen.\n\nAll about him was death and horror." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nMartin Caidin" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "St. Brendan Glen had remained a magical enclave for more than a thousand years. Its cottages were hewn of strong forest wood and buttressed with stones on all sides to withstand violent storms. The houses rose along hillsides, in ravines, on upward slopes, a fairyland of mystical structures, smoke drifting from chimneys, walks of wood and stone winding through flower beds of riotous color. In the near distance loomed a great hall, to Indy looking strangely like ancient Viking gathering places." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Glen people farmed their land, rode horses of magnificient stock, worked herds of goats and sheep and cattle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were dogs aplenty, many pets, but huge Irish wolfhounds were trained as sentries and protectors of women and children. The Glen was a holdout from the past that had carefully blended in with the technology and science of the present, although the latter was so subdued it seemed barely to exist. The Glen made full use of electricity, but all the power lines were buried deeply so as not to offend the eye and clash with nature at its finest.\n\nThis was the St. Brendan family of Wicca in the New Forest, remote and magical, part of earth and nature, where ancient legends were still believed and observed, where the land seemed of a time and nature separate from the England lying beyond the forest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then came the \"invaders.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had seen their handiwork when he looked down from the training airplane. The spears of flame, the numbing shock waves; they could only be the largest of the blasts he knew were ripping through the forest community.\n\nHis worst fears were now before his eyes. This slice of earth, so much in harmony with nature and history, had been raided with all the butchery marking mass slaughters of the past." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bodies of men, women, and children were still sprawled, twisted like rag dolls in pools of dark red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everywhere those who could fend for themselves were aiding the wounded. Thick smoke swirled about, billowing from houses still aflame, tongues of fire crackling amid the tree branches. People, bloodied and hurt, had formed bucket brigades, bringing water from the streams to prevent the fires from spreading.\n\nGale had asked that Indy remain by the car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Few people knew his face, and the air was thick with emotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Indy found it impossible simply to stand by as a spectator. He joined a line of people passing water buckets up a slope. The people to each side of him took an instant to study his face. No questions. He was aiding; he was no longer a stranger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the fires were damped, he moved to the injured, helped with first aid, carried the most badly hurt on stretchers to the communal building atop the hill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hours passed. Time to try again to match the past with this devastating present. Indy had never before been in the Glen, yet he knew of St. Brendan, isolated within the gullied forest. There was no way to avoid this community so close to Stonehenge and its deeply mystical and religious ties to ancient times. Stonehenge, where stood the ring of giant stones that still baffled modern-day scientists, cast a spell of energy down through Salisbury Plain and all its holdings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the world-familiar ring of stones atop the hill of Stonehenge was but one central part of a far-flung pattern of ancient sites where the men and women of thousands of years past had charted the movement of planets and stars with an accuracy that defied modern-day science." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The standing stones and mark stones were not restricted to the plain of Salisbury; they were found throughout the British Isles. They were so much more than huge stones weighing hundreds of tons; their structure, their shaping, their very arrangement formed an astonishing geometric pattern from which strange and powerful energies flowed across the countryside.\n\nNo two sites were alike. The stones, twenty and even forty feet high, sometimes stood on hard ground, rearing into the sky, monoliths around which the lives of the ancients revolved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others were like great spears lanced deeply into the earth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rudstone at Rudston and the Devil's Arrows at Boroughbridge in Yorkshire had been erected by some unknown, even unimaginable force. Today powerful machines and hundreds of men would be required even to move these structures, let alone drive them into resisting surface.\n\nIndy had discovered the hard way that the stories about energies collected in these sacred sites were painfully true. The reality was all the more confounding because every attempt to \"catch\" such energies with scientific instruments, scanning for electrostatic, magnetic, or other known sources, were dismal failures." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They indicated only stones of special and particular shape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Other instruments searched along the known spectrum, in the ultraviolet and the infrared. Nothing. So he was dealing with energies that might even be imaginary. But how could imagination exert a physical force? It might not be measurable with an instrument, but it could be powerful medicine when it swept into and against the human body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had tried everything he knew to learn about the energy folklore that had grown up around the consecrated circle of Stonehenge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a frustrating period of chasing shadows, or ghosts of what once was or once might have been—if it existed at all. He had pored over the thick volumes relating to Merlin, who had referred to Stonehenge as the Chorea Gigantum. Down through the ages, it was known also as the \"Giant's Ring\" and, with stronger reference to the energies locked in the great circle of stones, as the \"Dance of the Giants.\" According to the ancient scribe who slowly and carefully penned the records, the great stones had to be positioned according to an ancient and long-lost formula." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was more to this positioning, Indy concluded, than simply measuring the sweep of celestial bodies, a simple yet brilliant astronomical calendar accurate to the split second over a full year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was the visible, obvious purpose.\n\nBut Merlin—all, if he could only know for certain the existence and powers of this remarkable wizard! Merlin had demanded that the huge rocky masses of Stonehenge be positioned in such a way that they became an instrument tuned to invisible powers. That instrument played on those powers in a manner similar to a catgut bow drawn across the strings of a bass viol, producing a deep, groaning, yet melodious sound not attainable through any other instrument." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All energy follows patterns, Indy deduced, whether from a steam engine or a trumpet or a whatzit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Invisible energy wasn't magic; radio waves were as commonplace as wind and sunshine. Was the energy of the great stones, so carefully locked into position by order of Merlin, on the order of radio waves?\n\nIndy concocted a homing antenna of his own design to discover a particular radio frequency, respond to that frequency, and then point unerringly to the source of the radio wave.\n\nFor power, he judged he could use the energy of his own body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all, the human body is a biological-electrical machine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You could prove this easily enough if you grasp the end of the antenna connected to a radio. Immediately the reception grows stronger and the signal clearer. In this case the human body is an antenna.\n\nHe built a carrying frame about his chest and back, the antenna loop running to the extent of his outstretched arms and over his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt self-conscious about wearing this strange device." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking like an idiot is almost too much to ask, he lamented to himself. Suitably ensconced in his contraption, he climbed a ladder to a high flat rock, larger than a motorcar, at Stonehenge.\n\nHe still felt a bit silly until he began to turn, his body and his contraption acting as a huge loop antenna. Silliness evaporated when an electrical shock lashed through his body, right down to the soles of his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mouth agape, he continued his turn and was astonished to see tiny electrical fires, tongues of blue flame, crackling about his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sucking in air created a tiny field of electrostatics, enough at this point (with Indy so perfectly matched to the energies of Stonehenge) to create the equivalent of rubbing cat's fur briskly with a brush. He almost fell, clamped his mouth shut, tasted the ozonelike burn of electricity, and then froze.\n\nNot because he wanted to. He was locked absolutely in this position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Heat flashed up from his feet through his body; he saw a white light surrounding him, followed by a thunderclap and an invisible hand that seemed to smack him broadside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flew from the stone, arms and legs flailing, to crash on the ground far below.\n\nGood fortune was often Indy's lot, and so it was this time. He fell sideways. His loop antenna yielded to his weight and folded slowly beneath him in a wonderful deceleration that crashed the contraption but protected his body. Except for bruises and scrapes on his face, burned lips, and singed hair along his body, he was unharmed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he never again questioned that the ancients, prompted no doubt by that infernal Merlin, had devised the equivalent of a tremendous capacitor, a battery collection device that soaked up energies still unknown to modern science, and capable of unleashing that power in devastating form." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now Stonehenge seemed to be on the other side of the planet. What Indy wore now was dried and caked blood, soaked clothes, and mud. His hands were scraped and his muscles sore from hours of \"pitching in\" to help in any way he could. He had not seen Gale since they arrived but wisely accepted the fact that she would appear when time and circumstances were right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cries of pain from the wounded had subsided; gone also was the crackle and snap of flames." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smoke had thinned with the coming of night. New fires appeared, this time from lamps and torches placed to light the area. They burned cleanly, with little smoke.\n\nThen he smelled the gorse, a natural fragrance that rushed against the smell of blood and animals and humans whose lives had been abruptly ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was also the stench of gunpowder, a strange odor that always reminded him of being in a great train station or the subway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Underground, he corrected himself. That's what they call it here.\n\nAll diminished and then vanished before the fragrance of the gorse. He knew of this custom from the time he had spent with the Romanies, who bumed the bush for fragrance in fireplaces or in open campfires." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had about it the strong smell of incense, and it rode the breezes of the night air as a pleasing perfume." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A smile moved fleetingly across his lips. He recalled how the Romanies, those Gypsies of the New Forest, used the smoke of the gorse to catch their dinner. They looked for pheasants in the trees above them and set gorse bushes aflame. What was pleasant to the human was a devastating drug to the birds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One good whiff and they tumbled like overweight flightless chickens to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His own thoughts of eating proved distasteful at this moment. He moved to the trunk of a large tree, resting against the bark, and sat in a quiet half-awake, half-asleep state. Finally he fell asleep.\n\nHe awoke to Gale kneeling before him, holding forth a silver cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Drink, Indy,\" she said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He accepted the cup, the silver cool to his touch. The first taste told him he was drinking the alcoholic fruit of the juniper berry, almost unknown beyond the New Forest. It cleared the head and sharpened the senses. The delightful drink went down in a long, unbroken swallow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was returning the cup to Gale and wiping his mouth with the back of his sleeve when his arm froze in midmotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Standing behind and to the right of Gale, her figure outlined against a distant fire so that much of her face was still shadowy, was the woman he knew at first sight could be none other than Caitlin St. Brendan. Daughter of Kerrie and Athena St. Brendan, descendants of the family line that had ruled in this great vale for more than a thousand years.\n\nAnd Gale's lifelong friend, as close as any sister could be.\n\nIndy rose slowly to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin's presence had struck him with almost physical force." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew he had never before met any woman like her—any person like her.\n\nShe stood feet apart, braced against the pain of the wounds that had torn her body. Her leather garments showed rips, tears, stains, and slashes from which her blood had flowed. Somehow he knew that most of the caked blood on her clothing was not hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The great sword she held before her, the wicked point just above the ground, spoke for itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes went from the woman to the sword. Indy knew he was seeing a weapon that belonged to legend. If he was right, he beheld the fabled sword of fire.\n\nCaliburn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sword fashioned through direct order and instructions of Merlin for King Arthur." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fighting sword of the man who held court at the Round Table. The Sword of Sacred Fire.\n\nEven now that seemed beyond question. Reflecting firelight, gleaming, the blade yet shone with an inner glow that came from the metal itself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was struck dumb with the sight of the sword he himself had sought for years, if only to prove its existence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been through Glastonbury and Avalon, to the fields where the legends claimed Arthur had fought and won terrible battles. Indy had searched through abbeys and cathedrals, the halls of the great knights, the sacred assemblages of Stonehenge, and the many other portals to the past. Reports of the sword were so tantalizing they had led him on again and again when he was ready to abandon the fabled blade to the mists of legend.\n\nHis eyes moved slowly up from the weapon to the face of the woman holding it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Strangely, he had a fleeting impression of a Cherokee Indian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Firelight reflected from high cheekbones. She was a marvel of beauty and might. Neither her broad shoulders nor powerful grasp of the sword hilt reduced the grace and femininity that so impressed Indy. Jet-black hair, long and slender fingers of strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And her neck muscles, again highlighted by the glow of nearby fires, told of athletic and muscular prowess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes flashed. They seemed to miss nothing as she in turn studied Indy. Their long mutual inspection gave him the opportunity to recognize both power and pain in her face. Her leather tunic again captured his eye.\n\nThis woman should not be able to stand, let alone walk, he judged quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he saw correctly, Caitlin had been wounded grievously in the battle that had taken place here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slashes in her tunic had been made by blades that had penetrated to her body. He couldn't miss the round tears that seemed to mark where she had been hit by bullets.\n\nHow was it possible for her still to be standing? Then he thought again of the sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was more to the legends of Caliburn than the blade of fire, given its great power through special alloys and the sorcery of Merlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For this moment he put aside objections of myth and legend. Here stood a woman who seemed to have been wounded so many times that she should have been dead.\n\nBut she was here, now, standing before him, and the legends of Caliburn became literal to him. The scabbard! That was it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the legends were true, that is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he'd already seen so much here that danced about the edges of reality.\n\nHe forced his thoughts aside, but he couldn't stop thinking about the scabbard. He started to speak, held back his words, rushing memory details as quickly as he could through his mind. According to legend, the scabbard could heal any wound it touched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its healing powers, be they magic or psychic, would begin to work immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And—Later, he told himself.\n\nGale seemed to be in tune with the thoughts swirling in his head, even able to sense when he mentally put them aside. She lowered herself to the ground; Caitlin did the same. Obviously, the mysterious events were about to be explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are at least thirty dead here,\" Gale said abruptly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cut down, murdered, in cold blood.\"\n\n\"Another fifty hurt,\" Caitlin added. Her voice, despite her physical injuries and the shock of emotional trauma, was strong, yet subdued, as if her presence and her words were enough to emphasize whatever she might say.\n\n\"Who?\" Indy asked simply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are not sure,\" Caitlin said, then after a pause: \"Yet. But we shall know who they are, and then we will find them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gestured toward the devastation about them. \"They used high-power explosives. That much is obvious.\" He settled to the ground beside Caitlin, who was sitting cross-legged, erect and proud.\n\n\"We saw from the airplane. The flames, and the shock waves of explosions,\" Indy went on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Impossible to miss what was happening.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They were—are,\" Gale said hesitantly, \"mercenaries. They knew where this glen was, who was here. They planned well, they moved like...\"\n\n\"Professionals?\" Indy offered.\n\n\"Yes,\" Caitlin said. \"Trained, practiced, ruthless.\"\n\n\"Go on, please,\" Indy prompted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What they did,\" Caitlin said, measuring her words, \"was calculated, methodical, brutal. All to serve a purpose. They came here in motorcars. We don't know how many. They were upon us, in our midst, almost before we realized their presence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But—\" Indy turned to Gale. \"When we drove here, the roads that vanished, I mean—\"\n\n\"That was afterward, Indy,\" Gale explained. \"Before? No one has come here to harm another person for years more than I remember. After the attack, well\"—she shrugged—\"you have a saying for something like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded. \"We do. Locking the barn door after the horse has ran away. Doesn't help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked to Caitlin. \"They came in, without warning, and opened fire?\"\n\n\"Yes. Explosive charges. Powerful enough to destroy buildings, kill people, set fires. The blasts... they demoralized our people before they knew what was happening. Then this group—\"\n\n\"Forgive me for breaking in,\" Indy said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many were there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps twenty. After the explosions, they did not kill and wound without reason. What they did was calculated. They killed to break the spirit of the people, who were already fighting back with arrows and spears. It is not a primitive defense. One of our arrows can penetrate the bodies of three men. But it was too late. They cut down our best fighters, then they killed several women and children. After that, they held children with knives at their throats. They laughed. If we did not do what they wanted, the children would die. At such a moment, demoralized and shocked as we were, there was no time to invoke the old ways.\"\n\nWas he missing something? Indy looked to Gale. \"They, who are they?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wasn't here.\" Gale deferred to Caitlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Their faces were evil, but they were strangers to me,\" Caitlin said. Recent memories seemed to set her eyes ablaze. Instinctively her grip tightened on the sword hilt. \"As I said, they were professionals. They worked as a team. And they knew where to go for what they wanted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her last words made Indy sharply alert." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whoever, whatever this group was, they had come here, armed to the teeth, ready to kill and maim for something beyond mere killing.\n\nBefore he could ask more from Caitlin, she rose to her feet like a great cat. \"I must go. I am needed.\" She looked up as if she could see through the night, across the hills and thick trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, the others are close by now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy showed his confusion.\n\n\"It has to be the authorities,\" Gale said quickly.\n\n\"We shall cloak ourselves,\" Caitlin added. \"No one will be able to find their way here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy climbed to his feet, gesturing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Caitlin, that would be a mistake.\"\n\nShe looked at him, a questioning expression on her face. \"You hardly know us, yet you make so strong a statement,\" she said slowly.\n\nIndy knew he was treading on dangerous ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This woman was seething inside with pain and hatred, wanting, needing to strike out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt he was much too close to that sword.\n\n\"I know,\" he told her. \"Understand that I have no more liking for the authorities, the police, than you do, Caitlin. But there's no way you can keep quiet about what happened here today. The explosions, the fires. The friends of yours who were killed. And how many of the attackers did you and your people get?\"\n\n\"Nine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You just can't make them vanish. Not without repercussions that won't die down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy glanced at Gale; she nodded for him to go on. \"Besides, I have a few contacts of my own with the authorities. Right to the top, Caitlin. And they may know more about the people who attacked you than you imagine.\"\n\nHer eyes fixed on him like those of a cobra. \"You can learn their names?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't promise. Except that I promise to try my best,\" he said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If anyone can,\" Gale broke in, \"it is Indy.\"\n\nCaitlin moved closer until she stood directly before Indy. He had never seen eyes like those. She was incredibly alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An aura seemed to flow from her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why would you do this?\" she asked, her voice strangely distant.\n\nIndy held her gaze, their eyes locked. That was one beaut of a question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was right. Why would he do this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know why,\" he told Caitlin. \"Only that I will.\"\n\nHe was beginning to understand the urge to help her. She was everything he had found in his travels through the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was all the great women of history." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The queens and the leaders, princesses and priestesses. Everywhere he had gone, through temples and pyramids, tombs and castles, fields of battle, the conquering of nations, all was here in this one incredible human being. To turn away now would be to turn away from everything he stood for. Even that didn't make much sense to him, but Indy knew, he absolutely knew, he was committed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale moved by his side, her two hands holding his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That, too, was a sign for Caitlin.\n\nShe made no speech, asked no more questions. \"Thank you,\" she said, bowing slightly. She turned and moved into the night gloom between the fires." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know what has just happened?\" Gale asked Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By God, I do not,\" he answered, more sharply than he intended. While Caitlin stood before him he felt mesmerized, engulfed in a flow of energy. Hieroglyphics and cuneiform and languages whispered from clay carvings and stone seemed to float about him.\n\n\"You have been made a part of us. Of all of us, here,\" Gale continued in answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me tell you something else, Indiana Jones. I've never seen anything like this. Never. It is as if...\" She sought the words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's as if you two have known one another for hundreds of years. As if in some ancient time you were brother and sister, and now after a long absence you've been joined together again.\"\n\nIndy turned to her. \"When did you become a romanticist?\"\n\nGale smiled, a secret she almost voiced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead she held her silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked about the Glen. \"Before the authorities get here, Gale, you'd better tell me what happened. All of it. Everything,\" he emphasized.\n\n\"It's... terrible,\" Gale said, her voice faltering.\n\n\"You can fall apart later, Gale,\" he said, his voice deliberately harsh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right now I need information.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale nodded. She took a deep breath. \"They tortured Athena. Caitlin's mother...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Martin Caidin spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In reflected firelight Indy saw tears moving slowly down Gale's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That sight hit him with a force that was almost physical. On opposite sides of the world, he and this woman had flown and driven and sailed into and through danger. Never once had Gale Parker yielded an inch of strength, flinched from fire or steel. Yet those few words about Caitlin's mother acted like a knife in her heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instinctively Indy rested his hand atop Gale's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, stop right there, carrot top,\" he said gently. \"If this is too much for you, I'll—\"\n\nShe wiped away the tears with the back of her hand and took a deep shuddering breath. \"I'll be all right, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She showed a bare trace of a smile, her sadness coming through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You just never know when this bloody stuff hits you. Athena was... well, a second mother to me.\" She sat up straighter, strength flowing back into her body and mind. \"I'll be fine, Indy.\"\n\nHe nodded, then thought of a question that had been nagging at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also knew if he guided Gale through her pain by seeking specific answers, she'd be better able to handle the shock of losing loved ones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said they, these men, tortured Athena. Why? And how did they know who she was?\"\n\nGale shook her head. \"I can't answer all that. Only what happened.\"\n\n\"Then start at the beginning. From what I've heard and seen, this group came in by car. Drove here. They apparently knew exactly where to go. They also knew how important it was to hit this place with as much surprise as possible. That way no one could prepare any defense. Right so far?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Caitlin's already told you what happened. The first thing they did was to kill wantonly. To frighten everyone into submission.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But they didn't succeed?\"\n\n\"No. Some people were out of sight when the shooting started. They were coming in from the woods. When they heard the explosions and saw the fires, they ran as fast as they could. They had been hunting with longbows, spears, swords. Just as their ancestors hunted for food. Even as the... the—\"\n\n\"Invaders—whatever. Go on.\"\n\n\"Even as they were shooting people the hunters fought back with their bows. They're powerful and deadly. They took down several of the attackers. But they couldn't do much against rifles, weapons like that. And the invaders split into two groups. Their leader, whoever he was, led a small group up to the great hall. Somehow, he knew that Caitlin and her parents would be there. By then Caitlin and some others were aware of what was happening. They let the men come into the great hall and then they struck back, from the sides, from high ledges inside the building.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale finished her own cup of wine that had been at her side before she went on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Caitlin went charging directly at their leader. With her sword. They opened fire on her. From what I've learned, she cut down at least four.\"\n\nIndy gestured to interrupt. \"Wait a moment. You said they shot at Caitlin.\"\n\nGale nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And they hit her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"With rifles? Rifle bullets?\"\n\n\"Yes. She was also in a battle with two men who had swords. She was wounded badly then.\"\n\n\"Gale, what you're saying is impossible. I've just spoken with Caitlin. She had enough holes in her clothing, where she was struck, to have fought with a dozen men. Yet she's walking around!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know, but—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, let that go for a moment. Apparently after this group got inside the great hall, the fighting stopped?\"\n\n\"Yes. By now, the men in the open had grabbed several children, held knives to their throats. Warned Caitlin and everyone else that unless they gave in, stopped fighting, they would kill the children.\" Gale swallowed hard, struggling to continue.\n\n\"What then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the hall. They held Athena. Caitlin's mother. One man, Caitlin remembers someone called him by name. Scruggs, I think. I'm not sure. He was laughing. While two men held Athena he went up to her. He had a curved sword. He—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy waited as Gale straggled to speak.\n\n\"He sliced off her ear.\"\n\nIndy sat, frozen, listening.\n\n\"He threw the ear at Kerrie, Caitlin's father. Told him he would chop off her fingers one by one, and then go back to the other ear and then her nose. Kerrie broke free. He charged Scruggs. He had no chance. They grabbed him and sliced his Achilles tendon so he couldn't walk. They told him to give up what they came for or he would see his wife cut to pieces.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale shuddered again. \"Kerrie had no choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where was Caitlin during all this?\"\n\n\"She had climbed atop the rafters, the big wooden beams, high in the hall. There was nothing she could do. Too many men, too many guns. Several men were carrying submachine guns. They would have opened fire on her. All she could do was to study the faces of the men, try to remember everything she could about them.\"\n\nIndy sat quietly for several minutes. Gale seemed relieved to be able to lapse into silence, to regain her composure as she fought to relate the terrible events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally Indy seemed jolted by a thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These people, the gunmen... what were they after? Why did they come here? What is so important that they'd brutalize and kill like madmen? This isn't some nickel-and-dime robbery. There's no way the government won't get into this affair. They'll bring in the heavyweights. Scotland Yard, they'll be in this up to their armpits.\"\n\nHe paused and looked directly at Gale. \"What were they after? And did they get it?\"\n\nGale stared at the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was it? Jewels? Diamonds? What!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's... it's for Caitlin to say,\" Gale murmured.\n\n\"You're not giving away family secrets!\" Indy said, half shouting. \"You can't keep this quiet! When the police get here, they'll turn this place upside down and inside out unless they get full cooperation. Don't you understand, Gale? Some thirty people are dead, and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Enough, enough,\" she shot back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy rose to his feet. \"You want to stay here or leave with me now?\"\n\nHer eyes widened, a hand raised in protest. \"You're leaving us? After what you told Caitlin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After what I told Caitlin, yes,\" he snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is like boxing with shadows. Everybody talks in half sentences. I said I'd help, in any way I could. But I can't help anyone by being led around blindfolded.\"\n\n\"I—\"\n\n\"Go or stay—which is it?\" he demanded. \"I can't see any use in getting tangled up with the police. I'll sound like an idiot, and if that's what I'm going to be like, I'll do it all by myself. The last thing I need is help like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't answer. Indy shook his head, disappointed, and started for his car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't look back, but suddenly heard the sound of a woman running. He stopped. Gale was at his side, holding his arm. \"Let's walk. Away from... from the smell of blood. It's easier to talk this way. And you're right. You'll have to find out. Even Caitlin will tell you.\"\n\nHe nodded. They walked along a path, deep in the woods, that rose to a nearby hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They were after the map,\" she said in a rush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gale, please. You can do better than that.\"\n\n\"Sorry. It's just that I've never spoken about this to anyone. For more than fifty years, Caitlin's family has been the keeper of a map. From what I understand, it marks the location of an enormous fortune in gold. Bullion, mainly. Also ancient gold statues and figurines. Supposedly they're from long-lost cultures or civilizations and they're priceless.\"\n\nShe turned to look at Indy. \"That's not all. There are also coins. Coins from ancient Rome, from the Holy Land, and other places.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You realize,\" he said slowly, \"this could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I know.\"\n\n\"These statues. Are they well-known? To museums, places like that?\"\n\n\"They're known, but hardly anyone has seen them. I think they were part of a collection from somewhere here in England. And the coins, well, I've heard something about a special arrangement a long time ago between our government and the Vatican. I can't be certain of everything I've just told you, but basically that's it.\"\n\n\"And this map tells where it is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is, or was. I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where? The gold, or treasure, whatever it's called. Where is it supposed to be?\"\n\n\"That's the crazy part, Indy.\"\n\n\"So tell me about what's crazy.\"\n\n\"It's not here. In England, I mean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where, then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think it's somewhere in your country.\"\n\nHe froze. \"In the States?\"\n\n\"I think so. You'll have to get more information from Caitlin or her father.\"\n\n\"You're right. This is crazy. Why would a fortune in bullion, and statues, and coins have been sent to the United States? And when?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've told you everything I know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm trying to figure how the Vatican got mixed up in all this.\"\n\n\"I can't tell you any more, Indy.\" Her voice was almost pleading. \"I just don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry. I didn't mean to hammer on you,\" he apologized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was pushing too hard. She'd had enough in one day to break the spirit of a dozen strong women. \"I'll wait to talk with Caitlin. Or her father.\"\n\n\"I can't promise they'll tell you any more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wouldn't ask you to promise anything for someone else, Gale. But I'll bet my bottom dollar they'll lay it all out for me. That's the only way I can be of any help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Caitlin is going to need you.\"\n\n\"Didn't you say that the invaders were going to kill Athena if her husband didn't give up the map?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Five'll get you ten that they have another copy. I know they do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What makes you so sure?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These people are very sharp. They're survivors. More than a thousand years right here. Armies have marched through these woods, destroying castles and fortresses, churches, whole towns. But St. Brendan is still here.\"\n\n\"What's left of it,\" Gale said angrily, then turned her head sharply. \"Indy, over there.\" She pointed.\n\nIndy turned to see the lights of approaching cars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least four or five." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The police. We'd better get back to the main hall.\"\n\nFive police cars, each with four constables. And a division chief and a detective. They looked with disbelief at the carnage about them, at the gutted homes, still smoking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sight of nine bodies, slain with arrows or crossbow bolts or hacked with swords, shocked them to stunned silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were led to the great hall, where the bodies of thirty men, women, and children had been laid out in neat rows, covered with white cloth and silk, the policemen knew they were in over their heads. They moved slowly among more than fifty wounded, including children with glazed, uncomprehending eyes.\n\n\"It's a bloody war,\" the division chief said, unnecessarily. He turned to a constable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get a call in to London right away, We'll need twenty ambulances, from the looks of it. If they haven't got that many available, have them send up a lorry or two. The dead won't mind not riding in style.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They talked briefly with Kerrie St. Brendan. He gave them short and angry shrift, far more occupied with tending to his wife than answering questions from baffled \"poppies with badges\" scribbling useless notes on pads.\n\n\"Talk to my daughter,\" he snarled to the division chief. \"You do my woman no good with all your prattling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Prattling, is it?\" the frustrated, angiy chief said to Caitlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He calls all this murderous killing prattling?\"\n\n\"No. He does not. He faults only you,\" Caitlin said. She sat on a large stone before the entrance to the great hall, the police gathered about her, Indy and Gale to the side.\n\nCaitlin had little to tell them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She detailed the sudden attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who were they?\" She shrugged. \"Murderers.\"\n\n\"What did they want? Why would they attack you like this?\"\n\nCaitlin pointed to the nine bodies on the ground. \"Ask them.\"\n\n\"I can't bloody well do that, miss. They're dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are alert,\" she said caustically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't ask them, either.\"\n\n\"We'll do a full report tomorrow, miss.\"\n\n\"As you wish.\"\n\n\"We'll want to question everybody.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't do that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\"\n\n\"We have almost forty dead. The children are in shock, and,\" she said in a tone that brought the officer up short, \"you will not bother the little ones. Their minds need time to heal.\"\n\n\"Well, you heard. We've got ambulances and some lorries on their way. We'll have to remove the dead ones. I'm sorry to do that at such a terrible time, but, well, you know, police procedure and all that.\"\n\n\"Take the trash.\" She gestured again to the slain attackers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We bury our own dead. Here, in the deep woods.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must take them with us.\"\n\n\"You will not.\"\n\n\"I'm not going to give you any grief, miss. If not tonight, then tomorrow.\"\n\nCaitlin stood up suddenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Gale, it was clear that a sudden thought had come to her friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. The trash leaves in the lorry. Or a garbage truck, it's all the same. Our people must be taken in ambulances. Treated with respect and dignity.\"\n\nRelief showed on the officer's face at this sudden show of cooperation. \"I respect your sorrow. I appreciate your help,\" he said as kindly as he could.\n\n\"Do what you must,\" Caitlin told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It does not matter. Nothing will avail you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She walked off before the man could reply to her mysterious parting words.\n\nThe ambulances and a single lorry arrived. The police hauled the lifeless bodies of the attackers to the lorry and dumped them in like so many sacks of meal. They did not touch the people from the Glen; these bodies were carried reverently to the ambulances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stood with Gale in the shadows to the side of the activity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't believe Caitlin did that,\" he said finally to Gale.\n\n\"You can't believe she did what?\" came the reply.\n\n\"The way she gave in so suddenly. At first she refused to allow the bodies of her people to be taken away. Then, like throwing a switch, she changed her mind.\"\n\n\"She did no such thing, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One of us is crazy, Gale.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook her head. \"Neither of us. Trust me. Trust Caitlin. And be patient. You will understand soon enough.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\nThe vehicles started back for London in a loose convoy, red taillights flickering through foliage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'd better be thinking about going back ourselves,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Unless you want to stay here with Caitlin and her family.\"\n\nGale shook her head. \"No. I want to be with you. You're going to have questions and I may be able to fill in some blanks for you. But, Indy, would you mind waiting awhile?\"\n\n\"Something come up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, but it will. Perhaps in an hour or two. You'll see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You won't tell me what?\"\n\n\"I'd rather not,\" she said. \"I'm not trying to be mysterious, Indy. But it would be so much better if you could see what's going to happen instead of hearing about it.\"\n\nHe studied her for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was serious. He nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay. I can use the time. Can you take me around to those people who were closest to the attackers? Those who heard them speak, saw how they acted?\"\n\n\"All right. Let's start at the caves. That's where the injured are being taken. Where the Old Ones are mixing the herbs and potions to make them better.\"\n\n\"Doctors?\"\n\n\"We have no doctors here, Indy. We never have. If you know the secrets of the forest, it will take care of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he had never heard the word \"witch\" mentioned, even once here in St. Brendan Glen, just several minutes spent in the great caves beneath the rugged hills of the Glen erased all doubt that he was in one of the great strongholds of ancient Wicca, a religion and, in most ways, also the way of life of these people." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Adults and children, many grievously wounded, lay on clean straw pallets pressed into strong bed frames.\n\nTo all sides, women both old and young tended caldrons bubbling and seething over fires, into which they dropped herbs and plants unknown to Indy, but clearly being boiled and prepared as medicine. He heard a child cry out in pain. Two women were by his side at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One applied a green salve to an open wound, the other held a silvered cup filled with an opiate, crushed from berries and plants growing all about the Glen, to the youngster's lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within minutes, the sudden wails of pain subsided to whimpers, and then that pink glaze of pain that had been in the child's eyes was gone.\n\n\"You're a witch,\" Indy said to Gale as they followed the tunnels from one cavern to another. It wasn't a question or an accusation, just an acknowledgment of a fact. \"I'm not unfamiliar with Wicca, or even the Celts or Druids, or their many offshoots, but this is the first time I have ever been deep inside such a religion. Belief, fanatacism; they intermix. But it's different here. It's, well, natural.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure whatever I tell you, you already know from your research. Sometimes, Indy, I need to remind myself that you're a highly respected professor, known for your studies of ancient times. Not just here in England, but throughout the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be overwhelmed by what you hear,\" he said in mild protest.\n\n\"By what I hear?\" She laughed. \"Indy, I've seen you work, remember? I've seen you look at carvings and strange writings that utterly baffled men of great learning. You might as well be in a London club, pipe between your teeth, a drink in one hand, reading an ancient scroll as if it were a modern pulp magazine!\"\n\n\"I wish I'd written that all down. Good grief, Miss Parker, that's the best description of me I've ever heard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She grasped his arm with both her hands as they walked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go ahead, Indy. Ask away. I'll do my best.\"\n\n\"All this.\" He gestured with his free arm. \"Has it always been this way?\"\n\nShe shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hardly anyone outside Wicca really understands what we are, how we came about. There are plenty of books that tell of—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forget books. Tell me what you've learned from the time you and Caitlin were children here. That's life,\" Indy stressed. \"Not some notes somebody wrote down for their thesis.\"\n\n\"You know that the religion dates back before the Christian era?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe it's an error to consider the earliest days of what we now call Wicca as a religion. It was essentially a pursuit of the occult.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And occult's true domain is the unknown,\" he added. \"Using your own words, based on the way you lived here, growing up, with Wicca as a part of your daily experience,\" Indy said as he sought a new source of information, \"what is Wicca, this way of life\"—he gestured to take in all of St. Brendan Glen and the New Forest beyond—\"to you as an individual? This isn't idle curiosity, Gale. You may be able to tell me much more about the historical and archaeological facts of this area than I might get from all the official records put together.\"\n\nGale smiled at him. \"I know precisely what you mean, Professor,\" she said in a friendly mocking tone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When I read about us in the London newspapers, I'm never certain who they're writing about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pointed ahead and to the right, and they followed a line of torches along an upward incline. They emerged from underground along a short but twisting path, invisible to passersby, that brought them to a hill looking down on the Glen.\n\n\"There it is,\" she said quietly as they looked on flickering torches and fires. From this distance there was no sign of the horror so recently visited upon the Glen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the wind blew toward its center, so that the acrid smoke from destroyed buildings never reached them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thousands of years ago, no one knows that precisely when,\" she began slowly, \"leaders of villages and hamlets, banding together for food storage and protection against the elements and marauding bands, recognized that they knew very little of the world about them. What we call Wicca today had its origins throughout Europe. In its strictest sense, it wasn't yet a religion.\"\n\nIndy nodded. \"As I understand it, Wicca was really the attempt to recognize the truth of life and then to practice it as a guideline. Go with wisdom instead of blindness.\"\n\n\"Very well put, Indy. It recognized that certain individuals had a skill, or instinct, for what was wisdom in making choices for all the people in their groups, and that their advice for the future just happened in the long run to be most beneficial for all. Wicca didn't rule; it guided. Those who wanted to follow, did so. The others were free to go their own way.\"\n\n\"So it wasn't organized, as such.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right. Unfortunately, there were selfish and greedy people back in those times, just as there are today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale sighed. \"They were the ones who turned the ability to predict the future to their own ends. What was Wicca, a search for knowledge, became witchcraft, which debases what Wicca stands for. The people who used witchcraft were judged to be sneaks, ruthless, and when nothing else could explain away their growing power, it was said that they were in league with demons and devils.\"\n\n\"Which put them right up against the growing power of the church,\" Indy added.\n\n\"And Wicca, which had nothing to do with witchcraft, was tarred with the same brush,\" Gale said, her tone just a bit sharper. \"Along came the game of casting out the witches, all of them, good and bad. No distinction was made between Wicca, which had evolved into a kind and useful religion, as much a way of life as a theological pursuit, and those who cloaked themselves in witches' arts, but were without morality or conscience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Along came waves of oppression.\"\n\n\"In its worst form, the Spanish Inquisition,\" Indy said quietly.\n\n\"The Inquisition made tremendous profit from it. Gold, jewelry, homes, land, women kidnapped for brothels, slavery, and horrible tortures and killing. Depravity at its worst.\"\n\n\"In short, to hunt and condemn witches was to achieve power over others,\" Indy commented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The old game of being top dog.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So our forefathers, my ancestors—\"\n\n\"Went underground,\" Indy finished for her. \"Look, Gale, all this has been prologue. I want to get down to the personal level, here, in the Glen.\"\n\nShe nodded. \"All right, so let me establish right off the old chip for you what Wicca is for us as our religion. We believe in a supreme being. Use whatever names you want. Ultimate Deity—whatever. I've never known any of us, including the Old Ones, to feel they were wise enough to comprehend what is supreme.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, I get the basic picture. You're also communing with nature, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not good enough, Indy. We don't commune with nature. We're a part of nature and we live that role actively.\"\n\n\"Now we're getting down to it,\" Indy said with sudden satisfaction.\n\n\"How ever do you mean that?\"\n\n\"I'll answer you with a question. How do you reconcile Wicca's acceptance of a supreme being with the, well, the magic I've already seen. The way roads seem to appear and disappear, little people I can't see cooking our dinner for us. Water that turns almost instantly to ice and becomes water again. Mists that form when everything I know about meteorology says they shouldn't. So I'll accept this as magic. How can you have both your religion and magic? They don't fit in the same picture.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale held her gaze on him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally she smiled and shook her head. \"So brilliant, so talented, and yet so blind. Poor Indy! Bedeviled with the falsehoods of the modern world.\"\n\n\"What in blue blazes are you talking about?\" he snapped.\n\n\"Indy, where does it say that a deep personal belief in something bigger than us, than all of us, must reject sorcery and magic?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, I...\" He fell silent, perplexed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They fit as naturally as dark and light, as night and day. That's about as opposite as you can get, but they certainly go together wonderfully.\"\n\n\"Yes, I know all that. But what I've seen here violates the physical laws by which this whole planet operates!\"\n\n\"It does not. Your problem is that you haven't yet learned to see; you haven't let your instincts free so you can feel. So long as you keep that stupid word 'impossible' in the forefront of your brain, you'll always be blind to the magic that's just as real as the invisible wonders of your world.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You sound like a partridge. But\"—she laughed—\"when you purse your lips like that, you look like a fish.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very funny.\"\n\n\"I'll say.\"\n\n\"What invisible wonders in my, our, world?\"\n\n\"Remember when you climbed atop that main structure at Stonehenge? With that crazy antenna you wore around your body?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grimaced. \"Knocked me into the middle of next week. Yes, I remember.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was the energy that threw you from the rock?\"\n\nHe glowered at her. \"I, uh—\"\n\n\"You don't know.\"\n\n\"No, I don't. Do you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only that it's earth energy, and the rock is a focal point. Just like a magnetic stone will swing around a compass needle. You don't see the magnetism, but its effect is still working. You don't even feel the magnetism. Unless,\" she added, \"it becomes so powerful that it affects the iron in your blood. Then you feel strange and queer because you don't understand what's happening.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So your people can tap into this basic earth energy?\"\n\nGale shrugged. \"You come up with a better explanation, Indy, and I'm your girl.\"\n\n\"Why do people consider what the witches do as supernatural?\"\n\n\"You can answer that yourself!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah. Like curving or bending light so you see in front of you what's to the side.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the one who told me about refraction, remember? Looking at the fish underwater while you're above the surface, only the fish isn't where you see it? We're simply using what nature offers us.\"\n\n\"Sure. Easy. After a thousand years of study.\"\n\n\"No one said it came quickly or was easy.\"\n\n\"So your magic is actually a way of using earth energies the rest of the world—the untrained world—can't see or understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, you don't, Professor Jones! You're not going to paste a convenient identification label of your making on what we do!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then what would you call it?\"\n\n\"It's magic. But that's just a label, Indy. We use natural energies as well as supernatural forces. Look, natural is what the world recognizes. What's familiar. Anything that's not familiar usually scares the daylights out of people and they stick the label of sorcery on it. Can you imagine going back in time a few hundred years with a Victrola and placing a piece of cactus needle onto a wax record, and the whole thing spins, and out of it comes music and voices? How would you explain that to the local natives? It's magic! Sorcery! They don't understand springs to wind up the magic box. Or electricity, which they can't see and can't even imagine. To them, you're a great wizard who's captured people and music and made them prisoners in that flat disk.\"\n\n\"I'm getting the feeling\"—he grinned—\"that this carrot-topped lady of the woods is teaching the professor.\"\n\n\"Oh, Indy, it's just that it's so frustrating sometimes! Our secret is that we use natural energies other people can't see and we mix them with what people do see. Sure we have magic, but I can't levitate, and I'm not a telepath. But I can see and hear things you can't. Just as ancient symbols are as plain to you as the printed English language is to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You give me too much credit. That's training, experience, knowledge—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've just described magic!\"\n\n\"Interesting viewpoint,\" he murmured.\n\n\"Oh, don't be so stuffy,\" she chastised him. \"Look at all the forces you understand, and that people use, invisible to the naked eye.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Name a hundred.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Easier than you think, smarty-pants. Infrared. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Cosmic rays. Radio waves. Magnetism. Sounds that dogs can hear but we can't. Gravity, inertia, acceleration—good enough for starters?\"\n\n\"There's more to you than I ever imagined,\" he said with honest praise.\n\n\"Let me add just one more thing.\"\n\n\"Oh, please. Have at it. It's nice being the student for a change.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She laughed, a delightful trill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many senses do people have, as taught in our schools to children?\"\n\n\"The basic five.\"\n\n\"Right. Why don't we teach the tykes about a sense of balance?\"\n\n\"Your point, and well made.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And a sense of time, timing, rhythm, past, future, the kinesthetic senses, truth, honor—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I get your point. Based on what you're saying, we block the minds from full reality while they're still young.\"\n\nShe smiled. He swore he could almost see canary feathers along the edges of that cat grin. \"So how come you escaped, Indy? What set you free to see into the past and find wonders where most people see only dust and decay?\"\n\nHe shrugged again. \"Maverick, I guess.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No guess about it. You are a maverick. So are we. That's our magic. Sight, foresight, insight, acceptance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the little people?\" he asked suddenly.\n\n\"I've never seen them.\"\n\nHer reply caught him by surprise. \"But... you talk about them, what they do, you said you can hear them laughing—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can hear the wind, but I can't see it,\" was her disarming response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You accept them, then. Even if you don't know they're here, in the forest, doing all the things they do.\"\n\n\"What does your shadow do?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"You throw a shadow from the sun, from moonlight, from firelight, electric lights, even a flash of lightning. Well, is your shadow real? Can you capture it? Make it do things you want it to do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then it's of no use to you, is it?\"\n\n\"Not the way you're talking about it.\"\n\n\"The little people, the faeries, elves, what we even call the gelflings, many other names, you know what they're like to me, Indy?\"\n\n\"No, but I'd like to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The airplane we flew today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\"\n\n\"It flies because it's missing something. You need to learn such things if you're going to fly well. There's a lowering of air pressure atop the wing. Maybe a half inch or less. But there's full pressure beneath that wing. The difference between normal pressure below, and a lack of full pressure above, well, Indy, that's the secret of flight. Something you can't see, that's less of what it should be, that's missing, and wonder of wonders—we fly!\"\n\n\"When it comes to cavorting in the sky, I'll yield. Strictly student time for me.\"\n\n\"I've never seen the little people, Indy. But I've seen shadows flitting through the bushes, glows of sunlight, phantom fights in the dark. That's good enough for me. When you become fully sensitive and open to what our vision can't see, something happens. It's like all of nature joins with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her sudden laugh was again like music." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's our magic. It's the sorcery of flight. We have less of what we have when the airplane rests quietly on the earth, so we soar high above it. Isn't it marvelous?\"\n\n\"You certainly are.\"\n\n\"And you, Professor,\" she said with mock severity, \"at times suffer from loss of memory and failure of recall.\"\n\nHe blinked his eyes at her unexpected remarks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Madame,\" he answered in the same tone, \"you have me at a disadvantage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I fail to understand, Professor, how you can see what isn't visible in your own world and use it to your advantage—and yet you find what we do as wizardry.\"\n\nShe took a deep breath after her rush of words. \"So what does that make you? A sorcerer who sees what isn't apparent to people around you?\"\n\nHe shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Just someone trained in knowing what to look for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And assemble all the pieces into a coherent picture,\" she said firmly.\n\n\"I yield,\" he said, throwing both arms into the air. \"I'll accept the little people and the curving light, even if I can't see them.\"\n\n\"That, Professor, is the first step to true learning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's the teacher here? You or me?\" he asked her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that old saying, Indy? And a little child shall lead them?\"\n\nHe made a rude sound. \"You hardly fit that picture. I—\"\n\nGale turned suddenly, interrupting him, pointing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, look! Indy, do you see them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed where she pointed. Lights gleaming in the woods, apparently some distance away. Twinkling lights moving behind trees and foliage.\n\n\"Are they—\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nMartin Caidin" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This place is ruddy well haunted!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lead driver of the police convoy stood stiffly, his face beet red from frustration. His thick handlebar mustache bristled as his cheek muscles twitched. \"We've been driving these roads for nigh onto two blinkin' hours, and every time we makes a turn, we're right back where we were before!\" He pointed an accusing finger at Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had changed her leather garment, and her face was scrubbed clean of dirt and blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could have stepped forward from someplace in time, a hunter from some ancient warrior clan.\n\n\"Haunted?\" she asked, her voice on the edge of coolness. Her sword hung from a thick belt by her side, and the constable's eyes kept roving between the weapon and Caitlin's face. \"And I don't understand why you needs be carrying that oversized pigsticker, either, miss!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tone of her voice went from controlled to icy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The sword is none of your affair. You are on private land. We live and hunt here. Now back to your problem. Why have you returned?\"\n\n\"I told you!\" the constable shouted. \"This place, this bleedin' forest, it's haunted! There's no way out!\"\n\n\"Do not shout at me,\" Caitlin said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You abuse our hospitality.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The constable turned redder, making an obvious effort to regain control of himself and avoid further outbursts. \"You have my apology for that,\" he said, grinding every word through clenched teeth.\n\n\"Accepted,\" Caitlin said.\n\nIndy leaned closer to Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's playing him like a harp string,\" he whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shh. It gets better.\"\n\n\"I would like very much, and I am asking, for your assistance,\" said the officer. \"To find our way out of here. We have been driving through fog that settles about us from nowhere, and when the fog blows off, the road changes on us and we have no idea where we are. Except for now, and I don't know how we got here again.\"\n\nCaitlin seemed to ignore everything he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wish to leave, then. You recall, Constable, I said that whatever you did would be of no avail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a step back, then nodded, his eyes lidded. \"I recall, miss. This is all very strange.\"\n\n\"Perhaps. You need do only what we asked of you before, and you are free to leave here without problem.\"\n\n\"And what would that be?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Leave the bodies of our people here,\" Caitlin said in a voice devoid of emotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot do that, miss. I am required to—\"\n\n\"We are wasting time. If you cannot do what we ask, then drive off. I assure you that you will return again.\"\n\n\"You mean,\" the man asked warily, \"that unless we leave these bodies here, we can't get out of this accursed forest?\"\n\n\"Judge for yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is quite irregular.\" He was fuming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin did not respond.\n\nAnother driver came up to the officer. \"Constable Harrison, may I say something?\"\n\n\"Speak, man!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The woman tells you honestly, Harrison. Unless we do as she bids, we shall be driving these roads until we are old and gray.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is crazy!\" Harrison shouted.\n\n\"Crazy or not, that's the way it is.\"\n\n\"He speaks well and true,\" Caitlin said.\n\n\"And if we keep driving like this,\" the driver added, \"we'll be out of petrol soon, and I don't see any pumps about here to fill our tanks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Constable Harrison's mustache bristled again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Scotland Yard's going to be in on this,\" he said sternly.\n\n\"I have no interest in Scotland Yard.\" Caitlin dismissed the matter.\n\n\"Well, they're going to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Harrison!\" The second driver was nearly frantic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do as the woman says!\"\n\nBehind Harrison came the sound of angry men. The constable turned to look at the other drivers and helpers by the ambulances and lorries. Men shook their fists at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get a move on, Constable!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "a beefy man shouted. \"So help me, we'll do as the woman says and leave you here to rot!\"\n\nHarrison turned back to Caitlin. As he met her deep penetrating gaze he felt he was staring into the angry eyes of a wolf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shuddering, he turned back again to his men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right! You heard what she wants! Bring out the bodies of her people, and be gentle about it.\"\n\nThat last gaze into Caitlin's eyes seemed to have demoralized the man. \"Where can we put the, uh...\"\n\nCaitlin pointed to a grassy knoll nearby. \"There.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nudged Gale. \"That woman can say more with fewer words than anyone I've ever met,\" he said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When she looks at someone like she did that nit of a constable,\" Gale observed, \"that's all she needs.\"\n\nTwenty minutes later the thirty bodies, wrapped in silk and linen, lay in a neat row on the grass. Constable Harrison turned to Caitlin. He removed his helmet, holding it before him in a submissive stance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he could speak, Caitlin pointed to the lead police car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may leave now.\"\n\n\"There'll be no problem, miss? Driving away from the forest, I mean? So we can return to our families?\"\n\nCaitlin remained aloof. \"Go, now.\"\n\nHe started for his car, and the remaining drivers and assistants scrambled for their vehicles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two minutes later all that could be seen of the impromptu convoy were tail-lights dwindling in the distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People began to leave from their homes; those who'd been left with ashes, and would be forced to live in the caverns of the Glen, tending the injured, also began to assemble by the knoll where the bodies lay. Indy could feel an ache in his body. By now he knew he was \"receiving\" the pain and sorrow of these people. The more he felt a part of them, the more sensitive he became to their feelings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was no place for him tonight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gail, it's time for me to leave,\" he told the woman by his side. \"I know I've been made welcome here, but tonight isn't the time for me to stay.\"\n\n\"I'm going with you.\"\n\nIndy showed his surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tonight? Now? I thought you'd stay... well, you know,\" he finished lamely, looking at the bodies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Caitlin wishes me to be with you tonight. I agree with her. There's so much to go over, Indy. Besides, I...\" She let her sentence hang.\n\n\"What were you going to tell me?\"\n\n\"The sense, the presence, of danger, is still with us.\" Again she hesitated. \"With you, Indy. It's almost a dark mist about you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't avoid the smile at the corner of his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you're going to protect me?\"\n\nShe almost flared in anger. \"A lot more than you'd ever imagine,\" she said heatedly. \"I can sense things you can't. And as good as you are, you don't have eyes in the back of your head. Indy, you're close and dear to me, but there are times when even you can use some help.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your choice,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood alone as Gale went to Caitlin. The two women hugged fiercely, then stepped back, each looking into the eyes of the other. Indy observed them closely. They hadn't spoken a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale returned to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I need to get some things from the hall. I'll meet you by the car. Caitlin bids you good night and hopes to see you again soon. Very soon.\"\n\nHe stopped himself from asking questions. Time enough for that later. He went to his car and waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After several minutes Gale returned, a large leather knapsack slung over one shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She averted her eyes. Indy saw tears on her cheek, and somehow knew to keep silent.\n\nThe drive through the New Forest went smoothly. The only mists they encountered were the result of changing temperature and humidity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gleaming lights appeared along the winding roadway, but they were reflections shining from the eyes of deer, rabbits, foxes, and other animals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale remained quiet during the drive; Indy did not intrude on her silence. Something was driving her deeper into depression.\n\nIndy's unexpected problem was that he was receiving almost a physical effect from Gale. Ever since he'd been exposed to the magic of the New Forest and the inhabitants of the Glen, he was experiencing a startling sensitivity to the moods and feelings of people close to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he found it almost impossible to remain silent, but before he could speak, they drove up an incline, and as if a switch had been thrown, the trees fell away and he was turning onto the main highway to London." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clear of New Forest, Gale began her own ascent from the depths of dark introspection. Indy glanced at her. \"It might help if you talked about it.\"\n\n\"I'm better now. That was a very bad period... I was, well, receiving is what I mean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, are you telling me you were receiving a message by mind? Telepathic?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" She shook her head. \"Empathic. Very strong. No words, no messages, but a knowing.\"\n\n\"Empathic,\" he repeated. \"I don't want to push, but—\"\n\nHer words hit him with physical force." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Athena... Caitlin's mother.... She is going to die tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy felt ice race through his body, and his muscles jerked suddenly. \"How... how can you know that?\" He spoke slowly, choosing his questions with great care.\n\n\"It's all through the Glen, Indy,\" Gale told him with incredible calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's like a sound wave that goes out. Athena has been the Old Mother for so many, many years. Everyone is, well, tuned into her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you said she was going to die! Not that she's dead.\"\n\n\"Yes. Her wounds were much worse than anyone realized. When I was with her, I saw how pale she'd become. Not just from where they had cut her deliberately. But inside. She's been bleeding internally. I took some advanced first aid, enough to know that her stomach was perforated. There's no hope any—\"\n\nIndy slammed on the brakes and the Bentley skidded wildly with screeching tires and the smell of bumed rubber. \"The devil, there's no hope!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he shouted, anger exploding from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can still get her to a hospital. We can be back there and get her to an emergency room. A blood transfusion! Surgery. Why is everyone giving up like this!\"\n\n\"It isn't a matter of giving up, Indy.\" Again that impossible calm from Gale. \"It's her decision. Or, the decision's been made for her. She can see ahead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're telling me she has precognition? She can see into the future? See her own death?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"But—\"\n\n\"Indy, your own tribal medicine men, the American Indians, they've done the same thing for hundreds of years.\"\n\n\"I know all about seeing the blackness ahead,\" he said heatedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've seen it in India, in Tibet, in Haiti... but it can be altered.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale sighed, staring straight ahead. \"I know this is difficult, and I'm trying, really, to help you understand. This is Athena's decision. Whatever she sees ahead of herself, her future, is not a better choice than d—than going, tonight.\"\n\n\"I just don't get it,\" he said, hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes vacantly following the headlights stabbing the night.\n\n\"She is not in pain. She is not frightened. And Athena is ninety-two years old. You would argue with her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's ninety-two? I didn't think she was sixty!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A wan smile crossed Gale's face. \"Please drive on, Indy. The farther I am from the Glen, the less I will feel, now that her decision is made.\"\n\nHe shifted gears and floored the accelerator, rushing into the night. He came to a decision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There wasn't any need to baby-sit or gently hold Gale's hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was stronger than he'd ever believed. It was already well past time for some hard questions and hard answers.\n\n\"Gale, I get the feeling I'm in deep with what happened today. You think I didn't see those cops writing down my license-plate number? And solid descriptions of the both of us? There's forty people dead, more than that wounded, and this isn't going away by itself. There'll be an investigation, and we're both going to be smack dab in the middle of it.\"\n\n\"I guess we will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't guess. It's as serious as a heartbeat. Besides that slaughterhouse today, there's the map. There's anywhere from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, or pounds sterling, whatever currency you want to use, involved in this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More.\"\n\nHe shot her a sharp glance. \"Like what?\"\n\n\"Caitlin's mother. When Athena is gone, Caitlin is blood-sworn to avenge her death.\"\n\n\"She's got to know who before she can avenge anyone or anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Caitlin will find out. And she'll go after him. She won't stop until he's dead. Those are the Old Ways.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind the Old Ways right now. Let's stick to the main point.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\n\"Before I tell you what I've learned tonight—\"\n\nGale turned in her seat, staring at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a lead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Later, blast it!\" He gritted his teeth to remain patient. The Old Ways and the little people were starting to grate on his nerves. Indy dealt in facts, and he'd been on a merry-go-round of illusion all day. \"Will you please just answer my questions?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She slumped down. \"Ask.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I talked to maybe a dozen people tonight,\" he said. \"When we were outside and also in the caverns. Asked them if they'd heard anyone among the attackers speaking or calling out to one another, and if they could recognize the language. One thing is definite. They were not English, they weren't American or Canadian. Most people believed they recognized Russian. Of course that could have been Polish or Hungarian. With all the shooting and screaming, and the fear level, it's easy to mistake one language for another. But it's definitely eastern Europe. They also heard French, and one person swears he heard orders being shouted in German.\"\n\nGale sat up straighter. \"Does that help?\"\n\n\"Does it ever,\" Indy emphasized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It shows a pattern and it's darned clever. This group used different languages so to confuse everyone. I also spoke to several policemen who were picking up the bodies of those nine slain attackers. There wasn't any identification in their clothing. No tags, names; nothing. No one wore rings, bracelets, jewelry of any kind. But one body had strange tattoos, in the shape of a barracuda.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll ask the Romanies,\" Gale said quickly. \"If anyone knows the symbolism, the Gypsies will.\"\n\n\"Okay, I'll leave that up to you.\"\n\n\"First thing tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right,\" Indy went on, more slowly now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Gale, there's a pattern developing from all this. That map they were after. How'd they find out it was with your people? How'd they even know about it? Or where to go once they got into the Glen? All those pieces have to come together.\"\n\n\"As well as where they're going,\" Gale added.\n\n\"I sure hope you can get Caitlin to share that other map with us. I know it exists. Then we'll know where those people will be moving.\"\n\n\"That's where Caitlin will be moving. It's like I said before. Whoever caused the death of her mother must die by Caitlin's sword. By her hand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That sword she carries...\" He let his sentence hang." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale studied him. \"Yes?\"\n\n\"If the old legends are true, and I believe them more right now than I ever have, that could be the sword fired and annealed by none other than Merlin.\"\n\n\"Do you think it's Excalibur?\"\n\n\"By now,\" Indy mused, \"I'm ready to accept that St. Brendan's Glen is the original Avalon. Oh, I know, Avalon is regarded by most historians as part of Glastonbury, and it was considered an island because at times it was surrounded by water. But it's not and never was the wonderful, enchanted isle. The water surrounding Avalon at Glastonbury was more bog than lake. English historians have a great romantic streak in them and they'll attack you hysterically if you challenge their versions of the story of King Arthur and Merlin and those ill-tempered knights history regards as such dedicated gentlemen. Brigands on horseback and violators of lovely, helpless young women is more like it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, don't you have a rotten opinion of our cherished traditions!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not at all!\" Indy boomed. \"There's nothing wrong with reality. Such as the great knights and warriors of England going off to the Crusades and getting battered left and right by the locals. They wore their colors and fealty as if they were armor. And the armor they did wear nearly killed them in the heat of the Holy Lands as much as the locals did in their loose robes and with their fast horses.\"\n\nHe laughed. \"All right, carrot top, Excalibur is the ceremonial sword. Could be it was stuck in some big chunk of rock and the boy Arthur yanked it out because the saints were guiding him, or some other lovely fairy tale like that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But what Caitlin carries is not Excalibur." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And through the years and the absolute hordes of definitive histories of the Knights of the Round Table, and the sorcerers and dragons and fair maidens, Excalibur and what Caitlin has became the same sword. It was Excalibur in the beginning and the name changed. But that's too convenient. It's a patsy job for some beak-nosed librarian who couldn't come up with a better line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh-uh. Caliburn is the fighting sword, the only true sword, and I know its legend. During its making, Merlin stood by the sword maker, he helped the forge burn brighter, he muttered incantations and the mumbo jumbo at which he was so good. But somewhere along the line he had some new metals, what would become alloys, and he mixed them in with the iron of the sword, and when it became steel, it was more than a sword. The blade of fire, the unconquerable, and a magic weapon—because into that blade Merlin poured all his magic and his power.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took a long breath. \"Probably why the old geezer finally died the way he did. Weak, shunned—\"\n\n\"Go on about Caliburn,\" Gale said.\n\n\"You already know what there is to know. That's how Caitlin killed four of those men attacking her parents. With the blade of fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not Caliburn you want to know about, is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shot a hard look at Gale. \"Give the lady a cigar. She's coming out of her cocoon.\"\n\n\"Let's stop playing games. Go on to hard questions, Indy.\"\n\n\"Good. Thank you. Why is Caitlin still alive?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was afraid you might ask that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm asking.\"\n\n\"But you already know. If you know about Caliburn...\"\n\n\"I don't know. But I admit I believe.\"\n\n\"Please. Keep talking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The scabbard. Legend has it, and almost all Arthurian legends, stories, and ballads state that the scabbard has the magic power, instilled by Merlin, to heal any wound it touches.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale seemed somehow aloof during this exchange. \"What you say is true,\" she said.\n\n\"I saw enough wounds—we both did—to know that Caitlin should be dead a half dozen times over.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" That was all from Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed she was hoping Indy would run into a dead end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But she is not dead, despite wounds that were obviously fatal.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"That scabbard she was wearing. It's not the one produced by Merlin, is it?\"\n\nHe heard a sigh. \"No. It's not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What happened to the scabbard that heals wounds almost as quickly as they're inflicted?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would have thought you had that all figured out by now.\"\n\n\"Gale, you sound almost antagonistic.\"\n\n\"Oh, Indy, I'm not.\" She looked at him with a pained expression on her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's just that I have a lifetime behind me of never talking about these things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Until now.\"\n\nShe nodded.\n\n\"Where's the scabbard, Gale? The one with the life force.\"\n\n\"She wears it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You just agreed with me that's not the scabbard I saw, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The original scabbard was covered with several layers of the finest suede. Deerskin worked for months. Caitlin knew that she might one day be hurt so badly she'd be unable to reach the scabbard and apply it to the wound. So she and her mother carefully soaked the scabbard in a solution Athena prepared. They unwrapped the layers of deerskin. It was very thin but incredibly durable. Then—\"\n\n\"Let me guess.\"\n\n\"Please.\"\n\n\"They sewed it into a body garment. What Caitlin wears beneath her clothes, against her skin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy whistled to himself, a single long-drawn-out note. \"Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. If that leather from the scabbard works as advertised—\"\n\n\"What a strange way to describe something with magical powers!\"\n\n\"If it's all it's cracked up to be, then Caitlin is always protected. She can suffer those wounds and they heal immediately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Almost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the catch?\"\n\n\"The scabbard works its healing magic only for the person fighting with the sword. With Caliburn.\"\n\n\"So that's it,\" Indy said. \"That's why you're so certain that Athena will die tonight. The one thing I couldn't figure out. Why the scabbard, or its garment, wasn't used to heal Athena. It won't work for her!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" The single word was forced out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They sat in silence for a while, Gale accepting the night wind as a comforting blanket, Indy wrestling with myriad possibilities and trying to anticipate what the future held for them. He knew now that he was up to his neck in this caldron of mystery, and Gale was right there with him. During that time at the Glen, he'd seen one constable standing in the shadows and taking photographs of different people. He'd spent too much time shooting pictures of himself and Gale as well as several of Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy would have bet a hundred dollars to a dime he was a spy in the pay of the group that had struck at St. Brendan Glen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It figured. Go in with the authorities, get a photo record of anyone who might be there who didn't \"fit\"—like Indy. By now those pictures were being studied for identification.\n\nIt was time to increase his own sensitivity to trouble around every corner he might turn.\n\nBut one thing still nagged at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, you up to some more talking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd been on the edge of sleep. She sat up straight, taking deep breaths of the night air whistling past the speeding car. \"All right, Indy.\"\n\n\"There's a piece missing in this puzzle.\"\n\n\"Only one? How wonderful! I felt we were wandering blindfolded through a mine field.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed. \"Not quite as dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused, seeking the right words. \"Look, Gale, there's a rule in science—there's no free lunch in the universe. There's got to be an energy source for everything that happens. For everything we do. It doesn't matter if it's humdrum stuff or wizardry or magic. The rule applies to everything. Sometimes we can't see or understand the nature of the energy source, but it is always there.\"\n\n\"No argument, Indy. If, that is, I'm following you.\"\n\n\"Magic, like anything else, has to pay a price to work.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A price in energy, you mean.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Absolutely,\" he said. \"Even if we draw it from the planet itself. Like the energy that collects at Stonehenge. That's not magic. The earth is an enormous gravitational energy force. It gives off all sorts of radiation. The crust of the planet shifts and generates enormous magnetic and electrostatic forces. So the energy is there for the taking, but only if you know how. That's why I believe in the power of the sword Caliburn. Why I can even accept the healing powers of what was its scabbard, which Caitlin now wears against her body.\"\n\nShe anticipated his question. \"And you want to know how energy is derived from somewhere,\" she said carefully, \"and gets to the sword and her garment.\"\n\n\"That puts it as well as I could,\" he said admiringly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I correct in judging that even if you don't yet know, you're onto something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You get a second cigar.\"\n\n\"Don't let me stop you. If you're right, I'll tell you immediately.\"\n\nAgain he glanced at her. Gale looked straight ahead so as not to meet his eyes and perhaps give herself away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took a deep breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I saw it. Kerrie—that's her father's name?—okay, Kerrie was carrying it.\" He paused. \"The scepter.\"\n\nGale nodded slowly. \"You're onto it.\"\n\n\"The jewels on the outside of the scepter are pure showmanship,\" Indy went on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've seen hundreds of scepters around the world. Haitian voodoo rods, shafts worked by the American Indians, scepters for kings and queens and pharaohs. Most of them were strictly for wowing the crowd. Razzle-dazzle stuff. But every now and then I've run into a scepter that was used to collect or focus energy, or both.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dating from when?\"\n\n\"Long before you and I arrived on the scene, lady. One of the best-kept secrets in the archaeological world is that people were using electric batteries four thousand years ago, perhaps even longer than that.\"\n\nGale half spun in her seat, staring at Indy. \"What?\"\n\n\"You heard right. Electric batteries. The Babylonians, Syrians, ancient Persians, and others. Look, Gale, they were electroplating silver and gold onto statues and figurines, and I've seen that work. Removed from tombs that hadn't been opened in four thousand years, statues and icons that could only have been done with electricity. In fact, pieces of those batteries are in an Egyptian museum right now. We had some electrical engineers study the pieces and try to reconstruct such a battery. The copper, lead—whatever they used. Working only with the ancient tools and materials, they did it. Built batteries that could easily have been assembled in ancient times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you're convinced this is tied in with the scepter Kerrie was carrying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd make a lousy poker player, Gale. You'd give your hand away in the blink of an eye. You know it was that scepter! And you also know the scepter is, like I said, strictly for show. What's inside that thing is what counts.\"\n\n\"You amaze me.\"\n\n\"Why? It's simple deduction. I saw the crystals glowing. I don't buy the magic potion for sale down at the local hardware store. That thing has got to have a battery inside. The battery provides the power to energize the crystals to act as an energy-collecting device. Like what happened to me at Stonehenge. The energy is real. It's radiated by the earth. The trick is to learn how to harness it. Which, I'm now convinced, is just what Merlin did. He was more practical engineer than wizard. Unfortunately he seems to have taken most of his so-called magic formulas with him to the grave. In my book, Merlin is absolutely real, an incredible genius on a par with the greatest minds of history, and he knew better than to claim he was working with quite ordinary and everyday forces. But playing it as a wizard, in a time when people believed in dragons, Merlin got away with the sorcery game. In today's world he'd be a fantastic con man.\"\n\n\"How do you explain the curving of light? The mists and fog? All that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know just how it works. But it's the greatest use of natural energy I've ever encountered. It's brilliant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not magic?\"\n\n\"I didn't say that,\" Indy protested. \"I can explain some of what goes on. The rest of it? I'm hanging by my fingernails off a cliff.\"\n\nGale smiled. \"Good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why good?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because there's more magic than any of your science in all this.\"\n\n\"I'll lay odds that the garment Caitlin wears, made from the scabbard, has a lot more than suede or leather in it. Care to challenge me on my saying it's interwoven with gold threads? Or perhaps silver? Because silver is a better electrical conductor than mercury, just as a for instance?\"\n\nGale didn't answer. She had doubled over in pain. Indy reached out to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale... can I help?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook her head. \"Athena... she passes on. Take me home, Indy, please, now.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Martin Caidin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy listened to the soft chimes of the grandfather clock in his fifth-story flat in London. Four o'clock in the morning. He was well into his second pot of coffee as he pored over notes and historical records. Merlin and Avalon and King Arthur swirled through his head, mixed with visions of the flashing blade of Caliburn and the mystical tales of the Knights of the Round Table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fact and fiction seemed to be interchangeable in the Arthurian tales." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But one point was certain. Despite the many versions, French as well as English, the sword of Caliburn and its scabbard were always endowed with miraculous properties.\n\nExcalibur was clearly poetic invention on a grand scale. The tale of Arthur removing the magic sword from solid rock filled in the gaps of history, because there was little to write about Arthur as a youth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite his kingly parentage, his childhood remained singularly unimpressive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To make the leap from relative obscurity to leader of all the knights, what better invention than a magic sword that only the \"great and true\" king could remove from its enchanted stone?\n\nMore than one mighty coup had been achieved through similar \"politics of magic.\" It was popular drama on a huge scale. With Merlin razzle-dazzling the superstitious, uneducated knights, the wealthy and highborn were ripe for mesmerizing into the belief that King Arthur was, if not godlike, at least a divinely chosen ruler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides, being a knight bestowed all manner of freedom upon those fortunates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the name of the king, you could rob, steal, pillage, beat, and even enslave anyone you wanted, for pleasure. The scribes, poets, and minstrels of the time who recorded the ravaging of local populaces by the knights made certain never to record the truth—or they were certain to be on their way to a merciless beheading.\n\nBut this wizard, this Merlin, was more than a master magician. More than one of history's great public-relations men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Merlin could frighten and hypnotize, astound and terrorize, and to do that he had to back up his mutterings with deeds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All his so-called magic potions and powders could not match the reality of the sword and scabbard of Caliburn.\n\nEverything pointed to the natural energies the people of the New Forest had learned to accumulate and then utilize with marvelous effect. Like Indy's experience atop Stonehenge, hurled by invisible energies collecting in the homemade antenna he had so foolishly attached to his body—well, the way to test suntan lotion is not to throw yourself into a bonfire.\n\nMerlin didn't create the sword Caliburn out of bat's wings or magical powder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was nonsense. The magic was real, but it was beyond Indy's knowledge of such powers to know how that worked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One clue was the energy field that had smacked him at Stonehenge. If Merlin had known how to capture that energy and infuse such power into the blade of Caliburn, well, then it began to make sense, but the secrets were still locked up in the past.\n\nExcept, he thought furiously, whatever power lay within the scepter. Whatever energy was captured and then transmitted from the scepter could be tied in with the sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost like a sending source." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Already scientists had learned how to transmit a powerful radio signal to a distant point and pour energy into a receiving antenna or station. The principle would be the same for Merlin or any scientist today.\n\nIndy reverted back to his exchanges with Gale. \"I'll bet my bottom dollar,\" he had told her, \"that Merlin was able to manipulate natural earth energies so that they looked like magic. And if the scepter contained a stored energy source, like a battery, that would do the trick. After all, switch on a flashlight and you get a beam of light from a tightly packed container of lead and chemicals. Stored energy is the 'trick.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was convinced he was on the right track to understanding the power of the sword, but the reasons for the healing power of the scabbard remained elusive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it simply a tremendous force of faith? Faith was more nebulous than magic. Indy had enough experience with voodoo in African and Haitian tribes to have seen \"faith\" paralyze the minds of people and cripple their bodies, to the point of being frightened to death. The hex of evil spirits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This could work the other way, as a healing instead of a wounding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After all, something had kept Caitlin alive despite enough wounds to kill a dozen men. Faith or magic; he could not yet determine. But whatever it was, Caitlin was alive and well when she should have been dead.\n\nIndy put aside the puzzles he failed to solve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More immediate concerns closed in on him and Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He moved quietly to the bedroom door, opened it just enough to see that Gale was asleep. He closed the door and returned to the living-room couch.\n\nSleep eluded him. He knew that whatever group had savaged the Glen would go to any lengths to obtain the secret map. That meant they'd be after him and Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The police were no protection. Not yet, anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were still baffled by that attack with high-powered weapons and the ruthless murders. By people who spoke in different languages, who carried no identification, who operated as a machinelike organization. This group was brilliantly led. It knew what it wanted and would not stop at anything to find and seize whatever it sought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was the added tug of the past reaching out to Indy's instincts and experiences as an archaeologist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The coins that had been mentioned. Mint-condition coins from the beginning of Christianity? What an incredible find that would be! And where had the gold come from?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was it for?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who had gathered it originally? How did the Vatican get mixed up in so shady an affair?\n\nIndy fell asleep in that swirling mixture of thought and riddles with which he'd wrestled most of the night.\n\nThey came down on slim cables from the roof." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two men in black clothing, black sneakers, woolen hoods." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the best manner of the dreaded Ninja, the infamous assassins of Japan. They swung well out from the buildings as they cabled down, and then with a rush, hurtling like heavy weights at the end of long strings, they shot into the living room.\n\nIndy barely opened his eyes before the first man landed with both knees hard against his chest. Indy's eyes seemed to pop wide as his breath gushed from his lungs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gasping for air, jerked violently from the deep sleep he'd so long fought off, he knew only that someone was hammering on his body as if he were a punching bag." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was fully awake in seconds. Every time he fought for balance, the two men swarmed over him. In moments he knew he was being taken down and worked over by experts. Two fists grasped his hair, jerked his head back against the edge of the couch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried desperately to swing his body to the side, but the second man twisted his ankle, fell with a knee into Indy's stomach, and the next moment slammed knuckles into his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "White-hot pain shot into his brain. His windpipe felt as if it had been pounded with a lead pipe. Even as knuckles mashed his Adam's apple, he knew what his attackers were doing. He was so desperate for air that he had no chance to cry out to Gale, or make enough noise for anyone to hear him and call the police." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was no stranger to physical punishment or to techniques to escape the battering he was taking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First and foremost was to get air into his lungs. He didn't know if two or six men were working him over. He managed a lungful of air and then thrashed about wildly. His foot, striking blindly, caught the man before him in the ribs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard the sharp cry of pain; the blows, at least for the moment, ceased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the man behind the couch, both hands grasping his hair, was hauling Indy up over the edge of the couch. Even through his pain he recognized what they were doing; stretching him out, forcing him to struggle for air, unable to use his hands to defend himself.\n\nAgain Indy thrashed on the couch. Free for the moment from frontal blows, his body twisted until he was on his side, and then he completed the half turn, his face mashed against the couch itself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For this moment, anyway, his eyes, nose, mouth, and throat remained protected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he felt himself in the air as one man pulled, the other grabbed his belt, and they heaved him behind the couch and fell on him like two madmen, raining blows against his ribs and kidneys. He recognized, again, the mark of the professional. They were beating his body painfully and expertly, but they hadn't drawn any blood.\n\nHope flared in him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're not out to kill... they're after information." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as soon as they stop using me for a punching bag, they'll make their move. Be ready, Indy, be ready....\n\nThe two men hauled him up suddenly to slam him backward with a jarring crash against the nearest wall. One man held his left wrist in a painful backward bend, keeping Indy from any sudden moves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that he wanted to get these people that upset as a large automatic pistol loomed before his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The muzzle banged hard off his upper lip, then jammed against his nostril.\n\nI guess I look like Raggedy Andy with a mop handle up my nose.... The idiot picture flashed through his mind and he half choked with laughter.\n\nTo the men using him for a battering ram, he sounded as if he were choking, and they relaxed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy seized the opportunity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gasped and choked again, tried to bring saliva to his lips, and deliberately went limp. Now his attackers had nearly two hundred pounds of limp dishrag in their hands. That's not easy to hold up with just a pistol in one nostril for support.\n\nHe heard one man bark commands to the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy wasn't sure of the language, but it sounded middle European." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He understood enough to know what was happening. The second man was being told to hold him up.\n\nWell, things were looking up. He was pinned against a wall, a heavy gun rammed into his nose, his body on fire from a hundred blows, but with one man holding him from falling and the other occupied with the gun, there wasn't much room to keep using Indy as a target for fists and feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the leader was speaking English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice came out as a hiss, the other man close to Indy's face, spittle accompanying every word.\n\n\"Professor Henry Jones.\" Clearly the masked intruder wanted to let Indy know he knew precisely who he was. Indy had regained his breath; wisely, he relaxed as much as he could to regain tautness and strength in his body. He was also adding up pieces of data and building larger blocks of information." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They knew where he lived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They knew who he was. They came through his window because he'd double-locked, from the inside, the door to his flat. And he didn't need to be a rocket scientist to conclude that this was neither a social visit nor your everyday robbery.\n\nHe had also gleaned another fact that could in an instant become vital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The contempt in the man's voice when he said the word \"professor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Indy was being held at gunpoint by a killer who judged teachers, professors—likely everyone in the whole educational system—as weak and inferior.\n\nIndy had to work that to his advantage. \"Y-yes, sir,\" he stammered, his voice quavering.\n\nThe man laughed. \"We have a weakling here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sneered to his companion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can handle this mouse myself. Go find the woman,\" he ordered.\n\n\"Tell me about the Caitlin woman,\" the man said, his voice promising punishment if Indy failed to respond. \"The witch. What is your relationship to her?\"\n\n\"I—I don't know her. She's a friend of—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You speak of the one with the fire hair,\" the man snapped, referring to Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Y-yes,\" Indy stammered.\n\n\"Worm! We know there is another map! You will tell me where it is, or—\"\n\nA voice carried from the bedroom. \"She is not here! The woman is gone!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fool!\" the man with Indy shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The ledge outside! Check the ledge!\"\n\nThe man turned. The window was open, drapes fluttering in the night breeze. He ran to the window, climbed on his knees to the ledge, looked to his left. Empty. He turned to his right just in time to see Gale's foot coming toward his throat in a tremendous kick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grasped his neck with his hands, choking, blood dribbling into his fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the moment Gale needed. She moved forward like a striking cobra, tightened her left hand, closest to the building wall, in a rigid fingers-extended position, and brought her hand down as hard as she could against the back of the man's neck. His hands flew from his throat. Now he was off balance, struggling to remain on the ledge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leaning against the wall, Gale drove the heel of her right foot against the back of his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a bloodcurdling shriek he went off the ledge to certain death on the pavement five stories below.\n\nIn the living room, the hooded man holding the gun to Indy jerked his head around at the sound of the scream. Cursing in that strange language, he slammed the pistol grip against Indy's head. Indy took the blow along the side of his head rather than frontally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reacted as if struck with a sledgehammer, collapsing helplessly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gunman dashed around the couch.\n\nImmediately Indy was on his feet, running to the coat-rack across the living room, then to the bedroom. Gale stood transfixed in the high window space, the man before her with the gun held steady on her.\n\n\"You are a fool,\" he said scathingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should have silenced Ahmed first.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His finger began to tighten on the trigger.\n\nGale stared wide-eyed as the man's head snapped back violently. She heard the sharp crack! of Indy's bullwhip, the leather flashed around his neck, and Indy jerked backward with all his strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gunman flew off his feet, his pistol tumbling away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy dragged him back toward the living room as the man struggled madly. Gale was down from the ledge, following closely.\n\nShe watched, wide-eyed, as Indy pulled the whip free. Whoever the gunman was, he was also strong and a fighter to the end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He scrambled to his feet, fingers curled into claws, rushing at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy smiled; a whooshing sound heralded the snap of the bullwhip. As fast as the sound cracked through the room, a deep slash opened along the gunman's cheek. He rocked backward and the whip snapped out again. Blood lined the opposite side of the man's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A third time; skin split along his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy! Don't kill him!\" Gale shouted.\n\n\"Oh, I'm not,\" Indy said, smiling. \"Just paying back a little.\"\n\nAnother skin slice. The man staggered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy moved forward slowly, deliberately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And heard pounding at the door to the flat. Blows with fists, loud shouts. \"Open up in there! This is the police! Open this door, I say!\"\n\nThe intruder looked up, his eyes wild." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale stepped up behind him, jerked the hood from his head and face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It spun away in a shower of blood.\n\nIndy smiled. \"What do you know?\" he said with deceptive calm. \"It's our photographer from the Glen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They heard the door beginning to splinter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And when they find out they've had a traitor in their midst, well...\" Indy let it hang. If there's anything a policeman hates—no matter what country and under what name they wear the uniform—it's a dirty cop.\n\nThe man's eyes widened. His fear grew swiftly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a howl he turned on his heel and dashed for the window, running past Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, stop him!\" she shrieked.\n\nThe bullwhip cracked hard, a pistol shot of sound. It mixed with the breaking crash of the door as policemen poured into the flat. Just in time to see the black-clothed intruder hurl himself through the window to his death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay still!\" Gale spread an evil-smelling salve along Indy's head, gashed open from the blow of the pistol butt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You squirm like a cat in a boiling pot.\"\n\n\"And I smell like one,\" Indy grumbled. \"What is that putrid stuff you're smearing on me?\"\n\n\"Would you believe bat dung, eye of newt, crab intestine, and camel spit?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, then, you'd be right. It's a mixture of herbs, roots, leaves, and lichen. It must be boiled for a specific period of time, the fire must burn only wood, the caldron must be cast iron, and the mixer must be—\"\n\nIndy held up a hand to interrupt. \"Must be a witch, I'll bet.\"\n\n\"Right again. Have you seen yourself in the mirror? Your bruises have bruises, and—Indy, stay still!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Easier said than done,\" he snarled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's next? This hurts you more than it hurts me?\"\n\nShe laughed. \"Not quite. Those two knew what they were doing. If I don't get this what you call evil gunk where they clubbed and kicked you—\"\n\n\"Don't forget the punches. I think one of them was using brass knuckles.\"\n\n\"Whatever.\" She moved her fingers across his shoulders and chest, caressing him gently as she spread her healing potion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly she withdrew her hand as if stung." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've got to watch myself, she thought. This is not the time to be affectionate....\n\nQuickly she began to speak. \"You think very well on your feet, Professor Jones,\" she said with stilted courtesy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Coming up with that scarab jewelry to show the police was brilliant. 'Why were those people here?' the policemen ask. Using you for a punching bag and trying to shoot me? 'Why, Constable'\"—she mimicked Indy as he had addressed the police—\" 'here is what they were after. See these scarabs? Worth a blinkin' fortune, they are.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like I told you,\" he said, \"I travel prepared.\"\n\nShe reached to the table and held up the glittering jewelry. \"It looks expensive. What's it really worth?\"\n\n\"The one you're holding? It's cosmetic jewelry. Fake. Worth the price of a good lunch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All of them?\" She held up four other scarabs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. One of them is worth a king's ransom.\"\n\n\"Which one?\"\n\n\"Green.\"\n\n\"It's gorgeous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, I'm whipped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She put aside the jewelry. \"All right. We've got a makeshift door for the night. Smart of the superintendent to take one from the spare bedroom.\" She propped up several pillows. \"You comfortable?\"\n\n\"Except for a hundred little demons jumping up and down my body, yeah, sure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sleep, Indy. Sleep?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\nShe passed a hand across his eyes. A small bag in her hand released the barest trace of a rare and valuable powder.\n\nWitch's powder.\n\nHe was instantly sound asleep." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Martin Caidin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy floated on a sea of gray foam. He felt almost weightless, a feathery drifting. He slept deeply.\n\nA deep bass groan sent the foam shuddering. Now he felt wet sand beneath him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was lying on a beach, at the high-water mark of the incoming surf, waves sliding in to cover his body and then retreating to sea, leaving his skin free of the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another boom spasmed through his body.\n\nGray foam again. It brightened in waves in a matching beat to the thudding booms. This is crazy? Where am I?\n\nHe tried to force his eyes open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Confusion again. If he could see the gray foam, how could his eyes be closed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly but steadily his subconscious mind withdrew as he fought his way up from the numbing grip of deep sleep. Instantly the foam exploded silently, without any physical effect, as he looked at a tall window of his studio, through which morning sun streamed with painful brilliance. He shut his eyes, groaned with the effort of turning his body on the couch.\n\nHe forced his eyes open again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarity of vision and mind came rushing back to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Last night... the fight, the beating he'd taken. Gale rubbing that strange salve on his body. He remembered wanting to sleep, the effort blocked by the pain inflicted by the two men who'd attacked him. Then—\n\nThat was it. Gale, passing her hand across his eyes like a magic wand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That's when reality ended and he fell into a never-ending well of slumber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Gale. At the door, talking to several men just outside in the hallway. He recognized one voice immediately. Indy groaned again, swung his legs to the floor. Somewhere between his ears was a nasty little troll hammering on a log." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tall man in a trench coat with a thin, perfectly waxed mustache came across the room to stand before the couch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked up slowly from the gleaming black shoes to the perfectly creased trousers and inevitable trench coat. Above the mustache and bright, intelligent eyes was perched an old and disreputable-looking tweed cap.\n\n\"Well, well, well,\" came the booming greeting. \"Unexpected and a pleasure to be seeing you so soon again, Henry!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bug off,\" Indy growled to Inspector Thomas Treadwell, ace agent for MI5, British military intelligence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked beyond Treadwell to Gale, gesturing to seats for two other men. Indy ignored them. The troll in his head was banging with renewed enthusiasm on the log. Each blow was a spasm of pain.\n\n\"Gale? If you still have an ounce of mercy left in you, coffee, please,\" Indy groaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell turned to Gale, doffing his cap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Parker, you look positively lovely—\"\n\n\"Watch it,\" Indy said. \"He wants something. Where's that coffee?\"\n\n\"Coming right up. It's all made and waiting for you,\" she said quickly. \"Black as usual?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop with the questions. Just bring me—\" Gale was already gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She returned almost at once with a huge mug of steaming black coffee. If it had been larger, Indy would have climbed into the mug. He held it with both hands, surprised to see they were shaking slightly. The first sips went down slow and scalding. Wonderful..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Halfway through the cup the troll began packing up his log and leaving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think I'm going to live,\" Indy mumbled.\n\n\"Muffins?\" Gale asked, her manner and voice disgustingly perky and bright. \"Toast? Eggs? Oatmeal? Kippers?\"\n\n\"More coffee. Just bring the pot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll have tea, if you'd be so kind, Miss Parker,\" Treadwell said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He brought a chair from across the room and sat directly before Indy.\n\n\"You're right, Indy. He is too nice.\" She smiled at Treadwell. \"Tea coming right up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy glared at Treadwell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyone listening to the two men, who didn't know just how tight and strong was their friendship, would have judged them about as cordial as two snarling dogs.\n\n\"Now, just how did I know I'd be seeing your pasty face this morning?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"The chief wanted you brought in at the crack of dawn,\" Treadwell said quietly.\n\n\"You came to my defense?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can tell the chief where to get off,\" Indy growled.\n\n\"Well, now, he certainly had good reason to—\"\n\n\"Hold it, hold it,\" Indy broke in. He grimaced with pain as he shifted position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That scene at St. Brendan's. I had nothing to do with that. I didn't even get there until it was all over.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. You were in an airplane directly overhead when it all happened.\"\n\n\"How'd you know that?\"\n\nTreadwell paused as Gale brought him tea and refilled Indy's mug. \"Join us, if you would?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the inspector asked her pleasantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale nodded and sat on the couch with Indy.\n\n\"For starters,\" Treadwell continued, answering Indy's query, \"any machine flying overhead at that moment could have been part of the killing spree.\"\n\n\"Could have, but wasn't. I suppose you already know I was taking a flying lesson.\"\n\n\"You certainly need one,\" came the retort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You, ah, ran out of cookie bags, I understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked to Gale. \"You told him about that?\"\n\nShe nodded. \"People who are busy upchucking, Indy, have the perfect excuse for not being mixed up in—\"\n\n\"Forgive the interruption, Gale,\" Treadwell broke in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We know how close you are to the St. Brendans.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale looked down, nodding.\n\n\"What attracted your visitors last night, Indy?\" Treadwell asked, the levity in his voice gone.\n\nIndy's head was clearing swiftly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He studied the men seated across the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Especially one man. Stocky, powerful, yet dressed crisply, a relaxed air about him. He had all the signs of a special operative. Indy gestured to him.\n\n\"Who's he?\" he said to Treadwell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Roberto,\" Treadwell called. \"Join us, please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Professor Jones, my pleasure,\" the man said. His English sounded almost a bit too perfect for a foreign speaker.\n\n\"Let me guess,\" Indy said. \"Italian. Which, in this case, means the Vatican.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Roberto Matteo Di Palma, sir,\" the man identified himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Secret police, Italia. I am from Arce, southeast of Rome.\"\n\n\"We've asked him to join our group,\" Treadwell explained. \"And you haven't answered my question as to what brought those two men here last night.\"\n\n\"You get identification on them yet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy offered the question as his first \"answer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only one. The police recognized him. That's what makes this a bit sticky, you know. He was a constable.\"\n\n\"He was also a ringer,\" Indy said. He leaned back on the couch. \"I'll lay even odds he's been with the force for some years, he's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was. Past tense,\" Treadwell reminded him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He needed money, and some people got to him to act as their eyes and ears within the police organization. He was also a photographer. In fact, he was very busy taking pictures of Gale and me yesterday. And everybody else.\"\n\nTreadwell nodded slowly. \"So that's how he picked you. And finding where you live is simple enough. Your tie-in with London University, for example. But what were they after?\"\n\n\"Ask Gale. She can answer better than I can.\"\n\nThey turned to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The second map,\" she said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They wanted to know where it was. If we didn't know, they were going to kill both of us.\"\n\n\"And they came too close for comfort,\" Indy added.\n\n\"Excoosa,\" Di Palma said, a deceptively quiet tone to his voice. \"This map. It is for the gold?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whoa, hoss,\" Indy broke in immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We didn't say a word about gold. You did. I don't like being at this land of disadvantage.\"\n\n\"I am willing to accept the fact that you know about the gold,\" Di Palma countered.\n\n\"Sure,\" Indy admitted. \"But I heard about it only yesterday. Seems to me you've known about it a lot longer.\"\n\nDi Palma looked to Treadwell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The British agent shrugged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told you he was quick.\"\n\n\"Will you permit me to ask a few more questions before I answer what you have asked?\" Di Palma said to Indy.\n\nIndy placed his empty coffee mug on the end table to his left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He studied the Italian, then shook his head slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I don't think you understand something, Di Palma. I'm not part of this whole crazy caper. I never saw St. Brendan Glen before yesterday. I didn't know scratch about gold, or a map, or those people who came in shooting like madmen. I do know that last night I got myself used as a punching bag and a target by people I don't even know, and now I have what is obviously an international undercover team in my flat. I do not feel like joining your party.\"\n\n\"I am very sorry to hear that,\" Di Palma answered.\n\n\"That makes one of us, then,\" Indy told him.\n\n\"Thomas?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell turned to Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you people here?\" she asked.\n\n\"Obvious, my dear. This flat is invaded, through a window by swinging cable. Professionals, obviously. They, ah, work over our good professor, try to kill you, and want a second map that is supposed to reveal a king's ransom in gold. Both men are now dead and we find out that one of them was likely in the pocket of the same group that committed such atrocities yesterday at St. Brendan's. Where, I have learned only this morning, they obtained a map through torturing the Old Mother of the Glen and threatening to—excuse me, Gale—slit the throats of children if they did not get it. They apparently knew a great deal about this map before they ever arrived at the Glen.\"\n\nTreadwell turned to Indy. \"So far so good?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've got the microphone. Don't quit now,\" Indy murmured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This isn't some simple robbery or just a gang,\" Treadwell said with increasing severity. He held up a cigarette and glanced at Gale. \"Mind?\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"Not at all.\"\n\nTreadwell lit up. \"Any group with that many people and vehicles, heavily armed, represents a major organization. Which means power, political influence, financial backing, and—well, enough of counting pennies and reasons. You get the drift, I imagine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy clapped his hands slowly, a pantomime of sarcasm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Veddy good, veddy bloody good,\" he said, lifting his upper lip to expose his teeth.\n\n\"There's no need for that,\" Treadwell said brusquely.\n\n\"Then go away and you won't have to hear any more of it,\" Indy offered.\n\n\"Will you back off, Indy? Please?\" Treadwell asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, old man. My head is killing me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thomas?\" Treadwell turned at Gale's call. \"What do you want of us? I mean, why this visit in this manner?\"\n\n\"Well, it's obvious. Bodies flung all about, and—\"\n\n\"Kill it before we need to put on high-top boots, Tom,\" Indy broke in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You didn't need all these people here for that. Especially when one of them is a spy for the Italian Secret Service—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A special agent, if you please,\" Di Palma said sternly.\n\n\"A spy,\" Indy went on, \"for Italia, and then you've got those three hoods with you—\"\n\n\"Hoods?\"\n\n\"Oh, come on. Bully boys. Torpedoes. Thugs. Gangsters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're part of the department, Indy,\" Treadwell protested. \"Special operations.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right. And my great-aunt Millie is really Queen Victoria.\"\n\n\"Then why,\" Treadwell asked, obviously nettled, \"would I bring along bully boys, as you so crudely put it?\"\n\n\"One, you're improving the social level of your company,\" Indy gibed, \"or, two, they come from a nefarious background and association, which means you're hoping they might recognize somebody your people don't know.\"\n\n\"Somebody like who?\" Treadwell pressed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shrugged. \"Come on, Tom! You're going for a make on anyone from this organization you're after.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A make? I do not understand,\" Di Palma said.\n\n\"Identification,\" Gale said quickly.\n\n\"And why,\" Indy asked, pointing to one of the three men seated across the room, \"did you bring along a hex man?\"\n\nTreadwell's expression was pure innocence. \"Which one?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remind me never to play poker with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pointed again. \"Your man on the left. Jamaican or Haitian, I'll wager.\"\n\nGale stared. A shudder passed through her as she locked eyes with the tawny-complexioned man. He was tall and thin, his skull as shining as a billiard ball, and his eyes seemed sunken into dark pools. He smiled at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That smile said many things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Above all, it was a sign of recognition from one person who saw things \"normal people\" could not see to another.\n\n\"Haitian,\" Treadwell said finally.\n\n\"And?\"\n\n\"I know this is going a bit off the deep end, but—\" Treadwell paused, looked to the Haitian, who nodded either agreement or permission." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impossible for Indy to tell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll finish for you,\" Gale broke in. \"He has farsight.\"\n\nIndy's interest quickened. He looked to the tall stranger. \"I'm Jones. And you...?\"\n\n\"Antoine LeDuc. I would be pleased with Tony.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Farsight, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "LeDuc shrugged. \"So it is said.\"\n\n\"Can you cut through all this? Tell us the people that Stoneface Treadwell is after? That we'd like also to know?\"\n\nLeDuc rose slowly, like a segmented stick unfolding to a tall pole. \"Now that I am here, feeling what is in your memories, I have made the connection. It is yet hazy. Miss Parker, ma'am, would you let me rest my hand on your forehead?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale looked to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept his expression blank. This wasn't his decision. She took his silence as agreement; had he sensed even a touch of danger, he would have interfered. She nodded to LeDuc and sat in a chair as he approached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand, with manicured nails and long sensitive fingers, slid to her forehead. She felt an astonishing coolness.\n\nLeDuc stood quietly. Then he turned to Treadwell. \"You know the man you seek.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" The word chorused from Treadwell, Indy, and Di Palma in unison." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is the same man we have sought.\" LeDuc studied the faces of the men staring at him. \"There is confusion, but that is because this is the man with three names. For some time my own government thought we faced three different men. They were moving into the drug trade in the West Indies as well as Latin and South America. Our people in Haiti are poor, so they were easy to hire out. When they learned they were no more than slave laborers in fields that grew the plants for drugs, it was too late for many of them. They died of fever, beatings, starvation, and when they grew too weak to work, they were simply shot and thrown to the sharks.\"\n\n\"The names,\" Indy said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt a giant spring coiling within him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever had been simmering was now coming to a boil.\n\n\"What I am feeling through Miss Parker,\" LeDuc went on, \"is different names. But only one person. So I will start with the name of the man who led the attack in the forest.\"\n\nHe closed his eyes and concentrated. Then his eyes opened and he looked directly at Treadwell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The name is Warren Christopher.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy, Treadwell, and Di Palma exchanged glances. Indy shrugged. \"Doesn't ring a bell.\"\n\nDi Palma shook his head. \"English name,\" he said finally." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the blighter's been dead for six years,\" Treadwell said angrily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tony, what the devil are you doing!\"\n\nLeDuc didn't bat an eyelash. \"I do not recall,\" he said carefully, \"that I brought up the subject of alive or dead. But that is the name.\"\n\n\"What say you?\" Indy needled Treadwell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Christopher was an international arms merchant. We'd been after him for a long time. We finally trapped him in Africa, selling heavy weapons to the Germans. When our people closed in on him, the Germans\"—Treadwell emphasized this word—\"gave him the quick. With Christopher dead he couldn't testify about who his customers were.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell jabbed a finger at LeDuc. \"The next name, please. Obviously, there is either a rare similarity of names in the arms and murder business, or—\"\n\nLeDuc didn't let him finish. With a thin smile on his face he said quietly. \"Konstantin LeBlanc Cordas.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell slammed a fist into his palm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now we're getting somewhere!\"\n\n\"I thought you told us Cordas—or Halvar Griffin, as he was known then—was dead,\" Indy told Treadwell.\n\n\"That was the information we received. The information was wrong. He not only survived, but he's been building up his organization again.\"\n\n\"It starts to fit,\" Indy said, voicing his thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at Gale and LeDuc; the tall man had removed his hand from her forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You gave us two names,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You provided the third. Halvar Griffin,\" LeDuc answered.\n\n\"You mean,\" Di Palma joined in, \"these three people, Cordas, Griffin, Christopher, they're all one and the same person?\"\n\n\"Looks like it,\" Indy said, leaning back against the couch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy snapped his fingers as he turned to Treadwell. \"We heard a name last night. The guy who walloped me with the gun butt and then threw himself out the window rather than be captured. He told Gale the name of the man she dumped.\"\n\n\"Dumped? I did more than that,\" Gale protested.\n\n\"The story ends the same,\" Indy said to dismiss her complaint." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The point is, he called him Ahmed. Any good to you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell scribbled notes in a pad. \"Not at the moment. We'll run it through the mill.\" He looked around the room. \"Any other names?\"\n\nGale gestured for attention. \"Scruggs,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did you hear that?\" Treadwell said immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't hear it. During the slaughter at the Glen, several of our people heard someone call out that name. They told Indy about it.\"\n\n\"Does that one mean anything?\" Indy queried.\n\nTreadwell snapped his notebook shut. Finally he reached for a chair and sat down slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was obviously unhappy with the name he'd just heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It most certainly does. One of the bloodiest cutthroats in the underworld. Goes by the name of John Scruggs. He's been with Cordas from the beginning.\" Treadwell sighed unhappily. \"A totally immoral killer. Scruggs isn't his name, but he's got it on a Maltese passport. We know he has forged passports with various names. He's actually Spanish. Valdez Morato.\"\n\n\"I know him,\" Di Palma added quickly. \"He sells children for slaves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Di Palma grimaced. \"Among other heinous crimes. He enjoys killing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy rose and stretched. \"Well, that's the lot. Been nice seeing you, Thomas. Give my regards to Scotland Yard.\" He looked about the room. \"What? You're all still here? Get out there and chase the bad people!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A comedian you are not,\" Treadwell countered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Indy, and this includes Miss Parker as well, we're up against the wall. Blind spots everywhere. We've got to get to St. Brendan Glen and go over the place with a fine-tooth comb. Anything could prove valuable.\"\n\nIndy pointed to the window. \"Then go! You're not going to find clues or catch anyone by staying here and jawing with me.\"\n\n\"I also want to talk with Miss Caitlin about that map. We know about it now. The map her father had secreted. All I know so far is that there's some enormous amount of gold that can be found with that map, that it's been with the St. Brendan family for many years, that Cordas now has a copy or the original, and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hold it, hold it,\" Indy protested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, Tom! Gale has already told your people that to save his wife and some children, Kerrie St. Brendan turned the map over to the people who invaded the Glen. The old man didn't know who they were, and at the moment it didn't matter. A map against the lives of his wife and some children. Of course he gave it up!\"\n\n\"I'm not faulting anyone, Indy,\" Treadwell countered.\n\n\"The map is incomplete.\"\n\nHeads turned to Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her words seemed to thrust themselves between the men like a physical blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that supposed to mean?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Just what I said, ducks. The map is incomplete. And deliberately so. It may or may not lead Cordas, or anyone else, to where the gold might be. It's not as simple as it sounds.\"\n\n\"You seem to know a great deal about this,\" Treadwell said with quickening interest. \"Might I ask how you obtained this information?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Caitlin and I grew up together virtually as sisters. For years she's been training to take over leadership of the Glen when her parents pass on. During her instruction, I was often with her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For the moment,\" Treadwell said slowly, \"strange as it seems, it's not the gold I want to talk about. It's the map.\"\n\n\"That's different,\" Indy said.\n\nTreadwell ignored the dig. \"Miss Parker, how did the St. Brendan family come into possession of the map?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale hesitated. \"You wouldn't believe me if I told you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Try me. Please,\" Treadwell urged.\n\n\"Fifty, perhaps sixty years ago, it was brought to the Glen for safekeeping,\" Gale said.\n\n\"I fail to understand,\" Treadwell said. \"Why would it be brought to the Glen when, certainly, the vaults of the Bank of London would be security enough?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not arguing that,\" Gale told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You asked me a question, I answered it. Why the Glen was chosen makes perfect sense to me. I know almost nothing about the bank vaults.\"\n\n\"Would you tell me why the Glen was preferred?\"\n\n\"I said you wouldn't believe me.\"\n\n\"If you would...?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes\"—Gale hesitated—\"well, it's not always possible to get to the Glen. And if you can't get there, you can't take anything from there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cordas and his people managed quite well.\"\n\n\"I know. The St. Brendans weren't warned that they were coming. It's like Indy said, Thomas. A case of the horse galloping away before the barn doors are locked.\"\n\nTreadwell pushed the issue of the map. \"You said the map was incomplete. How do you mean that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are no names on the map. Only terrain features. The land where the gold was taken, where it is supposed to be to this day, must first be identified before the map has any value.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And where might that land be?\"\n\n\"I have no idea,\" Gale told him.\n\n\"Who would know?\"\n\n\"Kerrie St. Brendan. Caitlin's father. And I believe she, too, would know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Gale,\" Treadwell said warmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Might I ask your further assistance with these people? They might be much more willing to cooperate with us if we're together.\"\n\nGale shrugged. \"I can't answer for them.\"\n\n\"I understand.\" Treadwell's mood darkened. \"I hope I needn't remind you that if this Cordas fellow fails to identify the land area, he'll return to the Glen, and this time whatever he and his gang of murderers do could be far worse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no fear of that,\" Gale said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They cannot return to the Glen. Not after what happened. They can never go back there.\"\n\n\"Pray tell, why?\"\n\n\"He won't believe you,\" Indy told Gale.\n\n\"Why not?\" Treadwell said sharply to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy smiled. \"Magic,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is hardly a moment for humor, Indy.\"\n\n\"I'm serious.\"\n\nTreadwell dropped the matter completely. \"I am required to talk to the St. Brendans. I hope you will accompany us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll go with you,\" Gale agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I can't help you unless Caitlin so wishes. Besides, she's not afraid of Cordas returning. She is going to find Cordas. To avenge her mother.\"\n\n\"In what way?\"\n\n\"Cordas must die by the sword.\"\n\nTreadwell shook his head slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are we in some land of time machine? We seem to be leaping back and forth between the present and some ancient age.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale smiled, but kept silent.\n\n\"All right, Gale. Will you at least go with us?\" Treadwell asked again.\n\nGale nodded. \"I will. I want Indy to go, too. But you won't be able to find the Glen. Not unless Caitlin lets you in.\"\n\n\"You do baffle me, Miss Parker. May I say that I grew up in that region? I know every inch of it. I will most definitely find my way to the Glen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better look out for the magic,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're still not funny,\" Treadwell said grumpily." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Martin Caidin.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Martin Caidin every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stood in a steaming shower for twenty minutes, the heat easing some of the strain from pulled and battered muscles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew Treadwell, Di Palma, and LeDuc waited for him with growing impatience. They could bloody well wait forever as far as he was concerned. He hadn't asked for their presence, he hadn't committed any crimes except in self-defense (and Treadwell wasn't arguing the issue), and sure as grass was green, he didn't want any part of the police investigation. These people were doing their best to snare him into accompanying them to chase around the globe for master criminals, and he'd already had more than his share of that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was perfectly content with battling to solve the mysteries of the ages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found dusty relics and buried tombs and learning of the wonders and marvels of ancient cultures and civilizations sufficiently fascinating. One thing special about mummified local gods from the past: They made great conversation. They spoke only the mute language of history, not the inane jabbering of the living.\n\nBesides, he was hungry, and Gale was a wonder in the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd already tasted the meat and local vegetables, none of which he'd recognized, she'd prepared in the New Forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was just as good in a London flat's kitchen as she was in the forest. He dressed in fresh clothes, pulled on his friendly, reliable, battered boots and a rough suede shirt. He toyed with the idea of taking his Webley, but that was inappropriate right now. However, old habits were difficult to break, and he slung the whip through his belt thong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the Glen the whip hadn't brought so much as a second glance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Into his right boot went a long, slim killing blade, one he used far more for work and for small game than on any two-legged prey wearing clothes.\n\nHe hesitated. One never knew what might come up given the insanity of these past two days. He was doing his best to stay out of the mess, but powerful forces kept drawing him in. First, he wouldn't leave Gale on a limb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When two people have saved each other's life, unhesitatingly risking their own, a bond forms that requires no words or explanation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't need a printed message to understand the tremendous pressure on this woman who'd become so close a friend. She was emotionally battered by the loss of Athena, as well as by all those adults and children killed and wounded at the Glen. Only hours before, she'd fought for her life and now she was being grilled by Scotland Yard, an Italian secret agent, and a voodoo priest from Haiti.\n\nBesides all that, Indy knew Gale was gnawing her own knuckles at the determination of Caitlin, her closest friend, to pursue Konstantin Cordas and take his life with that infernal wizard's sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sword... Indy didn't know whether to worship or hate that blade of fire and the wizard's scabbard she now wore as a tunic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The more he'd thought about it, the more he liked the idea of leaving Gale to her own devices. She was sharp, swift, brilliant, capable, and even dangerous when those attributes were needed. She'd done just fine before Indy came into her life. And with Caitlin, and the age-old magic of Merlin backing them up, they were a fearsome duo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the sword, and all that lay behind it, exerted a pull impossible for Indy to ignore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one had asked the question that bubbled within Indy's head. How had the sword of King Arthur, created through the skills, potions, and magic of the legendary Merlin, come to be in the possession of the St. Brendan clan? Where was the line of history that matched the St. Brendan Glen with Glastonbury and the Tor and Avalon, the Round Table, and the sworn fealty that had to exist for Caliburn to end up in Caitlin's hands? And who before her?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And before her father? And his father?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The questions clung to his ankles like lead weights. He could not resist his own curiosity, the spellbinding search for answers that was the driving force in his life.\n\nSo he must go with Gale, be her strength, be there to answer for her in a world of vicious international intrigue.\n\nBut not without his breakfast!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He emerged from his bedroom to greet the impatient faces of Treadwell, Di Palma, and LeDuc, who were seated in his studio room and half rose with his appearance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy grinned and held up one hand. \"Easy, easy, gentlemen. A car doesn't run without fuel and neither do I. I eat before I drive. Anybody care for coffee or tea?\" All three shook their heads.\n\n\"We've eaten,\" Treadwell told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go ahead, Indy. We'll wait.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy bowed with mock deference. \"Thank you, Your Lordship.\"\n\nTreadwell couldn't help it; he laughed, sat back, and lit a cigarette.\n\nIndy and Gale ate in the breakfast nook, unhurried and deliberate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're pushing them,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Uh-huh. Great herring.\"\n\n\"Indy...?\"\n\nHe was smearing marmalade on a muffin. \"Mmmmpf?\"\n\n\"I know you're going for me. This isn't your affair, Indy. You can just walk away from it. I'll understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He almost accepted. Instead he took a huge bite of muffin, herring, and eggs and picked up his coffee mug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ughrumph. Wouldn't miss it for the world.\" He swallowed coffee hastily.\n\n\"You sound like a water buffalo,\" Gale said, wrinkling her nose.\n\n\"Uh-huh.\" He ignored the remark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do I guess that Caitlin's going to do some light bending this morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale smiled and nodded.\n\n\"That is going to be worth getting up early to see,\" Indy said between mouthfuls.\n\n\"When do you have to return to the university?\"\n\nHe stopped in midswallow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're right. I was supposed to report to Old Man Pencroft yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shrugged. \"Five'll get you ten that Treadwell's already run interference. Don't worry about it.\"\n\n\"Indy, I don't like interfering in—\"\n\nBut he'd already pushed back his chair. He looked at the men waiting for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On your feet, varlets. Let's roll.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The third time they passed the same crooked tree hanging over the narrow roadway, Indy burst out laughing. Not at the tree but at the baffled and stunned expressions of the three men with him and Gale in the powerful touring auto from Scotland Yard. On the second pass by the tree, Treadwell had slammed on the brakes, the heavy auto skidding on the pebbled dirt road. He left the car and stood by a low branch, cheek muscle twitching, and slashed a clear line along the branch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without a word he returned to the car and slammed it into gear, the rear wheels spinning wildly and slewing the rear of the car to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rounded a wide turn and gaped. White mist rolled in from a low hill to his right, covering the roadway. He had no choice but to slow down. Finally he was inching along, muttering beneath his breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is impossible,\" he said through tightly clenched teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have driven through here all my life! I've never seen fog that comes and goes. No rhyme or reason to it! Even the temperature and humidity and the dew point are at levels where there shouldn't be any fog, or even mists rising from the streams. But we keep running into this blasted mist, and when we do, I have no idea where we are or where we've been or—\"\n\n\"I told you,\" Indy said, not able to avoid smirking.\n\n\"You told me what!\"\n\n\"That this would happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know, I know, but why? And how! It doesn't make sense!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy reached to his right and patted the usually unflappable Treadwell, now grinding his teeth, on his shoulder. \"I know it doesn't make sense, Thomas. I also told you it was magic.\"\n\n\"You can't be serious?\"\n\n\"Oh, I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, you're a man of science! Now you're telling me this is magic?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Uh-huh.\"\n\n\"That's ridiculous!\"\n\n\"So is this fog, right?\"\n\n\"Well, yes, of course it is, I know that, but—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you're in a ridiculous fog.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rolled slowly about a sharp turn, the front fender scraping bushes crowding the road. Treadwell hit the brakes so hard everybody was thrown forward.\n\n\"My God.\" Treadwell mouthed the words slowly. Directly before him was the tree limb he'd marked with his pocketknife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, I am staying as calm as I can. Now, I have kept an exact track of our route. It is not possible for us to be where we were three times before.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right by me,\" Indy said lightly.\n\nDi Palma looked about him. \"The old people in the mountains, they talk about strange mists like this. They are not natural.\" He shuddered. \"It is said that the spirits in the high hills, above where even the mountain goats go, can make these mists behave as they desire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell gave Di Palma a withering look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is not the mountain country of Italy and I do not give a fig about your goats!\"\n\nAntoine LeDuc climbed from the car. He sniffed the air, his eyes widening as he turned in a circle.\n\n\"Tony!\" Indy called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Try the amulet. The one you wear beneath your shirt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The others looked at Indy. \"It's an amulet. It's real. It works for Tony.\"\n\n\"What is it?\" Treadwell asked.\n\n\"Fer de lance. One of the deadliest vipers known. Its venom works like a forty-four slug right between the eyes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy laughed. \"Oh, the snake isn't alive. It's been dead many years. Tony had the skeleton woven into a single strand, using sacred threads. When he's in the presence of strange energies, it vibrates.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "LeDuc held Indy's eyes. \"Witchcraft,\" he said slowly, his voice firm and confident. \"It is the power of witchcraft, Professor Jones!\"\n\nTo LeDuc's astonishment, Indy nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are so right,\" he said in a voice of great patience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I tried everything to warn Thomas. So did Gale. Now he can experience this thing for himself.\"\n\n\"Miss Parker, who's responsible for this?\" Treadwell asked Gale.\n\n\"For someone to be responsible,\" she said softly, \"something must be going on. What would that be, Thomas?\"\n\n\"We're on a bleedin' merry-go-round, that's what's going on!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you said it was impossible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Withdrawn! I confess I don't understand what's happening, but I can't deny this is the third time this blasted tree has been right in front of me.\"\n\n\"Indy told you. So did I. It is the magic of the forest people.\"\n\nTreadwell's lips were so tight they were almost white. \"Are you talking about Caitlin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That could be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How...\" Treadwell swept his arms about to take in the forest. \"How can she do this?\"\n\n\"She talks to the wind. To the trees, and the streams. They do her bidding.\"\n\n\"Wait, wait,\" Di Palma broke in hurriedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Professor Jones, how did you know about the snake skeleton? And what does it do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will answer,\" LeDuc said solemnly. \"He knows because he has visited my people in their villages and homes. He knows because he has walked through the dust of history. He knows because he is open to knowledge.\"\n\n\"He knows,\" Indy added, \"because he—me—could see the outline of the snake skeleton beneath Tony's shirt. And knowing something about how such things are used to detect energy about the wearer... well...\" Indy shrugged. \"There it is.\"\n\n\"Indy, let me ask this calmly, seriously, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded to Treadwell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can we be arriving back at the same place when we have been driving on different roads?\"\n\n\"It's not that easy to explain.\"\n\n\"Try, please.\"\n\n\"You familiar with topological math, Tom?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Somewhat, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Di Palma, LeDuc, and Gale immediately became silent, hanging on every word.\n\n\"Okay. You'll have to put aside some of your most cherished rules of reality,\" Indy warned.\n\n\"That's been done for me already,\" Treadwell said with a sour expression. \"Like this bloody road.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, then, imagine we could twist time—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Time?\"\n\n\"Time and space. I'm no physicist, but according to what the bigdomes are saying, time and space really are the same, or they perform the same way. It's over my head, but what they stress is that you cannot picture living beings in only three dimensions. The old height, width, and depth.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\n\"You've got to add a fourth dimension. It's not as complicated as it sounds. It's time. We move forward constantly, from the past into the present toward the future. That's about as commonplace as you can get.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Agreed,\" Treadwell said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you can't move forward in time unless you've got someplace in which to move—\"\n\n\"The three dimensions,\" said Treadwell.\n\n\"Right. So forget the fancy words and expressions. Just think of one day after the other. We move in three physical dimensions all the time. We go left, right, ahead, backward. We go into, out of, like going into and leaving a building. And then we leave the two-dimensional world—\"\n\n\"Flatland,\" Gale burst out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy laughed. \"As good a description as any. Flatland would be a place where you have only two dimensions. Everybody there lives on a flat plane. They never go up. Up becomes the third dimension, like in our world. But since you can't be in two places at the same moment, you must advance, say, from ten o'clock to eleven o'clock. That's the fourth dimension. Now, you can go backward to places you've been before, but you can't go back to when you were there before. Still with me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rather foggily, but yes,\" Treadwell said, nodding.\n\n\"Okay. Now take this road. Think of it as a long strip of paper. Or a carpet. But the paper works best because you can hold a strip of paper in your hands. Stay right with me now, because we can even demonstrate this.\"\n\n\"I'm with you. Keep going.\"\n\n\"A strip of paper has how many sides, Tom? Forget the edges, I want to know how many sides it has.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's easy enough. Two, of course. The top, and the bottom.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was in his element. He'd run into this sort of thing as far back as the ancient mathematicians. It gave meaning to the old expression \"there's nothing new under the sun.\"\n\n\"All right. If you connect both ends of that strip of paper, what do you have?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A loop,\" Treadwell answered quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With how many sides?\"\n\n\"Same as before. Only now you wouldn't call them top or bottom. You'd call it the inside of the loop, and the outside.\"\n\n\"If you drew a line with a pencil along the inside, all the way around, until your pencil line returned to where you started, what would you have?\"\n\n\"Why, that's obvious,\" Treadwell answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a pencil line going completely around the inside of the circle. The strip of paper that's now a circle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you wouldn't have a line on the outside?\"\n\n\"Of course not! Not so long as you held the pencil against the paper, anyway, staying on the inside.\"\n\n\"So that proves the strip of paper has two sides, right?\"\n\n\"Indy, what the devil are you getting at? You know it does.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, Tom. Now, let's say we have a second strip of paper, same length. Before we fasten the ends with a piece of tape or glue, whatever, we give the strip of paper a half twist, and then we fasten the ends. You following me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Wait. I have a large notebook here in the car.\" He removed a sheet of paper, cut off a twelve-inch strip. \"All right, Indy, now I give the paper a half twist, right?\"\n\n\"Right. Got some tape to connect the ends?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. But I have some adhesive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Use it.\"\n\nTreadwell held up the paper strip, to which he'd given a half twist. \"Now what?\"\n\n\"Rest the paper on your notebook. Place a pencil on the inside of the strip. Start a steady line, continuing all the way around the paper, along the inside, until your pencil lines join.\"\n\nThey watched Treadwell doing as Indy instructed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he finished, he held up the paper strip, staring at it with his mouth open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pencil line ran along the entire length of the paper strip, inside and outside.\n\n\"This isn't possible,\" Treadwell said slowly.\n\n\"Why not?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Because I never lifted the pencil from the paper, and yet the line appears on both sides of it....\" His voice trailed off to a disbelieving whisper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tom, it has only one side,\" Indy emphasized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is simply not possible,\" Treadwell said stubbornly.\n\nIndy shrugged. \"I can't argue with you. But you're holding the proof that you can twist into what, for want of a better description, we'll call another dimension. Look, Tom, this isn't as farfetched as it seems. Farmers and some factories have been using this Mobius strip for years. They take a fanbelt, usually something long and flat, that operates off one motor, to turn another piece of equipment. Accept that the belt needs to be greased. If you use the standard belt, then obviously you've got to grease the inside and the outside.\"\n\n\"Naturally,\" Treadwell acknowledged.\n\n\"But if the farmer or the machinist gives that belt a half twist and reconnects it to the machinery, all he needs to do is hold the grease brush against the top of the belt. You can figure out what happens next.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell stared at the Mobius strip in his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"According to this, then, the belt would be greased on both sides.\"\n\n\"No!\" Indy half shouted. \"You still don't get it! It won't be greased on both sides, because it's been twisted into a different dimension and it only has one side.\"\n\n\"I'll be hanged,\" Treadwell said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Any way you like it,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now do you begin to understand why you can't get off this road? It always twists back upon itself.\"\n\nTreadwell turned to Gale. \"This is what you've been trying to tell me?\"\n\nGale nodded. \"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do we get off this road that goes nowhere? I really do need to talk with Miss St. Brendan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Talk, or perform the duty of an inspector from Scotland Yard?\"\n\nTreadwell sighed. \"Miss Parker, you have my word. I will proceed with the greatest respect and consideration. I have no desire to confront black magic—\"\n\nHe never finished his sentence. Gale's eyes flashed with sudden and unmistakable anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you ever use that term about the Glen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her voice was an angiy hiss. \"Keep your stupid superstitions to yourself! There is nothing dark here except your own limitations.\"\n\nTaken aback, Treadwell held up both hands. He hurried to apologize." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss P—Gale,\" he said quickly, \"I meant no offense. Forgive me. I am over my head with... with all this, the road that turns in on itself, this strip of paper... my memory serves me poorly. I know that the same devout religion has been practiced here for—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind,\" Gale said, still sullen. \"Apology accepted. Now, do you want to continue?\"\n\n\"Please.\"\n\n\"Then drive on. The way is clear now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—I mean, how could you—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Talk or drive, Thomas. Take your choice.\"\n\n\"I'll start the car,\" he said.\n\nThey soon came to a fork in the road. Treadwell slowed to a stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't remember this,\" he said cautiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take the road to the left,\" Gale told him. \"The one you couldn't see before.\"\n\n\"Leave your weapons in the car.\" Gale looked at each man in turn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Widiout a word Indy removed the long knife from his boot and placed it on the car seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell, reluctance slowing his movements, removed a powerful revolver from a shoulder holster and set it gently alongside the knife. They turned to Di Palma. He stared blankly at them.\n\n\"Roberto, do it,\" Treadwell ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Di Palma sighed. A small derringer came forth from an ankle holster." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he pulled back the right sleeve of his jacket, revealing a strap assembly with a holstered gun. Without a word he slipped the weapon from his arm. Derringer and handgun went onto the floor of the car. Di Palma and the others turned to LeDuc." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slim blades emerged from his forearms, another from his right ankle, a fourth from a belly sheath, and a fifth from a flat sheath strapped to his back, just below his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held up both hands, brought the palms together.\n\nIndy's hand shot out to grasp his wrist, turning LeDuc's arm to show the bottom of the forearm. \"That's quite a tattoo,\" he said quietly, releasing his grip. LeDuc nodded, still exposing the tattoo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you seen this before?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I haven't,\" Indy said, his tone flat but unmistakably serious. \"But when the Glen was attacked, one of the people here saw the tattoo of a barracuda on the arm of one of the attackers.\" He paused for his words to sink in. \"Exactly like yours.\"\n\nLeDuc nodded slowly. \"Then you have identified, no doubt, where some of those people were recruited.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How? Where?\" Treadwell broke in quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is not Ton Ton,\" LeDuc replied. \"But there is a group composed of Haitians, Jamaicans, and others from the islands, a mix of people and languages. French, Spanish, English, mainly. They keep no written records of their names. Only numbers. And all wear the tattoo of the picuda that kills in a flash and can speed off faster than the eye can follow.\"\n\nDi Palma listened intendy to every word. \"They are a political group?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "LeDuc laughed harshly. \"Only when money is involved. They are mercenaries. Almost all of them have police records. Drug and gun running, prostitution, child slavery, smuggling illegal aliens, murder for hire. They even have their own banking system set up through the islands. Ruthless, without conscience—their loyalty is to the highest bidder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "LeDuc rubbed his chin. \"But I have never before heard of them so far from the Americas.\"\n\n\"And you wear the tattoo,\" Indy observed with false calm.\n\nLeDuc nodded. \"Many of our government security forces have the mark. It is all that has kept us alive sometimes. Remember, there are no names. Only numbers. As we disposed of certain elements we try to replace them with our own. That way we learn—it is the only way—of the organization from the inside.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One thing bothers me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "LeDuc waited, not saying a word.\n\n\"Two things, really. The first man was sent for a long dive outside the window of my flat\"—he gestured to Gale—\"ably assisted by the lady. The second man who went out that window referred to the first as Ahmed.\"\n\nLeDuc shrugged. \"They change names like their shirts. And the second thing, Professor?\"\n\n\"I've dealt with fanatical groups throughout the world. From Arabian assassins to Hindu zealots to snake worshipers and everything in between. Mercenaries may not be afraid to die, but they don't commit suicide to avoid capture like this fellow did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he had been captured, and revealed anything about his group,\" LeDuc explained, his face like granite as he spoke, \"he would have sought death, frantically. To violate the fealty of this group is to condemn oneself to a very long and agonizing death. Long before the end comes, such violators of their oaths plead and beg for the mercy of death.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then,\" Treadwell interjected, \"if we run across some chap with that tattoo, it could be one of this mercenary group, or—confound it—it could be one of your own people! We'd have no way to tell. Anyone with the barracuda on their arm must be regarded as a dangerous enemy.\"\n\nLeDuc shrugged. \"That is the way the ocean currents run sometimes. You dive into the water and take your chances.\"\n\nDi Palma gestured unhappily. \"Then we are dealing with men of no conscience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again LeDuc shrugged. \"That is not for you to say. Or have you not read of the actions of European conquerors through the ages?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey!\" Indy said abruptly. \"Knock it off, you people! We're here by invitation, upon our own request. Just accept what we're dealing with and extend our courtesies to our hosts.\"\n\nGale squeezed Indy's hand in a silent thank-you. Treadwell nodded vigorously. \"Well said, Indy. We were overdoing it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to Gale. \"Would you, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale started from the car. \"Stay with me, please,\" she said as she began walking up the hill toward the great hall.\n\nCaitlin St. Brendan rose in stately fashion from a huge throne at the far end of an oval table, its glistening wood so polished it reflected the firelight. Large chairs waited for the visitors about the table, but for the moment they stood in silence, struck with the beauty and power of the standing woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are welcome,\" Caitlin spoke, her voice ringing clear and sharp through the hall, drifting back with gentle reverberations from the high rafters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fires burned along the outer walls beneath simmering caldrons. Well back from the table, along the walls, men and women armed with swords, crossbows, and pickaxes stood silently, their weapons at rest. Behind Caitlin, and to her right, waited a small throng of Glen folk. They would serve the visitors food and drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please,\" Caitlin continued with a wave of her hand, \"be seated.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They took their seats, Gale closest to Caitlin, Di Palma and LeDuc on one side, Indy and Treadwell on the other. Caitlin half turned and raised an arm in signal. Immediately men, women and children approached the table with great wooden platters of roasted boar, fruits, round bread, and cheese. Wooden goblets filled with wine were set before the visitors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin sat loosely, every eye on her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy noticed the new leather tunic that covered her body, the ancient symbol of a cross and circle about her neck. Long dark hair flowed over her shoulders. She was, he saw more clearly now, a stunning woman, her face strong and lovely. Against the right armrest of her throne lay the sword of Caliburn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eat and drink, if you will,\" her voice sang out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Speak with one another as you please. But we will not broach the subject for which you have come here until my father joins us. He is now in the prayer chamber and will be with us soon.\"\n\nIndy marveled at the scene and the moment. They might have slipped back in time a thousand years. The great hall bore signs of Viking influence, subtle but real." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the upper half of the walls were mounted heads of bears, stags, boars, foxes, wolves, and other animals, which lent an atavistic air to the scene below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His gaze froze as he spied the next animal in line. A horse... No. Yes. But a horse with a single long curled horn extended from its forehead.\n\nUnicorn. Other eyes followed his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell stared, his mouth open until he clamped it shut with an effort. \"Miss St. Brendan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked, his voice quavering.\n\n\"Yes?\" She sounded like a priestess addressing a child entering a sacred chamber.\n\n\"If you would...\" Treadwell hesitated, then raised his arm slowly to point at the horned animal. \"That... is it real?\" Treadwell inquired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A unicorn?\"\n\n\"So it seems, sir. Why are you so surprised, Mr. Treadwell?\"\n\nHe showed yet more surprise at her knowing his name. There had been no introductions, but, well, Gale or Indy could have told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they hadn't had time..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dismissed this lesser mystery.\n\n\"I am surprised, madam. To put it mildly,\" he added. \"I was not aware the unicorn was a real animal.\"\n\n\"I cannot believe it!\" Di Palma echoed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gentlemen.\" Gale spoke up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If there is the narwhal, with its single long tusk, why not the unicorn?\"\n\nDi Palma turned to her. \"But no one has ever seen a live unicorn!\"\n\n\"And you, sir, do you know anyone who has seen a woolly mammoth? A dinosaur? Yet you believe in those, do you not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That animal,\" Caitlin broke in, \"is no trophy. They roamed the New Forest untold years past. The one you see has been in this building more than four centuries. Like yourself, I have never seen a living unicorn. But I assure you they are real.\"\n\nShe turned at the approach of her father, Kerrie. Everyone stood to greet the patriarch of the Glen. He gestured for them to sit, then eased painfully into the chair by his daughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He accepted a goblet with perfumed wine, but declined food, content to sip slowly while his guests ate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell's impatience was almost palpable. He finally turned to Gale; she recognized his unvoiced request to get into the reason for their visit. She in turn looked to Caitlin, who understood the silent exchange.\n\n\"Mr. Treadwell, you are here officially for Scotland Yard. These two men with you are part of your investigation?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What may we do for you?\"\n\nTreadwell wasted no time in reviewing the events leading to this moment. He detailed their conviction that despite the many names he used, the leader of the group was Konstantin LeBlanc Cordas, who had a nasty and evil reputation with most police agencies throughout the world.\n\n\"We have begun a search, coordinating with these agencies, to hunt him down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And when you find him, if you find him and his thugs, you will arrest him? Take him into custody?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy watched and listened. Caitlin was maintaining a fine grip on her temper.\n\n\"Of course. We'd, ah, also like to place him in custody, along with his entire gang, before they find the gold that appears to be revealed by the map they came here to—\"\n\n\"Take by killing and force,\" Caitlin finished for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will take this beast into custody,\" she said now with open scorn, \"and you will follow your grotesque laws, and you will imprison him, feed him, care for him, attend to his medical needs, and you will not prove that he is guilty. We never saw his face.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But—\"\n\n\"And then he will go free,\" Caitlin added with a sharp finality. She studied Treadwell in the silence that followed. \"You must do what you must do,\" she went on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So that there will be no question in your mind, I will find this man and\"—she grasped the sword and held it high—\"I will obey our ancient laws, and exact retribution.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You intend to kill him,\" Treadwell said.\n\n\"Justice so demands. The murder of my mother so demands.\"\n\nTreadwell leaned forward. He chose his words with great care. \"If my words offend, they are spoken through ignorance. I do not intend any such offense. But I am not wise in your ways—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Speak without concern,\" Caitlin interrupted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Words are feathers compared to what has happened here.\"\n\n\"Then I accept your permission to be blunt.\" Treadwell paused.\n\nCaitlin nodded. Her father looked on with seeming detachment, as if everything had already been decided and this exchange was so much posturing.\n\n\"You are talking of revenge,\" Treadwell continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have said you would exact retribution with the sword. If this is what you do, then you will be committing a crime yourself. Revenge in such a manner damages both parties, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only by your laws,\" came the cold response.\n\n\"Retribution by murder under British law is still murder,\" Treadwell said carefully.\n\n\"If it occurs on British soil.\"\n\n\"Forgive me. I don't wish to preach, Miss St. Brendan, but I cannot simply ignore—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Consider it redress,\" Kerrie St. Brendan said finally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are a policeman. Law and order. Which has not availed us here in the Glen. We have buried many dead. My wife is gone forever.\"\n\nCaitlin placed a hand on her father's arm. She looked directly at Treadwell. \"You yourself said you do not understand our ways. So I will say this to you this one time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again she held up the sword, this time rising to her feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a wicked hiss of metal through the scabbard, she revealed the blade. It seemed both to capture the blaze of the fires and to cast forth its own glow.\n\n\"This is Caliburn. The one and only true sword of Merlin. Ask no questions of me. Not now, not ever. But I tell you this so you may understand. It is forbidden to use this blade for vengeance. Forbidden, and lethal to its wielder. It may be used to right a wrong, to defend, to exact redress, just as I will use it in that manner. But it may never\"—she said the words sharply, returning Caliburn to its scabbard—\"be used to kill for the sake of killing. By your laws, it will be self-defense. I will be attacked. I will defend myself. I will follow our ancient laws and your modern laws.\" Her hand stroked the sword hilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In this metal,\" she said softly, \"lives the spirit of Merlin. I follow and obey his spirit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She regained her seat. Treadwell was flabbergasted. He turned to Gale; she was impassive. He looked to Di Palma and LeDuc. They looked as perplexed as was he." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally Treadwell caught Indy's attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You understand,\" the inspector said slowly.\n\nIndy nodded.\n\n\"And you never told me,\" Treadwell continued.\n\n\"It wasn't up to me to tell you anything,\" Indy said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have run out of time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They turned to Caitlin. She finished off a goblet of wine. \"The hour draws late. Ask what else you need to know and then it is time for you to depart. Once the mists close in the forest, the Glen cannot again be penetrated until I have fulfilled my sworn duty.\"\n\n\"The gold,\" Treadwell went on immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The gold that is referenced in the map. How long have your people had this map?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin's answers could be as infuriating as they were brief. \"Since before I was born,\" she told him. \"It was given to my father by his father and then passed on to me. I know nothing else about the map—who created it, who brought it to us. It was given to us for safekeeping, it seems. But that became a foolish idea when the madman who attacked us learned of its whereabouts.\"\n\n\"I've seen the copy,\" Treadwell said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about the gold? Can you tell me how much there is? Where it is? And—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin raised her hand to stem the flow of words. \"We do not care about the gold. My interest is in the map because Cordas must follow it to pursue what he covets so desperately. A fool's errand, but he will leave a trail for me to follow.\"\n\nTreadwell knew when to quit. He could sense the impatience in Caitlin for his group to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are going with her?\"\n\nGale shrugged, a deliberate avoidance.\n\n\"Indy, what about you?\" Treadwell persisted.\n\nCaitlin spoke before Indy could answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That one will make his own decision when it is time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell was puzzled. \"I don't understand,\" he told Caidin.\n\n\"Jones is different,\" she replied. \"He is not like you or the others. He knows the wisdom of the Old Ways. He has seen the Dance of the Giants. He enters the ancient monoliths and tombs and feels the kinship across all the centuries. He respects the past and he can read and comprehend what leaves the rest of you baffled. And most of all, this woman\"—Caitlin pointed to Gale—\"who is my sacred sister, trusts him. As I do now. He honors us, we honor him. He fights for what he believes.\"\n\nCaitlin looked up, as if she could see the sky through the roof of the great hall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is time for you to leave. Gale will lead you through the time mists. I thank you for your concern. Do not try to return. You will not be able to come back here until the time is right. We will determine that time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell rose. \"I understand. I thank you, your father, your people, for your courtesy.\" He hesitated, rubbing his chin in an old habit. \"And the roads... I understand. The roads that are like a snake that holds its tail in its mouth so that one always travels in the circle that goes nowhere.\"\n\nCaitlin nodded approvingly. \"You learn quickly. I am impressed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell bowed to her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they were gone. Behind them light curved, mists flowed downslope, and St. Brendan's Glen sealed off from the outside world." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of Martin Caidin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Old Man Pencroft—Sir William Pencroft, chairman of the Department of Archaeology at London University—glared with unconcealed antagonism at Thomas Treadwell. Twice Pencroft had started to voice his anger at the inspector from Scotland Yard; both times his frail lungs had failed him. He coughed almost uncontrollably, the nurse who attended his every need holding a white linen handkerchief to his lips, her other hand pressed against his chest to ease the pain. With a sudden strength born of self-anger, Pencroft shoved the handkerchief beneath the blanket across his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not soon enough to hide the spots of red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft leaned back, drawing in as much air as he could, waiting for his breathing to slow down before he spoke. He gestured with one hand, and his nurse immediately turned the wheelchair about. With his back to the group, Pencroft brought up the handkerchief to dab away the flecks of blood around his lips. Quickly he accepted a pill and water from his attendant; the effect was surprisingly rapid, as if the man whose skin now resembled yellow parchment had sucked in pure oxygen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again the wheelchair turned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft raised a shaking hand to point a gnarled finger at Treadwell. \"Thomas, you've become a stupendous nuisance to this institution,\" he said in a sandpapery voice. \"And do not apologize or tell me you're sorry. If that were true, you wouldn't be here, disrupting my schedule, sending waves of rumor through our classrooms.\"\n\n\"But I do regret the intrusion,\" Treadwell pleaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was deeply fond of Pencroft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sentiment had long been returned, but when it came to university matters, Pencroft was irascible. \"If this were not of the greatest import—\"\n\n\"Everything you come to me with is always of the greatest import,\" Pencroft responded with sarcasm. \"I have always Pondered how Scotland Yard reached the conclusion that governmental snooping is of a higher value than education and research.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This matter exceeds the daily needs of both the Yard and these\"—Treadwell rolled his eyes—\"hallowed halls choking in ivy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, a bit cantankerous this day, are we?\" Pencroft smiled. Few things in life pleased the man students called the Ancient Mariner of Archaeology more than dueling with friends capable of holding their own against him.\n\nFrom the opposite side of the conference room table, Indy and the others watched with open amusement. Indy had long accepted the verbal barbs Pencroft leveled at him nonstop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A \"crude sophisticate with pure genius for ancient languages and cuneiform, unfortunately adulterated with a swinelike lack of breeding or manners\" was his favorite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite such insults, the two men had unqualified respect for one another. Indy judged that it was now time to step in.\n\n\"Listen to him carefully, Sir William.\" Indy eased into their exchange." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you look carefully, you'll notice that Thomas has changed his facial appearance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft squinted at Treadwell. \"He looks as common and dreary as I remember him. No, not as well. Age does him ill.\" He turned to Indy. \"What in heaven's name is this change you're muttering about?\"\n\n\"He looks more Greek than before,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your remark is less curious than vapid,\" Pencroft snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop your silly games and—\"\n\n\"Sir?\" Pencroft wasn't accustomed to interruptions when he was dispensing insults. Treadwell had caught him by surprise with that single word. Pencroft seized the moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes? Do you need permission to go to the loo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cackled with laughter at his levity.\n\nTreadwell sighed. No, he knew where the men's room was and he didn't need to leave the room. But the near-mummified scientist before him was in prime form. That was good. He'd need full understanding and cooperation from Pencroft before this meeting ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have something of extreme importance to discuss with you,\" Treadwell offered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft turned to Indy. \"I see what you mean, Professor Jones. Our friend from Scotland Yard does have a Grecian tinge to his appearance.\"\n\n\"What the devil are you two mumbling about!\" Treadwell said with sudden impatience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft smiled. \"Impertinent, isn't he?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, you know the old saw, Sir William,\" Indy added, keeping a straight face. \"Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.\"\n\nTreadwell could have hugged Indy. He had brought this moment off beautifully, easing their way to discussing what Pencroft would regard as interference with his university routine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The expression on Pencroft's face—interest that something of value to the university might come from, of all places, that bastion of official nosiness, Scotland Yard—was everything Treadwell had hoped for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lost not a moment in seizing the opportunity Indy had provided.\n\n\"The gift may come wrapped in a mystery, Sir William,\" he said quickly to Pencroft.\n\n\"That is a talent of yours, Thomas,\" Pencroft replied, but with a warmer tone to his voice.\n\n\"Gold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bushy white eyebrows raised a notch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I presume you refer to the metal?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Treadwell had to let Pencroft carry this in his own way. What mattered now was that he was interested. He'd never let the matter slip away without knowing more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In what form, may I ask?\" Pencroft said easily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quantity unknown, but believed to be considerable.\" Treadwell was again in his element as a Yard inspector. \"Originally in bars. Original value, um, specifics questionable, but about sixty to eighty years past, in excess of eighty million pounds.\"\n\nA low whistle escaped Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're sure, Tom? That's four hundred million dollars. Say, that was just the value sixty or seventy years ago. Better than a half billion today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is only the bullion,\" Treadwell continued in his matter-of-fact manner. He opened his briefcase, placed a folder before him, tapped it gently. \"There is also coinage. Pure gold according to a number of sources, all of questionable veracity. But definitely coins from ancient Rome. That would increase the value to where the money figures become meaningless and the historical value comes under the heading of irreplaceable and priceless.\"\n\n\"That is quite a speech,\" Pencroft said quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has all the flavor of historical fiction.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is not,\" came Treadwell's reply. \"Indeed, a map has been unearthed that reveals certain geographic details reputed to lead to where the gold may be found, and recovered.\"\n\nPencroft snorted with disdain. \"I don't believe a word of it. And this map of yours. A copy, you say? Leather and parchment, indeed! Feathers and bat droppings with a pinch of dragon's scale next, I imagine. A map without any names on it. Blindman's buff sounds more like it. Pin the tail on the donkey you can't see. You, of all people, Thomas, can come up with a better story than that!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale was half out of her seat, her face flushing with anger at Pencraft's unexpected assault not only on Treadwell, but on the map, its existence, what it meant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Which, to Gale, was a slur on the St. Brendan family as well. Before she could speak, Indy grasped her arm. She turned to him. He motioned with his eyes for her to sit down and not to speak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For that extra moment she studied his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he did have something up his sleeve! That, or—she almost laughed aloud—Sir William Pencroft was putting on a show that belied his age and rumored senility.\n\nRoberto Di Palma leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. His cheek muscle had twitched the entire time Pencroft was cutting down Treadwell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I speak?\" he said with extreme civility to Pencroft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems you already have,\" Pencroft said icily.\n\nThis didn't faze the Italian agent. \"I am here as a representative of His Holiness. I speak for the Vatican.\"\n\n\"As did Castilano before you,\" Pencroft observed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And from what I have been informed, he no longer speaks. Unless he can do so from the grave.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He speaks, but not from the grave,\" Di Palma said smoothly, \"and he does so with difficulty, for the gentleman is still undergoing skin transplants and other surgery.\"\n\nTreadwell spun about in his seat. \"Filipo... alive?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"But... every report we received was that he was blown to bits when—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Di Palma held up a hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is as alive as Cordas. But he will be in hospital for at least another year.\"\n\n\"Just a moment.\" They turned to Pencroft, staring intently at Di Palma. \"You mentioned that name. Cordas. How did he get into all this? He's supposed to be dead.\" Pencroft leaned back, cupping his hands beneath his chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He answered his own question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if Filipo Castilano survived, then...\" He shrugged. \"How is Cordas involved in this?\"\n\n\"Let me,\" Treadwell broke in. He described the attack on St. Brendan's Glen, the wild killing, the seizing of the map." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And how Caitlin St. Brendan was sworn to hunt down the killer of her mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strange emotions played across Pencroft's face. He looked to Gale. \"Caitlin... her father is Kerrie. Then you must be—of course. The sacred sisterhood. You and Caitlin.\"\n\nGale sat straight in her chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir William, you amaze me with what you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't give me more credit than I deserve. Kerrie St. Brendan and I were in the Royal Marines together. Six years, in fact. After I was wounded, the best doctors in England said I would never walk again. Bullet in the spine; that sort of nonsense. And I could not walk. Kerrie took me to the Glen in the New Forest. Two years I spent there while they filled me with all manner of herbs and forced me to do strange exercises. Then, when I could stand, but barely stagger about, they gave me this great sword.\"\n\nHis eyes seemed vacant as he rushed with his memories back to years before. Then it was Indy's turn to put together pieces of the puzzle he'd had dumped in his lap. \"Sir William,\" he said quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you allow me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Allow you to what?\" came the caustic response.\n\nIndy smiled. \"To tell you, and everyone here, what happened to you. How you regained your ability to walk.\"\n\n\"Professor Jones, you are either crazy or a mind reader. Perhaps both, but I'm more inclined to go with insanity. How could you possibly—\" He shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked about the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every pair of eyes was glued to him. \"You said you could barely walk. That means you were able to stand.\"\n\n\"Obvious,\" Pencroft snapped.\n\n\"You exercised with the sword. Against wood, straw dummies, other people in swordplay. Slowly at first.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft sat with his mouth open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started to speak, then waited.\n\n\"The scabbard for the sword. You wore the scabbard.\" Indy was intense, keeping his remarks brief. \"The scabbard... you are right-handed. The scabbard hung from a belt on your left. You regained full use of your left leg.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft stared in amazement at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on, go on,\" he whispered.\n\n\"They increased the practice. They told you to strengthen all your muscles. To use your left arm more. So you shifted the scabbard to your right side in order to draw the sword with your left hand. And when you did that, changed the scabbard from one side to the other, you regained full use of your right leg.\"\n\nIndy took a deep breath. \"That day you walked as well as you ever did in your life. In fact, you could run again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silence hung in the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally Pencroft spoke again. His mood made it clear Indy would not again discuss the sword and the miraculous recovery of Sir William Pencroft. But the old man had ceased to dismiss the reports of a gold hoard and a map that could lead someone to its long-lost hiding place. Pencroft, without further exchange between Indy and himself, now understood that the secret of Caliburn and its scabbard, which as a university professor he could never mention without fear of being branded a lunatic, was known both to Indy and Gale Parker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted no other eye to read that page from his past." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was high time to move on to the reason that had brought these people here. Pencroft again studied the strangers. He was familiar with Roberto Di Palma. Simple enough. A secret agent in high circles of the Italian government and a member of the notorious Six Hundred of the Vatican, a select group of men and women who functioned as the church's special agents, emissaries, and if need be, mercenaries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one admitted to the existence of the Six Hundred, but then, the world was awash with secret societies and fanatical bands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One more or less made little difference.\n\nLooking at the Haitian was like rubbing an open wound, but for the life of him Pencroft couldn't understand—\n\nThere it was. He caught sight of a portion of the snake-skeleton necklace. Long before age and bone weariness had restricted him to the halls of the university, Pencroft had been an earlier edition of Professor Jones, plumbing the depths of the hidden and secret societies of the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not only had he witnessed secret tribal rites and ceremonies, but wherever possible he had joined in with the indigenous groups." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's how he had seen the fer de lance necklace. In Haiti, decades past. A witch doctor had placed one about his neck. Before the night ended, walking along a jungle trail, he felt the vibration begin along his neck muscles and tendons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly the skeleton necklace tightened painfully, a physical shock that jerked him backward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just in time to see a snake striking where his foot would have touched the path before him.\n\nSo if this LeDuc fellow was part of Treadwell's private entourage, then he would prove invaluable in warning of certain dangers. And if the search for gold led them into dangerous territory, LeDuc could well be their ticket to survival.\n\nStrange, Pencroft judged, a smile coming unbidden to his creased and wrinkled features." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have played the game myself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am the one who knows more about the gold than all of them put together.\n\nThe old man motioned to his attendant. \"Level Four,\" he told her, loud enough for the others to hear. \"Sublevel Four.\" He looked around to the group." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Follow me,\" he announced, and his nurse began the long descent down four ramps to Sublevel Four." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many years before, a different age and a different time, when that strange land of America was shooting, burning, cutting, and killing its own flesh and blood, hundreds of millions of pounds of gold and jewels had been secreted where they were now headed.\n\nThey watched in silence as Pencroft leaned forward from his wheelchair to work the combination lock on a huge safe. They heard the tumblers fall and the sharp click of the steel rods sliding away to release the safe door. But it was too heavy for Pencroft to move from his wheelchair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Professor Jones, if you would, please? The steel box on the middle shelf. On that table behind me.\" He wheeled around to face the others. \"Kindly take seats at the table. Martha,\" he asked of his nurse, \"lock the door to this room.\"\n\nAt the table, they watched Pencroft remove yellowed documents from the steel box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He arranged them neatly before him, rested one hand on the papers, and took the time to look at each person in turn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gentlemen, Miss Parker, I must request that what you are about to learn not be discussed with anyone outside this room. Mr. Di Palma, Mr. LeDuc, although I am poorly acquainted with your backgrounds, the fact that Mr. Treadwell speaks for you is acceptable to me.\"\n\nBoth men nodded their agreement.\n\nPencroft took a long breath. \"Then I shall get right to the crux of the matter. The stories you have heard about the missing gold are true.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hand patted the papers gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the documentation, the complete records of the gold bars, and\"—he looked directly at Di Palma—\"the coins in which the Vatican has so intense an interest. For your further edification, that gold, bars and coins, was stored in this very chamber.\"\n\nExcept for Pencraft's explanations, the only sound heard in the sealed room was the breathing of his audience, hanging on to every word.\n\n\"The gold bars were the property of two major groups, one of them being the Museum Council of Great Britain, which shared it with our government. Obviously, the Bank of England was involved as an adviser and as our representative with the international banking system. All that is of little consequence at this moment, but it is my feeling that you should have this information to round out the background and to establish where the gold and coins were located when they were, ah, stolen is the most appropriate term.\"\n\n\"Stolen?\" Di Palma echoed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the broadest sense,\" Pencroft replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sure I understand,\" Treadwell said.\n\n\"To be specific, then, the gold was pirated. A popular term would be shanghaied, although I find that a bit fanciful.\"\n\n\"Was if from here?\" Treadwell continued. \"I mean, from this room, or from a museum display?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft shook his head slowly. He began to cough; they waited as his nurse administered a syrup to clear his throat. He dabbed lightly at his lips. \"Forgive me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Age takes its toll. I must be as brief as possible.\n\n\"By the year 1863, some sixty-seven years ago, England was suffering severely because of the war being fought in the United States.\" He smiled at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will forgive my use of the term 'civil war,' so often referred to as the War Between the States.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or,\" Indy commented, \"Yankee aggression.\"\n\n\"The point is that with the Union establishing a powerful blockade of Southern ports, as well as the stress and the losses of various battles, the Confederacy was unable to ship its cotton across the Atlantic to the textile mills of this country. England went through a devastating economic loss. Mills were shutting down for lack of raw materials." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Recession loomed heavily upon all of us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At that time, representatives of President Jefferson Davis managed to elude the Union blockade to reach our shores. They met secretly with our government and struck a deal of the greatest value both to England and to the American Confederacy. England agreed to finance the war. It is that simple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We would provide the Confederacy not only with badly needed supplies and armaments, but also with enough money for Davis and his people to buy from other governments what they needed to win against the North." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You understand, of course, Confederate currency was hardly acceptable on the world market. The only tender that would guarantee the Confederacy what they needed was gold. In return, once the South had bulwarked its military structure—evened the odds, as it is said—Great Britain would send a fleet of warships and transports to the southern ports of the United States to begin a massive transfer of the cotton we needed so badly. The arrangements called for exclusive rights of this country to continue to receive cotton from America once the Confederacy had prevailed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The United States would be split into two nations, and we, in turn, would clearly dominate the world textile market." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So the gold, the bullion and the coins\"—Pencroft looked directly at Di Palma—\"were moved secretly from this museum to a port on our west coast, in an area generally inaccessible to the public and certainly guarded most heavily. Indeed, the government made certain it was closed off. All roads were sealed, teams of armed guards with dogs covered the hills, and small fast warships patrolled off the coast.\"\n\n\"Sir.\" Indy made the attempt to break into Pencraft's narration. He knew all too well the danger of the elderly man taxing his weakened lnngs. Pencroft turned to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was there any indication that the Union, Mr. Lincoln's agents, suspected what was going on?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft smiled. \"If nothing else, the Yankees were thorough, and ingenious, in their spy systems. They knew something was afoot, of course—\"\n\n\"Wait! I remember something now,\" Treadwell said suddenly. \"It's in the reports of the Admiralty. A ship, flying the Dutch flag, suffered a fire when it was off that port that was so heavily guarded. They sent up distress signals. Rockets and all that.\"\n\nDi Palma laughed, harshly and without humor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the British, no doubt, leaped to the rescue. We also are aware of some of these events.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was so unusual about a Dutch ship in trouble?\" Gale asked.\n\n\"Ah, madam!\" Di Palma rolled his eyes. \"The flag was Dutch, all right. But when the rescuers, all so eager to save lives and perhaps to claim a prize as salvage, reached the ship, why, you may guess what they discovered! A Dutch flag, to be certain. But\"—he gestured theatrically—\"I am sure they discovered the crew was American, and the smoke issued forth from a huge caldron burning oily rags to make great smoke but endanger no one.\" He sighed and leaned back in his seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have done the same many times to the French and the Spaniards. It is an old game.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But in this case,\" Treadwell added, \"our people gave themselves away. An isolated port on our Atlantic coastline, and from this port there emerges a force of such a size that, well\"—he shrugged—\"it certainly, as the Americans are so fond of saying, blew our cover.\"\n\nPencroft chuckled as he looked back to Indy. \"Question answered?\"\n\nIndy nodded. \"So before the gold ever left England—\"\n\n\"In a warship surrounded by warships,\" Pencroft finished for him, \"surrounded by smaller, swift vessels, all of which had the added protection of another ring of ships in a great circular pattern about the main force.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because by then,\" Indy mused aloud, \"the Union navy could have struck directly against the British force.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft demurred. \"We do not believe that would have happened.\"\n\n\"Why not?\" Gale asked.\n\n\"An attack against so formidable a force,\" Pencroft said slowly, \"would require just as powerful a force on the part of the North. It would be an act of open warfare. Too many government leaders in London desired such an eventuality. Defeat the North by an alliance with the Confederacy, assure a continued supply of materials for the textile industry, and help the Confederacy occupy the North and seize industry and raw materials.\"\n\nHe coughed again, pausing once more to dab at red flecks on his lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"History has its own sense of humor. We lost the colonies to the rebels under Washington, and now we were trying to seduce the North into a battle in which we were allied with the Rebels of the South.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what happened to the gold!\" Di Palma exclaimed.\n\n\"That, my dear fellow,\" Pencroft replied, \"is a question to which no answer has been provided since 1863.\"\n\n\"You mean... the bullion, the coins, just disappeared?\"\n\n\"Not quite as simple as that, I daresay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft shrugged. \"But the answer is we do not know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to Gale Parker. \"Have you ever seen the map that seems to be at the heart of all this—I mean, before these past few days?\" he asked.\n\nGale shook her head. \"No. Nor do I know how this Cordas learned about the map, or where it had been concealed all these years.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy gestured to the papers on the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir William, is that an accounting of all the gold?\"\n\nPencroft pushed the documents to the center of the table. \"Examine them, if you will.\"\n\nTreadwell remained in his seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The papers are mere records of the past. What matters now is Cordas. If he deciphers the map, then we know he will move swiftly to recover the gold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And he'll need plenty of manpower to move whatever he finds. We're talking tons of gold,\" Indy noted.\n\n\"Except for the coins,\" Di Palma offered. \"They are beyond any price.\"\n\n\"So the issue is Cordas,\" Indy said aloud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nothing else matters. All this is confirmation that the gold exists, that it left England, that it was headed for America, and then—\" He threw up his hands. \"Poof! Gone!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And so is Cordas,\" Treadwell added.\n\n\"And Caitlin,\" Gale said quietly.\n\nEvery head in the room turned to her. \"What?\" That was all Treadwell could say for the moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You refer to Kerrie St. Brendan's child?\" Pencroft asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not child. A woman. A warrior\" Gale said sternly.\n\n\"Of course,\" Pencroft said, his voice just above a whisper. \"The oath of the Glen. Just retribution for a life of their clan.\" His expression showed his pain and concern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I fear for her life,\" he told Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fear for the life of Cordas,\" she replied.\n\n\"That,\" Treadwell interjected, \"is a very tall order.\"\n\n\"You don't know Caitlin,\" Gale retorted.\n\n\"Then I've got to find her,\" Indy said, his words catching the group by surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And why you?\" Pencroft demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This isn't your affair. You're here to teach!\"\n\n\"I don't know why, sir,\" Indy said, as surprised with himself as were the others. All but Gale, I'll bet, he told himself. \"Somehow I don't seem to have much say in all this. It's as if I'm drawn to her. Look, Sir William, if there's even the slightest chance that she'll find Cordas and I'm there—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could be our only chance to recover the coins!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Di Palma said, his excitement growing.\n\n\"Wouldn't do the Bank of England any harm to recover that bullion,\" Treadwell said, directing his remark to Pencroft. \"Make a hero out of this university for making it possible.\"\n\n\"Make us bloody fools if Indy gets killed chasing a murdering gang, you mean!\" Pencroft said angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sighed. \"Then I'll resign my position, Sir William. That way the university will be absolved of any blame.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And any credit,\" Treadwell added quickly.\n\n\"The Vatican would be most grateful,\" Di Palma offered.\n\nPencroft folded his hands in his lap. \"Indy?\" He rarely used that name with Professor Henry Jones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are quite serious about all this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir. Maybe I'm a fool—\"\n\n\"No question of that,\" Pencroft said icily.\n\n\"We're wasting time,\" Indy said to Gale. \"We need to go with Caitlin because—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is already gone,\" Gale said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence hung heavily in the room. Indy drummed his fingers on the table. \"Where?\"\n\n\"After Cordas.\"\n\n\"That I've figured out myself,\" he said. \"But when?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, all I can tell you is that she is following Cordas. And none of us will recognize her. She is a master of disguise. You already know what forces she controls.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell was on his feet. \"You're wasting time.\" He turned to Pencroft. \"Sir, my apologies. And my gratitude, and that of Scotland Yard, for your splendid assistance tonight.\"\n\n\"You're a liar, Thomas. I didn't tell you a thing you didn't already know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell turned to Indy and Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suggest you come with me.\" Then, to Di Palma: \"I would appreciate you and LeDuc returning to your hotel so I can contact you later.\"\n\nBoth men nodded. Treadwell left with Indy and Gale.\n\nWhen they were gone, Di Palma turned to Pencroft." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Martin Caidin spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy held out his hand to Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No words passed between them. They had learned to read the moods and needs of the other through facial expressions and body language.\n\nGale nodded. For a moment she hesitated as she took a long second look at the cavernous room in which she, Indy, Treadwell, and an unnamed group of men and women were gathered. Who the faces-without-names were was obvious to Gale: highly skilled professionals in the upper echelons of MI5, that bastion of British military intelligence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The room seemed to muffle all sounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something this huge should have echoed at the slightest report or word. But the walls and roof and ceiling swallowed sounds like living things, eating greedily at whatever pulses came their way.\n\nNothing spoken in this cryptographic section of MI5 could be heard outside these walls. Gale was taken aback when she noticed the windows along those walls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took a sharp eye to recognize that the windows were false, woodwork and metal and glass through which nothing could be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Gale's eye was that of the hunter.\n\nNow Indy held forth his hand. There was but one thing he would ask of her in this room, so words were unnecessary. She reached within her leather jacket, unsealed an inside pocket, and withdrew the folded leather parchment she had carried now for several days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy spread out the parchment on the table beneath bright lights." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell motioned to his staff. \"Gather 'round, gentlemen,\" he told them.\n\n\"I know this is obvious to you\"—Indy spoke to the group—\"but just for the record, you'll notice there are no names or coordinates on this map.\"\n\n\"Makes a ruddy good mystery,\" one man remarked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It does that. Your job is simple. Treadwell says you're the best. All you need to do is match the features here—the coastline, rivers, whatever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all?\" The question came with disbelief. \"You could do a jigsaw puzzle easier in the dark, sir.\"\n\nIndy stood straight. \"Not as difficult as it looks.\"\n\nA chorus of \"Oh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "met his statement. \"No names, no towns, nothing but those lines.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, I'm no cartographer,\" Indy said quickly, \"but I do have some experience with maps and charts. You learn that quickly in archaeological digs.\" He leaned forward, tracing outlines along the map. \"But there are clues. This is obviously a coastline, here.\" He tapped the parchment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The map doesn't give us a fix for north of south, so it's a guesstimate at best. But the odds are that whoever made this thing followed the common rule of placing north at the top.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, sir\"—one man stepped in—\"if that's so, then we have us a west coastline.\"\n\n\"Wherever that might be,\" another man murmured.\n\n\"Okay, we've got a coastline, and it runs along a western shore. What else?\"\n\n\"What else can you tell us, sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked up and grinned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I told you the United States, would that help?\"\n\nTreadwell resisted this conclusion. \"You don't know that, Indy, and—\"\n\n\"No, hold it, Tom,\" Indy broke in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here are the best cartographers in all England, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone laughed. \"Cheers.\"\n\n\"Could diis be anywhere in the British Isles?\"\n\nThe men leaned forward, spoke among themselves. A short man with a bristly beard stood up to look at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No way, governor. Not Scotland or Ireland or anywhere in the U.K., for that matter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked about him. \"Any arguments?\" They shook their heads. \"Okay, let's say, for the moment, at least, that it's the United States, and the date is somewhere between 1863 and 1870.\"\n\nSomeone whistled, long and low." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Treadwell, sir, is this Yank deliberately trying to stick the prod to us?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell laughed. \"Gentlemen, he's dead serious. But I know what you mean.\" Then to Indy: \"Coastlines change over a period of fifty to sixty years. Rivers change course, too.\"\n\nIndy nodded. \"But not that much.\" He looked to the cartographers again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How about the southern United States? That help?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Blimey, does it ever,\" he was told immediately.\n\n\"Well, you've got a time period, a better crack at the location, and—\" Indy paused to scratch chin stubble, then went on. \"The area along the coastline, um, anywhere from thirty to sixty miles, I'd say, needs some deep water. Not for a port, but to anchor a seagoing vessel, or vessels, and enough room for longboats to work to the shore.\"\n\n\"You wouldn't happen to have the name of such a vessel or two, now, would you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The query was a serious stab at humor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy laughed. \"Not today.\" Abruptly he grew serious and turned to Treadwell. \"You know, Tom, he's right. There should be a full registry in the Admiralty and we can—\"\n\n\"I'm way ahead of you, my friend. We'll get on those records immediately. It will take some digging, but\"—he shrugged—\"we are on the right track.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell turned to the group." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get cracking, gentlemen. Whatever turns up, leave word at my office, day or night.\"\n\nThey drove to Treadwell's favorite pub in London, the gathering place for people who wanted great food, great beer, and assured privacy: Hogsbreath Inn, announced by a large swinging sign illustrating a particularly ugly boar. Besides its large barroom, the inn also had private rooms well concealed by a long hallway and several doors. Willy Consers, who'd owned the pub for longer than Treadwell could remember, welcomed the patronage of Scotland Yard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They assured him a hand in the courts when some of his customers consumed excessive amounts of ale or bitters and fell back on their favorite pastime of bashing each other about, bringing the bobbies on a now familiar route to the pub." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Consers greeted Treadwell without a word, caught the inspector raising his eyes, and led him and his two companions down the hallway, through a private doorway, and up a narrow flight of winding stairs to a secure second-floor dining room. \"I'll have Molly with you right off,\" he told them, and left.\n\n\"Molly's his wife,\" Treadwell explained as he eased into a comfortable padded chair. \"Discreet, and quite hard of hearing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They waited until they were served pitchers of ale and helpings of shepherd's pie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell locked the door from the inside. \"We'll take our time with dinner and catch up on all the small details,\" he announced. \"I'm as hungry as a bear,\" he added as he fell to his meal with relish, as did Indy and Gale. Then Treadwell pushed back his seat and displayed a pipe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mind?\" he asked Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook her head. \"Not at all. Go ahead, please.\"\n\nIt was a comfortable shift to the business at hand. Behind a cloud of smoke, Treadwell looked to Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need, first off, to confirm that Caitlin St. Brendan has truly gone off,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She has that,\" Gale confirmed.\n\n\"Where?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Not yet,\" Gale replied. \"But when Caitlin is ready, she'll let me know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This may seem indelicate, and I intend no slight with this question, but will she, ah, use her special talents to reach—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale broke in with a laugh. \"No magic to it, Thomas. And no long-range mental telepathy, either. We're not quite that talented. But the covens, which are worldwide, do need to communicate with one another. It stands us well to know what is going on in different countries. Among other things, the Glen has powerful shortwave radio transmitters and receivers. When it's necessary to exchange sensitive information, the people on the radios use one of the ancient languages. To anyone listening in, it sounds like gibberish.\"\n\n\"Clever, clever,\" Treadwell complimented her. \"What might be some of the other means?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Carrier pigeons in certain areas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Marvelous.\"\n\n\"Couriers. Even cablegrams with our own codes. There are all sorts of magic out there in the world, Thomas. We try to make the best use of the most modern equipment available.\"\n\n\"So I see,\" Treadwell answered. \"You haven't mentioned the telephone, I note.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale laughed. \"I save that for Indy. He doesn't like pigeons beating at his windows in the middle of the night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell turned to Indy. \"You, and Gale, of course, are planning to follow Caitlin. I assumed you were, but I must hear it from you directly.\"\n\nIndy nodded. \"For all the reasons you've heard, Tom.\"\n\n\"We can stay in touch with one another just as we did during that wild affair with the disks and that giant zeppelin. Using the transatlantic cable of course, but also high-powered shortwave radio that will go directly into my office.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which one? MI5 or the Yard?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"People know me as an inspector from the Yard, of course. But everything goes through MI5. If it's sensitive, it stays there waiting for me. Otherwise it's brought immediately to the Yard, where I also maintain an office.\"\n\n\"I'll have to lean heavily on you, Tom. Contacts, government pressure if necessary. And money. We don't know what we'll run into or how much we might need.\"\n\n\"You'll have a very substantial letter of credit from the Bank of England, for starters,\" Treadwell told him. \"And coded numbers for wiring funds wherever you need. Indy, I can best support you if I know what's happening from day to day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shrugged. \"I'll do my best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat up straight, leaning on the table. \"Question, Thomas.\"\n\n\"At your service.\"\n\n\"After all the things that have happened, and what you've seen and experienced, tell me, do you now accept the reality of magic?\"\n\nA humorless laugh escaped the inspector." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tamped his pipe, relit it, and blew out a cloud of smoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have recently been in a place,\" he said slowly, \"where people manipulate time, or what we call time, as if it were a substance they could shape in any form they desired. That's a shock to the system of an orderly man.\"\n\n\"And if nothing else\"—Indy laughed—\"you are most orderly.\"\n\n\"In my business, that's a necessity,\" Treadwell countered. \"However, I also must balance incredulity against the reality of what I experienced. I don't really understand time. I don't know if anyone does. But I do know you can work with certain forces, use them for your own purposes, even if you don't understand them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like gravity?\" Gale offered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Precisely. We know what it does, we can measure its force and effect, and excuse me if I sound ponderous, but the reality,\" Treadwell said, his expression serious, \"is that no one knows what gravity is.\"\n\n\"Point well taken,\" Indy added. \"The astrophysics people at Princeton start their discussions on gravity pleasantly enough and usually end up screaming at one another.\"\n\n\"Well, back to the Glen. I told you I spent most of my younger years on the Salisbury Plain. I often hunted in the New Forest, I made close friends among the Romanies, places like Stonehenge were playgrounds. Youthful exuberance and all that. Then I watched that most unusual young woman, Caitlin... well, you were there with me. Roads that twisted in upon themselves. Strange forces she describes as absolutely natural earth energies which can be manipulated like steam or electricity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again he paused to relight his pipe, which he'd been waving about like a baton as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now we come to that sword she was wearing. I am a fanatic about our legends of King Arthur and Sir Galahad, Morgan the Fay and Merlin, and the whole lot of people clanking about in armor and muttering all sorts of incantations. Wizardry and all that. And I swear that sword she carries is straight out of myth and legend—\"\n\n\"And folklore and history,\" Gale said quickly.\n\n\"Well,\" Treadwell harrumphed, \"I'm no longer in a position to argue the point. I feel left out of things I should have known since I was a mere stripling. The point is I consider Excalibur a convenient fairy tale, likely created to confuse the issue of the real sword, Caliburn. The fighting sword. Those fellows were always naming things to gain spiritual value. They named their swords, their shields and horses, even their helmets. It gave them strength and confidence. So who am I to say that Caliburn was a commonplace or ordinary sword rather than one endowed with magic powers? In short, my friends, my world of reality, in which I have rested securely, has been shaken quite severely. I don't know what to believe anymore.\"\n\n\"Believe in Caitlin,\" Gale said sternly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Treadwell studied her as if he could find hard truth behind her words and expression." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She truly is going after Cordas, then.\"\n\n\"Absolutely. And she will provoke him until he tries to kill her,\" Gale added.\n\n\"Which won't be too difficult,\" Indy offered. \"Cordas won't hesitate to cut her down like a dog. One more killing won't mean a thing to him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale's lips tightened. \"He might find that more difficult than he anticipates.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy nodded in silent confirmation.\n\nWhich irritated Thomas Treadwell. He hated when the people he wanted to protect deliberately kept him in the dark.\n\nIndy went through his flat to give it a meaningful defensive posture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rigged a framework with steel rods by each high window, extending at an angle against the glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anyone trying to swing in by rope would be impaled as he came through the glass.\n\nOnly one door led from the flat to an outside corridor. Indy rigged an electrical line from a wall outlet so that when the power was on, just moving the door inward would ring an alarm bell he'd hung on the inside.\n\nOn the floor by the couch went his Webley revolver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had only to drop his arm to have the gun in hand and aimed at the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he rechecked Gale's—his—bedroom, closed the door, and sprawled on the couch.\n\nSleep eluded him. His mind whirled with the idea that Caitlin's sword and tunic possessed earth energies gathered from the planet itself. But how it all happened was a curious nut he had only partially cracked. He didn't know the transfer medium from the earth to the sword and tunic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was a key in what Gale had said to him; he reviewed her words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had hesitated at first, then caught him by surprise. \"I still don't understand, myself,\" she said carefully, \"just how the scepter works. I mean, it's ancient. Yet it uses a battery. I've seen it. But\"—she frowned with confusion—\"that scepter was being used hundreds of years before batteries were even invented! Today, Caitlin's father could make anything work with electricity. Among other things, Kerrie's an electrical engineer.\"\n\n\"What was the battery like?\" he questioned her.\n\n\"Sort of like a rectangular box. I think he once mentioned it was a dry-cell battery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded. \"That means it would be an acid-type battery, Gale. They're clumsy and heavy, but they work. Where did Kerrie install it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He mounted the scepter in a staff. I always thought it had to be an electrical system.\"\n\n\"I'd bet a dollar to a doughnut,\" Indy said firmly, \"that staff had two layers. The inside is wood, around which Kerrie wound thin wire to the battery and the crystals. That's how he set up his antenna.\"\n\nGale studied Indy. \"Where'd you learn so much about radios and batteries and all this electrical stuff?\"\n\n\"I needed radios in the field. No telephones out there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed. \"And you have to know how to repair that kind of equipment if you want any reliability.\" Indy shrugged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I learned more than I ever imagined I would. I also discovered that the ancients had electricity before the modern world ever dreamed of it. That's how I'm connecting. Caitlin's scepter with what could have happened centuries ago. Don't you see? If people before and during the time of Merlin had batteries, then that makes the wizardry of Merlin fit right into the known laws of energy.\"\n\n\"If I heard this from anybody but you...\" She left the sentence unfinished.\n\n\"Hey, I didn't learn all this on my own. I owe a lot to a guy, Jack Silverstein. Jack was an inventor as well as a research scientist. If you mention the history of electrical power today, as we use it, and ask how it all got started, people come up with names like Edison or Tesla. It's only been thirty years since Edison produced a worthwhile light bulb.\"\n\n\"Just how far back did you find electricity? You, or this friend of yours?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More than two thousand years ago. In fact, we confirmed the presence of batteries in 226 B.C. the Parthinians, along the edge of the Caspian Sea, were using electricity on a daily basis.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're talking about a time before the birth of Christ!\"\n\n\"Centuries before,\" he confirmed. \"Ever hear of Wilhelm Kroner?\"\n\nGale shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kroner was going through Parthinian ruins and stumbled across what looked like parts and pieces of a diy-cell battery. He got some engineers to put all the pieces together, they built a new battery exactly like the ancient pieces, and it generated electrical current. They used their electricity for plating statues and jewelry with gold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is amazing,\" she said in wonder.\n\n\"I saved the best for last. Another four hundred years earlier. We found proof of electricity in ancient Greek writings. Thales of Miletus, about 600 B.C., described an electrical apparatus. We figured that was the absolute limit, back in time, I mean, but the ancients fooled us again. Turns out Egyptian priests built some really powerful electrical generators for their temples. That's how they controlled their followers. The common man really believed the priests had direct connections with the gods.\"\n\n\"How long ago?\"\n\n\"Three thousand years. I checked the ruins myself. I could hardly believe what we found. Multiconductor electrical cables for their altars, operated by hand-cranked generators. They had their stoolies—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Underlings. They hid behind walls and cranked away like crazy to generate the electrical current. The cables ran to the altars where a priest held an insulated rod—what the adoring masses believed was a wand of magical power. If the priests wanted to frighten the mob, they'd point rods at the crowd and a bunch of people would get zapped. If they wanted to do someone in, they'd all aim at this one person to combine their current. There'd be a dazzling flash, an explosion, the stink of ozone, and some poor farmer would be a smoking corpse.\"\n\nGale nodded slowly. \"It makes a strange connection to Merlin,\" she said, looking up to Indy.\n\n\"How so?\"\n\n\"Well, the stories tell of the different ways Merlin would dispatch his enemies. At times he'd point his finger at the miscreant, chant something nobody could understand, and a blast of fire—electricity, I understand now—would strike the man. Merlin had a discharge rod concealed in his sleeve. If he was hooked up to the kind of generator you said the Egyptian priests had, it all makes sense.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And,\" Indy added, \"it always seemed that he was hurling thunderbolts out of thin air. Actually he was using the scepter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't understand how that would work.\"\n\n\"Energy is all around us. We get powerful radio waves from the sun all the time. It's just that we can't feel or detect them unless we build an antenna that's in a beat with those waves. It snatches the electricity out of the air, so to speak, and concentrates it. Merlin had a staff with precious stones. Kerrie has a staff with jewels and crystals. You need a crystal to get maximum power. But whatever you use, you need above all an antenna to capture the energy, and then boost it so it will blast right out of the scepter. It's like a lightning rod in reverse. But you can't always count on seizing energy out of thin air. So what you do is to store that energy. And you do that with a battery.\"\n\n\"And what Kerrie has would work the way you described it?\"\n\n\"Sure. He uses a battery that has only one volt. It's a lead-zinc combination, a carbon rod and gunk in between. Techically, it's what you call an electrolyte that uses acid to carry the current.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy snapped his fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course! Inside that scepter is Kerrie's storage system. A capacitor. A device for collecting energy until you have enough to kick out a huge discharge. You build up power until you get a blast like lightning.\"\n\nGale shook her head slowly. \"It all sounds so complicated. I mean, Egyptians and Parthinians and Merlin—\"\n\n\"And now Kerrie and Caitlin,\" Indy finished for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's that last question neither one of us has answered, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waited for her to continue. \"The tunic,\" she went on. \"That is a magic neither of us understands.\"\n\n\"I know I don't,\" he admitted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All I know is that it works, and nothing I know in science, past or present, lets me in on the secret.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shrugged. \"I'm not into magic.\"\n\nHe suddenly became serious. \"But I'll tell you this. Tunic or no tunic, a heavy rifle slug into the heart or the brain will kill Caitlin. Instantly. She is not invulnerable. If she believes she is, that can get her killed faster than anything else, because then she'll take some really stupid chances.\"\n\nGale nodded slowly, fearful for Caitlin's future. \"I know,\" she said at last." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n4 sentences\n\nStyle:\nMartin Caidin" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What in the name of...!\n\nIndy groped his way out of deep sleep. Instinctively his right hand dropped to the floor alongside the couch to grip the heavy Webley revolver. It took several moments to realize that the pounding noise booming through the flat came from the entrance door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He swung off the couch, approached the door from the side, Webley at the ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It could be anything. The building on fire, someone with an emergency, but—Treadwell? His voice came through the door. \"Open up, you nit! Open up, I say! It's Thomas!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy heard the bedroom door open behind him, glanced about to see Gale in pajamas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman had a powerful crossbow, cocked and ready to fire, in her hands. He motioned for her to stay back and spoke through the door.\n\n\"Thomas!\"\n\n\"Open up, blast it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How many with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just Roberto.\"\n\nIndy opened the door and stepped back. Treadwell and Di Palma came in, stopped short at the sight of the Webley Indy was sliding into his waistband. He closed and bolted the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sociable as always, I see,\" Treadwell told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Its four-thirty in the morning, Thomas.\"\n\n\"Oh, good. Without your help I'd never know the time. I know, I know, Indy. We haven't been to sleep yet.\"\n\nGale headed for the kitchen to put on coffee and boil water for tea. When she returned to the living room, the three men were sitting at a round table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, I want you in on this,\" Treadwell said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded, sat, and sipped slowly at her mug of tea.\n\nTreadwell rubbed his eyes. \"We believe we know where Cordas is going,\" he announced. \"I didn't want to tell by telephone. Too risky.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy offered ho criticism." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell obviously wouldn't be here at this ungodly hour without good reason.\n\n\"We confirmed,\" Treadwell continued slowly, \"that Cordas and a small group, appear to be en route to Hamburg, Germany. We've been running checks on every ferry, private vessel, and aircraft crossing the Channel. Cordas and his group chartered a French airliner. So we didn't have records on any of our own aircraft, but customs was notified, of course, and that was how we saw the little red flag go up.\"\n\n\"How many?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Eight in Cordas's group. They passed through customs without problem, with a flight planned to Orly. Lots of traffic in and out of there in the morning, so they could get lost easily enough in the shuffle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Customs tell you what kind of passports?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, to be sure. French. I'm quite certain,\" Treadwell added, \"they can get passports from anywhere they want.\"\n\n\"Did anyone pick up any information on Caitlin?\" Gale broke in.\n\nTreadwell shook his head. \"Not a word.\"\n\nIndy studied his friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've got more than this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell nodded, took a moment to finish his tea. \"They're using codes. Letters and numbers. Our telephone monitors working all outgoing traffic managed to get this message: seven, two, one ZL. We're working on it, of course. It might be as simple as reversing letters and numbers or it might also be a preset code. Verification of communications and everything going according to plan, that sort of thing.\"\n\nDi Palma drummed his fingers on the table. \"What is puzzling, so far, is the choice of Germany. The map Miss Parker gave us doesn't match any coastline of Germany. It's certainly not Hamburg.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hamburg makes sense to me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Explain, if you would,\" Di Palma asked.\n\n\"Port of embarkation,\" Indy said idly.\n\n\"We've had that in mind also, of course,\" Treadwell told him. \"The problem is that there are exits everywhere. Will they take a steamship to Hamburg? Go by train? Fly from Orly by a circuitous route—well, we simply don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three men booked a flight from London to Rome,\" Di Palma added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Also using this code of seven, two, one ZL. Thomas is convinced it's a blind, a decoy. I see no reason to disagree with him.\"\n\n\"From my experience with Mr. Cordas,\" Indy noted, \"you'll probably find a dozen people traveling all over Europe using that code just to give us fits.\"\n\n\"Well, if experience is any guide,\" Treadwell said sourly, \"he may well be teasing us. Or Miss St. Brendan, especially. Cordas always makes sure he is extremely knowledgeable about any area into which he gets involved. If he knows the history of the people of the Glen, and I'm certain he does, then he knows that this young woman will pursue him, no matter what the odds.\"\n\n\"And he may be leaving just enough of a trail for her to follow,\" Indy said unhappily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glanced at Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never ignore that possibility. Cordas is a man who enjoys a good opponent.\"\n\n\"He'll bloody well get more than he's bargaining for,\" Gale said heatedly.\n\n\"I would much rather we got to him first,\" Treadwell said, his voice leaving no doubt about his feelings about a young woman going single-handed against a murderous band. And if you don't mind my saying so—\"\n\nIndy abruptly sat bolt upright." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gripped Treadwell's arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That code... let me have that again.\" He wrote down the sequence: seven, two, one ZL. He kept repeating it, then wrote it backward. He tossed down his pencil and rose to walk about the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know why it took me so long to figure out something so obvious,\" he said angrily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cordas is clearly toying with us. All the translations of symbols and languages, codes and cuneiforms, and I couldn't see it until now. I feel like an idiot.\"\n\n\"Whatever are you talking about?\" Treadwell asked.\n\n\"That code! It's a come-on,\" Indy said angrily. \"Cordas made it so simple we didn't see what was under our noses.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Di Palma shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am as confused as Thomas, I admit.\"\n\nIndy stopped his angry pacing, returned to lean on the table with both hands balled into fists. \"Cordas and his group aren't going east,\" he stressed. \"They're going west.\"\n\n\"Need I remind you Hamburg is very much to the east of here?\" Treadwell retorted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure it is, and it's a blind alley,\" Indy said immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That gold shipment, during the Civil War, was headed for the southeastern United States, right?\"\n\nTreadwell nodded. \"Yes.\"\n\n\"And every indication is that the convoy did arrive in that area?\" Indy persisted.\n\n\"In that general area, yes. But you already know,\" Treadwell added, \"that our information on the destination is at best spotty. Besides, Indy, if Cordas plans to cross the Atlantic, to go where we believe the convoy landed, he has to travel in a westerly direction.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes,\" Indy said, smiling, \"the fastest way between two points is the longest way around.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're talking in riddles at this time of night?\" Treadwell said, clearly irked at Indy's roundabout explanations.\n\n\"No riddle,\" Indy retorted. \"Look, that code. What do you get when you reverse the order?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that's easy enough. LZ one, two, seven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That tells me they're headed for Friedrichshafen,\" Indy said.\n\n\"But Hamburg's the main port of embarkation....\" Treadwell's voice trailed off. He had a stupefied look on his face.\n\nIndy laughed. \"So you see it, too, now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good Lord, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These games,\" Di Palma complained to Gale. \"Do they do this all the time?\"\n\nGale nodded. \"They do. But there's always a reason for it.\"\n\n\"Don't you get it yet?\" Indy asked Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The code isn't a code at all,\" Indy said quickly. \"It's a designation. LZ one, two, seven. That's the designation for the Graf Zeppelin—\"\n\n\"You mean—\"\n\n\"Of course! A commercial airship flies a lot faster across the ocean than a steamship sails.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went to his telephone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everybody, bear with me, okay?\" He was on the phone for less than five minutes. He hung up and returned to the table.\n\n\"That was a round-the-clock travel service in Friedrichshafen. It's confirmed. You see, LZ is the designation for the Zeppelin Transport Company, and one twenty-seven is the official company designation for the ship we know as Graf Zeppelin. It's crossed the ocean many times, and right now it's preparing to leave on a special flight. It's going to fly to America along a route that takes it over the North Pole. Some geographic societies want to shoot photographs and moving pictures of the flight. They're combining the expedition with a chartered flight. Remember I said Cordas was leaving a trail for us to follow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes?\" Di Palma was hanging on every word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" Indy said, enjoying his revelation, \"Cordas is on the passenger manifest under his own name.\"\n\n\"Cheeky,\" Treadwell said quietly.\n\nIndy sat back. \"The Graf leaves in two days, Thomas. That means you've got to have confirmed reservations on that zeppelin for Gale and me in the next few hours. Use the clout of the British government to make sure we're on that thing when it lifts off.\"\n\nIndy smiled. \"Unless you want Cordas to get to the States a week or two before us.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with four sentences in the style of Martin Caidin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The force of the rain lashing the deck of the cross-channel cargo ferry stung Indy's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to one side, pulling his battered hat over his face, and was rewarded by a sudden spray of icy salt water thrown up by the steamer's bow as it plunged almost beneath the surface. He stared at the dim glow of yellow light from the cabin; Gale stood facing the wind and rain, reveling in the ferocity of the storm.\n\n\"Are you enjoying yourself?\" Indy shouted above the howl of wind, the pounding of water, and the steamer's engines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every few moments the entire ship shuddered, as if it was coming apart at the seams." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale turned, also shouting. \"It's wonderful!\" she exclaimed, as delighted as a child seeing open water for the first time.\n\n\"You're nuts!\" Indy retorted. His stomach growled; he felt as if cotton had been stuffed inside his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gripped a stanchion for support as the steamer rolled sickeningly to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking up at the cabin, he caught a glimpse of Treadwell behind a window, seated comfortably, legs locked around his chair for support, enjoying his pipe.\n\nIndy worked his way carefully along the narrow passageway, salt water sloshing about his feet. He pushed in the door, reeling for balance as it swung away. Treadwell and the ferry crew watched with amusement as Indy slammed the door and collapsed in a seat, water streaming from his clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remind me,\" he said with a snarl, \"if I ever get out of this crazy trip alive, to kill you with my bare hands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell saluted him with a wave of his pipe. \"This your first touch of the sailor's life? A sailing ship is a true wonder, Professor.\"\n\n\"This isn't a sailing ship,\" Indy growled, hanging on to the seat arms as the ferry wallowed like a water buffalo sinking in quicksand. \"It's a junk heap. Should have been scrapped years ago, or sunk before it got out of harbor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'Ere now!\" Bjorn McManus said loudy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's me charmer you're talking about, mate!\"\n\n\"You're calling this roach palace a charmer?\" Indy sneered. He wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. The planned flight from England to Paris went up in smoke when they were ready to depart his flat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one had bothered to check the weather and they stepped outside just as a storm moved across their part of the city." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rushing back inside, Treadwell called the big commercial field at the edge of London. \"We're down,\" came the explanation. \"Sorry, guv. Front's come in with nary warning. We've checked across the water. Same in France.\"\n\nThat meant crossing a very turbulent English Channel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the commercial ferries were canceling their scheduled trips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took the clout of Scotland Yard to roust Bjorn McManus from a warm bed and gather his crew to take Indy and Gale to Cherbourg.\n\nAs they departed the dock in London beneath low, swift-moving clouds and steady rain, Treadwell had explained the weather situation. \"There won't be any flying on the mainland, either, I'm afraid. I've talked to our top numbers in France, and they'll have a car waiting for you. Off the ferry, then a straight drive to Paris. Train reservations are already made from there to Germany. You should reach the airfield at Friedrichshafen a few hours before the Graf is scheduled to depart.\"\n\nThey weren't out of the river passage from London before Indy was already regretting his decision to go along with Treadwell's new plans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone else aboard the Brisbane, as the rotten channel ferry was called, was intolerably cheerful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course they're cheerful,\" Treadwell explained when Indy wondered how a crew sailing into erazy winds and buckets of rain could maintain such high spirits. \"They're being paid triple wages, and that includes the return trip.\"\n\n\"I'd rather fly,\" Indy groused.\n\n\"In this weather?\" Treadwell exclaimed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure. Then I'd be sick for maybe an hour instead of the whole triple-cursed night!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Treadwell laughed. \"You'll do just fine, lad.\"\n\n\"Bug off,\" Indy snarled.\n\nContrary to his expectations, Indy survived long enough to reach Cherbourg. To his amazement he managed to retain his last meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bid good-bye to Treadwell and climbed into an old cab driven by a leathery old Frenchman who reeked of garlic and brandy and drove with complete abandon along the rain-slicked roads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But at least Indy now had the chance to catch up on the details of their upcoming flight. He turned on the overhead light of the cab, producing a long stream of shouted insults from the driver.\n\n\"If the light bothers you, just shut your eyes,\" Indy told the grumbling old man.\n\n\"I'll take care of this,\" Gale whispered to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reached into her bag, produced a flask, unscrewed the top, and handed it to the driver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without a word he drank deeply, muttered, \"Merci,\" then took another long swallow.\n\n\"Are you trying to kill us all?\" Indy demanded of Gale.\n\n\"I've been with these people many times before. He's drinking cognac. He has so much already inside him this won't make a bit of difference.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we hit a tree and die, I'll come back to haunt you,\" Indy promised her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Great,\" she returned. \"Now look, let's go over the papers before we get to the train station. Wouldn't do for either of us to be using our own names from that point on.\"\n\nIndy nodded. \"All right. Let's do it. Passports first.\" Gale produced them from a leather bag. \"They're both English,\" Indy noted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right. Notice it's the address of your flat. Treadwell said it was likely that this will be checked.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The names won't be the same,\" Indy remarked.\n\n\"They are now,\" Gale assured him. \"It was very clever of Thomas to use my last name for you. All they needed to do was change your last name, and my address to yours in London, to make everything match.\"\n\n\"Henry Parker,\" Indy said aloud. \"Sounds strange.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I like it,\" Gale said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jones is more distinguished,\" Indy teased.\n\n\"In a common sort of way,\" she riposted. \"Shall we get on with it?\" He nodded and she produced phony driver's licenses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And here's the club membership for both of us at the Hogsbreath Inn. Also, your employee identification card for London Municipal Services.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what do I do there?\"\n\n\"Zookeeper. You clean out cages.\" She stifled an outburst of laughter.\n\n\"Great,\" he said sarcastically. \"And you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Game warden.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That fits,\" he acknowledged. \"What else?\"\n\n\"Oh, different clubs,\" she said, riffling papers and dividing them up. \"Everything fits, Indy. Thomas is very thorough.\"\n\n\"Did he remember your pilot's license?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held up addtional papers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"England, France, and the United States.\"\n\n\"Thorough, all right. What about your school background?\"\n\n\"Middlesex. I did go there. No need to change anything.\"\n\n\"And mine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You, Mr. Parker, went to a university in, of all places, San Diego, California. That takes care of your accent, the terrible way you dress. After studying animal husbandry, you worked in the cattle country in Texas. You even,\" she said, studying him, \"look like you were a cowboy. At least it explains that whip of yours. You went to work in 1926 at the London Zoo. In fact, your records will show you traveled for the zoo to bring rare animals back to London.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy leaned back. \"He seems to have covered all the bases. Tell me, how long have we been married? So to speak.\"\n\n\"Seven years.\"\n\n\"You were how old when we got married? According to these records?\"\n\n\"Seventeen. Something like that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The driver glanced back at them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cradle robber.\" He sneered at Indy.\n\nIndy exchanged glances with Gale. \"Seems like we lost a drunken Frenchman and gained an Englishman,\" he said calmly, reaching beneath and behind his leather jacket.\n\nThe driver felt sudden hard pressure in the back of his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pull over. Slowly, very carefully,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anything sudden and it's lights out, my friend.\"\n\n\"No need for that, mate,\" the driver said in perfect English. \"Besides, I know what you've got up against me. Schmeiser, point-two-five caliber, six rounds, notched ammo, copper jacket, and scolopendra dust beneath the copper. Interesting how I knows all this, right?\"\n\n\"Your advantage,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Either you're psychic or—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've already guessed it, haven't you, Professor Jones?\"\n\n\"Go on,\" Indy said coldly.\n\n\"Not that hard to tell. You don't mind if I keep driving, do you? Clock's ticking, and all that. I know what you've got in your hand, and that holster in the back of your belt, and that a nice gentleman by the name of Sir Thomas gave you that piece as a backup. Any doubts that we're working for the same office, sir?\"\n\nIndy leaned back, the Schmeiser went into its concealed holster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"No doubts. What's your name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the license of this cab it's Jacques Voltaire. Back home, as we say, I'm known as John Pennington.\"\n\n\"Why all the cat-and-mouse games, John?\"\n\n\"Well, sir, best way to tell just how well you and the missus was coming along was to listen to you two having at it freely. Drunken Frenchie at the wheel, now, he wouldn't care. When I'd heard enough, it was time to warn you. Before we get to the train station in Paris.\"\n\n\"Warn him of what?\" Gale asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To leave that automatic with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And why would I do that?\"\n\n\"You can't carry it, sir, without special government papers from the Frenchies. And you don't want those because it draws too much attention to you. If you're caught with the piece, it's a bit of a rumpus, sir. Besides, you can't take anything explosive aboard the Graf Zeppelin. No guns, no lighters, no matches. Nothing at all like that, sir. They'll even give you static-free slippers when you get aboard. Both of you. If they find a weapon like that Schmeiser on you or in your luggage—and it's going to be searched, I can assure you of that, sir—you'll both be hauled off the zep and right into jail you goes. I know about your Webley, Prof—sorry, I mean, Mr. Parker, sir. You'll have the proper equipment when you land in the United States, sir. Mr. Treadwell, he's taken care of all that. Permission from the secret service, or whatever is their organization over there.\"\n\nIndy released the holster and Schmeiser and handed it over the front seat to Pennington. \"That was all neatly done, John Pennington.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, sir. By the by, I'll be staying with you to see you're well set on the train in Paris.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale spoke up suddenly. \"Mr. Pennington, mind if I ask a question?\"\n\n\"Not at all, miss.\"\n\n\"Do you have any word on someone named Cordas?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes'm. He's at the Zeppelin Company hotel already. He'll be boarding same time you will, like all the others.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You seem up to everything, Mr. Pennington. Perhaps you can tell me, if we know so much about Cordas, why we didn't stop him before now or have the authorities in Germany take him into custody.\"\n\n\"No use apprehending the bloke, ma'am, without proof to hold him more than a day or two. His lawyers would have him out in the twitch of a cat's tail.\"\n\nIndy nodded. \"Makes sense.\"\n\n\"Any word,\" Gale asked their driver, \"about someone named Caitlin St. Brendan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knows who you means, ma'am. Invisible, she is. Like she just dropped off the end of the earth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Mr. Pennington.\"\n\n\"You're welcome, Miss—Missus Parker.\"\n\n\"I'm not used to Mrs.\" Gale laughed.\n\n\"John, are the Germans always that paranoid about guns aboard their gasbag?\" Indy asked." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Martin Caidin and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy emerged from the Zeppelin Company office with a uniformed crewman by his side. \"We're in luck,\" he told Gale. \"We've got a few hours before the passengers will be boarding, and the captain has given us permission to take a tour of the Graf.\"\n\n\"Wonderful,\" she said, eyes bright with anticipation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is Fritz Kasner,\" Indy introduced the crewman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The German nodded stiffly.\n\n\"Come with me, please?\" He led them to a service building away from the passenger terminal. Inside, he gestured to a bench." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will kindly remove anything that is flammable, sir and lady. No matches, lighters, anything like that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have none.\" Indy spoke for himself and Gale.\n\n\"Thank you. Now, these, if you will?\" He held out two pairs of soft sneakerlike footwear. \"These are special shoes. They do not create static electricity when you move in the Graf. With hydrogen gas as our lifting power, we must take every safety precaution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They changed their footgear and moments later followed Kasner up a metal ladder to a catwalk, with cables on each side for balance, that led into the underbelly of the zeppelin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They stopped, feeling overwhelmed by the enormous shape stretching far away and above them. Huge rings circled the great ship; girders and cross bracing were everywhere.\n\n\"It's like being inside a cathedral,\" Gale said in awe.\n\nKasner was obviously pleased with her remark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. Our crews feels the same way. To us, the Graf is not merely an airship. She is alive, she breathes, like a great whale of the skies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed above them. \"You see those cells? There are seventeen of them to contain the hydrogen, and the blau fuel we carry for the five engines that propel us through the sky.\"\n\n\"Mr. Kasner.\" Gale spoke, her eyes still taking in the huge shape. \"How much does all this structure weigh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you believe, madam, only thirty-three tons?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasner was eager to expound on the vessel of which he was so obviously proud. \"The metal is a super-light duralumin alloy. Aluminum and copper and other metals. It is only a fraction of the weight of steel but equally strong.\"\n\nA breeze flowing over and about the Graf became visible as the rounded flanks of the airship seemed to \"breathe.\" Indy pointed to the undulating sides and upper reaches of the zeppelin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It moves in a strange manner,\" he noted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How thin can the duralumin skin be?\"\n\n\"Ah, Herr Parker, it is not duralumin. It is cotton. Of course, the Graf is nearly eight hundred feet long and it is covered with cotton. But such superb cotton! Heavy duty, of course, covered again and again with layers of dope and special paint. It is waterproof. It will stand up under fierce winds. We have proved this, of course, by flying through storms.\"\n\n\"From outside,\" Indy said, \"it is silver and it looks like metal.\"\n\n\"Ja,ja,\" Kasner agreed. \"But it is silver paint so that it reflects the rays of the sun. You understand the mechanism of heat, sir? Too much sun and the hydrogen expands and we fly higher than the Kapitan wishes. So the silver is our balance with the sun.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am impressed,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The way it reflects light, well—\"\n\n\"You are a very good observer, sir,\" Kasner broke in. \"I was one of the men who helped sandpaper the outer surface.\"\n\nIndy seemed taken aback; he was making every move he could to please their guide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That could open doors later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You sandpapered the entire ship?\"\n\n\"That is so. No bubbles, no bumps, so our Graf, she slides easily through the skies. Like silk.\"\n\nIndy turned to look at the heart of the zeppelin. \"Are those great bags also cotton?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kasner laughed. \"That would not be wise, sir,\" he said quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All these cells—some people call them bags—are made from the intestines of oxen, and are connected to the structure of the Graf. Notice the bracing, Herr Parker, how the full cells push up against it. That is how the Graf lifts, from this internal force.\"\n\n\"You said they're intestines of oxen?\" Indy repeated, as if the whole idea was impossible.\n\n\"Yes, sir. There are seventeen bags, as you can see, and each bag is lined with the intestinal membranes of fifty thousand oxen—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stared at the cells." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That means eight hundred and fifty thousand of those animals have gone into these cells?\"\n\n\"Ja! It is a wonderful accomplishment.\"\n\n\"Must have been one grand barbecue,\" Indy murmured.\n\n\"I do not understand, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Barbecue. Big party with all that meat. Oktoberfest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, of course!\" Kasner laughed. \"Yes, a very big party!\"\n\nGale wanted to shift the course of their exchange. \"How many engines, Herr Kasner?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They are Maybachs, madam. Five with pusher propellers. They are a marvelous design. Each engine in its own gondola, and our crew can service or repair them even in flight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kasner stopped as he heard the clear ringing of bells. \"I am sorry, sir, madam. That is the call for the passengers to prepare for boarding. We must return to the ground, and I will take you to where the others gather.\"\n\nThey joined the passengers ascending to the gondola that would be home and hearth for the next several days. Indy was less than enthusiastic about floating over a trackless ocean in a huge machine made of the guts of nearly a million oxen, especially when the lifting power for the Graf Zeppelin was explosive gas and its engines ran on equally volatile fuel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was no other way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cordas would be aboard. No one knew for certain where Caitlin St. Brendan was, but Indy would bet his last dollar she'd be within shouting distance of Cordas, no matter where he might go. And the hard reality of the matter was that this was the fastest way across the ocean. Even if they were going to take the insane route of crossing polar regions, where mechanical problems or structural failure could dump them into freezing water or onto remote arctic wastelands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His distaste eased somewhat as he moved through the long passenger gondola, nearly a hundred feet long and twenty feet from side to side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It banished all comparison with noisy, clattering, smelly, vibrating, uncomfortable airliners. Indy was, despite himself, impressed with the luxurious dining and sitting rooms. There was even a band and a dance floor!\n\nA steward led them to their compartment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cabin six, sir, madam,\" he announced with a formal bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your bags are waiting for you.\"\n\nCabin six was a bit austere compared with spacious hotel rooms, yet it was comfortable and utilitarian. Two \"bed bunks,\" each with side rails in case they flew through turbulent weather. Nonskid flooring and a closet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Graf had ten cabins in all, and at the end of the row of compartments were washrooms and toilets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, look here,\" Gale said. She held up a map of the western hemisphere. \"They've marked off our route. This is wonderful!\"\n\nThey studied the dashed line marking their course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale didn't hide her excitement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, see here? We'll be crossing Denmark, then up to the coast of Finland. I've never seen these places! Look—we'll cross over part of Sweden and Norway—\"\n\n\"Right to Jan Mayen Island,\" he noted.\n\n\"That'll be for a navigation fix,\" she remarked. \"Look how the path curves a bit to the southwest across the Denmark Strait. We'll be cutting between Iceland and Greenland.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think we'll fly over the icecap?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Greenland?\" She shook her head. \"Oh, no! The icecap is ten thousand feet high. Much too high for the Graf. It will be marvelous to look up at an ice shelf, won't it!\"\n\n\"Uh-huh.\"\n\n\"You don't seem too enthusiastic.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Martin Caidin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It all came off as advertised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Passengers gazing through the observation windows watched hundreds of ground crewmen handling mooring and tow lines, gripping the rails along the hundred-foot gondola both to keep the airship on the ground and move it fully from its hangar.\n\n\"It's a three-ring circus,\" Indy commented to Gale. \"But I've got to give those people credit. They're doing everything in lockstep fashion, precise, timed, neat.\"\n\n\"Did you expect anything else from the Teutonic mind?\" Gale responded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nope,\" he admitted. \"Even down to that brass band they've got oom-pah-pahing away out there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She leaned forward to see better. \"We're clear of the hangar,\" she told Indy. \"Now's the time for the bells and whistles.\"\n\nHe raised an eyebrow to peer at her. \"Bells and whistles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen. You'll hear it as soon as—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A clanging bell interrupted her and she laughed. \"They are always reliable, our German friends. They operate this zeppelin just as they do a ship at sea. Bells and whistles instead of electricity, for one. Everybody hears it, knows what it means. And the less electricity they use beneath a hydrogen bag, the better. When they need to talk from the control room to the crew in the hull, they prefer radio to telephone lines.\"\n\n\"Makes sense,\" he agreed. He looked about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That means everything is fully shielded, also.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right. Listen? You can hear the engines starting up,\" she said quickly.\n\nThey felt vibrations as the Maybachs started turning their big pusher propellers. Once the engines were running, the vibrations eased and became more of a pleasant humming sound than an annoyance.\n\nThe handling crew turned the great bulk of the Graf so that the ship's nose was pointed into the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The engines increased in power and the Graf started moving forward slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, again smoothly and in beautiful coordination, the ground crew released their holds, the engines sped up, and the Graf was free.\n\n\"They'll keep enough speed up to move ahead slowly.\" Gale offered a running commentary to Indy. \"Watch the ground. If you don't, you'd never know we were lifting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was caught by surprise, much more so than he expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no sensation of rising above the ground. Instead, he seemed to be standing still before the observation window, watching the earth falling away slowly beneath him.\n\n\"This is incredible.\" He shook his head in wonder. \"I'm in a ship that's as long as several city blocks through its midsection—and it's streamlined; slim, really—it's ten stories high, and I'm levitating.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remained at the window, none of his wonder diminishing as the throb of the engines sent a tremble through the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buildings became smaller and smaller. Then, two thousand feet up, the Graf finished its climb and headed for Denmark.\n\nFinally Gale tugged at his sleeve. \"Indy, you still with us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to her, a feeling of immense satisfaction in his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For a while, just for a while, mind you, I was able to forget everything except what's happening around me.\"\n\n\"I know what you mean,\" she said quietly, and he had to remind himself that this woman was a pilot of great skill and experience.\n\nGale sighed. \"Time to come back to the people world,\" she said slowly, reluctant to leave the vistas before them.\n\n\"Time for dinner?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That it is, and\"—she slipped her arm through his—\"dinner aboard the Graf is always formal. Besides, our steward said the Wiener schnitzel is fabulous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're clutching at me like a drowning rat,\" he observed.\n\n\"Of course.\" She smiled, moving closer. \"Don't forget, Mister Parker, everyone thinks we're just the most darling couple.\"\n\nThey sat by an observation window in the dining room looking out at the sky and the ocean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was still taken aback by the sight of Gale in her dress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was beautiful, her red hair agleam as if it had captured sunglow. She watched him quietly, then turned back to toy with her salad. The muted sounds of the other passengers at dinner and the engines' drone seemed to isolate them in their private conversation.\n\n\"Any idea yet on Caitlin's whereabouts?\" she asked quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was about to ask you the same question. You and she; the sisterhood. Feeling her presence even when you can't see her. Does that work even here?\"\n\n\"It does.\" Her eyes fluttered, then opened fully. \"She's with us on this ship. I just don't know where,\" she added with a touch of frustration.\n\n\"As you said, she's a master of disguise,\" Indy commented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then there's Cordas. He's here, too. I haven't seen him yet, but he's on the passenger manifest. What I really want to know is how many bully boys he has with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale showed surprise. \"You don't seem concerned about him.\"\n\n\"I'm not. Not yet, anyway. We can't go anywhere, neither can he, and nobody has guns, including the crew.\" Indy shrugged. \"Stalemate.\"\n\n\"From where I sit, Indy, I don't believe he'd even bother with us.\" Gale looked about her and gestured. \"Neutral territory.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For us,\" he murmured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But Caitlin will go after him. So we play the waiting game.\"\n\n\"I know,\" Gale admitted. \"And I hate it. I just want to get this business over with.\"\n\nIndy didn't seem to be listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared past her to the opposite side of the dining room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled at Gale. \"Don't turn your head,\" he said quietly. \"The man sitting directly behind you, across the room. Red hair and a beard. Looks like a Viking.\"\n\n\"You know him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's Cordas. He smiles at me like he's almost baiting me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What!\"\n\n\"Don't turn around! You'll see him soon enough.\"\n\nGale felt her muscles becoming rigid. \"Indy.\" She spoke slowly, forcing words through her teeth, almost hissing at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't just sit here while he's—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Think,\" he ordered her. \"What would you do? Confront him? You have proof that he was involved with that horror at the Glen?\"\n\n\"No, but—\"\n\n\"Then what would you do here? Accuse him to Captain Eckener? As the master of this vessel, he can throw anybody behind bars. But if he asked you for proof of anything you said, and you couldn't give it, you'd look like a fool.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, do you believe Cordas was involved? At the Glen?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Absolutely. Everything points to it. But we'll have to wait until we can get proof, and then try to force his hand. Gale, isn't that what Caitlin told Treadwell? Didn't she say she would not attack without being provoked?\"\n\nGale nodded moodily. \"Yes.\"\n\n\"Well, then we just sit and wait it out.\" He gestured to her meal. \"Finish your dinner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not hungry,\" she said, sulking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I am,\" he said, keeping his tone light as he returned to his own dinner. \"Tomorrow morning we're going to be expending a lot of energy. You'd be wise to eat.\"\n\n\"Oh? Where are we going?\"\n\n\"I've been talking to the navigation officer, Karl Jaeger. I want another look inside this barge while we're airborne. Jaeger has already cleared us with Eckener for another tour through the main structure. Apparently Treadwell carries a lot of weight with the Zeppelin Company.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gestured with his fork." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you never know just how important it is to know the local territory.\"\n\nShe showed renewed favor. \"That sounds like the man I know.\"\n\nMorning came with breathtaking beauty, a golden dawn rushing from the distant horizon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Graf sailed barely a thousand feet above the ocean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The water glowed pink and then bright gold on small shining icebergs.\n\nIndy stood by Gale's side, looking through the windows of the control car at the surprisingly swift changes of light. Even here, in the control car, the engines seemed to synchronize with the new day. Their roar had become a rumbling surf of the skies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kurt Jaeger leaned forward, his hands resting against the bracing bars of the broad observation windows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to Indy and Gale. \"It is beautiful,\" he said, speaking their thoughts aloud. \"Now, if you are ready for me to show off our wonderful machine...?\"\n\n\"Please, lead on,\" Gale said warmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This control room,\" Jaeger explained, \"is the operational heart and soul of the Graf. These wheels and chains\"—he pointed to the controls—\"enable us to maneuver through the air. In a great machine like this, unlike a winged craft, every movement must be planned well ahead of time. Events happen slowly, and the crew never forgets that we fly by the positive buoyancy of our lifting gas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gestured to a hatchway and they followed him into the chart room, where the crew maintained navigational checkpoints and weather reports. \"Our best navigation,\" Jaeger explained, \"is, of course, on a clear night. Because we control our speed so exactly, and we move slowly, using the stars and planets for celestial navigation is most accurate.\"\n\nThey continued into the radio room, the communications heart of the Graf. On every side bulkheads supported huge radio sets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shortwave radio gives the greatest range, especially at night,\" Jaeger explained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We communicate mostly by Morse code.\"\n\n\"And the body of the ship,\" Indy asked, \"is your antenna for low-frequency radio?\"\n\n\"That is so, Herr Parker. Of course, when we pass ships on the surface, we can maintain voice contact. In fact, we have talked with many stations along our route, both ships and the islands over which we flew.\"\n\n\"From here,\" Indy asked, studying the radios, \"could you contact somewhere as distant as Japan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale tried to hide her surprise at Indy's strange question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she knew him well enough to realize that if he asked something that odd, there had to be reason for it.\n\nJaeger looked doubtful. \"It depends upon many factors. You are talking about the other side of the world. Conditions would have to be perfect, and at best, such contact would be intermittent.\"\n\n\"Well, let's say you wanted to contact Japan from where we are right now. How would you do it?\" Indy pressed.\n\n\"The best way would be to send a message to the closest island station, or a ship, and request a relay for us. It could take minutes, perhaps hours. Do you have such a need, Herr Parker? I would be pleased to do what I can for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy held up a hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, thank you. My curiosity was piqued by one of the passengers. That Japanese man, the one in the ceremonial attire. He might have such a need.\"\n\n\"Yes, of course. That is Toshio Kanamake. I understand he is a high priest. But I know nothing else about him.\"\n\nA crewman approached. Jaeger excused himself, promising to return shortly. Indy and Gale moved closer to a window, where the engine sounds were louder and they wouldn't be overheard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why the questions about the Japanese?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a fake. It's a disguise,\" Indy replied. He leaned to one side as if inspecting a radio. \"It's Caitlin,\" he whispered.\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hold it down, carrot top. I've spent time in Japan. Nobody moves so smoothly in all that heavy ceremonial garb. It's her, all right. The hair, skin color, mustache.... She's done a great job. I finally figured it out last night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why that outlandish robe!\"\n\n\"It's perfect. She's wearing the sword beneath all that garb.\" Indy turned with the approach of Jaeger.\n\n\"Herr Parker? Frau Parker? I am ready to continue.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was their second visit to the capacious hull of the Graf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now it was an entirely different world. The huge zeppelin was alive as she cruised majestically through the skies, accompanied by the distant throbbing of engines, the always shifting call of the winds, and the gentle rocking motions of the gondola. For the first time, with the light streaming in through the cotton covering, the Graf was a gleaming forest of technology. They could have been within a cathedral, as they had felt before, but just as easily they could have been in an enormous cavern under the earth's surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They followed Jaeger along the duralumin catwalks, climbed ladders that soared to the very top of the zeppelin, where hatches opened to the outside of the hull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There, a man on the heaving upper flanks might ride a silvery vessel nearly eight hundred feet long and supported by magic.\n\nHere was the true community of the Graf, the bunk-houses for the crew, storage for cargo, food and water, washrooms and workrooms for the men who ran the machine. A deep humming noise increased as Jaeger led them to the generator room, and finally they stood within a mass of rumbling, whirring machinery. \"In here, of course, everything is heavily insulated, static free. We are isolated from the rest of the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jaeger smiled. \"We call this place the devil's workshop. Whatever happens to the Graf originates from here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The heartbeat,\" Indy said to the German officer.\n\n\"Wunderbar!\" Jaeger exclaimed. \"I could not have said it better.\"\n\nThey continued their journey through spokes and ladders and gangways fanning out in all directions from the central keel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Men a hundred feet above them called out to one another, a singsong of human voices mixing with thrumming power." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jaeger gestured for them to begin their return to the passenger quarters. \"It is time for breakfast\"—he smiled—\"and our chef will be annoyed with me if I cause you to miss one of his wonderful meals. He prides himself on his skills. Besides, as you enjoy his food you will have a bird's-eye view of the first large icebergs coming into sight.\"\n\n\"And whales?\" Gale asked.\n\nJaeger laughed, the perfect host. \"Yes, Frau Parker, I promise you the whales also.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Martin Caidin" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To be floating beneath a giant time bomb filled with hydrogen over a bitter-cold sea gnawed at Gale's patience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stared moodily through an observation window.\n\n\"How much longer are you going to sit around like a piece of furniture,\" she finally exploded, \"while that murderer struts about, tipping his hat to us and smiling? He smiles at us!\"\n\n\"And no harm done,\" Indy said calmly. \"It doesn't hurt us—or Caitlin, for that matter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale lapsed again into a brooding silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy held the reins on his own growing impatience. He knew how Gale felt. But timing was everything. This wasn't simply a case of exacting their own punishment against Cordas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy knew all too well that revenge for its own sake rarely equaled justice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They couldn't take the law into their own hands. They would be no better than criminals. The more he chewed over the situation, the more he understood Gale's despair and anger.\n\nGale and Indy were now on the right side of the Graf, facing north." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had passed Denmark, the Baltic Sea, Finland, and Norway, had crossed Jan Mayen Island, and finally were into their long curving course over the Denmark Strait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iceland would now be to their left and Greenland to their right as they headed directly for Cape Farewell on the southern tip of Greenland.\n\nIcebergs had appeared, floating islands of gleaming white. Chin cupped in her hands, Gale pushed aside her troubled thoughts as she opened her senses to the wonders below. The sun sat low on the horizon, a pale and distant star." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They cruised above an utterly flat sea, without a ripple, except for those caused by great whales spouting thin plumes of white spray that were tossed away by the surface winds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the late afternoon Jaeger joined them. He pointed to the north. \"Those wispy clouds up there. See them?\"\n\nLong streamers and curlicues sailed miles above their own altitude." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale didn't need explanations from Jaeger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mare's tails,\" she said. \"The beginnings of a front. How far from us?\"\n\n\"Fifty miles, perhaps sixty,\" he answered, unsmiling. \"I do not need to hide from you what is coming, Miss Parker. It is a strong front and it is bearing down on us with great speed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to be in it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both Jaeger and Gale nodded. \"I am afraid so, sir. Among other things, the thermometer is dropping as fast as the barometer. Sometime during the night\"—he shrugged—\"we will know more. Unfortunately there are very few stations to the north that can send us information.\" He stood. \"But tonight? A marvelous meal. I invite you to enjoy.\"\n\nIn their cabin Gale offered her own advice to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forget the fancy dressing. It's going to get much colder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've noticed,\" he said.\n\n\"And these cabins are not heated,\" she added.\n\n\"I know. My goose bumps are sending messages to each other.\"\n\n\"You hungry, Indy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grinned. \"Always.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's do it,\" she said. \"Oh, by the way. We'll be seated with an American navy captain. A scientist. He's along to gain some experience on flying in the northern regions.\"\n\nIndy removed his favorite leather jacket from the closet. \"Follow your own advice. Get dressed. Bundle up. I'll wait for you in the lounge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dinner was everything that Jaeger had promised, and more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sense of floating without apparent effort across a great ocean while seated in a lounge with rich draperies and luxurious fittings, sailing along at nearly eighty miles an hour, returned again and again. But now there was an unwelcome visitor. The forward edges of the downrushing front from the northernmost regions stabbed at the Graf Zeppelin, trembling and prodding with fingers of wind. They could feel the airship rising and falling as downdrafts made them feel lighter in their seats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Minutes later, as the Graf sailed beyond a current of downflowing air, the ship returned to its former level." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As if to remedy what the coming hours could bring, the crew went all out to please the passengers. Dinner began with a choice of wines, fresh fruit and sherbet, shrimp and lobster tidbits, pate de fois gras, sizzling lamb chops, a variety of vegetables and potatoes, smoked salmon, and four brands of caviar. Gleaming Bavarian chinaware graced every table, and no wineglass went empty. The dessert trays offered lush pastries from a dozen different nations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the Graf trembled, a bit more, it seemed, with each course." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy studied the crew. The quick smiles of the stewards looked forced. An air of tenseness grew stronger. It was, he was pleased to note, not a feeling of fear or apprehension, but a determination to secure the airship against the approaching violence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their good weather, that wonderful air ocean that had given them so graceful a passage up to now, departed almost with reluctance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By now the Graf was revealing the pressures that were being applied to its huge shape. Strange slapping sounds could be heard. Captain Richard Pruett, USN, raised his eyes as if seeing off into the distance. \"That's the Graf, breathing,\" he said with an air of comfortable calm immensely pleasing to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Gale said, placing Pruett's words into her own knowledge of the forces of flight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The outer envelope. If it didn't have elasticity—breathing—it could tear the material. But this way...\" She left the rest of her sentence unvoiced.\n\nIndy leaned forward. \"I'm not as sanguine as Mrs. Parker about something this size, and yet so delicate, standing up well in a real storm. You increase my confidence,\" he told Pruett.\n\nThe navy captain laughed. \"Let me put it this way. It could get a bit bouncy before this is over, but this is the best, and the strongest, airship ever built. Fortunately, a dirigible of this design doesn't have to remain in the heart of a storm and fight it out with the elements. Captain Eckener is the most experienced airship officer in the world. We'll move along with the winds if he decides that's the best way to minimize air loads on this vessel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy held up his wineglass for a silent toast to the captain and \"Mrs. Parker.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After dinner, the Graf trembled in ever-stronger gusts, making complaining sounds as the structure twisted and yielded. They watched a sun diminished in brightness by an ever-darkening haze along the western and northern horizon. The familiar deep red of sunset failed to make its appearance; instead, lowering with extraordinary slowness, the sun changed to a salmon-pink color. The hue, never before seen by most of the passengers, unnerved them more than the wind gusts and thickening clouds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Passengers left their tables, returning from their cabins with heavy fur coats, hats, boots, and gloves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They became more and more subdued, watching crewmen packing away everything that could be secured. Captain Pruett turned from watching crewmen lashing down loose tables and chairs. \"Just like being aboard a ship at sea,\" he commented. \"Battening down the hatches against the oncoming storm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the first time you've used that word,\" Indy noted. \"Storm, I mean.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, it wasn't deliberate. I've been watching the sky for some time. Spoke to that fellow Jaeger earlier. We agree on what's causing this bit of fuss in the atmosphere. Major low-pressure area across northern Canada. Behind it, in the arctic regions, high pressure. You know the old saw. Nature abhors a vacuum. Likewise, a high-pressure area always displaces one of low pressure. So the arctic is pushing downward, and the low that's starting to dump on us is heavy with moisture. Being hammered this way from the north, the air is unstable and begins to pile up in strange masses, and that's the turbulence we're feeling.\"\n\nAs if in response to his words, a heavy gust pounded the zeppelin. The Graf rolled and twisted, and Captain Pruett grinned. \"Just like an old sailing ship creaking and groaning in heavy weather. I sort of like the sound.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How interesting,\" Indy said with a straight face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not like the sound at all. A long time ago, as a youth driving a cranky old Ford on a rutted country road, he'd heard sounds oddly similar to those he was hearing now. The difference was that the Ford was in its final gasps of life. A burst of creaks and groans heralded falling fenders, an erupting radiator, breaking fanbelts, a cracking engine block, and finally a transmission dropping with a great dusty thud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anything that moved and creaked and groaned at the same time, Indy found less than relaxing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the hour light rain enveloped the zeppelin. They were long done with dinner and had braced themselves in their seats, struggling to keep the contents of coffee cups from splashing about their tables. The icy rain made a hissing sound against the observation windows, and a deeper hoarse echo proceeded from the body of the Graf. \"This,\" Captain Pruett said quietly, leaning closer to Gale and Indy, \"I do not like. The temperature is at its worst. That rain we're hearing—it freezes onto the outer surfaces of this ship after it strikes. And I'm sure you know what that means.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He sat back, wrapped in his own unfinished warning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale understood. Indy didn't yet know, but he was figuring it out rapidly. Icy rain that froze as it reached a surface. Ice forming on the outer cottony skin of the Graf Zeppelin.\n\nIce equals weight, weight reduces positive buoyancy, and the ocean is already too close for comfort.... As if in response to his conclusion, they all heard the powerful Maybach engines throttling up, the propellers whirling faster to offset the growing weight of ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Things are getting interesting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Captain Pruett grinned as he rose to his feet. \"I must see to my cabin. Dinner was most enjoyable, Mr. and Mrs. Parker.\"\n\n\"Toodle-oo,\" Gale said merrily.\n\n\"Aren't we the social set,\" Indy said with a frown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You trying to hide your real concerns about this storm?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gripped his forearm. \"You had bloody well believe it,\" she whispered.\n\nIndy laughed. \"That makes two of us. Do you feel like a coward?\"\n\n\"Yes!\" She moved closer to Indy for comfort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, if I were flying a real machine, something with wings on it, I'd feel much better, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stopped short with the approach of Kurt Jaeger, who bowed quickly and then handed a sealed envelope to Indy. \"This is for you, Mr. Parker. It just came over the wireless. We were fortunate to receive it now. Communications are going down.\"\n\nIndy held the envelope. He'd open it in private." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Mr. Jaeger.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again Jaeger bowed. \"Hang on tightly, my friends. You will now excuse me, please? Duty calls.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Gale said pleasantly.\n\nJaeger smiled. \"I shall see you again when the sun shines,\" he said, and left.\n\n\"Sure hope so,\" Indy murmured to Gale.\n\nThe Graf was now shaking like a wet dog." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding four sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy locked the cabin door behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale eased onto her bunk, watching him as he opened the wireless message. He studied it for a moment. \"The sender is Sherwood,\" he said.\n\nShe showed her surprise. \"Sherwood?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The forest. Obviously it's from Treadwell. It's difficult to read aloud. Sounds crazy, I mean. You read it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waited with impatience, studying the deepening furrows along his forehead. Several times he smiled, frowned, then went poker-faced. Finally he handed the paper to her.\n\nhorse now behind cart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "stop. confirm pyramid configuration johnny routes nineteen. stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "cloth yellow kingsley south pray st. john deliverance dead man. stop. old gray mare is dead. stop. follow ghosts seminole pursuit train sixteen ears many. stop. end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held out the paper as if looking at it from a distance might bring clarity to the tangled words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, I think I could understand Sanskrit easier than this jumble.\"\n\nHe laughed. \"Okay, here goes. The first line reads, 'Horse now behind cart. Stop.' \"\n\n\"Which means?\"\n\n\"It's telling us that certain events are out of order, we're on a blind trail, and we've got to get back on track.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped as a cabin loudspeaker sputtered to life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All passengers. All passengers. Captain Eckener requests your presence in the lounge immediately. Please report to the lounge immediately. Thank you.\"\n\nIndy folded the paper and slipped it into his jacket. \"This will have to wait. Let's go.\"\n\nThe loudspeaker message was being repeated in different languages as they left their cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many of the passengers were clearly frightened at the hard blows of wind that rocked the Graf Zeppelin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At times the nose pitched up sharply and the crew fought to bring the great airship back to an even keel. Maintaining balance was difficult for all, and some of the passengers, already suffering the first pangs of airsickness, needed help. People clung to the vertical structural beams of the lounge or sat in chairs secured to the decking, their hands gripping the chair arms for dear life.\n\nCaptain Eckener walked slowly to the lounge from the control room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His uniform was perfect, his bearing calm and confident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To their surprise he stood, legs apart, balancing into the rocking and pitching moments of the zeppelin, disdaining any support. A lifetime of sailing ocean storms at sea and flying in balloons and zeppelins had given him an extraordinary sense of balance.\n\n\"Ladies, gentlemen, thank you. I will not keep you long. You are entitled to know just what we face. First, we are in no danger. That is most important for you to understand. The Graf Zeppelin was designed and built to withstand any storm we could foresee. I believe you know that although our metal structure is light in weight, it is as strong as the best steel ever made. Our crew is experienced. But it is likely that when we encounter severe up-drafts and downdrafts, this zeppelin will seem to pitch up or down at alarming angles. The steepness of a climb or descent, however, is not at all dangerous. Please consider all I have said. Until further notice, I advise everyone to remain in their cabins, where you will be able better to brace yourselves against any unexpected turbulence. We hope to escape the worst of the storm in just a few hours. Thank you for your attention.\"\n\nMoments later only three stewards remained, helping passengers back to their cabins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Gale preceded the group, anxious to return to the coded message from Treadwell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We started with the dancing of the runaway horse,\" Gale said, \"right?\"\n\n\"Almost,\" Indy corrected. \"The precise wording was 'Horse now behind cart.'\"\n\n\"Sorry. That means we've been barking down the wrong road.\"\n\nIndy had to laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I believe you mean we've been barking up the wrong tree.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She made a face at him. \"Colloquial or colonial expressions leave much to be desired, Professor.\" She pointed to the paper. \"Go on, please.\"\n\n\"Okay. The next line reads, 'Confirm pyramid configuration Johnny routes nineteen.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That makes even less sense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale frowned, then fell back at a sudden sharp gust. They felt the Graf's nose swinging around in a high rolling circle. Gale rolled her eyes. \"Give me wings,\" she murmured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry, Indy. Please go on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, Treadwell has confirmed a triangular route over which he believes the gold was shipped. The pyramid is three-sided. Now, 'Johnny routes.' That confirms a route used by the Confederate military forces in the American Civil War. The soldiers of the South were best known as Johnny Rebs.\"\n\n\"What about the word 'nineteen'?\"\n\n\"Treadwell's counting on us to be able to work that one out. He's basing the number on our working out what went first.\"\n\n\"Indy, you're losing me,\" she complained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just hang in there, carrot top. Look, the number we all know fits is for the year 1864.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you get that?\"\n\n\"Add it up. It comes out to nineteen, and we already know the time period of the war. The gold was shipped to the southern states at just about that time.\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"Oh. I see. But not,\" she added hastily, \"until you explained it. Now explain that 'cloth yellow' to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That jumps right out at you, Gale. 'Cloth yellow' refers to both cotton and gold. The cotton to be shipped to England—which we know the Crown was prepared to escort with warships—and the gold as payment to the Confederacy. Now...\" He opened a map of northern Florida and spread it out on the lower bunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Kingsley.' It's a plantation near Franklintown and Little Talbot's Island. We go south from Kingsley and we end up smack in the St. John's River. Treadwell used the word 'pray' simply to emphasize the 'Saint' in the name of the river.\"\n\n\"All right, so now I'm in this river with you. What good does that do?\"\n\n\"The key is the next phrase, 'deliverance dead man.' Look here.\" Indy's finger traced a line east and southeast of Port Jacksonville." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The gold was obviously brought in here. A deep-water port would have been necessary for those ships. From Jacksonville it was to be delivered to Steinhatchee. There, Confederate ships would load it and take it to New Orleans, which at that time was still well out of reach of the Union forces.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But... Steinhatchee isn't even in the message! How could you—\"\n\n\"You're right,\" he broke in. \"It's not in the message, so clearly we were expected to return to the map. Look at it, Gale. Steinhatchee is on the gulf coast of Florida. It sits right on Dead Man's Bay. That's the key. 'Dead man' tells me the people handling this project were killed, probably in a battle.\"\n\n\"And now we get to the horse,\" she quipped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That reference in the message. Isn't that from a song?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Almost. The song is about the old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be. The message reads, 'The old gray mare is dead.' That's a direct reference to a land convoy. Most transport at that time was by rail or horse-pulled wagons. 'Gray mare' is obviously a reference to a horse or many horses, and 'dead' means that for the most part the people were killed in some kind of battle.\"\n\nIndy was interrupted by a long trembling wave passing through the Graf Zeppelin. Everything blurred before their eyes as the dirigible shuddered from one end to another, the resonance rushing back and forth from nose to stern. They heard a scream from a nearby cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale shrugged. \"While we're still airborne, would you like to finish deciphering this code? My curiosity knows no—oops!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another blow nearly toppled her to the deck. She laughed as Indy grabbed her arm to keep her upright.\n\n\"You know what battle was what?\" she prompted.\n\n\"Well, at that time of the war, the Seminole Indians, who had good reason to hate both the Confederate and Union forces, were killing off the palefaces—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The whites.\"\n\n\"Oh.\"\n\n\"They considered them invaders of their territory, and killed or stole their horses. So the Rebs turned to mules. And a mule train was made up of heavy wagons, each pulled by eight mules. That's pretty good on Treadwell's part.\"\n\n\"Does that mean that the 'sixteen ears' he refers to is a wagon pulled by eight mules? Eight mules, sixteen ears?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right. Now put together the whole sentence. 'Follow ghosts Seminole pursuit train sixteen ears many.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are—who were—the ghosts?\"\n\n\"The Seminoles. Indian trackers could move like wraiths through he densest undergrowth. They'd follow the mule trains for miles, unseen and unheard, until they were ready to attack. So Treadwell is telling us to follow the same paths the mule trains and the Indians took.\"\n\nShe studied the map, rocking back and forth with the motions of the zeppelin. \"I'm impressed. I really am, Indy. Until now we didn't know where we were going, and now we've got a map, rivers, trails, and historical markers to follow. You're incredible, Professor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked directly at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're pretty great yourself. If you weren't with me, the way this ship is shaking and being slammed around, I'd be scared half to death.\"\n\n\"And you're not because I'm here?\"\n\n\"You bet. Right now I'm taking my cues from you.\"\n\n\"Great. So long as you're doing that, let's ride out this storm in the lounge. I hate being cooped up in this little cabin while everything is rattling and shaking around me and I can't see very much of what's going on. In the lounge we've got those windows to look through. Besides, if everything falls apart and we go down, I'd like to see it happening so we can do something to protect ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They spent the next hour hanging on for dear life, pushing themselves into the chairs, bracing their legs against structural posts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Graf rose and fell in great soaring swoops, following the dictates of the wind that swirled and pounded the giant structure.\n\n\"They're doing everything right!\" Gale called to Indy.\n\n\"You mean the elevator ride?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Absolutely. Eckener is working to keep the attitude of the ship level. If he was fighting to hold altitude he'd be overheating the engines and putting some serious stress on the structure. It may feel like a roller coaster, but they're keeping the loads on this ship as low as possible. I'm really impressed with the way they're taking us through this mess.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the ice?\" Indy had been staring at torrents of sleet blowing against the observation windows. The temperature in the lounge remained cold, and ice had formed along the window frames. He could only imagine how bad it was on top of the zeppelin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could be a lot worse,\" Gale told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know what they're trying to do?\"\n\n\"Sure! Get us out of this storm alive!\"\n\n\"That, too. But they're chasing levels of warm air. That will melt the ice faster than you realize. And sometimes a difference of just a few hundred feet in altitude can take us out of a freezing level.\"\n\nAnother pressure wave rolled over the Graf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time the effects were far more frightening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Invisible waves of turbulence, like a pounding surf on a shore, thundered against the Graf, sending spasms through the great ship. Then would come intervals of respite when the rain stopped and, amazingly, the moon shone through. Then it was again swallowed up by the storm. The Graf Zeppelin was a huge living whale of the skies, tossed to and fro, the crew in the control room working constantly to meet and then offset blows of turbulence and to keep the ship level." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lightning tore through the clouds and rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stared at the green-and-blue bolts flashing about them. Lightning and hydrogen gas; what a combination! Gale read his expression correctly.\n\n\"The lightning's not a problem, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not?\" he demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The structure is designed to pass the electrical charges right through us without damage. The electricity will flow through the ship from one side to the other and—\"\n\n\"Look at those blue flames along the windows! That's not something to worry about?\"\n\nShe followed his gaze. Indy was right to be concerned, but only because of the dancing blue flames and flickering small bolts playing along the window frames." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Static electricity,\" she explained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Every now and then the clouds around us are highly charged, and they pass off the charge to us. This ship gathers the static, and finally it builds up to the point where we see it. Indy, I've seen that a hundred times in airplanes! When it builds up high enough, we'll discharge the electrical field away from the zeppelin structure.\"\n\n\"Away from us?\" He stared, fascinated, at the miniature electrical storm dancing and sparkling only feet away from him.\n\n\"Away from us,\" she emphasized. \"In fact, sometimes the discharge is a lightning bolt itself. We've had that in airplanes. An electrical charge builds up and we fly between two clouds, the charges are opposite, and wham! We'd discharge the—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "BANG!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy froze in his seat. A flicker of pure electricity, then a blue-white ribbon of fire flashed. The blast of thunder followed immediately, booming and echoing about them and then through the body of the zeppelin.\n\n\"You didn't have to do that,\" he told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A mere explanation would have sufficed;\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale laughed with delight. \"You have a wonderful sense of gallows humor, Indy.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" He grimaced as his hearing slowly returned to normal. He turned his head, staring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale followed his gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They stared at the \"Japanese man\" in ceremonial attire moving through the lounge, turning neither left nor right, walking purposefully for the hatchway that led to the interior of the airship structure.\n\nGale grasped Indy's arm. \"Indy... it's her.\"\n\n\"I know,\" he said quickly, climbing to his feet, grasping the table for support as the zeppelin began another wide swing. \"Stay here. I'll see where she's going.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale watched Indy exit, the hatchway door closing behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sat nervously until she could wait no longer and went after him. As she reached the hatchway the door opened and he came through.\n\n\"She went up a gangway, then started up along a ladder. I've got a funny feeling. Caitlin was moving as though she knew where she was going and was heading toward someone.\"\n\n\"And we both know who that someone is,\" Gale said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, we've got to go after her. She might need us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale started for the hatchway and Indy grabbed her arm. \"The cabin first.\"\n\n\"You're right. Let's go. Indy, please hurry.\"\n\nIn their cabin they opened their luggage. Gale snapped together the interlocking pieces of a small but powerful hunting crossbow with spring-fired arrowhead darts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She slipped a flexible metallic baton into her belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy knew the weapon. With a flick of her wrist it would extend into a steel rod that bent as it was swung, striking its intended target with tremendous force. Indy slipped his whip to his belt, opened the door, and they hurried out.\n\nMoments later they were closing the hatch door behind them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment they stared up at the cathedrallike vessel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Graf Zeppelin seemed to be writhing in pain, the outer shell pulsating. Thunder boomed and echoed like the continuous crash of giant kettledrums. High above and to the sides floodlights cast eerie lights and shadows.\n\nThey moved toward the midsection, climbing steadily, at times gripping stanchions and rails." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several times they froze in position, assailed by great hissing sounds as sheets of loosening ice slid down the sides of the ship to the storm-whipped ocean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy could hardly believe the deep groaning booms as duralumin girders and rings bent and flexed. High above them static electricity danced and flickered in ghostly blue light. Indy could taste the sharp ozone in the air. He had never felt so helpless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy! Hurry! This way!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw Gale gripping a girder with one hand, pointing with the other. Lightning flashed, sending a brief but intense glow through the fabric shell.\n\nIn that sudden flare of light he glimpsed a tableau that turned his blood as cold as the ice crashing down the sides of the huge airborne cavern.\n\nThree men stood on a catwalk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lightning reflected from the long gleaming blades they held in their hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Facing them, alone, Caitlin St. Brendan had shaken off the heavy, Japanese ceremonial robe and large hat and dark wig.\n\nShe was braced, legs wide to counter the shuddering movements of the Graf. A deep red gleam of light came from the great sword Caliburn, withdrawn from its scabbard. On that narrow catwalk her three adversaries would have to face her one at a time." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Martin Caidin" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy sucked in air; the sight of steel ripping through Caitlin's arm was almost a physical shock to his own system. Lightning flashed, turning the air about Caitlin into a crimson spray as the glare reflected from the blood that spattered outward.\n\nIn almost the same moment, even as his feet propelled him higher toward the catwalk, he understood. Caitlin had explained it days before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No matter how terrible the actions against her or her family, she could not strike the first blow in a confrontation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caliburn's great powers, the legacy of the fabled Merlin, would come into play only if Caitlin was defending herself.\n\nBut now the ancient rules had been observed. Indy hauled himself up by the ladder cables. Caitlin faced three adversaries, each of them a formidable opponent, skilled in the art of killing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard Gale racing after him, desperate to reach Caitlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was not quick enough to prevent another slashing move against her. Indy saw an arm upraised from one of the three men, a glint of reflected light, and a throwing knife.\n\nIndy had seen great swordplay in his time; he had become skilled in fencing. But never had he seen the moves now made by this warrior woman from the deep forests of southern England." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin's moves were subtle; at this distance and in the deep gloom, speared intermittently by lightning flashes and booming thunder, she seemed hardly to be twisting and turning as Indy knew she must to survive the assault against her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The knife hurtled at Caitlin...\n\nHer timing was perfect. She did not flinch left or right; instead, she leaned toward the knife flying at her. Caliburn came up and forward in a blade-twisting motion to strike with a sharp ringing cry of metal as it struck the knife and hurled it aside, where it clattered and banged through the zeppelin structure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the three men started a climb up along a steel cable angling from the catwalk to a position well above Caitlin, where he could strike at her out of the reach of Caliburn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the man struggled along the cable the other two lashed out at Caitlin in an attempt to divide her attention.\n\nTo remain where she now stood would be an open invitation to disaster. The last thing the two men expected was for the woman to rush forward directly at them and their weapons.\n\n\"Indy—\" Gale gasped, but they were still too far away to help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still climbing, almost to the catwalk, they watched Caitlin rash forward, stop, crouch, and spin with Caliburn singing its deadly song through the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sword came up in a slicing thrust from right to left, cutting through the rib cage of her nearest attacker. Slashed nearly in two, he sagged to his knees, his eyes bulging, and then collapsed.\n\nThe third man, the one remaining opponent directly before her, struck as quickly, his sword stabbing swiftly. Caitlin's gasp of pain came with a sharp sword point thrusting into her rib cage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By now Indy and Gale were close to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help her!\" Gale shouted. Before Indy could stop her, Gale dashed past Caitlin and dropped low just beyond the slashed and now still body of her first victim. The swordsman, face obscured by a cloth wrapped just beneath his eyes, laughed and brought his sword to the ready. Quickly Gale brought up the small crossbow from beneath her leather jerkin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as she placed the barbed bolt into position for firing, a fierce blast of wind rattled the Graf Zeppelin, swerving the airship's nose wildly to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale instinctively reached one arm out for support. Her small but deadly bolt fell away from her, bounced on the metal catwalk, and dropped away forever into the recesses of the zeppelin.\n\nGale could not go forward, left or right, and to go back meant getting up and crossing over the body behind her. No time! Steel flashed as her attacker brought his sword down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew she must die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pistol shot cracked loudly just behind her. A pistol? Impossible! No one had a gun aboard this—\n\nShe stared, eyes wide, as a long dark shape whistled over her head. Indy! His whip! She just had time to glance upward as the thick leather smacked against the sword blade, tearing it free from her attacker's grip and hurling it far to the side of the catwalk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The whip snapped again, louder this time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before her the man now without a weapon stared in disbelief as the leather cut through his face as if it were butter. His scream echoed and mixed with thundering blows of the storm still raging against the Graf.\n\nAs he fell back, collapsing in pain and shock to the catwalk, Gale remembered the man who had climbed the cable leading well above them. She knelt, this time fitting a bolt snugly within her crossbow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a single smooth motion, balanced on one knee, she turned with the crossbow raised and cocked to fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Above her the man, holding to the cable with one hand, held a throwing knife in the other. Gale squeezed the crossbow trigger. The small bolt shot in an upward blur.\n\nThe man's eyes bulged as the bolt pierced his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried to scream but emitted only a strangled, gurgling cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The throwing knife whirled away to one side, the man clutched his throat, and fell from the cable. Gale watched his body plunging, arms and legs waving about madly, as he dropped against another catwalk, bounced against a girder, spun about like a rag doll, and plunged through the belly fabric of the zeppelin, lost in a blur as he began the long fall to the merciless ocean below.\n\nIndy watched the man he had struck with his whip stagger back, trying to stanch the blood flow from his face with one hand, the other holding the guide cable as he struggled to escape the maddening pain. Indy let him go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was no danger now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy came back quickly to where Gale knelt alongside the bloodied, wounded Caitlin.\n\n\"Indy...\" Gale's voice faltered. \"She's hurt, badly.\"\n\nIndy saw with a glance just how severe the wounds were. And he understood now how Caitlin had survived shots fired directly into her body when the Glen was attacked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under her outer garments, the covering from the scabbard of Caliburn was already working whatever sorcery Merlin had wrought in the leather." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Open wounds were closing before his eyes, blood had dried. Yet she had been struck so severely it would take time for her strength to flow back into her body.\n\n\"Caitlin,\" Indy said to her, studying the glaze in her eyes. That upset him, for it spelled shock that could still overwhelm her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took several deep shuddering breaths and grasped his arm for support." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hear you well.\"\n\nGale was wrapping the crumpled Japanese robe about Caitlin to keep her warm and cover the terrible wounds and caked blood on her body. \"Can you make it to our cabin?\" Indy asked.\n\nCaitlin nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy!\" exclaimed Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We just can't send her there! She needs our help to—\"\n\nIndy pointed. Two large men moved menacingly from the stern of the zepplin along the catwalk leading directly to them. He didn't need to say that Caitlin must leave the scene with or without help. She pulled herself to her feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I feel stronger,\" she said, despite what he knew was tearing pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're in no condition to fight. You need time. Leave now,\" Indy pressed. \"Go slowly but carefully. Go to our cabin. Now, Caitlin; go.\"\n\nStrong fingers squeezed his arm. He was surprised by her strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most men would have been unconscious from the punishment she'd taken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" she said quietly, then started down the ladder, holding carefully to the guide cables as Graf Zeppelin rocked and swayed.\n\n\"Indy, three more,\" Gale warned. She was right. First the two men that he'd seen. Now three others behind them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew they couldn't all have come aboard the Graf before departure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not from Cordas's group, anyway. So Cordas must have members of the crew who would fight for him. That made the situation doubly dangerous; they were experienced in moving around and through the structural maze of the dirigible.\n\nThe last thing Indy wanted was a struggle in the territory of his opponents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You see any weapons?\" he asked Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook her head. \"Indy, I don't understand... I mean, the others had swords and throwing knives.\"\n\n\"They were the pros. These are crewmen,\" Indy said quickly. \"It looks like hand-to-hand. You have more of those bolts?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Another dozen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Load up, lady. The game is about to begin,\" he said a lot more casually than he felt. Gale had that small but deadly crossbow, he had a whip. It wasn't easy now to figure what these three men coming at them would use. Hand-held knives. As crewmen of the Graf, they could never explain to their superior officers why they were carrying anything with a long blade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anything that could shoot was out of the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So they'd come in close, grapple, and go for direct thrusts with knives. Indy looked about him. He wanted to be higher than these menacing figures. A ladder was almost in reach and—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was something else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All these three knew about him and Gale was almost certainly restricted to what the passenger manifest read. A zookeeper and a game warden. Easy targets, then. That would be their judgment, and the last thing they'd expect would be innovation and daring.\n\nWell, Jones, he told himself with an inner humorless grin, guess it's time to he daring...." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to get higher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immediately he lashed out with his whip, curled the end tightly about a ladder rung, and launched himself across the yawning space between the catwalk and the ladder. His left hand grasping a rung, he planted his left foot solidly beneath him just as one attacker lunged toward him, knife in hand. At that moment the man was off balance and Indy snatched the advantage. It was a stupid move on his attacker's part." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A hard driving kick to the man's face was all it took." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caught between catwalk and ladder, he was stunned by the blow, his arms flailing for balance. The knife flew from his hand, the man's eyes widened, and his mouth hung agape as he felt only thin air beneath his feet. He fell downward with a long scream, bouncing off girders and through the belly fabric to vanish from sight.\n\nIndy clung tightly to the whip for balance and security." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale! Up here!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come up the ladder over me!\"\n\nShe didn't need a second call. She scrambled up the ladder, reached Indy. He grasped her jacket to help haul her upward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One foot shoving hard against his belt, she pulled on his shoulders, grasped a ladder rung above him—scraping her boot across his face in the process—and climbed quickly to a higher position." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two remaining men shook their fists helplessly. They spoke quickly to one another, then ran to another ladder farther back in the swaying, rocking zeppelin.\n\n\"They're going to climb to the top of this thing,\" Indy told Gale.\n\n\"But why—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think it's for sight-seeing,\" he interrupted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They can get on top of the hull and work their way forward to the hatchway directly over us. If they do that, we'll be at the bottom of the well and they'll have us right where they want us. Move! Go up!\"\n\nShe nodded, turned, and began another rapid climb up their ladder, Indy right behind her. She stopped to undo the hatch while he grasped her ankle to give her greater support. As the hatch opened, a blast of icy wind rushed over them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like this,\" she complained to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're supposed to walk on top of the ship?\"\n\n\"Go!\" he repeated.\n\n\"Indy, it's blowing like mad out there... and the surface is icy. We—\"\n\nHe shoved upward on her ankle, explaining as she went through the hatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Toward the stern!\" he shouted above the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a glass cupola there. Jaeger told me about it. He uses it for celestial navigation and it's got grab rails.\" He reached into his jacket. \"Here!\" he called out, handing her a rope with snap hooks on each end. \"Lock one end to your belt and snap the other one on the guide cable!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Got it!\" she shouted back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They they were both atop the zeppelin. The world was mad and beautiful and violent all at the same time. For a long moment they clung to a guide cable running the length of the outer hull. As the nose of the huge airship dipped they felt themselves lifting off their feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They clung tightly to the rail, their bodies swaying with the motion of the ship, still being hammered by the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath their feet the hull was slick with melting ice. Patches of open sky were now showing, through which they saw a brilliant moon and stars. Navigation and work lights along the top of the hull gave them dim but effective illumination. They glanced downward, beyond the ice-glistening hull." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Far below, white shadows seemed to be drifting from another dimension, icebergs reflecting moonlight in ghostly form." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Specks of white, barely visible, revealed the wind-whipped ocean surface.\n\n\"Move!\" Indy ordered. \"Save the sight-seeing for later!\"\n\nClinging tightly to the cable with her right hand, left hand outward for balance, Gale shuffled and slid toward the stem, working her way to the glass cupola and its beckoning handrails." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stayed close behind her, ready to help if she slipped or started to fall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard voices behind him. Another crewman had come up swiftly along a ladder and was on the hull, moving toward them, a curved blade visible in one hand, the other gripping the guide cable.\n\nHis hand went up and back, and in a single swift motion the knife flashed toward Indy. He tried to twist his body away from the oncoming blade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One foot skidded out beneath him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instinctively he fought to retain his balance, to keep from losing the security of the rope holding him to the cupola rail.\n\nFire seared along his ribs beneath his left arm. A cry of pain escaped Indy, but his reaction was as immediate as the sound of pain. The blade had pierced his jacket and shirt and scraped along the skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His right arm went up and to the side, and the powerful whip cracked with the report of a pistol firing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lash whipped about the feet of Indy's attacker; Indy yanked back with all his strength.\n\nThe man's feet flew sideways from the icy hull; for a moment he kept his handhold on the cable guide, then his own weight and the sudden movement pulled his hand free. With a thin wailing scream, he tumbled down the side of the zeppelin and vanished toward the ocean.\n\nThe two men approaching from the opposite side had stopped to see the outcome of the attack by their associate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy prepared himself for their rush, watching for throwing knives or swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No blades appeared. The unexpected happened. The second man held to the guide cable by his left hand, then withdrew a revolver from a shoulder holster. Indy stared in dismay. Of course! No passenger could board with a firearm, but a member of the crew? Absolutely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man smiled, brought up the weapon slowly and carefully, balancing against the wind and the heaving motions of the zeppelin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy felt he was staring all the way down the barrel of the gun. He tried to push Gale behind him. \"Get out of there,\" he snapped. \"Quickly! You can make it back to the ladder to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't move.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her words seemed to come from a stranger. \"Balance me,\" she directed Indy. He had no idea of what she was about, but with death staring at them both over the sight on that gun, he didn't bother to reason it out. He grasped her waist, doing his best to keep her still." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moonlight broke as clouds scudded past, and in the silvery light Indy watched Gale staring at the two men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was pressing her hands against her temples, concentrating fiercely. A low moan, a sound he could barely hear, escaped her.\n\nHe turned back to the man about to fire. He wasn't there.\n\nAn icy mist enveloped the two men, glittering and swirling in a cloud moving with the zeppelin, as though there was no wind, no other movement anywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Above the crescendo of engines, the groaning of the ship, the wind everywhere else, Indy heard an eerie tinkling sound, as if thousands of pieces of crystal shimmered in a chandelier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of things within the glittering mist turning to ice...\n\nHe'd heard that sound before on an expedition north of Finland in bitter winter. Cold fell upon them within an arctic blast. Cold so intense and swift that ice crystals formed in the air and rained down like glass snowflakes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet... he felt none of the cold!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through brief breaks in the mist he saw the faces of the two men contorted in fear and pain as their skin froze; their limbs seemed encased in huge blocks of ice. But this was impossible!\n\nHe turned back to Gale. Her body trembled with some unknown effort; the knuckles of her hands ground into her temples." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So great was her concentration she would have fallen were he not holding her upright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard a strangled cry of terror, choked off before it could be completed. One of the two men emerged from the icy mist, his body frozen and stiff, to begin the long slide to death down the side of the zeppelin. Indy looked quickly at Gale, then back to the second man, the one with the gun. What had been black was now ice-covered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gun fell from his hand, bounced off the catwalk, fell from sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moments later, frozen as stiffly as if he had been in a bath of super-cold liquid nitrogen, their attacker began that long drop from which there could be no return.\n\nGale's legs, trembling, gave way. Indy held her as close as he could in the wind and swaying of the zeppelin.\n\n\"J-just hold me... cold... so cold,\" she said, huddling against him, shivering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were alone on top of a floating world, racing away from the storm front, the moon shining cold and amazingly clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy held Gale to ease her trembling. Finally he understood what had happened. Gale Parker, soul sister to Caitlin St. Brendan, raised amid sorcery and the power of the witches' clan that had endured more than a thousand years.\n\n\"You never told me,\" he said to Gale, \"that you could do something like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked up, still shivering." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She managed a weak, tired smile.\n\n\"You never asked me.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Martin Caidin" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale tended to Caitlin's wounds with the efficiency and knowledge of an experienced nurse. Indy stood and watched, helping whenever Gale requested assistance. Anyone who had spent the time, as Indy had, in distant lands, burrowing deep underground, hacking through jungles, suffering cuts, bruises, bites, stings, slashes, scrapes, torn muscles, and broken bones, could survive without the presence of a doctor. To say nothing, Indy reminded himself, of all the men with him who'd been shot, stabbed, struck with shrapnel, or gassed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin suffered, but with gritted teeth and in silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy helped remove her outer garments, then stepped back in the cabin, sitting on the opposite bunk, as Gale carefully, almost reverently, removed the golden leathery tunic. Then, as gently as she could, but with hand pressure she knew must hurt Caitlin terribly, she pressed parts of the tunic against the worst wounds.\n\nOf all the wonders Indy had seen in his travels throughout the world, none matched this. The worst bleeding had already stopped from the pressure of wearing the garment woven from the scabbard of Caliburn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the slash wounds closed and began to seal before Indy's eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale washed away the caked blood, revealing purple and dark bruises about each wound, all the clearer now for him to witness the sorcery of Merlin.\n\n\"How was the scabbard turned into her tunic?\" Indy asked finally. He'd been told before; he wanted to hear it again.\n\n\"Kerrie, her father, knew the ancient secrets,\" Gale replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They placed the scabbard in a caldron containing oil and other liquids to loosen the fastenings from the metal beneath. This way the leather, with its gold threads, unraveled slowly, without tearing. Then her mother, with several of the elders assisting, worked the strips on an ancient loom. That's about the only way I can describe it; everything had to be done by touch and feel. Then they stitched the strips together with more gold thread. That formed the tunic perfectly to Caitlin's size and shape, and the additional gold threads gave it great strength.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy nodded. \"I know she's in shock. Can she hear, can she understand us now?\"\n\nCaitlin's voice came whispered but strong. \"Yes.\"\n\n\"I need to say some things to you, Caitlin. I'm asking you not to argue with me,\" Indy told her. \"This isn't a matter of right or wrong, but of experience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will listen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No matter what happens in the next day, or the next few days,\" Indy began, \"you've got to stay out of it.\"\n\nCaitlin struggled to raise herself up on one elbow. Her look at Indy was dark and brooding. Through pain-filled eyes she managed to speak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is not for you to decide,\" she said in a tone that would not brook argument." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy didn't take the hint, strong as it was. \"It is for me to decide,\" he snapped. \"Listen well to me, Caitlin.\" He was amazed with himself for slipping into her tone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The authority to decide isn't a matter of who's in charge about anything,\" he said sternly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Both Gale and I have placed our lives on the line for you. Several times we've been a hairsbreadth away from being killed.\" He gestured to forestall comment. \"No one is asking you for gratitude. Gale, as she's told me and I've seen, is your soul sister. You two have been bonded through your lives.\"\n\nHe took a deep breath as he looked down on Caitlin, doing her best to conceal the pain still coursing through her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I'm not part of the family tree, so to speak. I'm here more because I believe in you, and Gale, than for any other reason. I don't give a hang about gold. Ancient coins, yes. Historical artifacts, yes. But even those are hardly worth skidding around the top of this blasted oversized hydrogen bag in an ice storm over the ocean! Especially when people are doing their best to slice us into strips. Okay, that's behind us. For the moment, anyway. But if someone comes after us now, you, lady, are not strong enough yet to defend yourself, and you sure as thunder can't protect us. It's the other way around right now. In short, when you're hurt, we look after you. When we're cut down and hurt, you look after us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused, knowing he was getting in over his head. \"Caitlin, the long and short of it is that you can still die. You can be killed.\" He reached down to lift the edge of the tunic Gale was still pressing against Caitlin's wounds.\n\n\"Not even this great magic can save you if you take a bullet through the heart, or the brain. Magic, like everything else, has its limitations. Confound it, Caitlin, we're in this together. I'm on your side. But avoiding reality won't do a thing for any of us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin motioned for Gale to help her sit up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gritted her teeth, holding back any sounds to indicate the severe pain she still suffered. She closed her eyes and took long, deep breaths to clear her mind. When she opened her eyes again, they were clear and sharp.\n\n\"If everything you say is true,\" she said at last to Indy, \"then what Merlin hath wrought shall be put to its greatest test. If I fall, if I succumb, another will take up my sword and my banner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked to Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No words were needed to tell Indy that Gale would step forward to assume Caitlin's role were that necessary.\n\n\"The death of my mother,\" Caitlin continued, softly now, \"must be put to right. No matter how many others have been defeated, no matter how many have gone to the permanent terrible darkness beyond, Cordas must die. And not until that moment will my mother's spirit find peace, and the long rest awaiting her.\"\n\nIndy stared at her for a long time. He made his decision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was not the moment for arguing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin must sleep. Her wounds were far more serious than she realized. Even with all the sorcery of past ages, her body required time to heal.\n\nCaitlin also recognized this. Indy's words, and what she read in his eyes, ended all resistance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, you know what I need,\" she said suddenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale nodded, rose to her feet. \"I'll be right back,\" she told Indy. She left the cabin. Less than five minutes later she returned, holding within her jacket a large vial containing a liquid unknown to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale held the vial for her friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin drank slowly but emptied half of it. She nodded to Gale, leaned back, and her eyes closed.\n\nIndy watched her breathing, deep and steady. \"Is she asleep?\" he asked Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More than sleep. Yes, she sleeps, but she is also in a trance. The liquid will permit her body to heal faster. Don't be concerned with our voices. She cannot hear us and,\" Gale said somberly, \"we still have much to talk about.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowed by the storm, more than a hundred and seventy miles off course, the Graf Zeppelin made a painful return to its former steady flight. The tears in the cotton fabric of the hull raised no alarm. The Graf had been in worse shape from wind damage before, when one entire rudder was torn open, the duralumin twisted, the cotton cover flapping like a rag. Yet even that damage had been repaired by the crew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was far more concerned about the loss of men from the zeppelin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one among the crew, especially its officers, seemed to have noticed anything unusual. Which was patent nonsense. Whoever kept the records of the crew and worked those men knew all too well that men had been lost overboard. There were still several men with terrible wounds aboard the airship, but Indy knew this could be explained away by the storm, throwing men against metal, causing them to fall and smash into equipment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And whoever knew what was going on was managing very well to keep the injured out of sight—not only from the passengers, but from Captain Eckener." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A visit from Kurt Jaeger, the ship's navigator, settled most of Indy's questions. \"I do not know if you are aware that during the storm last night,\" he began, \"we suffered both illness and injury to several of our passengers.\"\n\nJaeger hadn't come to their cabin for chitchat or a rundown on who threw up or twisted an ankle. \"I must ask your confidence on another matter,\" he said, his words uttered slowly and carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have kept this information from the passengers, as you will understand in a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Gale glanced at one another, a silent agreement to go along with whatever this man was bringing them. Jaeger was stepping far beyond the bounds of his job.\n\n\"During the night we sustained rather serious damage to some of the structural elements of the Graf,\" Jaeger went on. \"It was a most tragic event. Several of our crew fell from their work positions within the hull. Some were caught by catwalks and beams, but several men also fell completely through the lower outer covering of the zeppelin. They were lost, of course, swallowed up by the ocean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jaeger went silent, but Indy was immediately aware of the import of his message, and grateful for his careful phrasing of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy wondered who the devil he was working for; most certainly it was not only the Zeppelin Company. For Jaeger, without specifically saying so, had just told Indy and Gale that officially, there had been no fighting within the zeppelin the previous night, that no one had battled anyone else, that everyone involved would remain nameless. And most important of all, the matter would not only be dropped from the airship's records, but what had taken place would never be noted in the logs.\n\n\"Herr Jaeger,\" Gale began suddenly, \"do you know—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy moved swiftly, clamping a hand across Gale's mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She resisted by reflex, but then went silent and unmoving as she felt a steady, deliberate pressure from Indy's hand. Slowly he removed his hand. Gale offered him a slight nod; she would go along with whatever it was he wanted.\n\n\"Herr Jaeger, thank you for your consideration. It is...\" Indy paused, searching for the proper words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is gratifying to know that the situation, and the records, are indeed in such capable hands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jaeger offered a brief smile, aware that Indy had caught all his meaning. He bowed slightly. \"Thank you, Mr. Parker. It is my fervent hope that the remainder of this flight will go smoothly for you. In perhaps thirty-six hours we will be at Lakehurst. I have sent a wireless ahead. You will be greeted upon landing and your transport will be waiting for you. I bid you pleasant voyage.\" He turned, closing the door quietly behind him as he departed.\n\nGale stared at the closed door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head slowly before turning back to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pinch me, I think,\" she whispered. \"Do I get the idea that our peerless navigator does more than steer this gasbag about the skies?\"\n\nIndy leaned back against the cabin bulkhead. \"How might Merlin say it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he murmured. He smiled at Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Methinks the gentlemen doth tarry on both sides of the brook.\"\n\nGale grimaced. \"Indy, that's terrible. Talk American. Merlin would flip-flop in his grave if he could hear you.\"\n\n\"With all due respect, I believe he can,\" Indy said softly. \"However, the point you're chasing... Either Herr Jaeger is on our side, and we won't say any more than that, or he's working for both sides. I wager he's no stranger to a certain gentleman by the name of Thomas. And that is enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tapped the bulkhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ears grow in the strangest places. We'll play it safe and drop it.\"\n\n\"The, ah, visitor mentioned thirty-six hours to go. By then, Caitlin should be fully recovered.\"\n\nIndy blinked. \"That's incredible. Are you sure?\"\n\n\"I've seen it before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What happened?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She has an affinity for animals. Almost as if they're in communication with one another,\" Gale said, her voice showing excitement at the memory. \"One day she was in the deep woods, her hunting bow on her body, plenty of arrows in the quiver. A bear rushed her from thick undercover. That alone is unusual. Normally there's a warning of some kind. Bears are like that.\"\n\n\"Was this one wounded?\"\n\n\"That was what we thought at first, but—\" Gale shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Infected tooth. The animal must have been crazy with pain. It rushed her and caught her unawares. Before she could defend herself, she was slashed open by its claws. It tried to sink its teeth in her throat, but by then she had her hunting knife, the one she always carries, in one hand. The bear mauled her and got a good grip on her shoulder instead of her neck. She knew the knife couldn't kill the bear before it killed her. Caitlin never loses control. She brought up the knife and slashed the animal across its eyes. It dropped her immediately, pawing wildly at its eyes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which let Caitlin get away,\" Indy offered.\n\n\"No. She wouldn't leave the animal like that. Bad as she was bleeding, and hurt, she went after the bear. Not with the knife, but she managed to get an arrow strung, and her aim was true. Right into the heart. At that close range the arrow had great penetrating power. What also saved her was the roaring of the bear as it tried to kill her. The sound carried, men came running. They found the bear dead and Caitlin, unconscious and near death herself, atop the animal. Wisely, they stopped the bleeding, kept her comfortable, and a man ran back to the Glen to get her father and the tunic made from the scabbard. It was touch and go, Indy. For a while we thought we'd lost her. Three days later Caitlin was up and about. And that bear tore her up a lot worse than what she's taken here.\"\n\nIndy shook his head. \"I'm ready to believe just about anything where she's concerned.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to go through some papers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anyway, the time won't be wasted. We do not leave Caitlin alone, not for a moment. I'll have meals brought to the cabin. When we leave here, it will be with the other passengers.\"\n\n\"Do we dress her again in that Japanese outfit?\"\n\n\"Yes. Let the other people see the same person leaving the ship that they saw board.\"\n\nGale nodded. \"Mind some questions?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ask away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From everything you said before, Indy, you know, going over the maps, and that coded telegram, well, I'm still confused about how certain you are about where the gold is.\"\n\n\"You're not alone, Gale.\" He laid out a map for her to study. \"We're playing a game of blindman's buff. A jigsaw puzzle with broken and missing pieces. The best we can count on is that the gold was transported between Jacksonville and Steinhatchee. From that point on it is simply\"—Indy shrugged with resignation—\"lost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But what about the railroad? The tracks should let us follow the path that the gold followed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at his face. No agreement there, she saw.\n\n\"Nice try, Gale. If we were working with should-be's you'd be right. Unfortunately, the railroad line, here\"—he tapped the paper—\"and here, and the points in between, is gone. After the war the South needed metals desperately. So these rail tracks, like many others, were torn up and sent to the ironworks for reprocessing into tools and other items. This is semitropical country. It didn't take long, what with heavy rains, horses, and heavy undergrowth, to destroy any sign of the old railbeds.\"\n\n\"And I suppose the roads used by the mule trains didn't fare any better,\" Gale said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded. \"Dead ends in all directions. But,\" he emphasized, \"now we get down to guesstimates and experience in searching out other ancient sites, heavily traveled a lot earlier than this area. There are other clues and we'll be falling all over them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fascinating,\" she said, not quite believing Indy. She had visions of thick undergrowth, snakes, alligators, and other creatures in an abandoned countryside.\n\n\"My opinion,\" Indy went on slowly, \"is that the gold was lost, abandoned, or concealed somewhere between the Gulf and the Atlantic coastlines. Either on or near the site of one of the last great battles fought in that area. That means they've left clues almost everywhere.\"\n\n\"And you talk about me and Caitlin using magic?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She leaned back and sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You run around in riddles that would make even Merlin envious.\"\n\nIndy patted her hand. \"It's all in knowing where to look and what to look for.\"\n\n\"What isn't?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Blast it, Gale, you're not thinking. Or more to the point, you're thinking in contemporary terms. Where we are going is like traveling down a time tunnel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed so perturbed she paid him her full interest. \"Try to imagine the war fought here. It was more than seventy years ago. No tanks, no modern artillery, no communications lines, no airplanes, no bombs from the sky. Just rough, dirty, wearying slogging, a savagery of wounds and a killing ground that turned the earth to blood. Now concentrate on the weaponry and the debris it leaves behind. That's how we'll find the greatest battles. By what they've left behind.\"\n\n\"Indy, I'm trying, but I don't understand what—\"\n\n\"Cannonballs, for one. Archaic, heavy, monstrous pieces of artillery. Machines of war so massive and heavy they had to be abandoned. The horses and mules, for the most part, gone. Killed, eaten, or run away. But the wagons, well, the wood is likely all gone by now. Insects, sun, rain, that sort of thing. But we'll look for the iron that was placed around the wooden wheels.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Iron wheels?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right. Iron was secured around the heavy wooden wheels, and the iron was then shrunk to produce an extremely strong wheel. Most of that will be rusted, but with so many wagons abandoned in the field, well, there should be signs.\"\n\n\"Indy, from what you're saying, hasn't this occurred to other people?\" Gale queried. \"I mean, why wouldn't they have found just the things you're describing?\"\n\n\"Oh, they have. But they've all been looking in the wrong places. I think, I just think,\" he said with a thin and enigmatic smile, \"I know where we've got to do our search.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale mulled over his words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about Cordas? Does he have the same information?\"\n\nIndy shrugged. \"I don't know. But I hope so. Besides, he'll be looking over his shoulder everywhere he goes, knowing that Caidin will be dogging his every step. And Cordas has an Achilles heel.\"\n\n\"Which is?\"\n\n\"Try and think like him. If he were pursuing a group of heavily armed men, professional killers, would he do it alone? No way!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy laughed. \"He's got to figure that Caitlin will have accomplices. Plenty of them and all spoiling for a showdown.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what she has,\" Gale said moodily, \"is you and me.\"\n\n\"Which might be enough,\" Indy concluded." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Martin Caidin and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Graf Zeppelin cruised slowly beyond the eastern borders of New York City, over Nassau County on Long Island. Captain Eckener had planned his arrival with great skill, swinging the great dirigible southward over Long Island Sound. He had urged his passengers to move to the right side of the main lounge, where they had an extraordinary view of the great skyscrapers of New York. The morning broke with splendid clarity, a sky washed clean by an evening rain shower and light wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun rose behind the left flank of the Graf to flood the world with crystalline golden light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of a sudden, Manhattan came ablaze with the glory of that sun splashing and reflecting brilliantly from thousands of windows. What had been a city of steel and concrete became a magic wonderland of golden light. Even the drab concrete flanks of the towering structures glowed. Then the Graf was droning along the south-shore beaches of Long Island, turning slowly to cross the huge bay area and head for its final destination of Lakehurst in New Jersey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lower Manhattan now passed to the right flank of the dirigible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Hudson River stretched far out of sight to the north, and below the Graf, the port area of New York went wild with welcoming horns, whistles, all heard clearly at the Graf's height of barely a thousand feet. Fireboats in the bay sent up huge plumes of sparkling water; ocean liners boomed with their deep bass foghorns. Newsreel airplanes and curious sightseers in their private planes buzzed about the Graf like noisy but friendly little hornets, pilots and passengers waving at the faces visible in the lounge windows and control car of the German airship.\n\nThe Graf settled gently toward the long flat grounds of the naval air station." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bringing the huge mass down proved a delicate balancing affair of engines revving up and idling, water ballast being dumped when descent became too rapid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mooring and grab lines tumbled like pencil-thin snakes from the airship; far below, men rushed to grasp the lines and pull them taut, their combined weight providing the ship with a solid balancing keel and continued slow loss of buoyancy. A heavy truck waited in position as hundreds of men walked forward, lines over their shoulders like Russian peasants hauling barges on the Volga River. Slowly and deliberately the Graf moved toward the mooring mast, then her nose was eased with precision into the locking cage. The Graf Zeppelin was down, the journey completed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A brass band played with enthusiasm, thousands of awed spectators cheered, and motorists blared their horns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed like a holiday to mark the arrival of the amazing queen of the skies.\n\nWhen the Graf finally emptied, there was no Japanese passenger to be seen. Instead, newsreel cameramen recorded Mr. and Mrs. Henry Parker leading a very old bearded gentleman, quite ill and supported by the Parkers, to a waiting limousine.\n\nIn the limo, a fretful and agitated Caitlin glared at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get this bloody sheep mat off my face!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy grinned. \"Right away, Grandpa.\"\n\nIndy leaned back in the thickly padded seat of the limousine, still chuckling at Caitlin's irritation with the scratchy false beard, thick eyebrows, and detestably long wig. She cared even less for the large dark glasses she wore, to say nothing of the thick padding about her body and the oversized trousers she'd donned only after a mixture of cajoling and growing impatience from both Indy and Gale.\n\n\"They'll be looking for a Japanese!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy said heatedly. \"The last thing we want is for you to walk out in all your Oriental splendor, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You told us this Jaeger fellow was helping us,\" Caitlin protested angrily.\n\n\"Sure,\" Indy told her, \"but I also cautioned Gale that Jaeger could be playing both sides of the fence.\"\n\n\"He said brook, actually,\" Gale quipped.\n\n\"Tell me what you mean,\" Caitlin insisted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's being paid to do his job as a navigator for a German zeppelin. So that makes him a skilled, valuable, and likely very patriotic German,\" Indy answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we also know that he's in league with Treadwell. But why? Is he really working faithfully for jolly old England? We don't know, which means we have no way of knowing if he'll sell out to the highest bidder. Most likely he's being paid by Treadwell's people, with the added fillip that if he rats on us—\"\n\nCaitlin raised an eyebrow. \"Rats?\"\n\n\"If he squeals. If he lets the Cordas people know who you really are. If he does the job for Treadwell but is also being paid by Cordas. They're not that certain it was you in that donnybrook aboard the Graf. There are still plenty of questions. So I'm not taking any chances, and that's why an old sick man, um, rather portly, too, came off the Graf with us.\"\n\n\"Could Cordas's people be following us?\" Gale asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I doubt it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First of all, three identical limos, all with the same license number as the one we're in, left Lakehurst at the same time. No way for anyone following to know who's in what. Second, why would he bother? We don't know what Cordas is thinking, so that's why we're going with this mystery-man routine.\"\n\n\"I do not know where we are going,\" Caitlin said finally, \"but remaining here, somewhere in New York, is not what I want to be doing.\"\n\n\"I'm aware of that,\" Indy told her quickly. \"It won't be for long. We're on our way to some very well-concealed quarters in the heart of Manhattan. We'll be there only a day or two.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You seem willing to forget Cordas and what he might be doing,\" Caitlin said icily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or where he is going. I could lose track of him. I see no sense in staying here.\"\n\n\"We won't be losing track of him,\" Indy assured her. \"Treadwell has been working with the American authorities from the beginning. There's full cooperation both ways. Our people—the Americans—have been sticking like glue to Cordas's tail ever since he climbed down the steps of that gasbag we rode here from Germany. And they'll stay with him.\"\n\nIndy shifted in his seat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anytime we want to know where Cordas is, we can find out. The point is, Caitlin, you won't accomplish anything by trying to track him. First, that could take days. He could lay in a bunch of false leads that would have you going in circles. And if he does catch on to your shadowing him—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you mean my trailing him?\" Caidin broke in.\n\n\"Sorry. Brutish colonial phrases and all that,\" Indy told her. \"Yes, if he knows you're just a few steps behind him, it's a simple trick to lay in some nasty traps for you. You're in territory you don't know.\"\n\n\"He's right, Caitlin,\" Gale added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've never been in the United States before, have you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin shook her head.\n\n\"Then you'd stick out like a sore thumb,\" Indy went on. \"Not because you're British, but because you sound unmistakably British. You'd be on your way to where the clock acts like it stopped a hundred years ago, and you'd be like red flares on a dark night. Which only makes you extremely vulnerable.\"\n\nCaitlin had never been one for long conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll be here no more than two days?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then we're going after Cordas?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"How long is the train trip from here to this place in Florida where Cordas is going?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least two days. It's a rotten ride. I don't recommend it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then how—\"\n\n\"We make like a bird when it's time to go, Caitlin. And that way we catch up to Cordas a lot faster than he'd ever dream possible.\"\n\nFor the next thirty-six hours the threesome of Indy, Gale, and Caitlin \"vanished.\" They drove to one of Indy's favorite haunts in New York; he was both a professional associate and close friend of the curator and staff of the American Museum of Natural History, on the west side of Central Park in mid-Manhattan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The museum kept a sweeping underground chamber of private apartments and conference rooms for its guests from throughout the world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Privacy was assured in these secure chambers. Indy fired off a cable with the code name of Shiloh to Thomas Treadwell to \"get things rolling.\"\n\nWithin an hour Indy was notified by the curator's office that several men were being brought down to their underground apartment. If they were \"sent through\" that quickly, it meant they were part of the combined operation of the American and British governments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy almost laughed aloud when two men, carrying briefcases and large leather bags, entered their apartment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had always wondered why undercover or secret-service agents could be spotted a half mile down any road. Dark gray suits, gleaming shoes, impeccable shirts and ties, and as clean-cut as a safety-razor. He pushed aside the unimportant judgment; what these people brought and what they had to say was what counted.\n\n\"Fred Carruthers, sir,\" said the first agent, extending his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is my partner, Ron Judson.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The second man shook hands with Indy, who introduced the two women. Caitlin leaned back on the couch like a great cat, her eyes following every move. Indy had to force back a laugh. Caitlin was making the two federal agents uncomfortable with her air of total self-confidence, which seemed to tell other people how really insignificant they were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pushed aside these thoughts to concentrate on the serious matters at hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded to Gale and a notepad was in her hands immediately. She flipped open the cover and spoke two words. \"Identification papers?\"\n\nCarruthers recognized impatience when it stared him in the face, and to his credit, he put aside whatever speeches he might have been instructed to present. He opened his briefcase and withdrew a sheaf of documents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You, sir,\" he said to Indy, \"are once again Professor Henry Jones. Whoever was Henry Parker no longer exists with customs or immigration. Madam, you are once again Miss Gale Parker.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The marriage was amusing while it lasted,\" she teased Indy.\n\nCarruthers looked to Caitlin. \"And you, madam, are no longer Japanese. That was an excellent performance on your part, Miss St. Brendan. I have here your British passport and whatever American documents you will need while you are in this country.\" He looked from one to the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And for the record, you all work for the American Museum of Natural History, and you are doing research for a new exhibit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well done,\" Indy told Carruthers.\n\n\"Weapons?\" Gale asked.\n\nJudson opened one of the leather bags. Carruthers turned to the weapons Judson was placing on a table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned again and handed Indy a burnished, heavy revolver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of your specific choices, I believe. A Webley, and of four-fifty-five caliber. One hundred rounds of ammunition go with the piece, more if you desire.\"\n\nIndy hefted the Webley. It was like handling an old friend. He examined the weapon closely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This,\" he said, looking up at the two men, \"is the finest Webley I have ever had in my hands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is yours to keep,\" Carruthers told him. \"Along with this particular document.\" He handed Indy a federal permit to carry the Webley. \"There is a separate permit for Miss Parker and Miss St. Brendan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't stop now,\" Indy urged. \"You're doing great.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, sir.\" Another handgun appeared. \"Since you had to leave this before boarding that German airship...\" Carruthers said smoothly as he handed Indy a blue-barreled Schmeiser .32-caliber, flat automatic.\n\nJudson held up two rifles with telescopic sights. \"Excellent hunting rifles,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy studied the rifles from halfway across the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"British make, point-three-oh-three, six-power sights, I'd say from here. Magazines?\"\n\n\"Excellent call, sir,\" Judson said. \"A three-oh-three it is. You have your choice of eight rounds as standard in a magazine, as well as a special magazine that will hold twenty.\"\n\nNext came a repeater pump shotgun for close-in work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Judson then displayed a half-dozen round metal balls. \"Grenades,\" he explained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy!\" This sharp exclamation came from Gale. \"What in the world are we going to do with hand grenades? We're not going off to war!\"\n\n\"Oh, but we are,\" Indy said quietly. \"Besides, those aren't for killing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both women leaned forward, curiosity showing in every look and movement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Judson picked up Indy's remark. \"That's right, ma'am. These are flash grenades. They'll make a healthy racket, but there's no shrapnel or killing metal. The grenade jacket is very thin and it vaporizes when the charge detonates.\"\n\n\"Intended to temporarily blind people who are after us and have the upper hand,\" Indy said, as if he handled these explosive charges every day in the week. \"I carried several of these in Africa. One day, when I was in the Congo doing my best not to upset the local wildlife, a leopard took an immediate dislike to my presence. He charged, and I tossed one of these little beauties at him. Covered my eyes, but the big cat didn't know about that. When the grenade went off, it blinded the animal. He got his sight back about twenty minutes later, but by that time I was gone. Besides, he was eager to go in the opposite direction.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have what we requested?\" Caitlin asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We certainly do, ma'am,\" Judson replied, opening the second leather case. \"The finest, strongest hunting bows made in this country. You'll notice the arrowheads are what you asked for. Three-pronged, notched like a shark's tooth.\"\n\nCaitlin and Gale were on their feet at once, testing the bows, pulling them back for the heft and feel. \"Ma'am, if you don't mind my saying so,\" Judson said to Caitlin, \"I am greatly surprised at what you're doing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin held his gaze, waiting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm pretty good with the bow myself. But you brought that thing into position faster than I've ever seen anyone before.\"\n\n\"She's also an Annie Oakley with it,\" Indy offered.\n\n\"A who?\" Caitlin asked.\n\n\"A famous American marksman,\" Indy answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for the compliment,\" Caitlin replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy turned to the two agents. \"Was there something said about a vehicle?\"\n\nCarruthers nodded. \"Yes, sir,\" he said brightly. \"It will be waiting for you on the northwest shoreline of Port Jacksonville. It's an army field truck, civilian license plates. The registration and other papers are all properly made out and waiting in the truck for you. It has a four-wheel drive that should get you through anything except swamp. It will take that pine-barren country real well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale glanced again at her notebook. \"Radio?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In the truck, ma'am. The frequency is preset to link up with our field outposts. Oh, yes, there are also emergency food rations and drinking water, extra fuel cans, first-aid kit. Just about anything we figured you might need.\"\n\n\"There is one more thing, please.\" They turned to Caitlin. \"I am in need of several batteries, if you would be so kind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Judson had a notepad in his hand. \"What kind, miss?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I require a stand-up one-volt battery,\" Caitlin said. \"It is an acid-type battery.\"\n\n\"No problem, miss. How many?\" Carruthers asked.\n\n\"Four, please. But let me be more specific.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The batteries, for my purposes, must be no greater than three inches in diameter and nine inches tall.\"\n\n\"Excuse me, ma'am,\" Judson broke in, \"but I'm pretty sure I know precisely what you want. Would those batteries have two screw terminals at the top?\"\n\n\"Why, yes.\"\n\n\"The screw terminal at dead center is the positive, and the second one, at the edge, is a negative. I sure know them, ma'am. The outside casing is a lead-zinc combination, and the carbon rod is the center post, just about three quarters of an inch in diameter. And between the two, there's a mixture of what we call gunk. That's what becomes the acid-based electrolyte.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone in the room was staring at Judson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally Carruthers found his voice. \"How in thunder do you know all that, and how can you be so sure that this is what Miss St. Brendan needs.\"\n\n\"But he is right!\" Caitlin exclaimed. \"I am as surprised as anyone. Tell me, sir, how did you know all this?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nMartin Caidin" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin held up the scepter Indy had seen only once before, at the Glen deep in the thick woods of the New Forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scepter that according to legend, Merlin himself had used to control powerful energies in the earth and the atmosphere. Ancient science and an affinity with nature explained for Indy many of the feats of wizardry ascribed to the ancient magician.\n\n\"As I have said before,\" Caitlin told him, \"this scepter has been passed down through many generations of my family.\" She released a catch at the bottom to open a space within the scepter, and twisted free the top with a dull red ruby in its center." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Gale watched Caitlin insert the battery, then twist a thick wire of pure gold to the screw terminals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She closed the top and then the bottom.\n\n\"When I press this crystal, here\"—she pointed to the side of the scepter—\"the battery closes its circuit and maintains an electrical energy field. Indy, would you please lower the lights in this room?\"\n\nHe did as she asked and returned to the couch alongside Gale. A deep gloom filled the room; Caitlin was a shadowy figure perhaps ten feet away from them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dim light they could barely make out the scepter in her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watch closely, listen carefully,\" Caitlin instructed. Indy had the strangest feeling that she was drifting away from him, floating almost phantomlike through some distant tunnel. Her voice took on an ethereal quality, coming to him with the soft ringing tones of an echo.\n\n\"This is the wand of the great Merlin,\" she called out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has the power to draw energy from the earth, from the air about us, from the waters in the streams and rivers and lakes. It reaches into the clouds to reap pure energy as a farmer clears his fields. The scepter; a goddess of energy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy saw her move the instrument in a wide circle, then stop its movement, holding it out before her. \"You wish to see, to feel its effect,\" she said to Indy, a mixed statement and question to which there could be only one answer.\n\n\"Yes,\" he said quietly.\n\n\"Your mind will leave you,\" came a dire warning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has more than once,\" he said dryly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A bit out of line for the solemn moment, but a retort he couldn't hold back.\n\nHe felt Gale squeezing his hand. A touch of reassurance, he knew. But why? What was so terrible about energy gathering?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We begin,\" Caitlin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She held the scepter aloft, her finger pressed against the yellow crystal, and power flowed through it. More crystals began to glow as energy streamed up, like liquid mercury, to the top of the scepter. A low humming sound seemed to come from everywhere. Indy felt the room temperature dropping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a slight glow from the red ruby at the top, becoming brighter with every moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy felt as if he were being elevated out of his body. He was physically seated on the couch, Gale by his side, squeezing his hand, yet he was ascending. Mind? Body? What? He couldn't tell, but he had no desire to fight for control of himself. Go with it...." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice was his own, an inner voice releasing him from his natural survival reactions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pressure built against his ears. No sound, but a cooling pressure as smooth as a summer breeze. It flowed through his ears, through his skin, through muscle and sinew and bone into his mind. The crystals blazed before his eyes, highlighting the goddesslike figure of Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her voice floated toward him like ripples shimmering on a silver pond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me,\" she said softly, \"what you fear the most.\"\n\nIndy tried to speak, but no sound issued from his lips. He found himself falling backward through a mist that was condensing all about him. Then he was falling, down through a well with glowing walls, falling forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet it was so strange... no air rushed past his body, no sudden gasp shook him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Think of what you fear....\" The voice... Caitlin? Who was Caitlin? And where—\n\nHe heard his own voice, thin and from a distance, as if he were calling across some unfathomable void. He struggled to recognize words, but they danced just beyond his grasp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Old memories rushed up, swept over and through him and sailed beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moments of past dangers, fears, struggles.\n\nThey vanished and abruptly he no longer fell. He was walking, the surface beneath his feet an endless stretch of blazing coals that should have instantly set his shoes ablaze, but he felt no heat from the flames. There! Before him, out of shimmering fire mists... a huge form taking shape, swirling, in and out of focus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped, concentrating on the form." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It towered over him. He seemed to be rushing toward the creature, his feet unmoving, but his body was impelled forward until he stood beneath an enormous dragon, a great scaly creature with huge fangs and firebreath, massive tail lashing angrily, glowing eyes staring down at him.\n\nA whip was in his hand, magically. The biggest whip he had ever held, impossibly huge and long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It sang like a screech of torment, and he snapped it with all the strength at his command." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It cracked like a peal of thunder, booming and echoing.\n\nLeather slashed into scales, ripped through a dragon foot, tore it apart from the leg. The creature raised its head and roared, its other front leg extending gleaming claws, plunging toward him.\n\nAgain the whip struck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy brought the leather across the snout of the enraged beast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood spurted from a long slash across the mouth of the dragon, splashing over him. Huge teeth bore down on him, and he ducked, slipping on dragon blood. Again the whip cracked, again scales tore away, blood spurted, but the dragon head was closer, and flames roared downward. He threw up his arm to protect his face, feeling scorching heat, the whip forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The great fangs clashed again and again, snapping at him, and—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A woman's voice cried out to him. \"The sword! Take the sword!\" He could hardly breathe, but there! In the air hovered a sword, light blazing along its cutting edges." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He flung away the whip, pushed into the fiery breath to grasp the sword hilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shouting with his anger, he rushed forward and rammed the blazing steel into the throat of the beast. A scream of pure agony burst about him, flames everywhere, needles stabbing his entire body—\n\nHe stood in the center of the room, soaked in perspiration, gasping for breath. No mist, no fog, no thunder or needles... no dragon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin talked to him softly, soothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're out of it now, Professor Jones. Breathe deeply, stand your ground. You're back with us.\"\n\nHe looked down on his own body. No scorched clothing, no dragon blood.\n\nWhat...?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you understand now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin's voice was clearer now; lights came on in the room. It seemed she knew his thoughts, knew the confusion leaving him slowly, saw the clarity returning to his eyes.\n\n\"Do you understand now, Professor? It is the scepter. It works with my mind. It gathers energy to me, which I can then radiate outward. It is a mind wave from me that matches that of your own mind. So I created the images you encountered. Our minds were as one.\"\n\n\"It was... it was incredible. It was real,\" Indy said quietly, his breathing again normal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It can be used many ways,\" Caitlin added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And it can be a terrible weapon because it brings up your own forbidden, forgotten memories.\"\n\n\"But you said you created the images.\"\n\n\"Yes. But if they were not already in your own mind, you would never have seen them.\" Caitlin gestured with a wide sweep of her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All of us have memories, terrible dreams, so awful we remove them from conscious memory. But they are always there, always waiting to get out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So I was fighting myself,\" he said, barely above a whisper.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"But... what about the sword?\"\n\n\"You learned to fence with a sword, did you not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded. \"And you have seen Caliburn, and experienced its great power, and all those were your memories also.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then... this must be how many of the ancient priests and shamans controlled so many people,\" he said aloud, but as much to himself as to Caitlin and Gale. \"What we have discussed before. Merlin... he had electrical power, as did the ancients six thousand years ago. The Assyrians and the Babylonians...\"\n\n\"And it will help me to destroy Cordas,\" Caitlin said. \"When do we leave, Jones?\"\n\n\"Dawn tomorrow.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Martin Caidin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five o'clock! Everybody up and at 'em!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pounded on the door to the apartment shared by Gale and Caitlin. He grinned as he heard the thump of a pillow thrown against the door.\n\n\"Ten minutes. Coffee's hot. Eggs, bacon, toast, ham, potatoes. Get with it, ladies!\"\n\nHe could just hear Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bloody barbarians, these colonials. Coffee, indeed! What's wrong with piping hot tea?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale's laugh followed. \"Tea will be waiting. And I'll wager Indy's all packed and ready to go.\"\n\nThey gathered in the small dining room. The museum staff had a \"frontier breakfast\" waiting for them, including biscuits, gravy, and a half-dozen varieties of jam. Carruthers and Judson arrived moments after they were seated to join them for the early-morning meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll travel from here in two taxis,\" Carruthers explained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No limousines at this point. I can't see any reason for attracting any unnecessary attention.\"\n\nIndy nodded in agreement. \"Where to?\"\n\n\"Floyd Bennett Field. It's a navy airfield on the edge of Long Island Sound. South shore. We've got a Sikorsky S-38 amphibian waiting and ready to go. In fact, we'll fly down to Florida with you, make sure all your arrangements are satisfactory, and then you're on your own. Our, um, our office would prefer to have the Sikorsky land in the river, and we can then taxi to an army depot out of sight of everyone else. Everything you requested will be waiting for you there. And if anyone is watching our approach and landing, and then the people deplaning, why, the airplane will leave the river with the same number of people who went ashore.\"\n\n\"Neat,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That,\" Gale said as she stepped from the taxicab at the airfield, \"is undoubtedly the ugliest flying machine I have ever seen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Caitlin stood by her side, studying the ungainly winged creature on the flight apron. \"It looks like some kind of prehistoric reptile,\" Indy added. \"One that mutated in the egg and was then kicked out of the nest by its mother.\"\n\nThat the S-38 was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It barely resembled an airplane, and had it not possessed a seventy-two-foot wingspan, as well as a lower sesquiplane, half-wing and half-hull support, it would have been difficult to identify as such." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its long forward hull resembled the beak of some huge, awkward pelican, while its blunt and stubby fuselage seemed to have been chopped off at its aft end. The upper wing loomed above the boatlike hull on enormous struts, and from the wing, its two four-hundred-horsepower Wasp engines were suspended in seemingly precarious fashion. As if to emphasize the Erector-set-like design, the tail assembly and the upper wing were connected by two long booms, partly supported by a long strut attached to the stubbed rear fuselage.\n\nThe S-38 bore the markings of Pan American Airways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned to Carruthers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought this was a navy job.\"\n\n\"It is. But Pan American has been running commercial test flights from here down through Florida and Central and South America. It's a common sight right now and won't attract undue attention. But your pilots are navy.\"\n\nAs if on cue, two young men in civilian clothes approached from the hangar, introducing themselves as Jim Barrett and Rex Silber. Gale tugged Barrett's arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope this thing flies better than it looks,\" she said, doubt clear in her voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Barrett laughed. \"You're in for a great surprise, Miss Parker. This old girl is the best handling and flying job of its kind. Nothing ever built can match its ruggedness or reliability. I know it looks like it has more drag than an overstuffed balloon, but we'll be flying nonstop to Florida at a steady cruising speed of a hundred miles an hour. We can get her up to a hundred and thirty for shorter ranges. She'll get into the air like a homesick bird on migration. Catch this, ma'am. We can climb out with a full load at a thousand feet per minute.\"\n\nGale was impressed. \"Really?\" Then she cast a baleful eye at the ungainly-looking flying boat. \"But if ever you lose an engine, with all that drag...\" She shook her head to emphasize her doubts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose,\" she added slowly, \"that's the advantage of the flying boat. You can always land her on the water.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jim Barrett drew himself up to his full six feet three inches. \"Miss Parker, I will have you know that on test flights we have shut down one engine in the air and on just one engine remaining, we have flown nonstop from this airfield to Jacksonville.\"\n\nGale slipped her arm around Barrett's. \"Then I'd love to try her out myself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took him completely by surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You, miss? A girl?\"\n\n\"Try woman,\" Gale said sharply.\n\n\"Sorry.\" He cast a pleading eye at his grinning partner. \"All right. When we're on our way, you certainly can have a go at it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They started for the Sikorsky, Gale still held the navy pilot's arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sweetness wafted from her like a mist. \"I'm interested in something,\" she said as coyly as she could manage.\n\n\"And what would that be, Miss Parker?\"\n\n\"How much flying time do you have, Mr. Barrett?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, I'm not sure of the exact figure, but it's something on the order of about fifteen hundred hours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pride was evident in his voice.\n\n\"Impressive,\" she told him.\n\n\"You seem to know a few things about the flying game, Miss Parker. Have you had some time at the controls?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. Dear me, I certainly have,\" she said, dripping honey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There! That's great.\" He patted her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would you mind telling me how much time?\"\n\nShe squeezed his arm and looked up with a childish innocence. \"You said you had fifteen hundred hours? What's three times fifteen hundred, Mr. Barrett?\"\n\n\"Why, that's forty-five hundred hours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How wonderful! You've guessed how much time I have logged. I'm looking forward to our trip.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before Barrett could close his mouth, Gale had rejoined Indy and Caitlin.\n\nThe navy pilots took off smoothly, swung out to sea, and climbed steadily to three thousand feet. Scattered puffy clouds a thousand feet below them offered an exceptionally smooth ride. Barrett came back from the cockpit to check the cabin and gave them the added good news of a fifteen-knot tail wind that would reduce their time to Port Jacksonville." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's put these few hours to good use,\" Indy told Gale and Caitlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spread maps and charts across a worktable unfolded from the side bulkhead. \"The better you memorize details of these charts, the better our chances of doing everything we're on our way to do, especially if we get separated.\"\n\nHis finger moved along a chart and stopped at a small town marked Olustee Station. \"Note this place,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His finger moved to a nearby location." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And this one as well. It's called Ocean Pond. From everything I've gathered so far, this is the main area we'll be working.\"\n\n\"Olustee,\" Caitlin said aloud. \"What a strange name. Does it have special meaning?\"\n\n\"Sure does,\" Indy told her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's an old Indian name for an outpost that became a small frontier town in northern Florida. Biggest place close by is White Springs. In the American Civil War, some terrible battles were fought in this area. Gettysburg or Antietem, hardly anyone knows the name of Olustee. But there were some ghastly casualties on both sides.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tapped the chart again. \"Besides, this area is the last reported position of the wagon train carrying the gold.\"\n\n\"Then that should be our best chance to find the gold. Maybe even before Cordas,\" Gale said with conviction.\n\n\"What makes you so sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pressed. Seated behind him, leaning forward to hear every word, were Judson and Carruthers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If the gold is still in this area,\" Gale explained, \"the ancient coins will draw us to its location. If what we have been told of these coins is true, and they really date back to the Roman Empire, and most especially if Jesus did handle them, then they will have a powerful psychic aura.\" She gestured to Caitlin. \"And she is like a divining rod. Her body and mind perform as one. She can find water, metal, anything, beneath the ground. It does not have to be visible.\"\n\nIndy nodded slowly. \"Well, I've seen divining rods used all over the world. I don't question that in any way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is also the scepter,\" Gale added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No one knows its strange and wonderful powers better than you.\"\n\n\"Don't remind me,\" Indy said, a cold shiver suddenly running through him. \"But the scepter. The way I understand it is that it's also a divining rod on its own radio frequency. Like the way it worked with—on—me.\"\n\n\"That is how,\" Caitlin broke in, \"the mists were formed back at the Glen. How the roads twisted in time. How we may even cut ourselves off from the rest of the world by going into another time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded slowly. \"No argument on that from me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin laid her hand on Indy's arm. \"This is important, Indy. What can you tell me about the battles that were fought in that area?\"\n\n\"Confession time,\" Indy replied. \"I've been a Civil War buff for a long time, but I did some heavy reading the night before we left. After that session with the, ah, dragon, I couldn't sleep. So I went into the archives.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They waited for him to continue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked through a cabin window for several moments as he arranged his memories. \"The major battle was known as the Battle of Ocean Pond. Others call it the Battle of Olustee Station. Depends on who was writing the history. But it's all the same fight. Lots of rapid troop movements. Infantry, cavalry, artillery. Both sides winning, then losing. Both sides advancing, then retreating before the final actions.\"\n\n\"When?\" Caitlin asked.\n\n\"Early February 1864.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What started the battle?\" Gale asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Early in February,\" Indy replied, \"the Confederacy received intelligence reports of Union forces closing in on the city of Gainesville. The worry factor in the Rebel camps went right through the top of the tents. The Rebel commanders figured accurately that if they didn't stop them, the Yankees would smash right through Gainesville, advance along the low hills to the north, soon be in position to burn the town of Lake City to the ground, then fan out with their cavalry and wreck the Columbia Bridge\"—he tapped the chart—\"that spanned the Suwannee River.\n\n\"The only way to break up the enemy advance, besides moving defensive infantry and artillery into position, was to strike with Confederate cavalry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately, there was little enough of cavalry forces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd have to use smarts and courage to make up for an overwhelming Union advantage in mounted troops.\n\n\"Well, as soon as they'd gathered their forces, the Union set off under the command of Brigadier General Truman Seymour. They started their movement with thirty ships carrying men, guns, and horses out of Hilton Head.\" His finger again tapped the charts. \"They moved fast, and with skill, but before they knew what was coming down on them, the Yankees swept in from St. John's River. They stormed into Jacksonville with such surprise and strength they took the entire city without firing a single shot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy leaned back. \"While the Union forces were having a high old time rolling through Southern territory, not suffering a single casualty, the Rebs worked day and night at Olustee Station to put together one battalion of cavalry, which they hoped to use to bring the Union cavalry after them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If that ploy worked the Union forces would chase the Rebs straight into an ambush of Confederate artillery and infantry breastworks and be cut to pieces. That's what they hoped, anyway.\n\n\"One of the most important elements was how to operate in that countryside. It's almost all low-lying pine barren, swamps, streams, and hundreds of small lakes. If the Union forces were to advance deep into the Confederate defenses, they'd have to stay intact. The only way for them to do that was to keep along the rail lines and the dirt roads used for wagon transport.\"\n\n\"Did the cavalry of the South also have to remain along these railways and the roads?\" Caitlin asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shook his head. \"Nope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pine-barren country hasn't much going for it, but it's wide open for the most part. Easy enough for some smart cavalrymen to skirt the lakes and swamps and use the open country for full speed.\n\n\"The way things turned out, the Rebs had Clinch's Regiment, Georgia Cavalry, and also a regiment of the Florida Cavalry led by a Colonel Carraway Smith.\n\n\"They were, as I mentioned, terribly outnumbered. Coming after them would be the Union's Tenth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, and the Stevens Battalion of Cavalry. All well equipped, well fed, heavily armed, and spoiling for a fight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pushed aside the charts. \"The official records, however, make absolutely no mention of the gold that had already been landed by British men-of-war." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They came to the Florida coast at night, the crews unloaded everything before daylight, and the British then sailed to the Caribbean in order to avoid Union warships.\n\n\"The point is, while the Confederates were doing everything possible to hold off the Union, they were also driving day and night to move the gold as far west as possible. The Union knew nothing of the gold shipment, and the Confederacy wanted to keep it that way. So their ranks were thinned out even more because they had to use every available horse and wagon, as well as mounted troops and a force on foot, to carry the gold.\"\n\n\"Indy, please,\" Gale interrupted. \"What happened? How did it turn out?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was back and forth for quite a while. The Rebel commanders sent out their cavalry on full-force cut-and-run strikes against the flanks of the Union army. Their plan was to slice deep into those ranks, and kill as many men as possible, but also kill off as many horses as they could and wreck Union artillery teams. That way, doing their best to fight off the concerted cavalry attack of the Rebs, the Union forces would be wide open to devastating fire from massed Rebel infantry and artillery.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did it work?\" Gale persisted.\n\n\"Unfortunately, no,\" Indy replied, surprising his listeners.\n\n\"What happened?\" Caitlin asked.\n\n\"Turned out the Rebel cavalry didn't know that country as well as they thought,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They charged, all right, but they got bogged down in swamps, they broke ranks trying to get through, and they never managed to make the assault in full strength.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So they lost, then,\" Gale judged.\n\nIndy shook his head. \"One thing about combat is that quite often a poor move turns out brilliandy. You see, the Union generals had figured out what the Rebels might do. They were all ready for the cavalry strike along their flanks. Had the Confederate cavalry attacked as planned, they would have been cut to pieces. Instead, their problems with the swamps broke them up into many small forces. This let them operate with greater speed in fast cut-and-run attacks. They'd sweep in from the pine barrens, let loose with everything they had, and then disappear into the woods. They hit the Union army so many times and so fast that they demoralized the Blues. In this way, they managed to carry out their original plan.\"\n\n\"You mean to lead the Union into a trap?\" Gale queried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bingo. The Rebs were raising such havoc, and inflicting so many casualties, that the Union commanders ordered their cavalry to cut them down at any cost. It cost them, all right. The moment the Rebs saw the powerful line of Union cavalry coming after them, they ran back to their own lines. The Union cavalry went after them hellbent for leather—right into the artillery and fortifications the Rebels had set up in the first place. They cut the Union cavalry to pieces. The Rebs regrouped their cavalry and led wild charges into the heart of the Union forces. The battle went on for several days, and when it was over, the North was in full retreat. For a while no one knew who was winning, but as it turned out, the Union took terrible casualties in their infantry, and without their own cavalry to protect them, the Yankees had to abandon most of their artillery, which the Rebels seized and used against them. When the battle was in full swing, and the Union was retreating, the Rebs had three times as much artillery, powder, and ammunition as they had when the battle started. So the South took the field, chewed up the Yankees, and ended up with a terrific victory.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the gold!\" Gale exclaimed. \"What happened to the gold?\"\n\n\"Nobody knows,\" Indy said.\n\n\"That's it?\" Gale said with disbelief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The gold just disappeared?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing ever really just disappears,\" Indy countered. \"The best way to explain what happened to the gold is that whoever was involved in the mule trains carrying the gold was killed in battle, by Union cavalry who had no idea what they were carrying. And they never had the chance to stop and check things out, because as fast as they hit those wagon trains, they were set upon by Rebel cavalry. It was a running battle. No definite lines or anything like that. The main fighting kept moving back to the north as the Union was retreating, the Rebs hammering them with everything they had. The fighting, where the wagon trains were, was simply left behind. From what I was also able to determine, shortly after that battle, the weather turned terrible. Heavy rains and thunderstorms for several days. It made the ground virtually impassable. And since the enemy was on the run and the Confederacy was more interested in killing Yankees than in sending vital combat forces to see what was left of wagon trains, the whole thing was ignored—and then forgotten.\"\n\n\"What you have just said,\" Caitlin responded to Indy's recitation of the past battles, \"may be of great value to me.\"\n\nIndy studied the woman; she seemed strangely confident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How so?\" he inquired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The ground across which we shall travel,\" Caitlin said slowly and deliberately, \"clearly still harbors the metal debris of the struggles. Debris, and the skeletons of the forgotten dead. They are more than broken bones. They suffered, they died terribly, and the psyche from these men was intense. That is energy. It is never lost. It will be possible to detect what happened in the past. That may help guide us to what we seek. I am certain Cordas is no amateur and he certainly is no fool. He may have already learned just what you have described to us. So now we know what path he must take. It is a journey we will share.\"\n\nCarruthers moved closer and spoke to Indy. \"May I ask a question?\" Indy nodded. \"Do I understand from what Miss St. Brendan has just said that the spirits of the dead will help her find what you're looking for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Correct,\" Indy answered, smiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't understand.\" Carruthers was honestly perplexed by everything he'd heard, most especially by Caitlin's words.\n\n\"Let me put it another way,\" Indy told him. He started to speak, stopped, and turned to Caitlin. \"I shouldn't speak for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin surprised him. Her eyes seemed to glow with delight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am fascinated by what you might say, Indy. Please.\" She gestured for him to continue. \"Your opinion, how you judge all this, can mean much in what is yet to come.\"\n\nIndy nodded and turned to Carruthers. \"Keep one point always in mind,\" he began. \"We're going to be traveling through an area that's just about drenched in the metal and other debris of the battles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musket balls, the muskets themselves, all kinds of artillery, the metal structure of wagons, shoes for horses and mules, metal canteens, uniform insignia..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there's more than physical debris. Picture those battles. Hundreds of men shattered by bullets and bayonets, screaming in agony, dying slowly.\n\n\"Something like that leaves a psychic effect. I don't care if scientists can't quantify it. It is there. It affects people, affects animals. Some people are extraordinarily sensitive to the psychic aura that remains after a battle. Ever have a hunch? You can't tell what it is, you don't know what it is, but you feel something that's disturbing, that grabs your attention and won't let go.\"\n\nCarruthers found himself torn between his own dogma of \"seeing is believing\" and what he was hearing from Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This effect, what you call psychic,\" he asked carefully, \"is it only a sense, or a feeling, or can it be something physical?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy laughed. \"I'll tell you right now, it not only can be physical, it can knock you head over heels. At Stonehenge, for example, I stood at a specific spot where the energies are supposed to come together. I used a two-foot antenna that was supposed to collect the energies.\"\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\n\"It was like being hit with a bolt of lightning,\" Indy said soberly. \"A blinding flash and then I was hurled from the car. Like being swatted by a huge invisible hand. I didn't try it again. The point is, there's a link between the past and the present. It's there at Stonehenge. It's powerful at Avalon, where King Arthur is believed to have held court.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Carruthers,\" Gale broke in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Olustee battlefield is like a psychic magnetic storm. And Caitlin is attuned to that kind of energy. She could move through empty ground, open fields, with her eyes closed, and feel what happened in the past.\"\n\n\"The whole thing is incredible,\" Carruthers answered finally.\n\nIndy reached into a pocket of his jacket. \"Well, there's more than one way to look back through time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His words drew their immediate attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can also see through the ground. I use the Jones Unique and Wonderful Underground Detector.\" He held up a circular metal object and flipped open the top to reveal an extremely sensitive magnetic compass, the needle floating in watch-lubricating oil. \"This thing will pick up just about any metallic object as deep as ten feet below the ground surface. It may not be magic, but it works.\"\n\nA bell rang in the passenger compartment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Judson went forward to talk with the pilots then returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We start down in ten minutes. The pilots would like everybody to take their seats and secure their seat belts.\"\n\nBarrett and Silber brought the Sikorsky down on feathery wings. They checked the wind direction across the river and settled the flying boat down. As the Sikorsky settled, the hull threw back a foamy cascade on each side of the cabin, leaving no doubt that they were now in a boat rather than an airplane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several minutes later the pilots eased the S-38 alongside a mooring dock; an army team secured tie lines." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One hour later Indy, Gale, and Caitlin were driving southward toward the ghostly battlefields." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Martin Caidin would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Loaded down with weapons, maps and charts, cans of water and provisions for several weeks, Indy and his two companions drove into increasingly wild and remote country." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Small towns and communities became more distant until they had gone for miles without seeing another human being. The pine country seemed abandoned by nature itself with stunted brush and sparse tree growth. Only hordes of biting insects kept them aware that they were still in an alive and angry world.\n\n\"This is like traveling back in time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale lowered powerful binoculars and turned to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been in desolate areas before, but this place, well, it's like no one ever lived here.\"\n\n\"They did,\" Indy offered in answer. \"Seminole Indians, Spanish explorers, and even the first settlers moving down from the Georgia hills. Of course they were pretty well spread out. The kind of people who settled here, farmers and lumbermen for the most part, liked the empty spaces. Their idea of being crowded was to have some neighbors less than a couple miles away from where they lived.\"\n\n\"There are others here,\" Caitlin remarked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me,\" Indy prompted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The birds. Look about you. I recognize many, of course, especially the crows and ravens. And in the distance, at times, vultures,\" Caitlin said.\n\n\"And that's to say nothing of snakes, armadillos, raccoons, possum, field mice, woodchucks, foxes, lizards, well, it's an amazing list. What's missing are the people,\" Indy added.\n\n\"There were many here before,\" noted Caitlin, surveying the countryside. \"You only need to look in order to see. It has been how many years?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About sixty-six years since the last great battles,\" Indy answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those trees, over there.\" Caitlin pointed. \"All this time and many trunks are still splintered. The way they are broken tells how they were struck. The poison of so much lead and gunpowder leaves its mark. That hillside, to our right? Torn away by terrible explosions. And more recently, many fires.\"\n\n\"The last one is common enough,\" Indy said quickly. \"They get a long stretch without rain and everything dries up. It's like a tinderbox. Heavy weather rolls in, lightning hits all around, and before you know it, half the countryside is burning. If the wind is strong, the fires go on for mile after mile.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But there is something else,\" Caitlin said, her eyes narrowing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is what I feel. Many have died here. I felt much the same hushed cry of voices when I visited the Holy Lands where the Crusades were fought. Here, all about us. It is as if the dead were still calling for a final reckoning.\"\n\n\"Maybe they are,\" Indy said, not wanting to voice his own feelings on the matter. He pushed the issue to something more positive. \"That list of animals I gave you before?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he offered. \"Remember, that's just the small stuff. This country is also well populated with larger creatures.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We talked about that before,\" Gale came into the exchange. \"You mentioned bears—\"\n\n\"Mainly black bears. Not as big as the northern animals, but they're fast and can be dangerous,\" Indy cautioned.\n\n\"You said there were wild boar here?\" Caitlin asked.\n\nIndy nodded. \"Wild boar. And the panthers. Also called cougars. Some are all black, others brown. There are wildcats. Tough as nails and they'll tackle just about anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And\"—Gale shuddered—\"alligators.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They stay pretty close to the wetlands,\" Indy explained.\n\n\"There are very few people,\" Caitlin mused.\n\n\"More than you'd expect,\" Indy told her. \"Indians, for the most part. Like the gators, they're mainly in the wetlands and the swamps.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We will be alert,\" Caitlin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, you've been doing this for years,\" Gale said. \"Looking for ancient things. Forget the scientist part of yourself for the moment. What do you feel happened to the gold?\"\n\nIndy didn't answer immediately. He'd thought about it often enough, but understanding historical events was tricky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You had to try to think as did the people in the bygone times, and that sounded a lot easier than it really was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More often than not, the researcher had to follow the same trail a dozen or even a hundred times to separate fact from supposition.\n\nIndy had to figure in the Confederate victory at Ocean Pond and Olustee Station. Even victorious, the Confederates were aware of how precarious was their position, especially if the Union knew they had a hoard of bullion in their hands. If that were discovered, Lincoln's army would overrun them like an avalanche." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Rebs would do everything they could to make the gold invisible,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And their best bet would be to bury it.\"\n\n\"Sounds sensible,\" Gale agreed.\n\n\"But it has its pitfalls,\" Indy cautioned. \"If you bury something, you need to dig deep and make certain the exact burial spot can be found in the future. The Rebs didn't have the luxury of time. Their need was either to deliver the gold to New Orleans or to get it out of sight. But they had another option. And that was to leave it so clearly in sight, blending in with everything around it, that you could walk through the area where it was hidden, stare right at it, and never see it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale smiled. \"That's something that Caitlin can do. But I don't know if the Confederacy employed witches.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll see what we can see,\" Indy said noncommittally. The truck slammed over some deep ruts, bouncing them around, then came to a stop. Indy pointed ahead. \"It's the end of the road. We can't go any farther in this thing. Too many tree stumps, marshy ground. Our best bet is to secure this truck and leave it here if we need it to get back to Port Jacksonville.\"\n\nCaitlin was already gathering her material, checking her backpack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She waited for Indy and Gale to do the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold it,\" Indy ordered the two women when they were ready. He reached back into the truck and withdrew three pairs of thick leather leggings. \"Put these on,\" he said, demonstrating by securing them to his legs from his ankles to his knees. \"A rattler or copperhead or water moccasin can hit you before you can see it coming. Their fangs won't go through this leather.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leggings on, backpacks secure, they were ready to begin their arduous walk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once again Indy paused as an idea came to him. He dug through the tool supply kit, removed a roll of heavy wire, and stuffed it into his pack.\n\n\"What's that for?\" Gale asked.\n\n\"Just an idea,\" Indy said mysteriously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The eight miles became ever more difficult as underbrush and tree growth thickened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The long open barren pines had changed through the years. \"Whatever they saw back in 1864 sure isn't the same,\" Indy growled. \"All this, according to the maps, was just open land. Nothing like these trees. And the ground—\"\n\n\"I know,\" Gale said, trying not to limp from pulled muscles in her left foot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I expected rough ground, but those traps—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gopher holes,\" Indy corrected.\n\n\"You mean these are natural?\"\n\n\"Furry little critters. Gophers. They dig tunnels like mad all around us. And gopher turtles,\" Indy added.\n\nBoth women stared at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gopher turtles?\" they chorused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right.\"\n\n\"Caitlin, you hear what he's saying?\" Gale said jovially. \"He expects us to believe there's turtles everywhere, burrowing underground like moles!\"\n\n\"Gopher turtles,\" Indy repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See those raised humps along the ground? Gopher turtles made those. The smaller raised areas are moles and woodchucks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin shrugged and walked on. She had little use for idle conversation. Her senses seemed especially sharp as she traveled into the old battlegrounds. Wildlife became ever more noticeable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of them wanted to say that wild animals and birds had feasted on the thousands of bodies left strewn along the battlefields, since not enough men were left to bury them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To break the gloomy mood that descended on them, Gale asked questions about what lay ahead. \"Three miles or so to go,\" Indy told her, stopping short as several deer streaked through the trees. He showed Gale their route on his map. \"We'll cross an old trail, two streams, and then we'll find an old railbed. The rails are long gone, but we can't miss where they ran through this country. About a mile along the railbed we'll come to the town of Macclenny, an important rail depot in the old days. Not much there now, but the state of Florida has forest rangers working there. One of them has been contacted by Carruthers and Judson and been told to give us whatever help we need.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They forded the streams and crossed the trails, found the roadbed; soaked in perspiration and covered with welts from insect bites, they trudged the final mile to reach Macclenny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just outside the town, while bearded men in overalls and slouch hats watched their approach and dogs barked, they discovered a huge rattlesnake barring their way. Caitlin and Gale started to walk off the railbed into nearby thick brush to bypass the snake.\n\n\"Don't move,\" they heard Indy's harsh order. Both women froze. Moments later Caitlin had her bow strung and ready; Gale was in a crouch, machete ready to swing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moving in slow motion, Indy brought his whip to hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all heard a strange rattling sound. Neither Caitlin nor Gale had ever before heard the warning chatter of the pit viper, the American rattlesnake.\n\nIndy's whip flashed in a blur, swung down with the cracking sound of a pistol shot. In a frenzied, turbulent motion, the severed head of the poisonous snake flew off in one direction, the body twisting wildly in the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale looked at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's safe now,\" he said easily, wiping snake blood from the whip.\n\nGale moved forward, using the machete to lift the deadly creature from the railbed. Draped over the machete blade, held at arm's length, both the tail and the severed neck touched the ground.\n\n\"How bad is it truly?\" Caitlin asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You start dying within ten seconds,\" Indy said with deceptive calm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The venom hits the nervous system immediately. It's like a tremendous electric shock or being hit by a bullet.\" He smiled without humor. \"But you know that feeling very well, as I recall.\"\n\n\"Is there an antidote?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shook his head at Caitlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not out here. Get nailed by something of that size and it's lights out in just a few minutes. Normally they strike between the foot and the knee. That's why you're wearing those leggings.\"\n\nGale tossed aside the snake body. \"You should have brought it with us,\" Indy told her.\n\n\"What on earth for!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Those men watching us. They'd appreciate it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A souvenir?\"\n\n\"Not likely. They'd skin it and cook it. Tastes like chicken.\"\n\nGale shuddered. \"Then you eat it.\"\n\n\"I have,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He picked up the snake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're not going to eat it now, are you?\" Gale asked with disbelief.\n\n\"Nope. But it's always best to bring a gift into a strange town.\"\n\nThey continued along the roadbed the remaining short distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the porch of a ramshackle saloon and restaurant, boards weathered and warped, several old men watched them with mixed curiosity and suspicion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stopped by the porch.\n\n\"Howdy,\" he called out.\n\nAll eyes were on the snake, then the women, back to Indy, and then once again to the snake. \"Enjoy,\" Indy sang out and tossed the snake to the porch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One man picked it up, hefted the body for its weight, and nodded with satisfaction. \"Obliged,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A hundred yards down the dusty main road, they climbed onto the porch of an old hotel, pushed through the doors into what passed for a mixture of lobby, lounge, and bar. A man in a neat green uniform emerged from the eating room.\n\n\"I'm Dave Barton,\" he said, extending his hand to Indy and nodding to the women. \"State ranger for hereabouts. You must be Jones. Been expecting you. Let's go into the restaurant. Got some iced tea waiting for you. Beer if you'd like it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They sat about a round table, served by a limping black man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This here is Jethro,\" Barton explained. \"Runs this place. He also knows this country better than anyone else. Far better than me, in fact.\"\n\nIndy shook hands with the elderly man. \"You got any questions, you ask Jethro. And whatever he tells you, you listen,\" Barton added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Indy spoke both to Barton and Jethro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The horses available for us?\"\n\n\"In the stable. They'll be saddled and waiting for you in the morning,\" Jethro said. \"I imagine the ladies would like to freshen up before dinner. Cooked it myself. You ladies like venison?\" Gale and Caitlin nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll show you to your room. Hope you don't mind sharing it with each other. We don't get much company here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He studied Caitlin. \"That's a mighty fine bow you have there, miss. You real good with it?\"\n\n\"Jethro,\" Indy said quickly, \"she can put it through a man's heart at two hundred yards. Dead center.\"\n\nJethro smiled. \"I'll make sure her venison is done just right.\"\n\nEarly the next morning Jethro treated them to a heaping breakfast of eggs, ham, bacon strips, pancakes, grits, biscuits and gravy, and assorted honey and jams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And coffee strong enough to awaken a dead man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He handed Caitlin a cloth-wrapped package. \"Ham and bacon for your trip. Tastes even better the day after cooking. Remember what I said. Wild pigs are pretty mean this time of year. They can come out of the brush without warning. Be right onto you before you knows it.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Caitlin said, accepting the package.\n\nOn the horses, ready to leave, Indy turned to Jethro and Barton." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One more question.\" Both men looked up at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should have thought of this last night. Has anybody else come through here lately?\"\n\n\"Sure have,\" Jethro said, catching them by surprise. \"Never stopped. Six, maybe eight men, on horseback and a team of mules hauling a right large-size wagon. Never said nothing to us, we never spoke to them. Ain't polite to ask questions of them kind of people unless they speak first.\"\n\n\"What kind of people would that be?\" Indy asked." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Martin Caidin" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the next several days, sleeping in tents at night with small fires burning to ward off sudden invasion by bear or wild pig, they searched and crisscrossed the sprawling landscape of the Olustee battlegrounds. The horses acted nervous as they carried their riders over fields once soaked heavily in blood and littered with the bones of dead soldiers.\n\nCaitlin withdrew from even casual conversation. Indy needed no explanation from her or Gale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whatever her psychic connection to this terrible and grisly past, it struck her with both emotional and physical pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She could be an Indian tracker the way she finds things,\" Indy told Gale. \"It's almost as if she could see what happened and she knows how to thread her way through the worst of the past.\"\n\n\"And you're not doing well at all, are you?\" Gale asked, referring to the sensitive compass that Indy had brought with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This blasted thing is crazy enough to discourage anyone,\" he said in frustration. \"It works too well! Everywhere we go, metal is scattered everywhere. Especially iron. The needle of this compass just spins in all directions, picking up stronger targets as we move along. And every one we've examined has been an iron ball or a cannon.\" He pointed ahead. \"We're getting closer to the main battlefield. The heaviest fighting was over that way. Just southeast of that lake.\" Caitlin pulled up beside him, listening carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If the gold-shipment wagons were caught up in that fight, there's no way the people moving that gold in those mule trains could have gotten out of the way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood in his stirrups for a better view of the area. \"Give me your feelings,\" Caitlin asked.\n\n\"My guess,\" Indy said slowly, \"is that they buried the bullion and the coins. But not deep. They didn't have the time or the manpower to do that.\" He offered a crooked smile that reflected his dislike of guessing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. Only the haystack covers several square miles, and the needle\"—he gestured with his compass—\"has gone bananas on me. Our best bet is to try to locate where the final battle lines were drawn. That will narrow the search, let us concentrate more on what's around us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about Cordas?\" Gale asked.\n\n\"If anyone knows about that, it's Caitlin.\"\n\n\"He is nearby,\" Caitlin said stiffly.\n\n\"How close is nearby?\" Indy pressed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dangerously,\" came the short response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which means,\" Indy said cautiously, \"they may have doubled back on us. If they haven't had any luck in finding the gold, which I feel sure they haven't, then they're following us to see how we do.\" Again he looked about him. \"If we don't see them and Caitlin feels they're close to us, they may have us in their sights.\"\n\nIndy couldn't have used a worse selection of words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He whirled suddenly in the saddle with a cry of pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale and Caitlin, startled, saw a crimson welt appear just beneath his ear. Half-conscious, he slid awkwardly from the saddle.\n\nNot until then did the crack of a distant rifle reach them. Before Caitlin could move, Gale threw herself from her horse against her, taking her to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look after him,\" she snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the same moment she pulled her rifle from its saddle scabbard, a shell in the chamber, crouching and looking toward the area from where the shot had come.\n\nShe stayed low, moving to Indy and Caitlin. Indy was now fully conscious. \"The bullet creased his upper cheek,\" Caitlin said, pressing a bandanna against the bleeding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Another inch and he would be dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She moved aside for Gale to reach Indy. \"Whoo, man,\" Indy said softly. \"It burns. Did I hear a rifle shot?\"\n\n\"You did,\" Gale told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lie still. I've got to stop the bleeding.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy brought his revolver from his holster into his right hand. \"All right,\" he said, aware that he was still bleeding heavily.\n\n\"Sniper,\" Gale told him.\n\nIndy started to nod, but winced in pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Better get our rifles,\" he told Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They may be moving in closer.\"\n\nCaitlin brought their rifles to them. \"Stay with him. Tie the horses,\" she said brusquely. \"Whoever is out there may want all of us dead. I've got to find the sniper first.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before Gale or Indy could protest, she had disappeared in the tall underbrush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Almost at the same time a mist ghosted into being about them. Before it cut off their vision, they saw it flowing steadily across the pine barren.\n\n\"We'll be safe now,\" Gale said. \"At least I'll have a chance to get you sewn together.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at her in disbelief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're going to do what?\"\n\n\"Sew you up. We could bandage you but then you'd lose some hearing from the bandages, and besides, you'd look like an Egyptian mummy.\" She rummaged in her backpack and Indy stared at a long curved medical needle. \"I suggest, Professor Jones, you make yourself comfortable and grit your teeth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long has she been gone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pale, the side of his face afire, but regaining his composure and strength, Indy was already eager to get on with their search. Two can play this game, was his first thought. Remember the old rule, Jones. Never fight the other man's fight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Draw him into your own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale's voice interrupted his thoughts. \"Indy, we can use this mist to our advantage. We know where the shot came from, so we can backtrack and come in from their side without their knowing it.\"\n\nIndy shook his head, wincing at the sudden pain. Drawing in a deep shuddering breath, he spoke slowly and carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gale, this isn't the New Forest. This is the Florida barrens, and those people out there have guns. Don't forget it for a second.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But we can fight them!\"\n\nAgain, Indy shook his head, and groaned at the pain. He gasped for air before he could speak. \"Listen to me, Gale! For all we know, we're ringed in. They fire from one spot, then wait for us to show ourselves again after they're in closer. We've got no protection here. They may be able to see our horses through or above the mist, but so long as we stay low, they can't be sure if we've slipped away. And we've got to keep them guessing. Right now we're in a really lousy situation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's strange hearing that from you,\" Gale responded, honestly surprised at Indy's cautiousness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're experienced trackers and hunters, we could make mincemeat out of these people!\"\n\n\"You think wrong,\" he said, more harshly than he intended. \"You're thinking like you're on a hunt in your home territory. Out here, Gale, you're the neophyte. Look around you. Feel the grass and the undergrowth here. It's like tinder. Now check the wind. You know what that means?\"\n\nComprehension dawned slowly. \"Fire,\" she said softly, almost breathing the word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right. This whole area would go up like a tinder-box. A fire could drive us into their sights. We couldn't go upwind, obviously, so we'd have to work our way downwind with the fire following us. Oh, we could survive, because of that lake over there. We could even save the horses by taking them into the water with us. But we'd be forced along a path they could easily follow. Like right in their sights.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale averted his eyes. \"I didn't realize....\"\n\n\"Don't blame yourself,\" he said quickly. \"It's just that you're in new territory. When I was in the New Forest with you, I saw what Caitlin could do. Then she had the upper hand. You did the same thing on top of the zeppelin. But right now, we wait for Caitlin. She took the initiative away from us by running off the way she did.\" Indy scanned the swirling mists that would appear to Cordas and his group as a normal fog." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But before she went, she covered us beautifully.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What now?\"\n\n\"We wait for Caitlin. If it's a game of hunter and hunted, she's got the upper hand. I have no doubt she could be right on top of Cordas and his bunch and they'd never see her.\"\n\nHe studied Gale for several moments. \"You created the fog before. In the Graf, or rather, on top of it. Could you do the same here if we needed it for cover?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. It drains me of energy for a while, but yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we could do it again. I mean, we'd have to leave the horses, because this mist pretty well hugs the ground. But we could move as if we were invisible.\"\n\n\"We would be invisible,\" she emphasized. \"It's more than just a mist. Especially if Caitlin does it. Remember the roads that disappeared in the New Forest? The way you explained the Mobius strip? How things turned back on themselves, and were twisted in time?\"\n\n\"I still have a headache when I think of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When Caitlin does it, she shifts us into a different time. Literally. Those men could walk right through us and never know we were there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale sighed. \"But I guess that's just postponing the inevitable. I know we can't stay in this mist forever.\"\n\nShe grasped Indy's arm. \"Besides, I know Caitlin is going to bait Cordas. She won't forgo the old rules. I know it. She must.\"\n\nBefore Indy could answer, the mists swirled and parted; Caitlin stepped out of the fog." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had a grim smile on her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The fool has played into my hands.\" Instinctively her hand gripped the hilt of her sword. \"There are eight of them, including Cordas. All armed.\"\n\n\"And three of us,\" Indy reminded her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It matters little,\" Caitlin said with confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He has attacked us. Everything changes now. The old laws are in effect.\"\n\n\"Not quite,\" Indy told her. \"I was attacked. Not you.\"\n\nCaitlin ignored him as she caught sight of the stitches Gale had sewn into his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That will take forever to heal,\" she said critically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And it can open easily. We cannot chance any of us not being fit for what is yet to come. Gale, a mirror. Indy, please sit.\"\n\nGale held the mirror so Indy could see his stitches. Caitlin moved closer to him, leaned forward, and lifted the waistband of her tunic. She pressed it fully against his wound, where the stiching had left his skin a nasty purple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt a strange itching sensation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His skin seemed to crawl beneath the tunic. Several minutes later Gale removed the tunic and stepped back.\n\n\"Look closely,\" she said to Indy.\n\nHe took the mirror from Gale, holding it until he could see the wound clearly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dark purplish bruising was gone!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pieces of skin sewn together by Gale like the stitching on a football had blended. As he watched, several stitches came loose. He brushed at them and they fell away from his face.\n\n\"I've seen you do it before,\" he said, overwhelmed by the miracle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But this is... it's just... incredible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale studied the healed wound. \"Any pain?\" she asked.\n\n\"No. It feels like a slight electrical shock. Mild, fuzzy, almost.\" He looked from Gale to Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In fact, I feel terrific!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin stood tall, arrow notched in her bow, the sword hilt within immediate grasp. \"It is time, Jones. The old laws call. I must go after Cordas now.\"\n\n\"No!\" Indy shouted.\n\nCaitlin stared at him, confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This man was her ally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had saved each other's life. Why, then, did he seem to protect her enemy?\n\n\"Speak quickly,\" she told Indy. \"I care little for your words of caution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Blast it, listen to me! You know I'm behind you all the way,\" Indy said, rising to his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it's like I told Gale. You're out of your element here. They've got the advantage. Fighting them head-on is not the way to go. Look, Caitlin, this just isn't bow-and-arrow time in the New Forest!\"\n\nHe walked back and forth, putting all his conviction into his words. \"I want Cordas just as badly as you do. Did you ever think about that? Maybe not for the same reasons, but I've lost good friends to that madman. You're making a mistake. All your attention is focused on the hunt for this one man. He has seven professional killers with him. You might even get through to kill Cordas, but you won't come out of it alive. And a hundred dead Cordases aren't worth one of you.\"\n\nHe took a deep breath, hoping against hope he was getting through to this vengeance-mad woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anytime we step out of this time twist of yours, we're sitting ducks for snipers with scopes and long-range rifles. I know these weapons. Enfield three-oh-threes. They can take out a target with dead-on accuracy at more than a mile, and we're the targets. I saw plenty of them in the war.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped, spun about quickly, stabbing his finger at Caitlin. \"This isn't the time of Merlin's magic—\"\n\n\"It is more powerful than you understand,\" Caitlin said, her face a stone mask.\n\n\"It can't stop a high-velocity rifle bullet!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy half shouted at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remember, one shot into your heart or your brain and you're dead! And Merlin and Caliburn and all the witches that ever lived can't help you then!\"\n\n\"I am wasting time,\" Caitlin said angrily, starting off.\n\n\"Wait! One question, Caitlin.\"\n\nShe stopped. \"The last question, Henry Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did all the magic of the New Forest, of the covens, or Merlin prevent the death of King Arthur? Magic swords or not, he died. And if Arthur could fall, so can you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took a long, deep breath. \"And if Cordas takes you out before you get to him, your mother's death will never be avenged. Everything you've done so far will be a waste.\"\n\nCaitlin hesitated, struggling with the words that conflicted so strongly with what she considered a holy mission. But much of what this man said had worth to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he was right; Cordas alive... and her dead would be unacceptable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She must hear more.\n\n\"I have come to know you, Jones,\" she said carefully. \"I know you are a brave and worthy man. You do not speak without reason. Tell me, then, what you have in your thoughts.\"\n\nIndy felt relief surge through him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is another way. I think I can manage some time twisting of my own.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both women stared at him, incredulous. What he said didn't make sense. Indy was no warlock! He could not control the ancient secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin shook her head in disappointment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she started to rise Gale restrained her with a gentle touch on her arm. \"Listen, Caitlin.\"\n\nIndy faced Caitlin directly. \"Can you keep Cordas and his men busy? Chasing shadows or whatever. Anything to keep them where they are, in this open pine barren, until ten o'clock tomorrow morning. That's when I will need all your powers, Caitlin. When I want this mist to cover all these fields, low to the ground.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Caitlin showed her question in her expression as much as her words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But why do you want this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please. I'll explain it all later. Right now I need you to trust me, to do as I ask. If I fail, well\"—Indy shrugged—\"Cordas will still be here. He won't leave without turning this whole country upside down for the gold.\"\n\n\"I accept your reasoning, even if I do not understand.\"\n\n\"Great. Now,\" Indy said with sudden intensity. \"It's getting dark. When night falls, see if you can get that bunch to make some noise, to let us know where they are. Can you do this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. That is your wish and I will do it. I will wait for the dark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She turned and disappeared into fog.\n\n\"I just hope she'll do what I asked,\" Indy said to Gale.\n\n\"She will. When it is dark.\"\n\n\"It's almost midnight.\" Indy looked up from the radium-phosphorescent numbers on the watch face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't heard a sound yet and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly he clutched his head in both hands as sudden pain stabbed at his skull. Gale rushed to his side. \"It will pass soon,\" she said, placing her hands over his.\n\nHis face showed his pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"W-what is it?\" he said hoarsely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not the wound. That's healed,\" she assured him. \"The pain is from Caitlin. Not directed at you. She is calling the animals.\"\n\n\"I don't understand—\"\n\n\"You will. Listen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Across the pine barren, rushing through the low-lying mist, came the thudding sound of racing hooves, mixed with grunts and shrill squeals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly, the squealing noises became angrier and louder. Moments later Indy heard men shouting in surprise and fright and then yelling in pain. Shots boomed across the flatlands and hummocks, mixed in with howls of pain. Then, silence.\n\nIndy stared across the darkness, a thin moon reflecting along the upper layer of mist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A glow in the distance became brighter, sending wisps and streamers of orange and red along the curling fog." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's their camp,\" he murmured. \"Cordas and his men. I don't understand that kind of fire. If we were after them, all they're doing is making perfect targets of themselves.\"\n\n\"Except two, who are now dead.\" Indy and Gale turned to see Caitlin appearing wraithlike through the mists." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her bow was still slung over her shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In her hand she held the glowing scepter.\n\nShe joined them by the fire, sitting cross-legged on the ground. She smiled at Indy. \"I have done as you asked. Now you know where they are. There were eight. Now there are six, and they will not leave the safety of their fire in the dark.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Two of them are dead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy echoed, wanting to be certain he had heard her correctly.\n\nCaitlin nodded.\n\n\"Did you—\"\n\nShe cut him short." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Henry Jones. Before you even complete your question. I did not kill anyone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced in the direction of the roaring fire, sparks drifting high into the air. \"What happened?\"\n\nShe gestured with the scepter, the crystals gleaming pinpoints of light. \"With this, I called the wild pigs. The tusked ones. They came in a herd, stampeding directly into the camp. They are vicious animals.\"\n\n\"I know,\" Indy remarked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before these men knew what had appeared, the tusks ripped several of them. One man died from being gored.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said two were killed,\" Gale broke in.\n\nCaitlin nodded. \"Yes. The men reacted with panic. They were shooting wildly. They killed one of their own.\" She smiled. \"There is great satisfaction in that. It is fitting.\"\n\n\"They get any of the animals?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. At least three. They are, as you say, professionals. They have not had fresh meat for days. So tonight they will roast the meat of the boar. By their fire and smoke we shall know they remain in their camp.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Caitlin,\" Gale asked her friend, \"you are certain they will stay there?\"\n\nCaitlin laughed. Indy wasn't sure, but this seemed to be the first time he had ever heard that sound from this woman. \"Would you wander about in the dark, the ground concealed by mist, knowing there are the tusked ones nearby, ready to charge? Remember, the animals are invisible to them.\"\n\n\"Beautiful,\" Indy said slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked with admiration at Caitlin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just beautiful,\" he said. \"Tomorrow morning, it's my turn.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with four sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Martin Caidin.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next four sentences in the distinctive voice of Martin Caidin.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going four sentences at a time, also im going for a Martin Caidin sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That night, by flashlight and a pale moon and reflected glow from their campfire, Indy pored over the battle campaign maps of Olustee Station. Caitlin slept. Gale had napped, but now she felt irresistibly drawn to Indy's studies and the marks he was making on the maps.\n\n\"What do you have in mind?\" she persisted. \"I mean, you just left us hanging.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He patted her shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet, carrot top. Still got some details to work out. If I'm going to be successful, I can't afford not to have every last item drop into place.\"\n\n\"All right.\" She sighed. \"Can I at least look over your shoulder?\"\n\nHe made room for her by his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. Now you can hold the flashlight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took it from him, but pointed the light away from the maps. \"Question, oh wise one.\"\n\n\"Very nice. Very nice indeed. Ask away.\"\n\n\"We're sitting here by this fire. Which makes us as much an open and visible target as Cordas and his group. Why are you so relaxed about our safety?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Caitlin took care of that, remember? Wild pigs, strange shadows, and all that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took patience as her cue. \"Indy, that doesn't mean that one or more of those people won't try to attack us. You said yourself they're professionals. To me that means they'll take chances.\"\n\n\"You're right. But they'd also have to come in very close to us,\" he said, smiling.\n\n\"What's so funny?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They couldn't get a shot at us unless they got close, like I said. The fog and all that. Gale, walk out into the field. That way\"—he pointed—\"not toward their fire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What on earth for?\"\n\n\"Just do it, Gale.\"\n\n\"Sometimes, Indy, you are the most exasperating man I have ever—\"\n\n\"Walk!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rose, started moving westward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps twenty yards off into the mists, something snapped against her ankle. She froze as metal clanked noisily.\n\nIndy's voice came through the darkness. \"Okay, carrot top, you can come back now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She emerged from fog and sat by him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was that all about?\"\n\n\"Trip wire,\" he said casually. \"While you were asleep Caitlin and I set out stakes and then ran a thin wire in a large square around our camp. Pieces of metal hanging from the wire. Shake it even a little and you get all sorts of metal pieces banging against each other. You clanked pretty good out there.\"\n\nCaitlin stood by them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her approach had made as much sound as a wraith." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The wire,\" she said to Indy. \"Visitors?\" The sword Caliburn was unsheathed, reflecting firelight like a beacon.\n\nIndy shook his head. \"Nope. Gale was testing our alarm system. Since you're up, how about going over what I've set up for the morning?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll get coffee,\" Gale offered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she returned with three enameled mugs, they went back to Indy's maps.\n\n\"All right,\" he began, his tone serious. \"You both know the essential details of the battles. What I need to do now, with your help, is to bring forth some powerful energy from the past.\" He didn't wait for a response, but went back to the maps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, right here. South of us. We know there's an old wagon trail here. What's left of that road is clearly visible. More important, along that old trail there are some large open spaces. Now, if these maps are accurate, then during the Olustee campaign, the Rebels were camped along the perimeter of the woods down that way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His finger drew a line along the map. \"So the Union cavalry had to have made their mass attack from the north.\"\n\nGale glanced again at the map. \"Right past where we are now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Carrot top, you are exactly right,\" Indy complimented her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What I need from you and Caitlin is your help. And whatever ideas you have to get Cordas and his thugs to that area south of us. And it must be close to, but before, ten o'clock in the morning.\"\n\n\"But why?\"\n\n\"A little trick out of the past,\" he said mysteriously. \"It will all become very clear tomorrow morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched them nod in agreement, if not in understanding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In that area, over there\"—he pointed again—\"there's plenty of brush for them to conceal themselves, but only if they're lying down or crouched low. There aren't any trees for cover. If they stand up, they'll be visible to us. And we're just as much a danger to them with our rifles as they are to us. The stalemate won't last too long, but I just need it to last long enough.\"\n\n\"You make no sense, Jones,\" Caitlin said, scowling.\n\n\"Caitlin, I trusted you completely in your own backyard in the New Forest,\" Indy said, his tone and manner brusque. \"Now I'm asking you to do the same.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not like your mysteries, but I will help all I can,\" she answered stiffly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. I'll go over the critical move again. We've got to get those people into that area I've pointed out and keep them there for a while. Let's get to work.\"\n\nThey made dummies from brush and their bedrolls. From even a short distance away, in dim flickering firelight and the night, the bedrolls looked like three people sound asleep around the fire. They loaded thick wood that would burn the night through and still be smoking in the morning to \"give away\" their position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even if the mist lifts in the morning, or the wind blows it aside, through a sniper's scope or binoculars it will look like we're still in camp.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy grinned. \"Stupidly dozing away the morning.\" The grin faded.\n\n\"Now, Cordas has no way of knowing if we've been joined by anybody else. I want to keep him guessing. If he believes our three may be five or six, he'll tighten up his security and stay right where he is. We can't get to him without exposing ourselves to any rifle of decent range.\"\n\n\"All right. That much makes sense,\" Gale noted. \"But what do you want us to do now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We leave this camp setup,\" he told them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As we move toward that lake I showed you, we'll zigzag our way through the field. We stay low, every now and then firing a few shots in their direction. With the sound reaching them from different places, they'll start to worry about our number here.\"\n\nIndy checked his rifle and the Webley. \"They won't try to reach us in the dark. Too dangerous. But come morning,\" he stressed, \"their patience should run out. With us lobbing shots at them through the night, they'll also have to worry about our having found the gold. That should scrape their nerves a bit more.\"\n\nHe turned to Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's usually heavy mist hereabouts in the morning. All those lakes, the marsh and swamps. Cordas already knows this, so a heavy fog won't seem anything but natural to him. Usually it burns off about eight or nine in the morning—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you wish me to continue the low mist,\" Caitlin broke in. \"Very low to the ground.\"\n\n\"Precisely. So that's the whole package,\" Indy said. \"We want Cordas and his bunch to be in the area I've noted at ten o'clock sharp. And we have to be along the shores of this lake. In fact, just as I said before, we'll have to be standing in the water.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, you amaze me,\" Gale said quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me,\" Indy answered.\n\n\"You warned us about alligators,\" Gale said, shivering at the thought. \"How they can attack without warning and—\"\n\n\"Don't forget the water moccasins,\" Indy broke in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then why are we going into the water?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale said with open confusion and anger.\n\n\"Because Caitlin can keep them away from us,\" Indy said gently. \"Just as she maneuvered those wild pigs. If that scepter works as well in water as it does on land, we're safe.\"\n\n\"I will do it. The scepter has the power,\" Caitlin confirmed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But your words are a puzzle, Jones. You said we must be out of the way. But you have not said out of the way of what.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll see in the morning.\"\n\nGale let out a sigh of frustration. \"I hope you've got some very good aces up those sleeves of yours!\"\n\nIndy laughed, holding out his arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Big sleeves. Lots of aces.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night passed slowly. They moved furtively through the tall grass and the mists rising from marshy ground. The company they found—or that found them—was unwelcome and aggravating. Mosquitoes and gnats swarmed about them, drawn by perspiration, body heat, and scent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They did their best to ignore the bites and stings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At irregular intervals they fired rifle shots in the direction of Cordas's encampment. His men returned the fire, but aimed at the campfire glowing in the mists.\n\n\"It's working,\" Indy said in a half whisper. \"They don't know where to shoot, but I'll bet a dollar to a wooden nickel they're convinced we've been joined by friends. We'll keep them pinned down just as they are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't forget the wild pigs,\" Gale reminded him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're still circling around their camp. Only the fire keeps them away.\"\n\nCaitlin tapped Indy's shoulder. \"I can send the animals into the camp, fire or not. Is this what you wish?\"\n\n\"No!\" he hissed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They could break up and spread out, and that's the last thing I want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Morning came cool and damp, the fields glistening with dew, dripping from trees and bushes. From the streams and marsh and the nearby lake, heavy mist curled and floated in a light morning breeze. It lay over the ground like a thick blanket.\n\nIndy watched the rising sun with growing exasperation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's burning off the ground fog too fast!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said angrily. \"By nine o'clock most of it will be gone. Both of you, start some intermittent fire with your rifles. Aim to the left of where that ground opens up into the low brush. I'll keep up some shooting to the right. I want Cordas and his men to feel they're safer if they stay low and work their way into that open area.\" He snapped off three fast rounds, the bullets smacking into tree trunks.\n\nHe rolled to one side and looked up to Caitlin. \"How long will it take you to create the mist?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It can be done as quickly as you ask.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Great.\" He nodded with satisfaction. \"Just keep your talents ready to go when I say so. Now listen carefully. At five minutes to ten, we all go into the lake. Stay alert for those gators and snakes. And just in case those nasties aren't tuned into your frequency, Caitlin, both of you keep your weapons handy. Especially that sword. Whatever happens, no shooting unless it's a matter of life or death.\"\n\n\"Indy, none of this is making sense,\" Gale complained.\n\n\"It will. No time for a conference now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun beat down, and the fog lifted until the ground was clear and low scud floated twenty feet above them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's watch showed eight minutes before ten o'clock. He led the two women, Caitlin with the great sword Caliburn, Gale with her crossbow. Their guns were slung over shoulders or in holsters as Indy had asked.\n\nFive minutes to ten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stood at the edge of the lake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No question; the alligators were present. Indy turned to Caitlin.\n\n\"I need everything you've got, now!\" he told her. \"Bring the mist to the fields\"—he pointed toward the Cordas camp—\"out there. Cover these fields. We'll handle the gators right now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin turned to face the long open pine barren." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She held the scepter high, the crystals gleaming. Indy felt that strange pressure squeezing his ears, thrusting into his brain. He winced with the pain.\n\n\"Indy!\" A low gasp from Gale as a huge prehistoric form glided toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale brought up the crossbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A powerful bolt slammed into the eye of the gator. The huge creature bellowed and thrashed madly, spraying the water with blood. Other gators moved in swiftly to feast on their wounded brother. Again the crossbow sang, again a bolt struck, this time into the soft underbelly of another animal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't hold them off like this!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy spat amid the roaring and thrashing sounds. He drew the Webley, desperate not to fire the shots that would reveal their presence. He turned to Caitlin. She was barely visible in the thick white mist heaving across the barren." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It rose everywhere to several feet above the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No higher, but so dense that only the higher foliage and trees were visible.\n\nCaitlin turned, saw the alligators still rushing in. She pointed the scepter at the water. The pain in Indy's head increased, throbbing, stabbing at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the alligators had stopped their assault." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were turning, leaving!\n\nHe forced out his words. \"Into the water! Quickly!\"\n\nGale slipped on the muddy bottom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy grasped her arm, helped her regain her balance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is insane!\" she yelled at him.\n\n\"Quiet!\" Caitlin's voice, urgency commanding their attention. \"Can you hear it?\"\n\nThey stood in silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then both Indy and Gale heard it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sound of distant thunder, a shaking of the ground, sending birds and insects fluttering wildly into the air. The thunder grew into a roar, rushing toward them, the earth itself seemed tortured, the rumble and thunder like the hollow booming of thousands of drums. Even the water about them began to dance, tiny spouts of white lifting above the surface as shock waves raced across the ground and along the lake.\n\n\"Thunder...\" Gale stared at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it? I can't believe this... the sky. It's clear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She started for the shore. Indy grabbed her, held her back. \"Stay here,\" he gritted.\n\nThe whole world seemed to be pounding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An enormous, invisible, thundering surf rushed closer and closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had to shout to be heard. \"Ten o'clock!\" he called out in triumph. \"The past is now the present!\" Unmistakable jubilation in his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bugles!\" Caitlin shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale's eyes were wide. \"I hear them! Bugles! But... Indy, what's happening?\"\n\nIndy ignored her. \"Caitlin! Cordas and his men! They've got to be covered with the mist!\"\n\nCaitlin remained impassive. \"They are invisible to whatever magic you have brought here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy laughed, a roar of mirth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Magic? It's not magic! I promised you a time twist, remember? I would bring the past into the present. Don't you know yet what you're hearing?\" He didn't wait for a reply.\n\n\"Look!\" he cried, pointing. \"Here they come! Right out of time! The Union cavalry attacking! More than four hundred horses, running right at Cordas and his men! Listen! Hear that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sharp, cracking sounds sounded above the thunder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Musket fire! A thousand men on foot, behind the cavalry, firing!\"\n\nIndy threw both arms into the air in a gesture of triumph. Before the stunned eyes of the two women, the Yankee cavalry charged into view, four hundred horses and their riders, the men holding sabers high in the air, shouting war cries, whooping and yelling.\n\nStraight to that open space between the copses of trees where Cordas and his killer band lay, invisible to the riders tearing through the swirling mist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale's face registered shocked disbelief." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She clutched Caitlin's arm. Neither woman could utter a word as the cavalry crashed along, like a huge engine of destruction, four hundred horses, messengers of death, smashing through Cordas's camp, grinding and pounding them underfoot.\n\nCaitlin found her voice. She grasped Indy's shoulder, turned him to look direcdy into his eyes.\n\n\"Truly, you are a wizard,\" she gasped." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Martin Caidin would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thunder of sixteen hundred hooves pounded away from them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the trail of the cavalry charge, fog swirled and dust and grassy debris spilled high into the air. The ground still shook, then heaved and rolled beneath their feet in the muddy lake, as if they stood on the edge of an earthquake.\n\n\"Cordas ...\" Gale clutched Indy's arm and shoulder for support. Birds still whirled and darted about in fear and confusion over the pine barren." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And beyond the feathered creatures they knew men had been trampled, heavy animals and sharp hooves crashing into their bodies, cracking bones like brittle twigs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look!\" Caitlin cried, pointing. Indy's time twist was still exploding past them as more than a thousand blue-uniformed troops, cheering and shouting at the top of their voices, ran steadily after the cavalry charge. Muskets popped and exploded as the men fired on the run. The charge had torn the ground mist to swirling wisps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They could see the men in their headlong charge, continuing their firing, running faster as they went directly for the Confederate breastworks still out of sight to Indy and the two women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I... I can't believe this!\" Gale shouted above the exploding din of running feet, muskets firing, and the cries and shouts of the attacking Union soldiers. \"Indy, this is impossible! How could you bring back from the past an entire army?\"\n\n\"Out of the water,\" Indy called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quickly. We needn't remain here any longer. And that kind of noise will only confuse and madden the gators and the snakes. Let's move.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They struggled through the muck to the shore, still gaping. Caitlin touched Indy's shoulder gently. \"I am... I am overcome by what you have done. If ever I doubted you, I beg your forgiveness. This would astound the mightiest magicians of all history. It is incredible....\"\n\nThe cavalry was gone, its thunder distant and muted, the rumble and musket fire and shouting from the soldiers heard clearly across the pine barren." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If anybody in the Cordas camp is still alive, it will be another miracle,\" Gale noted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy lifted his binoculars to his eyes, studying their enemy's camp.\n\n\"I see one—no, two people moving. Barely moving, let me add. All that's left of their camp is wreckage.\"\n\n\"Cordas?\" Gale asked the question.\n\n\"Can't tell from here. But let's not waste any time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed to Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have your rifle ready, one in the chamber and the safety off,\" he directed. \"You walk to my left, at least ten feet away. Caitlin, would you please do the same to my right? I want us spread out, and I want to get over there right away.\"\n\nThey started across the pine barren, three rifles loaded, ready to fire instantly. Mist began to form again about them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Caitlin, can you get rid of that stuff now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After what I have seen,\" she replied, \"I would think a wave of your arm would do the trick.\"\n\n\"But I can't,\" Indy told her, keeping his eyes directly ahead of them. He watched one man stand, then fall, obviously hurt.\n\nMoments later, as if a switch were pulled by Caitlin, the mist evaporated in a rush of cool air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, would you tell me how you worked your magic?\" Caitlin asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't answer immediately. He was still taken by surprise that Caitlin was calling him Indy. Before, it had been Jones or even a stilted-sounding Henry Jones. Now she'd dropped all barriers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That small shift signified the enormous shift in her relationship with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was now \"family.\" And as sure as the sun rose and fell every day, he hated to tell her there wasn't any magic in that incredible performance they'd all just witnessed.\n\nUnless, of course, you considered intensive research, studying, knowledge, and persistence on the same level with magic. Maybe they were. They took longer, but they were always reliable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were too close to Cordas's camp for long explanations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Caitlin, I'll tell you all of it, but not now. We've got other business at hand.\"\n\nAs if to emphasize Gale's words, deep groaning rolls of thunder boomed from someplace faraway. Gale's head snapped around. \"I know that sound. That's artillery fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both women stared again at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ignored the looks and almost snarled at them. \"Watch what you're doing! Don't look at me... keep those rifles up. Move in!\"\n\nIndy dropped to a crouch, started running in a zigzag like a football player. Beneath his feet the ground was chewed to fresh dirt from pounding hooves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hardly a blade of grass or brush could be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He came up fast on the camp.\n\nWhat had been a camp...\n\nAll but two of the men lay dead, bodies crushed and broken by the cavalrymen, who, because of the mist, had never even seen Cordas and his men. One man lay on the ground, legs broken, moaning, but alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cordas was the other man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seated with his back propped against an old tree stump, face bloodied, one arm hanging broken.\n\nIn the other he held a rifle, bringing it up slowly to aim at Indy. Too slowly to do him much good. His eyes were glazed in shock and pain; he was holding the rifle from instinct and rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy held his rifle pointed at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, suddenly, Indy's rifle fell, his whip lashed out, snapped around Cordas's rifle, and jerked it away.\n\nCordas didn't make a sound. His one good arm was raised as though it were still holding a weapon. His mind was as battered and broken as his body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet the strength of the man showed in the anger that shone in his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy understood. He'd known men like Cordas. He would rather die in a fight than be a helpless prisoner. If Indy had fired his rifle, Cordas would have escaped his just punishment. Once dead, he would no longer be accountable for his crimes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy's swift movement with his whip had placed the man in a cage with bars stronger than any steel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Helpless, he stared with mixed anger and hatred not only at Indy, but at Caitlin St. Brendan.\n\nTo Cordas, Caitlin had become his worst fear. An avenging angel. His only hope was that her own anger might be so great she would kill him.\n\nGale had already walked through the smashed remains of the encampment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head at the carnage about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They never had a chance,\" she finally said aloud. \"That one over there.\" She pointed to the only man alive besides Cordas. \"He'll live, but he has both legs broken and he's in shock.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll need him,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale gaped at him in disbelief. \"For what?\" she shouted. \"He's one of those people trying to kill us! Blood mercenaries is all he—\"\n\n\"Whoa,\" Indy said sharply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This isn't a matter of killing. Treadwell, and the American authorities, need to know who else was involved in what's happened. Terrible crimes have been committed. They'll only find out what the real story is if they have someone they can question. He's no use to them if he's dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You really want him to live?\" Gale said, her disbelief undiminished.\n\n\"You've got it,\" Indy said. \"You kill him here and now, helpless like he is, and you commit murder. We get him back to England and into an English court, and when he's through singing like a canary to save his own hide, they'll hang him high and long for his crimes. No one gets away with committing mass atrocities in your country.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale swallowed; finally she nodded slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hate every word you've just spoken.\" She shook her head at not being able to finish off the last of the killers. \"But you're right.\"\n\n\"Think of it another way,\" Indy added. \"The people at the Glen will see, and they will know, that justice will be done. You don't want to rob them of that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale leaned on her rifle, yielding to Indy's words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That, too, is true,\" she said at last.\n\nIndy turned to Caitlin. She stood tall and strong before Cordas, still propped up against the tree stump. Her rifle lay on the ground and in her right hand she held Caliburn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sword gleamed in the morning sun, casting off glistening beads of light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One thrust and Cordas would be dead. Caitlin wanted revenge for what had happened in the Glen. One thrust and her family would be avenged, the honor of the Glen would be upheld. Yet she hesitated.\n\nShe turned to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before I kill him,\" she said, her face as frozen as stone, \"I must know of your magic. I would not be here with this garbage before me without your help. I cannot complete my oath without my understanding how you did your magic. And I have wondered, deeply, if you are not of the line of Merlin himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This,\" Gale murmured, \"I want to hear.\"\n\n\"No magic,\" Indy said, watching Caitlin and still keeping Cordas in sight. Broken legs notwithstanding, that man was dangerous. Suddenly Indy realized how stupid he was being and quickly broke off what he had started to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Caitlin, hold the sword at his throat. Do not kill him yet. But if he makes a sudden move, act quickly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He studied Cordas's eyes. The man could understand every word he was saying, and that made him doubly dangerous. \"If he moves his arm, either one,\" Indy said, harshness in his voice, \"cut it off with the sword.\"\n\nGale was shocked by his words, but remained still." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin moved forward, the razor point of Caliburn just touching Cordas's neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly Indy went to Cordas and began a search of his pockets and clothing. On his side with the good arm he found and removed a revolver. He tossed it aside and continued the search. When he stood, he held two hand grenades he'd removed from under Cordas's leg." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put them gently on the ground near Gale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cordas looked at him with pure hatred in his eyes. \"The party's over,\" Indy said to the man. He motioned Caitlin back. She didn't move; Caliburn remained poised for a final thrust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me what you were prepared to say,\" she told Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said there was no magic,\" he said, as calmly as he could. One thrust of Caliburn, one short movement of Caitlin's arm, and Cordas would be skewered like a helpless animal. Indy wanted desperately to avoid his death. This was the ringleader, the mastermind, of a ring of international criminals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bring Cordas back to England and Thomas Treadwell could break the back of that organization." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dead, he would simply leave an open space for another leader to fill.\n\n\"If there were magic,\" Indy said to Caitlin and Gale, \"then I would know where the gold was hidden. I do not know.\"\n\n\"And it is not in this camp,\" Gale broke in. \"I've searched everywhere.\"\n\nFor the first time Cordas spoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not easily, for the effort brought a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll never find it,\" he forced out through cracked lips. \"If we could not find it, no one can. You're amateurs. Clumsy and stupid and—\"\n\nThe point of Caliburn nudged closer. A spot of blood appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Enough for Cordas to choose silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin glanced at Indy. \"Please. Continue.\"\n\n\"I hate to disillusion you,\" Indy began again, \"but there is no magic to what I did. I don't know how to do magic. What I do have is information and, above all, an ability to bring different things together at the same moment in time.\"\n\n\"Is that not magic?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said emphatically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is using knowledge and timing. Properly used, history, as well as knowing what is going to happen, produces desired results.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said what is going to happen,\" Caitlin answered cautiously. \"Is that not magic?\"\n\n\"No. It is scheduling.\"\n\n\"You confuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not my intention, Caitlin. Look,\" Indy said with all the sincerity he could put into his voice, \"today is the sixty-sixth anniversary of the Battle of Olustee Station. As I studied the historical documents, confirming everything I could with the records kept here in Florida, I realized I had stumbled onto something. When we stayed at that hotel in Macclenny, I had a long talk with that forest ranger, Dave Barton. That's when I began gathering all the pieces that I might bring together at the right time. Which was ten o'clock this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, get to the point!\" Gale scolded.\n\n\"The point is,\" Indy said, ignoring her impatience, \"that each year the people from this entire countryside, and even from a few hundred miles away, gather to commemorate the Battle of Olustee Station. It's a reenactment of the original battle. Thousands of enthusiasts, buffs, historians, they all come together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They've re-created the original regiments and battalions, the uniforms, muskets, and artillery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is an exact duplicate of the forces that were involved in the fighting at Olustee and at Ocean Pond. And that includes all the horses, weapons.\n\n\"Everything except live ammunition.\"\n\nHe paused to look across the pine barrens, seeing in his mind's eye the powerful charge of Union cavalry that had swept through where he now stood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They did fire their weapons, but they were using blank ammunition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cavalry charges, the infantry, reenact exactly what happened back in the war between the North and the South. That's why marking the maps was so vital. That's how I knew that at ten o'clock this morning the Blues would come charging through this area with those four hundred horses, going headlong against the Confederate positions.\n\n\"It's a wild and terrible battle, but no one gets hurt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unless, of course\"—Indy chuckled—\"he falls off his horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when the battle is over, everybody gets together and they have a marvelous feast of barbecue and catfish and their favorite foods, and they get drunk and they fight the war all over again, but this time with beer and white lightning and bourbon instead of guns and swords.\n\n\"So what I did was to learn the exact times and the route. That's why we had to maneuver Cordas and his cutthroats into this very position, because I knew the cavalry would come thundering right through here.\n\n\"They never expected anyone to be in their way. All the local people know just where they're coming from and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The mist,\" Caitlin said softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You had me bring on the mist so that the men on their horses could not see Cordas and his band.\"\n\n\"Right. If they had seen them, they would have gone around them. And if Cordas and his bunch knew what was coming, they would have gotten out of the way. But the cavalry couldn't see this group, here, and they couldn't see the cavalry, and what they heard sounded like thunder approaching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rest you know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But you see, Caitlin, we were out of the way. And just as important, and I'm sure it's more important to you than anything else, you haven't violated your ancient rules.\n\n\"You didn't do this to these people. The ones who murdered so many of your clan. They did it to themselves.\"\n\n\"I am astonished,\" Caitlin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But now the time has come for Cordas to leave this world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She poised to thrust the sword deeper into his neck.\n\n\"Caitlin... don't!\" Gale's voice burst from her in a frightened scream. \"Don't kill him!\"\n\nThe terrible sword remained still. Slowly, almost with disbelief, Caitlin turned to the woman who had been, all through her life, her soul sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a voice as cold as the steel she held in her hand, she asked quietly, \"And why not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale pointed to Cordas. \"Your enemy is unarmed, Caitlin. He lies helpless before you. Caliburn was never meant for slaughter. Its power is meant for use in battle. If you kill this mad dog, this human wretch, no matter how terribly he has wronged you, all of your family, you will kill out of hatred and vengeance. You will break the pact with our past.\"\n\nFor a long time Caitlin did not answer. Nor did she move as she struggled within her own mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kill this murdering wretch and avenge the death of her mother... and at the same time break the code of honor and tradition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What Gale said was right. Caliburn was meant for battle, not execution of a helpless prey.\n\nSlowly the sword lowered. \"What are you doing!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cordas spat at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A coughing spell racked his body; blood appeared on his lips. \"Go ahead, she-devil!\" He fought to get out the words. \"Do it! Finish me off!\"\n\nCaitlin brought up the sword again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly she drew the tip of Caliburn down the side of Cordas's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just enough to create a long red welt. She leaned forward, moving the sword aside.\n\n\"No. I will not kill you now.\" Her smile was icy cold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will bring you back to the king's law. And I will see you hang by the neck. As it was so long ago, it shall be again. You will swing at the end of a rope.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the first time in long minutes, Indy breathed easy.\n\n\"How are we going to take them back with us? At least as far as Macclenny?\" Gale studied Cordas and the second man. \"That one has two broken legs, and Cordas can't ride a horse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I'm not leaving you here to ride for help,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've been together through all this and we'll stay together. I can get them back with us. They'll have a bumpy ride, but that's better than being dragged behind us by rope.\"\n\n\"Your plan, Indy?\" Caitlin asked.\n\n\"You stay here with them,\" Indy told her. \"And try not to kill them, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd never seen a colder smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only if they try to ran.\"\n\n\"Fat chance,\" Indy said, going along with her grisly humor. \"Gale, come with me. We'll get the horses.\"\n\nIndy and Gale rode the two horses, the third behind Indy's animal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They left Caitlin's horse with her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pointed to a nearby copse of trees. \"Over there,\" he told Gale. \"Let's go.\"\n\nIn the trees, he selected long saplings. The survival ax from his pack soon had them cut and stripped of branches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tossed Gale a long coil of rope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tie them together so we can take them back to Caitlin.\"\n\nCaitlin watched as Indy tied two of the thickest saplings with crossbars of thick branches. \"We'll build a travois,\" he told the women.\n\n\"What is that?\" Caitlin asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's how the old Plains Indians of America traveled. Two long poles, tied with smaller poles crossways. It's like a sled. We attach one end to the horse and the saddle. Then we lay these two on the back of the travois, and off we go. Oh, yes, tie them down tight. Like I said, it's going to be a bumpy ride. Especially the way they're all busted up. When we get to Mcclenny, we'll have a doctor set splints. Dave Barton can notify the authorities to come get them and transport them to the coast. We'll get word to Carruthers and Judson, they'll let Treadwell know we've got these two, and the rest is detail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked to the far side of the wrecked encampment to confirm how many bodies were sprawled on the ground. \"Gale, give me a hand here. We haven't the time or the desire to bury these people, but we can cover them with branches until Barton can send a wagon back here. I'm sure they'll want to try to identify the remains.\"\n\nThey pushed their way through tall grass, heading toward nearby low trees. Suddenly Indy tripped and tumbled headlong through the growth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let out a howl of pain as he landed with his back against a concealed rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gale ran to his side, helping him up.\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\n\"Blasted rock. In the grass. Didn't see it and\"—he grimaced—\"when I came down, I landed smack on my back against another rock.\"\n\nGale glanced down. Her voice seemed strained. \"Indy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He groaned with the pain in his back, struggled to stand erect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good grief... of all the ways to—\"\n\n\"Indy, listen to me.\"\n\nThe strange tone of her voice alerted him to her call. He shoved a fist into his back, forcing himself upright." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"W-what? What's so important?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You didn't fall on a rock,\" she said.\n\n\"What then?\"\n\n\"A cannon. The barrel of a cannon, Indy.\" She made a sweeping motion with her arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This whole area, Indy. There are these strange barrels all around us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's so strange about them? Both armies left their artillery all over the countryside.\"\n\n\"Will you come here and look for yourself!\"\n\nHe stumbled to reach her. She pushed aside the grass, revealing an old cannon barrel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, it's a cannon. So what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you see it? What's so strange about these cannons?\"\n\nIndy went from one to another. The Rebels had obviously been forced to dump a whole contingent of artillery here.\n\nThen he understood what had Gale so worked up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're right,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Something's wrong here. There are cannon barrels all over the place. But... no mounts. And no firing mechanisms.\"\n\nHe moved through the grass, stopped, and looked up at Gale. \"Have you seen any metal rims from old wagon wheels?\"\n\n\"None.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Neither have I.\" Indy withdrew his hunting knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tapped the hilt against a barrel. \"It doesn't sound right, does it?\" he said to Gale.\n\n\"No. It doesn't ring. The sound is too dull. Indy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go ahead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Try to cut the barrel,\" she said.\n\nHe understood what she hesitated to put into words. Gale held up one hand, fingers crossed. Indy felt the same way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This could be that stroke of fortune combined with perseverance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shifted the heavy knife, hilt in hand, placed the sharp blade at midcenter of the cannon barrel, bore down with all his strength, and slashed against the barrel.\n\nThe blade cut through the curved surface of the barrel and left a gash behind it.\n\nHe stared at Gale; she held his gaze, her eyes wide. They both looked down again at the cannon barrel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed the blade into the groove opened by his first thrust, put all his weight behind his hand, and slashed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blade cut through old gray paint.\n\nBeneath the cut, beneath the gray paint, the cannon barrel gleamed with a clean color.\n\nGold.\n\n\"Indy... I can hardly believe this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gale spoke in a whispered, stunned voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked back at her. \"This knife will not cut through a cannon barrel.\" The words sounded stupid to him, but it was all he could say at the moment.\n\n\"I know,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So do I,\" he repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's... well, who would ever expect...\" Her voice trailed off.\n\nIndy went to another cannon barrel, slashed several times at the curving shape. Gold gleamed at them, reflecting brightly in the noon sun.\n\n\"We've found it!\" he exclaimed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This whole area...\" Gale turned, holding out her arms to include the tumbled cannon barrels half-buried in ground and grass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the gold, all right,\" he said.\n\n\"The missing treasure,\" she murmured. \"It's been right here all the time!\"\n\nIndy cut through the top of another cannon barrel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gold glittered before them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They melted down the bullion,\" he said quietly. \"They couldn't transport it through the battle area. Maybe they didn't have enough mule trains to carry it through. Fighting, the weather, disease; anything could have stopped them. So they melted the gold into the shape of cannon barrels and dumped it just like so many other pieces of artillery were dumped and abandoned.\"\n\n\"And hoped to come back here when the South won—\"\n\n\"Or the North. They'd retrieve the gold and help rebuild what was shattered by the war.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin watched them from a distance, wondering at the excitement that carried their voices across the field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy went to a sapling, slashed the trunk, and hacked off the branches until he had a long pole. He went to another cannon barrel. \"Pray there are no snakes,\" he said to Gale.\n\nHe pushed the pole into the open mouth of the cannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Halfway down, it stuck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He prodded whatever had blocked the pole. \"There's something in there. Could be a dead animal.\"\n\n\"Or...\" She left her words unfinished.\n\n\"Yes,\" he said, sharing her thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned down, inserting his arm deep into the cannon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It feels like leather, or oilskin,\" he told Gale. \"It's too heavy for me to pull out like this. Grab my arm and help me.\"\n\nTogether they dragged out a heavy oilskin packet, a large sheet rolled over several times and bound with wire. Indy laid it on the ground, cut the wire with his knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They unrolled the packet until its contents shone brilliantly in the sunlight." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ancient coins of Rome flashed in their eyes." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin St. Brendan walked through the administrative halls of London University with all the muscle-tensed wariness of a feral cat in dangerous territory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt as out of place as the stiff-collared professors she passed would feel in her own beloved forest. Robed men with bewhiskered faces stared at her leather garments as much as she looked upon them—they might as well be visitors from another planet.\n\nNot that Indy, walking by her side, was much help. Again, as she had done so many times since their return to England, she couldn't avoid furtive glances at Professor Henry Jones, authority in archaeology, ancient languages, and medieval literature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clad in a three-piece gray tweed suit and polished shoes, wire-rim glasses on his face, and his hair as neat as a barber's advertisement, he was far from the daring and dangerous man she had finally come to know so well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin felt an instant dislike for and discomfort in her surroundings. The New Forest and the Glen seemed a million miles from this stuffy, massive, corridor-laced building with its strange sounds, strange smells, and even stranger people. Yet Indy had convinced her that she was needed in a conference set up in the office of Sir William Pencroft. Indy had called him the \"biggest wheel of all\" in the university system of London." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's old, feeble, unpleasant, argumentative, insulting, and he gnashes his teeth a lot,\" Indy had described the chairman of the Department of Archaeology of London University." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why do you trouble yourself to be in his presence?\" Caitlin asked, honestly confused.\n\n\"There's a couple of good reasons,\" Indy went on breezily. \"First, he runs this entire university. Second, widiout his assistance, and his cooperation with government authorities, we would never have been able to go after Cordas and his men the way we did. That venture cost lots of money.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This terrible old man paid for it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not directly. But he convinced the board of directors, and Whitehall, to foot the bill, arrange for special diplomatic freedoms, such as our carrying weapons, and provide us with the full cooperation of the American Secret Service and a half-dozen other agencies in Florida.\"\n\n\"Then we are in his debt,\" Caitlin said solemnly.\n\n\"Unfortunately, yes.\"\n\n\"Why is it unfortunate?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because he has a memory like an elephant. He never forgets the favors he bestows. He considers them debts he collects in the form of favors he wants from me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is only fair, Indy.\"\n\n\"Caitlin, please. Don't defend the old buzzard. He doesn't need any help.\"\n\nThey rounded a corner, sending startled students scurrying out of their way. \"Tell me again why you need me here, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't need you, Caitlin. I confess I want you with me and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your words please me,\" she said quietly.\n\n\"Every time you talk like that I feel I'm falling down a long well back in time,\" Indy told her. \"Caitlin, you're here because your government needs you. You were witness to Cordas committing murder. Not only of your mother, but many of your people. You will have to swear to that, describe what happened, when Cordas and the other man—whose name is Scruggs—are put on trial. Your eyewitness accounts will send them to the gallows.\"\n\n\"I wish to be there when that takes place,\" she said grimly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll talk to Treadwell about that. I'm sure he'll make the proper arrangements.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you, Indy.\"\n\nThere it was again. That stiff, formal manner of speaking, as if Caitlin still lived in a world of knights and castles and magicians. Well, maybe she does, Indy thought suddenly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe that's what I've been missing all this time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin isn't acting. She really lives it! To her we're the outlanders and her world is the real one.\n\nThey made a final turn and faced a set of large double doors. Entrance to the private office of Sir William Pencroft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hallowed inner sanctum of the university." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Armed British soldiers barred their entry. They snapped to attention. \"Sir, madam! Your names, please!\"\n\n\"Professor Henry Jones and Miss Caitlin St. Brendan,\" Indy announced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir! One moment, please!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One soldier pressed a buzzer, turned, and snapped back to attention. Moments later the doors opened. Indy and Caitlin looked upon the frail figure of Sir William Pencroft.\n\n\"All! The colonial black sheep has returned to the fold. I suppose\"—Pencroft spoke in a mixed wheeze and growl—\"I should defer to the amenities and tell you how glad I am to see you. But I never did lie very well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir William, I—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, shut up, Jones. And get out of the way!\" The old man brandished a cane at Indy. \"Move, move!\" he shouted. He stared at Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes narrowed, widened, and narrowed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you are the maiden from the Glen. I have heard much of you, Caitlin St. Brendan. You are a most beautiful young woman.\"\n\n\"And you are as grouchy as I have heard,\" Caitlin said, a smile tugging the corner of her mouth, \"but there is fire in your heart.\"\n\n\"How long is this mutual admiration society to continue in session?\" Indy said with feigned weariness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could not have been more delighted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before we venture back into my chambers and the dregs of our modern society, Caty, I feel I should—\"\n\n\"You called me Caty.\" The words came forth in a tone of wonder; it was as if a secret had been suddenly exposed.\n\n\"Yes, I did, my dear,\" Pencroft said, folding his hands on his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes seemed to be laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But...\" Caidin looked to Indy. \"That was what the people of the Glen called me when I was a... a—\"\n\n\"It's not so difficult to say. When you were a little girl,\" Pencroft said gently.\n\n\"But how... how could you know!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, I am betrayed by a slip of the tongue, I fear,\" Pencroft answered with full pleasure in the moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because your grandfather and I were the closest of friends, Caty. Or Caitlin, as you now seem to prefer.\" He leaned forward. \"Give me your hand, child.\" He held her fingers in both his frail hands. \"Long ago, so long ago it seems lost in the mists of time, Caty, I held you on my lap. And carried you on my shoulders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caitlin's eyes widened. \"They called you the oracle,\" she said in a half whisper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You?\" Indy stared at Pencroft. \"The man who could read the secrets of the ages with only a glance? You. The one they compared to a crystal ball!\"\n\n\"Shut your mouth, you sassy pup!\" Then, more quietly: \"It stays among us three, you understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft said in a hushed tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If that is your wish—\" Indy began.\n\nPencraft's lapse into gentleness vanished in a flash. \"Leave this bungling fool, Caitlin. I would like you to push me back into the room.\" He swung the cane with a solid whack against the leg of his assistant, who quickly yielded to Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy followed. Miracles will never cease..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither would surprises, he discovered, for as Indy entered the room behind Caitlin, who wheeled Sir William before her, a large man in a glittering uniform detached himself from a group to rush at him. His first reaction was to assume a defensive posture, then he recognized the hulking form of Matteo Di Palma. He never expected the Italian agent to wrap his arms about him, hug him fiercely, then holding him tightly by the arms, kiss him once on each cheek in true Italian fashion.\n\n\"You have done it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he cried. He turned to point to another room adjacent to the large office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy saw armed guards at the door. \"The coins. Ah, truly a wonder, a miracle! Others may not see it in this way, but I\"—his fist pounded his chest—\"I know! The coins, Indy, my friend, have been examined by a dozen of our greatest scientists, metallurgists, and historians. They are authentic. Their loss for so many years has been a grave disappointment to the Vatican, which is now overjoyed.\"\n\nIndy blinked and separated himself from the unfettered enthusiasm of Di Palma. \"What's with the uniform?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked quickly to change the subject." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You look like a doorman from the Waldorf-Astoria.\"\n\n\"Ah, for several weeks I am again Admiral Matteo Di Palma, of the venerable and ancient Di Palma family, which helped bring Italy into the world. It was thought best by Rome if my appearance this time\"—he leaned forward for a conspiratorical whisper to Indy—\"was not, as we say, as an undercover or secret agent. This time I lead the group that will return the coins to their original place in the palace in Rome. A group that is most heavily armed. Indeed, the English are sending with us one of their special raider units for added security. But\"—he waved a hand in the air—\"all that is nothing compared to what you, and this wonderful lady with you, have accomplished. Someday, Indy, you must tell me what really happened aboard that piggish German balloon on which you made such a perilous crossing of the ocean!\"\n\nIndy patted Di Palma on the shoulder, unable to keep from laughing with the excited Italian. \"I promise. But right now you will excuse me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course! Thomas awaits you and the lady in the next room.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thomas Treadwell shook Indy's hand with a firm, almost intense grip. He turned and with a small bow offered his greetings to Caitlin.\n\n\"I won't burden you with a speech,\" Treadwell told them both. \"But I bring you the deep gratitude of our government and the Italian government. You already know that Sir William's testiness with you, Indy, is simply his way of expressing his own gratitude for once again raising the name and reputation of London University to great heights.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought you weren't going to make a speech,\" Indy observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right. Cordas and Scruggs are the first order of business. There will be a speedy trial; that I assure you. Your presence as witnesses is vital. Caitlin for what happened at the Glen, and afterward. You, Indy, for the attempted killings on the zeppelin flight and also what happened in Florida. I also assure you the trial will be brief.\"\n\n\"I wish to be there when he hangs,\" Caitlin said. \"That is essential.\"\n\n\"I understand.\" Treadwell nodded. \"It is already arranged, and you will be present as an official witness for the Crown rather than for, ah, personal reasons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about other governments who want him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"Does anyone else get a crack at him in trials?\"\n\n\"Germany wants him. So does the United States. And Austria, Italy, and other countries.\" Thomas smiled coldly. \"We will let them haggle with one another as to who gets the remains. Neither Cordas nor Scruggs will ever leave England alive.\"\n\nTreadwell poured tea for himself and Caitlin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll take coffee,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Steaming pots stood on a table by a high window.\n\n\"You already know from that greeting of Di Palma that the coins are being returned to Rome,\" Treadwell told them. \"The gold, to our immense pleasure and gratitude, is being sent by the American government to the Bank of England. It is remarkably generous on the part of the United States. There are positions they could take to retain the bullion. But they have worked it out cleverly on the grounds that the gold was payment for raw goods, mainly cotton, that delivery of those goods was never effected, and therefore the payment should be returned.\"\n\n\"Neatly done,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And a most generous donation is being prepared for London University,\" Treadwell added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, that might even bring a smile to the face of our curmudgeon in the next room,\" Indy observed. \"Anytime the University receives a donation, Sir William manages a hint of a toothy smile.\"\n\nSuddenly Indy sat up straighten \"Wait a minute. Something's wrong here. Where's Gale?\"\n\nTreadwell hesitated, and immediately both Indy and Caitlin knew something was wrong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Out with it, Tom,\" Indy said impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not like Gale to just take off somewhere.\"\n\n\"Gale Parker is in South America.\"\n\nIndy stared at Treadwell. \"What?\"\n\n\"Pan American is testing new routes with their Sikorsky flying boats. It's their feeling that if they have a woman pilot, it will build great confidence among their passengers. Gale Parker is that pilot. They are being quite generous, and I needn't tell you what this kind of flying means to Gale.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is more to it than that,\" Caitlin said icily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gale is my soul sister. For her to leave without a word to me, or to Indy... No, there is more than the flying.\"\n\n\"Level with us, Tom.\" Indy said, his face reflecting doubts and suspicion.\n\n\"There is, well, perhaps something else,\" Treadwell admitted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tom, you're beating around the bush! Out with it, man!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I may not have the exact words,\" Treadwell cautioned.\n\n\"What is it you are afraid to say?\" Caitlin said, staring hard at Treadwell.\n\n\"Gale wants you two to get to know each other better. Indy, she said she was feeling like a fifth wheel. And when Pan American made its offer, she jumped.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So she just steps out of the picture?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy clenched and unclenched his fists. \"The three of us were a team!\" he burst out.\n\nTreadwell looked miserable. \"Indy, I'm only the messenger in this.\"\n\nA long silence followed his words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they turned as the door of Pencraft's office opened, and the old man pushed his way into the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get out,\" he said curtly to his aide, \"and close the door behind you, and don't open it until I call you. Not for anyone, you understand?\"\n\nPencraft pointed to the soldiers. \"Clear them out of here, Treadwell. I want just the four of us in this room for a while.\"\n\nWithin moments they were alone in the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft wheeled himself closer to them, stopping at the far end of the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you told them yet, Thomas?\" he asked.\n\n\"I've told them several things.\" Treadwell parried the question.\n\n\"You know very well what I'm talking about!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft shouted, the effort bringing on a coughing fit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Caitlin moved immediately to the old man, holding him erect in his wheelchair. \"Speak gently,\" she said, her hand rubbing his back.\n\n\"And whatever you want Treadwell so badly to tell us,\" Indy said, still annoyed at the news about Gale, \"why don't you do your own dirty work and tell us yourself?\"\n\n\"Well, well, our unmannered guest from the colonies still has spirit, I see.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft sneered at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, Jones, here it is. I have received a lengthy message that may have some slight interest to you as an amateur archaeologist and whatever else you putter about in.\"\n\n\"Amateur—\"\n\nIndy knew the old man. Every word he said, his mannerisms, his way of broaching this subject, spelled something big. Indy kept silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have taken the liberty of arranging for you to investigate,\" said Pencroft." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy shifted position until he was sitting upright, staring hard at him.\n\n\"Wait a minute!\" he said. \"You haven't even asked me if I'm interested in this crazy caper of yours!\"\n\nPencroft smiled. He had set out the bait. Indy would bite.\n\n\"Is there really any doubt?\" he asked." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mount Hua, Shaanxi Province, China—1934" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The door,\" the villager croaked and rapped the side of the Sacred Mountain with his walking stick. \"I leave now.\"\n\n\"No,\" Indiana Jones said as he batted dust from his fedora and struggled to catch his breath. The climb had been tougher than it had looked at dusk from the bottom of the mountain. Now half the night was gone and there was still much to be done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The deal was to take me back down the mountain as well,\" Indy said as he placed his hands on his knees and leaned forward to ease the pain in his chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or don't you think I'm coming back?\"\n\nThe old villager smiled serenely. He hugged his walking stick and regarded the gasping American through milky eyes. Then he gave a lazy smile that revealed a mouthful of jagged teeth as he leaned forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jones pay Lo now,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gritted his teeth.\n\nLooking at Lo's face from this distance reminded Indy of holding a pet rat and peering down its grinning snout—you didn't know when the rat was going to sink his teeth into your fingers, you just knew that eventually it would.\n\nLo was the best guide in the province, but he was the most notorious liar as well. When Indy first came to the village of Lintong, three days ago, Lo had bragged that he had been inside all of the important treasure tombs of the Wei Bei Plain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And although Lo could name the occupants of each of the tombs and describe in blood-curdling detail what horrors lurked in each, Indy knew it had been a long time since the villager had seen the interior of an unlooted grave, if indeed he ever had; otherwise, he wouldn't have found him living on top of a garbage mound, begging foreigners for money to buy opium." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't see any door here,\" Indy said.\n\nIndy took a rag from his back pocket and wiped the blood from his palms, injured from scrabbling for holds in the face of the mountain. His elbows and shins ached from several near-falls, and the muscles in his lower back quivered like rubber.\n\n\"Door there,\" Lo said. \"Feel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Indy's fingertips touched the outlines of what did appear to be a doorway, his cuts and bruises were forgotten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hands skittered over the granite like curious spiders, tracing a perfect circle about a yardstick in diameter as they followed the edges of the door, then moved inward. When his right hand came to a stone handle carved in the middle of the door, his fingers closed tightly around it.\n\nHe gave a tug.\n\nIt felt as solid as the mountain to which it was attached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lo giggled. The villager continued to chortle as he covered his mouth with his left hand, and eventually it became an insulting, lilting laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Told you,\" Lo said. \"It cannot be opened. Some say it takes the right kind of magic, others say that the door is just picture carved into the mountain.\"\n\n\"What do you say?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I tell you when I get my money.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he counted out a fistful of bills of various countries and denominations from the pockets of his leather jacket, he asked Lo: \"Why aren't you tired? I'm tired.\"\n\n\"Americans breathe too shallow, always out of air,\" Lo said and made an elaborate gesture with his hands of air flowing in and then out of his diaphragm. \"Must breathe all the way to stomach and feed chi, the life force.\"\n\nIndy shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not so bad for an opium addict,\" he said as he thrust out the bills." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lo snatched the colorful wad of money out of Indy's hand, counted it, then tucked it inside his sash. \"Not always addict,\" Lo said. \"Once best damn grave robber in mausoleum district. Then the Japanese come.\"\n\nLo spat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, no way for Lo to make honest living.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since the Imperial Japanese Army had seized Manchuria, raiding parties had been crossing the border with some regularity and searching for plunder in the fabled mausoleum district. The district contained the tombs of eleven dynasties of Chinese royalty, and lay just north of the provincial capital of Xi'an—or Changan, as it was called in ancient times—the \"City of Everlasting Peace\" at the end of the Silk Road. Bristling over the plain like a dragon protecting her lair was the jagged outline of Mount Hua, the Sacred Mountain.\n\nAll of the easy tombs had long ago been plundered; for most, it was just a matter of digging into the conspicuous-looking mounds the locals called \"lings.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, Indy believed, there must be some that were beyond the reach of a shovel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath the river, perhaps, or inside the mountain.\n\nIndy was counting on the latter.\n\nBesides, it wasn't all guesswork on Indy's part. He had been guided here by the inscription on the blade of a knife which said the Sacred Mountain was the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of China." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knife had been given to Indy by a descendant of Genghis Khan during an expedition across the Gobi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Japanese raiders will be back at first light, so we'd better work fast,\" Indy said. \"Tell me about this door.\"\n\n\"Just picture carved into mountain,\" Lo said arrogantly. \"Once, seventeen years ago, Lo and his cousins came to this spot and tied a thick rope around the handle. Then we put a log over boulder there, tied rope to end of it, and all pushed on end of log.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What happened?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rope broke,\" Lo said and turned to leave. \"Good-bye.\"\n\n\"Not quite yet,\" Indy said as he smoothly placed the fedora on his head, then grabbed the villager's shoulder with the same hand.\n\n\"What else to do?\" Lo asked.\n\n\"Research,\" Indy said as he took his notebook out of his satchel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held the pencil in his mouth as he flipped to a page marked by a rubber band." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a sketch of a round door, along with its dimensions, that Indy had copied from an ancient Arab manuscript. The manuscript was unrelated to the Qin treasure, but Indy had discovered that the architects of secret places thought alike, even if they were from different centuries and cultures. The tip-off for Indy was the last line of the inscription on the knife blade: The breath of the Sacred Mountain protects the tomb of Qin.\n\nIndy now had a tape and was comparing the measurements of the door with those of the sketch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was satisfied, he took a piece of chalk from his satchel and, measuring carefully from a small indentation in the center of the handle, made an X on the right half of the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he took a metal protractor, measured the angle from the edge of the tape, and made another X at the same distance, but forty-five degrees from the line of the first. Finally Indy measured the distance, halved it, and placed a larger X between the original marks.\n\n\"Qin, old man,\" Indy said. \"X marks the spot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What kind of magic is this?\" Lo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Geometry,\" Indy said as he replaced the chalk and notebook and removed a rock hammer and a chisel from the satchel. The chisel was tapered to a sharp, needlelike point.\n\n\"Now, I'm going to make some noise. It shouldn't take long, but it could attract some unwanted attention. Keep a sharp eye out.\"\n\nLo nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy placed the tip of the chisel against the chalk mark, drew back the rock hammer, then struck the butt of the chisel hard enough that sparks flew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lo covered his ears against the clanging sound.\n\nIndy continued to hammer, quicker and with more vigor, turning the chisel as he went. More sparks and bits of granite erupted from the point of the chisel.\n\nHe stopped after a dozen blows, blew away the rock dust, and inspected the depression he was making in the stone door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe I've got the wrong spot, but from the book I found in Cairo—\" Indy gritted his teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, this is it. I haven't made a mistake.\"\n\nIndy placed the chisel firmly against the spot, drew the hammer back, and struck. The chisel broke through—accompanied by a sound like a rifle shot—then disappeared from Indy's hand as it was snatched through the door by some unseen power.\n\nLo placed a hand to his mouth and stepped back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a whistling sound as a torrent of night air was sucked in through the hole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within seconds, the surface of the door around the hole was coated with a white layer of frost that was quickly turning to ice.\n\n\"Black magic,\" Lo stuttered.\n\n\"Not quite,\" Indy said when the rush of air had subsided. Indy grasped the handle and pulled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The round door, which fit like a tapered cork into the pipelike tunnel behind it, began to come forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lo rushed to help Indy with the door, and soon the three-hundred-pound cork was resting between them.\n\n\"But how?\" Lo asked.\n\n\"Vacuum,\" Indy said. \"The tomb had been sealed with a partial vacuum. Just a slight difference in air pressure makes locks and chains unnecessary. You found out that a team of horses couldn't have pulled that door away. But break the seal and equalize the pressure, and it becomes rather simple.\"\n\nLo nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The chisel broke through the mortared-over holes where the tomb builders stuck their hoses to pump the air out,\" Indy said as he brought out a battery-powered light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strapped the lamp and reflector over his fedora and clipped the battery pack to his belt. To keep the power cord out of his face, he ran it through a belt loop over his back pocket before plugging it in.\n\n\"What Jones think is inside?\" Lo asked, his eyes gleaming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The stories I have heard since childhood—mountains of gold, rivers of silver, a skyful of jewels.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I intend to find out,\" Indy said as he climbed into the tunnel. Then he shot Lo a stern look. \"I will assume anybody else in there with me means trouble—and act accordingly.\" Indy rested his right hand on the holstered butt of his .38-caliber revolver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I find anybody else in there with me—well, anybody else who hasn't been dead for a few thousand years—I will shoot them. Do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lo nodded.\n\n\"Good,\" Indy said. \"Stay here and stand guard. If there's any trouble, give a shout. If I'm not back in an hour before first light, leave.\"\n\nIndy looked at his watch. It was past one o'clock in the morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he took a gulp of fresh night air and ducked into the tunnel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It soon opened onto a wide corridor with stairs spiraling downward. The vaulted ceiling was high enough for Indy to stand without worrying about crushing the crown of his hat, and the corridor seemed unthreatening until Indy completed the first revolution of the downward spiral.\n\nHe was greeted by the first of what would become a seemingly endless row of terra-cotta soldiers lining the sides of the tunnel, standing at the ready, their faces frozen forever in menace. Their eyes were polished stones of blue, red, and green, which had been set into the clay before it dried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their cheeks bulged out, as if they were preparing to blow up an ancient balloon, and their lips formed delicate O's, and behind many of these lips were the same kinds of marbles as the eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Up from the floor ran a stout piece of bamboo that, Indy supposed, helped keep the statues upright. Even their balance was artificial, Indy thought; the only real things about the soldiers, it seemed, were their weapons: Swords gleamed, lances threatened, and crossbows remained cocked and pointed at the center of the passage.\n\nIndy particularly disliked the look of the crossbows.\n\nHe noticed that no two of the soldiers were alike, despite the similarities of marble eyes and bulbous cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't just that they were in different poses or had different weapons or clothes; each figure had its own face, its own personality, as if the sculptor had taken his inspiration for each face from life, but had transformed the original visage into a grotesque parody." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few yards farther on, Indy found his chisel on the floor of the tunnel amid some brown shards. He knelt, put the chisel back in his satchel, then stood to inspect the clay soldier his unintended missile had struck.\n\nThe victim had fallen against a comrade to the right. The chisel had struck the soldier beneath his sword arm, shattering the clay armor over his rib cage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy directed the light into the hole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside, human bones shone like ivory.\n\nIndy knew of the folktales about Qin, first emperor of China and architect of the Great Wall, who ruled two hundred years before the birth of Christ. According to legend, it had taken seven hundred thousand laborers nearly four decades to build his tomb (which, according to legend, was a miniature replica of the universe) and two hundred thousand of his best troops had been buried with him. It was not uncommon for kings to be interred with guards, servants, or family members to make their afterlife more pleasant, but Indy had doubted the size of Qin's spirit army." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, walking between the rows of terra-cotta corpses, he was not so sure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers looked as if they were ready to spring to life to protect Qin's treasure.\n\nSince the tomb had been hermetically sealed, not even a layer of dust coated the terra-cotta army. The floor and the walls of the corridor were as unstained if they had been constructed yesterday. Indy had the uncomfortable feeling that he had broken in to a modern, well-designed museum, rather than a tomb that had lain undisturbed for thousands of years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anxious to be out of the tomb by daylight, Indy pressed on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He almost did not feel the silken thread against his face or notice the crossbow, held in lifeless hands, that was pointed at him. But reflexes took over as he felt the thread part over the bridge of his nose, and finally noticed the gleaming head of the crossbow bolt aimed at his solar plexus.\n\nThe bowstring twanged, but Indy was already doing a backward dive to the steps. The arrow flew over him, slicing the crown of his hat, then smashed into the stomach of a terra-cotta warrior on the other side of the corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warrior, who was holding a battle-ax overhead, toppled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy rolled away as the heavy ax cut a groove in the step where his neck had been. The warrior disintegrated into a jumble of shattered clay and human bones.\n\nIndy sat up, brushed the brown dust from his clothes, and shook his head. \"I'm getting too old for this—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The step beneath him dropped down a few inches, followed by the hiss of air being forced through bamboo tubes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—stuff.\"\n\nA stone marble popped from the mouth of one of the warriors and bounced down three steps before Indy caught it. The marble was green, streaked with white, and Indy rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. It was substantial and smooth, the kind he would have called a shooter when he was a kid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is supposed to be scary?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked as he tossed the marble in the air and caught it palm-down. \"Better try harder, Qin.\"\n\nAnother marble bounced past him, this time a red one.\n\nThen he heard the sound of a hundred marbles hitting the floor above him, and rushing down the corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stood and took a few more steps down the tunnel, and each step sank a little more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon a hailstorm of marbles were dribbling from the mouths of each of the soldiers, and the sound of the stone marbles pouring down the stairs grew thunderous.\n\nA river of red, blue, and green overtook him.\n\nIndy stood for a moment while the marbles swept past, then the surge become irresistible. It knocked Indy's feet out from under him and swept him along with the spherical tide, which crashed into walls and knocked over terra-cotta warriors as if they were bowling pins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Swords and knives fell from long-dead hands, and crossbow bolts whizzed in every direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More marbles were added to the mix as they spilled from the broken clay figures.\n\nThe noise was painful.\n\nThe carpet of marbles made the tunnel as slippery as ice. Indy tried to slow his descent by grabbing hold of the soldiers, but clay arms and legs broke off in his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He winced as a fallen sword sliced through his leather jacket and nicked the flesh of his right shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay, this is scary,\" Indy said.\n\nHe pulled his hat down over his ears with both hands and tucked his legs into his chest as the tide carried him swiftly down the spiraling passage.\n\nThe corridor opened onto a funnel-like pit, where thousands of marbles swirled around the rim like water about to disappear down a drain. The weapons and the pieces of clay and bone, which did not roll, slid directly into the depths of the pit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took the bullwhip from his belt and, as he swirled around the rim, lashed out blindly for the edge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Above, the whip found something to bite into, and Indy was soon dangling along the far side of the pit while the deluge of marbles washed over him.\n\nIndy peered into the darkness.\n\n\"Whatever is down there,\" Indy said, \"it can't be good.\"\n\nHe twisted for a moment before he managed to get a decent grip, then he began to haul himself, hand over hand, up the length of the twelve-foot whip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he looked overhead, the beam of his electric lamp was reflected by a dozen glittering points of light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first he thought he was looking up at the night sky, because the points seemed to make up familiar constellations—but the lights faded when he turned his head.\n\nThe slope of the pit began to lessen, and Indy soon had his legs beneath him as he scaled the last few feet. When he reached the top, he stood.\n\nHe felt as if he had come up through a drain in the bottom of the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The end of the whip had caught the wing of a stone dragon that straddled the funnel on its hind legs and tail and that held the moon in its jaws." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy knelt down, unsnared the whip, and became entranced as his lamp revealed the seas and craters etched on the ivory moon. It was about the size of a cantaloupe. The harsh electric light bounced from its ivory surface and bathed the chamber in soft, artificial moonlight. Suddenly aware that thousands of things sparkled in his peripheral vision, Indy turned his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy found himself in the middle of a jeweled sea, traversed by miniature sailing ships of silver and gold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Above, a canopy of diamonds shone in a midnight sky. The ceiling looked like an inverted bowl studded with jewels, and he could just touch the highest point with his fingertips. The floor of the chamber was flat and appeared to be about fifty feet in diameter. Continents were represented by patches of brown and green, but they were not arranged in the familiar pattern that Indy had become accustomed to since grade school." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead, they were all a jumble, with Africa, India, and Asia encompassed by a single sea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Americas and the poles were missing, and the world apparently ended just beyond southern Europe. The continents were studded with landmarks in precious metals.\n\nIndy was off the coast of a storybook China, where a Great (but miniature) Wall serpentined around foothills of jade. The Yangtze and its tributaries were flowing mercury." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The center of the universe, Peking, was marked by a glittering temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was stunned. During a more rational moment, his senses might have reeled at the sheer volume of treasure in the room, in terms of monetary and historical value. But Indy was enchanted, caught in the spell of Qin's perfect world, half believing that he must be dreaming in his bed at the little house in Princeton, New Jersey. Gulliver-like, Indy stepped over the rim of the funnel and reached down to touch the bejeweled world.\n\nHis weight activated some ancient leveling device." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind him, the moon fell from the dragon's jaws and began to swirl down the funnel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dove after it, managed to get his fingertips on it, but was suddenly jerked back. The strap of his satchel had caught on one of the claws of the dragon's feet, and he hung upside down beneath the stone monster while the moon circled the neck of the funnel, then disappeared.\n\nIndy closed his eyes and listened to the pale orb rattle down a system of pipes below him. Then there was a sharp mechanical sound, followed by the gurgle of water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This might be bad, Indy said to himself as he tried to untangle the strap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was unsure whether he would be safer remaining in the treasure room or risking escape through the series of traps that he knew must lie beneath him.\n\nAlready a fine mist was wetting his cheek. Indy sucked his lungs full of air and closed his mouth. In another moment the mist had become a trickle, and then a torrent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed his fedora just as it was swept from his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy dangled from the strap like a leaf trapped in a storm drain. Even above the rush of the water he could hear a set of massive gears churning below him, and he imagined the brittle cracking of bones as they were crushed to splinters between stone teeth.\n\nIndy could feel the strap weakening against the weight of the water, and although he tried to pull himself up to grasp the stone appendages of the dragon, he could not. When his lungs could stand it no longer he gasped for air, and was punished by a mixture that left him sputtering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the water subsided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard the ivory moon land back in the jaws above him. The sound of rushing air slowed and then stopped. Indy allowed himself to relax for a moment, hanging like a wet sponge. He was glad he had been unable to undo the strap from the dragon's claw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Finally.\" He sighed. \"A break.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the strap, which had been tested nearly to failure by the action of the water and the abrasion of the stone, broke. The movement jostled the stone dragon, and the moon fell once again from its jaws into the funnel.\n\nIndy slipped into darkness and disappeared down the shaft at the bottom of the funnel. The orb followed after." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a few yards the shaft curved, and from the fleeting illumination provided by the electric light Indy saw a tiny trapdoor that was the right size for the miniature moon to pass through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned, seized the ivory ball, and clutched it to him like a quarterback facing an overwhelming offense. He knew the trapdoor would trigger the deluge once again and that this time, caught in the confines of the shaft, he would drown.\n\nHe had almost stopped tumbling when the shaft curved downward again, and Indy found himself dumped on his hands and knees in a layer of mud and unidentifiable muck in a new chamber. This layer of soft but disgusting material lined the bottom and sides of a deep pit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy got to his knees and examined the palms of his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mixed in with the slime were tiny shards of bone. He wiped his hands on his trousers, snatched the ivory moon up, and placed it in his satchel. He tied the broken strap of the satchel together and slipped it over his shoulder.\n\nThen he examined the rest of the chamber." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On either side of him were massive stone cylinders, obviously meant to press together under the force of the water and crush the offender." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Above the pit, on a jade throne positioned to oversee such gruesome justice, was Qin. The emperor wore an armored breastplate and ornate helmet. Bits of leatherlike flesh still clung to the skull, as well as some wisps of black hair. At his feet were a half dozen skeletal concubines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ceiling was domed, and in the center was an eight-sided aperture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a symbol on each side of the aperture, and Indy recognized them as the eight symbols used in the I Ching, the Book of Changes.\n\nIndy climbed up over the killing wheels and into the chamber proper, where he paused before Qin and tipped his hat. \"What an ego,\" Indy said. \"You must have left yourself an escape route, just in case your corpse came back to life. After all, you were a god.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy searched carefully, then found what he was looking for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the right side of the throne, within reach of Qin's dead fingers, were five bronze levers. Indy kneeled, then carefully inspected them. Odds were that only one of them would reveal a passage out; the other four were sure to be deadly traps. Even if an intruder reached Qin's throne, there was still an 80 percent chance of not getting out alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stood and gazed into Qin's vacant eye sockets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What were you thinking?\" Indy asked.\n\nNumbers three and five, which Qin and his contemporaries probably considered divine, were the best choices, Indy decided. But which to choose?\n\nIndy looked at his watch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crystal was broken and the hands were frozen just shy of four o'clock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Time was running out when the watch had stopped, and Indy wasn't sure of how long ago that had been.\n\nIndy reached for lever five, then hesitated.\n\n\"You wouldn't have made it this easy,\" Indy said finally. \"Maybe it doesn't matter if you choose three or five. Perhaps it's more a matter of where you're standing—or sitting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were five broad flagstones surrounding the throne—two in front, two on the sides, and one in back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Move over, Qin.\"\n\nIndy climbed up onto the jade throne and sat as gently as he could in the emperor's lap. Still, a cloud of dust rose from the corpse. Indy winced. Then he reached down, grasped lever number one firmly in his right hand, and tugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flagstones in front of the throne fell open with an explosive sound that reminded Indy of a trap being sprung on a gallows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time, the aperture in the center of the domed chamber opened. A rumbling shook the throne room as tons of fine sand poured from the aperture and into the shaft that had been revealed.\n\nThen, as the sand stopped, the throne began to rise.\n\nAbove, Indy could see a glimmer of starlight in a pinkish sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Below, he could see the shaft beneath the throne as it rose from the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy fought an urge to jump down. Whatever happened, the safest place in the entire tomb was probably sitting with Qin.\n\nThe throne was rising at an angle of several degrees off center, so that even though the sand fell into the shaft in front of it, the throne would rise up through the same aperture.\n\nAs it rose, it gained speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The throne passed through the aperture in the ceiling, twenty feet above the floor, and continued up at the same slanting angle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy could smell the fresh night air, and he could see a wider circle of fading stars at the end of the shaft.\n\nThe throne was going even faster now, and traversed the last hundred feet of shaft in a few seconds. Suddenly it was thrust from the side of the mountain and stopped, in a cloud of corpse dust, with a jerk. Qin's skull rolled from his shoulders, bounced once on the arm of the jade throne, then disappeared down the mountainside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was thrown from Qin's lap, but managed to grasp lever number five on his way over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the wrong one. He felt the mechanical click, then the throne began to recede back into the side of the mountain.\n\nBelow him, Indy heard a gasp.\n\n\"Ai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A squad of Japanese soldiers, who had been holding Lo at bayonet-point, were looking up in slack-jawed wonder at the spectacle of the jade throne, what was left of the emperor, and Indiana Jones hanging in the morning sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lo made use of the moment to flee, and none of the soldiers turned to chase him.\n\nGiven the choice between the certain death of being crushed against the side of the mountain and probable death at the hands of these Japanese raiders, Indy choose the latter. He released his grip on the lever and dropped to the feet of the Japanese soldiers.\n\nThe mountain rumbled, and the shaft seemed to disappear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, the round door where he had entered—which Lo had replaced before the soldiers arrived—gave a shudder and was sucked inward as the tomb regained its original pressure differential." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy greeted the soldiers with a wry smile and a salutation in Japanese:\n\n\"Ohio gozaimash'ta.\"\n\nOne of the soldiers made a move toward Indy with his bayonet, but the squad leader knocked it aside.\n\n\"Not to tell us good morning!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the squad leader screamed at Indy in English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not to say anything! What is your name?\"\n\nIndy was silent.\n\n\"What is your name?\"\n\n\"You told me not to say anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Silence!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The squad leader drove the toe of his boot into Indy's ribs.\n\n\"You didn't have to do that,\" Indy said, doubling over in pain.\n\n\"What is your name?\"\n\n\"Babe Ruth,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stand up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stood.\n\nThe squad leader took the Webley from Indy's holster and stuck it into his own belt. Then he took the satchel and removed the ivory moon from it. He held it up for the others to see." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey,\" Indy said. \"This is still China, and that belongs to the Chinese.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Property now of Imperial Japanese Army,\" the squad leader said. \"You have strayed into Manchukuo, you stupid American. Now we take you into custody to help you get back safely.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prison cell was dark, damp, lonely. Since his capture at Mount Hua, Indy had seen nothing but the back of an Imperial Army truck and the interior of the prison, which he had entered in the dead of night. They had taken everything from him, including his clothes and papers, and had given him nothing in return except a uniform that was little more than rags.\n\nWhat light and fresh air that visited the cell came from a small barred window high above Indy's head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The prison had no electricity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the sun went down and the light from the window died, the cell was plunged into darkness until the next morning. The cell was cold at night, and when it rained the water splattered down from the open window and dampened the pile of straw that served as a bed.\n\nThe latrine was a bowl that was emptied once a day.\n\nIndy had no idea of his location, or what the Japanese intended to do with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw no other prisoners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards brought a bowl of cold rice and a metal can of fetid water twice a day, and Indy was thankful they had thought to feed him at all. He suspected they were keeping him alive to learn more about the interior of the treasure tomb; otherwise, they would have killed him on the spot.\n\nOn the fifth day of his imprisonment, a pair of soldiers dragged him out of the cell. The soldiers differed from the slovenly, dim-witted provincial guards that brought the cold bowl of rice every day; these were well-groomed and sharp-eyed career soldiers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The younger was clean-shaven and had exceptionally fine features and jet-black hair, and even so it took Indy a moment to recognize that this soldier was a woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore a heavy canvas flight suit over a tan service uniform, and at her collar Indy spied the yellow-and-red ribbon of a second lieutenant. The other soldier was heavier, a few years older, and powerfully built. He was bald, his jaw was heavy, and his eyes seemed to be furrowed in a perpetual scowl. He wore the dark brown coveralls of a warrant officer, and over his left arm was a white armband emblazoned with the rising sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both wore peaked caps with a gold star on the crown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As these new soldiers dragged him down the corridor, the regular guards stepped oafishly out of their way and saluted, but refused to make eye contact with them.\n\nThat's a bad sign, Indy thought.\n\nThey threw Indy into a room that was bare except for a pair of straight-backed chairs and a wooden bench. There were no windows, and light was provided by a kerosene lamp that hung from the ceiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lamp's wick needed trimming badly, and the flame was ragged and belched carbon up the smoky globe and onto the ceiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers placed Indy roughly in one of the chairs, then stood at attention behind him.\n\nOn the bench were Indy's clothes, his satchel, his papers, the whip, holster, and revolver, even the ivory moon. The clothes had been cleaned and pressed.\n\nStanding on the other side of the room was a man in a knee-length black trench coat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was young—perhaps twenty-five—of average height, slightly built, with brown eyes and shortly cropped black hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His cheeks were smudged, and even from across the room Indy could smell the odor of petrol and exhaust fumes. Around his neck hung a pair of aviator goggles, and beneath them were a white silk scarf. He was smoking a cigarette with such practiced nonchalance that he reminded Indy of a leading man in a Hollywood film.\n\nHe motioned for the soldiers to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They bowed and backed out of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you well?\"\n\nThe man spoke English with no trace of an accent.\n\n\"Well enough,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man reached into the pocket of his trench coat and casually drew out a pack of Lucky Strikes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He offered the pack to Indy.\n\n\"I don't smoke,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I did not think you did, Dr. Jones,\" the man said as he returned the cigarettes to his pocket. \"I did not find any evidence of it in your things. But then, smoking is somewhat customary in prison. One of the few freedoms inmates enjoy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the cigarette dangling from his mouth, the man stepped up on the chair and adjusted the flame of the kerosene lamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It burned more brightly now, with less smoke.\n\nIndy blinked at the sudden brilliance. He ran a hand over his jaws, feeling a forest of stubble that was fast becoming a beard.\n\n\"Get to the point,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forgive me,\" he said. \"This is somewhat awkward, isn't it? I must apologize for your treatment. I hope the squad that brought you in didn't hurt you too badly. No? Good. My name is Master Mishima Sokai. I work for the foreign office in Tokyo.\"\n\n\"So you're a spy,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yes, and a rather good one,\" Sokai said with a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you can tell me why your goons dragged me here,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm a professor of archaeology at Princeton University and was conducting legitimate research on Mount Hua when—\"\n\nSokai held up his hand.\n\n\"Do not raise your voice, please,\" he asked pleasantly. \"I am not easily intimidated, and I know more about you than even your colleagues on campus do. This secret life you lead is quite fascinating. Wherever Dr. Jones goes, trouble seems to follow. That cannot be a coincidence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's just say I have a talent for it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed,\" Sokai said. \"And I can appreciate your need for discretion.\"\n\n\"Since you seem to know so much about me,\" Indy said, \"why don't you tell me something about yourself.\" Without asking, he reached out and pulled his clothes from the table. Sokai cocked an eyebrow, but did not stop him from changing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In addition to being regarded as Nippon's top spymaster by those in a position to know, I am also a fighter pilot, a chutai leader with the 24th Sentai of the Imperial Army Air Force.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I thought the goggles were just for fun.\"\n\n\"Actually, being a pilot has its advantages. No train or boat schedules to deal with, superior firepower, and the advantage of firsthand aerial reconnaissance.\"\n\n\"Fascists seem to be particularly fond of aircraft, I've found,\" Indy said. \"What are those two that left the room? Your gunner and bombardier?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, they are the other pilots in my chutai,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lieutenant Musashi and Warrant Officer Miyamoto. We fly Ki-10 Type 95 biplane fighters. The Type 95 flies at a ceiling of nearly 10,000 feet, has a top speed of 248 miles per hour, and is armed with a pair of 7.7-millimeter machine guns in the nose.\"\n\n\"Do you have a picture of it in your wallet?\"\n\n\"I appreciate wit,\" Sokai said, \"but only when used sparingly. Like a precocious child, you are beginning to try my patience. See that it doesn't break.\"\n\nSokai stared at Indy a moment to make his point, then continued: \"Let's see, what are the usual questions I am asked? I speak English well because I was schooled in the West. My father was a foreigner, a gaijin, a diplomat. My mother? A geisha who had the misfortune to fall in love with him. I was born the day in 1904 he was executed as a spy during the Russo-Japanese War. So you see, I have grown up gaijin in my own land. I have become quite a fan of American films, American cigarettes, and American clothes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But your politics are decidedly Imperial.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"America is just a hobby,\" Sokai said. \"But Japan is the land of my ancestors. Besides, we're on the same side. We aren't at war.\"\n\n\"Tell that to the Chinese,\" Indy said.\n\nSokai laughed as he dropped the butt of his cigarette on the floor and ground it out with the heel of a well-polished shoe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Life is a struggle,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am a student of Bushido, the way of the warrior.\" Sokai reached inside his trench coat and withdrew a samurai sword. He held it front of him, upright, in a two-handed grip.\n\n\"Often, the old ways are the best,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This blade is more than five hundred years old, and still it is the sharpest edge known to man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy began to speak, but Sokai held a finger to his lips.\n\n\"The swordsmith who made it devoted ten years of his life to the process. It was forged only after the workshop had been purified and offerings made to the deity that would inhabit the blade, which was made of a single lump of iron ore. The blade was heated, hammered, and folded five thousand times, and each time it was cooled in the snows of Fuji to temper it.\"\n\n\"I've heard the stories,\" Indy said as he bent over to tie the laces of his boots.\n\n\"The spirit that enters the blade is a reflection of the piety of the maker,\" Sokai continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes, when the swordmaker's mental state was marred by a bad thought, an evil spirit would enter the blade. But it would not be known until the blade had drawn its first blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've got the feeling you've already found out.\"\n\n\"That was known long ago,\" Sokai said. Then he nicked the ball of his thumb with the blade, drawing a sliver of blood. \"One should never sheathe an edged weapon without its having tasted blood. Otherwise, the hunger can grow overpowering.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In one graceful, practiced motion Sokai drew the back edge of the sword along the fleshy V between his left forefinger and thumb to guide the blade into the scabbard, then slipped the weapon home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked at Sokai without comment.\n\n\"I always keep this blade on my person,\" Sokai said. \"One never knows when the need for it will arise.\"\n\n\"I prefer more modern methods,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he reached for the Webley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go ahead,\" Sokai said. \"It's empty, of course.\"\n\nIndy broke open the cylinder. Sokai was right. Then he closed the gun, returned its familiar weight to the holster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And what of this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sokai said as he plucked the whip from the bench. \"Surely you don't consider this modern? Slaves have been feeling the lash of the whip since time began. What an odd choice.\"\n\nSokai tossed the whip.\n\nIndy caught it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes,\" Indy said, \"the slaves turn the whip against the masters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An idealist,\" Sokai said. \"How charming.\"\n\n\"What do you want?\" Indy asked as he donned his hat.\n\nSokai picked up the ivory moon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From the tomb of Qin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you say so,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Don't you wonder how Qin's astronomers knew the moon was round? And with such detail that they etched the craters and mares on the far side? We still don't know what that looks like. She never turns her back to us.\"\n\n\"Get on with it.\"\n\n\"I'm after not only treasure, Dr. Jones,\" Sokai said as he placed the moon in Indy's satchel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm after power. Ancient knowledge. Magic. It is a force which all cultures before us understood. The ancient samurai, for instance, studied more than just the art of war. They also cultivated their talent for painting, music, literature, the play of positive and negative forces in the universe, and the use of incantations and spells. The soldiers told me quite a tale about your emergence from the mountain. Something about the ghost of the emperor dropping you at their feet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They must have been drunk,\" Indy said as he slipped on his jacket. \"I was so excited after I found this thing that I tripped going back down the mountain to tell my guide about it. That's all.\"\n\nThen he picked up his hat, brushed some dust from the crown, and placed it in the satchel. He slung the satchel over his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Preparing to leave?\" Sokai asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wouldn't you?\"\n\nSokai reached down, picked up a wooden crate the size of a hatbox, and placed it on the bench. The crate was painted black, and the top was hinged and padlocked. Sokai produced a key from his pocket, unlocked the top, and swung it open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed the box across to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ever seen one of these?\"\n\nInside was a helmet-shaped device, made of very old-looking iron.\n\n\"It's called the nutcracker,\" Sokai said. \"Yes, that's right. It's used for cracking tough nuts.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tapped his own skull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's lovely,\" Indy said.\n\n\"As I said, the old ways are often the best,\" Sokai said as he took the device out of the crate. It had thick screws protruding from the areas that would fit over the eyes, ears, and mouth. The halves were closed by a pin that slipped into the clasp from above." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sokai removed the pin and swung the halves open to reveal corkscrew spikes inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were black and crusted with dried blood.\n\n\"And you intend to use that on me?\"\n\n\"If I must,\" Sokai said. \"But I hope it won't come to that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't hold your breath.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very funny,\" Sokai said. \"And very brave, in the face of being made progressively deaf, dumb, and blind. Ah, I see that I have your attention now. That is how it works—first one ear goes, and then the other. Then the tongue is ruined. Finally, because most of us prize our sight above all, first one eye is taken, and then comes the great darkness. But don't despair. Most nuts crack before it comes to that.\"\n\nSokai looked sympathetically at Indy.\n\n\"Or, you can avoid all of this unpleasantness and simply tell me the secrets of Qin's tomb,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am particularly interested in getting in and out alive, as you apparently have.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go fish.\"\n\nSokai called to his aviators. When they came, he spoke softly to them in Japanese.\n\n\"Hai,\" they each said and bowed curtly before beginning their work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They seized Indy's hands, wrenched them behind his back, and attempted to bring his wrists together so they could bind them with a cord." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's wrong?\" Sokai demanded when they were unable to bring Indy's hands together.\n\n\"The gaijin is strong,\" Lieutenant Musashi complained.\n\n\"How strong could he be?\" Sokai snorted. \"He's twenty years older than you, and he's been on prison rations for nearly a week.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sokai Sensei,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will try harder.\"\n\nIn the struggle, the lieutenant's hat was knocked from her head, and a cascade of silky black hair fell from beneath it.\n\n\"Why do you look so surprised?\" Sokai asked. \"Did you not think the lieutenant's features were overly fine, that the voice was a little too feminine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew she was a woman,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I didn't know she was this beautiful.\"\n\nThen Sokai snapped his fingers.\n\nWarrant Officer Miyamoto struck Indy on the back of the head with his fist, hard enough so that Indy saw stars. Pushing Indy into a chair, Miyamoto seized a wrist in each hand, grunted, and brought them together while the lieutenant bound them with cord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Sokai said and drew close. \"Hold his head.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He opened the nutcracker wide, screwed the spikes out, then clamped it over Indy's head while the others held him still. Indy fought until the helmet was closed. He could feel the tips of the spikes scraping against his eyelids, his ears, and his bottom lip when he moved even slightly. The only direction he could move his head, he soon found, was backward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There,\" Sokai said. \"All set. Are you comfortable, Dr. Jones?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy mumbled.\n\n\"Of course you're not! Who would be?\"\n\nThe soldiers stepped away while Sokai moved behind the chair and placed a hand on the screw handle that drove the spike over the right ear. Sokai slowly turned the handle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is how it begins,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The anticipation of so much unnecessary pain. The sound of the screw turning, so close to your ear, followed by the feeling of the spike as it touches your outer ear—there, you jumped, you must have felt it—and then the awful agonizing seconds as it travels into the ear canal toward the tender membrane of the eardrum. And when the eardrum breaks, there is acute pain and a roaring sound—ironic, from an ear that has gone permanently deaf.\"\n\n\"You're enjoying this too much,\" Indy tried to say without stabbing his lip or driving the spike farther into his ear, but it came out unintelligible.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Sokai said. \"You had your chance to—\"\n\nIndy kicked out, catching the edge of the bench with the toe of his right boot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bench tipped over, and as it did, a corner crashed into the lamp, bursting the globe and extinguishing the flame while dousing the room with kerosene." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room went dark.\n\nIndy tipped backward, and as the chair went over with him the back of the helmet caught Sokai in the chest. It knocked the air out of his lungs, and Sokai fell to the floor, gasping.\n\nIndy's right ear was ringing painfully and he could feel blood trickling down his neck, but he forced himself to keep moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He untangled his arms from the chair back, got to his knees, and drove his chin to his chest while shaking his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pin slipped out of the clasp and the helmet fell to the floor with a bang.\n\nThe soldiers called for their master in the darkness.\n\nSokai was still struggling to draw a breath, but his hands were outstretched, searching.\n\nIndy got to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He backed against the wall, so that he could search with his still-bound hands, and felt frantically for the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sokai clutched Indy's leg in the darkness.\n\nIndy tried to kick him away, but couldn't. Then, in the struggle, the cord binding his hands snapped, and he punched blindly toward where he thought Sokai's face would be. He was rewarded with the smack of knuckles meeting flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sokai, however, did not stop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He caught one of Indy's jabs in his hands, turned the wrist, expertly locked the elbow, and drove him to the floor. With his face jammed against the floor and Sokai on top of him, Indy could not reach far enough with his right hand to defend himself. Then his groping right hand found a piece of broken chair leg.\n\nIndy swung the wood, haymaker style, and the extension was just enough to connect with his opponent's chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sokai's head snapped backward, he released his grip on Indy, and he swayed for a moment before he fell forward—into the open front half of the nutcracker lying on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy could not see what was happening, but he was shocked at the sound it made, a wet hollow sound like that made by driving an ice pick into a watermelon.\n\nLieutenant Musashi also knew the sound.\n\n\"I am blinded,\" Sokai said matter-of-factly, as if it were someone else's eyeball that had been impaled on a rusty metal spike.\n\nMusashi's alarm for her master turned instantly to a thirst for revenge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop!\" she commanded, and the barrel of her semiautomatic pistol sought Indy in the darkness, wavering this way and that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A second before the shot rang out, Indy instinctively felt that a gun was being aimed his way, and he flattened himself against the floor. The report was deafening in the small room, and the orange muzzle flash froze their positions as if a photograph were being taken—Sokai on the floor with the mask attached to his face like a living thing, Miyamoto in a fighting crouch but unsure of which way to go, and the lieutenant with a 1914 Mauser pistol held in front of her with both hands. The round pockmarked the wall behind Indy, then the room went briefly back to darkness.\n\nLieutenant Musashi squeezed off two more rounds, the sparks belching from the muzzle of her Mauser." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The second shot missed, but her third found its mark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slug hit Indy in the left shoulder, driving him through the wooden door and out into the corridor outside. A searing pain went from his collarbone down to the tips of his fingers.\n\nIndy scrambled to his feet, shaking off pieces of the broken door, and stumbled down the hall. There was a barred window at the end of the corridor, and a trio of guards in front of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guards scattered when they saw Musashi step out of the doorway and level the automatic handgun their way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She aimed carefully at the center of Indy's back and pulled the trigger. The trigger, however, was stuck; the gun had misfired, with a casing jamming the chamber.\n\nIndy put his right arm over his face and plunged into the window. The bars gave way in a shower of old mortar and broken glass," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi cursed fluently in English and threw the worthless foreign gun down in disgust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She barked orders at the prison guards to form a squad and go after the American. Then she screamed for them to bring back the first doctor they could find and to send for the best doctor in the province.\n\nThey looked at her blankly.\n\nShe repeated the orders in Japanese, even more ferociously than before." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy fell into the muddy street outside the prison and attempted a forward roll, but his nonresponsive shoulder left him on his back. His shoulder was throbbing and numb at the same time, the way your thumb is when you hit it with a hammer while trying to drive a nail. He didn't think the bullet had struck bone, but it was difficult to be sure. He grimaced and tucked his left arm protectively into his jacket, leaving the sleeve empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he was on his feet and running." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was dusk and he made for the shadows that pooled beneath the gables of a deserted warehouse at the end of the street. Apart from a pair of chickens that scolded Indy for his rudeness, the street was deserted.\n\nPosters in Chinese and French tacked to the weathered fence declared that the warehouse had been seized by the Imperial Army, was the property of the emperor, and trespassers would be shot. Indy had some difficulty scaling the fence, and as he dropped to the ground on the other side, he could hear the steady tromp-tromp of boots coming down the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warehouse was a dark cave inside, and Indy could hear the cooing of pigeons in the rafters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made his way quickly through the darkness, found a door at the rear of the building, shouldered his way past it, and discovered the end of a crooked, narrow alley.\n\nThe alley was a makeshift home to many dozens of families who had been displaced by the Japanese, and Indy had to hurdle cooking fires, squeeze between packing crates, and duck beneath clotheslines. Once he had to flatten himself against a doorway as a squad of soldiers passed at the intersection of a nearby street, and he held his finger to his lips to urge quiet from a family living in a crate as they stared impassively at him and ate from bowls of cold rice.\n\nIt was apparent that he was heading deeper into the older section of the city, but he had no idea which city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he asked where he was, those brave enough to answer or to ask if he was hurt badly spoke a dialect he didn't understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he kept pressing on, hoping to find a landmark or some other sign that would give him a clue—and an idea of which way to run for safety. But every block looked the same as the last, other than its being more crowded and difficult to traverse.\n\nExhausted, Indy finally slowed to a walk.\n\nA Japanese soldier on a motorcycle pulled up to the intersection of the last street Indy had crossed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let the bike idle while he swung the handlebars to the left and right, searching the intersection with the beam of the headlight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beam revealed the blood that Indy had trailed. The soldier shouted in Japanese and honked furiously to attract the attention of the other soldiers, then gunned the bike's engine and tore down the alley while refugees scrambled to get out of the way.\n\nIndy heard the shouts and began to run.\n\nThe motorcycle soldier continued at breakneck speed down the alley, cutting through clotheslines and scattering cooking fires." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He finally hit a clothesline that refused to yield, and that promptly snatched him from the seat of the bike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy emerged from the alley into a public square in the city's old quarter. A thousand or more people were standing shoulder to shoulder to see a performance taking place in the center of the square on a traveling stage made from an old flatbed wagon. The stage was lit by hanging lanterns and candle-powered footlights.\n\nA blonde woman in dark robes covered with the usual assortment of hex symbols delivered a magician's patter in English, assisted by a dark-haired girl of perhaps sixteen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The teenaged assistant wore a yellow, loose-fitting silk outfit, including a tasseled cap with bells." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The magician paused every few sentences to allow a Chinese translator to give a more or less accurate account in the local dialect.\n\nIndy shouldered his way into the crowd.\n\nThe magician pointed to the right. There was a bang, followed by a red scarf that floated out of a puff of smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy ducked involuntarily at the report." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The magician pointed to the left. Another bang, and a green scarf floated down.\n\n\"Have you liked our show so far?\" the magician asked.\n\nThe translator asked the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was scattered applause and the beating of walking sticks on the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, the best is yet to come!\" she promised. \"Please show your appreciation by whatever you can spare—a bit of change, some food, a good wish if necessary. While my assistant, Mystery, passes the basket for donations, let me tell you something about our family.\"\n\nShe paused to allow the translator to catch up.\n\nIndy noticed that more Japanese soldiers were beginning to arrive around the square." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He worked his way deeper into the crowd, toward the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name is Faye Maskelyne, and we are members of the world's first family of magic. Those of you who have visited fair London certainly know of our reputation, and those of you who have not had the pleasure will tonight see some of our finest illusions. But why, you might ask, are a mistress of magic and her able assistant touring for pennies in far-off venues when they could be earning a fortune and adulation undying from the comfort of their ancestral home?\"\n\nThe translator had a bit of trouble with this last.\n\n\"I'll tell you,\" Faye continued. \"The answer lies in the photograph that Mystery carries with her basket. Take a good look at it, friends, and tell her if you've seen this man. He is the object of our search. His name is Kaspar Maskelyne, and he is Mystery's father. He is also, of course, my husband.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Japanese had now surrounded the square." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lieutenant Musashi scrambled onto the hood of a truck for a better view. Her hair was still unbound, and she was directing the search with Sokai's unsheathed sword.\n\n\"Kaspar Maskelyne came to the mysterious East four years ago, searching for a book of secret knowledge told of by the ancient Arab scholar, Ibn Battuta.\" Faye snapped her fingers and a book danced high over the heads of the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This book—the legendary Omega Book—contains a complete record of the lives of every soul who will ever live on this earth, and all of the secrets of nature. Every religion refers to it. There are different names for it, but it is the same book. And it can only be found with the aid of the Staff of Aaron.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye snapped her fingers again, and the book disappeared. At the same time, a staff appeared from a cloud of smoke on the stage. Slithering around the staff was a snake.\n\n\"The same staff that Moses turned into a serpent before the pharaoh's magicians, that brought down the plagues upon Egypt, and that parted the Red Sea. The original magician's wand!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye clapped her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The snake disappeared and a flowering almond tree took its place. The translator was having a difficult time keeping up, and the crowd seemed lost.\n\n\"You all know about Moses, right?\" Faye asked. \"The staff turning into an almond tree in the desert? Okay, let's move on. You've all heard of the rope trick, right? Announce the rope trick, for God's sake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The translator did so, and the crowd made appreciative sounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery placed the offerings basket and photograph at the feet of the translator and returned to the stage.\n\n\"Our old friend Ibn Battuta called himself the traveler,\" Faye said. \"And for good reason, because in 1355 he went so far as to visit the court of the Great Khan, and it is there that Battuta first recorded an account of what has become the most famous conjuration in magic—the Rope Trick.\"\n\nMystery dragged an oversized trunk onto the stage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She opened it, retrieved a small spear from it, and reached into the trunk for the end of a coiled rope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tied the rope to the haft of the spear, then stood at the ready with it.\n\n\"Many have tried over the centuries to duplicate the miracle that occurred that night in Khan's court, but none have succeeded—until now. In our extensive traveling we have learned the necessary black art, and are pleased to present it to you now.\"\n\nMystery handed over the spear.\n\nFaye turned and threw the spear upward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It disappeared into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rope followed behind, uncoiling from the box, then hung, clearly suspended in midair.\n\nThe crowd gasped.\n\nThe soldiers elbowed their way through the crowd in a slow and deliberate search pattern that would soon pin Indy against the stage. Faye noted the uniforms moving through the audience, but pressed on with her act." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is an ogre living in the clouds,\" Faye announced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He guards an immense treasure. He has vowed to rip anyone to shreds who attempts to steal it. But you, my lithe assistant, are up to the challenge.\"\n\nMystery's head swiveled from side to side.\n\n\"Up!\" she commanded and pointed at the rope.\n\nMystery was having none of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye shook her head and looked at the audience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She again pointed at the rope and commanded Mystery to climb it.\n\nThe assistant backed away.\n\nFaye produced a wand from her robes and aimed it at the assistant. She mumbled some words that sounded like pig Latin, and the assistant pretended to be irresistibly drawn toward the rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stepped into the box, then grasped the rope with both hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly, she began to climb the rope hand-over-hand, and the sight of her ascending the rope was made even more dramatic because she did not use her legs to propel herself upward.\n\n\"That's one athletic assistant,\" Indy mumbled as he turned up his collar and slouched against one of the wagon wheels. Two of the soldiers were now almost close enough to touch him.\n\nFaye aimed her wand again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a puff of smoke, the assistant disappeared into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same instant, Indy ducked beneath the wagon and, in a running crouch, made for the other side. When he emerged, another soldier was waiting for him.\n\nIndy ducked back beneath the wagon.\n\nAbove, Faye was calling elaborately to her assistant, and Mystery was answering in a far-off voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then there was the sound of a terrible fight, screaming and the ripping of cloth, and a few bits of tattered yellow silk floated down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many of the pieces had conspicuously large drops of \"blood\" on them, and Faye picked one of these up and regarded it sadly. Then she drew her wand and began to recite a string of mumbo jumbo that grew in intensity as she made lazy circles with the wand.\n\nIt was dark beneath the wagon. Indy was crouching, waiting to see what the soldiers would do, when someone butted against him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They both recoiled in surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you?\" a female voice asked.\n\n\"Who are you?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I'm the assistant,\" Mystery said as she crawled past. \"You're not supposed to be under here. Go away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm hiding from those goons out there,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saw 'em,\" Mystery said as she moved to a trapdoor that was hanging open. It was beneath the oversized box that the rope had come from. \"Sorry, mister, but I've got a show to finish.\"\n\nThe mumbo jumbo above them stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's my cue,\" she said as she climbed into place. \"Good luck.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was an explosion, the usual smoke, and Mystery jumped from the box, restored.\n\n\"Good luck,\" Indy snorted as the soldiers began crawling beneath the wagon.\n\nThe Maskelynes were a hit in Manchuria. The crowd yelled, clapped, and stamped its collective feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye clasped Mystery's hand and together they took a long, dramatic bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, the crowd began to ooh and aah again as Indy climbed out of the magic box, followed by the heads of a pair of bewildered-looking soldiers.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said over his shoulder as he slammed down the lid and sat on the box.\n\n\"Don't mention it,\" Faye said over the audience's laughter. \"They seem to like broad comedy. And you seem to be bleeding. Are you hurt badly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll live,\" Indy said as he fought to keep the lid down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, he added: \"I hope.\"\n\n\"Silence!\" Lieutenant Musashi screamed from the hood of the truck. \"Stop the American. He is a criminal. You there, on the stage.\"\n\n\"Us?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop him!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want us to do?\"\n\n\"Grab him, hold him.\"\n\n\"We can't do that,\" Faye said. \"He's not part of the act.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you will be in prison with him,\" Musashi said as she scrambled down from the truck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crowd parted for her and the upraised sword.\n\nIndy was fighting a losing battle with the box lid, as five soldiers were now pushing upward against it.\n\n\"The rope,\" Mystery said beneath her breath. \"It's attached to a wire which is hung from the roofs of the buildings on either side.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think I can climb,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd better try,\" Faye said with a smile as she took another bow. \"Mystery, why don't you help him.\"\n\nMystery smiled at the crowd as she walked slowly over to Indy, stepped up on the box lid with him, then reached down and set the lock. \"There's a trick to it,\" she explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's a counterweight on the other end. When I trip the cable, you're going to fly up like a bird.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took the end of the dangling rope and hitched it beneath Indy's shoulders.\n\n\"What about the two of you?\"\n\n\"Don't worry about us,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"I'll stay here and fight,\" Indy said. \"Let me—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much do you weigh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A hundred and seventy,\" he said.\n\n\"Too bad,\" she said.\n\n\"Why?\" Indy asked. \"Is that bad?\"\n\n\"The rope is rated for a hundred and fifty,\" Mystery said and stood on the lever, behind the box, to trip the cable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy rose gracefully into the air, beyond the reach of the lantern light." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shoot him!\" Lieutenant Musashi screamed.\n\nThe confused soldiers pointed their guns into the darkness, but did not fire. No target was visible, and they could not overcome their reluctance to fire indiscriminately in a populated area.\n\n\"What are you waiting for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi asked as she jumped up on the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fill the air with bullets.\"\n\n\"But Lieutenant,\" a sergeant stammered. \"We have no lights. The square is filled with people. All of the surrounding buildings are occupied as well.\"\n\n\"You have hesitated too long,\" Musashi said through clenched teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The American has had time to escape. Gather your men and search the rooftops. And, Sergeant—report to me later for disciplinary action.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Lieutenant.\"\n\n\"You there, and you,\" Musashi called to a pair of the nearest soldiers. \"Arrest this woman and her trained monkey. Cut some of that rope and bind their wrists. They will be taken to the provincial prison and charged with helping an Imperial enemy escape.\"\n\nMystery held her hands out in front of her, but the soldiers wrenched them behind her and tied them together with a three-foot section of rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery giggled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's too loose,\" she said. \"It's going to fall off by itself. You had better make the knots tighter.\"\n\nThe translator, who was still at attention at one side of the stage, translated.\n\nThe soldiers showed their disbelief, but remade the knots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both made ugly faces as they tightened them, and while they congratulated themselves on their strength, Faye slipped her hands inside her voluminous pockets and palmed a pair of smoke bombs in each hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers started toward Faye, but Mystery whistled before they reached her.\n\n\"Hey, guys,\" she said, holding the limp rope in her right hand. \"Want to do this again? You just can't do it right. I told you it was about to come undone.\"\n\nThe soldiers grunted and turned angrily back toward Mystery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They didn't need the translator to interpret the mocking tone of her remarks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye threw the smoke bombs.\n\nThe stage was enveloped in smoke.\n\nWhen it cleared, Faye and Mystery were gone. So were the basket of money, the photograph, and most of their props." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only thing they left behind was the oversized magic trunk—and the pair of Japanese soldiers, whose hands were tied together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi batted smoke from her face. Then she stared at the trunk, held a finger to her lips, and tiptoed over to it. With a two-handed grip on Sokai's sword, she drove the blade down through the lid. When she withdrew it, the blade was smeared with red." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah!\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She ran a thumb along the blade, then tasted the red stuff.\n\nIt was sweet and tangy.\n\nShe threw open the trunk. It was empty. The sword had pierced a rubber bladder filled with catsup, kept in a pocket in the lid of the trunk, that the Maskelynes used in their human pincushion act." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi cursed in three languages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While Musashi and the soldiers continued to search the square and the surrounding rooftops, the Maskelynes were boarding a freighter a half-mile away. Indy sagged between them as they struggled up the gangplank.\n\n\"What city is this?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Luchow,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Port city,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Formerly a French colony.\"\n\n\"At least he knows his geography,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"Say good-bye to Luchow, mister,\" Faye said as they reached the deck of the freighter.\n\n\"Where are we going?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should care?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right,\" Indy mumbled. \"Anywhere is better than here.\"\n\n\"He's lost a lot of blood,\" Faye said to Mystery. \"We've got to find him some help.\"\n\nThe captain of the Divine Wind was resting his elbows on the rail, smoking a Russian cigarette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had watched the trio struggle up the gangplank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Trouble?\" he asked calmly.\n\n\"What does it look like to you, Snark?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"I hope it doesn't follow you here,\" Snark said.\n\n\"You said if we ever needed a favor, we could count on you,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, we need one tonight. Where is that old drunk you call a ship's doctor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Below,\" Snark said.\n\n\"Pour some coffee down him,\" Faye said. \"We need him.\"\n\n\"If you wish,\" Snark said. He flicked the cigarette into the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he smiled. \"Oh, by the way. No smoking on board this trip.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wasn't planning on it,\" Faye said.\n\n\"You know this guy?\" Indy asked sluggishly.\n\n\"Unfortunately,\" Faye said. \"It's a long story, but Snark won me in a card game at Taipei. Mystery was dealing, and she was supposed to give the winning hand to me. But she had a little counting problem that night.\"\n\n\"Mother,\" Mystery pleaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Snark's a gangster, but it worked out all right,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We spent two weeks teaching Snark every card trick in the book, and he spent two weeks telling us which officials to bribe in what towns to search for Kaspar.\"\n\n\"Army trouble?\" Snark asked.\n\n\"This man escaped from the prison.\"\n\n\"He's a sailor now,\" Snark said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Australian, by the name of Smith. Hurt in a bar fight at the Orchid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What time do you cast off?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"With the tide,\" he said, then looked at his watch. \"A couple of hours.\"\n\n\"Can we go now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" he said. \"We've already filed our papers with the harbormaster. It would attract too much attention. Besides, we need high tide to clear those rocks out there. We're riding too low in the water.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay,\" Faye said.\n\n\"Welcome aboard,\" Snark said. \"Take the American to the infirmary and I'll have sawbones meet you there. I'll also have the crew get your old cabin ready.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy woke to the smell of antiseptic and gin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor, an alarmingly thin New Zealander with a pint of Gordon's gin stuck into the pocket of his dingy white coat, had finished stitching the wound closed.\n\n\"Ah, you're awake,\" the doctor said when he noticed Indy's eyelids fluttering. \"Sorry, but we've got no proper anesthetic. Had to get that bleeding stopped. The slug passed clean through, but it made a nasty hole where it came out the front, beneath your collarbone. You're lucky to be alive, mate.\"\n\nIndy moaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I bet it hurts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The woman,\" Indy muttered. \"The girl.\"\n\n\"They're safe on board,\" the doctor said. He tied off the knot, then admired his handiwork and took a slug of gin. \"Or, as safe as they can be with Captain Snark in command.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are we at sea?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're still in port,\" the doctor said.\n\n\"Where are we bound?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Don't you know?\" the doctor asked and smiled, revealing a mouthful of neglected teeth. \"Japan.\"\n\n\"No—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doctor pulled Indy up, then began to wrap a bandage around his chest and shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've got to get off this boat,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Brother,\" the doctor said, \"you and me both.\"\n\nIndy grimaced.\n\n\"I've got to go,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The magician and her daughter are safe. I've got other places to go. But I'm so... tired.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the loss of blood, mate.\"\n\n\"Maybe I'll just rest here for a few minutes,\" Indy said. \"You know, gather my strength. Wake me in time to jump ship.\"\n\nThere was a knock on the door of the infirmary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come in,\" the doctor said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, to Indy: \"Relax.\"\n\nFaye and Mystery walked in. Faye was dressed in a black robe tied with a red sash, while Mystery wore the dark blue uniform and cap of a Japanese merchant sailor.\n\n\"How is he?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not bad,\" the doctor said, \"for a sixty-year-old man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I turn thirty-five this year,\" Indy said.\n\n\"That's different,\" the doctor said. \"He'll live, but you've got to consider the material I had to work with. This guy's got more holes in him than a screen door.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Albert Schweitzer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never mind,\" Indy said.\n\nThe doctor shrugged as he picked up his tools. \"This boat's headed to Japan,\" Indy said. \"I'm leaving, just as soon as I catch my wind. You've got to get off, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We will,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At the first opportunity. But we must stay put for now. It will be high tide in an hour, and that's when we're scheduled to sail.\"\n\n\"That's my cue to go,\" Indy said and struggled up. Then he paused. \"What are you dressed up for, a Halloween party?\"\n\n\"The clothes?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We thought we'd better change. The only women normally found on freighters like these have been kidnapped into prostitution. Thousands have been taken from across Asia, of all nationalities.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's your story?\" Indy asked Mystery.\n\n\"I always dress as a boy,\" she said.\n\n\"It's safer that way,\" Faye explained. \"At least while she still has the build to get away with it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on,\" Faye said and helped Indy off the table. \"You don't want to go back ashore at Luchow. Let's get you to a bunk, so you can rest. I'll wake you if anything happens.\"\n\nIndy had just closed his eyes when the door to the cabin burst open, followed by a bayonet with a rifle and a Japanese soldier on the other end.\n\nThe soldier spoke loudly and rapidly in Japanese and made rapid, jerking motions with the bayonet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy didn't know what he was saying, but it was obvious that he wanted Indy off the bunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy swung his feet over the edge of the bunk, but his head was spinning so badly that he followed them right to the deck. The doctor appeared in the doorway, slipped past the soldier, and helped Indy back onto the bunk.\n\n\"Glug, glug,\" the doctor said and mimed tipping a bottle.\n\nThe soldier laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sergeant appeared behind the soldier, and he was not amused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He asked the doctor what was wrong with the American. The doctor told him in Japanese tortured by a New Zealand accent that the sailor was Australian, had gotten blind drunk that night, and had foolishly wound up on the wrong side of a knife fight with a three-hundred-pound Malay.\n\nThe sergeant spat.\n\n\"All gaijin look alike to me,\" he said as he hitched up his trousers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Their feet are too big, their voices too loud, and they all smell like rotten hamburger. We have orders to search all of the ships leaving harbor tonight for a big, ugly American with a gunshot wound and a female magician and her apelike assistant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Knife, not gunshot,\" the doctor said. \"Besides, his name is Smith and I was at the Orchid when the fight started. If I had not been, he wouldn't have been around to cuss me in the morning.\"\n\nThe sergeant reached beneath Indy's unbuttoned shirt and was about to lift the dressing when another soldier carried Faye down the corridor and into the room. Captain Snark was on their heels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bring her back,\" Snark ordered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Faye shrieked. \"Get me off this boat. This pirate has kidnapped me and intends to sell me into prosti—\"\n\nThe sergeant backhanded Faye, hard enough that it split her lower lip. For a moment, she swayed, the silk gown began to slip from her shoulders, and Indy thought she would pass out. Then she gathered herself, wiped the blood from her mouth, and gave the sergeant a cold smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was hoping you were here to rescue me,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up, please,\" he said in thick English. \"You make good comfort woman. No take you away.\"\n\n\"Domo arrigato,\" Snark said, and allowed the sergeant a slight, nearly imperceptible bow.\n\nThe sergeant grabbed Indy's jaw in his beefy hand and turned his chin to the left, and then to the right, while he inspected the cuts and bruises." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy refused to focus on his piglike eyes, but he was not spared the sergeant's stinking breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is not the gaijin we are looking for,\" the sergeant said in Japanese. \"This one stinks of gin and is obviously too stupid to have escaped the provincial jail.\"\n\nThen he shoved Indy back down on the bunk, turned toward the door, and with a wave of his hand ordered the soldiers after him. Suddenly he stopped, grasped Faye by the waist, and pulled her roughly toward him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He give her an exaggerated kiss on the lips, then released her and slapped her bottom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was off the bunk and halfway across the cabin when the doctor grabbed him. \"This fight is not worth dying for, mate,\" the doctor whispered as their footsteps echoed down the hall. \"Let them leave. When that bloke is dying in some trench at the hands of a bloodthirsty Chinese warlord, or blind from syphilis at having taken comfort once too often at a well poisoned by his comrades, we'll be having a drink to his stinking memory at the International Hotel in Tokyo. Do you know the place?\"\n\n\"I know it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Across the street is the white-walled castle of the emperor,\" the doctor said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ducks and geese swimming peacefully in the moat. Every once in a blue moon you can get a glimpse of the Hirohito himself, a small man in a great hat and tails who, I think, would rather be a gardener. Not too ambitious for a living god, eh?\"\n\nIndy looked at the doctor in admiration of his ability to soothe with his voice and his appreciation for the beautiful amid the chaotic.\n\n\"Surprised? I wasn't always a wreck with ruined teeth and cyanotic hide,\" he continued as he turned to Faye and inspected her bleeding lip. \"I've had a succession of careers—journalist, lawyer, doctor. Well, not really a doctor, but I will pass for one in these latitudes. I used to sit at the bar at the International Hotel, drinking saki from those little ceramic cups, congratulating myself on my civility and watching the world slip away. A little like the emperor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Japan is such a damned fine island, and look at the wretched hands it is in now. But we did it to ourselves, didn't we? You know, the Japanese even gave up the gun once, after the Portuguese brought it four hundred years ago. But Nippon has managed to become just as modern and bloodthirsty as the rest of us. The world is at war again, but most folks don't know it yet—it began here, two years ago, and nobody cares. Well, mate, they will.\"\n\nHe produced some swabs and antiseptic from his medical bag.\n\n\"This is going to hurt, but I wouldn't want to chance where that brute's knuckles have been today,\" he said as he dabbed at Faye's lip.\n\n\"What happened to you?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I woke up,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I couldn't stand it. I know what is coming, because I learned this business of patching people up as a corpsman during the Great War. So I became a drunk, and now I pass my time pretending to practice medicine on a rusting hulk captained by a Japanese smuggler. Tending war orphans in Manchuria while Snark is out gathering whatever illicit cargo he can find.\"\n\n\"Pretending?\" Indy asked and felt his wound. \"Now you tell me.\"\n\n\"Well, most of it came back to me,\" he admitted as he finished ministering to Faye's bottom lip, now stained with iodine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's your name?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bryce.\" When he spoke the name, he seemed to grow a little taller. \"Montgomery Bryce, Oxford, class of 1923.\"\n\n\"Jones,\" Indy said and held out his hand.\n\nThey shook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I know,\" Bryce said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've seen your mug in the newspapers. But a gentleman doesn't comment until the introductions have been made.\"\n\nThen there was a jolt, and Bryce smiled as he steadied himself against a bulkhead. \"Ah, we've cast our moorings. The tugs are taking us out into the harbor. Soon we'll be rid of this stinking piece of real estate.\"\n\n\"What is Snark carrying this trip?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He doesn't confide in me,\" Bryce said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knelt on the floor, closed up his bag, then looked at Indy and gave him a glance that was filled with an unspeakable mixture of horror and guilt.\n\n\"You know, Jones, it's quite true what I said,\" he said. \"But it's not the whole cloth. While pretending not to see the rape of Manchuria, I fell in love with the concubine of a petty warlord collaborating with the Imperial Army. The girl's name was Si Huang, she was seventeen, and she was the most gentle creature I have ever known. But honor bound her to her station in life; she would not flee to safety with me. The warlord, of course, found out. Do you know what he did?\"\n\nIndy closed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He killed her. Then he cut out her heart, cooked it up, and had it mixed into the curried pork I ate for my dinner that night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doctor gave a smile that projected no mirth.\n\n\"I have never eaten a bit of meat since,\" he said as he snapped his bag closed. \"And just before I nod off to sleep at night—that is, if I'm sober—I will get a little whiff of curry, and the night terrors close behind.\"\n\nThe Kamikaze Maru—the Divine Wind—had been at sea for nearly ten hours when the pair of Kawasaki Ki-10 biplanes appeared on the horizon over her wake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had heard the drone of the big radial engines, and he knew they could mean nothing but trouble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had slept in his clothes, so to finish dressing meant grabbing his hat and jacket on the way out of the cabin. It was dawn now, and the eastern sky was bronzed by the rising sun.\n\nAs Indy reached the bridge, the biplanes buzzed the ship.\n\nSnark was on the deck, watching through a pair of binoculars as the planes flared and prepared for another pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye, Mystery, and Bryce were already there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even without the binoculars, on the wings of both planes Indy could clearly see the hinamaru—the rising red sun of the Japanese empire.\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" Snark said. \"You seem to be more trouble than you're worth. Somebody must have figured out which ship was unlucky enough to have you. Is there anyone back home who would pay good money to have you back safe and sound?\"\n\n\"Not unless my old friend Marcus Brody can figure a way to make a museum piece out of me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too bad,\" Snark said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These biplanes, they are too far out to sea now to turn back to Manchuria. They cannot land on the water, and they have barely enough fuel to reach the Japanese coast. Instead of a fuel pod, each carries a torpedo slung beneath her belly.\"\n\nSnark handed the binoculars to Indy.\n\n\"Can you hail them?\" Faye asked. \"Negotiate, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no radio on the Divine Wind,\" Snark said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought that after 1912—,\" Faye began.\n\n\"That's your world,\" Snark said impatiently. \"The Titanic did not make a great deal of difference to us. In our world, shipwrecks are fate. For communication, we use signal guns, or flags, or rescue flares, instead of wireless. Unfortunately, that does not allow for two-way communication in this circumstance.\"\n\n\"I think they're about ready to send us a message,\" Indy said as through the binoculars he watched the biplanes line up on the stern of the Divine Wind for their attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At seventy-five yards, the torpedo fell from the belly of the forward plane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mechanical shark left a stream of bubbles as it raced through the green water toward them. Snark turned the ship hard to port, then bellowed orders down the voice tube to evacuate the engine room and close the aft compartments.\n\n\"They're trying to sink us,\" Faye blurted.\n\n\"No,\" Snark said. \"But they might manage to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They want to cripple us, to damage the old girl's rudder and screws and prevent us from escaping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If they had wanted to sink us, they would have hit us amidships with both torpedoes. But they don't know what we're carrying in the aft hold.\n\n\"Brace for impactSnark commanded.\n\nThen he closed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The torpedo struck slightly off-center, with a dampened whomp!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "that washed the stern with foam and sent a sickening shudder down the ship's keel.\n\nSnark opened his left eye.\n\n\"Well, that wasn't so bad,\" Faye said after a moment.\n\n\"It's not over,\" Snark said as he tried the wheel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was locked hard to port." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have revolutions on one screw, but all we can do now is sail in a circle.\"\n\n\"What exactly are we carrying?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Chinese fireworks,\" Snark said.\n\n\"Fireworks?\" Indy shot back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you call yourself a smuggler?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're illegal,\" Snark said defensively. \"And you know you could lose a finger with some of those things.\"\n\nBlack smoke belched from the stern.\n\nThe first mate spun the crank on an ancient mechanical siren to sound fire stations, and the half dozen crewmen who were still below emerged on deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them was struggling with a Browning Automatic Rifle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me that,\" Snark said, taking the BAR away. \"Do you want to start a war with the entire Imperial Army?\"\n\nA grease-stained mechanic burst onto the bridge.\n\n\"Anybody hurt?\" Snark asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Captain,\" he answered in Japanese." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then get down there and douse that fire,\" he barked.\n\n\"We can't, sir,\" the mechanic said. \"The engine room is flooding, and the fuel oil is burning on top of the water.\"\n\n\"Is the aft hold secure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir,\" the mechanic said. \"I think.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shriek of a skyrocket and the machine-gun rattle of firecrackers ended his indecision.\n\n\"No, sir, apparently not.\"\n\n\"Damn,\" Snark said.\n\nThe Ki-10 that had released the torpedo had swung around to inspect the damage and was now flying low and slow over the Divine Wind—which was, at that moment, exactly the wrong place in the sky to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A crate of fireworks exploded, engulfing the stern in a fiery blossom of red and green and peppering the wings of the Ki-10 with hundreds of flaming, buckshot-sized pellets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bottom wing smoldered angrily for a few moments, then burst into flame.\n\n\"He's going to have to ditch,\" Indy said.\n\nSnark cursed elaborately in Japanese.\n\n\"We've shot down one of the emperor's planes,\" he muttered to Indy in English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With smuggled Chinese fireworks, while harboring a trio of Western fugitives.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Congratulations,\" Indy said. \"You're moving up in the world.\"\n\nThe pilot of the Ki-10 deftly guided the crippled plane toward the sea. It touched the surface two hundred yards off the starboard bow of the sinking cargo ship, tipping up on its nose in a great spray of water, then settling heavily back down.\n\nSnark calmly gave the first mate the order to abandon ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much time do we have?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Twenty minutes,\" Snark said. \"Half an hour, at most. The water won't douse the fireworks—they are chemically fueled, and they will burn a hole through the bottom of our hull. Then, we'll have flooded four compartments, which is one too many for us to stay afloat.\"\n\n\"How about going after that pilot?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"He'll drown soon enough,\" Snark said, then smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Funny, but this old girl had the last laugh, didn't she?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I mean to rescue.\"\n\n\"Not a bad idea,\" Snark said. He nodded toward the biplane still in the air. \"Make a show of it, maybe save my neck if I ever get back home to Nagasaki. Mr. Bryce, take one of the boats and fish the emperor's chosen out of the sea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll go with you,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be quick about it,\" Snark said. \"It looks like the crew have claimed the other two boats. The rest of you, go as well. As captain, it's fitting that I am last off.\"\n\n\"Faye, get your things,\" Indy said.\n\nFaye nodded. Mystery started to follow her to the cabin, but Faye pushed her back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Help them launch the boat,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just get the picture,\" Mystery said. \"And my bag of tricks.\"\n\n\"Don't let Snark fool you,\" Bryce told Indy as they released the lifeboat from its blocks. \"There isn't a bit of honor about him—he just wants to make sure he cleans out the safe in his cabin before the first mate beats him to it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does he have that much to lose?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not much,\" Bryce said. \"At least not by our standards. A few hundred bucks, the price of a new car in the States. But with the ship gone, it's all he's got.\"\n\nThey threw a net over the side and, when Faye returned to the rail, they clambered down it into the sixteen-foot boat. Indy was gasping from the pain in his shoulder by the time they had the oars in the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me,\" Mystery said and took Indy's place at the oar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go to the bow; search for the pilot.\"\n\n\"We're lucky,\" Bryce said. \"The sea is calm this morning.\"\n\nThen they all flinched as another round of pyrotechnics erupted from the hold and shrieked up into the early morning sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Luck,\" Indy said, \"is a relative term.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rowed toward the oil slick that marked the spot where the plane had gone down. The pilot was resolutely treading water, keeping her mouth just above water.\n\nIndy laughed when he saw the silky mass of dark hair floating around her head.\n\n\"Lieutenant Musashi,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why am I not surprised?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi barked a scathing response in Japanese, then took in water. She coughed and spat, and her head bobbed under once before she could continue. She was obviously tired, near exhaustion, but she managed to add in English: \"You are under arrest, Jones.\"\n\nMystery recognized the demeanor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the madwoman who was chasing you at the square?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Afraid so,\" Indy said.\n\nBryce left his seat to help Indy haul her in.\n\n\"Come on,\" he said as he extended the oar toward her. \"Be a good little Imperialist and climb on board.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Above, the lone biplane was circling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go to hell,\" Musashi said, then swallowed more water.\n\n\"Don't be difficult,\" Indy chided. \"You're going to drown yourself if you're not careful. You know, we have every right to leave you out here.\"\n\nMusashi shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right,\" Bryce said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're all under bloody arrest. Now, get in the boat and make sure your bloodthirsty buddy up there sees it.\"\n\nMusashi went under again, but grasped the blade of the oar with a trailing hand. Bryce hauled her to the boat, and Indy reached down with his good arm, grasped the fur-lined collar of her flight jacket, and lifted her over the gunwale.\n\n\"She weighs a ton in this thing,\" Indy groaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bryce waved the oar in the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The biplane waggled its wings in response and departed toward the southeast.\n\nThen Bryce threw down the oar and jammed his finger into Musashi's mouth to make sure she hadn't swallowed her tongue.\n\n\"Is she breathing?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I think so,\" Bryce said as he tipped her head over the rail and slapped her back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seawater sputtered from her nose and mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Bryce turned her back, she tried to fight him off, but had no strength.\n\n\"Help me check her for weapons,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Are you kidding?\" Bryce asked. \"She's just a kid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This 'kid' is the one who put the hole in my shoulder and sank our boat,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He unzipped her flight jacket, then stopped. \"Uh, Mystery. Would you mind?\" he asked.\n\n\"Love to,\" Mystery said as she came forward and began to probe unknown pockets. \"We've got a can opener, a compass, and some pocket change.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She handed the things to Indy and dove into another pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pay dirt,\" she said as she withdrew a .25-caliber automatic.\n\nBryce took the gun and slipped it into his pocket.\n\n\"Keep searching,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Papers,\" she said. \"Looks like a passport and some other official-looking documents. Oh, look at the red ribbon. Isn't that cute?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep going.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay,\" Mystery replied and felt down Musashi's pants legs to the tops of her boots. \"Oh, you were right. What a wicked-looking little knife.\"\n\nIndy inspected the switchblade, then threw it overboard.\n\nWhen they returned to fetch Snark, the rest of the crew had gone and the hulk was dipping alarmingly toward the stern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was standing casually, smoking a cigarette, a canvas bag slung over his shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He threw the bag into the boat.\n\n\"What took you so long?\" he asked as he stepped down from his patch of deck into the lifeboat.\n\n\"It was complicated,\" Indy said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Max McCoy" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The craft, small and large, that came to the aid of the refugees appeared seemingly from nowhere, summoned by the unwritten law of the sea and the fireworks over the grave of the Divine Wind. The crew accepted passage on a whaling vessel back to Japan, while Snark boarded a steam packet bound for the mainland.\n\n\"Good-bye, Faye!\" Snark called theatrically as the packet chugged away, waving his hat and leaning dangerously far over the rail. \"Until destiny brings us together again!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He certainly seems devoted,\" Indy said as he grasped hold of a rope net the crew of a junk had lowered over the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, he's just full of it,\" Faye said dismissively, although she blushed a bit.\n\nMystery was first up the net and onto the deck of the junk, then she extended a hand and helped pull Bryce over the rail. Indy was halfway up when Faye called to him.\n\n\"What do we do about her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi was still in the lifeboat, looking sullen, her hands tied in front of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave her,\" Indy said.\n\n\"We can't,\" Faye protested.\n\n\"Yes we can,\" called Mystery. \"She tried to kill us, Mother. Listen to Dr. Jones. He's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Being practical isn't the same as being right, Mysti,\" Faye said tiredly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's a human being. We can't leave her in the bottom of a lifeboat.\"\n\n\"Who's going to babysit her?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Not me,\" Mystery said.\n\nAlthough Musashi was trying to control herself, her wide eyes betrayed her fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not leaving without her,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we'll give her a choice,\" Indy shot back. \"She can come with us and behave herself, or we will drop her into the sea at the first sign of trouble.\"\n\n\"Do you understand?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" Musashi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones is quite serious,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand,\" Musashi said quietly. \"But all of you are still under arrest.\"\n\n\"See what I mean, Mother?\" Mystery asked. \"She's impossible!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we'll just have to treat her like cargo,\" Bryce said as he tossed a rope down to the lifeboat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Make her fast and we'll winch her up.\"\n\nFaye hitched the rope beneath Musashi's arms, and Bryce hauled her aboard the junk. She was still struggling as her feet touched the deck.\n\n\"This is going to be nothing but trouble,\" Indy predicted as Faye climbed up onto the deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The captain of the junk, a leathery old man who smoked a long-stemmed clay pipe, had been watching the display from the quarterdeck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed aloud at Musashi's antics.\n\n\"I'm glad somebody's amused,\" Indy said.\n\n\"He seems to think that she's your girlfriend, old boy,\" Bryce said as he cast the lifeboat adrift. \"He also thinks you have your hands full. And I must say, I quite agree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Imperial Army won't be satisfied with an empty lifeboat,\" Indy said, attempting to ignore Bryce's enjoyment of the situation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When they find it, I'd like them to think we drowned.\"\n\nIndy pulled the Webley from its holster, leaned over the rail, and put five rounds into the lifeboat as it drifted past. The boat sank slowly to its gunwales as it swirled in the wake behind them.\n\n\"That will not fool Sokai Sensei,\" Musashi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said as he reloaded the Webley, \"but it might just buy us some time. Mr. Bryce, let's have a chat with the captain, shall we?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a long and somewhat heated discussion, a deal was finally struck.\n\n\"The old Malay pirate who is running this junk wanted a hundred dollars American to run us to port,\" Indy reported as he rejoined the Maskelynes on the forward deck. \"I gave him everything I had, which was thirty-five dollars and some change.\"\n\n\"Was it enough?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It'll have to be,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where exactly are we headed?\"\n\n\"Shanghai,\" Indy said. \"Which is good, because I have friends there. We should arrive sometime tomorrow night. Until then, we just need to take it easy and lie low. \"\n\nFaye nodded.\n\n\"And we can get you passage back to England.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg your pardon?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're American, Dr. Jones,\" Mystery said. \"Mom uses the English accent onstage because people expect it, because Daddy is English. But Mother was born in Oklahoma.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said. \"We'll get you back to the States, then.\"\n\n\"We're not going back,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to stay here until we find Mystery's father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you have no business in this part of the world,\" Indy said. \"It's dangerous, if you haven't noticed. You and your escape artist of an assistant are going to get yourselves killed.\"\n\n\"We were doing quite well,\" Faye said, \"until you happened to crash the show. It wasn't the Imperial Army searching for us. And, if I recall, we were the ones who saved your hide, not the other way around.\"\n\n\"I was doing all right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were not,\" she said. \"You were three steps away from being back in prison. And now that we're on the subject, what were you locked up for, anyway? You never told us.\"\n\n\"It's a long story,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'll bet,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And that alias of yours. Couldn't you think of something better than Jones? It shows a distinct lack of imagination.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's my name,\" Indy protested.\n\n\"But only on the days it isn't Smith, eh?\"\n\n\"Mother,\" Mystery pleaded. \"Please don't fight.\"\n\n\"He started it,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just want him to know that we're going to continue our search for Kaspar, and that we expect him to repay us for the losses we've suffered because of him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean all of that was true?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Of course it's true,\" Faye said. \"Do you think we would make all of that up?\"\n\n\"It was such a good story,\" Indy said, \"I figured it was just part of the act. Forgive me, but in my experience stage magicians haven't exactly been the most reliable of sources. But if what you say is true... that could lead to some interesting possibilities. I might even be inclined to stick around.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How's your shoulder, Dr. Jones?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was doing her best to change the subject.\n\n\"It hurts,\" Indy said as he stretched out on a mound of burlap and pulled the brim of his hat down over his eyes. He was silent for a moment, then asked: \"Do you mean to say that your Kaspar really was searching for the Staff of Aaron?\"\n\nBut before Faye could answer him, Indy was snoring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the junk continued her leisurely, dreamlike journey to the southwest, Indy allowed himself to sleep in order to cope with the pain from his aching shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Driven by the wind and attended only by the sound of the water and the sails, the junk made for a timeless scene that could have taken place during any of a thousand previous Septembers. Shrouded in mystery and tradition, the castlelike junk made her way down the channel that separated Japan from occupied Korea.\n\nBy that afternoon the junk was crossing the East China Sea, bound for Shanghai. Although high storm clouds were building in the east, the day was balmy, the sea was calm, and the wind was moderate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The air had taken on that particular luminous quality that Indy had only seen in the East; the day seemed to shimmer in green and gold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, early in the evening, a shadow crossed the sea.\n\nThe eastern storm clouds had been pushing a cold front before them, and it had finally overtaken the junk. The sunlight turned dull and the temperature dropped fifteen degrees in as many minutes, chilling the passengers and causing Indy to rouse from his sleep when he heard the words whispered on the lips of the crew: ty fung.\n\n\"Where are we?\" Indy asked, coming to the rail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About a hundred miles off the Chinese coast, near Shanghai,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind was beginning to pick up, although it was not yet raining, and it blew her robes out behind her like a pennant. She was holding on to the rigging, looking over the choppy water to the battlement of dark clouds approaching from the east. Lightning bursts of pink and blue played at the base of the wall cloud, while beneath it poured the telltale streaks of wind and rain.\n\n\"What's that word they keep repeating?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ty fung,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's it mean?\"\n\n\"It's not good,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'm afraid not,\" Bryce agreed as he struck a match, cupped his hands around it, and lit a cigarette. \"It means typhoon. And considering how much the barometer has dropped in the last hour, and the time of year, I'd say they are bloody well right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A hurricane?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're called typhoons in these parts,\" Bryce said. \"Willie-willies in Australia, el baguio in the Philippines, hurricanes in the Atlantic. But they're all basically tropical cyclones.\"\n\n\"Terrific,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"Too bad we don't have a radio,\" Bryce said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wonder what my old friend Clement Wragge will name this one. Clever, that Wragge. He's an Aussie weatherman who has taken to naming storms after women he admires or politicians he dislikes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whoever heard of naming a storm after a woman?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Seems perfectly logical to me,\" Indy muttered.\n\n\"Can we outrun it?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"The storm is probably four hundred miles wide,\" Bryce said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And they generally blow to the southwest, until they hit the coast. We're running dead ahead of it, and we don't have a prayer of making the mainland before it hits.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi, who was sitting cross-legged on the deck with her hands tied in front of her, began to laugh.\n\n\"What's so funny?\" Indy demanded.\n\n\"Even the weather is against you,\" she said.\n\n\"She really has a sick sense of humor,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What can we do?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, I'm afraid,\" Bryce said. \"Wait and watch, and hope we can make it to an island cove or some other shelter before the storm overtakes us.\"\n\nThen Bryce took the pint of gin from his jacket pocket, drained it, and threw the empty bottle into the sea.\n\nSokai wore a black robe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His feet were tucked beneath him, with the big toes crossed, and his hands rested palm-down on his thighs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lowered his bandaged forehead until it touched the hardwood floor, then held the position for a respectful three seconds.\n\nWhen he returned to sezen, the sitting form, the candles on either side of the dark altar flickered. The flicker was reflected from the black-lacquered sheath of the samurai sword, which lay within hand's reach on the floor in front of him, and from the glass-framed likenesses of his dead masters that lined the walls of the dojo. The flicker was reflected also in the almond-colored iris of Sokai's right eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other eye, still beneath seeping bandages, was useless now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The spikes of the nutcracker had also gouged out hunks of his left ear and cheek. Together with the clumsy stitches the village doctor at Luchow had used to close the wounds, the damage had turned Sokai's matinee idol good looks into something more Karloffian.\n\nSokai had been sitting motionless before the altar in the darkened training hall for hours, searching for the boon ki—the reason, the essence, the true meaning—of the thing that had happened. He had scanned the visages of the masters of Bushido that lined the walls, from his own Okinawan master all the way back to the fierce and gap-toothed countenance of Dharuma, the sixth-century founder of Zen Buddhism who also brought martial arts to the monks of the Songshan Shaolin Monastery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After reaching the monastery, Dharuma was said to have spent nine years in silent contemplation of a cave wall, listening to the sound of ants screaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the monks watching this feat of self-control was so moved that he cut off one of his own hands and offered it to Dharuma in sympathy.\n\nThe story, some felt, was meant to defy interpretation, another Zen koan that one is to reflect upon but never really to grasp. Intellectual understanding was an impossibility; the best to be hoped for was a sort of contemplative emotional acceptance.\n\nBut as Sokai allowed his fingertips to touch the bandages over his blinded eye, he believed he understood the message." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dark night of his life had been illuminated in the way that lightning reveals the secrets of a summer's night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of ants screaming had a name.\n\n\"Jones,\" Sokai growled.\n\nAnd the name had become a curse.\n\nThe typhoon overtook the junk in a dark wall of wind and water that blotted out the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hull of the junk was driven relentlessly forward on the storm surge, like a surfboard riding the crest of a wave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain and the crew had vanished at the first sign of the approaching storm, escaping in the small boats that trailed the junk like pilot fish on the belly of shark. They would weather the storm in whatever island shelter they could find; then, if the junk survived, they would return. If not, another ship always came along in time.\n\nIndy and the others had fewer choices." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had made themselves fast to a cargo hatch in the waist of the ship, with their backs against one another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before the storm hit, Bryce had cut the rope binding Musashi's wrists. Indy had placed his fedora inside his jacket and zipped it up. Then he had intertwined hands with Faye on his left and Mystery on his right.\n\nThey could hear the storm approaching, and it sounded like a hundred steam locomotives rushing over the water toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Mystery shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"I'm scared.\"\n\n\"So am I,\" Indy replied. \"But just hold on to my hand, no matter what.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The masts of the junk were carried away like twigs in the first great rush of water over the deck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hull rolled completely over. For nearly a minute Indy and the others were beneath the water, holding their breath and holding tight, until the hull finally righted itself.\n\nPounded by ninety-foot waves and scourged by winds that sometimes reached two hundred miles an hour, the castle sections at the bow and stern were quickly broken away. The timbers of the hull poked up like skeletal ribs in the open places, and seawater foamed through, in and out of the cargo hatch, but the waist section of the hull held together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then another wave tossed the hull in the opposite direction, and the hull rode the crest until it was suspended over a canyon of surging water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery screamed as the deck slid from beneath her feet.\n\nIndy's hand tightened around her wrist.\n\nShe dangled for a moment over the abyss.\n\n\"Mysti!\" Faye shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've got her,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same moment, Bryce's grip on the cargo hold failed and he plunged feetfirst into the angry sea, his white-jacketed arms windmilling all the way down.\n\nThen Indy pulled Mystery to the protection of his side as the hulk came crashing back down toward the sea.\n\nThe storm continued for more than an hour unabated, but the relentless action of the wind and water rendered Indy and the others unconscious long before that. The cargo section of the hull was awash, but remained afloat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the wind subsided, the hulk grounded itself at the shank of a hookshaped islet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye was the first to come around.\n\nAfter making sure that Mystery was breathing normally, she untangled herself from the ropes that held her fast to the cargo door and arranged her clothes.\n\nThen she shook Indy.\n\n\"Jones,\" she said. \"Wake up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm awake,\" he insisted. \"Where are we?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An island,\" she said. \"It looks uninhabited. Probably uncharted. We've been blown pretty far off course, and I'd be willing to bet we're not in the neighborhood of Shanghai. But the storm's over.\"\n\n\"It couldn't be,\" Indy said, rubbing his eyes.\n\n\"It's so quiet,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And look—up there. Clear sky.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're kidding.\"\n\n\"No,\" she said. \"And birds flying.\"\n\n\"That storm had to be several hundred miles across,\" Indy protested. \"It can't be over that quickly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye struggled to her knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She leaned over and patted Mystery on the cheek. The girl's eyes fluttered open, then stared up at her mother for a few long moments.\n\n\"Mr. Bryce,\" Mystery said. \"I'm sorry he's gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So am I,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it's almost like he gave himself to the storm so that the rest of us could pass.\"\n\n\"I thought that, too,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"It was a tough break, that's all,\" Indy said in a hoarse voice as he unlashed himself from the cargo door. \"But it's a miracle the three of us survived.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Four,\" Musashi said through her exhaustion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are four in number. One Imperial officer and three prisoners.\"\n\n\"Sure,\" Indy said as he pulled his waterlogged hat from his jacket and put it on. \"It's still a miracle, any way you want to slice it.\"\n\n\"That may just be the right word,\" Faye said. \"Look.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A double rainbow stretched across the dome of sky behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not over,\" Indy said, suddenly comprehending. \"It's just a reprieve. We're in the eye of the storm. Look down toward the horizon—you can see the wall clouds swirling all around us.\"\n\n\"What do we do now?\" Faye asked.\n\nIndy stood up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery winced sympathetically at the sound of his knees creaking and popping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've got to find a place to ride out the rest of the storm,\" Indy said and rubbed his shoulder. \"And we'd better do it in a hurry. If you look straight above, you can see that the center has already passed over us. The rear of the storm will be coming, and it will be just as fierce as what we've already been through.\"\n\n\"Look,\" Musashi said.\n\nShe was pointing up the beach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The beach was littered with uprooted trees and other debris from the storm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But rising from a cluster of palm trees in the center of the island was a rough-hewn steeple, and on top of the steeple was a wooden cross." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Max McCoy and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wooden cross was set upon a rocky promontory overlooking a lagoon. Beneath it, built from a cave in the volcanic hillside, was a fortresslike church with great copper-sheathed double doors.\n\nIndy grasped the ring of one of the doors and pulled.\n\n\"It's locked,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind was picking up, and it had begun to rain again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it occupied?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Somebody locked it from inside,\" Indy said.\n\nThe beach itself was ringed with a few huts, and several deserted outriggers had been pulled high up on the sand. A couple of well-weathered signs in French declared the island a restricted trade zone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy beat on the tarnished copper with his fist, then picked up a chunk of volcanic rock and continued knocking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It began to rain harder. A bolt of lightning struck a palm tree fifty yards down the beach, and the concussion of the blast nearly knocked them down.\n\n\"Hey!\" Mystery yelled with renewed vigor. \"Inside the church! We need shelter!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door was suddenly unbolted and swung open by a robed and misshapen figure with a kerosene lantern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The four scurried into the cavern.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said as he shook water from his hat. \"The storm just about got us—again.\"\n\n\"No entrez,\" the man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mister, there's a hurricane out there,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or hadn't you noticed?\"\n\n\"I notice,\" the man said in a thick French accent. His voice was coarse, as if he had not spoken in a long time. \"The island is restricted. You cannot stay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" Indy said. \"But we really don't have a choice. The storm sank our ship.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Restricted how?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Forbidden,\" the man croaked.\n\nThe man put the lantern on the floor. His face was hidden by a bulky hood, and he stepped sharply away when Indy tried to put a friendly hand on his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" Indy said. \"Look, we'll be no trouble. Four half-drowned castaways seeking refuge from the storm. We'll be on our way as soon as possible. Do you have a radio so that we can send for help?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay here,\" the man said.\n\nHe left the lantern and walked back into the darkness.\n\n\"What was that all about?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said, \"but he must have great night vision.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The storm raged outside and water seeped beneath the double doors and pooled on the flagstones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy picked up the lantern from the floor, held it high, and swung it in an arc around them. The flickering light revealed dusty pews jumbled haphazardly together.\n\n\"Looks like it's been some time since they've had services here,\" Indy said.\n\n\"It's been years,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like it,\" Musashi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was clutching her arms in an attempt to keep from shivering. \"This reminds me of the ghost stories my grandmother tells, where travelers are caught in a storm and seek the shelter of a strange castle. They never turn out well.\"\n\nFinally, another lantern appeared at the far end of the church and made its way toward them. It was held by a much taller robed man than the first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I apologize for Henri,\" the man said in a French accent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't get many visitors. As a matter of fact, we get no visitors at all. I understand that your ship went down. Are there any other survivors?\"\n\n\"No,\" Faye said. \"We are all.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" the man said. \"Was it a commercial ship? What line?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No line,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a junk. I'm not even sure what its home port was.\"\n\n\"Then there is no need to send a radio message, or to search for others,\" he said. \"Come, please. We must get you warm and dried off.\"\n\nThe man led them down a flight of stairs into a bunkerlike area outfitted with a long wooden table, a few cots, and a bookcase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held a candle to the chimney of the kerosene lantern until it ignited, then used the candle to light three others on the long wooden table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will be more than safe here,\" he said.\n\n\"I can hardly hear the storm,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yes, the order certainly built a fortress for themselves,\" the man said cheerfully as he fed kindling to the potbellied stove in the center of the room. \"This room hasn't been used since the last of the brothers left. It is strange, but the old prohibitions about segregation still hold some sway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pardon me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't mean to be rude, but could you tell us where we are?\"\n\nThe man stopped his work with the stove, unaware that a blotchy forefinger remained in the burgeoning flames.\n\n\"Watch out,\" Indy said as he pulled the man's arm back.\n\n\"Damn,\" the man said as he dashed the fire out against his robes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You really don't know? You didn't see the signs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They said something about a trade zone,\" Faye said.\n\n\"Yes,\" the man said slowly as he closed the stove door and sat down on the nearest chair. \"This is Lazarus Island. It was founded by the Order of St. Lazarus. It's a leper colony.\"\n\n\"Lepers,\" Musashi hissed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm told that I am not that hideous,\" the man said as he pulled back his hood to reveal a pale, middle-aged face that was normal, except for some pinkish-gray splotches alongside his nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My hands, however, are taking a beating. I have no feeling in my fingers, you know. Sorry for the stench of burning flesh.\"\n\n\"That's the restriction,\" Indy said. \"Trade money.\"\n\n\"Yes, we are forced to use trade money,\" the man continued. \"Fear of contagion, you know. At first it was the French, and then when the order fell apart some decades ago, the Americans issued the trade money and enforced the restriction. The church has not been in use since before the Great War.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So this is a U.S. possession?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody will claim Lazarus Island,\" the man said and laughed. \"But they make us use the segregated money anyway, to buy those things we cannot make for ourselves.\"\n\n\"Is it contagious?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Faye said and clutched her daughter by the shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please forgive our manners. Pardon me, but I don't know your name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pascal.\"\n\n\"Monsieur Pascal.\"\n\n\"It is quite all right,\" he said. \"It is contagious, mademoiselle, but it is not spread from such casual contact as exchanging money. Those who live among lepers know that most healthy people have a natural immunity. In fact, many people who are married to lepers never contract the disease. Ignorance, I'm afraid, has done far more damage than the disease itself. \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there a cure?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Pascal said. \"There is no cure.\"\n\n\"Not yet,\" Indy said. \"But there will be.\"\n\n\"I wish I could believe it,\" Pascal said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, we make do as we can. That is why Henri was so standoffish with you. The penalties for breaking the trade restrictions can be quite severe. Society has not only made us outcasts, I'm afraid, but turned us into criminals as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're in good company,\" Indy said.\n\n\"How many of you are there?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Nearly one hundred,\" Pascal said. \"Mostly men, but some women.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you are their representative?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Their spokesman, their doctor, their lawyer, and their priest,\" Pascal said. \"Please accept our hospitality. When the storm abates, I will send food. Until then, I suggest you dry your clothes and get some rest. With the exception of one, you are Americans?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Tomorrow morning, I will attempt to contact the USS Augusta. She is the flagship of the Asiatic fleet and has been cruising between here and Shanghai for weeks, in an attempt to show American strength. Perhaps, if she is not too far out, she can pick you up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a radio,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Pascal said.\n\n\"Nuts,\" Musashi said.\n\n\"Should I also attempt to contact the Imperial—\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"And please, don't let this woman near that radio transmitter. Mystery, would you mind doing the honors?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Love to,\" Mystery said. \"Got some rope?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pascal looked shocked.\n\n\"Is that necessary?\" Pascal asked.\n\n\"Very,\" Indy said.\n\n\"May I at least get out of these clothes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi asked through chattering teeth. \"I'm cold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is another room,\" Pascal suggested. \"A smaller one. It has a door which can be barred from the outside. Like this one, it is underground, and has no other exits. It has a stove as well.\"\n\n\"That will work,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'll help her,\" Faye said as she took one of the blankets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on, Mysti. Let's give Dr. Jones some privacy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd rather stay in here,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"Afraid not,\" Faye said.\n\n\"What about your shoulder?\" Pascal asked Indy. \"I noticed that you seem to be injured. Is it broken? Do you require medical care?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"Thanks. It will heal, in time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you wish,\" Pascal said. \"Until morning.\"\n\nNow alone, Indy removed his soaking clothes and hung them over the chairs to dry. Then he wrapped himself in a blanket and lay down on the cot.\n\nHe was tired, but he was not yet ready to sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes scanned the dusty volumes in the old bookcase." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most of the titles were in French, catechisms and lives of the saints. There was a German dictionary with a badly torn cover. The two books in English were the memoirs of U. S. Grant and a copy of the King James Bible.\n\nIndy reached for the Bible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He blew the dust from its cover, then turned to Exodus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his dreams, Indy searched.\n\nPerhaps it was the influence of revisiting the Old Testament before sleep, or the hundred anxious moments of the past few days, or the knowledge of being deep within the earth. For whatever reason, Indy found himself in a biblical landscape of pyramids and idols, sand and sun, searching endless corridors and impossibly serpentined passages for a glimpse of a shadow that remained always just around the next corner.\n\nOften he was near enough to recognize the sound of her voice, sometimes he could catch a fleeting glimpse of her face, but never was he close enough to actually touch her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His frustration was compounded because a part of him knew it was just a dream, and that he could never catch up to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's Alecia?\" Faye asked when Indy woke.\n\n\"Pardon?\"\n\n\"You were talking in your sleep,\" Faye said. She was sitting at the table, eating breakfast from a plate of fruit that Pascal had brought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't mean to pry, but she seemed awfully important. Is she your wife?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never been married.\"\n\n\"Your girlfriend, then.\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said.\n\nHe sat up and rubbed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What time is it?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just after dawn,\" she said. \"I went outside a little while ago. It's beautiful, now that the storm has passed.\"\n\n\"Where's the lieutenant?\" he asked.\n\n\"Still asleep,\" Faye said. \"So is Mystery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why aren't you?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never could sleep in,\" she said. \"Are you going to tell me?\"\n\n\"Tell you what?\"\n\n\"About Alecia.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should I?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because we're friends,\" Faye said. \"Because we have been through a life-and-death ordeal together. Because we're glad to be alive. Because I want to know, and because you want to tell me.\"\n\n\"I don't.\"\n\n\"Are you in love with her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not anymore.\"\n\n\"Look,\" Indy said. \"I'll give you the short version, okay? I once knew a woman named Alecia. We made each other miserable. Then she died.\"\n\nFaye was silent.\n\n\"Satisfied?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Faye said. \"Can you talk about it without being angry?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're making me angry.\"\n\n\"I don't think so,\" Faye said. \"You're angry about this woman, and you have been angry for a long time. I just didn't know until now what you were angry about.\"\n\n\"Look, this has nothing to do with me anymore—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has everything to do with you,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Think about it. People just don't drop everything and take off for a foreign land unless they are unhappy or unfulfilled. I know—I speak from experience.\"\n\n\"Kaspar was unhappy?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"He didn't ask me to follow,\" she said.\n\n\"Then why do you search?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I love him,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because Mystery needs her father—or, at the very least, needs to know what happened to her father. And because I'm sharp enough and strong enough to find him, and I could never forgive myself if I didn't try.\"\n\nIndy coughed.\n\n\"This is making you uncomfortable,\" Faye said.\n\n\"It's not the sort of thing that fellows talk about with their friends,\" Indy admitted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll stop,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said.\n\nFaye reached down and picked up the Bible.\n\n\"Saying your prayers?\" she asked.\n\n\"Reading about the Staff of Aaron,\" Indy explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand why Kaspar was fascinated—it was the original magic wand. It could find water, bring plagues, smite your enemy. As long as Moses held it up, the Israelites could not lose in battle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye smiled.\n\n\"When I was a child,\" Faye said, \"I would close my eyes, open the Bible, and read a verse at random. It seems pretty silly now. But the verses always seemed to make sense.\"\n\n\"But no longer?\"\n\n\"No,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you think has changed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have,\" Faye said. \"I grew up.\"\n\n\"Children are given to magical thinking.\"\n\n\"You don't believe in magic, Dr. Jones?\"\"\n\n\"It depends on your definition,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you mean the kind of entertainment that requires a willing suspension of disbelief from an audience that should know better, then the answer is yes, I enjoy it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" she said. \"I mean real magic.\"\n\n\"If science has taught us anything,\" Indy said, \"it's that there's no such thing. Magic, superstition—these are things of the past.\"\n\n\"Science is just another belief system,\" Faye said. \"It is a good system, but it is not the only system. Nor does it explain everything. Do you believe in God, Dr. Jones?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good,\" Faye said. \"At least that's something. You suspend your belief in science to allow room for faith in something you cannot prove exists, but which you posit because of a conviction that goes beyond the rational. Would it be so hard to admit that magic may work as well?\"\n\n\"If there were proof,\" Indy said.\n\nFaye smiled.\n\n\"That's what Kaspar was looking for,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Others might seek the Staff for the riches or the power it could bring, but Kaspar was after something else. He wanted an affirmation that magic worked, that miracles could still happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The original magic wand,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Faye said.\n\n\"But it's hopelessly lost to antiquity,\" Indy said. \"It may even be a myth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it is,\" Faye said, \"it is a particularly well-documented myth. The Old Testament mentions it often. In Exodus, it turns into a snake and gobbles up the serpents conjured by Pharaoh's magicians. It turns the Nile to blood and helps to call down the ten plagues upon Egypt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Frogs, gnats, and swarms of flies,\" Indy said. \"Boils, fiery hail, and locusts. Cattle die. Darkness upon the land. Death for the firstborn of Egypt. But even if you found it,\" Indy asked, \"how would you know it was the Staff? If it survived, it would be nothing but a dried-up old stick by now.\"\n\n\"You mean how could you tell it from a fake?\" Faye asked. \"The Bible describes it as a rod, made of almond, with Aaron's name on it. And then, of course, how many dried-up old sticks can perform miracles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't be serious,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye returned his unblinking stare.\n\n\"Well,\" Indy said, \"if it works, then I guess it would settle the question of magic once and for all.\"\n\nFaye smiled, and was about to add something when Mystery burst into the room.\n\n\"Dr. Jones!\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother! Come quickly. There's an airplane in the lagoon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Faye followed Mystery outside. The brilliance of the sunshine on the beach made Indy blink.\n\nSitting in the middle of the lagoon, like a lone duck on a farm pond, was a massive flying boat. It had four engines mounted on its single, overhead wing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fuselage was shaped more like the hull of a boat than an aircraft, an effect that was reinforced by a series of portholes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the nose, below the cockpit windows in black lettering, were the words Pan American.\n\nFrom beneath the wing of the plane the crew was launching a small boat.\n\nPascal appeared at Indy's side.\n\n\"I did not expect you to be up so early, considering your ordeal yesterday,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When did the flying boat arrive?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A few minutes ago,\" Pascal said. \"I made contact with the Augusta this morning,\" he explained. \"They, in turn, contacted the flying boat.\"\n\n\"I didn't know Pan Am had passenger service in this part of the world yet,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They don't,\" Pascal said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Their Clippers are limited to South America, I believe. But the radioman on the Augusta said they were testing a new aircraft.\"\n\nAs the boat neared the beach, Pascal became uncomfortable.\n\n\"If you don't mind,\" he said, \"I have the morning's duties yet to perform.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks is not necessary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I think it is,\" Indy said and held out his hand. Pascal paused, then grasped Indy's hand in his.\n\n\"We won't forget your kindness,\" Indy said.\n\nPascal nodded, then disappeared into the cavern of the church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boat pulled up to the beach and the crewman rowing shipped the oars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tall man in a blue jacket stepped from the bow into the surf.\n\n\"I understand you've had rather a tough go,\" he said.\n\n\"Just a small typhoon,\" Indy said.\n\n\"We were lucky enough to avoid it,\" the man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My name is Ed Musick. I fly for Pan American, as you can see, and we've been performing tests on the Sikorsky S-42. Beautiful, isn't she?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll say. I haven't seen one in years.\"\n\n\"Pardon?\" Musick asked. \"The S-42 just went into production.\"\n\n\"I mean, a flying boat,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musick smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've also been exploring some airways and harbors for a possible China route next year,\" he said. \"We received a radio message asking us to rescue some storm refugees.\"\n\n\"That would be us,\" Indy said. \"Captain Musick, this is Faye Maskelyne and her daughter, Mystery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ladies,\" Musick said and tipped his hat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid we can't return you to the States, since we're not equipped yet for passenger service. But our next stop is Calcutta, and from there you should have no problem getting passage back.\"\n\n\"That would be a great help,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Is your party ready?\" Musick asked. \"The radioman said there were four of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're almost ready,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do we do with the lieutenant?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"We can't leave her here,\" Indy said. \"We'll take her to Calcutta and drop her off at the Japanese embassy.\"\n\n\"A Japanese national?\" Musick asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The only other survivor of our boat,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll go untie her,\" Faye said.\n\n\"She's tied up?\" Musick asked.\n\n\"Wait,\" Indy said. \"After you meet her, you'll understand.\"\n\nAs the flying boat ascended into the blue sky above Lazarus Island, Indy sank into the well-cushioned seat and pulled the brim of the fedora over his eyes." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Max McCoy.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of Max McCoy.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a Max McCoy sorta thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pulled Musashi by the hand through the crowds that choked downtown Calcutta, with Faye and Mystery at their heels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Above the confusing mix of Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu—which everyone seemed to be speaking as loudly and as quickly as possible—there were the shrieking horns and growling engines of the incessant buses, the tread of tens of thousands of feet, and the universal cry of the curbside beggars.\n\n\"This is the noisiest city I've ever heard,\" Faye said.\n\n\"It's also the poorest,\" Indy said. \"Thousands of these people sleep on the streets because they have nowhere else to go. Most of those fortunate enough to have a home live in the bustees, the slums, where there is no running water and no sewers. Starvation and disease are rampant.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After the Depression hit, I thought Oklahoma was rough,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the more I see of the world, the more fortunate I feel to be an American.\"\n\n\"Don't forget that feeling,\" Indy shouted back.\n\nAfter asking at every corner they came to, they eventually found the Japanese embassy, hidden from the teeming masses by an iron gate guarded by a pair of Imperial soldiers.\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said as he untied the rope that bound Musashi's hand to his, \"this is it. Sayonara.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stood in front of the gate, rubbing her wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey!\" Indy shouted as he waved his arms at the guards. \"Hai! Come and get her. She's one of yours!\"\n\n\"You should have killed me when you had the chance,\" Musashi said.\n\nIndy leaned close to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's still time,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guards unlocked the gate and Musashi stepped inside. She immediately began barking orders in Japanese and pointing at Indy.\n\n\"They wouldn't dare—,\" Indy said.\n\n\"They would,\" Faye said as the soldiers came toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Run!\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a moment they were lost in the crowd. The soldiers stopped at the end of the block, unwilling to get out of sight of the embassy.\n\n\"Cowards,\" Musashi hissed when they returned.\n\nAfter haggling with a pawnbroker for twenty minutes, Indy succeeded in pawning his wristwatch for ten dollars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, at the Western Union office next door to the pawnbroker, he sent a telegram to New York." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its briefness was dictated not only by the precarious state of their finances, but by Indy's reluctance to explain: TO: MARCUS BRODY, AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.\n\nFROM: INDIANA JONES\n\nIN CALCUTTA, NEED MONEY QUICK. STOP. NO QUESTIONS, WILL EXPLAIN LATER. STOP." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At Travelers Aid, they asked about the cheapest and safest place to spend the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were sent to the Atlas House, a somewhat run-down but still respectable hotel that catered mostly to middle-class English-speaking merchants. The Atlas charged two dollars per night, with board. They signed for two rooms.\n\nAs the desk clerk looked at their names, his eyebrows went up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something wrong?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" the clerk said. \"It's just that Maskelyne is a name you don't see much. Had a Maskelyne stay here three or four years ago, as I recall.\"\n\n\"Kaspar Maskelyne?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"I believe so,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure?\" Faye asked. \"It's very important.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clerk pulled an old register from beneath the counter and began to turn the pages.\n\n\"Yes, here it is,\" he said and turned the register around so that Faye could read the entry. \"February 14, 1930. Valentine's Day. Staying in one of the same rooms you are.\"\n\nFaye ran her finger over the signature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which room?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yours,\" the clerk said. \"Two-oh-seven. Are you related to him?\"\n\n\"I'm his wife,\" she said, choking back a tear. \"This is his daughter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's that?\" the clerk asked about Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A friend,\" Faye said. \"Helping us look. My husband's disappeared.\"\n\n\"Why do you remember Kaspar?\" Indy asked. \"You must get several hundred guests each year.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, we don't get too many that are magicians,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He would give little performances out here in the lobby area in the evenings, and talk to folks about magic and such. An awfully friendly fellow. He stayed here about a week.\"\n\n\"Do you recall anything else?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"He asked me if I had ever heard of a bloke named Jadoo,\" he said. \"Sure, I says, everyone has heard of the old Jadoo, the most famous magician in India. He asked if I could help him find an address on Bengali. It's at the edge of one of the bustees, and hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have a pencil and a scrap of paper?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Certainly.\"\n\n\"Would you mind telling us how to get there?\"\n\n\"Not at all,\" the clerk said. He wrote the directions down, then said, \"That's an area you don't want to be caught in after dark. I'd wait until morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't go now?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's right,\" Indy said. \"Let's wait until morning.\"\n\n\"Mother,\" Mystery said. \"This is the first good clue we've had.\"\n\n\"We've waited four years,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Another night isn't going to make any difference. Besides, I'm tired and hungry, and we can't pay a visit on a fellow magician looking like shipwreck victims—which, of course, we are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They found the shop on a narrow side street. They had passed it twice before Mystery noticed the small numbers on a faded red door that read 707. The door opened on a flight of worn stairs that led to another, more substantial door on the third floor. This door, made of oak, had a carefully polished brass nameplate attached—Jadoo: World Famed Magician. By Appointment Only." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you make an appointment?\" Mystery wondered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's find out,\" Indy said as he rapped sharply on the door with his knuckles.\n\nAfter a few moments a flap opened in the middle of the door. A pair of bloodshot eyes peered out.\n\n\"We're here to see Jadoo,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm Indiana Jones, and these are—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So sorry,\" the squeaky colonial British voice that went with the bloodshot eyes said. \"By appointment only.\"\n\nThe flap slammed shut.\n\nIndy knocked again, this time a little harder.\n\nThe flap opened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't understand,\" Indy said with forced civility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We need to see Jadoo the Magician on a matter of some importance. We don't have time to make an appointment.\"\n\n\"Appointment only,\" the voice snapped.\n\nThe flap closed again.\n\nIndy rubbed his jaw, regarded the closed door, then pounded on it with the edge of his fist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The flap did not open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pounded again, this time hard enough to bring plaster down from the aging ceiling.\n\n\"Stop,\" Faye said.\n\n\"I thought you wanted to see this joker,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I do,\" she said, \"but not by tearing his building down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be my guest,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me,\" Faye said and knocked lightly on the flap. \"We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, and I understand that all visitors should have an appointment. But if you would be so kind as to tell Jadoo that the Maskelynes are here to—\"\n\nThe flap snapped open.\n\n\"What name did you say?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Maskelynes,\" Faye repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am Faye Maskelyne, the wife of the great magician Kaspar Maskelyne, and this is our daughter, Mystery.\"\n\n\"Hello,\" Mystery said.\n\nThe flap snapped shut, and then there were the rattle of chains and the clicks of turning locks. The door opened, and a thin Indian man in a white jacket urged them in with a wave of his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am the master's servant,\" the man said. \"Call me Pasha.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Faye said.\n\nThey found themselves in an extravagantly appointed entrance room full of memorabilia of several decades of magic. The shelves were filled with books on magic in several languages and brimmed with props and other devices. The servant closed and locked the door behind them once they were in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sorry,\" he said, \"but the master is out at the moment. He will be back very soon, however, and I am certain that he would like to see you. Do you care to wait?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will wait,\" Faye said.\n\n\"Very well,\" Pasha said. \"May I get you some refreshments? Tea, perhaps?\"\n\n\"That would be nice,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well,\" Pasha said, putting his hands together and giving a little bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he backed out of the room.\n\n\"This place is like a museum,\" Mystery said as she examined the dusty contents of the shelves. \"I can see why Father would have been drawn to this place.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at this,\" Mystery said as she picked up a drinking goblet that had been made from a human skull mounted on a silver base." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The skull was upside down and had been cut in two about the line of the upper jaw, so that the open cranium formed the cup of the goblet. The eye sockets and the nasal cavities were filled with hammered gold. The skull had been bleached and polished to an ivorylike degree of brightness, although the teeth were somewhat yellow. One of the molars was capped with gold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it real?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took it. The inside of the cranium was etched with the rivulets for blood vessels that, in life, had helped supply blood to the brain.\n\n\"I'm afraid so,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yuck,\" Mystery said. She made a face and wiped the palms of her hands on her jeans. \"Who could be so twisted as to want to drink from a human skull?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is used for ritual magic,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Common among primitive peoples all over the world. The idea is that if you make your rival's head into a cup, then each time you drink from it you are symbolically ingesting his power. Surely it's just a piece of the collection.\"\n\nFaye took the goblet from Indy.\n\n\"Among some tribes, it is a symbol of respect, even veneration,\" she said. \"The greater your enemy, the greater therefore you must be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How barbaric,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hmm,\" Faye said. \"It's not dusty like the other items.\"\n\n\"You can't be suggesting...,\" Indy said.\n\nFaye wiped the interior of the cranium with her middle finger, then tasted it.\n\n\"Wine,\" she said. \"White. Not too old, I'd say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Terrific,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye placed the goblet back on the shelf.\n\n\"Let's hope,\" she said, \"that the owner of this skull was already dead before Jadoo fancied his head as a drinking cup.\"\n\n\"I wonder if he had an appointment,\" Indy said.\n\n\"We'll ask,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pasha returned with a tray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He poured strong British tea from a silver kettle into three cups. Faye took the steaming cup that was offered, but Indy declined.\n\n\"Me neither,\" said Mystery.\n\n\"Oh?\" Pasha asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could I get the young lady some milk, and the gentleman some wine, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery shook her head.\n\n\"No thanks,\" Indy said with a smile. \"I'm not thirsty.\"\n\n\"As you wish,\" Pasha said. \"I expect the master back shortly. In the meantime, is there anything else that I could get for your comfort?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Actually, there is,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're expecting a wire from the States this afternoon. Could you telephone the Western Union office and ask them to deliver it here?\"\n\n\"We have no telephone,\" Pasha said. \"But I will send a messenger to the telegraph office. In whose name will this message be directed?\"\n\n\"Mine,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very well, Dr. Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy searched Pasha's eyes, but he did not flinch.\n\n\"You must have a phenomenal memory,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Beg your pardon, sir?\"\n\n\"I don't remember telling you that I was a professor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We do receive newswire reports, even in Calcutta,\" Pasha said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be a very uninformed citizen of the empire who did not know the name of the famous archaeologist.\"\n\nPasha backed out of the room.\n\n\"You don't trust him,\" Faye said.\n\n\"There's not many people I do trust,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, when he felt Mystery's eyes on the back of his neck he added: \"Present company excepted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was the sound of a closing door somewhere nearby, and hushed voices followed by approaching footsteps. A tall, white-haired man wearing a black turban and jacket entered the room.\n\nHis skin was the color of walnut, but his eyes were a piercing blue.\n\n\"Guests,\" he said. \"Forgive me for making you wait. Had I known you were here, I would have hurried. Please, come into my inner office.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They followed him into a dark, well-carpeted room where a ceiling fan turned slowly. The magician sat in a richly upholstered chair and withdrew a cigar from a wooden box on a side table, then offered the box to Indy.\n\n\"No thanks,\" Indy said. \"I don't smoke.\"\n\n\"I do,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As you wish,\" Jadoo said and allowed her to select a cigar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jadoo lit his cigar with a wooden match, then passed the matches to Faye. She bit off one end of the cigar, then sucked flame into the other end of it.\n\n\"I didn't know you smoked, Mother.\"\n\n\"I've had to give it up,\" Faye said as the smoke serpentined around her head, drawn upward by the ceiling fan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's difficult to get American cigarettes, and the local stuff they smoke stinks too much. My, this is strong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jadoo smiled.\n\n\"Dr. Jones, I know you by reputation. And madam, Pasha tells me that you are the wife of my peer, Kaspar Maskelyne. How may I help you?\"\n\n\"It is because of my husband that we are here,\" Faye said. \"We've been told that he may have visited you before his disappearance, some four years ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jadoo puffed on his cigar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" he said. \"Of course I remember him. He spent the day with me, in 1930, I believe. He has disappeared? I am sorry to hear that.\"\n\n\"We were hoping,\" Indy said, \"that you could share with us the substance of your conversation with him, to better inform our search.\"\n\n\"Ah, it was so long ago,\" Jadoo said. \"And, I am sorry to admit, my memory is not what it once was. What strikes me most about the conversation now is how pleasant it was. We discussed the history of magic, of course, and he took notes for a book he said he was writing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A book?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He never told me about a book.\"\n\n\"Now, let me think,\" Jadoo said and closed his eyes. \"It does seem to me that a book was involved in the discussion. We talked of so many things.\"\n\n\"Kaspar was not the type to attempt a book,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was more the adventurer than the scholar. In fact, I only received three letters from him before his disappearance, and those were maddeningly brief. I have wished many times that he had been more inclined to document his activities, because it would have made the search for him that much easier.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now I remember,\" Jadoo said. \"He was not writing a book about ancient magic, but looking for one. I was not familiar with it, because it seemed to deal more with religion than magic.\"\n\n\"Did you have any advice for him?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Yes. He asked me about ancient Hindu texts, and I was able to tell him something about Sanskrit. We also talked of the nearly universal belief among the world's religions of a book or tablet which contains the histories of every person who will ever live.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Omega Book,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is what some cultures call it,\" Jadoo said. \"The ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that in the city of Heliopolis, near Cairo, there was a great sacred pillar named Annu that stood before civilization existed, and contained secret knowledge on 36,535 scrolls hidden inside. The knowledge could only be revealed to the worthy, and for the benefit of the world.\"\n\nIndy laughed. \"That's a metaphor,\" he said. \"The 36,535 scrolls represent the 365 days of the year, plus a fraction of the day, and there are some interpretations that the knowledge is not contained within the pillar, but in the sky—in other words, the stars.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As above, so below,\" Jadoo said, quoting a common occult saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Plato supposedly visited the temple of Neith, where there were secret halls containing historical records which had been kept for more than nine thousand years. The historian Manetho, who provided the chronology of pharaohs and dynasties that is still used today, is said to have extracted his history from certain pillars which he discovered in underground places, upon which Hermes had inscribed the sacred letters.\"\n\n\"I've heard the myths,\" Indy said. \"Including that of Edgar Cayce, the so-called sleeping prophet, who predicted that a 'Hall of Records' that contains the history of a lost civilization would be discovered beneath the paws of the Sphinx.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We also talked of some of the great archaeological finds, and how many of them seemed more to do with magic than science. It is amazing, isn't it, how many discoveries involve three persons—a rogue archaeologist, his sponsor, and a teenaged daughter of one of the principals?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Tomb of Tutankhamen,\" Indy said, \"or the Crystal Skull of Lubantuun.\"\n\n\"Precisely,\" Jadoo said. \"Surely there is some mysterious power at work there that science can never fully comprehend. After all, luck plays such a tremendous part in the act of digging in the earth, does it not?\"\n\n\"In your conversation with Kaspar about this ancient book,\" Indy asked, \"was there mention of using anything other than luck to find it?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Jadoo said. \"The Staff of Aaron.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did Kaspar believe the Staff would help him find these records?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"We're dealing with unrelated theologies.\"\n\n\"Because the Staff can find anything,\" Jadoo said. \"It helped the Israelites find water in the desert, for example; strike a rock with it, and a spring flowed. Kaspar believed that such divine intervention was necessary to find the right spot to dig in the sand. After all, it is something like attempting to find a needle in a haystack, as you Americans say.\"\n\n\"Belief in the Staff is traditional in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aaron was supposedly 123 years old when he died and was buried at Mount Hor. As to the final location of his staff, the texts are silent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not all texts,\" Jadoo said.\n\n\"You have some information you'd like to share?\"\n\nJadoo shrugged.\n\n\"Chasing rumors and folklore is like trying to catch the wind,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But there is a persistent tale of the Staff still being worshiped by a tribe of devil worshipers in Iraq called the Yezidi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Devil worshipers?\" Mystery asked. \"Why would they worship something that is so connected with the biblical story of Exodus?\"\n\n\"Because Aaron and his sister, a sorceress named Miriam, lost their faith while their brother Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God,\" Indy said. \"They urged the Israelites to construct the Golden Calf and to worship it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Yezidi are an unusual people,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are located in a remote mountain area to the north of Baghdad, and foreigners are strictly forbidden to go there. I told Kaspar that he had better be careful if he reached them, because they anger easily and are not responsive to reason. What is the American expression? They would as soon slit your throat as look at you.\"\n\n\"So Kaspar was planning to go to Iraq?\"\n\n\"Yes, I believe that was his plan,\" Jadoo said. \"But I don't know, because I never heard from him after. Neither did he discuss his route with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Faye said as she knocked the ashes of her cigar into a tray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have given us our first real clue to my husband's whereabouts.\"\n\n\"I only wish I could be more specific,\" Jadoo said apologetically.\n\n\"I have one more question,\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Certainly,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is a goblet made from a human skull in your collection in the next room,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We observed that it was not dusty, like the other pieces, and it smelled of wine.\"\n\n\"Ah,\" Jadoo said and smiled. \"You were wondering if, true to my name, I take refreshment from it. No, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I acquired that relic some years ago in Tibet, and through neglect a family of mice came to nest inside it. When I discovered it last week, I asked Pasha to clean it. He used vinegar, which accounts for the odor.\"\n\n\"That explains it,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean, 'true to your name'?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The magician looked uncomfortable.\n\n\"Jadoo,\" Indy explained, \"means 'black magic.'\"\n\n\"A stage affectation,\" the magician said.\n\nThere was a rap at the door, and Pasha entered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was carrying a tray, and there was a heavy yellow piece of paper on it, folded so as to make it its own envelope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me,\" he said. \"A message for Dr. Jones.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Indy said.\n\nIndy opened the telegram and read it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's from Marcus Brody,\" he said, and his voice nearly cracked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says that he is distressed to learn that I'm in India instead of China, but that he has directed a transfer of funds to the British Mercantile Bank here. All I have to do is go to the bank and give our usual code word.\"\n\n\"You seem surprised to hear from your old friend,\" Faye said.\n\n\"Not surprised,\" Indy said. \"Simply nostalgic.\"\n\n\"You have a code word?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said proudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A mnemonic device we agreed upon, something from childhood. It certainly comes in handy.\"\n\n\"But what if somebody guesses it?\" she asked.\n\n\"Oh, that won't happen,\" he said. \"The word is part of a sequence, which progresses each time we use it. Oh, no.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's wrong? You look suddenly ill.\"\n\n\"I can't remember where we are in the sequence,\" he stammered.\n\n\"All right, Dr. Jones,\" the banker said cheerfully. \"My name is Mr. Hyde, and I will be overseeing the funds transfer from America. One thousand American dollars.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were sitting in a well-appointed office of the British Mercantile Bank, while Faye and Mystery waited in the lobby outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The banker had seemed somewhat alarmed at Indy's disheveled condition, and had insisted that he leave the whip and the gun with Faye.\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said. \"You don't know what a help this is.\"\n\n\"Sign this, please.\"\n\nHe pushed a form across to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy signed it and dated it, then handed it back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The date,\" the banker said.\n\n\"What? Oh, sorry. I'm always behind when the year changes.\"\n\n\"You are a quarter of a century ahead,\" the banker observed.\n\n\"There's a funny story behind that,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure there is,\" the banker said without emotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, do you have some identification? Your passport will do.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, I don't,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You're traveling without a passport?\"\n\n\"I lost it in the storm that sank our ship,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something else, then. A birth certificate?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not something I normally carry with me.\"\n\n\"A library card, perhaps.\"\n\n\"I told you,\" Indy said. His eyes glistened and his cheeks were beginning to redden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I lost everything in the typhoon. We are in a desperate situation here, or I wouldn't be wiring my friend Marcus Brody for money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, Dr. Jones, no need to get angry,\" Hyde said. \"There is one last recourse here. I just need to verify your identity with the code word which Mr. Brody has given us.\"\n\nIndy grinned.\n\n\"Another funny story,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll take your word for it,\" the banker said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I give you the entire phrase, of which—\"\n\n\"The code word, Dr. Jones,\" the banker insisted.\n\nIndy mumbled.\n\n\"I beg your pardon?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Boy,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"Does.\"\n\n\"Quite wrong.\"\n\n\"Fine,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" the banker said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's it,\" Indy said. \"I couldn't remember which note we used last. Every Good Boy Does Fine. The phrase stands for the lines of the great musical staff, and we used D last time.\"\n\nThe banker looked at him suspiciously.\n\n\"Look, I've just given you the code,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wire Brody if you must and ask him to confirm it—we'll have to change it now, anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait here, please,\" the banker said. \"I'll get the money for you.\"\n\nThe banker left the office and Indy waited nervously. When the man returned, he was accompanied by a bank security guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're under arrest for fraud,\" Hyde said. \"The correct response was, 'Every.'\"\n\n\"You're making a big mistake,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'm afraid not, Dr. Jones—or whoever you are,\" Hyde said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Our description for Professor Jones is of a man considerably younger than yourself. He would certainly have no gray in his hair. In addition, Mr. Brody told us that he believed you were in South America. We must conclude, therefore, that you are an impostor attempting to assume the identity of Dr. Jones in order to make some quick cash from Mr. Brody's museum.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get Marcus on the phone,\" Indy said. \"Let me talk to him.\"\n\n\"That is quite impossible,\" Hyde said.\n\n\"Please,\" Indy said. \"You don't understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm afraid we do,\" Hyde said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will be held by the Calcutta police until we can sort this thing out.\"\n\n\"Behave yourself,\" the guard told him while he handcuffed Indy's hands behind his back. \"There's a good fellow. No use struggling.\"\n\nAs Indy was led away through the lobby, Faye called out to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are they taking you?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Calcutta jail,\" Indy said. \"They think I'm trying to rob them. They don't believe I'm me.\"\n\n\"You're making a mistake,\" Faye told them. \"This is Dr. Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This bloke apparently has you fooled as well,\" the guard said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you know he is Dr. Jones?\"\n\n\"Because he told us he was.\"\n\n\"How long have you known him?\"\n\n\"A few days,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You lied?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Do you have any other proof?\" the guard asked.\n\n\"Well, no,\" Faye said. \"But I trust him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Begging your pardon,\" the guard said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But there's your first mistake, madam. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to take you and the girl in for questioning as well. Let me have the gun.\"\n\n\"Indy,\" Faye said. \"What do you want me to do?\"\n\n\"Hand it to him,\" Indy said.\n\nShe gave the guard the holstered Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tucked it under his arm, then drew a second and third pair of handcuffs from his back pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since there's only one of me and three of you,\" he said apologetically as he held up the additional sets of cuffs, \"the bloke here will go to jail, but you women will be released after the inspectors have a chance to question you.\"\n\n\"Let them go,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Sorry, mate.\"\n\nThe guard handcuffed Mystery's hands behind her back, then turned to her mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery was out of the cuffs in a few seconds, and she snatched the Webley from beneath his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've had enough of this,\" Mystery said as she unholstered the revolver and pointed it at the bank guard.\n\n\"Now, miss,\" the guard said. \"You could hurt somebody with that.\"\n\n\"That's the point,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not letting you take Dr. Jones. You know what they call the jail here? The black hole. People go in and never come out. Let him go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" the guard said and released Indy.\n\n\"Let's get out of here,\" Mystery said.\n\nIndy took the gun from the guard's holster.\n\n\"Not yet,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll have that money now, Mr. Hyde.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're robbing me?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"That thousand dollars really is meant for me. It's not your money, it's Marcus Brody's—or at least his museum's.\"\n\n\"Very well,\" Hyde said. \"It will take a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't care if it's in dollars, pounds, or rupees,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just hurry. And don't try anything, because we're desperate.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"Give me that,\" Faye said and took the gun from her. \"You're not going to shoot anybody.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Faye,\" Indy said. \"This is kind of a delicate situation. Would you please not undermine our position?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't be having my daughter waving guns around,\" she said.\n\n\"Fine,\" Indy said. \"Then you wave it.\"\n\nHyde came back with the money, which was in pounds. Indy stuffed it in his jacket and tipped his hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remember,\" he said. \"We only took what was mine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then all three ran for the door.\n\nSokai was still unaccustomed to the black silk patch over his eye, and he tilted his head back at an awkward angle as he looked at the old magician. Sokai, who was wearing a white suit beneath his black trench coat, lit an American cigarette and crossed his legs while Jadoo fidgeted with a cigar.\n\nMusashi stood behind Sokai's chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This man Jones,\" Sokai said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me what you know of him.\"\n\n\"He was here,\" Jadoo said. \"And his two companions. A woman by the name of Maskelyne and her daughter. They should be well on their way to Baghdad by now.\"\n\n\"What did they want?\" Sokai asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They were searching for clues to the woman's missing husband,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told them that he was here, four years ago.\"\n\n\"Go on,\" Sokai said.\n\n\"I led them to believe that I was sympathetic to their search.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Sokai said. \"What else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jones received a telegram from New York. Money was waiting for him at the British Mercantile Bank.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That will make him harder to catch,\" Sokai said.\n\n\"Why do you want him?\"\n\n\"Personal reasons,\" Sokai said and touched the eye patch. \"Also, they search for something which interests me. Why are they on their way to Baghdad?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I told them the husband believed he would find the Rod of Aaron among the Yezidi of northern Iraq,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That much is true.\"\n\n\"But they won't find the husband there,\" Sokai said.\n\n\"No,\" Jadoo said.\n\n\"Why have you never sought this fabled rod, if the husband shared its location with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because the Yezidi are not a tribe I am anxious to visit,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have never been inclined to risk my life for an uncertain reward.\"\n\n\"Ah,\" Sokai said, \"but what if someone else does the real work by locating the prize first?\"\n\n\"Then it would be a prize for the taking,\" Jadoo said.\n\nSokai laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We seem to share compatible philosophies,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let us join forces to bring about the destruction of Jones and his companions. We will have what is his.\"\n\n\"We've got a problem,\" Indy said as he sat down between Faye and Mystery in the crowded railcar bound for the heart of the Indian subcontinent. The conductor had punched their tickets without so much as a second glance.\n\n\"Other than being fugitives?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep your voice down,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I think we're safe now. The problem is that once we get to the Pakistani border—a week from now, or two weeks, depending on our luck and the whims of the Indian railway system—the rails end.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Faye said. \"Then we hire a driver.\"\n\n\"There are no roads,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least not in the modern sense of the word. There are nothing but goat paths, switchbacks, and unmarked graves for fifteen hundred miles of rocks and desert. The two countries between us and Baghdad, Pakistan and Iran, belong more to the Middle Ages than to the twentieth century.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So how do people cross it?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"Generally, they don't,\" Indy said. \"When they have to, they go in caravans, just like they did a thousand years ago on the old Silk Road.\"\n\n\"Then we'll find a caravan,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It takes six weeks to cross that much desert on a camel,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know about you, but I don't think I can spare the time—or the trouble. Have you ever ridden a camel?\"\n\n\"No,\" Faye said.\n\n\"It's miserable,\" Indy said. \"The smell alone is enough to drive you nuts. But if our timing is right, and our money holds out, we can rent a plane from one of the oil companies. If we're lucky, we might even find a plane that can still fly for more than fifty miles at a hop. The desert is notoriously hard on aircraft.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So,\" Mystery asked. \"Is that the plan?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Dr. Jones,\" Faye said. \"What is our next move?\"\n\n\"The smart move would be to go home,\" Indy suggested.\n\n\"Home,\" Faye said, \"is where my husband is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, Faye,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have nothing left to prove. Nobody would blame you if you gave up, declared him officially missing in action, and went on with your life. I'm sorry, but that's the size of it.\"\n\n\"You just don't get it, do you?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Get what?\" Indy said.\n\n\"We have to know,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he's alive, I want to find him. If he's dead, I can deal with that. But either way, I have to know—it's this purgatory of not knowing that I can't tolerate. If you're not going to help, then Mystery and I will do it by ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy clenched his jaw and looked away.\n\n\"You seem to be forgetting something, Dr. Jones.\"\n\n\"Oh? What's that?\" Indy snapped.\n\n\"The long shot that Kaspar actually found the Staff of Aaron, and perhaps the Omega Book. You may be right, Dr. Jones: Kaspar may have died long ago. But his cold dead fingers may be clutching the Staff of Aaron, which in turn points to the Omega Book. It would be the greatest archaeological find and treasure trove of our age. Imagine, Dr. Jones. Your career could come into the daylight. You would no longer be forced to rob graves in the dead of night while dodging goons with machine guns.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I like my work,\" Indy said defensively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who wouldn't?\" Faye asked. \"You get to travel and meet new people with interesting and usually sadistic hobbies. When's the last time you brought anything of real value back to your museum in New York?\"\n\nIndy coughed.\n\n\"There were several items from Qin's tomb that were quite nice,\" he said softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I've had other adventures, but I can't talk about most of them. Nobody would believe me, anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So what's one more adventure,\" Faye continued, \"just one more shot at the jackpot. You know you can't resist.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Indy said as he rubbed his hand over his stubbled jaw. \"We'll keep pushing on—keep hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. And one other thing: Since we will be sharing hardships equally on this expedition, we will also share equally in whatever rewards are unearthed. Agreed?\"\n\n\"Agreed, Dr. Jones.\" Then Faye paused." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The big silver biplane with the red Standard Oil logo emblazoned on its corrugated sides glided down to within a yard or two of the desert floor. The 360-horsepower Wright radial engine sputtered and died as it sucked the last drop of fuel from the ninety-gallon tank. The big low-pressure tires bounced twice on the hardpan, leaving twin plumes of dust behind, and then there was a jolt as the tail wheel dropped to the deck.\n\nSitting on the floor of the cargo hold of the PT6 transport, Faye Maskelyne lost her balance and nearly landed in Indy's lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" she mumbled, suddenly self-conscious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the aircraft had rolled to a stop, Mystery unlatched the rear cargo door and jumped down to the ground. Both she and her mother were dressed in khakis they'd purchased two weeks earlier at a bazaar in an unnamed village along the banks of the Indus.\n\nThe Iraqi sun blazed overhead, and with the exception of some hazy blue mountains in the north, there was nothing to see except the unforgiving desert.\n\n\"Where are we?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Somewhere in the Upper Plain,\" Indy said as he emerged from the plane with a plank of wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here—position this on the ground, would you?\"\n\nIndy mounted one of the two motorcycles in the cargo bay, released the clutch, and rolled it down the board to the ground. Then he returned to the aircraft and did the same thing with the other motorcycle, which had a sidecar attached.\n\nBoth motorcycles were red American-made Indians, and both had already been well-used by the time Indy had spent the last of the money to buy them from a trader at the oil company camp in the Pakistani desert the day before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first motorcycle was a 1929 Indian 4, with four black exhaust pipes exiting on the left side and a broad seat that looked like it belonged on a tractor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The motorcycle with the sidecar was a 1928 Scout. On the sidecar was painted, in English and Arabic, Property of British Geologic Survey.\n\nFaye brought out the food and supplies, which they strapped to the motorcycles and packed into the luggage area of the sidecar. They hung the canvas water bags from the front fenders of the bikes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Mystery then hauled out the gasoline, ten cans of which were designated to get the aircraft back to the Indian border." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other eight cans would be strapped to the rears of the motorcycles.\n\nThe pilot opened the big triangular glass-paned door and jumped down from the cockpit.\n\n\"You cut that a little close, didn't you?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"This was the first flat spot I could find that wasn't strewn with rocks,\" the pilot said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, you said you wanted to get as close to Lalesh as possible. Well, it's about a hundred miles in that direction.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pilot jerked his thumb over his shoulder to the north.\n\nAfter they had finished refueling the aircraft, Indy took the map from his satchel and unfolded it on the ground, then placed his compass on it.\n\n\"Okay,\" he said, sitting on his haunches. \"The Tigris River is due west, the mountains are to the northeast, and you say Lalesh is a hundred miles north. That would place us about here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy jabbed the map with his index finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A little more over here, I think,\" the pilot said.\n\n\"All right,\" Indy said. \"If we average thirty miles an hour across the desert, we should reach Lalesh by nightfall. If there anything in particular we should know?\"\n\n\"Iraq is a British protectorate,\" the pilot said, \"but up here on the Upper Plain you're on your own. Iraq does have its own army, but I wouldn't trust them if you meet them; the officers tend to lean toward fascism and they are busy brewing up a war with the British. They won't be fond of Americans. Stay away from the Yezidi tribes, because they have a nasty reputation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've heard,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Baghdad is around three hundred miles to the south,\" the pilot said. \"If you get lost, just find the Tigris River and follow it down. Also, there should be a couple of British oil company outposts where you can buy fuel on the way back.\"\n\nIndy folded the map and put it back in his pocket.\n\n\"Thanks,\" he said as he stood and shook the pilot's hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the first time I've flown somebody out to the middle of nowhere and dropped them off,\" the pilot said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good luck, because I know you'll need it.\"\n\nIndy mounted the Indian 4 while Faye and Mystery argued over who was going to ride in the sidecar. They finally agreed to flip a coin for it, and Mystery won; she climbed into the Scout's saddle while her mother took the sidecar.\n\n\"Do you now how to ride that thing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked as he slipped on his goggles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery just smiled at him and kicked the starter. The Scout's engines puttered to life, and then the rear wheel skidded in the dust as she dumped the clutch and twisted the throttle.\n\n\"Hey!\" he shouted. \"That bike has to last us several hundred miles. There are no garages out here!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery, however, could not hear him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kids,\" Indy said and shook his head.\n\nThen he started his own bike and followed.\n\nFor an hour they rode across the plateau, occasionally steering around boulders or climbing a gully, their dust trails hanging behind them in the hot afternoon air.\n\nIndy checked the compass often to make sure they were still headed in the right direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stopped once for lunch, then Faye and Mystery switched places and they pressed onward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the afternoon wore on, the terrain became rougher, and they found themselves approaching a high mound overlooking the Tigris River. At the apex of the mound was a group of ancient ruins, some of which had obviously been excavated in the not-so-distant past.\n\nIndy brought his motorcycle to a stop and Mystery pulled up beside him.\n\n\"What is this?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nineveh,\" Indy said. \"One of the oldest cities in the world, supposedly founded by Nimrod, great-grandson of Noah. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in the sixth century before Christ.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where to now?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"There's an ancient road that leads from here to the mountains in the northeast,\" Indy said. \"We take it.\"\n\nThe road was little more than a goat path, and it was so rough that they were forced to reduce their speed to nearly a crawl for fear of breaking the springs of the motorcycles. Totally intent on negotiating the road, Indy did not notice that they had been followed for the last ten miles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly there were four riders on each side of them, and they easily kept pace with the motorcycles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The horses were white Arabians, sixteen hands high, and the riders wore dark robes and carried ancient muzzle-loading rifles. From their belts hung khanjers, the wicked-looking curved daggers of the desert.\n\nOn flat ground the vehicles could have easily outrun them, but not here. Indy throttled down his motorcycle and brought it smoothly to a stop, and Faye did the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't make any sudden moves,\" Indy said with a smile, looking at the riders but talking to Mystery and Faye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And whatever you do, don't speak to them, because that would be an insult. Only men speak to men.\"\n\nThe leader was a big man with bright blue eyes that peered from a face as weathered as the landscape around them. His nose was like one of the larger boulders, and his hair and beard were the color and texture of steel wool.\n\nHe jumped down from his horse and approached Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had his flintlock rifle in the crook of his left arm, and his right hand was free to wield the khanjer if needed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He greeted Indy in Arabic, then said:\n\n\"I speak English a little.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Indy said, and he drew back his jacket a little so the holstered Webley would be evident. \"I speak Arabic a little.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Sheikh Ali Azhad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name is Dr. Jones,\" Indy said in Arabic, knowing how much stock this part of the world put in titles. \"These women are my assistants. They are unimportant, but I am fond of them. They are mine.\"\n\nFaye smiled pleasantly, unaware of the conversation.\n\nThe sheikh nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You treat sick people?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"I'm not that kind of a doctor—I'm a teacher, an archaeologist. I dig in the ground.\"\n\n\"What do you look for?\" the sheikh asked.\n\n\"The past,\" Indy said.\n\nThe sheikh nodded gravely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have been waiting three days for you,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In a dream I saw you coming, upon your red machines. All three of you. But I thought you were three men. I was fooled, because your women wear pants. That is the way of dreams. They are true, but you do not know in which way until it comes to pass.\"\n\n\"You are Yezidi?\" Indy asked. \"You live in Lalesh?\"\n\n\"We call it Sheikh Adda, in honor of our great prophet. It lies in the valley, yonder. We are a peaceful people. The world does not understand us. They try to kill us, to wipe us out. Why are you here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The dream did not tell you?\" Indy asked, gambling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sheikh grunted.\n\n\"May I see your gun?\"\n\nIndy took the Webley from the holster and extended it toward the Sheikh butt-first.\n\n\"If I can see yours,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sheikh handed him the flintlock and took the Webley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rifle was old, perhaps a hundred years or more, but well cared for. It smelled of oil and black gunpowder. It was of about forty caliber, and a fresh flint was in the hammer.\n\nThe sheikh opened the cylinder of the Webley, noted the brass cartridges, closed the revolver, and tested its heft by sighting on a mountain peak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he returned it to Indy, and Indy handed him the rifle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very nice,\" Indy said.\n\nThe sheikh nodded in satisfaction.\n\n\"I call you Jones.\"\n\nIndy nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll call you Ali,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I take you to Sheikh Adda,\" Ali said. \"But first, rules: No spitting. No wearing blue. No making Shaitan angry.\"\n\nThe sheikh mounted his horse and led the way down the road, followed by the other seven riders. Indy started his motorcycle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's Shaitan?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Satan,\" Indy said.\n\nThe village of Sheikh Adda, the holiest of the Yezidi cities, was a collection of white, cone-shaped tombs and temples in the center of a few hundred huts situated in a green valley. Peacocks, symbols of one of the semideities that the Yezidi believed ruled the earth, roamed freely. There appeared to be little commerce other than the raising of goats and horses, and by Yezidi standards Ali was a wealthy man because he owned a gun, a horse, a khanjer, and his own little shop that dealt in tea and the cheapest of Western trinkets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because he was considered the most powerful man in the village, other than the high priest, he had been allowed to learn and speak English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many Yezidi are there?\" Mystery asked as she got out of the sidecar.\n\n\"Nobody knows,\" Indy said. \"Estimates range from a few thousand to perhaps tens of thousands. In an area in which religious war is the biggest industry, the Yezidi have the misfortune of being identified with the one personality that is nearly universally hated. They have been persecuted for centuries.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long have they been around?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody knows that, either,\" Indy said. \"But they appear to be one of the oldest religious groups in the world. Some have claimed they are a direct link to the religion of the Sumerians, but that hasn't been proven. They can be traced as far back as the mystery religions, however.\"\n\n\"Do they really worship the devil?\" she asked.\n\n\"Worship is the wrong word,\" Ali told Indy as he approached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have been impolite for him to answer Mystery directly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We believe that Allah is good. Because Allah is good, we have nothing to fear from Him. It is Shaitan you must watch out for and give respect.\"\n\n\"What are the ways in which you give respect?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"In every aspect of life, of course,\" Ali said. \"Come, are you hungry? We will eat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy followed Ali into his house, but stopped Faye and Mystery before they could enter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he said. \"But you have to wait out here until the men finish. Then, you'll be brought the scraps.\"\n\n\"The scraps?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"She's right,\" Faye said. \"That's barbaric.\"\n\n\"Don't make a scene,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It reflects badly on me. Look, I don't make the rules around here. Besides, it could be worse; at least you don't have to wear veils, which is considered pretty progressive in this part of the world. If you're hungry, there is plenty of decent chow in the sidecar.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the meal, Indy emerged wearing a white turban and a coarse zebun, the traditional Arab homespun robe. Over his arm were a pair of dark robes. He paused just outside the hut, put his hands on his stomach, and belched elaborately.\n\nFaye and Mystery were still sitting beside the motorcycles, since none of the other villagers, male or female, dared to express the slightest interest in them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ali slapped Indy on the back and thanked him for the compliment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come,\" he said. \"I will show you your house. Bring your women.\"\n\n\"Have a good time?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"You got the best end of the stick, believe me,\" Indy whispered. \"Mutton and sheep eyes. I'd give anything for a ham sandwich right now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" Faye said. \"Mysti and I ate all the potted ham.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was delicious,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"Here, put these on,\" Indy said as he threw the robes at Faye. \"They think it's indecent for a woman to wear pants.\"\n\nAli led them to a modest hut not far from the village well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They left the motorcycles outside, after Indy removed the spark plug wires." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you trust us?\" Ali asked.\n\n\"Of course,\" Indy said as he stuffed the plug wires into his satchel. \"But would you leave your horse outside with a bit still between his teeth?\"\n\nThe dirt floor of the hut had been freshly raked, and there were two straw mats arranged for sleeping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other than the mats, there was no furniture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A basket of fruit had been placed by the doorway, which was covered with a strip of canvas.\n\n\"I hope you find it adequate,\" Ali said.\n\n\"More than adequate,\" Indy said. \"Thank you, my friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before dawn the next morning, Ali crept inside the hut and knelt beside Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye and her daughter were still asleep, sharing a straw mat in the far corner of the hut.\n\nAli placed a hand on his shoulder.\n\nIndy's eyes snapped open, and his hand reached for his revolver. Ali's khanjer was at his throat before Indy's fingers could close around the butt of the Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is only I,\" Ali said as he sheathed the knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought somebody was trying to steal the bikes,\" Indy said, lowering the revolver.\n\n\"Dress quickly, my friend,\" Ali said. \"Here, put on this turban—the proper headgear for a man. You have been invited to our temple, something no white man has seen before—at least not one who has lived to tell about it.\"\n\n\"Why me?\" Indy asked as he pulled on his boots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because of my dream,\" Ali said, \"and because the other sheikhs attach significance to your visit as well. This is a time of great portent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy followed Ali outside as he wrapped the turban around his head. The stars were shining brightly in a cloudless sky. They walked down the dirt street to the temple with the cone-shaped top, and Ali paused. A dozen pairs of shoes and boots were outside the doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take off your boots,\" he told Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave them outside, and do not step on the threshold when you cross the doorway. Say nothing, do nothing, unless you are instructed.\"\n\nOnce inside the temple, Ali took a lighted candle from a table and moved a tapestry hanging on the far side of the rounded wall, revealing a flight of stairs. Khanjer in hand, a priest stood beside the tapestry, which represented a peacock.\n\n\"Is this always guarded?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Ali said as he descended the steps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the center of worship for all Yezidi. It is ancient beyond memory. We cannot allow you to witness our rituals, but as sheikh I can show you our most venerated object. After all, that is why you are here, is it not?\"\n\nIndy smiled, but said nothing.\n\nOn the walls of the passage were representations of large black snakes twisted around each other.\n\nIndy could hear the sound of running water, and as they descended the sound grew louder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do the pictures of the snakes mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ali held his finger to his lips.\n\nWhen they reached the bottom of the steps, they were in a large granite cavern. Ali used the candle to light a pair of torches held in sconces upon the wall. In the center of the room was a pit, and at the bottom of the pit was a flowing stream of clear water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may ask questions about anything except the pictures upon the wall,\" Ali said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those are the property of Shaitan, and we are forbidden to speak of them.\"\n\n\"The water,\" Indy said. \"It is from the village well.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ali said. \"Our temples are always built over underground streams.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Ali walked over to an alcove cut into the rock, and from the light of his candle Indy could see the wooden doors of a coffin-shaped reliquary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ali opened the doors, revealing a bone-white piece of wood. It was nearly two meters long, Indy judged. Ali gently removed the Staff from its resting place.\n\n\"You may hold it,\" Ali said, \"but under no circumstances it is allowed to touch the floor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded, then took the Staff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is so light,\" Indy said.\n\n\"It is very old, and has lost much of its weight. If you were to drop it, it would shatter like a piece of glass.\"\n\n\"Bring the candle closer,\" Indy said, \"there are some markings here, but I cannot make them out. They look like Hebrew, but I can't be sure.\"\n\n\"It has not produced miracles in my lifetime,\" Ali said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has healed the sick in the past. I remember my grandfather telling me about the lepers and the demon-possessed it cured.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that why you thought I was a physician?\"\n\n\"More of a hope, really,\" Ali said. \"We have had a few foreigners come seeking the Staff every generation or so, but they are always after power.\"\n\n\"Within the last few years,\" Indy asked, \"was there ever an Englishman named Kaspar?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Ali said. \"You are the first in a generation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Staff and the...,\" Indy said and nodded toward the stairway. \"We have a Western symbol, the caduceus, which represents healing, that is a combination of those pictures and the Staff.\"\n\n\"I know of it,\" Ali said.\n\n\"How did the Staff come into the possession of your people?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We do not really know,\" Ali said, \"there is an old story about the Staff and the Ark of the Covenant being stolen from Solomon's Temple at the same time, long ago, but we cannot be sure. It is just a story.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy carefully handed the Staff back to Ali, and as the sheikh put it back into the reliquary Indy asked: \"Has anyone asked merely to borrow the Staff?\"\n\n\"That would be quite impossible,\" Ali said. \"We have very strict laws about that. It must remain here, under our protection. And if someone were to steal it, woe to them. After we cut off their hands, they would be staked in the desert and disemboweled. What a feast for the vultures, eh? But we are a peaceful people. Tell me, Dr. Jones, what is your interest in the Staff?\"\n\n\"Purely academic,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Ali said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know, there is one circumstance only in which the Staff may leave the village, and that is in the hands of the Expected One, who again can bring forth miracles with the aid of the Staff. Frankly, my friend, I was hoping that would be you.\"\n\n\"I'm not your man,\" Indy said. \"Sorry.\"\n\n\"So am I,\" Ali said. \"We are sorely in need of the Age of Miracles to return. In my dream, even the heavens responded to the will of the Chosen One.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you saw it,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were sitting on the straw mats in the hut, and Indy had just finished telling her about the tour of the temple and its underground chamber.\n\n\"Yes, or something like it,\" Indy said. \"Very old, kept in a wooden cabinet in an alcove cut into the rock.\"\n\n\"This pit that had the well water in it,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How big was it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About three feet across.\"\n\n\"Could you tell how deep the water was, or the chamber in which it ran?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said, \"it was too dark.\"\n\n\"This is going to be difficult,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is impossible,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The temple is guarded around the clock.\"\n\n\"Yes, but just by one priest,\" Faye said.\n\n\"There's no way to get past him. Even if you could somehow overpower him, you'd have to fight the entire village to escape.\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Faye said. \"Unless you could put a duplicate in its place. From your description, it doesn't sound all that special-looking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, I don't want to have my hands chopped off and then be staked in the desert to serve as food for vultures,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just too risky. And besides that, it wouldn't be right. These people have shared their food and their shelter with us. Let's not repay them by stealing the most valuable thing they own.\"\n\n\"We could bring it back,\" Faye said.\n\n\"It would still be stealing,\" Indy said.\n\n\"It's the key to the Omega Book,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It also may be our only chance of finding Kaspar.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too risky,\" Indy said.\n\n\"The famed scholar, adventurer, and grave robber concedes a challenge he can't meet?\" Mystery asked mockingly.\n\n\"I prefer to rob my victims after they've been dead a few thousand years, not while they're still walking about,\" Indy said sourly. \"We'll leave for Baghdad tomorrow, at first light. There is nothing more for us here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sat upright on the straw mat, awakened by the shouts of men and the ululation of the women in the center of the village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced across the room and saw Faye sleeping, but not Mystery.\n\n\"Oh, no,\" he said.\n\n\"Where's Mystery?\" Faye asked, rousing.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said as he pulled on his shoes and grabbed his zebun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I'm afraid she may be the cause of all the excitement.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a crowd gathered around the temple, and everyone seemed to be talking at once in Arabic. \"What's wrong?\" Indy asked Ali.\n\n\"The Staff is gone,\" Ali said. \"We came here for morning worship, and it was missing. Where is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't think I stole it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can think of no one else,\" Ali said. \"I shouldn't have showed it to you. It was a mistake.\"\n\nAli made a motion with his hand, and Indy and Faye were grasped by their arms.\n\n\"Where is the girl?\" Ali said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Again, where is the Staff?\"\n\n\"Again, I don't know,\" Indy said.\n\nAli shook his head. He drew his khanjer, the blade of which gleamed in the pinkish light of dawn, and held it beneath Indy's chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will tell me,\" Ali said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better you tell me now than later, but you will tell me. Because I will start by peeling the skin from your arms and legs,\" he said. \"The palms and the soles of the feet are particularly sensitive. Then, I will do the same to your chest and belly, and finally I will peel your face and scalp away. After that, when we recover the Staff, we will cut off your hands—\"\n\n\"I know the rest,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Stake them down,\" Ali commanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crowd grabbed Indy and Faye by their hands and feet, then staked them spread-eagle on the sand with leather rope and wooden pegs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have any ideas?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Not one,\" Indy admitted.\n\nAli sat cross-legged on the ground and removed Indy's left boot. Then he pulled the sock off and pressed the blade of the knife to the thin skin over the bone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are a peaceful people,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hitler says the same thing,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Who is this Hitler?\"\n\n\"Guess,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You force us to do this,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Ali leaned close to Indy and said: \"For fear of Shaitan, please tell us where you have hidden the Staff. I thought you were my friend. I do not want to hurt you. We will have to kill you now, of course, but I do not want to torture you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then don't,\" Indy said.\n\nAli shook his head and began to trim the flesh from Indy's ankle. Indy gritted his teeth, but could not suppress a scream when he felt the blade of the knife skim along the bone.\n\n\"Stop!\" Mystery shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She emerged from the well, holding the Staff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hair was matted and she was covered with mud.\n\n\"I stole your stupid stick,\" she said. \"I lowered myself down the well and swam the underground spring to the chamber. Let them go.\"\n\nAli shouted in Arabic for the men to grab her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You touch me and I'll break this thing,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You let Indy and my mother go, and then I'll think about giving this back.\"\n\nAli told them to stop.\n\n\"We cannot release them,\" he told her. \"It is our law.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you can just say good-bye to your most precious possession,\" Mystery said and applied pressure to the Staff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It bent over her knee like a bow, and when it began to crack Ali held up his hand.\n\n\"All right,\" he said and told the others to cut Faye Maskelyne free.\n\n\"What about Dr. Jones?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"He abused my trust and my friendship,\" Ali said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For that alone, he must die—as you must die, for stealing the Staff. But I will let your mother go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye stood up, rubbing her wrists. She walked over and took the Staff from Mystery. A sudden cool wind rustled the coarse robes of the men and the scarves of the women, and Ali thought he saw something like the glow of phosphorus playing about the length of the Staff.\n\n\"Give me the Staff,\" Ali said. \"Then go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not leaving without my daughter,\" Faye said, her blue eyes flashing. \"Or my friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are to die,\" Ali insisted. \"Go.\"\n\n\"Damn you,\" Faye said and pointed the Staff at Ali. \"You're not going to kill anybody.\"\n\nA thin bolt of lightning descended from the cloudless sky and struck the sand at Ali's feet, knocking the khanjer out of his hand and sending him flying backward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crowd retreated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wowser,\" Mystery said. \"Do it again, Mom.\"\n\n\"I don't know what happened,\" Faye said as she walked over to Indy. She drew a knife from her belt and cut him loose. \"I was just angry, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remind me not to make you angry,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ali sat up and shook his head. His turban and robe were smoking, and puddled on the ground was a red-hot fulgurite where the sand had melted together.\n\n\"Could it be?\" he asked. \"A woman?\"\n\n\"What's he talking about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye asked as she helped Indy to his feet. \"How's your ankle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy wiggled his toes.\n\n\"Funny,\" he said, examining the wound. \"It's just a scratch. I could have sworn that Ali carved a hunk out of my ankle like it was a Thanksgiving turkey. But it's not bleeding now, and it doesn't even hurt.\"\n\n\"May I examine the Staff?\" Ali asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why should I give it back?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please,\" Ali said. \"Allow me to see it, if only for a moment.\"\n\nHe held out his hands pleadingly.\n\n\"Give it to him,\" Indy said as he put on his sock and boot.\n\nAli took the Staff and tested its weight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is much heavier,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bring me a lamp.\"\n\nSomeone brought a lighted oil lamp, and he examined the length of the Staff with it. He ran his thumb over the letters.\n\n\"Look,\" he said. \"They are quite clear now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Hebrew letters,\" Ali said, offering her the Staff back.\n\n\"The name of Aaron,\" Indy said.\n\n\"This is really it.\"\n\n\"Of course, Mom,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think you can summon lightning with any old stick?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are the Expected One,\" Ali said.\n\n\"I'm no such thing,\" Faye said.\n\n\"The Age of Miracles has returned,\" Ali said.\n\n\"I wouldn't argue with him,\" Indy whispered in her ear." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two weeks later, in the Muski—the ancient section of Cairo—Indy braked the Indian to a stop in front of a tenement building that he had visited many times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery, driving the Scout with Faye in the sidecar, pulled up behind him. Both motorcycles were covered in dirt and mud, and badly in need of repair.\n\n\"Wait here,\" he told the Maskelynes as he pulled the goggles from his dirty face. He walked up the flight of stairs to an apartment on the top floor of the building, wiped most of the dirt from his face with his kerchief, and knocked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A dark-haired girl of about three came to the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is your daddy home?\" Indy asked in Arabic.\n\nShe looked at him blankly.\n\nAnother child came to the door, a boy, a little older and bigger than the first child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy repeated the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy nodded gravely, but did nothing further. Finally, another girl joined the two youngsters already at the door, and when Indy repeated the question yet one more time, she called into the house.\n\nIndy could hear heavy footsteps pad across the wooden floor, and soon a familiar face appeared in the doorway.\n\n\"Sallah,\" Indy said. \"It's me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sallah stared for a moment, as if he were looking at a ghost, and then broke into a wide grin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let him in, my little ones,\" Sallah said. \"This is our friend, Indiana Jones, who has come to pay us an unexpected visit. Come in, please.\"\n\n\"I have a couple of friends downstairs—\"\n\n\"Invite them up as well,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, wait, I will send one of the children to fetch them. Are you hungry? We can make something; it will be no trouble. You look as if you have come a great distance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sallah led Indy out onto the balcony, poured him some tea, and allowed him the most comfortable seat. The balcony overlooked a narrow alley, but beyond Indy could see the minarets and rooftops of Cairo.\n\n\"Forgive me for asking, my friend, but what spell has some wizard put you under?\" Sallah asked, concerned. \"You don't look like yourself—a pale, tired, older imitation of yourself, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I believed in the religion of my ancestors,\" Sallah continued, \"I would have to conclude that your ka has come to visit me on its way to the underworld.\"\n\n\"I'm no ghost,\" Indy said. \"I'll tell you the story sometime, but not now. Rest assured that it is really me. I'm surprised to catch you at home this time of day.\"\n\n\"The Depression is felt the world over,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There have been few digs in this area since the late twenties. In addition, the Service des Antiquites has been making it increasingly difficult to obtain permits to continue excavations at the more famous monuments.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold that thought,\" Indy said as Faye and Mystery joined them.\n\nSallah stood and kissed both of their hands. In her left hand, Faye held the Staff, wrapped in a thin blanket.\n\n\"You did not tell me you were traveling with such beautiful companions,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please,\" Faye said. \"I'm sure I look frightful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you have there, my radiant one?\"\n\n\"Open it,\" Indy said.\n\nSallah unwrapped the blanket. The Staff had grown thicker and heavier, and was now a rich brown color." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sallah ran his fingers over the Hebrew lettering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely this is a modern fake,\" he said.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"It's the real McCoy.\"\n\n\"How can you be sure?\"\n\n\"We had a demonstration of its power.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But this wood shows hardly any signs of aging at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When I first saw it,\" Indy said, \"it was nothing but a desiccated stick. Since then, it has changed into what you see now. And it is what has brought us to Cairo.\"\n\nIndy spent the next hour telling Sallah about the adventures he and the Maskelynes had shared. When he finished, Sallah scratched his dark beard and took a sip of his cold tea.\n\n\"Do you know what my people call the Sphinx?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked. \"'The Father of Terror.' It was once thought to be an eternal god, old beyond humanity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you help us?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Of course,\" Sallah said. \"Anything I have to give, it is yours. But it will not be easy. We must work at night, and be prepared for the possibility of discovery—or intrusion. Tell me, this Japanese villain whom you blinded, is he still following you?\"\n\n\"Not since Calcutta.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, at least that is something,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We shall begin two nights from now. The moon will then be full, and it will help us to see while we are digging.\"\n\n\"Antiquities,\" the shopkeeper hissed. He was a gaunt man with a hawklike nose and a gold front tooth, with a cheap tarbush perched on his scalp, and wearing a dirty gray robe. \"Priceless relics of a lost civilization. May I show you a royal scarab, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are not interested in your poorly made fakes,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir, everything in this shop is genuine,\" the merchant said, pretending injury.\n\nJadoo was behind Sokai, and the old magician surveyed the contents of the shop with a practiced eye. There were the usual pieces of ostraca, limestone flakes bearing hieroglyphic prayers, building notes, and graffiti which had been gathered at the Giza necropolis; poor copies of funerary statues, the originals of which were housed at the museum in downtown Cairo; and assorted pieces of imitation jewelry, including copies of the golden beetle scarabs that adorned the breastplates of pharaohs.\n\n\"Sir, everything in this shop is genuine,\" the merchant repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have dug most of these items from the sand myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In that case, you must have dropped them on your dirty floor,\" Jadoo said. \"None of these items have seen the interior of a royal tomb.\"\n\n\"You injure my pride,\" the shopkeeper said. \"Tell me what it is you seek, and I will help you find it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something a bit more exotic,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can take you downstairs. There, we have things which we cannot offer for sale to the general public. Forbidden things. Things which one can mix a potion in to help heal wounds, restore virility, prolong life.\"\n\n\"Ah, now we are getting somewhere,\" Sokai said. He shook a Lucky Strike out of the pack, put it to his mouth, and allowed the shopkeeper to light it.\n\n\"We have the best four-thousand-year-old mummies,\" the shopkeeper continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fresh from the tombs, ground up, and ready to be used. The very best medicinal mummy anywhere. Or, you can take a full mummy home as a conversation piece.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is your name?\"\n\n\"Ahkmed, sir. And yours?\"\n\n\"My name is unimportant,\" Sokai said. \"What matters is that I am looking for a trio of mummies of rather more recent vintage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Ahkmed purred. \"What dynasty?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What time is it?\" Sokai asked.\n\nAhkmed looked shocked.\n\n\"Are you suggesting murder?\" he asked.\n\n\"Come now,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do not feign revulsion with me. I know that the mummies you have for sale downstairs were walking and talking just months ago, that you steal bodies from graves, wrap them up, and leave them out in the desert until they are dry enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not knowing what else to do, Ahkmed smiled.\n\n\"We have made inquiries,\" Jadoo said, \"and those in a position to know say that you are the man to approach if you want to get things done quickly and quietly.\"\n\n\"Ah, but it will not come cheaply,\" Ahkmed said.\n\n\"Of course not,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He withdrew his wallet from his coat pocket, extracted five ten-pound notes, and placed them on the dirty counter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are not talking piastres here. There will be another one hundred pounds for you when the job is done.\"\n\nAhkmed looked to see if anyone was watching, then scooped up the notes and placed them in the pocket of his robe.\n\n\"Tell me about the three,\" he said.\n\n\"They are in Cairo,\" Sokai said, \"but I am not sure where. An American archaeologist, a woman friend of his who is a magician, and the woman's daughter. I want the man most of all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is this man's name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indiana Jones.\"\n\nAhkmed laughed.\n\n\"Do you know him?\"\n\n\"Everyone in the Muski knows Dr. Jones,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will not be difficult to find him, but his death will not be a popular thing. He is well-liked by the diggers. I must ask three hundred pounds for his death.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jones is not worth that,\" Sokai said. \"I will give two hundred.\"\n\n\"Agreed,\" Ahkmed said. \"Tell me, what is Jones seeking in Cairo? It will help if I know a weakness, if I can make them come to me, where I can work at my leisure, instead of murdering them in their beds.\"\n\n\"The Sphinx,\" Jadoo said, then looked at Sokai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They are here for the Sphinx. That is all we can tell you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And, I want everything that they are carrying,\" Sokai said. \"Every scrap of paper, every object, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Bring it all to this address.\" Sokai handed him a business card containing the address of an export company. \"Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Perfectly,\" Ahkmed said. \"And after?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Deliver them to me, of course,\" Sokai said. \"As mummies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery shuffled the deck of cards while Sallah's children crowded around. She fanned the cards, face-out, and asked the youngest of the girls to pick one. Four-year-old Jasmine smiled, but was reluctant to take a card.\n\n\"Go ahead,\" her ten-year-old brother, Moshti, told her in Arabic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is all right. Choose a card.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jasmine reached out and selected the three of clubs.\n\n\"Now, show it to your brothers and sisters,\" Mystery said. \"I'm going to close my eyes so I don't see it. Don't anyone say the name, either.\"\n\nMoshti translated, and Jasmine giggled as she waved the card around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Done?\" Mystery asked, her eyes still tightly closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Moshti said.\n\n\"All right, I want you to put the card back into the deck, anywhere at random,\" Mystery said, holding the closed deck in front of her. \"Slip it in anywhere.\"\n\nMoshti guided Jasmine's hand to the deck, where the card was inserted in approximately the middle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Done,\" Moshti said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery opened her eyes.\n\n\"Now, I'm going to try to find your card,\" she told Jasmine. \"Be very quiet, because this takes a great deal of concentration.\"\n\n\"What's concentration?\" Moshti asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thinking,\" Mystery said as she took the first five cards from the deck and held them in her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I don't think any of these are it,\" she said and let the cards fall. Then she took ten more cards from the top, but none of these met with her approval, either.\n\n\"Are you sure it's in here?\" Mystery asked.\n\nMoshti translated, and the children nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay,\" Mystery said and went through another twenty cards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None of these are it, either. I'm just not finding it,\" she said, then dropped the rest of the deck onto the floor and held her hands palms-up.\n\n\"It has to be in there,\" Moshti said, and he and the children searched through the cards on the floor, but to no avail.\n\n\"Oh, wait a minute,\" Mystery said and thumped herself on the forehead. \"That was my special flying card deck. How silly of me. I know where that card is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reached over and pulled the three of clubs from the back of Jasmine's dress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It flew over there,\" Mystery said.\n\nThe children applauded in delight.\n\n\"That was very good,\" Sallah said from across the room.\n\n\"It was one of the first tricks my father taught me,\" Mystery said as she gathered up the cards and returned them to the deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's really a simple sleight-of-hand trick, but it always has been a crowd pleaser.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure your father is very proud of you,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"How could he be when he hasn't seen me in years?\" she asked angrily. \"My mother and I apparently don't mean very much to him.\"\n\n\"Sometimes,\" Sallah said slowly, \"parents must leave their children for a time because of the demands of our stomachs or of our dreams. I have been away from this brood for months at a time, at one dig or another. It doesn't mean I love them any less.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You always come back,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When parents don't,\" Sallah said, \"it is often because of circumstances beyond their control. Your father loved you very much to teach you these tricks, and I'm sure that he wouldn't be away from you for any length of time by choice.\"\n\n\"Sometimes I think he's dead,\" Mystery said. \"And sometimes I wish he was. The not knowing is the hardest part. I mean, if only my mother and I had a card, or a letter, explaining that he loved us but couldn't come back yet. That would mean so much.\"\n\n\"Of course it would,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None of us are young enough to be orphans. When I lost my own father I thought the world would come to an end, but it didn't. And my father lives on in the shining faces of these children you see before you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm never having kids,\" Mystery said. \"The world is too hard. It would be cruel to bring another life into it.\"\n\n\"I said that when I was your age as well,\" Sallah said. \"I hated the idea of children, of the responsibility of a family. But the world has an agenda of its own. And the peculiar thing about children, if they are loved and cared for and respected as human beings, is that they make the world a softer place.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery made a face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will see,\" Sallah predicted. \"You will find the right young man and—\"\n\n\"I've never had a boyfriend, you know,\" Mystery said. \"My life has been so crazy. Tramping about the world, looking for my father, dressed half the time in men's clothing, hardly having finished a performance in one town before moving on to the next. Sometimes I wonder what it is like to have regular friends at all, much less a boyfriend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have friends,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy is your friend. I am your friend, and your mother is certainly your friend.\"\n\n\"I want somebody who isn't old.\"\n\nSallah made a disapproving sound deep in his throat.\n\n\"You know what I mean,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Sallah said, \"and that is precisely what bothers me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery rolled her eyes.\n\n\"Perhaps a change of pace is needed,\" Sallah said. \"Let me summon your mother and Indy. They will take you to the marketplace, where a new dress awaits.\"\n\n\"You mean a real dress?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery asked. \"With a skirt and everything?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, with a skirt and everything,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"I can't believe I'm excited about this,\" Mystery said. \"It's so...\"\n\n\"Normal?\" Sallah asked.\n\nMystery twirled in the middle of the street, and the white dress billowed out like a parachute around her, with the afternoon sun behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An old Egyptian digging a trench at the curb paused long enough on the handle of his shovel to give a disapproving scowl, while a young man on a bicycle craned his neck and gave an appreciative whistle before colliding with the grille of a parked taxi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's official,\" Indy said as the expected argument ensued between the taxi driver and the bicyclist. \"She's stopped traffic.\"\n\n\"I hadn't realized how much she had grown up,\" Faye said. \"I didn't have curves like that when I was seventeen. How can she?\"\n\n\"Better nutrition, maybe,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Besides, you're so used to seeing her in men's clothing that anything else is bound to be a shock.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Street merchants called to them from the curbs, anxious to attract the attention of the wealthy Americans. Most of them wanted to read the fortunes in their hands or in tea leaves in exchange for a few piastres, or to scribble some mystical numbers on a slip of paper that would then be burned and consequently bring good fortune. Others held near-worthless trinkets in their outstretched hands, beads and costume jewelry mostly, while still others called in less strident voices offering things that were illegal even in the Muski: stolen goods, hashish, a few moments of passion with a stranger.\n\nMystery paused in front of a snake charmer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man was sitting cross-legged, playing a flute, in front of a wicker basket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A king cobra stuck its head out of the basket, inflated its hood, and seemed to sway in time to the strangely dissonant music.\n\n\"That's a big one,\" Faye said. \"It must measure eight feet, tip to tail.\"\n\n\"How would you like for that monster to sink its fangs into you?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's go,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The snakes are deaf, you know,\" Faye said. \"They can't hear the music. They're responding to the movement of the flute, not the music.\"\n\n\"You must have seen this a thousand times already,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yes, but this is one of the biggest snakes I've seen,\" Mystery said as she knelt down beside the snake charmer and gazed in the cobra's eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Snake charming is a very old profession. Fathers pass it to their sons, and sometimes it's the only thing that puts food on a family's table.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy walked ahead a few paces.\n\n\"Very good,\" Mystery said as she laid a few coins on the ground. The snake charmer stopped the music and grinned broadly.\n\n\"I show you famous rope trick,\" he offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some other time,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, before she could say no, he grasped her hand and looked intently at her palm.\n\n\"You will live a long and eventful life,\" he said. \"You will marry young, have many beautiful children, and your joy will always be greater than your sorrow.\"\n\n\"Promise?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Faye chided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would never have guessed you were afraid of snakes.\"\n\n\"What are you talking about?\" Indy asked with a wry smile. \"It's that damn music I don't like.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A dark man in a red turban, who had been sitting on his heels with his face resting on his arms, suddenly looked up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He struck his walking stick three times against the pavement, and when Indy looked his way he asked softly, \"Who would know the secret of the Sphinx?\"\n\nIndy stopped.\n\n\"What did you say?\" he asked.\n\nThe man was silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy walked over, knelt on one knee, and peered at the man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man returned his stare, but the leathery face revealed no hint of emotion.\n\n\"Dare to know the mysteries of the Sphinx?\" the man asked.\n\n\"Come on,\" Faye said, tugging at Indy's shirt.\n\n\"Wait,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's just a fortune-teller,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he said something about the Sphinx,\" Indy said. \"What do you mean, do I dare to know? Why do you ask me?\"\n\n\"Your shadow walks with you,\" the man said. \"You seek the Sphinx, and what it contains. I can help you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you help me?\"\n\n\"Let's go,\" Faye said. \"I don't like this.\"\n\n\"There is a map,\" Ahkmed said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Very old. It shows many great mysteries surrounding the monument, mysteries that have yet to be revealed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me see it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I do not have it,\" Ahkmed said. \"But I can show it to you.\"\n\nIndy hesitated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is not far,\" Ahkmed said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye crossed her arms.\n\n\"How much?\" she asked.\n\n\"Not much,\" Ahkmed said.\n\n\"Take me there,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll discuss how much it is worth after I've seen it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ahkmed nodded. He stood and led the trio through the winding streets to an alley, then down the alley to the back door of his shop. He knocked on the door, and it was opened by an unseen hand. They entered and Ahkmed beckoned them to follow him down a flight of stairs.\n\n\"I don't like this,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What can it hurt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"He's probably got some useless piece of trash that's been reprinted a hundred times before. But, then again, he may have something that we really need. We've got to find out.\"\n\nIndy went first, followed by Mystery and then Faye. The stairs creaked ominously with their weight, and the basement was so dark they could hardly see their feet.\n\n\"What's that smell?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've never smelled anything so bad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you mind?\" Indy asked as he reached the bottom of the steps. \"Could we have some light here?\"\n\nAhkmed struck a match and touched it to the wick of a kerosene lantern hanging from the ceiling. When he turned back around to face them, he held a rusty .32-caliber revolver tightly in his left hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They heard the scratch of a key as the door above them was locked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A robbery?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I know where that smell is coming from,\" Mystery said.\n\nAn arm and a leg floated in a large vat of greenish liquid along the opposite wall, while on a wooden table beside it was a salt-encrusted corpse. The organs had been removed and lay in metal pails on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the bench was a bloody pair of long needle-nose pliers, with bits of brain still clinging to the jaws, and a big roll of wide linen bandages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're making your own mummies,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Best in Cairo,\" Ahkmed said.\n\n\"Oh, my God,\" Faye said. \"What have you got us into this time, Jones? I told you this was nonsense.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can we argue about this later?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"I've got a situation on my hands.\"\n\n\"We're involved in this, too,\" Faye shot back. \"Or don't you think—\"\n\n\"Silence!\" Ahkmed shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He waved the barrel of the gun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come here, slowly.\"\n\nThey walked to the middle of the basement, beneath the lantern. Ahkmed approached Indy cautiously, gun at the ready, and snatched his revolver from the holster.\n\nAhkmed looked at the larger and well-oiled Webley for a moment, then threw his own gun onto the wooden bench." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It struck one of the small baskets stacked there, and from inside there came the familiar furtive sounds of a snake looking for a way out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your gun is much better,\" Ahkmed said admiringly.\n\n\"That was bright,\" Faye said. \"I'll bet it's loaded, too.\"\n\n\"Don't start on me,\" Indy warned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahkmed called out for someone named Abdul, and then they heard the basement door unlock above them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A seven-foot-tall Arab with a shaved head and glistening muscles walked down the protesting stairs. He was carrying a large wicker basket, which he placed in front of them.\n\n\"Take off your clothes,\" Abdul said. \"Put them in the basket. Also, shoes, belts, billfold, everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've got to be kidding,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not kidding,\" Ahkmed said and cocked the revolver. \"Take off your clothes, or I will have Abdul take them off for you.\"\n\nMystery looked over at Abdul, who was smiling in anticipation.\n\n\"What's going to happen after we do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahkmed made a motion with the barrel of the gun, and Abdul reached for Mystery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stepped between them and placed a hand on Abdul's sweaty chest. It felt like pressing against a canvas bag full of steel ball bearings.\n\n\"Why don't you shoot me?\" Indy asked Ahkmed.\n\n\"I will,\" Ahkmed threatened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No you won't,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because you don't want to puncture my hide, do you? It's hard to explain a bullet hole in a four-thousand-year-old mummy.\"\n\n\"It is strange, is it not, Dr. Jones?\" Ahkmed asked. \"Don't look so surprised—you are better known here than you have thought. And you are to become the very thing which you have sought for so many years.\"\n\n\"Well, I've got news for you, buddy. We all become history, one way or another, but I'm not going to speed up the process by climbing into that vat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes you are,\" Ahkmed said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even if my cousin Abdul has to throw you into it.\"\n\nAbdul grabbed Indy by the belt and collar and lifted him up. Facing the ceiling, the best Indy could do was to elbow Abdul in the head, and although the giant grunted at each blow, he did not ease his grip.\n\n\"No,\" Ahkmed said. \"We must have his clothes and the contents of his pockets first.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abdul put Indy down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take off your clothes,\" Ahkmed said. \"All of you. Do it!\"\n\nIndy slowly began to unbutton his shirt, beginning at the top. Faye and Mystery started to loosen their clothes as well, also slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's the Staff when you need it?\" Indy asked Faye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up,\" Faye said.\n\n\"What?\" Ahkmed asked.\n\n\"Nothing,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You mentioned a staff.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe I did,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this staff valuable?\"\n\n\"Priceless,\" Indy said. \"But it's not important now, is it?\"\n\nHe finished unbuttoning his shirt. Faye knelt down to undo the laces of her boots, while Mystery slipped the new dress from her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me about it,\" Ahkmed said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would take too long,\" Indy said as he pulled out his shirttails. \"And you're obviously in a hurry to get us in that brine solution.\"\n\nThe barrel of the gun wavered.\n\nBoth Ahkmed and Abdul were staring at Mystery in her underwear, their eyes bright with anticipation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reaching behind his back and pretending to free his shirttail, Indy grabbed the whip instead and came forward with it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The whip cracked as it bit into Ahkmed's wrist, and the gun went off just before Ahkmed dropped it and staggered backward into the wooden bench. The bullet struck the masonry wall behind him. The wooden bench toppled over, spilling the corpse and the baskets of snakes onto the floor.\n\nCobras darted in every direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Snakes!\" Indy yelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lots and lots of snakes!\"\n\nAbdul seized Indy by the back of the neck with a hamlike fist and began to drag him toward the vat. A nine-foot cobra slithered up his leg and Abdul tried to shake it off.\n\nThe cobra hissed and opened its hood, then sank its fangs into Abdul's thigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The giant yelped and grasped the snake with both hands, but could not pull it free." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he turned to plead for Indy to remove it, Indy drew back and hit him on the chin with his best punch.\n\nAbdul staggered backward and fell face-forward into the vat. The liquid sizzled and hissed.\n\nAhkmed was already dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several snakes hung from his face, and there were many red and puckered bite marks across his cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's get out of here,\" Indy said.\n\nHe jumped onto the stairs.\n\n\"Don't you want your gun?\" Mystery asked as she slipped the straps of the dress back on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forget it,\" Indy said, coiling the whip and hanging it at his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery shook her head, then walked calmly across the floor.\n\n\"Don't!\" Indy said.\n\n\"Shhh,\" Faye said. \"Don't interrupt her concentration.\"\n\nMystery continued forward, stepping over the writhing snakes, and picked up the Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're just trying to find a way out,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ahkmed was a goner, but Abdul probably would have survived if he hadn't panicked. A cobra bite is not normally lethal.\"\n\n\"I'll take your word for it,\" Indy said as he slipped the Webley into its holster.\n\n\"What do they do with the—things they make?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"There's quite a black market for powdered mummy,\" Indy said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They drove to the Giza plateau shortly before sunset in a rickety old Ford owned by Sallah's brother-in-law, parked the car near the Nile beneath a sandbank so as not to attract attention, and waited for the moon to rise. When it did, rising like some ghostly messenger over Cairo two hours later, a jackal howled in the distance. The howl drove the last of the tourists back across the bridge to the safety of Cairo, leaving the monuments to the desert and the things that lived there.\n\nSallah picked up the canvas bag of torches soaked in pine tar and the heavy iron pry bar, and Indy got the shovels and axes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye carried the Staff and a pair of lanterns, while Mystery carried the ropes and tackle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They climbed up the rocky bank of the Nile and made their way across the tortured landscape toward the Sphinx. As they grew closer, the Sphinx's head emerged from the horizon, along with the peaks of two of the three pyramids beyond. Finally, they threaded their way around the toppled columns and stones of the temple to arrive at the mouth of the enclosure itself.\n\nBefore them was the enigmatic face of the Sphinx, staring perpetually to the east." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ragged paws jutted toward them, while the head, with its protruding ears and ribbed hood, seemed ready to topple forward onto them at any moment, so badly damaged was it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because the Sphinx was carved from a single limestone outcropping, the head was the only thing that appeared above the horizon; the rest of the body was set into a trenchlike enclosure.\n\nBetween the paws was an upright granite monument, about the height of a person, that was covered with hieroglyphics. Like the Sphinx itself, the monument was damaged and incomplete.\n\n\"There's something about this place,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can feel the ages pressing down upon you. No, not just the ages, but all of eternity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're not the first person to note that,\" Indy said. \"I felt it too, the first time I came here as a boy. Much more of the Sphinx is exposed now than it was. Its history has been one of alternately being buried by the desert and being dug out by later generations.\"\n\n\"Won't anybody notice that we're snooping around here?\"\n\n\"It's not likely,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're so well-hidden by the enclosure that they would have to be right on top of us before they discovered us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What does this say?\" Mystery asked, standing in front of the granite stelae. The moon was so bright that Indy could read it without the aid of a lantern.\n\n\"It's like most government monuments,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It commemorates a public works project and the leader who instituted it. About twenty-five centuries ago, Thutmose IV cleared out the sand around the Sphinx and made repairs to it. Because we have part of a name down here on the damaged portion of the tablet, the single syllable 'Khaf,' most Egyptologists believe the Sphinx was built a thousand years earlier, by Khafre.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"I think we don't have all the answers yet,\" he said.\n\n\"I've read that Napoleon used the Sphinx for target practice,\" Mystery said, \"and shot off the nose.\"\n\n\"No, it was disfigured by an Islamic zealot in the fourteenth century,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right, Indy,\" Sallah said as he set down his bundle and picked up a shovel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am ready. Where do we start?\"\n\n\"Good question,\" Indy said. \"Faye, it's time.\"\n\nFaye nodded.\n\nShe walked to the Sphinx, then turned and sat between the paws, with the Staff across her lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lowered her head and concentrated, remaining this way for a quarter of an hour while the others waited in silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally her head came up.\n\nFaye opened her eyes, but she looked as if she were listening to distant music. She placed one foot beneath her and then the other, and finally she held the Staff out in front of her at arm's length.\n\nShe walked forward seven paces, hesitated, and took a step to the left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held the Staff over her head with one hand, then twirled it as she brought it down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The end of the Staff sank into the shallow sand and struck something hard beneath.\n\n\"Dig here,\" she said.\n\n\"Are you sure?\" Indy asked. \"There wasn't any lightning or anything. I expected more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When the Israelites looked for water in the desert,\" Faye said, \"they simply struck a rock with the Staff, and a spring flowed. Why should this be any different?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, thousands—no, probably millions—of people have crossed that particular spot over the last five thousand years, and nobody's found anything there. It sounded like the Staff struck the natural limestone beneath the sand.\"\n\n\"Quit complaining and dig,\" Faye said.\n\nSallah marked the spot with his foot, then started to clear away the sand with a shovel. Indy and Mystery moved to help while Faye watched, the Staff held upright in her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a few minutes they had enough sand removed to see a smooth, flat surface." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's man-made,\" Indy said. \"But it could just be one of the flagstones of the old courtyard here.\"\n\n\"Keep digging,\" Faye said.\n\nSallah tapped the stone with the blunt end of the pry bar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a hollow ring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be damned,\" Indy said.\n\nSallah looked up disapprovingly.\n\n\"I found an edge,\" Mystery said.\n\nWithin half an hour they had removed all of the dirt from the stone, which was flat and about a yard square." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Sallah drove the pry bar beneath one edge of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet,\" Indy said. \"Mystery, make sure the coast is clear.\"\n\nMystery nodded.\n\n\"Be careful,\" Indy added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She scrambled up the right paw, climbed onto the shoulder of the Sphinx, and leaned against the head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moon was high in the sky now.\n\nMystery looked behind her. The body of the Sphinx, nearly the length of a football field, looked out of proportion; the head seemed too small for such a huge body. Jutting into the sky in the northeast, and well-illuminated by the moon, was the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last remaining wonder of the Ancient World." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nearly directly behind the Sphinx was the somewhat lesser Pyramid of Khafre, while to the southwest was the smallest of the three great pyramids on the Giza plateau, that of Menkure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She thought she saw something move to the south, parallel to the Nile. She closed her eyes, then looked again, but there was nothing.\n\n\"All clear,\" Mystery shouted.\n\nAs she came back down, a piece of the Sphinx from a thousand-year-old patch sloughed away beneath her feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She caught herself before she fell more than a few feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told you to be careful,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Sorry.\"\n\n\"Don't be sorry next time,\" Indy said. \"Be safe.\"\n\nSallah took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and leaned on the end of the bar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a better grip on the bar and put his back into it. The muscles in his arms and shoulders bulged like snakes, but again nothing moved.\n\n\"It can't be that heavy,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Would you like to try?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sallah asked. His face was red and his nose dripped sweat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must not have good leverage,\" Indy said.\n\n\"How long do you think I've been doing this?\"\n\n\"Let me try,\" Indy said. \"That stone can't weigh more than a couple of hundred pounds.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spit on his hands, repositioned the bar, and tugged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Let's try it together,\" Sallah said.\n\nSallah took the top of the bar while Indy took the middle and Mystery pushed from the other side. After thirty long seconds of concerted effort, there was the sound of rock scraping against rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's moving,\" Indy said through clenched teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keep going,\" Sallah urged.\n\nReluctantly, the stone yielded.\n\nMystery relinquished her grip on the bar and stepped back. She wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand, and then looked up at the stars." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Max McCoy spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sallah wrestled the large stone to one side while a gust of hot air issued from the passage, causing the Sphinx and the stars above to shimmer like a mirage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take a deep breath, Indy,\" Sallah said. \"We breathe the air of pharaohs!\"\n\n\"And slaves,\" Indy said as he took a torch from the canvas sack slung over his shoulder. He struck a wooden match on the limestone block that Sallah eased onto the sand, then touched it to the tightly wrapped bundle of pitch-laden reeds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The torch sputtered before bursting into a steady orange flame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took a few steps into the passage and held the torch in front of him. The stairs were covered with a fine red dust, and led down into darkness.\n\nThe walls of the passage were plain, but there were hieroglyphics on the lintel.\n\n\"The hieroglyphs,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do they say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They urge the wise to proceed and the foolish to turn back,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You never took advice before,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"You're very funny,\" Indy said. \"You're also coming with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Indy,\" Sallah stammered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who will protect the women?\"\n\n\"You want to stay up here with Faye and that stick?\"\n\nSallah looked uncertain, then hurried to join Indy.\n\n\"I hope I have made the right choice,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll know soon enough,\" Indy said as he handed him a torch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay behind me. Don't touch anything unless I tell you to.\"\n\nThe steps descended sharply into the earth, then leveled out into a narrow room decorated with colorful and elaborate paintings. The goddess Nut, with lines of stars running down her sides, spanned the ceiling. On the walls were reliefs depicting priests preparing a pharaoh for his journey to the underworld." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ankh, the Egyptian symbol of eternal life, was repeated again and again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two clay vases filled with rolls of papyrus were on either side of the entrance to the room.\n\n\"This is the second passage,\" Indy said. \"So far, the chamber is following a rather standard layout, common to most royal tombs.\"\n\nIndy picked up a papyrus roll and carefully unfolded it a few inches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was written in a cursive form of hieroglyphics known as hieratic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have any idea how old this labyrinth is?\" Sallah asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. The edges of the papyrus he held began to crumble to dust. He replaced it in the vase and picked out another one, which also began to crumble when he unrolled it. \"These are testimonials of the priests who apparently restored the chamber at intervals of several hundred years. This one dates back to the time of Rameses II, thirteen hundred years before the birth of Christ. It says this spot is old beyond reckoning, and is the place of the glorious First Time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The First Time,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The time when the gods came to earth. I thought it was just a fable. Now, here, it seems more real than life itself. What do you think, my friend?\"\n\n\"I think this isn't the time to debate theology,\" Indy said. \"The ancient Egyptians had a much different view of reality than we do. They took it as fact that their pharaohs were direct descendants of the gods.\"\n\nIndy replaced the papyrus and brushed the dust from his palms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not going to look at any of the others for fear of destroying irreplaceable texts,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The weight of ages seemed to be pressing down upon him.\n\n\"If only there were time,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"But there's not,\" Indy said. \"Ironic, isn't it?\"\n\n\"I hate irony,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It usually leads to trouble.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on,\" Indy said. \"We're safe enough in this chamber, I think. It will be this next one where things start to get a little dicey.\"\n\n\"I hate dicey,\" Sallah said.\n\nIndy stopped at the top of another series of steps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thrust the torch into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On either side of the steps, in alcoves cut into the limestone walls, shone golden statues about half the size of a human being.\n\n\"The third passage,\" Indy said. \"And the sanctuaries in which the gods of the east and west repose. Let me go first.\"\n\n\"If you insist,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took a cautious step down, and then another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So far, so good,\" Indy said over his shoulder. \"When you follow, step in the prints left by my boots in the dust.\"\n\nIndy took another step.\n\nOn the left, the gods of the east gleamed in their alcoves, and they were matched on the right by the gods of the west." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were all fierce-looking monsters, many of them half human and half animal, each of them with a part to play in the ancient Egyptian pantheon: Horus, the avenger, with a falcon's head; Anubis, god of the underworld, with the head of a jackal; Ammon, the patron of the pharaohs, with a ram's head; Hathor, the goddess of childbirth, with the head of a cow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy felt the tread he was standing on sink a fraction of an inch.\n\n\"Oh, no,\" he said.\n\nThe golden jaw of the jackal-headed figure of Anubis dropped open, revealing rows of gleaming ivory teeth. Indy rolled forward as a copper-tipped dart shot from its throat and embedded itself in the limestone wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Indy rolled down the remaining steps, a fusillade of darts followed, a fraction of a second too late to hit their mark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was expecting the pit at the bottom of the steps, and by the time he reached it, the whip was out and its tip was wrapping around the cornice of a stone column in the next room.\n\nIndy dropped the torch and swung with both hands from the handle of the whip. He watched as the torch landed in the sand twenty feet below, sending dozens of scorpions scurrying away from it.\n\nThen the stone column, dislodged by Indy's weight, toppled over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It bridged the pit, but dropped Indy low enough that the toes of his boots were scraping the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hat fell into the pit.\n\n\"Indy, my friend!\" Sallah called. \"Are you all right?\"\n\nIndy retrieved his hat, then scurried hand-over-hand up the whip to the column." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he called as he took another torch from the canvas bag and lit it with a match he struck on the column." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, and be careful crossing.\"\n\nSallah walked carefully over the stone column to join Indy on the other side of the scorpion pit, then picked a scorpion off the crown of the fedora and threw it back into the pit.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said.\n\n\"They won't kill you,\" Sallah said, \"but for a day or so they make you wish they had. Where are we now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The room of the two guardians,\" Indy said, then held the torch aloft. \"Meet the guardians.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The desiccated corpse of a warrior was tucked into a niche in the east wall. His skin had shrunken against his bones, his armor was tarnished, but his spear was still tightly grasped in a skeletal hand.\n\nOn the opposite side was a priest. His white tunic had rotted away, and his head had fallen backward from his shoulders, while his jaw had dropped down to rest on his sternum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yellowed teeth bristled from the gaping mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his hand he held a copper adze.\n\n\"How do we proceed?\" Sallah asked.\n\n\"Very carefully,\" Indy said.\n\nIndy stepped forward, paused, then took another step forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anything?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"Good,\" Indy said, taking two more paces. \"How about now?\"\n\n\"Everything seems... too easy,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"You're right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The torch flickered, its flame kissed by the slightest of breezes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get down!\" Indy shouted.\n\nIndy hugged the floor as a copper disk with razor-sharp edges dropped from the ceiling. The disk swung low enough to slice through the back of Indy's leather jacket, then swung up over Sallah's arched back and returned to the ceiling.\n\n\"You okay?\" Indy asked as he picked up the torch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so,\" Sallah allowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said. \"The next chamber, the fifth, should be a well room.\"\n\nWith Sallah at his heels, Indy walked cautiously down the passage to the entrance of the next chamber. As predicted, there was a pit in the middle of it, surrounded by four massive, square pillars. The pillars were decorated with stylized depictions of crocodiles and baboons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sat on his heels for a moment while he studied the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he took a pebble from the floor and tossed it into the pit.\n\nA few feet down, it bounced sharply on stone.\n\n\"We walk across it,\" he said.\n\n\"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't touch the pillars or the floor,\" Indy said as he stepped down into the pit and walked across the flagstones to the other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will happen if I do?\" Sallah asked.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said, \"but it won't be good.\"\n\nIndy stepped up on the other side of the pit, then waited for Sallah to join him.\n\n\"In a typical tomb,\" Indy said, \"the next chamber would be the burial chamber—unless the tomb was extended to a second course, in which case the chamber would become the 'Chariot Hall,' a sort of war memorial.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stepped into the next room, which was a large chamber decorated with scenes of warfare: phalanxes of soldiers, thundering chariots, rows of decapitated enemies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the middle of the room, centered among the pillars, was a flat-topped stone monument with rows of ankhs on each side. Unlike the previous rooms, there was no obvious exit.\n\n\"There must be a second level,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"All we have to do is find the entrance without killing ourselves,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A worthy goal,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy searched the floor and the walls by the light of the torch. There was a confusing array of paintings and reliefs and, along the north wall, a series of oval cartouches containing the names of pharaohs.\n\n\"Look at this,\" Indy said.\n\n\"The names of every king to rule Egypt since Menes in the First Dynasty,\" Sallah said as he held his torch close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And look, the names go all the way back to the Thirtieth Dynasty in the Late Period.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's impossible,\" Indy said incredulously. \"This labyrinth could not have been built before the Middle Kingdom.\"\n\n\"Yet,\" Sallah said, \"here are the names. Even I can read them.\"\n\n\"They must have been carved here during the restorations,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let us hope so,\" Sallah replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The alternative is too frightening to contemplate.\"\n\nIndy turned from the wall to examine the stone monument in the center of the room.\n\n\"Perhaps this is a burial chamber after all,\" Sallah suggested.\n\n\"This is too small to hold a mummy,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if it holds the body of a child?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sallah asked. \"Or a temple animal, such as a baboon?\"\n\n\"I don't think so,\" Indy said as he rapped it with his knuckles. \"It sounds solid. Say, how far do you think we've gone?\"\n\n\"Into the earth?\" Sallah asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"Distance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is hard to say,\" Sallah replied. \"I was not counting the steps, but I would say it has been several hundred meters, at least.\"\n\n\"And in which direction?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Southwest,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I thought,\" Indy said as he jumped up on the flat surface of the stone monument." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're underneath the Great Pyramid. We don't go down—we go up!\"\n\nIndy held the torch close to the ceiling and probed with the fingers of his other hand. Then he pushed with his palm, and the ceiling seemed to give upward.\n\n\"Help me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think it's cantilevered.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sallah clambered up the other side of stone monument and, holding the torch between his teeth, put both of his meaty palms against the ceiling and pushed.\n\nWith a creaking groan, the ceiling swung open as a fine layer of red dust sprinkled down. A narrow flight of steps led upward.\n\n\"Another first corridor,\" Indy said as he pulled himself into the atticlike space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he extended a hand down and helped Sallah struggle up into it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never seen anything like this,\" Sallah said, excitement showing in his eyes for the first time. \"What did the ancients call it?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy admitted. \"This is a new one for me. But we have gone deep within the earth, and now we are starting our ascension—it must have religious connotations. Let's call it the Shaft of Redemption.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you suppose we will find at the end?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sallah asked. \"Think of Carter's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen—and he was a minor king! Think what we might find here!\"\n\n\"I'm afraid to,\" Indy said. \"Be careful—these stairs are steep, and the dust makes them slippery as well.\"\n\nAfter thirty steps, with no landing yet in sight, Sallah braced himself against a wall and wiped the sweat from his face with a kerchief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, my friend,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My wind is failing me.\"\n\n\"No problem,\" Indy said, pausing. \"I can use a rest myself. Let me know when you're ready to go on.\"\n\nSallah held a finger to his lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you hear that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. \"A rustling, almost as if someone were following us.\"\n\n\"These tombs sigh and moan like living things after they're opened,\" Indy said. \"It's the change in atmospheric pressure, and the limestone drawing moisture from the air.\"\n\n\"This was something else,\" Sallah said. \"Footsteps, I believe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your ears are more sensitive than mine,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is the Bedouin in me,\" Sallah said and smiled. \"You go ahead. I am going to remain here for a few minutes, to make sure that we are not being followed.\"\n\n\"I'd feel better if—\"\n\n\"Indy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a light at the bottom of stairs, and Mystery climbed lithely into the corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was holding a battery-powered lantern, and she still had the coil of rope slung over her shoulder.\n\n\"Up here,\" Indy called. \"Be careful.\"\n\nWhen she had joined them, Indy told her: \"Next time you go tomb-hopping, carry a torch with you. The flame will tell you when you've hit a pocket of bad air.\"\n\n\"I don't plan on a next time,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is your mother all right?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She sent me to check on you,\" Mystery said. \"It seems like you've been gone an awfully long time. But seeing the darts and the pits, I can understand why.\"\n\n\"You shouldn't have tried to negotiate them alone,\" Indy said in his best adult voice.\n\n\"I'm here, aren't I?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you're just going to have to come along,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sending you back by yourself.\"\n\n\"Go on,\" Sallah said. \"I need my rest, and you need to work as quickly as possible. Dawn is not so far away. If there is trouble, I will shout out.\"\n\nIndy clasped his old friend on the shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he turned to Mystery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Follow me,\" he said, \"but do so carefully.\" With that, he resumed his ascent of the stairway.\n\nFaye saw Jadoo's shadow, cast by the light of the full moon low in the sky, on the sand at her feet. She pushed the sleeves of her robe back to reveal her arms, brushed her dark hair away from her face, then turned to face the surprised magician." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I knew you would come,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I have to admit, I was expecting something a little more artful than your simply sneaking up behind me.\"\n\n\"Ah, but it is effective,\" Jadoo said, regaining his composure. \"Particularly when I bring an armed company with violence in their hearts.\"\n\nSokai and Lieutenant Musashi dropped down into the Sphinx enclosure, followed by Warrant Officer Miyamoto and a half dozen Japanese soldiers armed with submachine guns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miyamoto barked orders and the soldiers trained their guns on Faye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jadoo closed the distance between himself and Faye and snatched the Staff from her hands.\n\n\"I never dreamed it would be in such fine shape,\" he exclaimed. \"It has such weight still, and the wood has such a wonderful texture, almost as if it were part of a living tree.\" He brought the Staff to within inches of his nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The smell of fresh almonds!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye crossed her arms and regarded Jadoo with scorn. A gentle wind came from the east, sending old newspapers and other trash skittering across the sand while gently stroking Faye's hair. Jadoo did not remember her hair being so shot full of gray.\n\n\"Tell me, have you attempted to conjure with it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye was silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jadoo held the Staff in front of him, unsure of what to do next. Then he pointed it at the sky and commanded it to produce hail.\n\nFaye laughed.\n\n\"No matter,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will find the words.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see that your little band of misfits has done much of the work for us,\" Sokai said as he approached. \"I am particularly grateful that Dr. Jones has volunteered to test the passage for pitfalls. Tell me, are his fat friend and your tomboy daughter with him?\"\n\nFaye shrugged.\n\n\"So brave,\" Sokai commented with feigned sadness, \"and yet so foolish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have always listened to my heart instead of my head,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sokai parted his trench coat and drew his samurai sword from its folds. He leveled the sword at Faye, placed the tip right beneath her chin, and pushed just hard enough to draw a drop of blood.\n\n\"If you so much as call out,\" he said, \"these soldiers will kill you. And if you cause trouble here on the surface while I am down there, I will without the slightest hesitation kill your brat. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Faye said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Sokai said as he sheathed his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Warrant Officer Miyamoto, keep a close watch on this American bitch. Lieutenant Musashi, follow me.\"\n\nThe stairs ended in a small room with no decoration. A small, square hole in the ceiling led to a long shaft.\n\n\"Give me a boost,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery put her hands together to make a stirrup for Indy's right boot, then helped lift him up to the ceiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put his hands on either side of the chimneylike shaft, but the pain from his injured shoulder made him wince and give a small cry.\n\n\"Let me,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"No, I can do it,\" Indy said as he dropped back down. \"I just need a minute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't have a minute,\" Mystery said as she adjusted the coil of rope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me, and then I can lower the rope for you. This is my type of thing, Dr. Jones.\"\n\n\"Too dangerous,\" he said.\n\n\"How dangerous do you think it will be when you fall twenty feet and land on this rock floor?\" she asked as she jumped up and grasped the lip of the shaft, which only projected out a fraction of an inch, with her fingertips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hung there for a moment, and then pulled herself up into the shaft, with her back to one wall and her feet against the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She kicked off her shoes.\n\n\"All right,\" Indy said. \"But be careful. Go slowly, and don't touch anything that looks suspicious. If you feel anything move, get out of the shaft quick.\"\n\n\"Don't you think I know anything?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I do,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've just gotten kind of used to having you around, is all.\"\n\n\"I see a beam up above me,\" Mystery said as she made her way higher. She gave no sign that she recognized Indy's expression of fatherly sentiment.\n\n\"Is it wood or stone?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's metal,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind?\" Indy asked. \"Copper?\"\n\n\"Nope,\" Mystery said. \"It's iron.\"\n\n\"It can't be iron,\" Indy said. \"The structures at Giza were built before the Iron Age.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure,\" she said. While Indy debated whether she should touch it, she grasped the beam and swung up into the next chamber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tucked the lantern under one arm as she tied the rope around the beam. \"It looks like iron, it feels like iron, it's as strong as iron, but it's not iron.\"\n\n\"Don't touch it,\" Indy called.\n\n\"Too late,\" Mystery said as she dropped the coil down the shaft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy put his torch in his teeth, grasped the rope, and fought his way up the shaft to the beam to join Mystery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found himself in a fairly spacious chamber of finished limestone, with no feature other than the beam—which Indy had to admit was iron—and a doorway to the north.\n\n\"Good job,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Thanks.\"\n\n\"The next chamber,\" Indy said and nodded toward the doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Hall of Truth. If the book truly exists, it will be in there. Are you ready?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been ready since I was twelve,\" Mystery said.\n\nThe entrance to the room was flanked by two massive marble columns; the one on the left was black, while the other was a brilliant white.\n\nIndy held the torch aloft and stepped through the doorway, followed by Mystery and her electric lantern. There was a wavering musical chord, a major chord." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery switched off her lantern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't needed.\n\nThe room had become illuminated by some diffused, unseen light source. The floor, walls, and ceilings of the room were polished, rose-colored granite. In the middle of the room was a black granite pillar, and in relief on the pillar were a number of characters from various ancient languages—Sumerian, Egyptian, Sanskrit, Coptic, Greek, Chinese, and a couple that Indy did not recognize." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only character that Mystery recognized was the Greek one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the pillar was a book, or something that resembled a book but wasn't quite like any book either of them had ever seen: The pages of the book were of a highly polished, silvery metal, and they rippled—in time to the wavering music set off by the disturbance of the air that Indy and Mystery had caused merely by entering the room. The pages turned upon a golden spine, but they also went down inside the pillar, so that the book appeared endless.\n\n\"The Omega Book,\" Mystery said.\n\n\"Now I know I'm dreaming,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does this feel like a dream?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mystery asked as she pinched his forearm.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said, rubbing the spot.\n\n\"Then quit talking nonsense,\" she said. \"My father said the book existed, and he was right. But this looks more like a machine or something than a book.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Ancient of Days, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked as he tossed the torch onto the bare rock floor of the room behind them.\n\n\"What?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"The divine... something that gave mercy and bread to the Israelites each morning,\" Indy said. \"Some people have said that the Bible's description of it sounds a little like a Stone Age people attempting to describe an automobile—eyes for headlights, a mouth for the radiator, that sort of thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This could be it, and I wouldn't know.\"\n\n\"I wonder where the light is coming from,\" she said.\n\n\"From recessed mirrors or polished plates or crystals in the walls or ceiling,\" Indy responded. \"I've seen some barrows in England which achieved nearly the same effect with light from the midwinter sun.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's night outside, remember?\"\n\n\"That is a problem with my theory,\" Indy said. \"Anyway, be careful. There have been no traps or pitfalls so far to speak of on the second level, but there must be something deadly here.\"\n\n\"Maybe it's the book,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded as he walked over to the pillar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leaned down to examine the book, and the force of his breath turned the shimmering pages. On the right side, new pages rose to take the place of those that had disappeared into the base of the pillar.\n\n\"Are we on the wrong side?\" Mystery asked. \"Is the book upside down?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"These ancient languages generally read from right to left.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gently lifted a page between the thumb and index finger of his right hand. The page was so thin and light that he could not feel it between his fingers. The characters, which were about the size of newspaper type, were somehow cut into the page. There was a rainbow of colored sheets of the same material on top of the pillar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you read it?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"It doesn't make any sense to me. I wonder what these other sheets are for.\"\n\nMystery picked up the red sheet that was on top.\n\n\"This stuff is amazing,\" she said. \"You bend it, and it springs right back into shape.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She experimented a moment with it, then crumpled it in a tight ball between her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she released it, the sheet unfolded back into a perfect, uncreased page.\n\n\"I had this game when I was a child,\" she said. \"It was a code book, and to read it you had to put a colored page over it. I wonder if it works like that.\"\n\nIndy took the red sheet and slipped it behind the page." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll be,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, Chinese and Sanskrit and some other language I don't know.\"\n\nIndy took the next sheet, which was blue, and slipped it behind the same page. Three columns of text appeared—one in Egyptian, one in Coptic, and the last in Greek.\n\n\"This is incredible,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've never seen anything like it—the world has never seen anything like it, at least not the world we know. We'll have to rewrite history. This is the archaeological discovery of the age.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the page about?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"It's the life of a French farmer named Francois Malevil,\" Indy said. \"Like the Rosetta stone, the three translations are identical. The dates are also given in different numbering systems. Let's see, it will take me a moment to reconcile the Greek with our present system.\"\n\nIndy paused for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fourteenth century,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After Christ. No, that can't be right. My God, it is. Look, this entry talks about a Roman soldier who died at Actium.\"\n\nIndy gave in to his first instinct: He began turning the pages an inch at a time, scanning the names, eagerly searching for \"Jones.\"\n\n\"This thing isn't in alphabetical order,\" he complained.\n\n\"What are you doing?\" Mystery asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Indy said, glancing at the dates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's in chronological order.\"\n\n\"What are you looking for?\"\n\n\"My own name.\"\n\n\"No,\" Mystery said. \"You can't. We aren't supposed to know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The book—,\" he stammered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you see?\" she said. \"This is the last trap. You can look up anybody else's name but your own. You've got the ultimate archaeological reference here. Look up Jesus or Joan of Ark, but not Indiana Jones.\"\n\nIndy stopped.\n\n\"I'm right,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know I am.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Seventeen-year-olds are so sure of themselves.\"\n\n\"This one certainly is,\" she said. \"The world isn't ready for this.\"\n\n\"Then what are we doing here?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm here for one reason only, and that's to find out what happened to my father,\" Mystery said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're here because I can't read any of the languages that book is written in.\"\n\nIndy paused.\n\n\"What's wrong?\" she asked.\n\n\"I hadn't thought of that before,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are people missing from my life I'd like to look up, but I don't think I should.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flipped through the book, looking for the 1930s.\n\n\"The book gets thicker as you go forward in time,\" he said. \"More people to keep track of, I guess. Okay, I'm getting close. Going through the twenties now.\"\n\nMystery nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's see,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maskelyne... Believe it or not, there are several. When was your father born?\"\n\n\"Eighteen ninety-three.\"\n\n\"Okay, Kaspar Maskelyne. Born July 16, 1893, at Leeds.\"\n\n\"That's him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy ran his finger down the text, reading to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"This stuff isn't as easy to read as the baseball scores in the morning paper,\" Indy said as he took a green sheet and inserted it behind the page. \"I'm not all that fluent in Sanskrit, okay? Let me check it with—\"\n\nThe wavering music chimed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Sokai said as he stamped out Indy's smoldering torch in the outer room with the heel of an expensive but well-scuffed black shoe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you know you shouldn't be so careless with fire?\"\n\nLieutenant Musashi, who was behind him, laughed wickedly.\n\nSokai unsheathed his sword as he entered the room.\n\n\"I see that you have found the prize which we all seek. Is it as exciting as we had hoped?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's Sallah?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We found him in the corridor,\" Sokai said. \"He is now outside, with the woman, being guarded by Warrant Officer Miyamoto and his troops. Move away from the book.\"\n\nIndy did so.\n\n\"How unfortunate for you that we meet again. I will be extracting more than an eye in restitution from you. I was thinking an organ closer to your... well, heart, for lack of a better word, would do nicely and we'd go on from there. Wouldn't want you to die too quickly now, would we?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't get your hopes up,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who is this creep?\" Mystery asked.\n\n\"This is Sokai,\" Indy said. \"He's the one who started all this trouble for me in the first place.\"\n\n\"Quiet,\" Sokai said as he handed the sword to Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Skewer them if they move.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sokai approached the book, his one good eye gleaming in the soft light. He leaned over to examine the page, then frowned.\n\n\"What's wrong?\" Indy taunted. \"Can't read Sanskrit?\"\n\n\"Get over here,\" Sokai demanded, not realizing that another of the colored sheets would have rendered the text in Mandarin, a language he could read." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy walked over slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How does this work?\" Sokai asked.\n\n\"I have no idea,\" Indy said.\n\n\"No, I mean the entries,\" Sokai said impatiently. \"They tell the past, present, and future? Find my entry and read it to me. If I know what lies ahead, then I can bend things to my will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right,\" Indy said, stepping up to the book." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slowly turned the pages.\n\n\"Hurry,\" Sokai said.\n\n\"This isn't easy to read,\" Indy said.\n\nMusashi grabbed Mystery by the hair, close to the skull, and twisted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mystery choked down the pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going as fast as I can,\" Indy said, his eyes smoldering. \"Sokai, born in Hawaii. Schooled at—\"\n\n\"I know all that,\" Sokai said. \"Go on to the future.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nineteen thirty-four,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Blinded in Manchuria by an American he was torturing. Followed the same American, Indiana Jones, from Manchuria to India and eventually to Egypt.\"\n\nIndy paused.\n\n\"Go on!\"\n\n\"If you insist,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Burned to death beneath the Great Pyramid in the Hall of Records at the Giza necropolis.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No!\"\n\n\"That's what it says.\"\n\nSokai backhanded Indy with his fist.\n\n\"You are lying,\" Sokai said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy wiped the blood from his split lower lip with the sleeve of his jacket and gave Sokai a hard look that convinced the spymaster that he wasn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Change it,\" Sokai said.\n\n\"I can't,\" Indy protested. \"I don't even know how it was written in the first place.\"\n\n\"Use a pencil,\" Sokai screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a pencil, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took the pencil from his shirt pocket and tried to write on the page.\n\n\"It won't make a mark,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Try harder this time,\" Sokai said, \"or Musashi will kill the girl.\"\n\nMusashi switched the sword to her left hand, drew her pistol, cocked it, and held it to Mystery's head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy leaned so hard on the pencil trying to make a mark that it snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sokai grasped the page and tried to tear it from the book, but it wouldn't come loose. He succeeded only in slicing his hand on the edge of the page.\n\n\"Look,\" Musashi said.\n\nSokai's trouser leg, above the heel that had stamped out the torch, was beginning to smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My God, it's true,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Sokai said as the cuff burst into flames. He frantically tried to put the fire out, and when that didn't work he unbuckled his belt and tried to wriggle out of his pants. By this time, however, the flames had spread to his shirt and trench coat.\n\nSokai screamed. The room was filled with the stench of burning flesh and hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sokai dropped to the floor and began to roll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cut them off me,\" he begged Musashi.\n\nShe dropped the pistol and attempted to slice the clothes away from his body, but succeeded only in stabbing him in a half dozen places. His very body seemed to be combusting, and the flames grew no matter how many articles of clothing were removed.\n\n\"My sword,\" Sokai croaked and grasped the handle with a burning hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will at least take Jones with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sokai struggled to his knees and made a lunge for Indy, but it was far too short. Pieces of burning flesh sloughed from his face and hands. Sokai fell upon his back, but held the blade aloft until the fire burned through his wrist and the samurai sword clattered onto the granite floor.\n\n\"Oh, God,\" Mystery said and went to Indy, where she buried her face against his leather jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sokai was nothing but a smoking pile of ashes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Want me to read your name?\" he threatened Musashi.\n\nShe hesitated, then knelt beside the ashes. She removed her scarf and used it to pick up the samurai sword.\n\n\"Aren't you going to take his ashes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"Or don't you care if he joins his ancestors?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To hell with Sokai,\" Musashi said and shook the sword at them. \"This is the power!\"\n\nThen she ran from the room, and as she left the wavering music came again—except now it was an ominous, diminished chord. The lighting changed from white to red." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Max McCoy would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Storm clouds hugged the eastern sky as Indy and Mystery emerged from the shaft between the Sphinx's paws. Faye and Sallah were kneeling on the ground, a pair of soldiers behind them with their guns pointing between their shoulder blades. Jadoo was standing in front of Faye, shaking his fist at her.\n\n\"This is not the Staff of Aaron,\" the magician said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It does not work.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It works,\" Faye said calmly.\n\n\"I'm sorry, Indy,\" Sallah said. \"I tried to warn you—\"\n\n\"It's all right,\" Indy said as a Japanese soldier took his whip and revolver from his belt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shoot them!\" Musashi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Jadoo said. \"We may need them.\"\n\n\"Who are you to give orders?\" Musashi challenged.\n\n\"Sokai's dead,\" Jadoo said. \"That puts me in command.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sokai Sensei is dead?\" Miyamoto asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"He burned to death. The lieutenant has his sword.\"\n\nMiyamoto turned to Musashi. She showed him the sword, and he clasped his hands together and gave a curt bow.\n\n\"Hai,\" he said. \"Musashi Sensei is in charge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was the American's fault,\" Musashi said quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not true,\" Mystery pleaded.\n\n\"It is true! He tricked him by twisting the words in the book!\" Musashi said.\n\n\"You found the Omega Book?\" Faye asked.\n\n\"Yes, they found it,\" Musashi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But they used it to kill Sokai Sensei. They must die.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers aimed their weapons at Indy.\n\n\"No,\" Miyamoto said as he unbuttoned his tunic. \"Do not shoot him. I want the satisfaction of killing him with my bare hands.\"\n\n\"Don't kill the girl until her mother has shown me how to use the Staff,\" Jadoo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're going to kill her anyway,\" Faye asked, \"why should I show you at all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To buy her a few more minutes of life,\" Jadoo said. \"And the chance that the bloodthirsty little lieutenant may change her mind. You help me, and I'll try to persuade her to let both of you go.\"\n\n\"I don't care about the women,\" Miyamoto said as he threw his shirt down. Even in the moonlight, Indy could see the muscles in his arms and chest bulging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the man, he is mine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye nodded.\n\nJadoo handed her the Staff, and she struggled to her feet.\n\n\"Faye, don't believe him,\" Indy said.\n\nMiyamoto, threw a left jab, which Indy blocked, but he wasn't quick enough to deflect the pistonlike right that drove into his stomach, knocking the air out of him and sending him to his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get up and fight, you cowardly American.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy held a finger up.\n\nMiyamoto kicked him in the chest.\n\nIndy flew backward and landed against the stelae.\n\nMiyamoto advanced. Indy scrambled to his feet and punched him as hard as he could in the solar plexus, but Miyamoto just smiled and drove the knuckles of his right hand into Indy's jaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy went down again, and this time his mouth was filled with blood and the sickening feeling of a broken tooth loose in his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got back to his feet while spitting part of a bloody molar into the sand.\n\nAs he looked at the tooth, his mind spontaneously thought of the Old Testament admonition about \"an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,\" and that led his mind to the story of Exodus and the battles the Israelites fought....\n\n\"Faye,\" Indy mumbled. \"The Staff—\"\n\nMiyamoto hit him again in the stomach, and as Indy was doubled over, the Japanese sergeant drove a hammerlike fist into the back of his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy jerked and went down to one knee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He punched Miyamoto in the thigh, and the sergeant groaned in pain and stumbled away.\n\nIndy tried to capitalize on the opening, but by the time he had closed the distance Miyamoto was ready again and pummeled his face with a series of jabs.\n\n\"Indy!\" Faye shouted. \"What can I do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It suddenly came to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold it up,\" Indy mumbled.\n\n\"What?\"\n\nIndy took two more punches to the body.\n\n\"Hold the Staff up,\" Indy pleaded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As long as Moses held the Staff up, the Israelites could not lose in battle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faye tentatively raised the Staff.\n\nIndy caught Miyamoto's next punch in his right hand, then drove Miyamoto's wrist backward until he fell to his knees and cried in pain. Miyamoto wrenched his injured hand away and threw two more punches with his other hand, which Indy blocked.\n\n\"Give it to him,\" Mystery shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stepped forward and shot two jabs to Miyamoto's jaw, then sent a right crashing into the space between his nose and upper lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miyamoto fell to the sand and spat out his front teeth.\n\n\"Take that!\" Sallah said.\n\n\"Have you had enough?\" Indy asked.\n\nMiyamoto held up an open hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi stepped forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You idiot,\" she told Jadoo. \"Take the Staff away from the woman.\" Jadoo grabbed the Staff, and he and Faye fought for control of it.\n\n\"Get in there and finish him,\" Musashi shouted at Miyamoto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Warrant Officer shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're pathetic,\" she said and, in one motion, drew Sokai's sword and lopped off Miyamoto's head.\n\nMystery screamed.\n\nThen Musashi turned, her face flecked with her comrade's blood, and came at Indy.\n\nShe was so fast that Indy hardly had time to react as he saw the point of the razor-sharp blade coming toward his solar plexus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He managed to deflect most of the thrust by bringing the leather sleeve of his jacket against the flat of the blade, but he watched as the blade pierced the right side of his jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was stunned.\n\n\"I don't feel anything,\" he said.\n\n\"You will,\" Musashi said, twisting the blade.\n\nPain shot through Indy's side as blood stained his jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Faye hit Jadoo in the mouth with the end of the Staff as he stared at the sword piercing Indy's side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she held the Rod aloft once more. When Jadoo made a grab for it again, she kicked him in the groin.\n\nIndy backed away from the now-bloody blade, and it fell into the sand as if it were too heavy for Musashi to hold. Indy stepped forward with his right foot and brought it down on the sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It snapped in two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi threw the hilt away and drew her pistol. Indy flinched, expecting a slug between the eyes. But when the pistol fired, Indy heard the bullet ricochet off the stone tablet behind him.\n\n\"How could I miss?\" Musashi asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A drop of blood ran down the side of her nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bullet had ricocheted off the stelae and struck her between the eyes. She touched the fingers of her left hand to the blood and examined them, then her eyes rolled back in her head as she fell at Indy's feet.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said.\n\nMystery knelt down and felt for a pulse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is she—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As a doornail,\" Mystery said as she turned to Indy. \"She got what she deserved. Do you know how many times she nearly killed me?\"\n\n\"Still,\" Indy said.\n\nShe unzipped his jacket and looked carefully inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm stabbed,\" Indy said incredulously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're bleeding pretty badly,\" she said.\n\n\"I hate swords,\" Indy complained.\n\n\"But it went through the fleshy part of your side,\" Mystery said as she tore material from the sleeve of her blouse and stuffed it inside his jacket. \"Good thing you have a lot of fat there, because I don't think it pierced anything vital.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks a lot,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You idiots,\" Jadoo told the soldiers. \"Get the stick!\"\n\nThe soldiers gave him a dubious look that asked, \"And end up like Miyamoto?\"\n\n\"Faye,\" Jadoo pleaded. \"Let me have the Staff of Aaron and show me how to use it. I'll let all of you go.\"\n\n\"Don't trust him,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We still have soldiers with guns pointed at us.\"\n\n\"He killed Kaspar,\" Indy blurted.\n\n\"What?\" Mystery asked.\n\nStorm clouds passed in front of the moon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't want to tell you, but that's what the book said. Jadoo poisoned him when he came to see him in 1930, decapitated the body, and used the skull for a drinking glass. I'm sorry, Faye, but that was Kaspar's skull we saw on his shelf in Calcutta.\"\n\n\"I suspected as much,\" Faye said sadly.\n\nThe wind whipped her hair in front of her face. As a single tear rolled down her cheek, it began to sprinkle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A frog plopped down at Jadoo's feet and hopped away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you see that?\" Mystery asked.\n\nThen it began to rain in earnest. Another frog fell on the brim of Indy's hat, and then came a barrage of the amphibians, thudding into the sand and scampering away.\n\n\"What is this?\" Jadoo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you know?\" Indy asked with delight. \"It's a plague.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The soldiers lowered their rifles.\n\nJadoo screamed at them, and they came back to attention.\n\n\"This is not unknown,\" Jadoo stammered. \"It's rained frogs before, as anybody who's read Charles Fort's Book of the Damned knows. This is no plague, just a freak of nature.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no?\" Faye asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spread her arms, the Staff held in her right hand, and turned her face to the sky.\n\n\"Hail,\" she commanded.\n\nA bolt of lightning struck the head of the Sphinx, showering them all with sparks and leaving their ears ringing. The lightning was followed by chunks of flaming, baseball-sized hail that covered the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The soldiers dropped their guns and put their hands over their heads for protection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jadoo shouted at them, but they refused to pick up their weapons.\n\nIndy pulled Mystery close to him, while Jadoo cowered and Sallah looked around in amazement.\n\n\"Faye,\" Indy shouted as a flaming hailstone thumped him on the back. \"This is bad.\"\n\nFaye nodded. She turned her face skyward and announced, \"Blood!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rain turned dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, my God,\" Mystery said as she touched her fingers to her mouth. \"It's real.\"\n\nThe soldiers abandoned their weapons and ran, leaving Jadoo behind.\n\n\"Faye, end this,\" Indy pleaded.\n\nFaye glared at Jadoo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A curse,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" he pleaded and fell to his knees, his hands together. \"I beg you for mercy.\"\n\n\"Did you show mercy to my husband?\"\n\n\"I didn't kill him,\" Jadoo lied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't understand the circumstances. It wasn't my fault.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Death,\" Faye pronounced, \"to the seventh born, of the seventh born—\"\n\n\"No!\" Indy shouted. \"That includes Sallah!\"\n\n\"—of the seventh born.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said and shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jadoo's eyes became wild." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got to his feet and backed away from Faye, then began to run. Then he fell gasping to the ground, holding his chest. He died of a massive coronary, with his eyes open and his heels digging into the sand.\n\nFaye looked at the carnage around her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hoisted the Staff like a javelin and threw it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sailed in a great arc for two hundred yards and buried itself in the sand, not far from the Nile.\n\n\"It is finished,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"Almost,\" Indy said.\n\n\"The scavengers will finish what is left of these villians before the day becomes hot,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They deserve nothing better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said, holding his side. \"We must bury them. But there is one other thing we must do—we've got to seal this entrance. Come help me push the stone into place. Then we will fill the hole with sand, and it will be safe for many more years.\"\n\n\"But the book,\" Sallah said. \"You found it, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We found it, yes,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The world isn't ready for it,\" Mystery added.\n\n\"She's right,\" Indy said. \"She's always been right. And the prophecies about the Hall of Records are true as well: that the world will not learn of their discovery until years after they have been located.\"\n\n\"But Indy,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If not now, when?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When it's time, my friend,\" Indy said. \"When it's time.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Max McCoy" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The taxi pulled to a stop in front of the apartment building and honked. Indy emerged, wearing a new suit, but with his favorite fedora on his head. He was followed by Sallah and his pack of children. Indy and Sallah shook hands, and then Sallah pulled him to his chest and engulfed him in a bear hug." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need to ask a favor,\" Indy said when he could breathe again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anything.\"\n\n\"The next time we meet,\" Indy said, \"let's not speak of what occurred here beneath the Giza plateau, or mention this to Marcus Brody. Let's not tempt ourselves to reveal this before the world is ready, or time will be out of joint. I can't explain it, just trust me.\"\n\n\"As you wish, my friend,\" Sallah said.\n\n\"Where are Faye and Mystery?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"I thought they would be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They left early this morning,\" Sallah said. \"They are on their way back to the United States. But they left this for you.\"\n\nSallah handed Indy a letter.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Farewell, my friend,\" Sallah said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a grand adventure. But the next time, let's choose something a little less dangerous.\"\n\nIndy grinned, but said nothing.\n\nHe got in the taxi, then touched his finger to the brim of his hat as it pulled away.\n\n\"Where to?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The airport,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the taxi bounced along, he opened the letter and read it.\n\nDear Indy,\n\nSorry Mother and I aren't there to see you off, hut we are superstitious about good-byes. Thanks for all of your help in finding out what happened to Father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was devastated to learn he was dead, but glad to know the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mother says that even though magic works, it operates by its own quirky set of rules, and is no substitute for reality; it cannot, for example, bring back the ones we love. I think, however, that all real magic comes from God, whose rules make us work for the things we want so we don't get spoiled.\n\nWe're going home to Oklahoma, where mother expects me to finish up high school. Ugh! How can I go back to school when I've stood on the Sphinx, survived two shipwrecks, nearly been turned into a mummy, and witnessed real miracles?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The worst part is that nobody will ever believe me about the Omega Book and the frogs and the blood and stuff. Oh, well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At least we know it's true, right?\n\nTake care of yourself. I don't know what our address will be, but if I send it to you in care of Princeton University, will you please write?\n\nYour friend," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mysti" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "P.S. I had a crush on you, but I got over it.\n\nIndy arrived at Princeton a week later.\n\nIt was a drowsy Saturday afternoon, and the university seemed deserted. On the fourth floor of McCormick Hall, in the Department of Art and Archaeology, he stood for a moment in front of the door to his office, startled for a moment by his reflection in the windowpane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been without the company of his reflection for most of the spontaneous Omega Book expedition, because few of the places he had been in the last few weeks were stocked with mirrors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that he had a chance to get a good look at himself again, it seemed as if a stranger stared back: thinner than he remembered, badly in need of a shave and a haircut, and with lines in his face that were more than just products of wind and sun.\n\nIndy shook his head and tried the doorknob. It was, of course, locked. He absently patted his suit pockets while trying to remember where he had left his keys for safekeeping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At home? Or with Marcus Brody?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was about to smash the windowpane with his elbow—partly out of frustration, and partly out of discomfort with the image of himself he'd just seen—when he noticed a janitor at the end of the hall.\n\n\"Pardon me,\" Indy said, \"but I'm a pro—\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" the man said. \"I know who you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your name is—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Arthur.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Indy said with a smile. \"The trouble is, I've locked myself out of my office. I wonder if you would mind opening the door for me?\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" Arthur said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You never leave your keys at home. I'm surprised.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah,\" Indy said and smiled. \"I'm just not myself today.\"\n\n\"You look a little tired,\" Arthur agreed.\n\nThe janitor opened the door with a key from the ring at his belt, and Indy stepped inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks,\" he said as he closed the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was the usual pile of mail on his desk—alongside a stack of papers to be graded—and on the top of the pile was a first-class letter postmarked from Claremore, Oklahoma. He slipped the letter into his jacket pocket.\n\nBeneath the letter from Mystery was an official-looking one from Barnett College, which he knew had to be a job offer. He considered opening it, but returned it to the stack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he turned to the shelves and found, behind some books, a three-gallon glass specimen jar filled with denatured alcohol." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took the jar down, placed it on the desk, and removed the lid. Then he took off his jacket and rolled up a shirtsleeve. The jar appeared to be empty except for the alcohol.\n\nHe reached inside the jar, felt around, hooked two fingers in the eye sockets of the Crystal Skull, and drew it out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The jaw hung open, giving the impression that the skull was screaming, and rainbows of light danced in the orbital sockets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was still as frightening as the day years ago that he'd found it in the Temple of the Serpent, beneath the lost city of Cozan, in British Honduras.\n\nThe skull had been the occult prize in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse over the years, and Indy had alternately won and lost it several times. The skull had traveled across Europe, sunk to the bottom of the sea, and been recovered in the Arctic. And, as with most great treasures, it came with a curse: that whoever removed it from the altar in the Temple of the Serpent would kill what he loved best." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And although Indy did not believe in curses, he had watched Alecia Dunstin die, under circumstances for which he felt responsible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their relationship had been fated since the day they'd met in the library of the British Museum. If they hadn't met, Indy believed, the beautiful and clairvoyant Englishwoman would still be alive. Sometimes, when Indy closed his eyes for sleep, the image of her face would come to him.\n\nIndy looked at a generic bank calendar that hung on the wall, its big red letters marking a row of Sundays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every day should be marked in red, Indy thought, to remind us that each day is precious, and to warn against wasting a single one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy held the skull in both hands, elevated it to eye level, and turned its vacant sockets toward him.\n\n\"I've lost enough because of you,\" Indy told the skull.\n\nA bluish shimmer danced across its teeth, while a sudden chill shot through Indy's palms. He optimistically attributed both effects to the rapidly evaporating alcohol." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy usually avoided touching the skull with his bare hands, but for some reason he had a need for direct contact with the cold quartz; perhaps, he told himself, he simply wanted to let it know that he was finally prepared to deal with it—come what might." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would return the skull to the temple in the lost city where it had been discovered. And although that had been Indy's aim since recovering the skull in the Arctic, something had always seemed to intervene, and Indy had hidden the skull in the jar of alcohol on his office shelf. The specific gravity of the alcohol was nearly the same as quartz crystal, and rendered the skull invisible. Although his office had been rifled several times, the skull had not been found." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He placed the skull on his desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The phone rang.\n\nIndy stared at it for a moment, debating whether to answer it. Finally, acting on a feeling he could not explain, he picked up the receiver.\n\n\"Hello, Indy?\" a familiar voice asked. \"Is that you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Marcus?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course. I'm glad I caught you. I tried earlier calling at your home.\"\n\n\"Haven't been back there yet,\" Indy said and sat down.\n\n\"Just got back and had to check into work, eh?\" Brody asked.\n\n\"Just tying up some loose ends.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say, the strangest thing happened while you've been gone. Some chap claiming to be you wired the museum from India asking for a thousand U.S. dollars. I knew you were in China, but I wired the money anyway, on the remote chance it really was you and you were truly in need. Anyway, the bloke got away with the cash, it seems.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That bloke was me,\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Really?\" Brody asked. \"What were you up to in Calcutta?\"\n\n\"The usual,\" Indy replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On my way to someplace else. Wound up at Giza digging—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, don't tell me,\" Brody interrupted. \"I'm sure your actions were strictly professional and in accordance with international law and the guidelines of the Service des Antiquites.\"\n\n\"You might say my authorization came from the highest authority.\"\n\n\"Splendid. By the way, a package came to the museum today from Cairo. It's addressed to you, and the return address—if I can decipher the scrawl—seems to be from your friend Sallah. Could this be spoils of your adventure? May I open it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before Indy could reply, he could hear the sound of tearing paper on tbe other end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a box of almonds,\" Brody said with more than a little disappointment. \"There's a note attached. It says: Not breaking any promises, but thought you would like to know that where the stick landed, an almond tree now blooms. Until we meet again, my friend.\"\n\nIndy laughed.\n\n\"There must be a story behind that,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I'm sure someday you'll tell me,\" Brody said. \"Oh, one last thing, and the real reason I called. Have you ever heard of something called the ashes of Nurhachi?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said, \"but I'd like to rest before I go to Shanghai chasing after them. Also, I've got a job offer that I need to consider. I may be changing colleges soon.\"\n\n\"Excellent,\" Brody said. \"Oh, to be a young man again. You rest up, and give me a ring when you've decided.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will,\" Indy said. \"Marcus?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\"\n\nFor a moment Indy's throat was so dry he could not speak. Finally, he said:\n\n\"It's good to hear your voice again, Marcus.\"\n\n\"Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brody asked. \"Nothing is wrong, is it?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"I'm fine. Or, at least I will be.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy planted the torch in the mud in front of the empty altar and took a pair of leather gloves from his pocket. His face was covered in mud and sweat, and his bruised hands ached as he snugged the gloves over them. The descent into the cavern beneath the Temple of the Serpent had been as difficult and as dangerous as he remembered it, but with an important exception: There was no giant snake this time. Shattered bones from the thirty-foot anaconda Indy had killed years earlier littered the banks of the subterranean pool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy retrieved the bulky velvet bag from the satchel slung over his shoulder, and from the bag he removed the Crystal Skull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The light of the torch was refracted and magnified in the depths of the skull, and danced across the floor and walls of the cavern. For a moment Indy was mesmerized by the display, and he considered keeping the skull.\n\n\"No,\" he said aloud. \"I don't know who you were—or are—but this is where you belong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The altar was cut into an alcove in the wall of the cavern." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy planted his feet firmly on the ground, made sure he had his balance, and carefully placed the skull atop the altar. Then he stepped back, half expecting some trap to spring out of the base of the altar or to fall from above.\n\n\"Good,\" Indy said.\n\nHe smiled, took off his gloves, and touched the brim of his hat in farewell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, when he picked up his torch and turned to leave, he heard it: a swirl of water, a slithering noise from the mud bank, and the awful hissing sound of a very large snake breathing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the far end of the torch's circle of light he saw an amber, slitted eye the size of a cantaloupe moving toward him.\n\nThe snake he had killed in this cavern before had been the largest one he had ever seen, and when he'd returned to Princeton he had asked a herpetologist if anacondas of thirty feet in length were unheard of. No, the expert had said, there were tales of them growing even bigger in the depths of the rain forest.\n\nThis snake made the other one seem small." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not again,\" Indy moaned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The snake slithered toward him.\n\nIndy drew the revolver.\n\nThere was no place to run; the snake was so long that it completely cut off the route back to the entrance to the subterranean pool, and to try to swim would be surrendering an even greater advantage to the snake.\n\nIndy stumbled backward and fired three rounds at the snake's eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it had any effect, the snake did not show it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The snake opened its hinged jaw—showing fangs that were as big as sabers—and flicked its spongy pink tongue toward Indy. Like all snakes, its eyesight was bad, but its senses of smell and taste were keen.\n\nIndy squeezed into the alcove beside the altar and fired twice more. The snake struck, but its open mouth was larger than the alcove, and the fangs grated against rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flinching from the strike, Indy threw himself backward and hit his head on the lintel of a stone portal in the back of the alcove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because the portal was small—less than five feet high—and in the shadows behind the altar, he had not noticed it before. More important, the portal was too small for the snake to come through.\n\nIt was a moment, however, before Indy realized this. The blow to the back of the head had nearly rendered him unconscious, and for a few minutes he sat on the floor of this new passage while his stomach churned and pinwheels of light danced in front of his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he felt the back of his head, there was blood on his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, Indy smiled at his good fortune.\n\nHe picked up the torch and struggled to his feet to explore this new passage and get away from the angry hissing on the other side of the portal. The ceiling was low, and he had to stoop as he inched along.\n\nThen the passage ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It ended not in a doorway, or a wall, or even the rubble of a collapse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It ended in a kind of cloud filled with darkness that was beyond darkness, a malevolent void that refused to be dispelled by torchlight. Instead, it seemed to soak up the light and yield nothing in return. And, it was growing—or simply coming toward him.\n\nIndy searched the corridor for a recognizable doorway, or a crawl space, or some exit that was an alternative to whatever was in front of him and the angry and very large snake behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was none." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy switched the torch to his left hand, then extended the fingers of his right. Carefully, he touched the cloud. His hand disappeared in the void, but there was no sensation of feeling—not even the feel of his fingers tucking into his palm as he made a fist.\n\nHe quickly drew back his arm, and was relieved to find that his hand was still attached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy glanced behind him, then looked around at the barren corridor again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of the three choices open to him, two offered certain death: starving to death in the bowels of the temple, or being crushed in the coils of a giant anaconda. Although the third choice seemed only to suggest disaster instead of promising it, he was hesitant to take it. But as the cloud began to envelop him in wispy hollow tendrils, his torch began to dim and then sputter. Afraid that he would be suffocated like the flame if he did not push on through the cloud to the other side, he held his breath and plunged into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He found himself in sunshine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must have hit my head harder than I realized, Indy said to himself, rubbing his neck and blinking against the brilliance of daylight. Then he closed his eyes and opened them again.\n\nAs his eyes slowly adjusted, the outlines of the city of Cozan rose around him. Indy was kneeling on the bottom step of the Temple of the Serpent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Birds and monkeys were thick in the nearby trees, and somewhere a jaguar growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only, this was not the corpse of a city that Indy remembered finding—this was a living metropolis, and it was still in its youth. People filled the streets and moved in the shadows of buildings that Indy had seen only as heaping ruins amid the encroaching jungle. The structures were magnificent limestone monuments, trimmed in green and terracotta. The number of buildings, however, were fewer than the ruins of modern-day Cozan would indicate there to have been." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind him was the Temple of the Serpent, but it was smaller—it was much lower and had fewer courses than he could recall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stepped down from the temple onto the broad flagstones of the busy main thoroughfare. Although he gaped at the people he passed—robust, brown-skinned people dressed mostly in tunics made from fibers of the maguey plant—none of them so much as returned Indy's stare.\n\nMany of them hastily bartered corn, fruit, and spitted meat at the thatch-covered stalls on either side of the street, while others seemed to be nervously awaiting some event. They glanced up at the sky from time to time, or noted the diminishing length of their shadows on the flagstones with the same expression as a businessman on Wall Street would glance at his wristwatch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun was almost overhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever event was being anticipated, it was obvious that it would take place at noon.\n\nAlthough here in British Honduras one would expect to find Mayans, Indy mused, these people had the sharper features of the Aztecs of Central Mexico. Yet, there were none of the easily recognizable trademarks of Aztec culture. Indy could not identify their speech, but he knew it was not Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The predominant feature of the glyphs that decorated the Cozanian monuments was a stylized spiral that unwound to the right; it could be a representation of the conch shell, Indy thought, or perhaps a star or comet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing was known of the history of Cozan, except that it had once been a great city but had been abandoned because of some evil, and even that came from folklore; before Indy had discovered the city for himself, he'd doubted its existence.\n\nThe city's name, Cozan, was borrowed from a sixteenth-century translation of a little-understood Mayan phrase in which the Spanish word for heart, corazon, figured prominently. Sometimes it was rendered as del mal corazon, or heartless; at other times the Mayan place name for the lost city defied translation, but the closest one would be the \"heart of evil.\"\n\nThe warriors, who seemed to be everywhere, carried obsidian blades at their belts and, slung over their shoulders, wicked-looking throwing sticks made from oak branches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They strolled the avenue in pairs and occasionally stopped to warn a merchant or a citizen that they should be finishing their business, because the ceremony was about to start." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The class distinctions went far beyond warrior and citizen, Indy discovered. Another class made up at least a third of the population. Their faces were dusted with blue powder, making them appear like ghosts following behind their masters and mistresses. Their eyes were vacant, devoid of hope, and Indy guessed why: Blue is the color of sacrifice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had often dealt with the remains of sacrificial victims, and with few exceptions they had always seemed to submit themselves willingly for the good of the community, often after a period of a year or so in which they were treated like heroes and honored as royalty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even when their hands were bound behind their backs, or when a ligature was found around the vertebrae of their necks, there were indications that they had submitted voluntarily, rather than having been murdered. These slaves, who were apparent war prizes, were not looking forward to their contribution to the great chain of being.\n\n\"Excuse me,\" Indy said, going from one citizen to another.\n\n\"Pardon me, may I have a moment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apparently, none of them could see or hear him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy reached out to touch a passing warrior, and the man jumped back as if he had been stung where Indy's fingers had made contact with his arm. Convinced he had been bitten by an insect, he waved a hand in front of his face and kept moving.\n\nThen, at the sound of a conch shell trumpet, the throng fled the center of the street and took up positions along each side. The blue-faced slaves fell to their knees and lowered their foreheads to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warriors stood at attention, obsidian-tipped spears at the ready." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shaman crab-walked toward the pyramid, dusting the street with a branch. In his other hand he held a mace made from a human thighbone with a smooth river rock lashed to the end. He was nude except for a breechcloth, and elaborately tattooed with the nationalistic right-facing spirals Indy had already seen on the glyphs. He wore a gruesome mask made from the front half of a human skull and decorated with jade and obsidian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sticking like a rhino's horns from the forehead and nasal cavity were two wicked-looking flint points." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This monster with a human hidden beneath often rushed the crowd, shaking the mace at them and driving them back in terror. Whatever god of death or destruction this joker was supposed to represent, Indy decided, the citizens obviously believed he was the real deal.\n\nIndy tapped him on the shoulder and was delighted to see the medicine man spring backward, alarmed at an apparent manifestation of real magic. He savagely shook his mace in Indy's direction, but kept moving toward the temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Following the shaman was a phalanx of priests, dressed in cotton tunics dyed in terra-cotta and green and emblazoned with the Cozanian spirals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The center priest carried a hat-sized oak box in his hands.\n\nBehind the priests, on a litter borne by slaves, came a strikingly beautiful woman. She wore a simple cotton gown, and was unadorned with jewelry or any other sign of class or authority. She was tall, perhaps six feet, and the muscles in her exposed arms and calves suggested that she was athletic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reminded Indy of a jaguar because of her sleek black hair and broad face and her liquid green eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their eyes seemed to meet as the litter swayed past.\n\nFor a moment, Indy was sure that she had seen him. Her expression was one of puzzlement and alarm, and she sat up and looked over her shoulder at the spot where the stranger had stood. This time, however, her eyes searched the crowd without finding him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind the litter limped a half dozen blue-faced slaves driven by a group of soldiers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slaves were of both genders, young and old, and their feet were bound with a length of rope, which was just long enough to allow them to walk, but no more. As they shuffled past the crowd threw garbage at them and shouted insults. The children in attendance were encouraged to dash out and swat at the slaves with sticks. They did so with glee, then raced back to the protection of their mothers' legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the procession reached the bottom step of the pyramid, the litter was gently placed on the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Queen stepped from her throne with the grace and agility of a big cat, then proceeded to climb the steps. She was followed by the priests and the others, and finally the rest of the city surged onto the pyramid. Indy followed along with the flow of the crowd up the side of the pyramid, and when he reached the apex he was astonished to find not a temple but a concave area containing a sacred well. In twenty or thirty centuries, course after course would be added to the pyramid and this area would actually become the subterranean pool at the bottom of the Temple of the Serpent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The high priest placed the wooden box he carried on a stone altar and lifted the Crystal Skull from it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It looked as finished as the day Indy had discovered it. The priest held the skull aloft, and the crowd averted their eyes as the sunlight gathered in the prisms behind the eye sockets and shot dancing rainbows of light over their heads. Only the Queen—and, of course, Indy—did not look away. Then the priest began speaking in a ritual monotone, and Indy guessed that he was reciting a history of the skull." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The skull-masked shaman went into a pantomime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Indy did not understand one word of the speech, from the playacting Indy guessed that they had found the skull in the jungle one day as well, perhaps at the bottom of a sacred well or a cave littered with the bones of unimaginably old human sacrifices. Since that time, the skull had apparently become the state religion, a religion based on war and conquest—and an unquenchable appetite for human sacrifice.\n\nFascists, Indy said to himself. I hate these guys." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the priests concluded the recitation, another of the priests removed the wooden box and the Crystal Skull was placed on the stone altar, gazing out over the sacred pool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the high priest began to chant a sacred song, the Queen waded into the pool, her arms outstretched. Her cotton gown swirled around her. Then, when she was chest-high in the water, she stopped and placed her hands atop her head.\n\nSomething moved in the water around her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A pair of anacondas wrapped themselves around her torso and lifted their heads from the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were not big snakes as anacondas go—they were perhaps twelve or fifteen feet in length—but at any moment Indy expected to hear the cracking of her rib cage as the snakes squeezed the life out of her.\n\nInstead, the snakes serpentined around the Queen's torso like a pair of tame cats. The Queen's mouth went slack, and her eyelids fluttered in religious ecstasy.\n\nThen the snakes left her and made instead for the bank of the pool, where the slave sacrifices knelt beneath the obsidian blades of the warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey!\" Indy shouted, moving closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get up! Get out of there! At least make a run for it.\"\n\nIndy pulled out the Webley, drew a careful bead on the head of the larger of the snakes, and fired. The Webley barked, but the slug did no damage. He squeezed off the remaining rounds in the cylinder, but there was not so much as a splash of water behind the snake to indicate that a slug had even been fired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The snakes took the closest victim first." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They slithered up his legs, wrapped themselves around his abdomen, and began to squeeze the life out of him while he shook with fear. When they were finished with him, they rolled him into the cenote, the sacred pool. Then they went to the next in line and began to repeat the process.\n\n\"Fight!\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't you fight?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the slaves in the middle of the sacrificial line, a powerfully built young woman whose mouth was still swollen from a recent beating, kept her head down but watched the approach of the snakes from beneath half-closed lids. Indy saw her take a deep breath, watched the muscles in her arms and legs tense, and helplessly shouted encouragement when she turned and sent a knee into the groin of the warrior who guarded her.\n\nThe soldier gasped and the slave girl snatched the obsidian sword from his grasp. In one two-handed movement she brought the blade slashing up against his throat, nearly decapitating him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the guard's body fell to the ground she released a war cry that was so alarming the birds fled the surrounding trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slashed the ropes that bound her ankles. But instead of racing down the steps of the pyramid toward freedom, she turned instead in the direction of the high priest. She plunged the blade into his stomach, then leaped into the cenote and splashed frantically toward the Queen. Although the sun was now hidden by a cloud, the Crystal Skull blazed even more fiercely than before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Queen smiled and opened her arms as if to embrace her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then a half dozen baseball-sized stones struck the slave girl's body, propelled with mechanical force by the warriors with the heavy sticks. The stones broke bones wherever they struck her body: her back, her ribs, her left arm. But despite these injuries, she maintained her forward motion and managed to draw the sword with her unbroken right arm.\n\nThe slave girl was about to bring it down upon the smiling Queen's head when a last stone struck the base of her skull, and all life went out of her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sword fell impotently into the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She fell facedown in the water, with a growing rose-colored bloom around her head.\n\nIndy turned away.\n\nThe Crystal Skull glowed so brightly on the stone altar that it seemed on fire. Then, the jaw dropped and a black cloud began issuing from its mouth." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Max McCoy would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He found the professor on the Quadrangle, sitting on a bench in the sunshine, eating a sandwich from a sack lunch beside him. The man was just past fifty, but already he had the distracted mannerisms of age. Or, perhaps he had always had. His graying hair was a bird's nest of tangles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His clothes were rumpled and somewhat mismatched, and when he crossed his legs Indy noticed he wasn't wearing socks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the professor slowly ate his sandwich, his unfocused eyes were fixed above the spires and rooftops of Princeton University.\n\nIndy stood uncomfortably some yards from the bench, his fedora in his hands, unwilling to disturb the professor's apparent reverie. But the expectant, worried look on Indy's face was enough to warrant the older man's attention.\n\n\"Come,\" the professor finally said with a wave of his hand and a glance toward Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to speak?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't want to disturb you,\" Indy said sheepishly.\n\n\"And you think your staring is not disturbing?\"\n\n\"Pardon me,\" Indy said. \"It was rude.\"\n\nIndy turned to go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait, wait,\" the older man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come and sit beside me. I'm the one who is being rude now, I'm afraid. What is on your mind? Something interesting, I hope. Perhaps you are merely an autograph seeker? I do not understand this American obsession with fame.\"\n\n\"No, professor,\" Indy said as he sat down on the bench, his hat still in his hands. \"I haven't come for your autograph, or for your picture. I've come for your advice.\"\n\n\"Advice,\" the man said and chuckled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everybody wants my advice these days. I'm afraid you have come to a very poor source for that. I have been accused of being a not very practical person, of spending too much time in my head and not enough time in the world. Do you know what I was thinking just now? I was thinking of how beautiful the clouds are, and how I would stare at them through the classroom window when I was a child.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you like school?\"\n\n\"I hated it,\" the professor said with a dismissive wave of his hand. \"I wanted to be in the clouds. School was dull, regimented, and sucked the very life out of young minds. I was a very unhappy little boy. What a shame we do this to our young.\"\n\nIndy smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The advice I seek,\" he said, \"is of a very impractical nature.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have I seen you before?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I teach archaeology here. My name is Jones, and we have met once or twice. My friend Marcus Brody introduced us.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, but I don't remember,\" the professor said.\n\n\"I'm sure you had more important things on your mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like clouds,\" the professor said and smiled mischievously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he finished his sandwich, dusted the crumbs from his hands, and rummaged in his lunch sack. He extracted a bright red apple, which he offered to Indy.\n\nIndy was hungry. He placed the fedora on the ground between his feet. Then he polished the apple on his pant leg, regarded the shine of the bright red skin for a moment, and sank his teeth into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is this very impractical advice you seek?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Time,\" Indy mumbled as he wiped apple juice from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. \"Why is it always now? Is it possible to return to the past, or to move ahead to the future? What exactly is time, anyway?\"\n\nThe professor smiled.\n\n\"Time,\" he said, \"is what you measure with a clock.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy waited patiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's it?\" he asked when he realized nothing more was forthcoming.\n\n\"What more do you want?\" the professor asked.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said. \"Answers, I suppose. After all, you are the world's greatest authority.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The older man scowled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is fate playing a trick on me,\" he said. \"I have questioned authority all of my life, and now I find myself an authority.\"\n\nIndy was disappointed.\n\n\"I was hoping you could give me some ... validation,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have had some unusual experiences, in which miracles seemed possible. Time travel, even.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're asking me to tell you that you're not crazy,\" the professor said. \"But I can't help you. I am merely a scientist, just another human being like yourself. The answers you seek, my son, are inside of you.\"\n\nIndy nodded.\n\nThe professor smiled.\n\n\"One of the most incomprehensible things about the universe,\" the older man said, \"is that we can comprehend it at all. But we are still in childhood, and as our understanding grows, so does our responsibility. We are all travelers in time, Dr. Jones. Live in the present, keep looking to the future, but always remember the past. And never forget to listen to your heart.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Max McCoy" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is what Indiana Jones remembers:\n\nCradling the dying Ulla with one arm while pointing the Webley down the tunnel with the other. He can hear the sound of the approaching Nazis, the tromp-tromp of their boots and the urgently whispered \"Schnell! Schnell!\" of the squad leader, but for one long moment they are still hidden by the last bend in the rock-lined passage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy is exhausted, his aim is weak, and his hand is shaking so badly that what he's doing with the heavy revolver can hardly be called aiming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are only two rounds left in the Webley's cylinder, two shots with which to make a last stand against a half dozen heavily armed SS troops.\n\nLong odds, but Indy and his companions have no choice.\n\nThey have reached the end of the Edda Shaft and their backs are literally against the wall: a broad, flat wall of featureless gray rock. There are no more passages to take, no signs to decipher, nothing that would indicate a way around this deadest of ends." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar has taken off his shirt and is making himself ready to fight with his bare hands by slapping his own face, hard enough to bring the blood to the corners of his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sweat gleams from his broad chest, and his flowing red beard and fierce blue eyes conjure images of his berserker ancestors.\n\nSparks is the youngest and smallest of the group, but has remained the calmest. The seventeen-year-old army radioman is sitting cross-legged, arranging and rearranging a pile of stones on the floor.\n\n\"What color is between red and green in the spectrum?\" Sparks asks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yellow!\" Indy shouts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hurry up! They're almost here.\"\n\n\"I've almost got it,\" Sparks says.\n\nBut Indy can't quite remember why the stones are important or what it is that Sparks almost has.\n\nThen there is Ulla." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Danish cave explorer has been shot in the chest by a Nazi ricochet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her khaki blouse is wet with blood and her straight blond hair, where the ends have brushed against her blouse, is stained a strawberry color. Her skin has turned a fishbelly shade of white, and her lips, unpainted and normally a healthy salmon, are tinged with blue. Her breath is ragged and is accompanied by a sickening gurgle.\n\n\"Jones,\" she says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sugar, don't try to talk,\" Indy says as he wipes his eyes with the back of his gun hand. \"Save your strength.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be a man,\" she rasps. \"And don't call me Sugar.\"\n\nThe heat is unbearable and the thick air feels like molasses in Indy's aching lungs. Then the hair on the back of his neck and along his forearms begins to bristle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you feel that?\" asks Sparks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah,\" Indy says over his shoulder. \"What is it?\"\n\n\"Static electricity. The air has become supercharged. I don't know why.\"\n\nThe Nazis are almost upon them. The rhythm of their boots and the rattle of their equipment has become a cacophony that is about to burst from around the corner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar growls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Ulla opens her eyes and looks over Indy's shoulder at the empty wall beyond. Her eyes widen and she wets her blood-flecked lips.\n\n\"I must be dead,\" she says. \"The Valkyries are here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And that is the last that Indy can remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What happened next? It is a troublesome but minor mystery, one that continues to tug at the back of Indy's mind but that really doesn't amount to much; after all, it's not as if the fate of worlds turn on his remembering. Oh, he can recall most of the failed expedition down the Edda Shaft—the eventual discovery of the underground river and so forth—but it is here, at the dead end, where his mind goes blank.\n\nIt may have been noxious fumes emanating from the superheated rocks, combined with hunger and fatigue, that caused the loss of memory. Or, they could have stumbled into a pocket of bad air, or any one of a half dozen other explanations that would account for the missing time." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Princeton, New Jersey" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Early 1934—Winter\n\nThe arctic wind growled like a living beast at the corners of the house, and it was this otherworldly sound—transformed by the imagination into something both frightening and pitiful—that caused Indiana Jones to look up from his reading for the first time since supper.\n\nHaving been wrenched from tales of gold and ghosts in the mountains of New Mexico, it took him a moment to gather his senses and correctly place the source of the eerie wail. He marked his place in Coronado's Children with a scrap of paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he removed his reading glasses, placed them carefully atop the pile of other books and assorted maps beside his chair, and massaged his tired eyes with his fingertips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His vest was unbuttoned and his favorite bow tie, a gift from Marcus Brody, dangled limply around his neck. Indy glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantel—above the hearth that had grown cold from neglect—and uttered a grunt of disbelief that it was nearing midnight. In a little less than six hours, he would be on a train bound for New Mexico. He should have been asleep hours ago, but he was reluctant to surrender himself to the nightmares." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't remember exactly when they began—they may have gone as far back as that summer in Utah, when he was thirteen—but there was no doubt that they were becoming more frequent. And more frightening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The nightmares always followed the same pattern: Indy would come to his senses inside a small, dark box. His arms would be pressed tightly against his sides. Not until the dirt started raining on the lid would he realize that he was in a coffin, and the coffin had been lowered into a grave. He would shout and claw madly at the coffin lid, but to no avail—he was buried alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then came the knock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Softly, muffled by the crust of snow that clung to the front door and nearly lost in the fury of the winter storm that was turning the New Jersey countryside into something white and alien. Had Indy not been summoned back to the here and now by the shriek of the wind, he might have missed it; even so, he wasn't altogether sure that he hadn't imagined the sound.\n\nIndy unlocked the door and swung it open a few inches, allowing a torrent of snowflakes to swirl and flutter into the living room, and blinked against the numbing cold. A figure in a dark overcoat, with a hat pulled low over his eyes, stood at the bottom of the steps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His right hand gripped the rail, while tucked beneath his left arm was a package about the size of a cigar box." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Jones?\" the man rasped.\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Forgive the inconvenience—\" the man began, but he wheezed to a stop in mid-sentence. He closed his eyes, as if in pain, and held up one hand to beg Indy's patience." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy grasped the man's elbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll be more comfortable talking where it is warm,\" Indy said as he pulled the man gently into the house and shut the door behind him. He walked him across the room and to the heavily padded chair next to the fireplace.\n\n\"Thank you,\" the man gasped.\n\nThe visitor removed his hat, tugged off his gloves, then placed the articles on the arm of the chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dark wooden box, however, he kept safely on his lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The visitor was at least seventy. His hair and beard were the color of dirty snow, and the skin on the backs of his hands shone like blue-veined alabaster in the light from the electric lamps. There was a nasty scrape on the back of his right hand, and although the cold appeared to have stopped the bleeding, it looked painful. To Indy, the bruise seemed to be in the zigzag pattern of a tire tread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry to barge in on you like this,\" the old man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It shows a dreadful lack of manners. But you were the only person I could think of at this hour.\"\n\n\"Don't worry about that,\" Indy said as he leaned down and looked into the man's unusually alert, steel-gray eyes. \"Are you hurt? Or are you sick? Can I ring the doctor for you?\"\n\n\"I'm quite all right,\" the old man said with a wave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you lock the door behind me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, but—\"\n\n\"Please, humor an old man,\" the visitor pleaded. \"Lock the door.\"\n\n\"Are you sure you're all right?\"\n\n\"For now. Lock the door.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you say so,\" Indy said as he went to the door and slid home the bolt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beside the door was his suitcase, packed and ready to go. On top of the suitcase was his fedora.\n\n\"A trip?\" the old man asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"I'm leaving in the morning for New Mexico, where I hope to do some limited but potentially rewarding archaeological work in the Guadalupe Mountains.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Treasure hunting,\" the old man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am rather cold and would be grateful for something warm to drink. Whiskey, perhaps.\"\n\n\"I'm all out. But I could warm some coffee.\"\n\n\"That will do. Black, with lots of sugar.\"\n\nIndy went to the kitchen, lit a burner, and placed the pot of three-hour-old coffee over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the coffee was heating he knelt at the fireplace and prodded the ashes of the old fire with a poker." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon he had located a pocket of embers and, by carefully feeding them with paper and kindling, made a cheerful blaze to take the chill from the room.\n\n\"Careful,\" he warned a few minutes later as he handed the visitor a steaming mug. \"Don't burn yourself.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" the old man said, holding the mug with both hands. Then he eyed Indy curiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't remember me, do you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I'm not surprised.\" The old man gentiy probed the back of his skull with his fingers, then grimaced in pain. \"It was years ago. You were a graduate student at the University of Chicago and I was on tour, and our paths crossed one night when you accompanied Abner Ravenwood to one of my lectures at the old civic auditorium. My name is Evelyn Briggs Baldwin.\"\n\n\"Of course!\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You lectured on your adventures with Peary in the Arctic and your own dash for the pole in 1902. You built Fort McKinley, discovered Graham Bell Land, and believed that the aurora borealis could be harnessed as a perpetual source of power for humanity.... I found the concept quite fascinating, actually.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is comforting to know that someone remembers me after all these years,\" Baldwin said. \"I certainly remember you. You were so full of questions after the lecture, so brimming with enthusiasm. You impressed me that night, and afterward I made a point of following your career in the papers. You have been no saint, Dr. Jones. You seem to have had more than your share of what in simpler times used to be called scrapes.\"\n\n\"Well...\"\n\n\"No matter,\" Baldwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It shows that you have spirit, that you aren't afraid to challenge convention for the sake of the greater good. It is the reason that I am here tonight. I obtained your home address, with the intent of mailing you this chest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Baldwin tapped the box with his forefinger. It was made of some kind of dark exotic wood, had brass hinges and a sturdy thumb latch, and resembled a tiny treasure chest. It had obviously held some type of medical or scientific instrument, but that must have been long ago; there were many gouges and scratches on its exterior, the corners had been beaten down, and the gold-scripted name of the manufacturer, Burroughs Wellcome & Co., was badly cracked and faded. A heavy piece of twine had been tied around the chest to discourage anyone from trying to open it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why me?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because there is no one else I can trust,\" Baldwin wheezed. \"I have been forgotten by the world, condemned to old age and a series of meaningless clerking jobs with various government departments. I never married. All of my friends are dead. I have a niece who lives in Kansas, but we are hardly close. And the secret which I am about to entrust to you requires someone with your degree of resourcefulness.\"\n\nThe old man paused. So much talk had clearly exhausted him, and he needed a last bit of strength." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned back, rested his head against the back of the chair, and draped his hands over the box in his lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A drop of blood glistened from the interior of his right ear.\n\n\"I'm calling the doctor,\" Indy said.\n\n\"No,\" Baldwin said.\n\n\"I am no longer asking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I have more that you must know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you can tell me while the doctor is on his way,\" Indy said. He hurried to the telephone, jiggled the switch hook, but his ear was met with silence.\n\n\"It's dead,\" he said as he replaced the receiver. \"The storm must have knocked down the lines. I'm surprised that we still have electricity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not the storm,\" Baldwin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is the Schutzstaffel, and they have followed me here. Do you own a gun?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Indy said. He glanced at the suitcase, where his .38-caliber Webley, revolver and a box of cartridges were nestled amid the socks and underwear. \"But who are these people and why would we need to defend ourselves?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know them better as the SS,\" Baldwin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nazis,\" Indy said. \"Stormtroopers.\"\n\n\"This is a special squad,\" Baldwin said. \"Agents of the Luminous Lodge of the Vril, also known as the Thule Society, the seed from which the German National Socialist party grew. This group of fanatics has been trailing me for months. Finally, earlier tonight, on the streets of Washington, they ran me down with a motorcar in an attempt to kill me and take my secrets. I escaped only because an alert cabbie saw me go down and stopped to help.... Get your gun.\"\n\n\"You're delirious,\" Indy said as he took his winter coat from the hook next to the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You rest here quietly. I'm going to bring a doctor back with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Baldwin said. \"There is no time.\"\n\n\"You're right,\" Indy said as he buttoned the coat and patted down his pockets for the keys to his Ford coupe. \"We've got to get you to a hospital. Come on, I'll help you to the car.\"\n\n\"No.\" The old explorer grasped Indy's sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg you,\" he said. \"Listen to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy paused.\n\n\"Grant me five minutes, then I will go.\"\n\nIndy hesitated, then nodded.\n\n\"All right, Captain,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five minutes. Then we're off to the hospital.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Agreed.\" Baldwin nodded. \"Do you remember, so long ago in Chicago, the one question in particular you asked which took me aback, one that nobody had ever asked me before. Do you remember it?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"It was a silly, graduate-student sort of question—I asked if any artifacts from an advanced, ancient civilization had ever been found in the high Arctic. Of course, you said no.\"\n\n\"I lied,\" Baldwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shoved the box into Indy's hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no one else I can trust,\" Baldwin wheezed. \"The Nazis have finally killed me, but they do not have the prize they seek. Protect the contents of this box at all costs.... There are some things that mankind is not yet ready to know.\"\n\n\"You're not going to die,\" Indy said forcefully.\n\n\"Everybody dies,\" Baldwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rested his head against the back of the chair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I have lived more than my allotted time on the earth—I am beginning to feel positively biblical. Time to make room for somebody else, wouldn't you say?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy replied, \"I would not.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" Baldwin said. \"Have you ever pondered what is beneath our feet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As an archaeologist, that's about all I ponder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Baldwin said. \"I don't mean a few feet. I mean miles beneath our feet—hundreds of miles, in fact.\"\n\n\"Past the crust.\"\n\n\"There are nearly two hundred million square miles on the surface of the earth,\" Baldwin said, \"and less than one third of that is land. But beneath the surface, there are two hundred and sixty-eight billion cubic miles, and nearly all of it is unexplored.\"\n\n\"Are you trying to say the earth is hollow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"If so, I've heard these arguments before, and they have failed to convince me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not hollow, not like an empty sphere or some type of geode spinning in space,\" Baldwin said. \"More like a nearly solid body that is shot through with veins and fissures. If only one tenth of one percent of the earth's volume is in these habitable spaces—and that is a conservative estimate, given what we know of how spinning solids form—then it would mean that the greatest voyages of exploration lie within the earth, and not on it.\"\n\n\"Habitable spaces,\" Indy repeated. \"Don't you mean traversable spaces?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Dr. Jones, I do not,\" Baldwin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can't be suggesting that there are places within the earth that are peopled,\" Indy said. \"One of the surest tenets of modern science is that the energy for all living things comes ultimately from our sun. Nothing can survive in the depths of the earth, shut away from the sun's warmth and light, not even simple organisms—to say nothing of the complexity that is mankind.\"\n\nBaldwin smiled.\n\n\"I said habitable. I didn't say human.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are ill,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't mean to be unkind, but—\"\n\nBaldwin held up a frail hand.\n\n\"I have seen things that others have spied only in their reveries—or nightmares,\" he said. \"A fantastic world, beyond the comprehension of our infant sciences. It has been called by many names, but there is truth in the old, old stories. You are familiar with the legend of the Kingdom of Agartha?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The ancient Buddhist myth about the race of supermen at the center of the earth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Baldwin nodded.\n\n\"But what are the Nazis after?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Vril!\" Baldwin gasped. \"The vital element of this underground world. Matter itself yields to it. With it, one becomes godlike. All but immortal. Pass through solid rock, heal wounds, build cities in a single day—or destroy them. To possess Vril is to be invincible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did not think that you would believe me,\" Baldwin said. \"But the sum of my experience is contained in that box you hold, and it is testament enough. I have been terrified of the implications of unleashing this material upon the world, so I have shared it with no one. You must swear to protect these secrets, Dr. Jones. And if the loss of the contents of the box appears imminent, you must promise to destroy them.\"\n\n\"But—\"\n\n\"Don't argue. Swear, damn you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Swear!\"\n\n\"I promise,\" Indy said finally.\n\n\"Good,\" Baldwin said weakly. \"I know that you are a man of your word.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain...\" Indy placed the box aside and frantically grasped his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay with me now. We're going to get you some help.\"\n\n\"It is too late, Dr. Jones,\" Baldwin said. \"Nothing can be done. And I am no longer the captain of anything, including this old wreck of a body....\"\n\nBaldwin's voice trailed off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then his eyes became cloudy and his head slumped to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hand in Indy's grasp went limp.\n\n\"Captain!\" Indy shouted.\n\nOutside, the wind reached a crescendo. There was the earsplitting sound of a tree limb breaking free, and then the buzz and crackle of power lines separating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lights flickered and then went out." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the glow of the fireplace, he pulled the old man from the chair and slung him over one shoulder. He remembered, however, to take the box with him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy watched in silence as the plain wooden coffin containing the body of Evelyn Briggs Baldwin was loaded onto the Penn Railway baggage car. His hands were thrust deep into the pockets of his leather jacket, his fedora was pushed back on the crown of his head, and his suitcase was at his feet. The mysterious box from the night before was tucked safely in the satchel that was slung, beneath his coat, over one shoulder.\n\nThe railway agent stood beside Indy with a clipboard, stamping his feet in a vain attempt to keep warm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Relative?\" the agent asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only in spirit,\" Indy said.\n\nThe handlers placed the casket on the floor of the car with a thump that made Indy wince. Because the rest of the baggage and freight had already been loaded, they slid the door of the car shut. The outside latch fell into place with a sharp metallic clang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll have to change trains twice, but don't worry about the casket,\" the agent said as he snapped the tickets from the clipboard and handed them to Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will be switched automatically, and we've never lost one yet.\"\n\n\"That's good to know,\" Indy acknowledged. \"And thanks for helping with the last-minute change in the intinerary.\"\n\n\"No trouble, Dr. Jones,\" the agent said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Actually, I was expecting your call, since someone had inquired about your schedule just a few minutes before you called.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" the agent said. \"A gentleman from the university phoned and asked if you had changed your schedule yet. I told him no. I thought it was rather odd—that is, until you did ring me up and explain.\"\n\n\"Did you tell this gentleman anything else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" the agent answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, he asked if you were still bound for Chicago tomorrow. I corrected him and said that you were on your way to New Mexico today.\"\n\n\"Did this gentleman give his name?\"\n\n\"No,\" the agent said. \"But he spoke with an accent—German, I believe—and he seemed to know you quite well. Does that ring any bells?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"Thanks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he heard someone call his name, and when he turned he saw Marcus Brody waving and attempting to thread his way through the crowd jamming the Princeton Station platform. Indy said good-bye to the agent, picked up the suitcase, and met Brody halfway.\n\n\"Indiana,\" Brody began, \"where have you been? I waited for nearly an hour. It is so unlike you to miss an appointment that I decided to come looking.... You look rather raw. Haven't you slept?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"There was no time, considering the circumstances. I'm sorry that I missed our breakfast at the university club, but I've had some pressing business to take care of.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brody asked. From the expression and the tone of his voice, his concern was evident.\n\n\"I'm fine,\" Indy said reassuringly as they made their way to a half-empty bench. \"But I'm afraid I can't say the same for the visitor I had last night. Have you read that newspaper you have tucked in your overcoat pocket? Is there anything on Evelyn Briggs Baldwin?\"\n\nAs they sat down a tall blond man in a black trench coat near the platform's news kiosk lowered the Saturday Evening Post magazine he was pretending to read just enough to watch as Indy slid the suitcase beneath the bench, where it would be out of the way of the passing crowd As soon as Indy's hand had left the suitcase, the man in the trench coat abandoned his spot near the newsstand and began to serpentine his way through the crowd toward the back of the bench where Indy and Brody sat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Baldwin?\" Brody took his reading glasses from his pocket and unfolded the morning's copy of The New York Times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After thumbing through several pages, Brody found a six-inch story on the back of the first section, sandwiched between an article about two thousand Italian marriages performed simultaneously to inaugurate the twelfth year of fascism and a wireless item from La Paz about new fighting over the Chaco region.\n\nE. B. BALDWIN DIES IN HIT-AND-RUN\n\n71-Year-Old Explorer Is Struck on Icy Street\n\nSpecial to The New York Times" }, { "from": "human", "value": "PRINCETON, N.J.—Evelyn Briggs Baldwin, polar explorer, died here early today of a fractured skull after having been struck by an automobile on an ice-covered thoroughfare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, where he was brought by private car.\n\nMr. Baldwin accompanied Robert E. Peary on his north Greenland expedition in 1893-94 as a meteorologist. In 1898-99 he was second in command of Walter Wellman's polar expedition of Franz Josef Land. He built and named Fort McKinley, discovered and explored Graham Bell Land, and organized and commanded the Baldwin-Ziegler polar expedition in 1901-02, which ended in near disaster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His life's ambition was thwarted in 1909 when Peary discovered the Pole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Were you involved?\" Brody asked as he removed his glasses.\n\n\"I didn't run him down with my car, if that's what you mean,\" Indy said, rubbing his hands together to keep them warm. \"Marcus, he came to my house after the accident. He claimed that the Nazis were behind it, and that they had been tracking him for months to steal some kind of polar secret from him.\"\n\n\"What kind of secret?\" Brody asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something called Vril.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never heard of it,\" Brody said. \"Did you know this Baldwin well?\"\n\n\"I knew him not at all,\" Indy said. \"We met once, years ago when I was a graduate student and he was on the lecture circuit showing some of the motion pictures he had taken in the Arctic. But our paths never crossed again, at least not until last night. When the police inspected his belongings at the hospital morgue, they found funeral instructions neatly typed out and folded into his wallet. A plot and a stone awaits him in his hometown in Kansas.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remarkable,\" Brody marveled. \"What a gentleman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He may also have been a crackpot,\" Indy said. \"Or he may have been delusional as a result of his injuries. In either event, he said some pretty fantastic things last night. He said his secrets were contained in this little wooden box he gave me to protect. He made me swear.\"\n\nIndy withdrew the little treasure-chest-shaped box from the satchel.\n\nBrody took it, turned it over while examining it with an experienced eye, then ran his finger along the gold script." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Burroughs Wellcome,\" he read." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, this is the kind of medicine chest that explorers carried at the turn of the century. Stanley, as I remember, had one of these things in Africa. It would make sense for Baldwin to have carried it to the Arctic.\"\n\nHe tugged at the string.\n\n\"Don't,\" Indy warned.\n\n\"Why not?\" Brody asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there something dangerous inside?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the thing, Marcus,\" Indy said. \"I don't know. Baldwin made me swear to protect whatever is inside, but he died before he could tell me whether he actually wanted me to open it or not.\"\n\n\"Something of a conundrum,\" Brody muttered as he returned the box.\n\n\"That's a good word for it,\" Indy said as he stowed the box back in the satchel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know what I'm going to do. I am bound to respect Baldwin's wishes—if only I knew what they were. But then, my curiosity has been piqued.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll say,\" Brody said. \"If it were me, I'm afraid I would have already had the contents cataloged. But you operate differently, Indy. I'm sure that given some time, you will discover the right thing to do.\"\n\nThe man in the black trench coat, who was now standing behind their bench with the magazine again covering his face, hooked his foot around a corner of Indy's suitcase and was slowly easing it away. The sound of the suitcase scraping against the ground was hidden by the din of the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy lowered his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Marcus, it would be a great help to me if you could ring some of your pals in Washington. See what they know about an organization called the Thule Society,\" he said. \"It could merely be the ravings of a tired old man, but my instinct tells me there is something more to it.\"\n\n\"Such feelings would be understandable,\" Marcus acknowledged, \"considering the circumstances. It is not every day that one has a guest die on them.\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Indy said. \"But I could almost swear that I have been followed since leaving the hospital early this morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will make some inquiries,\" Brody promised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The suitcase was now clear of the bench and resting beside the man in the trench coat's right foot. With practiced nonchalance he closed the Post, picked up the suitcase, and disappeared into the crowd.\n\n\"You had better take this before I forget,\" Brody said as he reached into his jacket pocket. He drew out a small, flat package wrapped in brown paper and tied with string." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After all, it is the reason I agreed to meet you this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah,\" Indy said. \"You found it.\"\n\n\"It wasn't easy,\" Brody admitted. \"Despite the scanty information you gave me, I managed to locate this in a collection at Mexico City. Apparently it is the document you read about in Coronadas Children. The parchment which was first discovered in the basement of the palace at Sante Fe. It tells of a Capitan de Gavilan, who discovered a rich gold deposit in the Guadalupes. The document survived the Pueblo uprising of 1680, but de Gavilan—and every other Spaniard who did not flee New Mexico—did not. When you have a chance to examine it, you will note that a crude map has been drawn on the back.\"\n\n\"Marcus, I could kiss you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd consider it a personal favor if you wouldn't,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And do be careful with it, since the parchment is in rather bad shape. I promised the curator we would have it back to him within the month. We will, won't we?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" Indy said as he placed the two-hundred-fifty-year-old document into his satchel. Then, when he saw the worried look on Brody's face, he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and asked, \"Have you ever known me to lose anything?\"\n\nBrody smiled wanly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not that, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then, what?\"\n\n\"It's the sudden taste you have developed for gold,\" Brody said. \"It is unlike you to go after a treasure trove simply for the sake of wealth. I could understand it better if you were seeking an important piece for the museum, that just incidentally was worth a fortune.\"\n\n\"Believe me,\" Indy said, \"I have my reasons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This has something to do with the Crystal Skull, doesn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was silent, but his jaw muscles quivered.\n\n\"Tell me,\" Brody urged. \"Perhaps I can help.\"\n\n\"It's better if you remain out of this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy said. \"It could get ugly, and I don't want you or the museum mixed up in it more than you already are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brody looked hurt.\n\nIndy placed a hand on his shoulder.\n\n\"But thank you, Marcus. Your offer is truly appreciated.\"\n\n\"I hope you know what you're doing,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that moment the conductor called, \"All aboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I had better go,\" Indy said. \"Thanks for your help. I'll contact you when I get a chance.\"\n\nBrody was the curator of special collections at the American Museum of Natural Histoiy in New York. Indy had acquired many outstanding pieces for the museum through the years, and Brody had learned never to question him too closely about the methods he employed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although the older man knew that Indy would invariably make the right decision when faced with an ethical choice—even when he had to go with the more difficult option—some of the means that he applied toward that end were likely to make a curator's head swim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd better hurry,\" Brody said. \"Or you'll miss your train.\"\n\nThey shook hands, then Indy reached beneath the bench for his luggage. \"Marcus,\" he said with a puzzled look, \"where's my suitcase?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man in the black trench coat walked unhurriedly across the platform, Indy's suitcase swinging lazily by his side, a smile tugging at the corners of his cold blue eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beneath his ordinary-looking business suit, on a heavy cord around his neck, swung a perforated zinc disk that identified him as a captain—a Hauptsturmfuhrer—in the Leibstandarte SS, Adolf Hitler's personal guard. The disk carried other encoded information, such as his service number and blood type, but this last was a bit of redundancy; the type—A—was also tattooed beneath his right arm.\n\nThe man was six-foot one-inch tall, the minimum height for the Leibstandarte (but two inches greater than that required for the regular SS). His steps had the energy and grace of a natural athlete, and even now, at thirty, he prided himself that not even a filled tooth marred his physical perfection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not consider the scar tissue that ran like a lightning bolt down his right cheek as a mark of imperfection; but rather, like the young officers of the Great War and their saber scars, he wore it as a badge of honor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He considered the wound a testament to his patriotic actions in the series of street battles with degenerates that culminated in the Reichstag fire, and the installation of Adolf Hitler as chancellor of Germany.\n\nHis name was Rudolf Reingold and six months earlier he had been called away from his most recent assignment, as an adviser for some of the grimmer construction details of a new kind of Konzentrationslager at Dachau. Now Reingold had an even more important task, one that had been conferred upon him one heady Sunday afternoon in the mountains at the Eagle's Nest. The memory of that sunlit moment was with him even on this dreary winter's day in New Jersey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the conductor continued his call to board, Reingold walked leisurely into the unoccupied men's room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During his stroll across the platform, three similarly dressed companions had fallen into step beside him, and they now crowded around as he placed the suitcase on the wash counter. While one of the trio stood watch at the door, Reingold thumbed open the latches. He rummaged through the clothes and books without success and finally picked up a bullwhip and regarded it with disdain.\n\n\"Curious,\" he said as he threw the whip back into the suitcase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"These Americans have such a fascination with primitive weapons. Unfortunately, the box we seek is not here. Jones must be carrying it on his person.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Herr Captain,\" the man at the door, an SS assassin named Jaekal, said in alarm. \"The train is pulling away.\" His hand was already inside his jacket, his fingers touching the butt of the 9mm Luger Parabellum semiautomatic pistol that nestled in a shoulder holster there. \"We hesitated at the opportunity to kill him last night, but we could kill him now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stating the obvious is an unthinking response,\" Reingold said as he carelessly tossed an undershirt into a wastebasket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We need something better. Now.\"\n\nThe two other men—whose names were Dortmuller and Liebel—were somewhat younger than the assassin, and they both fell miserably silent at this reprimand.\n\n\"Come, come,\" Reingold taunted. \"We have only seconds before the train is out of the station and Jones is beyond our grasp, at least for a time. Can you think of nothing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inspiration caused Dortmuller's face to brighten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was the youngest of the squad, and as he pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, he resembled a boy anxious to impress his schoolmaster.\n\n\"He will be looking for his suitcase, no?\" Dortmuller asked in German. \"Then you will return it. Explain that you have taken it by mistake. Apologize, offer to buy him a meal. That way, you can get close—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, yes!\" Reingold said as he hurriedly stuffed the clothes back into the suitcase and latched it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But this is a one-person assignment. More would arouse suspicion.\"\n\n\"Should we follow?\" Jaekal asked.\n\n\"Not immediately,\" Reingold said as he made for the door. \"But if you do not receive word from me by the end of the day, then we will rendezvous in Kansas.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Javolt.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assassin started to make a Nazi salute.\n\n\"Not here, you idiot,\" Reingold hissed.\n\nWith the suitcase in his right hand and his left holding the hat on top of his head, Reingold began to run for the closest passenger car. As he neared the tracks he collided with Marcus Brody, who was stepping idly backward while he watched the train leave the platform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brody landed on his rump." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I beg your pardon,\" was the strongest thing that he could bring himself to say.\n\n\"Sorry old chap,\" Reingold shouted in a near-flawless English accent, but without stopping. \"I was too long in the water closet and I have very nearly missed my train.\"\n\nHe grasped the railing with his left hand and lithely swung up onto the steps of the vestibule." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he turned back toward Brody and threw him an impromptu salute by touching his forefinger to the brim of his hat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I beg your pardon,\" the pleasant-sounding voice with the English accent inquired, \"but is this seat taken?\"\n\nIndy stirred beneath the fedora. He had slumped against the window and placed the hat over his eyes the moment the train had left the station, thankful that no one was in the next seat to disturb his slumber. But the question had been asked so politely that he felt compelled to sit up and respond in kind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Excuse me,\" Indy said as he removed his leather coat and satchel from the vacant seat. \"Please, sit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Reingold said as he slid into the seat. He had a black trench coat draped over a suitcase that Indy wished he could get a better look at. \"I've had some rather rotten luck so far today.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rather,\" the tall blond man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I seem to have grabbed someone else's suitcase this morning on the platform. I had placed my bag down for a moment in order to turn the pages of my magazine, and I must have taken this one by mistake.\"\n\n\"Could I take a look?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Sorry?\"\n\n\"The suitcase. Do you mind if I take a look?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please do,\" Reingold said as he removed the trench coat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy picked up the case, turned it over on his lap, and smiled.\n\n\"It seems my luck is improving,\" he said. \"This case is mine. I lost it on the platform this morning.\"\n\n\"Really? Outstanding!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a coincidence,\" Indy said appreciatively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You didn't happen to pick up my bag, did you?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, no,\" Indy said. \"Actually, I saw no other bag.\"\n\n\"Ahem,\" Reingold said nervously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope you don't mind my saying so, old boy, but perhaps this is too much of a coincidence. There's no name on the outside of the case. I know, because I looked desperately for one. Tell me, how should I know that it's yours?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy smiled.\n\n\"I can describe what's inside,\" he said. \"Did you open it?\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, on top of my clean shirts is a carefully coiled bull-whip, which I imagine you would think is a trifle odd,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are also a half-dozen books on the geology and archaeology of New Mexico. Open it up and have a look.\"\n\nThe man paused.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" he said, and looked away. \"I will not participate in a charade. I did open it, but I was only looking for some identification. I hope you can forgive me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Understandable,\" Indy said, although his voice conveyed the opposite message." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can see that we're off to a bad start.\" The man gathered his coat as he spoke. \"It would be best, I think, if I sought a seat elsewhere.\"\n\nIndy hesitated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait,\" he said. \"There's no harm done. If you say that you were merely looking for identification in order to return the case, then I can take your word for it. Please, sit down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're certain?\" the man asked.\n\n\"Of course,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Rudolph Hyde-Smith, formerly of London, currently of Boston,\" Reingold said, holding out his hand. \"You may call me Rudy. All of my friends do. Perhaps I could buy you lunch to make up for the horrible inconvenience my carelessness has caused you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That won't be necessary,\" Indy said as he shook hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name is Jones. Indiana Jones.\"\n\n\"Now, there's a name!\" Reingold exclaimed. \"You colorful Americans. Is Indiana your given name or is it simply a nickname?\"\n\n\"Just something that stuck,\" Indy said absently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was a long time ago. I took the name of—well, somebody I was very close to as a child.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold smiled. He pulled a shining metal cigarette case from his pocket, opened it, and offered it toward Indy.\n\n\"I don't smoke,\" Indy said.\n\n\"As you wish.\" Reingold nodded and took a cigarette from the case, then snapped it shut. The lid was inscribed, but he had returned the case too quickly to his jacket pocket for Indy to read the inscription." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reingold tapped the end of the cigarette on the crystal of his watch, then with a flourish brought out a windproof lighter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thumbed a flame. His cheeks hollowed as he sucked flame into the cigarette. He closed the lighter by slapping it against his thigh, then leaned back in the seat and, with a contented look on his face, shoved it back into his trouser pocket.\n\n\"Foreign?\" Indy asked, his nostrils twitching against the strong, stale smell of the tobacco." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not to me,\" Reingold said. \"English.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Does the smoke bother you?\" Reingold asked, suddenly concerned. \"I will put it out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold snubbed the cigarette out on the heel of a well-shined shoe then dropped the butt in a nearby ashtray.\n\nIndy turned his face to the snow-covered New Jersey landscape, which was rolling by at a steady pace. He was already regretting his decision to be amiable.\n\n\"Beautiful, isn't it?\" Reingold commented, motioning to the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Um,\" Indy grunted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The vastness of this country never ceases to amaze me,\" Reingold went on. \"It all seems so fresh, so new. An unspoiled paradise. No wonder you Americans have such a sense of freedom and individuality.\"\n\n\"I'm not so sure that's how we all feel right now,\" Indy said. \"The breadlines tend to remind us that we're in the same boat as the rest of the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quite right,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is difficult to make a living, is it not? I'm in sales. Hister Industries. We make kitchen appliances. Ovens, mainly. Gas, not wood. If you don't mind my asking, what is it that you do?\"\n\n\"I'm a college professor,\" Indy replied.\n\n\"Splendid,\" Reingold said. \"What area?\"\n\n\"I'm with the department of art and archaeology at Princeton.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That explains those serious-looking books in your suitcase. Your work sounds fascinating. Buried treasure, lost cities, and all that. I'll wager you've had your share of adventure, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Actually, it can be rather dull.\" Indy settled back and clasped his hands over his stomach. \"But every so often I am allowed out of the classroom.\"\n\nIndy was thankful for the silence that followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He closed his eyes and let the gentle swaying of the car guide him toward sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to feel warm all over, despite the cold that seeped from the window, and the stress of the night before began to fade away.\n\nThen Reingold asked, \"But what about the whip?\"\n\nIndy sat up.\n\n\"What about it?\" he asked testily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems odd,\" Reingold said cautiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew he was risking early alienation of his quarry, but he could not resist the fun of testing this overaccommodating American's patience. \"I have been sitting here trying to think of what use a professor of archaeology could possibly have with a bullwhip, and my mind has drawn a blank. Surely you wouldn't use it on your students. When I was a lad, the headmaster at my boarding school frequendy used a riding crop, with painful results. But a whip of this size is out of the question. You could bloody well kill somebody.\"\n\nIndy sighed.\n\n\"You have a vivid imagination,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The whip is just another one of my tools, like a pick and shovel. I find it more useful than a simple coil of rope, because it is ready at—well, the drop of a hat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And yet, Dr. Jones, the whip is a formidable weapon,\" Reingold said. \"Come now, you are with a friend. Do you mean to tell me that it has never tasted human flesh?\"\n\n\"Only in self-defense.\"\n\n\"Ah, I knew it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look,\" Indy said, pushing his hat back on the crown of his head with one hand and shaking the index finger of his other at Reingold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are damned curious for a simple kitchen-appliance salesman. If you want to believe that I am some sort of whip-wielding monster, then fine. But just leave me alone. All I want is some shut-eye.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" Reingold said apologetically. \"I never meant to imply that you were a monster. But you are something more than a simple college professor, no?\"\n\nIndy tried to ignore him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I crave excitement,\" Reingold continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My life, it is so mundane. There is no passion. And here you are, the brash American with the colorful name and a bullwhip in his luggage. And I can only guess as to what you have in that satchel of yours that is slung beneath your coat. Can you understand my curiosity? Can you forgive a rather envious man a few moments of vicarious pleasure?\"\n\nIndy softened.\n\n\"Please, Mr. Smith—\"\n\n\"Hyde-Smith,\" Reingold corrected. \"But call me Rudy. All my friends do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before Indy could continue, the conductor appeared in the doorway with a hole punch in his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He asked for their tickets.\n\nReingold handed over the ticket he had expertly lifted from the vest pocket of a businessman he passed in the aisle after boarding the train. The conductor looked at it, then punched a diamond-shaped hole in it, and handed it back.\n\nIndy gave the conductor his ticket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After punching it, the conductor told him that he would be changing trains at the next stop, which was coming up in about an hour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy glanced at his watch. He couldn't believe that he and the man he knew as Hyde-Smith had been talking for so long.\n\n\"Rudy,\" Indy said when the conductor was gone. \"I am awfully tired and I'm going to nap until it's time for me to change trains.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Go on to sleep. I'll wake you just before you need to change trains.\"\n\nIndy eyed him suspiciously.\n\n\"You're sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly,\" Reingold said. He retrieved a well-thumbed copy of an outdoor magazine that had been shoved between the seats by a previous passenger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll just sit and quietly read. You won't even know I'm here.\"\n\nThe train came to a stop amid the squeal of brakes, the whoosh of steam, and a series of jerks that shook Indy awake. He yawned and looked at his watch, then turned to ask the man he thought was Hyde-Smith why he hadn't nudged him awake before they reached the station.\n\nThe seat was empty, except for the copy of Sports Afield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magazine was open to an article on snaring the arctic fox." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stood. He watched in disbelief as the leather strap that had held the satchel securely to his body snaked to the floor. The ends of the strap had been cut with near-surgical precision, and the satchel, of course, was gone.\n\nIndy pressed his face to the window. Outside, he could see Reingold strolling across the platform, the satchel tucked beneath his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A cigarette dangled from his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ghost of a smile played across his lips and tugged at the corners of his sparkling blue eyes.\n\nIndy dug the whip out of the suitcase, then made a dash out of the compartment and down die aisle to the end of the car. He bounded down the steps to the platform, slid across a patch of ice like a drunken figure skater, then regained his balance and raced after Reingold.\n\n\"Slow down!\" the conductor yelled from the other end of the car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shout alerted Reingold, who turned to see Indy barreling through the crowd toward him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He feinted for the exit, then made a run back for the train and ducked beneath a passenger car. As Indy followed he could hear the conductor yell for them to stop, and the prediction that they were going to be killed—it was a busy yard.\n\nOn his hands and knees beneath the tangle of machinery on the underside of the car, the road bit into Indy's palms and dug at his knees. He jumped involuntarily when the train lurched as another string of cars was added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head banged against a fitting that he could not identify, except on a hardness scale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blow put a rather unfashionable dent on one side of his fedora that, he hoped, did not continue into the skull beneath.\n\nWhen he emerged on the other side of the train, he nearly stepped into the path of a switch engine that was industriously chugging away on the nearest set of tracks. When the engine had passed, Indy spotted Reingold wading through the snow toward a high chain-link fence at the far end of the yard. The closer he got to the fence, the deeper the snow drift became, and the slower and higher his legs were forced to pump." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Reingold's fingers hooked the fence and he pulled himself up out of the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quickly, he began to climb, then paused as he balanced astride the top bar to switch the satchel to his right hand. With his left hand;—his gun hand—he drew a 7.65mm Walther, a small but deadly handgun that had been hidden in a jacket pocket.\n\nIndy was still fifteen feet away, but his whip was now uncoiled. As Reingold pointed the Walther at his chest Indy lashed out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The end of the whip bit into Reingold's wrist and snaked around his arm like a living thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cried out as he dropped the Walther, which fell into the snowdrift below. Then Indy tugged on the whip, toppling Reingold from his perch.\n\n\"I told you it comes in handy,\" Indy said.\n\nThe big blond man disappeared in the drift, then found his footing and shook the whip loose from his bloody forearm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he dug madly in the waist-deep snow for his gun, Indy lunged forward and grabbed the satchel, which Reingold had dropped in his fall from the fence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Reingold's frozen fingers found the butt of the gun, and with both hands, he pulled it up out of the snow and thrust it toward Indy.\n\nIndy froze.\n\n\"I wouldn't pull that trigger,\" he said.\n\n\"Shut up,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hand over the bag.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your barrel is packed with snow,\" Indy said.\n\nReingold hesitated.\n\n\"If you fire,\" Indy said, \"your nasty little pistol is going to blow up in your face. The firing pin will probably bury itself right between those blue eyes.\"\n\n\"You could be lying.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could,\" Indy said as he drew in the bullwhip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But there's only one way to find out. Shoot me.\"\n\nReingold was trying hard to appear confident, but ever so slightly, his hands began to tremble. He tightened the grip on the Walther.\n\n\"Who are you?\" Indy asked as he slung the whip over his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Names do not matter. What matters is that you give me the box, or I will kill you and take it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must be part of the gang that ran down Baldwin,\" Indy said. \"The poor guy was seventy-one years old. Why murder an old man? What could this wooden box possibly contain?\"\n\nIndy opened the satchel and reached inside. Reingold expected his hand to emerge with the box, but instead it came out holding the Webley revolver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too bad you didn't have time to look inside,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold cursed, in German.\n\n\"You men! Stop where you are!\"\n\nA trio of burly track workers, led by a detective carrying an ax handle in his left hand, had passed between two of the passenger cars and were making their way toward them.\n\nReingold hesitated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Put those guns down,\" the railway detective shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook the ax handle at them. \"The conductor said there was some trouble in the yard. I see that he was right.\"\n\n\"Back away,\" Reingold said. \"Or I will kill you as well.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The detective laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Am I supposed to be scared?\" he asked, advancing, the ax handle at the ready. \"You may kill one of us, but you can't get us all.\"\n\n\"No?\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have a full clip. I could kill all of you in short order, and have enough ammunition left over for target practice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other men stopped. They had not yet reached the middle set of tracks.\n\n\"What's wrong with you?\" the detective asked. \"Are you going to let a pipsqueak with a popgun get the best of you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mac,\" the track foreman said, \"you know I'm not scared of any man. But a bullet is different. I'm not getting paid to let folks target-practice with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the far end of the yard, a freight train began to chug toward them, amid a couple of short whistle blasts and the clanging of the brass bell atop the locomotive.\n\nIndy and Reingold still had their guns pointed at each other.\n\n\"Well\"—Reingold sighed—\"it looks like what we have here is a Mexican standoff. Assuming, of course, that there is no snow plugging the end of my gun barrel. That was a clever bit of playacting, Dr. Jones. I congratulate you.\"\n\n\"Coming from you,\" Indy said, \"that is high praise indeed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both of you had better stop jawing and put down those guns,\" the detective said, \"because both of you are headed to jail. I don't let anybody run around my yard trying to shoot each other.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The freight had gained some speed now. As it approached, the three track workers stepped out of the way. Reingold bolted toward the moving train.\n\n\"Stop!\" Indy shouted, and pointed the Webley at the retreating figure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cocked the weapon and drew a bead on Reingold's back, but he could not bring himself to squeeze the trigger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold grabbed a rung of a ladder at the corner of a boxcar and swung up, the tips of his boots now free of the roadbed and scrambling against the wooden side of the car. Then he found his footing, leaned away from the ladder, and threw a salute in Indy's direction.\n\nIndy lowered the revolver.\n\n\"Auf Wiedersehen, Dr. Jones!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reingold shouted. \"I knew you wouldn't shoot me in the back, at least not when the prize was no longer in danger. That's the difference, my friend, between—\" The scream of the train whisde drowned out the rest of his words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two days and what seemed a century later, Indy stepped from another train—this one carrying a string of Missouri, Kansas, and Texas passenger cars—onto the depot at Oswego, in southeast Kansas. Besides the railway crew, only one other person was on the platform: a well-dressed young woman whose face was all but hidden by a fur hat, a muffler, and a smoldering cigarette in an absurdly long holder.\n\nIndy walked over to her and put down his suitcase.\n\n\"At least there's no snow,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I beg your pardon?\" the woman mumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No snow on the ground. Back east is covered in a blanket of the stuff. But the sky does look like rain.... Pardon me, but I am assuming that you are Zoe Baldwin?\" He extended his hand. \"I'm Indiana Jones.\"\n\n\"You'll forgive me if I don't,\" she said. \"There may be no snow, but it still seems dismally cold to me, and I would rather not remove my glove. My word. What happened to your face?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This?\" Indy asked, rubbing the purple bruise on the right side of his chin where the left-handed detective had clobbered him after Reingold's escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A railway detective didn't like the way I conducted business in his yard.\"\n\n\"Oh dear,\" she said.\n\n\"I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Don't be,\" Zoe snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We weren't that close. I'm sorry he's gone, but I hadn't seen or heard from Uncle in years. He never married, you know. By the way, what was your connection to him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Brief,\" Indy said. \"Very brief.\"\n\n\"Hmmph,\" Zoe shifted the cigarette holder to the other side of her mouth.\n\n\"I take it that you are not familiar with your uncle's work?\"\n\n\"Not really,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When I was in high school I tried to read that book he wrote—Under the North Star or something like that—but it bored me to tears.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh?\" Indy was surprised. \"I found it rather fascinating.\"\n\n\"It was all such a long time ago,\" Zoe said, \"and none of it matters now, does it? Say, I hate to be forward, but Uncle did not leave anything resembling a will, did he?\"\n\n\"A legacy, perhaps,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could we discuss this elsewhere?\" Indy asked. \"It is rather colder than I expected here on the platform.\"\n\nFrom the plate-glass window of the Burgess Cafe—located on the ground floor of the Hotel Burgess—Indy watched as freezing rain began to pelt downtown Oswego. He savored the sensation of being inside the warm, steamy cafe while the weather did its worst outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zoe Baldwin had removed her fur hat, her muffler, and her gloves, and placed these articles carefully on top of her coat in the chair beside her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her car, a ten-year-old roadster, was parked at the curb.\n\nHer dark hair was cut short in a style made popular in the Roaring Twenties. She was not an unattractive woman, Indy decided, but she seemed spoiled and her hairstyle looked somewhat dated on a woman in her mid-twenties. She looked like a flapper in search of a party that had long since ended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The waitress brought two steaming mugs of coffee, and after Indy had taken a sip or two of his, he asked, \"What is it that you do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question seemed to take Zoe by surprise.\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"Well, I'm guessing that you're not a housewife,\" Indy said.\n\n\"No, Dr. Jones, I'm not a housewife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smirked. \"And I don't work, at least not in the usual sense of the word. If you ask most people in this town, I suppose they would tell you that I live off what is left of my family's money, and that's not going to last much longer. Does that answer your question?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't mean—\"\n\nShe held up her hand.\n\n\"It's all right,\" she said. \"I'm just bored, and I have been for years. It's not your fault.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe you should get a hobby.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have hobbies,\" she said. \"Unfortunately, most of them are married.\"\n\nIndy nearly spilled his coffee.\n\n\"You say that you hardly knew your uncle....\" he began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. He was already globe-trotting by the time I was born,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, he used to come home once in a while, but he never stayed for long. Then the trips back got fewer and fewer, and eventually he never came back at all.\"\n\n\"So he wouldn't have discussed anything with you recently.\"\n\n\"Like I said, it has been years since I heard from him.\"\n\n\"But you are his closest surviving relative?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right, for all the good it does me,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you never heard your uncle talk about his arctic experiences, or something called the Vril, or anything that would strike you as out of the ordinary?\"\n\n\"I never heard him talk about his explorations at all, except when he was lecturing,\" Zoe said. \"Say, you told me that you didn't know him very well. Why are you asking so many questions?\"\n\n\"Because I'm trying to solve a puzzle that your uncle left to me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After briefly recounting the last hour of Baldwin's life, and the promise he had elicited from Indy to protect the secret of the box, he removed the box from his satchel and placed it on the table'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you think he may have been murdered for this?\"\n\n\"There's a strong possibility,\" Indy said.\n\nZoe picked up the dark box.\n\n\"What do you think is in it?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. But whatever it is meant a great deal to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's cute,\" she said. \"It looks like a little treasure chest. What do you suppose the chances are that there's money inside?\"\n\n\"Slim,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Damn.\" Zoe placed the box back on the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Actually, it's a medicine chest,\" Indy informed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Baldwin probably carried it with him on expedition.\"\n\n\"Why haven't you opened it yet?\"\n\n\"Because he didn't give me clear instructions about that,\" Indy said. \"He just told me to protect it. And I wanted to get your advice... as his next of kin.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's open it,\" she suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever's inside you can keep, unless it is something valuable.\"\n\n\"Define valuable.\"\n\n\"Something you can quickly turn into cash,\" was her immediate response.\n\n\"But with no historic or scientific value,\" Indy added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Agreed,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy untied the knot and unraveled the twine from around the box. Then he placed the chest squarely in front of him on the table, thumbed open the latch, and lifted the lid. It contained no medicines, no bandages. Instead, there was a thick ledger book whose cardboard covers were held together by a rubber band." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beside the book glittered a chunk of some smoky crystal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A leather thong hung from one end.\n\n\"A diamond!\" Zoe exclaimed.\n\nThe rest of the cafe turned to look.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said, and grinned apologetically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, to Zoe: \"It's not a gemstone, at least not a precious one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked up the rock and held it toward the light. \"Icelandic spar, I'd guess, from the double refraction. Beautiful, but somewhat common.\"\n\nIndy handed it to her.\n\n\"Oh..,\" Zoe frowned, peering through the crystal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why would he save something like this? And why is it on a strap? What are you supposed to do with it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said. \"Maybe it had sentimental value, and he wore it around his neck.\"\n\nIndy removed the rubber band and opened the book.\n\n\"This is Baldwin's journal for the 1902 expedition, or at least a portion of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began to scan the pages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the entries were accompanied by sketches: sledges, dogs, the flagship America. \"Page after page of daily log entries. Position, weather, supplies.\"\n\n\"How dreadfully dull,\" Zoe commented, throwing the piece of quartz back into the chest. \"The old man was obviously daft. There's nothing here that could possibly be of use to anybody. Why do you suppose he carried it around all these years?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure he had a reason.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop,\" Zoe said. \"Go back. That one drawing.\"\n\n\"This?\" Indy asked.\n\nIt was a sketch of a slender finger of rock, sticking up out of the snow, covered with strange markings. It was difficult for Indy to tell because of the size of the sketch, but the markings resembled Norse runes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The caption beneath the drawing said simply, The Thule Stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Zoe said. \"That's the piece of rock that Uncle had sent back here when I was just a baby.\"\n\n\"Really?\" Indy asked. \"Where is it now?\"\n\n\"Where it always has been,\" Zoe said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At the cemetery, waiting for Uncle to be planted beneath it. You'll see it tomorrow, if you're planning to stay for the funeral.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Actually, I wasn't,\" Indy said apologetically. \"My train leaves rather early in the morning. I hope your uncle would understand.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute,\" Zoe said. \"Why are you so interested in that old rock? Is it worth anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Armed with a few yards of newsprint and a charcoal stick purchased at the drugstore down the street, Indy hailed a cab and set out for the cemetery, at the edge of town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd appreciate it if you'd wait here,\" he told the driver. \"This shouldn't take long.\"\n\n\"Don't matter to me,\" the driver said. \"It's your nickel.\" The grave wasn't hard to find: it was the only plot marked by a slender, three-sided stone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Squatting next to the stone was a disheveled, middle-aged man with wild black hair and bloodshot eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite the intermittent freezing rain, he was arranging a stack of firewood as casually as one might for a living-room fireplace. A can of gasoline was within arm's reach.\n\n\"I'm the gravedigger,\" the man said. \"What are you?\"\n\n\"Indiana Jones. I'm an archaeologist.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ha!\" the man cried triumphantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I plant 'em and you dig 'em up.\"\n\nThe gravedigger pulled a pint bottle of whiskey from his back pocket, plucked an unlit cigar from his mouth, and took a long swig. Then he wiped the bottle with a dirty sleeve, replaced the cigar, and offered a drink to Indy.\n\n\"None for me, thanks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wise man,\" the gravedigger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want, anyway?\"\n\n\"I want to make a rubbing of this stone, if you wouldn't mind holding off on that fire for a few minutes,\" Indy said. \"Baldwin sent it back from the Arctic, so it does have some historical significance.\"\n\n\"Suit yourself.\" The digger shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But your buddies have already been here to take pictures of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Buddies?\"\n\n\"Yeah, a couple of tall good-looking fellows with one of those newfangled German cameras. It was small, about the size of a pack of cigarettes.\"\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said as he unrolled the paper and went to work. The stone was a reddish, fine-grained granite, about a foot around at the base and narrowing to perhaps half of that near the tip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All three sides had been smoothed, and the runes were large but cut with skill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The designs were familiar, but of a period—obviously Norse, before 900 A.D.—that Indy had difficulty reading. The stone was badly weathered and the edges of some of the characters had been worn away.\n\n\"You know, in the old days they had to wait for a thaw to put their dead in the ground,\" the gravedigger announced as he sloshed gasoline over the jumble of logs, then stamped his foot on the frozen cemetery plot for emphasis.\n\n\"The dead are in no hurry,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe not,\" the digger said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But can you imagine waiting a week or two with gramps lying stiff as a board in the shed out back?\"\n\n\"That would be unpleasant.\"\n\n\"Oh, that's not the worst of it,\" the digger continued as he searched his pockets for his matches. \"You hear all sorts of horrible tales in this business. Why, they knocked open one old grave over in Cherokee County while they were digging next to it, and you know what? The poor devil had been buried alive. He was in his casket, like this\"—he twisted his face up and turned his hands into hooks—\"trying to claw his way out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe there was a postmortem explanation,\" Indy suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The effects of nature can sometimes put corpses into some awfully frightening positions.\"\n\n\"Nope,\" the gravedigger said. \"Because you know what they found stuck on the inside of the coffin lid? His fingernails.\"\n\nI've seen worse, Indy thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you imagine what that must have felt like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy hoped the question was rhetorical. He had finished the third and last side. He rolled up the paper and slipped a rubber band over the tube.\n\n\"Thanks,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't mention it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gravedigger struck a match. He held it cupped in his hand for a moment, then tossed it onto the gasoline-soaked logs, which ignited with a whoosh and a bright orange ball of flame.\n\n\"I'll let it burn for the rest of the morning, then spread out the ashes,\" he said. \"It will be ready for digging by this afternoon.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy returned to the hotel and checked into a room on the second floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took the suitcase from the bellhop, pressed a dime into the boy's hand, and locked and chained the door behind him. The lock was predictably cheap and the chain equally insubstantial, so Indy took the straight-backed chair from the room's writing desk and wedged it beneath the knob. Then he went to the window and made sure it was latched.\n\nOutside, the late-aftemoon sun glinted from the ice-covered street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All along the street, shopkeepers were closing up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next door to the hotel was the Nu-Day Theater, and its neon marquee—which was at about eye level to Indy's room—suddenly buzzed to life. Lionel Barrymore was starring in Stronnger's Return, followed by House on 56th Street with Kay Francis. Also, as an added bonus, Professor Rand's Vaudeville Canine Review and Dog Circus, direct from Harlem for one night only, would perform.\n\nIndy sat on the edge of the bed and took the piece of quartz from the box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held it in his hands for a few seconds, testing its weight, looking around the room for a place to hide it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't know the rock's intended use, but he had promised Baldwin to protect it. There didn't seem to be any good hiding places around the room, so finally he slipped the thong over his head and placed the rock beneath his shirt.\n\nIndy kicked off his shoes and swung his legs up on the bed. He fluffed the pillow, then tucked the Webley beneath it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took Baldwin's arctic log from the satchel, which hung from a post at the head of the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The damaged strap had been repaired at a shoe shop while he waited to change trains in Chicago.\n\nHe opened the logbook and began to skim the entries.\n\nMarch 20, 1902: at Camp Ziegler, on the coast of Franz Josef Land, eighty-two degrees N. The sunless arctic winter has passed and we have emerged into spring, at least as reckoned by the calendar; although one would not know it from the daily meteorological reports (we have averaged thirty-two degrees F below zero, much colder than usual, but it is now minus twenty-four—something of a heat wave!). The health and spirits of the forty-two men in my command remain good, and our diet has been augmented by fresh polar bear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nearly eight long months have passed since we sailed from Norway, and I am anxious for summer to arrive and to proceed with the business at hand, the dash to the Pole!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strange that the word dash should have become synonymous with any attempt at the Pole; it implies a mad rush, when the truth is that no other activity on earth requires as much careful planning. Our preparations have been as thorough as humanly possible, and we have established three supply depots along a northern line as bases for our final thrust. Three more of these caches have been established along the coast of Greenland, to ease our return. I am confident that, come summer, the Stars and Stripes will be the first flag to wave at the Top of the World...." }, { "from": "human", "value": "May 2, 1902: The spring thaw has not arrived as expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We remain locked here in the ice, and I fear our flagship the America has sustained irreparable damage to her hull. But the spirits of the men remain good and our two smaller vessels and most of our four hundred dogs have survived—with luck, and the expected resupply ship, we should be able to reach the Pole by our goal of July 4.\n\nMay 17, 1902: The resupply ship has not arrived.\n\nJune 1, 1902: The situation is becoming quite serious, and all hope of reaching the Pole this year is gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half of our dogs have died, many of the sledges are wrecked, and our food is running dangerously low." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Morale is deteriorating and more than one fight has broken out among the men. It is our dwindling supply of coal, however, that is our most pressing problem. We have stayed on here in the belief that a resupply ship must surely be on the way, and we have made liberal use of our coal for cooking and heating. The supply is now nearly exhausted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not only do we not have enough to fire our boilers for the return trip, we will freeze to death if we remain here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today I am sending up a balloon asking for an emergency shipment of coal.\n\nJune 25, 1902: No response yet to any of the fifteen balloons we have sent aloft asking for emergency supplies. I have been forced to place the last of the dogs under an armed guard, or risk having them eaten too soon... hunger, cold, and despair are our everlasting companions... the horror of the situation has affected the minds and the morale of the men, who waste energy fighting constantly among themselves....\n\nJune 26, 1902: The horror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I awoke this morning to find that three more of the men had died during the night, and that at least one of the poor devils had been partially cannibalized...." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I will mete out an appropriate punishment should I discover the man responsible for this outrage. The last dog has been boiled and eaten.\n\nJune 27, 1902: I am forced to make an unpleasant decision. We must conclude that even if a resupply ship is en route, it will not reach us in time to help the thirty-four souls who remain here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Therefore, I will set out with a small party aboard the Pluto to seek help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We shall make use of wind and current when we can, and of anything that will burn when we can't. Another group will set out in the Proserpina, to double our rather slim chances of success. May God have mercy on our souls....\n\nSometime later Indy shivered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was cold, and for a moment he did not know if he was awake or merely dreaming he was freezing to death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached for the covers, was annoyed to find himself lying on top of them, then opened his eyes. He was fully dressed except for his shoes, with Baldwin's open logbook lying across his chest. With the exception of the surreal neon glow of the theater marquee shining through the open window, the room was dark.\n\nIndy pushed the logbook aside and sat up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rubbed his eyes, stumbled across the floor, and brought the window down with a bang." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he yawned, scratched the small of his back, turned toward the bed, and froze—he saw the glint of neon along a six-inch blade.\n\n\"You should not be so careless, Dr. Jones,\" a voice with a heavy German accent came from the darkness. \"You will catch your death.\"\n\n\"Rudy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" There was a slight hesitation, as if the speaker were considering the odds of Indy living long enough to identify him to the authorities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My name is Jaekal. My friends call me the assassin.\"\n\n\"What do your enemies call you?\"\n\nIndy could feel the smile in the darkness.\n\n\"They never get the opportunity,\" came the reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that's encouraging.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is a desk lamp to your right. Switch it on, please. Do it slowly.\"\n\nIndy reached out carefully with his right hand until he found the lamp, then the switch. He blinked against the light. Jaekal was sitting in the chair, his back to the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knife was a wicked-looking switchblade with bone handles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's eyes flitted to the satchel hung from the bedpost.\n\n\"Not to bother,\" Jaekal said. \"I have removed the bullets from your revolver and placed them neatly on the desk. Actually, I am rather disappointed in you. Why do you carry that clumsy piece? It is much too heavy.\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Indy said, \"But I like to throw it at people.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jaekal laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you get in?\"\n\n\"Your room is not too high, and a simple flick of the blade—\" Jaekal made a graceful motion with the knife—\"opens the window latch.\"\n\n\"What do you want?\"\n\n\"You know what I'm here for,\" Jaekal said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The logbook is on the bed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is something more, is there not?\" Jaekal asked. \"The lapis exilis, a smoke-colored stone. It was in the chest. What have you done with it?\"\n\n\"You seem to know so much about it,\" Indy said. \"You find it.\"\n\n\"We wouldn't be having this conversation,\" Jaekal said, \"if I had not already searched the room and found nothing. The stone could be on your person, but I did not want to risk killing you without first making sure. If you have hidden it elsewhere, then I must keep you alive long enough for you to tell me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know so much about this stone?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be stupid,\" Jaekal spat. \"It is you who will give me answers, and not the other way around.\"\n\nThe assassin got up from the chair and walked to the bed, all the while being careful not to turn his back on Indy. He held the switchblade casually in one hand while he picked up the logbook with the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slipped the book inside his leather jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Jaekal took a length of rope from his pocket.\n\n\"Sit in the chair, please.\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Do not be tiresome, Dr. Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jaekal walked over and put a hand on his shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You will sit in the chair.\"\n\nBefore Indy could move away, Jaekal's thumb found a pressure point along the collarbone. Indy dropped to his knees, unable even to cry out. Waves of pain radiated down his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is no point in resisting,\" Jaekal informed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am in control. I can make you move this way, or go that way—\" Directed by the pressure of Jaekal's thumb, Indy lurched like a puppet toward the right, then to the left. \"Remarkable, no? It is something I learned in the Orient, and it never ceases to delight and amaze my friends.\"\n\nJaekal kneed him in the solar plexus, then released him. Indy fell to the floor, coughing, unable to catch his breath for a few agonizing moments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the chair, please. You have wasted enough time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still coughing, Indy held up his hand to signal his compliance. Then he crawled over to the chair, grasped the seat, and pulled himself to his knees. He rested his forearms on the chair and said he could go no farther.\n\n\"I am growing impatient,\" Jaekal barked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Schnell.\"\n\nJaekal reached out to grasp Indy by the collarbone once again, but he was unprepared for the speed at which Indy sprang at him with the chair, which burst into pieces as it came down on his head and shoulders. He dropped the knife and staggered back, instinctively lifting his hands to his face to protect his head.\n\nIndy kicked the knife under the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, you sadistic sack of—\" Indy said as he punched Jaekal squarely in the chest, driving him backward into the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pane shattered as Jaekal sailed through the window. He hung for a moment in the window frame, largely unhurt because of his leather jacket, a bloody grin on his face.\n\n\"No!\" Indy shouted as he remembered the logbook. But it was too late: Jaekal was slipping out of the window even as Indy was reaching for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stuck his head gingerly through the broken window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The would-be assassin had snagged a drain pipe, scrambled along a narrow ledge of bricks, and was now making his way onto the marquee of the Nu-Day Theater.\n\nIndy looked longingly at his shoes, uttered a mild curse, and followed the assassin through the broken window. The bricks were hard and cold against his stocking feet. From the porchlike marquee, Jaekal was kicking his way through a locked door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took him several blows to force the latch, and Indy had nearly caught up with him by the time he entered the theater building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They found themselves in a deserted projection room, but the theater was not closed. From the stage they could hear the excited yapping of dogs, followed by applause from the audience. Jaekal kicked wildly at Indy and missed. Indy countered with a classic combination, a left jab and a right cross that sent the Nazi stumbling backward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jaekal collided with the projector." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The machine fell over with a crash and a flash of bluish-white light as the power shorted out. But before the flickering light died, Indy could see that the logbook had fallen from the assassin's jacket.\n\nThe last reel of Stronngers Return had been knocked from the projector and now balanced mysteriously on the sill of the projection window, seeming to defy the laws of physics. Then gravity reasserted itself and the reel dropped from the window, bounced across the balcony, and rolled beneath the railing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Film stock billowed out behind it as it fell, and as it rolled down the aisle toward the stage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jaekal burst from the projection room.\n\n\"Hey!\" shouted a man working the arc light. The spot meandered away from Professor Rand and his star performer, a dachshund named Toby who was more or less howling Yankee Doodle. \"What is going on?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy, who had paused at the door of the projection room after picking up the logbook, could hear the audience gasp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The theater was packed, but the light from the stage was so brilliant that it was difficult to see anything else.\n\nJaekal jumped onto the balcony railing. For a moment he tottered precariously, then regained his balance and stood upright. Instinctively, the arc-light operator turned the beam upon him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Heil Hitler!\" Jaekal shouted, and threw a Nazi salute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I beg your pardon,\" a strong, clear female voice called from below, \"but this is America.\"\n\nThen, as he stood there squinting against the glare of the spot, he began to realize that all of the upturned faces were black.\n\n\"We had the sawbones check him over. He's all right, except for some cuts and bruises and a dog bite on his rump,\" the sheriff said. He was holding the logbook, slipping it from palm to palm, weighing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, that must have hurt. But he hasn't said a word to us. Are you sure he can speak at all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sheriff shrugged and propped his boots up on the corner of the desk. Roy Dickerson was a lanky, red-faced man in a brown uniform who could shrug with perfect condescension.\n\n\"Look, Sheriff,\" Indy said. \"He spoke plenty, and in English, while he was trying to kill me in my hotel room.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know that's what you said.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't believe me?\"\n\n\"There was no identification on him,\" the sheriff said. \"No money. No weapon, not even a pocketknife. I think he might be a lunatic escaped from an asylum. Who else would jump up and salute Hitler in a theater full of—\" The sheriff used an unfortunately common derogatory term.\n\n\"I dislike that word,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't use it again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shrug again.\n\n\"You found the knife,\" Indy said. \"You know he attacked me. You are going to charge him, aren't you?\"\n\nAnother shrug." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We also found a whip and a revolver in your room,\" the sheriff said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe you assaulted him. Or are you going to tell me that you're a lion tamer? Then you chased him out the window and over to the theater, where you continued the fight.\"\n\n\"I told you how it happened.\"\n\n\"Right,\" the sheriff said. \"He's a Nazi assassin who broke into your room to steal this thirty-year-old notebook, which his buddies already killed this Baldwin guy for, and which may contain the secret to a lost civilization underneath the North Pole. Is that about it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, when you say it like that—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sheriff sat up and leaned across the desk, his face just inches from Indy's. His cheeks were even redder than before.\n\n\"You know what I think, Jones? I think you are both crazy. Escaped lunatics.\"\n\n\"I told you who I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How come I've never heard of you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy feigned surprise. \"You're not a reader?\"\n\n\"Shut up!\" The sheriff pounded the logbook on the table. \"You are going to stay put until I get that phone call from New York City. Who is this Brody character, anyway? Your doctor at the asylum?\"\n\nAs if on cue, the telephone rang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dickerson snatched up the handset, then turned away as he barked some questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gradually he quieted down, and after a couple of minutes of uninterrupted listening, he handed the receiver over to Indy.\n\n\"He wants to talk to you,\" he said.\n\n\"Probably has a new prescription,\" Indy mumbled.\n\n\"Indy?\" Brody asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice sounded tinny and very far away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hear you've had some trouble. Are you all right?\"\n\n\"I'm perfect,\" Indy said. \"Except for some cuts on my feet.\"\n\n\"Well, I think I have managed to convince the sheriff that you are not normally a threat to yourself or others,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think the fellow who attacked you last night is a member of this Thule organization?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be my guess,\" Indy said.\n\n\"And an educated one at that,\" Brody commented. \"Do be careful. I contacted our friends at army intelligence and asked them about the Thule Society.\"\n\n\"And?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The members of Thule Gesselschaft, as it is called in German, tend toward a belief in such things as ritual magic, mind control, and lost civilizations. It is named, of course, for the mythical island in the far north from which their master race is reputed to have sprung. Their philosophy is a hodgepodge of Norse mythology, Atlantis theories, and nineteenth-century spiritualism.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the Nazi connection?\"\n\n\"Well, the society was apparently organized shortly after the Great War by members of upper-crust Bavarian society as a sort of occult study group,\" Brody said. \"But the group's devotion to the old Norse myths inspired a brand of nationalism that soon began to appeal to a broader audience. Not all Thule members were occultists, but the founding core certainly was, and in the 1920s the group served as a kind of nucleus around which the Nazi party formed.\"\n\n\"That's what Baldwin said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's more,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The man credited with being the spiritual founder of the Nazis was an expert on Norse mythology named Dietrich Eckhart. He was also a satanist and dope addict. It's unclear whether Eckhart was actually a member of the Thule Society or just an adviser, but in either case he was highly regarded by Hitler—so highly regarded, in fact, that Hitler ends Mein Kampf with a dedication to Eckhart.\"\n\n\"Sounds like a prince of a guy.\"\n\n\"The Luminous Lodge of the Vril is a part of the Thule group—sort of the most secret of societies, if you will. It was inspired by a book, The Coming Race, which told of a group of supermen who live at the center of the earth in a perfect, ordered society—\"\n\n\"What?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you stop?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, the fellows at army intelligence are unsure what the connection with the Arctic means. They have asked—since you already seem to be up to your neck in the thing—if you would be interested in helping them keep track of the Germans.\"\n\n\"Help them?\" Indy asked. \"Who's going to help me?\"\n\n\"You seem to have a knack for taking care of yourself,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They offered to provide you with air transportation and other support should you need it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Marcus, do you remember the last time I tried to help these guys out?\" Indy asked. \"I nearly got thrown out of a dirigible somewhere over the Atlantic, the fascists used me for target practice across half of Europe, and I almost became part of the desert. Tell them 'Thanks, but no thanks.'\"\n\n\"You're quite right.\"\n\n\"Besides, I have a schedule to keep. New Mexico, remember?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" Brody said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You tell them no.\"\n\n\"Certainly.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Indy concluded. After a brief good-bye, he hung up.\n\nThe sheriff jumped as Indy slammed the receiver down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you looking at?\" Indy growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Judging from the half of the conversation I heard,\" Dickerson said, \"I'm not quite sure. The Nazis are chasing you here and the fascists nearly got you in Europe?\"\n\n\"It's a long story.\"\n\n\"I'll bet,\" Dickerson said. He held out the logbook, then snatched it away just before Indy could take it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, Dr. Jones, I'm going to release you, but will you promise me one thing? Get out of my county just as soon as possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Love to.\"\n\nDickerson handed over the logbook.\n\nIndy left the sheriff's office and limped back through the snow to the hotel. The theater and the cafe were dark now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he passed the desk he waved to the night clerk, but the man was asleep behind the sports section of that evening's Kansas City Star." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy walked upstairs to his room and unlocked the door. It was freezing inside. The curtains were billowing inward from the broken window, and snow blanketed the floor. He shook his head, because he had forgotten the window had been shattered in the fight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gathered up his things, went back down the stairs, and woke the night clerk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I need another room,\" he stated.\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"The window's broken.\"\n\n\"Yep,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" Indy asked. \"Do you have another room?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clerk looked over his shoulder at the rows of keys hanging on the wall. He methodically selected one from the bottom row, made a note of it in the register, and handed it over.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said. \"Oh, and you might want to do something about that window—it's like an icebox in there.\"\n\n\"Yep,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once inside his new room, Indy chained and bolted the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was still cold, so he turned up the radiator. Then he took Baldwin's logbook and stood in the middle of the room, searching for a place to hide it.\n\nThere was a knock at the door.\n\n\"What is it?\" Indy barked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's me,\" a female voice said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took him a moment to place the voice as Zoe's. \"I heard you had some trouble. The clerk told me you had changed rooms.\"\n\n\"News travels fast around here.\"\n\n\"It is a small town, dear,\" Zoe said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy dropped the logbook on the desk, then went to the door and put his hand on the chain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated. He put his ear to the wood, trying to hear if there was anyone besides Zoe on the other side.\n\n\"Are you alone?\" he asked.\n\n\"Of course. Why?\"\n\n\"Just checking,\" Indy said as he swung open the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, you wicked thing,\" Zoe drawled as she drifted lazily into the room, smoke trailing from the cigarette in the absurd holder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you mind putting that thing out?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"What's wrong?\" she asked as she threw her coat on the bed.\n\n\"It stinks,\" Indy said. \"And the smoke hurts my eyes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, if you're going to be such a baby about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zoe ground out the cigarette in the ashtray on the desk. Then she turned and draped her arms around his neck.\n\n\"What do you want?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"That should be obvious,\" she said, \"even to an old gravedigger like you. Wouldn't you like to examine these bones? Render a professional opinion, perhaps? You might learn something that could benefit... mankind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm flattered.\" Indy gently pushed her away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it's very late and I'm not in the mood, even if I am turning my back on the Rosetta stone of Romance.\"\n\nZoe frowned.\n\n\"I just came by to see if you're hurt.\"\n\n\"I'm not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or if you needed anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't.\"\n\n\"If you're going to be that way—\"\n\n\"I am.\"\n\nShe looked at him with hurt eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not too old, am I?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course not,\" Indy said. \"Zoe, I don't really deserve all this attention. I'm glad you came by to check on me and all of that, but I'm really okay and all I need is some sleep.\"\n\n\"Oh, all right.\" She sighed and grabbed her coat.\n\nIndy glanced at the logbook on the desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Zoe,\" he said suddenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is one thing you can do for me.\"\n\n\"What would that be?\" she asked tiredly. \"Quit breathing?\"\n\nIndy held up the logbook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want me to hide it for you?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" he said. \"Maybe it's not such a good idea.\"\n\n\"What do you mean by that?\" she asked, taking the book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can do this. I've hidden lots of stuff in my time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is what those thugs were after earlier tonight,\" Indy said, \"and I would feel safer if it wasn't in the hotel. But I would hate to think what might happen to you if they knew you had it.\"\n\n\"I thought there was only one thug, and he was in jail.\"\n\n\"They run in packs,\" Indy said. \"Like wolves.\"\n\n\"I can take care of myself,\" Zoe told him as she put on her coat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See you in the morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, wait a minute,\" Indy said. \"Where're you going—\"\n\nShe placed a finger to his lips.\n\n\"Shush,\" she said. \"Either you trust me or you don't. When you want it back, just ask.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm too tired to argue. Wait. There's something else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took the crystal from around his neck and gave it to her. She put it on.\n\n\"Does this mean we're engaged?\" she asked.\n\n\"Be very careful, Zoe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She waved him off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Piece of cake, Doc,\" she said, and shut the door.\n\nIndy rubbed his eyes, wondering if he had done the right thing by letting her take the logbook and the crystal. His gut told him, however, that the book was safer with her, at least for the time being. Then he locked the door and undressed, uncharacteristically letting his clothes spill across the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a pair of long underwear from his suitcase and pulled them on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, after he had slipped beneath the covers, he realized he was still wearing his hat. He removed the fedora and tossed it on a bedpost.\n\nAn hour later Indy had a vivid nightmare that someone was trying to strangle him by shoving a handful of ripe persimmons down his throat. He woke to find Reingold holding an ether-soaked rag over his mouth and nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy struggled, but his hands and feet were tied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anesthesia,\" he heard Reingold say, \"has been described as dying in degrees. What do you think, Dr. Jones?\"\n\nIndy's curses were muffled by the rag.\n\n\"Oh, I'm sorry,\" Reingold said. \"How rude of me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He removed the rag for a moment, and instead of screaming, Indy found that all he could do was gasp for air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he had filled his lungs, Reingold clamped the rag down again.\n\n\"Becoming faint, are we?\" the Nazi asked. \"Things growing dim? It will get blacker and blacker, you know, until you finally lose all consciousness. Can you imagine what we will do to you then?\"\n\nIndy's eyes narrowed in defiance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All you have to do is give us what we want,\" Reingold continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we will leave you alone. It's that simple. Do you understand?\"\n\nIndy nodded.\n\nThings were very dark now.\n\n\"Good,\" Reingold said. \"No tricks, now, or I'll be forced to shoot you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He removed the rag." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gulped in air, nodding, while Reingold hovered over him anxiously.\n\n\"I'm never staying at this hotel again,\" Indy muttered.\n\n\"Enough of your bravado,\" Reingold snapped. \"Where is the journal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't have it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold shook his head.\n\n\"I am sorry to hear that,\" he said. He produced a bottle from his pocket, removed the stopper, and doused the rag again. \"We have a very nasty surprise for you if you disappoint us. Now, once again: where is the journal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have it.\"\n\n\"Can you tell us where to find it?\"\n\nIndy was silent.\n\n\"Ah, I was afraid it would come to this,\" Reingold said, feigning sadness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And it is such a waste, Dr. Jones. Why die for a few dozen pages of scribbles?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence.\n\n\"This is your last chance,\" Reingold said. \"Once I administer this final dose, you won't be coming round again—at least not on this side of the grave.\"\n\nIndy swallowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe we could work something out,\" he suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on,\" Reingold said.\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said quickly, trying to buy time. \"Let's say, just for the sake of argument, that I tell you where Baldwin's journal is.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do I know,\" Indy said, \"that you'll let me go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold laughed.\n\n\"You don't,\" he said.\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Enough stalling, Dr. Jones. This is your last chance. Are you going to tell me where to find the journal?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, I'll tell you where to look for it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can start by going straight to—\"\n\nIndy's shout was silenced by the rag in his mouth.\n\n\"By the way,\" his tormentor crooned. \"My name is Reingold. Just thought you might like to know. Pity you won't get a chance to share this knowledge with anyone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first, Indy thought he had gone blind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only times he had experienced such numbing darkness had been in caves and other underground places.\n\nOr in dreams.\n\nThen, of course, he thought the nightmare had returned. He was in some kind of tightly closed box, as usual, with barely enough room to wiggle his shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could hear voices, and the droning of what sounded like a minister's voice, but the words were strangely muted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The peculiar thing was that his head ached. And it was cold. But it wasn't until he ran his hands along the inside lid and sides of the coffin, and jammed a splinter into the tip of his right index finger in the process, that he realized that this was no nightmare.\n\nHe truly had been buried alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard the preacher quite clearly:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"...ashes to ashes, dust to dust...\"\n\nA handful of soil sprinkled down on the lid of the coffin with the gentleness of a light rain. Indy tried to scream, but his throat was so dry from the anesthesia that all he could manage was a hoarse, painful whisper. He tried beating his fists against the lid, but there wasn't enough room to get much of a swing; if anyone heard the resulting sound, they did not show it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly, the sounds of the crowd moved away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All was quiet for a few minutes.\n\nThen the first shovelful of dirt splattered down with the finality of a death sentence. Indy rocked back and forth and clawed at the lid, but it did not stop the torrent of dirt that followed. He could hear the gravedigger humming to himself as he worked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy fought down his panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He closed his eyes and concentrated on working up enough saliva for one long, loud scream.\n\n\"Help!\"\n\nThe avalanche of dirt ceased.\n\nIndy could hear the gravedigger grumbling to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tip of the shovel scraped away some dirt, then thumped twice on the lid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy thumped back.\n\n\"Get me out of here,\" Indy pleaded hoarsely.\n\n\"I'll be damned,\" he heard the gravedigger say as he clambered down into the grave. On his hands and knees, he put his head close to the coffin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You alive in there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope so,\" Indy managed.\n\n\"What do you mean by that?\"\n\n\"I mean we wouldn't be having this conversation if I weren't,\" Indy said. \"Come on, get me out of here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard a couple of other voices urging the gravedigger to get him out as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them belonged to Zoe, but he couldn't place the male voice.\n\nA few minutes later the gravedigger had pried the lid off the coffin and Indy crawled out onto the snow-covered ground. He lay on his back in the snow, looking up at the Thule Stone framed by the winter sky.\n\nHe was still in his red long johns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not my uncle,\" Zoe said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was standing over him with her arms crossed. Next to her was a middle-aged man in an expensive suit.\n\n\"I never thought I'd be so glad,\" Indy said, \"to be seen in public in my underwear.\"\n\nThe gravedigger rubbed his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he pulled the pint bottle from the back pocket of his overalls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled out the cork and held it high in a toast.\n\n\"Now I've seen everything,\" he announced.\n\nThe man in the suit held out his hand.\n\n\"I'm glad that I stayed behind to say good-bye to Captain Baldwin in my own way,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you're wasting your time,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's not at home.\"\n\n\"So I gather,\" the man said. \"Forgive my manners. I'm Lincoln Ellsworth.\"\n\n\"American millionaire and arctic explorer,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The very one,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you are the infamous rogue scholar Indiana Jones. I had rather hoped that I would meet you here. Although, I must confess, I never expected such a dramatic entrance.\"\n\nEllsworth removed his overcoat, draped it around Indy's shoulders, and helped him to his feet.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said.\n\n\"He's getting a real reputation around here,\" Zoe said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should have seen what he did to the movie theater last night. I'm sure the sheriff will be thrilled to hear about this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me,\" Ellsworth said. \"May we presume that Captain Baldwin's body is missing?\"\n\n\"You presume right,\" Indy said. \"That's his coffin I was in—I know because I brought it with me from Princeton—but I don't know where the old boy is now. I was drugged when they stuffed me in that thing at the funeral home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lucky they held up the funeral for two hours waiting for my arrival,\" Ellsworth said, \"or else you would have come to with six feet of soil on top of you. But who would do something like this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The same Nazi thugs that have been trying to steal Baldwin's journal since I left New Jersey,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Nazis in Kansas,\" Ellsworth remarked. \"How very strange.\"\n\nIndy waited for Ellsworth to ask why they were after the journal. When he didn't, Indy suspected that he already knew the answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The millionaire put his hand out and touched the Thule Stone reverently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" he said. \"Forgive my rudeness, considering your ordeal, but have you been able to decipher this?\"\n\n\"Not exactly,\" Indy admitted.\n\n\"Let me give you a hint,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The stone tells the story of Ultima Thule, the mythical land where the gods live at the top of the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A fairy tale,\" Indy said.\n\n\"A legend,\" Ellsworth said. \"And some legends ring true. The name first cropped up as long ago as 330 B.C., when the navigator Pytheas of Massalia was commissioned to find a new trade route to the amber markets of Northern Europe. According to Pytheas, who found the place when he was blown off course, Thule lay far north of Britain—a sunless land in winter, where volcanoes erupted under glaciers, the sea turned to jelly, and beneath which the gods lived. The Venerable Bede applied the name to Iceland, but I think he was in error....\"\n\n\"So this is what brought you here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked as he picked the splinters out of his palm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I came here to pay my respects to Captain Baldwin,\" Ellsworth said indignantly. Then, he added, somewhat less defensively, \"And I am highly interested in the area where Baldwin was lost in 1902. You see, that is the same area in which my friend Roald Amundsen disappeared during an airplane flight some years ago.\"\n\n\"Amundsen was on a rescue mission,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Ellsworth said sadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Roald was fifty-six and considered himself retired from polar exploration. He had been the first to reach the South Pole, you know, and then flew over the North. I had the privilege of accompanying him on that expedition, and it was an extraordinary experience. He undertook one last air expedition in 1928, to search for his colleague Nobile and the airship Italia.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember that!\" the gravedigger exclaimed, and took another swig while the others tried to ignore him.\n\n\"Nobile was eventually found alive,\" Ellsworth continued, \"but Amundsen—and his hydroplane, and the magnificent airship Italia—were lost to the frozen wastes.\"\n\nIndy could not suppress a shiver.\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have the lapis exilis? Did Baldwin give you the stone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean this old thing?\" Zoe asked. She reached inside her blouse and brought out the smoky crystal. \"The doc here already told me it wasn't worth much.\"\n\n\"Worthless, and yet priceless,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want to buy it?\" Zoe asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slipped the thong from her neck and held out the stone.\n\n\"It's not for sale,\" Indy growled, and snatched the stone away.\n\n\"Hey!\" she protested.\n\n\"I'm not offering to buy it,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am not that crude. My interest is in the stone's connection to Ultima Thule.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you don't want to buy the stone?\" Zoe asked.\n\n\"I'm afraid not, my dear.\"\n\nZoe rolled her eyes.\n\n\"Do I have anything else you're interested in? There's this journal—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Zoe!\" Indy snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry, Doc,\" she said. \"It's safe. I hid it under the front seat of my car.\"\n\n\"And it's still there?\" Indy asked incredulously.\n\n\"Sure,\" she said. Then she took Ellsworth's arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if you're not interested in that, maybe I could just show you around town. I promise you'll have a good time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sony,\" Ellsworth said as he gracefully disentangled himself. \"As charming as you are, I'm afraid that I'm simply not in the market—for anything.\"\n\n\"Tell me something,\" Indy said as he draped the stone around his own neck. \"How is it that you know so much about Captain Baldwin and all this stuff about a mythical land in the far north?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After his patron quit him, the good captain approached a number of wealthy men looking for support,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He came to me and said he had the secret which would unlock the power of the aurora borealis, the northern lights, and provide an inexhaustible source of power for mankind. He shared with me a portion of his story of being lost in the wasteland in 1902—just enough, mind you, to whet my interest. But it just sounded too fantastic at the time, so I declined to finance an expedition; I did not think of it again until my friend Amundsen was lost in the same area.\"\n\nIndy's teeth began to chatter.\n\n\"I'm freezing,\" he said. \"Do you mind if we go someplace a little warmer?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm afraid that I must be going,\" Ellsworth said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Business demands, you know. But I would be keenly interested in following your progress in this matter.\"\n\nHe produced a business card and handed it to Indy. \"Please give me a call, at any time.\"\n\n\"I'll keep you in mind,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellsworth hesitated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Dr. Jones—this is somewhat awkward, but may I have my coat?\"\n\nZoe dropped Indy off in the alley behind the hotel.\n\n\"Wait,\" she said, and handed him the journal.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See you around, Doc,\" Zoe said. \"Good luck.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slipped into the hotel through the service entrance. A somewhat astonished maid let him back into his room. After a warm bath and donning fresh clothes, he packed his bags and went downstairs to the desk.\n\n\"Dr. Jones,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm surprised to find you still here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not as surprised as I was,\" Indy said. \"Look, I missed my train to New Mexico this morning. Can you call the depot and find out when the next one is?\"\n\n\"Of course,\" the clerk said. \"I'll be happy to make the arrangements. Do you have any preferences?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't care what line or what the accommodations are. And anywhere in southeastern New Mexico will do. I'll ride in a cattle car if I have to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may have to.\"\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said. \"I'll be in the cafe.\"\n\nIndy sat down at a window table. By the time the waitress had brought his coffee, the clerk had told him that he was booked on a train leaving at one that afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked at his watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had more than an hour to wait.\n\n\"Thanks,\" he said. \"What do I owe you for the rooms?\"\n\n\"Including the damages?\" the clerk asked.\n\n\"Well, it wasn't exactly my fault.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but you are responsible for the window and the broken furniture.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy sighed. He took out his wallet and shelled out three twenty-dollar bills.\n\nThe clerk made a noise deep in his throat.\n\nIndy added another bill to the stack.\n\n\"Ah,\" the clerk said, and scooped up the money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy regarded the contents of his wallet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had barely enough money to order lunch and pay his way to New Mexico. He didn't exactly know how he would finance the trip back. He hated to wire Marcus Brody for money. It seemed as if he was always calling on Brody to get him out of one jam or another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Adventure is expensive.\" He sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Beg your pardon?\" the waitress asked as she refilled his cup. She seemed barely out of high school. Her brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her blue eyes sparkled when she looked at him.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said. \"Just talking to myself. What's your cheapest lunch special?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would be the ham and eggs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's breakfast,\" Indy said.\n\n\"It's cheap,\" she said.\n\nIndy nodded.\n\nAs he waited for his food he took out Baldwin's journal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He skimmed through it until he found the place where he had left off the day before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the last entry he had read, Baldwin and his men had been stranded and were facing certain death because, the resupply ship had failed to arrive at their base camp. So Baldwin had set out aboard the Pluto to seek help.\n\nJune 28, 1902: Miserable weather and rough seas. Compass headings are next to useless this far north, and we haven't seen enough of the sky to be able to fix our position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have set a course for Ellesmere Island by dead reckoning, but this is mere guesswork." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rations are running low. A ferocious storm is brewing.\n\nJune 28, addendum: The storm has struck and the Pluto has taken a terrible beating. The mast has been torn away and we are shipping water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two of the men have been swept overboard, leaving the four of us to bail water—and to pray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reynolds, I'm afraid, has gone mad.\n\nJune 29, 1902: Lost at sea. We have patched up our little boat as best we can, and now our fate is entirely in the hands of Providence. We drift with the current." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reynolds, the poor devil, has been reduced to a babbling idiot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We have been obliged to bind him hand and foot to keep him from doing harm to himself or the rest of us.\n\nJuly 1, 1902: Curiously, the speed of the current has increased. We have passed a number of ice floes. The sky still has not cleared sufficiently, however, to take our position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reynolds gnawed through his bonds, slipped over the side, and drowned himself before we realized that he had set himself free." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May God have mercy on his soul.\n\nJuly 2, 1902: We are flowing along with the current at what could almost be called a clip, and we are encountering more and more ice. We have managed to augment our diet with a little fish. Also, every so often we spot a bird or two—gulls, perhaps—decidedly unusual for this climate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surely we will make landfall if only our little Pluto can hold out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "July 3,1902: Still we proceed with the current. There is a dark smudge on the horizon—it could be terra firma, or a bank of low clouds. Without sunlight, it is impossible to tell. The climate is surprisingly temperate, although the thick cover still obscures our view of the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "July 4, 1902: Independence Day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We are nearing land. The curious tide is sweeping us into a bay protected by black volcanic cliffs. It is a coastline that I do not recognize. It is not Ellesmere Island or Franz Josef Land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It resembles the rocky coast of Iceland, but we could not have possibly traveled so far in so short a time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And unlike the true polar regions, which are merely huge masses of ice floating on a near-frozen sea, the coast we now see is firmly attached to the crust of the earth. Could this be the Pole? Or an as-yet-undiscovered—dare I say it—continent? We will soon have a chance to explore this mysterious region at close quarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We are drawn inexorably toward the treacherous-looking rocks that stud the bay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "July 5, 1902: Our boat has been dashed to pieces upon the rocks, with the loss of all on board—except one. Would God that it were not so, that I had perished instead with my crew. Providence, however, has deemed that I must suffer yet a little longer. I am marooned upon a bleak and craggy unknown shore, unlike anything I have encountered before in the Arctic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the wreck I have managed to salvage one rifle, half a box of cartridges, some clothes, and a knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have no choice but to abandon this barren coast and trek inland in search of food. A river empties into the bay—or, I should say, astonishingly flows inland from the bay—and like the explorers of old, it will be my path. Addendum: Evidence that I am not the first to visit these shores. I have found a yellowed human skeleton slumped against a curious stone obelisk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the shield and ax lying close by the remains, I presume that this ancient explorer was Viking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Around his bony neck I found a double-terminated crystal of Icelandic spar hanging from a rotting piece of cord. I slipped the curious thing in my pocket. The obelisk itself is approximately one meter in height, and along with a runic description of the mythical land called Thule carries a warning in Anglo-Saxon: I am all colors and I am none. Circle me backward and you are undone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have no idea what the warning means, but could the description of Thule be an indication that I am in some remote part of Iceland?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Viking superstitions aside, I have little choice but to continue my inland journey.\n\nJuly 6, 1902: Success! Shot a polar bear today and ate bloody chunks of it raw. Although I have flint and steel, there was no fuel with which to make a fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beefsteak never tasted so good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's been said that polar-bear meat is dangerous for civilized men to eat, but I will risk illness rather than certain starvation. But the shooting of the bear has done more than fill my stomach: it has confirmed my suspicions that I have landed not in Iceland, but somewhere in the Far North.\n\nJuly 9, 1902: The sky has cleared with dramatic results, allowing the aurora borealis to burst forth with all the dazzle of a fireworks display. The stars are clear, but unfortunately the tools I need to fix my position (the sextant and the star tables) were lost with the wreck of the Pluto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only clue I have is Polaris, around which the rest of the sky revolves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If not for my aching limbs and the blisters on my feet, I would seriously suspect that I had passed from the land of the living. How can the very laws of nature be abrogated here? The mysterious river continues to flow inward through this hellish landscape, drawing me closer to the most prominent of the volcanic peaks on the horizon. A dull reddish glow envelopes the summit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Curiously, I have discovered that the crystal taken from my Norse predecessor glows curiously when pointed in the direction of the peak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The waitress brought Indy's food. He thanked her, took a few bites, then glanced out the window. The sun was out and the snow was turning to slush. Indy could hear the yapping of dogs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In front of the theater, Professor Rand was herding his performers into their bus for the trip to their next engagement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Across the street from the cafe, a black Pontiac plowed through the mess and pulled up at the bank. When a pair of men in dark suits got out, Indy noticed that the taller one had an overcoat draped over his left arm. Indy smiled. The tall man was cursing because he had stepped in a hole and filled his shoes with ice water.\n\nJuly 15, 1902:I have either gone mad or am witnessing the greatest wonder of the natural world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As impossible as it seems, the river now appears to be flowing uphill, toward the smoldering peak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Also, it seems as if the aurora borealis is being sucked down from the sky, a glittering celestial river that likewise disappears into the cone. What could be the meaning of this amazing confluence?\n\nJuly 17, 1902: Having spent the better part of the past forty-eight hours climbing, I am exhausted and ailing but have nearly attained the summit. The Viking crystal fairly sparkles with some kind of energy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am convinced that I will perish in this barren and beautiful place, but my curiosity drives me on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I want to bathe in the glow of the celestial waterfall before I die.\n\nJuly 19, 1902: The Top of the World. Within the cone is a maelstrom of swirling water and atmospheric energy leading down into the bowels of the earth. The wind howls relentlessly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lightning pops and cracks inside the storm like sparks from a giant Catherine wheel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And most amazing of all, there appears to be a man-made path leading down into the heart of the maelstrom.\n\n\"I wonder what's going on across the street,\" the waitress said. Her left hand was on her hip and her right held a steaming pot of coffee.\n\nReluctantly Indy glanced up from the journal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At the bank,\" she said. \"That guy is acting awfully peculiar.\"\n\nIndy looked across the street. The taller of the two men he saw get out of the Pontiac was standing nervously on the top step of the bank, the overcoat still over his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down the street, a beat cop was making his rounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't know,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Maybe they're robbing it,\" the waitress joked. \"That would be okay with me, as long as they give me some of the money. Say, handsome, is there anything wrong with your food?\"\n\n\"Pardon?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your food,\" the waitress repeated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've hardly touched it. Is there anything wrong with it?\"\n\n\"No, no,\" Indy said. \"It's fine.\"\n\n\"How about some coffee?\" she asked. \"Do you want a refill?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure,\" Indy said distractedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My strength is failing, but I shall try to continue. How ironic that the scientific discovery of the age might be lost with my own death...\n\nSuddenly the sound of gunfire brought an abrupt end to Indy's reading. The tall man standing on the top step of the bank had thrown back the overcoat to reveal a Thompson submachine gun with a drum magazine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His companion had just emerged from the bank, a bagful of cash in one hand and a smoking revolver in the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The waitress dropped the pot of coffee on Indy's leg.\n\n\"That's hot!\" Indy cried, shoving away from the table.\n\n\"Oh my gosh,\" the waitress screamed. \"It's Wilbur Underhill!\"\n\nThe beat cop was crawling beneath the rear axle of a farm truck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tall gangster trained the Thompson on the truck and the gun began to chatter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vehicle rocked back and forth as if it were some kind of mechanical beast shaking itself free of glass and chrome. A bullet skipped like a stone from the pavement beneath the truck, ricocheted from a light pole, and shattered the window of the cafe.\n\nA large dagger of broken glass hung for a moment at the top of the frame, and then dropped as if in slow motion. Indy turned his head just in time to avoid decapitation, but not quickly enough to keep the tip of his left ear from being nicked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's Wilbur Underhill?\" he asked as he pulled the waitress beneath the table with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just the most notorious bank robber ever,\" she said.\n\n\"How come I've never heard of him?\" Indy asked. He was probing his ear with his fingers, making sure that it was still attached and mostly intact.\n\n\"You're not from around here, are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy reached up to snatch the journal from the top of the table just as a stray slug punched a hole in the napkin dispenser, followed by another stray that entered the cafe with a buzz-saw whine and shattered a stack of dinner plates along the back counter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They call him the Tristate Terror.\"\n\n\"Must be because of his aim,\" Indy said as he examined the blood on his fingertips.\n\n\"This is exciting, isn't it?\" she asked.\n\nBefore Indy could answer, she grabbed the lapels of his coat and kissed him full on the lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes bulged in surprise and for an instant he forgot about the flying lead above them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pulled back and wiped the lipstick away with his cuff.\n\n\"You don't get out much, do you?\" he asked.\n\nOutside, there was a deafening crash.\n\nThe gangsters had made it to their Pontiac, but in their haste to escape had collided with the bus carrying Professor Rand's Vaudeville Canine Review and Dog Circus, direct from Harlem for one night only." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bus had overturned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The front fenders of the Pontiac were so badly crushed that the wheels wouldn't turn. The gangster with the revolver was slumped over the wheel. The Pontiac's horn was blaring.\n\nProfessor Rand, dazed but unhurt, crawled through the shattered windshield of the bus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tall man with the machine gun kicked open the passenger's door of the Pontiac and regarded the overturned bus with rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside, the dogs were whining anxiously.\n\n\"This is what I think of your stupid mutts,\" the gangster shouted. He put the Thompson to his shoulder and took aim at the bus.\n\n\"Oh no,\" the waitress said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's going to shoot the dogs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, please,\" Professor Rand pleaded.\n\n\"Shut up,\" the gangster said.\n\nThe professor put his face in his hands.\n\nThere was an impotent click as the gangster pulled the trigger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gun had misfired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That does it,\" Indy said as he climbed out from beneath the table and jumped through the vacant window frame onto the sidewalk.\n\n\"Uh-oh,\" the waitress said.\n\nThe gangster regarded the jammed Thompson with disbelief as Indy strode across the street, dusting shards of glass from his clothes.\n\n\"Are you the heat?\" the gangster asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Worse,\" Indy said. \"I'm a dog lover.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gangster grasped the gun by the barrel and swung it like a baseball bat. Indy deftly caught the Thomspon and wrenched it away.\n\n\"You could hurt somebody with this,\" he commented.\n\nThen he dropped the gun and hit the gangster squarely on the chin with his best haymaker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gangster sprawled backward on the pavement, unconscious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the cafe, the waitress clapped. Then she ran out and peered at the gangster from behind Indy's shoulder.\n\n\"That's not Wilbur Underhill,\" she said. \"I knew it wasn't all along. Wilbur would never try to kill an animal, you know. Just people.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A real humanitarian,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But who is this guy?\"\n\n\"Oh, that's just Wilbur's cousin. Wally Underhill.\"\n\nThe policeman who had hidden beneath the farm truck had crawled out by now and was handcuffing the stunned gangster that had been behind the wheel of the Pontiac. Professor Rand had released the dogs from the bus and was sitting in the middle of the street while they swarmed around him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Looks like a happy ending,\" the waitress said as she and Indy walked back to the cafe." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not quite,\" Indy said as he searched the table where he had been sitting when the trouble began.\n\nBaldwin's journal was gone." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Max McCoy would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Guadalupe Mountains\n\nNew Mexico-Texas Border\n\nIn the twilight before dawn, near the summit of Guadalupe Pass, the old bus ground to a stop in front of the Pine Springs Cafe. The door swung open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The driver, who had grunted noncommittally for the last seventy miles while Indy had attempted conversation, uttered the one word that so far had escaped unbidden from his lips:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Out.\"\n\nIndy gathered his gear and stepped down, then turned and touched a finger to the brim of his hat. \"Nice chatting with you,\" he said.\n\n\"You easterners talk too much,\" the driver said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he closed the door and the bus was rolling and bouncing again, down the same trail that the old Butterfield Stage had used, before the Civil War." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's feet still ached from his late night chase, but at least his ear had stopped bleeding. He shouldered his pack and regarded the cafe. Judging from its cracking paint and generally aged appearance, the building might have served as one of the original stops on the Butterfield line. The screen door made a sound like a dying cat as he swung it open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy peered cautiously into the darkness inside, unsure of whether the place was open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't just stand there like an idiot,\" a woman barked from the inside. \"You might let the critters in.\"\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said, and quickly closed the door behind him. \"Didn't know you had an insect problem.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good Lord, I'm not talking about bugs,\" the woman said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm talking about rattlers. We've got some big ones up here. The herp-ah-tologists say there ain't no such thing, but I've seen some ten- and twelve-footers. They're generally dormant this time of year, but they love to crawl up onto anything that's warm.\"\n\n\"I'll remember that,\" Indy promised.\n\nThe woman struck a match and lit a kerosene lantern on the countertop, then replaced the smoky globe and turned up the wick. The warm light revealed an ample woman in her fifties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're up with the chickens,\" she said. \"Want some breakfast?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy nodded.\n\n\"You betcha,\" the woman said. \"Best place to eat in Pine Springs. Only place to eat in Pine Springs, actually.\" She wiped her palm on her apron and stuck out her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My name's Bertha. What's yours, honey?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jones.\"\n\n\"Please to meet you, Jones,\" Bertha said. \"What'll be your pleasure? We have eggs and then we have more eggs.\"\n\n\"Scrambled would be just fine,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What brings you out to the middle of nowhere, Jones?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bertha poured Indy a cup of coffee before he could ask for one, then began to break eggs into a bowl.\n\n\"Well, I—\"\n\n\"I hope you're not one of those treasure hunters we get through here every so often. The dummies. You know, Geronimo said that all the gold the Apaches ever had come from these here mountains—but I've never seen so much as a nugget of it.\"\n\n\"Actually, I'm an archaeologist.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" she said. \"I don't suffer fools lightly, and that's what those treasure hunters are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She added some milk and sugar and began to beat the eggs with a whisk.\n\n\"You must be with that Danish spelunker woman who came through here a couple of days ago. What's her name? Funny sounding. Tornado or something like that.\"\n\n\"I'm alone.\"\n\nBertha poured the eggs into a waiting skillet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Water that had dripped from the rim of the bowl sputtered and popped in the hot grease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was cordial enough,\" Bertha said. \"But cold, you know? Like a man. What do you think of her?\"\n\n\"I really can't say. Don't know her.\"\n\n\"Well, who could know a cold fish like that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The screen door squawled again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A deputy sheriff came in and sat on a stool two spaces down from Indy. The deputy took off his cowboy hat, smoothed his hair with the palm of his hand, and placed the hat on the stool between him and Indy.\n\n\"Breakfast?\" Bertha asked.\n\n\"No,\" the deputy said, and rubbed his eyes. \"Just coffee.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Buster, you look beat. They have you working all night again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Found another one last night,\" Buster said. \"West, at the edge of the salt flats.\"\n\n\"You're kidding,\" Bertha said.\n\n\"I wish,\" Buster said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bertha poured coffee, then placed her elbows on the counter and leaned close to the deputy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did they find the head?\" she asked.\n\n\"Nope.\"\n\n\"Just like all the others,\" Bertha said reverently. She went to a blank space on the wall beneath the calendar, took the stub of a pencil from behind her ear, and added another slash and the date to the six already there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy scratched his jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, I hope you don't mind me butting in,\" he said. \"But exactly what was found last night?\"\n\n\"A corpse,\" the deputy said. \"The seventh one in the five years that Bertha's been counting. We don't know who they are, and we haven't found any of their skulls.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you know who's doing it,\" Bertha added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We do not,\" the deputy added quickly.\n\n\"Of course they do,\" Bertha told Indy. \"They are just too stubborn to admit it because they can't deal with it.\"\n\n\"Deal with what?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The revenge of John Seven Oaks,\" Bertha said. \"Or his ghost.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hush up,\" the deputy said. \"You're going to start a panic.\"\n\n\"Buster, how many people live in Pine Springs?\" she asked. \"Thirty? That's not panic—that's anxiety.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deputy shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy sipped his coffee.\n\n\"Tell me about it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You betcha,\" Bertha said. \"It all started when a baby was—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, wait a minute.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Buster held up his hand. \"For a stranger, you seem awfully interested in all this gruesome stuff. Just who are you?\"\n\n\"My interest is academic,\" Indy said. \"I teach at Princeton. My name is Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Buster reluctantly shook the hand that was offered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Princeton, eh? You don't look much like a college professor. I had a brother who went to the state teachers' college up in Kansas for a couple of terms. He always wore this ratty-looking raccoon-skin coat.\"\n\n\"It was the rage.\"\n\n\"Seriously, Dr. Jones,\" the deputy said. \"I hope you don't put too much store in what Bertha here has to say. She's the closest thing we have to a town gossip and mother confessor, all rolled into one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bertha waved him off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She turned, stirred the eggs, and refilled Indy's cup.\n\n\"John Seven Oaks was abandoned when he was a baby,\" she said. \"He was found in the outhouse right behind this here cafe, nearly twenty years ago. Nobody knew where he came from, or what his real name was. Down near Juniper Springs there lived an old Apache couple, Juan and Maria Seven Oaks. They had tried for years to have a child, and finally they just got too old and gave up. They considered the finding of the child a miracle, and they agreed to take the baby in.\"\n\n\"And they called him John,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Seven Oakses were kind of a mysterious couple,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very traditional Apache. They minded their own business and expected others to do likewise.\"\n\n\"Sound like good neighbors,\" Indy remarked.\n\n\"They must have been,\" she said. \"Only, some people claimed the old man was brujo, a wizard or some kind of medicine man, and that he could turn himself into a snake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why am I not surprised?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You betcha,\" Bertha said. \"There's things we'll never know about these Apaches.\"\n\n\"What about John?\"\n\n\"He was a wonderful child. He loved his foster parents and he was right at home in the mountains. He seemed to have a special understanding with animals. Isn't that right, Buster?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was before my time,\" Buster said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But that's what they say.\"\n\n\"Well, everything was just as happy as could be for the Seven Oaks family,\" Bertha said. \"Until one day when John was nine years old. Two riders approached the homestead. They were cowboys from a nearby ranch, and they were drunk. They demanded whiskey, and when old Juan told them they had none, one of the cowboys shot him—just like that, without any more thought than you or I would kill a snake. When Maria came out and saw what they had done, they shot her, too. Then they burned the cabin to the ground.\"\n\n\"Who were these cowboys?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Their names were Jake and Jesse Cruz,\" the deputy said. \"They were brothers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened to John Seven Oaks?\"\n\n\"That's the spooky part,\" Bertha said. \"Although everybody believed that he must have been murdered, too, and thrown into the fire, they never found his body.\"\n\n\"Tell him about the bullet in the throat. And the cross.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of the cowboys told a bunk partner about the killing, and he said the other fellow had shot little John in the throat after he attacked them after seeing what they did to his parents. He said they left John for dead.\"\n\n\"And the cross?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Months before this horrible thing happened, the father had whittled a little wooden cross out of cedar for his adopted son. John wore it everywhere, and was wearing it on the day his parents were killed.\"\n\nIndy nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The sheriff investigated the killing of the Seven Oakses,\" the deputy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Although there was talk that the Cruz brothers were involved, there just wasn't enough evidence to prosecute. You can't go to trial on gossip, you know.\"\n\n\"I have a feeling there is more to the story.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Bertha said. \"Three or four years after this happened, the bodies of the Cruz brothers were found in the desert. Their heads were missing.\"\n\nShe turned, scooped up the eggs, and threw some toast and potatoes on the plate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Their bodies were found impaled on some fence posts down by Juniper Springs, all shriveled and hideous looking,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She put the plate in front of Indy. \"Want some ketchup with that?\"\n\n\"Pass,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Every so often somebody comes in and says they've seen a naked wild man running up and down the mountains,\" Bertha said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has to be John Seven Oaks.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you be so sure?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Because he's wearing a little wooden cross on his bare chest,\" she said. \"And because he's got this horrible scar on his throat. He can't talk because of it.\"\n\n\"And this latest body?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"If John Seven Oaks has already avenged the death of his parents, then why would he keep on killing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The deputy shrugged.\n\n\"We don't know that it's him,\" he said. \"We haven't even identified the victim. All we know is that we have the fresh remains of an unidentified male, minus the head. For all we know, this poor guy could have died of natural causes out there and his head was carried off by animals.\"\n\n\"Buster, you don't believe that,\" Bertha said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It makes more sense than your story,\" the deputy snorted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not a chance.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones is right,\" he said. \"Why would Seven Oaks keep killing people?\"\n\n\"Maybe he's out there taking care of folks and seeing that justice is done,\" Bertha said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bertha,\" the deputy said, \"you listen to too much radio.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jones, do me a favor,\" Bertha said. \"While you're out there in the desert poking around for rocks or pot shards or whatever else it is that you came out here for, keep your eyes open for a wild naked man. If you spot him, ask him to stand still long enough for a picture. I'll put it right there on the wall next to my head count.\"\n\n\"I'll be on the lookout,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Don't get too worked up,\" Buster said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's just a story.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy smiled.\n\n\"I'll try not to lose my head over it,\" he said.\n\nIndy paused beneath a tall agave plant at the edge of a rocky arroyo so that his silhouette would be broken. He didn't think he was being followed, but for hours now he had hiked with the uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He plucked a spine from the stalk of the agave and tested the tip with his finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He winced. The Apaches used the point for sewing, and various other parts of the plant could be eaten raw or cooked, woven into mats, or fermented to produce tequila or even more potent liquors. Indy himself had relied on the agave on more than one occasion for makeshift repairs, and out of habit he stuck the spine in the brim of his hat.\n\nIndy sat on his heels.\n\nBelow him was a spring that fed a small pond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the pond, above the rim of yet another ridge, was the shoulder of El Capitan, the peak whose craggy outlines stood like a Gibraltar over the desert." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond the peak a dark bank of storm clouds was gathered on the horizon.\n\nHe unslung his pack, retrieved the map that Marcus Brody had given him before boarding the train at Princeton, and slid the fragile document from its thick envelope. Then he blinked, hard. Sweat had trickled into his right eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his leather jacket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he compared the terrain in front of him with the markings that had been made so long ago on the parchment.\n\n\"There's the spring, and the peak,\" Indy said. \"This has to be the place, although X doesn't exactly mark the spot.\"\n\nWhat did mark the spot on the map Indy did not like: it was a coiled serpent, which in southwestern folklore meant \"dig here for treasure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spot in real topography was a crevice at the side of the arroyo on the other side of the spring, a slit that looked barely big enough for a man to squeeze through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy rubbed his stubbled chin as he looked over the terrain one last time and compared it with the map.\n\nThere was no mistaking it.\n\nIndy folded the map, replaced it in the envelope, and returned it to the pack. Then he untied a small shovel from the bottom of the pack and started down the arroyo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he crossed near the spring, at the bottom of the little valley that was sheltered by small hills, he still had the feeling of being watched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, he always had that feeling when he was about to dig.\n\nThe crevice was hidden in shadow. Rocks had fallen from the cliff above to fill the entrance in a classic rubble pile, one that looked as if it had not been disturbed for decades, if not more.\n\nStanding at the bottom of the cliff, Indy looked up and regarded the height from which the rocks fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He removed his hat, placed a stick in the pile of rocks, and hung the fedora on the makeshift hatrack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he donned the hard hat that he had brought along, and slung a coil of rope over his shoulder.\n\nAs Indy began to shovel away the loose rocks, he remembered what Bertha back at the cafe had said about the size of the local rattlesnakes. He hoped he wouldn't get a chance to confirm her observations.\n\nIn the distance, a bolt of lightning flashed to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thunder came seven seconds later, reverberating from the rocky walls of the cliffs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The storm was moving in, and Indy knew it would soon begin to rain.\n\nHe began to work faster.\n\nIn a few minutes Indy had cleared the entrance, at least enough so that he could squeeze his shoulders inside while holding a carbide lamp in front of him. The crevice opened on a narrow passage that led far back into the limestone cliff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Looks like Rattler City to me,\" Indy muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite his anxiety, he could not see—or more importantly, hear—a single snake. With a grunt and a groan he squeezed his torso through the opening, then slid awkwardly down the pile of rocks on the other side. He dusted himself off, then reached back and pulled his pack in after him.\n\nHe held the carbide lamp aloft and inspected the walls of the passage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the right-hand side was the carving of a turtle, its head pointing into the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please,\" Indy said, \"let this be an easy one.\"\n\nThere was enough room to stand upright, but the passage quickly narrowed so that before Indy had gone the length of a city block, he was on his hands and knees, and then was crawling on his stomach. The floor was curiously ridged and bit into his flesh. The grooves were man-made, but for what purpose Indy couldn't guess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he dragged himself along the floor the toes of his shoes drummed across the ridges with a thu-thu-thu-thump sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was pushing the carbide lamp ahead of him. There wasn't enough room to sling the pack, so he had looped it around one ankle and was dragging it behind him. Every twenty yards or so he found another turtle symbol, its head pointing deeper into the mountain.\n\nJust when he thought that the passage had gotten too narrow to continue, it began to widen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon he was able to rise to his hands and knees, then he was crouching, and finally he was standing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard falling water in the distance. With each breath Indy sampled the familiar, metallic taste of air that had long been in the earth.\n\nIndy slung the pack over his shoulder and clipped the lamp to his hard hat. The ground here was smooth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the right-hand wall he saw another reassuring turtle symbol, but on the left he noticed something new: a stick figure walking back down the passage, toward the entrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only, the stick figure had snakes poking out of its eyes.\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said.\n\nHe proceeded with renewed caution.\n\nIn a few more yards he came to a fork in the passage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the left-hand wall was the turtle symbol, while the right-hand wall was blank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Following the sign, which had so far been reliable enough, he took the left fork. The passage rose up for a few yards and then ended in a smooth wall.\n\nCrumpled on the floor, next to the wall, was a pile of bones and rags and a grinning skull. Indy examined the gruesome jumble in the hissing light of the carbide lamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The corpse was dressed in rotting Levi's and a checkered shirt, and around its waist was a gun belt, cracked and brittle with age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The holster was empty, and a .45 Colt six-gun lay rusting on the floor next to the spindly bones of the right hand. One of the skeleton's legs was broken, several of the ribs were cracked, and there was a neat, nearly half-inch hole in the side of the skull.\n\nIndy picked up the revolver. He tried opening the cylinder, but it was stuck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tapped the gun against the rock wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Scales of rust fell away and he managed to force the cylinder open. As he expected, the gun was fully loaded except for the chamber that had been beneath the hammer.\n\n\"Used that bullet on yourself, didn't you?\" Indy asked. \"I can't say that I blame you, as busted up as you were. Brother, I wish you could tell me what happened to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He returned the gun to the skeletal hand, then backed away carefully, not wanting to discover what deadfall or other trap had crushed the cowboy and left him for dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy traced his way back down the passage to the fork and took the right-hand path, which led downward.\n\nThe sound of falling water grew louder.\n\nThe path ended on a ledge overlooking a huge cavern—at least Indy believed it to be huge, judging from the thundering echo of the waterfall. Although the beam of the carbide lamp could penetrate only a few dozens yards into the darkness, he could see the reflected flicker of the light in the surface of a pool of water far below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He unslung the rope, then took a rock hammer from the pack and drove a piton into the ledge. He threaded the end of the rope through the eye of the piton, made it fast, and threw the coil into the darkness.\n\nHe wasn't surprised when he heard the splash.\n\nIndy slid down the rope to confirm what he already suspected: there was no solid ground in range of the lamplight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The end of the rope dangled in a subterranean lake, probably fed by the same spring that created the little pond in the valley; in fact, the underground lake and the pond were probably at the same elevation, but the lake was tucked inside a mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Indy started back up he heard a growl and felt the rope twitch. Then there was another snarl and the rope not only twitched, it bounced.\n\nIndy looked up.\n\nReflected in the flickering beam of the lamp were the luminous, tapered pupils of a mountain lion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The eyes belonged to the biggest cat he had ever seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mountain lion snarled again, reached a paw over the ledge, and batted the rope. Indy bounced satisfactorily. Amused, the big cat reached both paws over the side and slapped furiously at the rope—which, after a minute or so of this, began to fray.\n\nIndy unholstered the Webley.\n\n\"Cougar,\" Indy muttered to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not so bad. Just a great big cat, and I like cats. I just need to scare him away before he drops me into the lake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed the gun toward the ceiling, then reconsidered. The bullet might ricochet around the cavern and come back to strike him. So he pointed the gun down, at a right angle to the water, instead. Then he closed his eyes—which seemed, somehow, to help brace him against the sound—and pulled the trigger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As loud as the gunshot was, it was nothing compared with the cacophony that followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mountain lion gave a horrific scream and took off down the passage toward the outside. At the same time the cavern was filled with the sound of bats. Thousands took flight in the darkness, squealing in alarm. Several flew blindly into Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The collision extinguished the flame of the carbide lamp, and Indy grabbed his helmet to keep it from falling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hanging in the darkness, he could occasionally feel their leathery wings beating, against his face as they swarmed past.\n\n\"Bats,\" Indy muttered. \"Still not so bad. I can handle bats. Just mice with wings. Maybe I shouldn't have scared the cougar away.\"\n\nTen minutes later the commotion in the cavern had died down enough for him to attempt to relight the flame of the carbide lamp. He unclipped the bulky brass lamp from his helmet, thumbed the flint wheel, and a shower of sparks ignited the oxyacetylene gas with a satisfying pop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Indy said as he returned the light to his helmet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shimmied up the rope, scrambled onto the ledge, and after making sure the mountain lion really was gone, cut the rope below the frayed portion. Then he hauled in the wet rope and, as he slung it over his shoulder, noted that it was both heavier and colder than before.\n\nHe returned to the fork in the passage and took the left branch again. This time, when he reached the literal dead end where the cowboy lay, he inspected the area more carefully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were no marks or other unusual features on the smooth expanse in front of him, or on either wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The floor was the same as the rest of the path. Then he looked up. He was at the bottom of a narrow chimney that led up into darkness.\n\n\"Pardner,\" Indy said consolingly to the dead cowboy, \"you fell.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned his pack around so that it rode against his chest, and readjusted the coil of rope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carefully, he straddled the remains of the cowboy. He put his back against one wall and his feet against the other and began to inch his way up the chimney. The walls were smooth and, in places, slick, so he had to proceed very cautiously. Also, the higher he rose in the chimney, the farther apart the walls were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What had begun as a rather snug and easy climb had become an uncomfortable and dangerous test of flexibility and coordination." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A false move could result in a twenty-foot plunge.\n\nJust when he thought the walls were too far apart for him to go any farther, Indy found a handhold chiseled into the rock behind him. He searched for another, higher, and found it. Carefully he turned around, jammed his fingers in the holes, and began to climb even higher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forty feet above his starting point, the chimney ended in another lateral passage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy threw the pack up over the lip of the chimney into the passage, then pulled himself up. A turtle was carved into the floor, its head pointing deeper into the mountain.\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said as he stood up and brushed the dirt from his pants and the elbows of his jacket. \"I've made it this far. I'm still game.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slung the pack, by one strap, over his shoulder, but just as he was about to take a step he froze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dust that had collected on the floor of the passage, at the edge of the shaft, he could discern the outline of a bare, left human foot. The toes were pointed toward him.\n\nIndy glanced back at the mouth of the shaft, then down the passage toward the beckoning darkness. He crouched down and dabbed a finger into the dust, then rubbed the red sandlike stuff between his thumb and index finger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could be a thousand years old,\" he said to himself, \"or it could have been made this morning. Which is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He brushed his fingers and stood up.\n\n\"There's only one way to find out,\" he muttered.\n\nThere was little dust and no footprints as he went deeper into the passage, and his only guide was the occasional turtle sign urging him to go on. From the lip of the shaft he had been counting his steps, and although he had traversed less than the length of a football field, the oppressive atmosphere made it feel as if he had journeyed to the very center of the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again, the sound of water was growing louder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his ninety-seventh stride, Indy stopped.\n\nThe passage opened into a small natural cavern and then appeared to end in a shimmering waterfall cascading upward. The torrent emerged, geyserlike, from a pool in the floor and appeared to be swallowed by the ceiling.\n\nFor a moment Indy was dumbfounded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he extended his hand toward the water and his fingers met cold, translucent calcite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the ages the mineral had followed the course of the water to form the elaborate drapes and folds of a real waterfall. Beyond his fingertips, beneath the veneer of calcite, the water still flowed, but because of a steady stream of air bubbles appeared to surge upward. The water was falling in the direction dictated by gravity, but the air in the water was coursing upward as demanded by physics.\n\nIndy guessed that the water had passed through so many layers of finely porous limestone that it had become charged with air, like the mechanically pumped water in an aquarium." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy searched the formation for a passage through or around it, and his expectations were realized when he found, behind one of the calcite folds, a small opening at the base." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He got down on his hands and knees and examined the opening, but he had to hold the lamp at such an odd angle that he could tell little. He pushed the lamp ahead of him and squeezed his head and shoulders into the opening, then had to twist his hips around to accommodate his legs.\n\nThe sides of the passage were cold and damp.\n\nIt had started fairly straight, but soon began to meander at crazy angles through the rock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In negotiating one particularly sharp curve, Indy's pack became wedged between his back and the wall, and became stuck even tighter when he attempted to pull it free." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy grumbled, shifted the position of the Webley on his hip, and laboriously turned over. The pack came free, but he now found himself on his back. He continued for a few more yards, then began to hear the blood rushing in his ears, and it occurred to him that his head was suddenly lower than his feet. The farther he went, the steeper the angle became." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy's stomach sank—or did it rise?—with the realization that he could no longer back up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He attempted to wiggle his way back up, but the angle was too steep, and he was going in the wrong direction.\n\nFor a moment he had a vision of the next generation of explorers finding his skeleton jammed in the narrow passage. The wisest of the cavers would inspect the rotting leather jacket, the rusted gun, and the frayed bullwhip, then shake his head sadly and comment to the others: \"Poor devil didn't know he was in trouble until it was too late.\"\n\nIndy wiggled harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the wrong thing to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hard hat—with the attached carbide light—fell from his head. Indy tried to grab it, but could not free his arms. The hard hat slid down the passage, illuminating successive portions like the headlight of a locomotive passing through a tunnel before winking out of sight about thirty yards away.\n\nIndy forced himself to stay calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had no choice but to go forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He inched his way along on his elbows and knees. As the angle became even steeper he began to slide. He used his feet against the side of the passage to slow his descent. When he reached the place where the hard hat had disappeared, he suddenly discovered why: the passage turned down and became another chimney, and Indy plunged headfirst into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He broke the ten-foot fall with his forearms, landing next to the hat in a bed of red clay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was upside down but the carbide lamp was still burning, and what Indy saw by its flickering light took his breath away.\n\nThe chamber was heaped with gold.\n\nAlong the rock ledge against the wall were mounds of gleaming nuggets, some the size of walnuts. Here and there were piles of quartz, and even at a distance Indy could see the thick veins of gold that ran through the crystals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were stacks of ingots as well, cast by the conquistadores shortly after their arrival in—and plundering of—the New World." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were piles of Spanish armor, mostly helmets and breastplates, and a couple of heavy swords. There were three Wells Fargo strongboxes, a golden communion cup studded with jewels, and a long chain made of golden links.\n\nIn the center of the chamber was a massive calcite formation that nature had shaped into something resembling a sacrificial altar. On top of the altar was a carefully constructed ring of human skulls encircling a pile of jewelry and old gold coins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Poking its diamond-shaped head from the center of this pile was a world-record rattlesnake—obviously stuffed, Indy noticed with relief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The snake and the skulls glittered curiously in the light.\n\nThey had been sprinkled with gold dust.\n\nHe counted thirteen skulls, and although most were yellow and brittle with age, a few were chillingly white. One was whiter than all the rest, the black crust on it undoubtedly dried blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned slowly as he surveyed the room, mesmerized by the amount of wealth and half expecting to see a naked wild man swinging a sword at his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was more wealth in the chamber than could have possibly come from the Guadalupes. Every period of the last five hundred years of the history of the Americas was represented in some fashion.\n\nIndy felt light-headed.\n\nIt wasn't the value of the objects that made him dizzy, but the untold history behind them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How many lives had been lost in the struggle for so much wealth, and how many chapters in the history books would have to be rewritten to accommodate this one magnificent room?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had an urge to take out his pencil and notebook and make a quick survey of the chamber, to take the first step in the long road to understanding, but he knew that was forbidden. He was an interloper here, a mercenary, a thief; it was justifiable thievery, perhaps, but thievery nonetheless. The chamber had to remain secret for now. It wasn't just that Indy did not want people asking questions about this particular expedition; he wanted to protect the chamber as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He suspected it was still actively used as a storage area by the Apaches—or at the very least, judging from the most recent addition to the calcite altar, it was being actively guarded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In ages to come, the chamber might belong to history, but for the present Indy knew it must belong only to the Apaches.\n\nHis price for keeping the secret was three bars of gold.\n\nHe took them from the nearest stack of Spanish ingots. From their markings Indy knew the bars had originally been minted far away, and that would make them difficult to trace back to this chamber in the Guadalupes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he searched for a way out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer, of course, was in the footprints in the clay floor. They matched the one he had discovered earlier on the floor of the passage. They threaded their way through the treasure trove, around the calcite altar, and to a doorway on the other side.\n\nIndy paused and took one last look at the chamber of gold, as if to imprint it in his memory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was still looking back over his shoulder as he stepped through the doorway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as his foot fell on the ancient wooden panel set in the floor, and he felt the sickening click! of its mechanism engaging, he knew he should have been looking down instead.\n\nIndy plummeted through the darkness in a torrent of dust and debris that threatened to choke him. Then he struck the surface of the subterranean lake with a tremendous splash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the shock of the cold water, Indy reflexively sucked air into his lungs just before his head disappeared beneath the surface." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gold bars, as heavy as lead weights, were dragging him to the bottom. Indy fought against the straps as he sank, and the helmet with the extinguished carbide lamp fell away, but he had other problems to worry about. As he managed to squirm his left shoulder out of the pack, he felt his knees touch the rocky bottom. Now that he was no longer tumbling through the water, it was easier to deal with the potentially deadly burden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slid the pack down his right arm, but did not release it to the keeping of the dark water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Holding tightly to one of the straps with his right hand, he found the end of the coil of rope with his left. He brought his hands together, threaded the rope through the strap, then tied it. His lungs were beginning to ache, but Indy told himself that he had come too far to leave the gold behind now; he took the time to find the other end of the rope and loop it beneath his belt. Then he took the Webley from its holster and shoved it blindly in the pack before kicking hard for the surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the relatively mild water pressure on his ears, Indy knew the lake was less than twenty feet deep, but the swim to the surface against the drag of the rope made it seem like a hundred and twenty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He broke the water and instinctively threw his head back to clear the water from his eyes, but without light there was nothing to see in the cavern. Indy chose a direction and began swimming, hoping that he had not picked the long way across the lake.\n\nSoon his shins were scraping on a rocky bottom, and he stood in the shallow water. By touch, he hauled in the heavy pack as he coiled the rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slipped the rope and the pack over his shoulder, then felt for the bullwhip at his side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was still there.\n\nHe searched his pockets for something, anything, which would make light. But Indy did not have so much as a cigarette lighter; because he didn't smoke, he had never gotten into the habit of carrying one. He didn't need one for the carbide light, because it had its own striker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had tucked some matches in the pack, but of course they had since been drenched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, Indy thought, that probably wasn't the only thing the water had ruined.\n\n\"Fudge,\" Indy said. He would ordinarily have uttered a stronger expletive, but dire circumstances always made him a little more careful with his language, just in case it mattered. Somehow, Indy knew that it did.\n\n\"What am I going to tell Marcus?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he wondered aloud. Then: \"Well, that's assuming I get the chance to tell Marcus anything. If I don't get out of here, I won't have to worry about it, but that seems a rather extreme way to avoid telling a friend some bad news.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy hesitated.\n\nTalking to himself was a way of easing tension. It was also a good way of gauging his level of anxiety, because he had learned never to readily admit—not even to himself—his own misgivings, especially when a situation demanded action instead of reflection. He knew that the more he talked to himself, the more worried he became." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took a couple of steps forward, then stumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat for a moment in the water, looking blankly around him, not willing yet to concede that his eyes had been rendered useless.\n\nHe shouted: \"Hey!\"\n\nThe sound of his own voice echoed harshly back to him from half a dozen directions, but none offered a clue as to which one he should take.\n\nHe listened harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somewhere, just at the edge of his hearing, Indy was able to catch the whisper of rain falling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, more distinctly, the rumble of thunder.\n\nHe closed his eyes and turned his head from side to side like an owl as he attempted to locate the source of the familiar sound. He was concentrating so intently that the sound seemed to exist in the middle of his head, a three-dimensional thing that had color and form: the rain was blue and mistlike, while the thunder was streaks of orange. When he turned his head to the left, the sound dimmed, but as he turned back the sound and color grew until reaching their maximum when his nose was pointed at a forty-five-degree angle to the right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes still shut, Indy stood and began to make his way cautiously toward the sound of the rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not hurry, for fear of stumbling over a rock and breaking his leg, and he tested each step before he placed his foot down, for fear of plunging down a chasm to his death. But he kept the image of the rain clearly fixed in his mind's eye.\n\nIndy crept along in this fashion for another fifty yards or so, every so often bruising his shin against an unseen boulder. Then he would stop for a moment, let the pain subside, and again take his bearings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although it was a painful and slow process, at the end of every repetition of the cycle, the sound of the rain grew more distinct." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An hour later he came up against a wall.\n\nIndy was certain he had been on a correct heading, and that the obstacle was not a solid expanse, but perhaps a ledge. He could not, however, reach the top of it with his outstretched fingers.\n\nHe uncoiled the bullwhip and flicked it upward, testing the barrier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The whip hung suspended for a moment before its own weight pulled it lazily down, looping over his head and shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah,\" he said with satisfaction.\n\nHe used a couple of practice strokes to pay out the length of the whip behind him, then put his back into it as he cracked the whip up into the darkness. The tip lashed itself around the base of a stalagmite.\n\nIndy tested his weight against the makeshift grappling hook a couple of times, then pulled himself up the ten-foot drop hand over hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The leather whip creaked and groaned in protest, but held firm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he finally scrambled onto the ledge, he was rewarded by the sight of a pinpoint of light shimmering at the far end of the tunnel. The sound of the rain was louder here, and it was more than just the sound of rain; it had become the sound of rushing water.\n\nIndy drew in the bullwhip and rested on his knees for a moment, staring at the light.\n\n\"Good thing it's still daylight out,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pinpoint of light seemed to dance, however, swinging from side to side and then zooming up before floating back down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy shook his head and looked again.\n\nStill, the light seemed to move.\n\n\"Autokinesis,\" Indy told himself. \"A visual phenomenon in which a stationary light seems to move of its own volition. That's what it has to be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy gathered up his things, struggled to his feet, and began to advance cautiously down the tunnel toward the light—which still seemed to sway as if it were a lantern carried in front of someone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hallo!\" a voice echoed down the corridor. \"Mr. Jones, are you in here?\"\n\nIndy stopped dead.\n\n\"Yes!\" he said. \"Right here!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you unhurt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes!\"\n\n\"Then come quickly toward me,\" the voice called. \"There is much danger.\"\n\n\"I have no light,\" Indy called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is no time. Do your best.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy began to step quickly along, feeling his way as best he could. He had approached close enough to the light that he could make out the floor and sides of the tunnel in its beam, and the hazy shadow of a figure standing at its end.\n\nThen he bumped his head on the low ceiling and, at the same time, lost his footing and fell up to his armpits in a hole in the floor. He tried to pull himself out, but his right arm was wedged too tightly against his body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm stuck,\" he called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hang on,\" the voice called.\n\nThe light began bobbing urgently toward him.\n\nSoon the figure had set the lantern down and a pair of strong, suntanned arms reached down and grasped the straps of his pack. In one motion Indy was pulled free from the hole and set on his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then as the lantern was picked up and the beam played briefly over his rescuer, Indy saw a shock of blond hair and a figure that, although clad in denim and flannel, was unmistakably feminine.\n\n\"You're a woman,\" Indy blurted.\n\n\"No time for talk,\" she said.\n\nThere was a great rushing and rumbling sound, as if someone had suddenly pulled the chain on a gigantic toilet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind him, he could hear boulders crashing against the sides of the corridor as they were driven by the force of the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman grasped Indy by the hand and together they made their way back down the corridor. At a spot that he could hardly distinguish from the rest of the passage, she found a high opening and pulled him up after her.\n\nBelow them, a torrent of water, mud, and gravel thundered past.\n\n\"Flash flood,\" the woman told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You saved my life,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nonsense,\" she replied, brushing some wild strands of hair from her blue eyes. \"You saved yourself. I just showed you the way.\"\n\n\"But who are you?\" Indy asked. \"How do you know my name? And how did you know I was in here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You Americans,\" the woman scoffed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Always asking rude questions. And we are not out of the woods quite yet, as your countrymen say.\"\n\n\"You're the Danish spelunker,\" Indy said, finally making the connection. \"Bertha mentioned you, back at the cafe.\"\n\n\"Please, I prefer to be described as a caver,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Spelunker has such a grotesque ring to it, don't you think? Like some kind of freak that lives underground. Here, I believe this belongs to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From beneath her belt she took his fedora. It had obviously been soaked with rain, and it had been crushed mercilessly by the pressure of the belt.\n\n\"I found it on the stick outside,\" she explained. \"I have been searching for you since. My name is Ulla Tornaes. By the name inside your hat, I know that yours is Jones. That is your last name, correct?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Correct,\" Indy said as he unfolded the hat and tried to put some shape back into it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stuck it on his head. \"Thanks a lot.\"\n\n\"Come,\" she said, stooping down as the passage narrowed. \"We have one more challenge before we are free. The Apaches say these caves are guarded by the rattlesnakes who live in the rocks. Now I am inclined to agree with them. Just how much treasure did you take, Mr. Jones?\"\n\n\"It's Dr. Jones,\" Indy said testily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A medical doctor?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. A professor. And how—\"\n\n\"That knapsack of yours seems unusually heavy,\" she explained. \"And, you have obviously refused to release it even when it could have meant your life. Is wealth that precious to you?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. He was crawling along behind her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least, not wealth for wealth's sake. I took only what I needed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your needs must be quite exorbitant,\" she said. \"The Apaches say that if your heart is pure, you will pass the test. Is your heart pure, Mr. Jones?\"\n\nThey had reached the point where the grooves were cut into the floor of the passage. Except this time there was something strange about their feel to Indy—warm and dry and occasionally moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shine the lantern back for a second,\" Indy told her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's something strange here.\"\n\n\"Better to keep on going, Mr. Jones,\" she said. \"We must go forward. We cannot go back.\"\n\nIndy kept crawling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the passage opened wider again, and Indy emerged, the woman shone the lantern back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dozens of reptilian eyes reflected the light, accompanied by a chorus of telltale rattles.\n\n\"Snakes,\" Indy whispered. He could barely get the word out.\n\n\"Congratulations,\" the woman said. \"You passed the test. I rather thought you wouldn't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You believe in those old superstitions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked, trying to appear brave.\n\nShe shone the lantern in his face.\n\n\"Then you explain it,\" she said.\n\nThen she scrambled up the rubble pile, wiggled through the opening, and stretched in the open air like a cat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy followed. It was still raining, but the worst of the storm had passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From within the cave they could hear rumbling and the crashing of rocks.\n\n\"I would say that's the end of the treasure cave,\" the woman said. \"Or at least of the entrance which you found.\"\n\n\"Just as well, I suppose.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sighed in exhaustion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I hadn't stumbled on your hat—and realized that you had foolishly entered the cave system despite the threat of storm and flash flood—you might still be in there. A permanent resident, in fact, like the skeletons and the snakes.\"\n\nShe paused and regarded him with a practised, professional detachment.\n\n\"Say,\" she ventured. \"You're not the famous archaeologist Indianapolis Jones?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"My name's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quite right,\" she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My mistake. You're just a common fortune hunter.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Max McCoy" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look here,\" Indy said. \"My name is Indiana Jones, not Indianapolis.\"\n\n\"Of course,\" she said. \"What do your friends call you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy,\" he said. \"But you can call me Dr. Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would prefer that,\" she said, walking away. Over her shoulder she called: \"If, as you say, you are indeed a doctor. Do you have any proof?\"\n\n\"I'm not in the habit of carrying my diplomas with me.\"\n\n\"Pity,\" she said. \"In that case, it's still Mister Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman led the way on an arduous three-mile hike across rugged terrain to a mesa above Bell Canyon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they reached the modest camp—consisting of a single canvas wall tent, some simple cooking utensils, and a stone circle for a fire—a shaft of sunlight broke from the clouds and the landscape glimmered, as if diamonds instead of raindrops had drenched the little valley.\n\n\"Amazing,\" the woman said, \"how quickly these storms pass.\"\n\n\"And how wet they can leave things,\" Indy said as he sat down on a rock and examined his fedora. He massaged the misshapen mass with his fingers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think this will ever regain its shape?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're lucky to be alive,\" she asked incredulously, \"and you're worried about your hat?\"\n\n\"It was a nice hat,\" Indy said sadly. Then: \"I'm sorry. I'm really very grateful for your climbing down into the hole and pulling me out by the scruff of my neck. Thanks.\"\n\n\"It was an interesting problem,\" the woman said as she began unlacing her boots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't know if I could find you in time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She paused. \"I mean, you're welcome. Besides, you seemed like you were doing a pretty good job of saving yourself when I found you.\"\n\nIndy put the hat down.\n\n\"Where are you from?\"\n\n\"Copenhagen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What has brought you to the American southwest?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The karst,\" she said, and indicated with a boot the rugged landscape around them. \"This magnificent, exposed karst is the mother to a network of caves that reaches from here to Kentucky.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\" Indy asked.\n\nShe smiled at his schoolboy question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Jones,\" she chided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We tag the cave fish.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Indy said. \"So you are a scientist?\"\n\n\"No,\" Ulla said with a wry smile. \"I am an adventurer, Mr. Jones. An explorer. But instead of the predictable topography of the earth's surface, I am interested in the unknown, the land beneath our feet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You sound incredulous.\"\n\n\"It is rare that I meet such a rugged, strong-minded woman,\" Indy confessed.\n\n\"Oh?\" Ulla brushed her blond hair from her eyes and then tugged off a wet sock with a satisfying slock! \"I would imagine that it is rare that you meet anyone, male or female, who is as strong, confident, and capable as I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, yes,\" Indy admitted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not to mention modest.\"\n\n\"Do you feel threatened, Mr. Jones?\"\n\nIndy laughed.\n\n\"Too bad,\" she said as she unbuckled her belt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would have rather hoped that you would feel just a little threatened. After all, my friends in Denmark often say that my apparent lack of modesty reminds them of that famous archaeologist Indianapolis Jones that we read about in the papers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean me,\" he said, jerking a thumb at his chest. \"Indiana Jones.\"\n\nShe regarded him with cold detachment.\n\n\"I suppose I should be flattered,\" Indy grumbled.\n\n\"I'll let you know,\" she said, \"when you should reach that happy state of mind.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took off her belt and her mud-stained denim pants fell, revealing the tails of her man's flannel work shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing?\" he asked.\n\n\"Getting out of these wet things, of course,\" she said as she stepped out of the jeans. \"Oh, I keep forgetting how prudish you Americans can be about such things.\"\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said. He looked away, but could not help but notice how tanned and athletic her legs were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's just that I'm—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't apologize.\" She sighed as she gathered the wet jeans around her and made for the tent. She paused at the flap. \"I am a naturist, so I really don't think twice about such things. But I can see how it might make you uncomfortable, so I will honor your provincial wishes. When in Rome, as they say.\"\n\nThe tent flap snapped shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been in Rome,\" Indy commented, \"and nobody there acts like you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flap snapped open again.\n\nUlla threw a blanket at him.\n\n\"Instead of putting your energy into wisecracks,\" she suggested, \"you might want to find some dry branches with which to make a fire. You will need to dry your clothes, and I wouldn't mind some coffee. You'll find everything you need in the mess kit.\"\n\nIndy stared at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You do know how to make coffee, don't you?\" she inquired archly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the sun disappeared in the west Indy drew the blanket around his shoulders and sipped coffee from a tin cup. The modest meal of beans and jerky had mellowed him somewhat, but he still was rankled at Ulla's refusal to believe that he was indeed Indiana Jones; the real Jones, she said, would never be so thickheaded as to become lost in a cave.\n\nUlla sat a few feet away, brushing her blond hair and humming contentedly to herself. She paused, then pointed the brush at the horizon around them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All of this,\" she said, \"was once underwater.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know,\" Indy said.\n\n\"During the Permian period of our geologic past, this area was covered by a vast tropical sea, and the mountains here were a huge limestone reef system not unlike the Florida Keys,\" she said. \"This canyon was once an underwater canyon, and the formations we see here were carved by the waves over the course of millions of years.\"\n\n\"Later,\" Indy said, picking up the story, \"the water receded and the entire plain was thrust upward by earthquakes. Ironically, the forests that remain at the highest elevations in the Guadalupes were created during the Pleistocene Ice Age, and remain today much as they were then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ironic,\" Ulla mused. \"All of this is part of a giant jigsaw puzzle, the edges of which we are just now beginning to discern. Nobody knows the true extent of these vast cave networks. The link between places like the Guadalupes and Kentucky may only be a small part. For all we know, the entire inner earth may be honeycombed by such interconnected passages.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy smiled.\n\n\"You think I'm mad, don't you?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"I think you are a fantasist.\"\n\n\"The earth is a living being, Mr. Jones.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla leaned forward and placed her palms on the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The rock beneath seems dead to us only because of our inconsequential life spans and our equally limited imaginations. But there is life surging beneath my hands, even though it may be a thousand years between heartbeats. The rain that drenched us today is the lifeblood of the planet. The limestone continues to be dissolved by rainwater, which becomes mildly acidic during its journey through the earth's atmosphere, and it eats away at the karst and gradually forms new arteries and veins—which we call caves and sinkholes. They are designed for a purpose, to carry the water which the ground cannot absorb. That is why it was so dangerous for you to go stumbling into the caves before the storm.\"\n\n\"I thought I could beat the storm,\" Indy said defensively. \"If I had waited, it might have been days—if ever—before I could penetrate the cave.\"\n\n\"What difference could a day or a week make?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked. \"For that matter, what difference would a year make? Are you in that much of a hurry to be rich—or dead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy dragged the knapsack over to him and removed one of the bars of gold. He held it toward the fire, studying the mint marks.\n\n\"This was worth risking your life for?\" she asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"But what it represents may be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And what is that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look.\" He pointed to the line of stamps and marks. \"You call me a thief, but this gold was stolen originally by the Spanish, probably from the Incas in Peru. The Incas may have ripped it from the earth themselves, but more probably they took it from other tribes, either as spoils of war or as tribute. Only God knows how many irreplaceable works of pre-Columbian art were melted down to make this one bar. From this mark, we can tell the Spanish cast the ingots in Mexico City in the sixteenth century. Here is the name of the captain who was entrusted with hauling the gold from Mexico City to Spain—Don Pedro Juan Garcia. Somewhere along the line he failed, either losing his charge to bandits or helping himself to a little of the loot and taking off. And here is a little warning added by the church that the gold is the property of God and King, and nobody but a Catholic who has recently made confession should carry it, and that the fires of hell await any pagan whose hands it should fall into.\"\n\n\"Are you a pagan?\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn,\" Ulla said. \"I would have thought you were.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Of course,\" she said. \"I worship the sun. And, on some days of the week, the Aesir.\"\n\n\"The old ones,\" Indy translated. \"The Norse gods.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Exactly. I don't actually believe they hear me,\" she continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it makes as much sense to me as being a Protestant or a Catholic or a Muslim. At least I'm not out killing people who don't agree with me.\"\n\n\"It wouldn't be much of a leap,\" Indy grumbled.\n\n\"Go on with your story,\" she said. \"How did the gold get here, in the mountains?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only the gold knows that,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was stolen, and stolen again. Eventually it came into the hands of the Apaches, who stored it here to keep it out of the hands of the Europeans.\"\n\n\"And it has been stolen yet once again,\" Ulla observed. \"And what will you do with your wealth, Mr. Jones? What is your heart's desire? A big house? An estate, perhaps? With dozens of servants that make you coffee and say, 'Yes, Mr. Jones, right away, Mr. Jones'?\"\n\n\"What, do you want a cut?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Absolutely not.\" She looked shocked at the very idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is tainted, and I will have no part of it. Only a fool would believe that it could bring him happiness.\"\n\n\"Then I am a fool,\" Indy admitted, \"who is trying to buy a miracle.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"I don't want to talk about it,\" Indy said as he replaced the ingot in the knapsack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm used to risk,\" Indy said. \"Most of the time it is for a shining bit of history that I can hold in my hand and then stick in a museum so other people might get the same feeling of awe that I had when I first saw it.\"\n\n\"What is different now?\"\n\n\"This time it's personal,\" he explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have brought myself down to the level of the Belloqs of the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is a Belloq?\"\n\n\"A special sort of little monster,\" Indy said. \"Except that what he does for money, I'm doing for love.\"\n\n\"I don't understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said I didn't want to talk about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please.\"\n\n\"It's a long story, and I'm not sure I would even tell a friend about it. You seem not to like me very much.\"\n\nShe moved closer to him and placed a hand on his arm. \"I am not sure that we could be friends,\" she said, \"but I am disliking you a little less now that I am hearing your story. Please, if you feel any small debt of gratitude toward me for pulling you out of that hole, then tell me the rest of your tale. The world has so few great love stories that you shouldn't keep this one hidden.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy cleared his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you know it is so great?\" he asked. \"Love found and lost—that is rather a common tale, don't you think? It happens to kings and paupers with the same unremarkable regularity.\"\n\n\"Trust me,\" she said. \"And keep talking.\"\n\nIndy closed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt as if he were about to pull his beating heart from his chest for Ulla to see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told her about how, deep in the jungles of British Honduras, in the lost city of Cozan, he had found a skull made of quartz crystal.\n\n\"It was patterned after a female skull, and of the purest quartz rock, beautifully articulated, a cult object that some lost generation must have revered as both inspiring and terrifying. But there was a curse, as there usually is with such treasures. But this one was a little more diabolical than most: that the finder of the skull would not die, but would kill what he loves most.\"\n\n\"And what is it that you love most?\"\n\n\"Not what, but whom,\" Indy corrected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her name is Alecia Dunstin. Red hair, blue eyes. Clairvoyant. She was the sister of an alchemist the fascists captured in the hopes of turning lead into gold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She died?\"\n\n\"She lived, but no thanks to me,\" Indy said. \"I was bad for her health.\"\n\n\"She became ill?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was nearly the death of her,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Peculiar things would happen when we were together, usually involving somebody attempting murder. The closer we became, the worse it got. In the end the plot to turn lead into gold failed. Her brother died, as did many others. She survived, but narrowly. It was too much for both of us. I have not seen her in some time.\"\n\n\"Where is she now?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said. \"England still, I suppose. We no longer speak.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the skull?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lost,\" Indy said. \"After being stolen from me, it passed through several hands, then went down aboard a Nazi submarine. But it's in a waterproof canister which may have bobbed to the surface and drifted away at sea.\"\n\n\"Nobody knows where it is?\"\n\n\"Someone does,\" Indy said.\n\n\"And this somebody who claims to know where it is—they will tell you, but for a price,\" Ulla guessed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So the gold is to pay for this information so you can locate the skull and return it to the jungle in hopes of lifting the curse?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said.\n\n\"But if they know where the skull is, why don't they just recover it themselves?\" she asked.\n\n\"Because that would be double-crossing the Nazis, who have already paid him for it once,\" Indy said. \"It's safer for him to sell the information to me, and then let me risk my neck.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla was silent for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It sounds rather unbelievable....\"\n\n\"Believe what you want,\" Indy said.\n\nThe flames of the campfire danced in Ulla's eyes as she struggled with Indy's story.\n\n\"This Englishwoman,\" she said softly. \"Did you ever...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did we ever make love?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"No. It may sound irrational, but I think that is the only thing that kept her alive.\"\n\n\"That is sad,\" Ulla said. \"But your problem is not unique. Sex and death have often been associated in mythology as well as in mental illness.\"\n\n\"You think I'm crazy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" she answered carefully, \"but many people who have had similar problems have responded well to therapy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't need a psychiatrist,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Of course not,\" Ulla said. \"And you don't have a problem with reality, either. You are the famous Indianapolis Jones, who between discovering lost cities and fighting fascism has labored under a curse that threatens to kill your true love.\"\n\n\"When you put it like that,\" Indy said, \"of course it sounds crazy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So what's your point, Mr. Jones?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The least you can do is refer to me as Dr. Jones!\"\n\n\"Exactly,\" Ulla said.\n\nIndy sprang to his feet.\n\n\"I've had enough of this,\" he said as he tied the blanket around his waist and began to gather his still-wet clothes from where they hung from sticks on the opposite side of the fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks for saving my life, sister, but if I stay here another minute I will be nuts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sit down,\" Ulla said evenly.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"I can only take so much.\"\n\n\"Sit down, Mr. Jones,\" she repeated. \"Can't you see that we aren't alone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy froze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the edge of the firelight was a man with a gun. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with a mop of black hair, and most of his face was hidden by a beard that was as dense and tangled as a blackberry thicket. The gun was an old single-shot rifle, the kind a farmer would keep to shoot varmints, and its barrel was marred and pitted.\n\n\"A lovers' quarrel?\" the man growled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long have you been out there?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Long enough to hear what I needed to,\" the man rasped. \"Long enough to hear you talk about gold. Now, keep your hands where I can see them.\"\n\n\"Gold?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Don't lie,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's unbecoming. Besides, he obviously knows the truth. You may be prepared to die for your precious gold, but I'm not.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's shoulders slumped.\n\n\"Keep 'em up,\" the man warned. \"She's right. I'm liable to kill you both.\"\n\n\"Who are you, mister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"You don't look like the killing kind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're wrong,\" the man ranted. \"I've crossed some kind of line in my head, like I'm no longer human but some kind of animal. That's what life is about, ain't it? It's taken me forty-three years to learn it, but the name of the game is eat or be eaten.\"\n\n\"Things can't be that bad,\" Indy ventured. \"Surely we can work something out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You city fellers are always wanting to work out some kind of deal, ain't ya?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the man asked with disgust in his voice. \"I'm just a man who lost his farm to the dust and to the bank. My wife run off with the city feller who served the papers on me. So I said to hell with it, I'm going west. So I spent my last dime on a sorry excuse for a car in Tulsa from a city feller who swore it would take me to California. It quit me three days later in New Mexico. The transmission was filled with sawdust to keep the busted gears quiet until I got out of the state. Since then I've been drifting, and every town I come to the city fellers tell me they have laws against vagrants. So I've been living off the land since then, and this is not exactly the kind of land that'll make you fat. Now, what kind of deal are you going to offer me, city feller?\"\n\n\"You've had some bad luck, all right,\" Indy told him, his hands still in the air. \"But why don't you put down that squirrel gun, have something to eat, and we'll discuss the situation?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ain't discussin' squat,\" the man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lowered the gun a bit as he looked around at the darkness. \"Besides, this place scares me,\" he said in almost a whisper. \"It's full of rattlers and panthers and ghosts. Indians, I reckon. We killed plenty of 'em around here.\"\n\n\"You a religious man?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's that got to do with it?\" the man snarled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you read your Bible, don't you?\"\n\n\"Of course I've read the Bible,\" he said.\n\n\"Then you know about the wilderness,\" Indy said. \"And about how God uses it to test the hearts of men. That's what he's doing with you, right now. This is your test.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ain't no test.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No?\" Indy asked. \"You're right about one thing. We do have gold. It's over there in that knapsack. Show it to him, Ulla.\"\n\nUlla opened the knapsack and took out one of the ingots.\n\n\"Shoot,\" the man said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ain't never seen so much gold in all my life. What am I saying? I've hardly seen any gold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This would make you rich.\"\n\n\"I'll be able to sleep in a bed again,\" the man said wistfully. \"With sheets. And have breakfast in the morning. Steak and eggs. Then go to the store and buy myself a new suit.\"\n\n\"You'll be able to do all those things,\" Indy agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But there's only one catch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that?\"\n\n\"You're really going to have to kill us for it.\"\n\n\"Mr. Jones!\" Ulla said. \"Speak for yourself.\"\n\n\"She's right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All you have to do is kill me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Naw,\" the man said. \"I'll have to kill you both so's there'll be no witnesses.\"\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy agreed. \"In that case, it ought to be pretty easy, seeing as how all I have on right now is a towel. No knife. No gun. I'm not even wearing shoes. It may be a little harder to kill her, because she may run. Or, I'm guessing, she'll choose to fight. You had better be pretty quick in reloading that antique. But make no mistake, mister, this is not the hard part.\"\n\n\"It's not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"The hard part comes when you're sleeping in that big bed, and eating your steak and eggs, and buying your new clothes. Do you think you can do that when you know you're a murderer?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man thought for a moment.\n\n\"Yeah,\" he said. \"I reckon I can do that.\"\n\nHe took aim at Indy's chest.\n\n\"I was afraid he was going to say that,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What the—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The barrel of the gun suddenly pitched upward and the rifle fired into the night sky.\n\nThe gun had been knocked from the man's hands by an oak staff, swung by a bare-chested wild man with gray shoulder-length hair and a wooden cross around his neck. His eyes were wild and across his throat was a poorly healed scar from long ago. He threw aside the staff, took a well-honed knife from his belt, and scrambled atop the would-be killer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With one hand he grasped the mop of black hair while he raised the blade high with the other, in preparation for a killing blow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"John Seven Oaks,\" Indy said.\n\nThe blade paused.\n\n\"Don't kill him,\" Indy pleaded.\n\nThe wild man looked questioningly over his shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was enough to allow his quarry to squirm out from beneath him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man stumbled to his feet and ran headlong into the darkness, leaving his rifle behind.\n\nThe wild man shook his head. He got up, his knife still clasped firmly in his right hand. He pointed toward the running man and made a jerking motion with his knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, he probably deserved it,\" Indy agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But now he can tell stories about you at the Pine Springs Cafe. That's better, isn't it?\"\n\nThe wild man smiled.\n\n\"Thank you,\" Ulla said. \"I don't know what—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a little early for that,\" Indy cautioned her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Besides, he can't answer you.\"\n\n\"Who is this fellow?\"\n\nIndy told her.\n\nJohn Seven Oaks walked over to the campfire and inspected the gold bar that lay on the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he nudged the knapsack with a bare toe, and his eyes took note of the other two ingots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's he doing now?\" Ulla asked. \"Stealing it for himself?\"\n\n\"He doesn't have any use for gold, except maybe to protect it,\" Indy said. \"I know, because I saw his footprints in the treasure cave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused. \"No, I'd say that what he's doing now is deciding whether he should take our heads.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is awkward,\" Ulla observed.\n\nSeven Oaks turned to Indy, made a fist with his free hand, and clutched it against his heart. Then he flung his fist toward the ground.\n\n\"What's that mean?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indian sign language,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He says that he is very sad—his heart is upon the ground.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\" she asked.\n\n\"I was a Boy Scout.\"\n\nSeven Oaks pointed to the gold and then held up his hand, palm out and fingers spread, and waggled it very slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's asking me why I took the gold,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This ought to be good,\" Ulla whispered. \"If I didn't believe it, how are you going to make him understand?\"\n\n\"He's not deaf,\" Indy said. \"Just mute. He can understand what you're saying. So just keep still for a minute, will you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I should have left you in the cave.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla shook her head in disgust.\n\n\"Look,\" Indy said to Seven Oaks, \"I'm trying to fix something. I'm sorry that I can't explain this so that you'll understand it, but I need the gold to fight an evil that has been unleashed, in the world where our hearts dwell.\"\n\nSeven Oaks crossed his arms and eyed Indy suspiciously, as if to ask what he knew of the place where hearts dwelled.\n\n\"All people,\" Indy continued, \"are on the same journey. It is called by many names, but there is only one path. Many stray from the path, many walk in the wrong direction, and many simply stumble with their eyes clos—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Indy was speaking, Ulla had crept up, planted her feet, drawn back her fist, and expertly struck a pressure point behind John Seven Oaks's left ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wild man went down in the dirt, unconscious.\n\n\"What did you do that for?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I'd rather die than listen to that explanation of yours again,\" she said as she took the knife from Seven Oaks's outstretched hand.\n\n\"Where did you learn to do that?\" Indy sputtered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All good Viking girls learn to fight,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We just avoid it until it is absolutely necessary.\" Then she felt for a pulse on the side of the bronzed man's neck.\n\n\"He's fine,\" she said. \"But he'll be conscious in a few minutes and angry. Let's get out of here while we can.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slewing behind a plume of red dust, the aging cattle truck wheeled from the county road and pulled up to the entrance of the little airfield on the outskirts of El Paso." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The truck bounced through a particularly deep pothole, gave a bone-jarring shudder, then came to a tire-skidding stop in front of the hangar.\n\nIndiana Jones jumped from the staked bed of the truck and landed unsteadily on the ground. The knapsack was slung over one shoulder.\n\n\"You in one piece?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the cowboy called from the drivers seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More or less,\" Indy said as he pulled the rest of the bags from the back of the truck. Then he used his hat to knock the straw and dust from his clothes. The manure stains on the back of his pants, however, resisted being dealt with so easily.\n\n\"Mister, you said you were in a hurry,\" the cowboy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And like I said, I like to drive fast and not so straight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can only imagine how well you'd do if you had any springs left in this thing,\" Indy said. He reached in through the driver's window and shook hands with the cowboy.\n\n\"My pleasure,\" the cowboy said, then jerked his thumb at Ulla, who was sitting in the passengers seat. \"It ain't often I have a heifer this pretty ridin' shotgun.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Ulla said with a forced smile. \"I think.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's quite a compliment,\" Indy told her. \"Judging by the smell in the back, I'd say he's hauled his share of cattle.\"\n\nUlla offered the cowboy a five-dollar bill.\n\n\"I hope this is enough for your trouble,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Put your money away, miss.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cowboy tugged at the brim of his ragged straw hat. \"It's no good with me.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Ulla said and got out.\n\n\"Well, gotta run, amigos. The boss is gonna have my hide when he finds out I've been gone for five hours,\" the cowboy said. \"Adios!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy waved as the truck lurched forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The driver gave a rebel yell as he wheeled around and tore back down the entrance toward the county road.\n\n\"Enthusiastic youngster,\" Ulla commented. \"That will be a ride I won't soon forget.\"\n\n\"Me neither,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every time I swallow, I get a little taste of Texas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of place is this?\" Ulla squinted against the sun as she took in the hard-packed airfield and the paint-blistered hangar that had obviously been a horse barn in the not-so-distant past. An impressive sign over the office door proclaimed, in red-and-gold letters: WARD BROS AIR CARGO. Beneath was a handwritten addendum: We don't ask questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do they have regular flights out of here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla asked. \"Can I get a plane back to the East Coast?\"\n\n\"You see that red-and-silver plane out on the field?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"That's their flight to the East Coast. Or the west. Or Canada or Mexico, for that matter,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the only plane they've got. This is a cargo service run by a bunch of guys that grew up in Erbie, Arkansas. It's not a passenger airline.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're kidding,\" Ulla said.\n\n\"I never kid, sister,\" Indy informed her as he paused at the door of the office. \"If you want to fly out of here today, you'll be doing it with me.\"\n\n\"Clarence!\" Indy called as he stepped into the office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Donny! Anybody around here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a Mason jar on the newspaper-strewn desk. Indy picked it up, swirled around the clear liquid it contained, and sniffed.\n\n\"Whew,\" he said.\n\n\"Kerosene?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just about,\" Indy said. \"Moonshine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How quaint,\" Ulla remarked.\n\n\"Prohibition's over, but old habits are apparently hard to break.\"\n\nIndy stepped through the open door into the hangar. Despite the disarray of the office, the hangar was as orderly as an operating room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rows of wrenches and other tools hung neatly from pegs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the center of the room a radial airplane engine was hanging from a hoist, and beside it was a table on which its pistons and connecting rods were laid out in a row.\n\n\"It looks deserted,\" Ulla said.\n\n\"Not quite,\" Indy corrected.\n\nHe walked over and kicked a pair of boots that stuck out from beneath the worktable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey!\" came the drowsy reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get up,\" Indy ordered. \"You've got business.\"\n\nA big man crawled out from beneath the table. He was about the same age as Indy, and on the breast pocket of his blue coveralls was the name Bob.\n\n\"Oh, it's you,\" the man said, rubbing a hand over his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was just resting my eyes, thinking about putting the pins in those pistons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure you were, Clarence,\" Indy said. \"I've smelled your jar of inspiration in the office.\"\n\n\"Now, I'm not drunk,\" the man said, slurring his words just a little too much to be convincing. \"I just keep that stuff up front for snakebite. You know how thick the critters can get on the field.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your name's Clarence?\" Ulla asked. \"But your name tag...\"\n\n\"He's Clarence, regardless of what the label says.\"\n\n\"Now, Indy,\" Clarence protested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know I'd prefer to be called Bob. That's why I put it on my coveralls.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His middle name is Robert,\" Indy explained. \"For some reason, he doesn't like Clarence. Where's your brother?\"\n\n\"Donny went down to Juarez,\" he said. \"Won't see him for a couple of days, at least.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shook Clarence's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he unshouldered the knapsack and lowered it to the concrete floor with a clunk.\n\n\"What've you got in there?\" Clarence asked. \"Bricks?\"\n\n\"Never mind that right now,\" Indy said. \"I need a favor, old friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh no,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you need a favor it usually means trouble. What is it this time, Jones? You're not talking me into flying something out of the Yucatan again. The last time it took me a week to patch up all the bullet holes.\"\n\n\"This is a no-sweat deal,\" Indy said. \"All you have to do is make a short flight for me.\"\n\n\"For us,\" Ulla corrected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not leaving me here, Mr. Jones. You've already ruined my research expedition to the Guadalupes, at least while Okies and wild men live.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's after you?\" Clarence asked.\n\n\"Nobody,\" Indy said. \"Well, nobody since I left Kansas. They think I'm dead.\"\n\n\"Great,\" Clarence said.\n\n\"Look, it was just—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence held his hand up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The less I know the better. That way, when somebody threatens to break my fingers, I can tell them I don't know a thing about it. Besides, I can't do it.\"\n\n\"You mean you won't do it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"No, I can't,\" Clarence repeated, and motioned toward the plane on the field. \"I've got this job the day after tomorrow running some oil-well equipment to Mexico City, and the crates have already been loaded on Missy out there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No problem,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll be back in time.\"\n\n\"I've heard that before,\" Clarence said as he picked up a combination wrench from the table and wiped it moodily with a shop rag. \"Two days has a funny way of turning into two weeks with you.\"\n\n\"This will be a piece of cake,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Strictly a milk run. Do you have a phone around here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's one on the wall,\" Clarence said, motioning with the wrench.\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said. \"You just think about it. There's money in it for you.\"\n\n\"I've heard that before.\"\n\nAfter several minutes and a half-dozen operators, Indy was connected to Brody's office at the American Museum of Natural History in New York." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy!\" Marcus Brody exclaimed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're lucky you caught me. I was just on my way out. I have to admit, old man, that I've been worried like the devil about you. Did you find what you were looking for?\"\n\n\"And then some,\" Indy said as he looked back at Ulla. \"Outstanding,\" Brody said. \"And the map?\"\n\n\"Yes, I still have the map.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, there's just one problem,\" Indy said. \"Due to circumstances beyond my control, the map has been reduced to a wet glob about the size of a tennis ball.\"\n\nBrody made a sputtering noise deep in his throat.\n\n\"Now, Marcus,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure the experts at the museum can put it back together as good as new. I've kept the map wet—that's what you're supposed to do, isn't it?—and your technicians are the best in the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Brody said. \"But they aren't miracle workers. How bad is it?\"\n\n\"Well, it's pretty bad,\" Indy admitted.\n\n\"Indy,\" Brody chided. \"Oh, Indy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Marcus. If the map can't be restored to its original condition, I'm prepared to pay for it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Which will take approximately until the year 1972 on my salary, Indy thought.\n\n\"Well, there's no use jumping to conclusions,\" Marcus said. \"We will see what the boys downstairs can do. More importantly, Indy, are you all right?\"\n\n\"I'm fine,\" Indy told him. \"Thanks for asking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By the way,\" Brody said, \"you have received a cable here. The message is rather cryptic, I'm afraid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's it say?\"\n\n\"Just a moment.\" Brody fumbled in his pockets for his glasses and then for the telegram. \"Here it is. 'To Indiana Jones, care of Marcus Brody. Interested or not? Time nor tide will wait, and you're wasting both. Will wait on the street until Tuesday, then the party's over.' It is signed, 'Your admiring colleague.' Does any of that make sense to you, Indy?\"\n\n\"I think so,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy closed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why did the arrogant so-and-so have to play games? Would an address or a phone number be too much to ask?\n\n\"Indy, are you there?\"\n\n\"I'm here. Marcus, what's today? I've lost track.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tuesday, of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Terrific.\"\n\n\"Indy, there's something else,\" Brody said. \"Those chaps from army intelligence have called again. They are rather keen to get in touch with you.\"\n\n\"Did they leave a message?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They left a number.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give it to me,\" Indy said.\n\nThere was a pencil hanging from a string on the wall, and Indy used it to write the number on his sleeve.\n\n\"They said it was rather important they get in touch with you.\"\n\n\"I'll call them the first chance I get,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Got to run, Marcus. Thanks for everything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy,\" Brody asked. \"Indy, won't you at least tell me where you are?\"\n\nBut Indy had already hung up.\n\nHe slapped his hands together and walked back to where Clarence and Ulla were waiting.\n\n\"Have you thought it over?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It depends,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where do you want me to take you?\"\n\n\"New Orleans.\"\n\n\"New Orleans?\" Clarence and Ulla asked in unison. \"Aw, I can't fly you that far and get my cargo to Mexico City on time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure you can,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, you're practically there—just a short hop across the Gulf.\"\n\n\"Indy, you need to look at a map,\" Clarence said.\n\n\"I don't want to go to New Orleans,\" Ulla put in. \"I thought you were going to take me back to someplace on the East Coast, where I could get a ship for home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"New Orleans is a port,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And it's almost on the Atlantic.\"\n\n\"Oh no, Mr. Jones.\" Ulla shook her finger at him.\n\n\"Mr. Jones?\" Clarence asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you lie to this nice young woman? Didn't you tell her who you were? Did you promise to take her home? What kind of deal are you trying to pull here, Indy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not pulling anything—\"\n\n\"I'm really ashamed of you,\" Clarence scolded.\n\n\"What do you mean?\" Ulla asked. \"Who are you, anyway?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I kept trying to—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, this is Indiana Jones,\" Clarence said. \"I'm sorry, Indy, but I'm not going to lie. I won't ask questions, but that's different from asking somebody to lie, isn't it?\"\n\n\"You mean you really are Indianapolis Jones?\" Ulla sputtered. \"I knew your last name was Jones from your hat, but I thought you were pulling my leg about—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indiana,\" he said. \"My name's Indiana. And yes, that's me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's him,\" Clarence said. \"He's famous in all the forty-eight states, and even in some foreign countries. You know, I've got a wall full of newspaper clippings in the office. There's pictures and everything. My name is even in some of them. But mostly just the arrest reports.\"\n\n\"Don't give her the wrong idea,\" Indy said. He turned to Ulla." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've never been arrested.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aren't you forgetting that time I got you out of that little jail at El Cedral on Cozumel?\" Clarence asked. \"And then there was the time in Costa Rica—\"\n\n\"Those were different,\" Indy said. \"That El Cedral thing was in connection with my work, and the charges didn't stick. And Costa Rica was just a misunderstanding.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" Ulla said. Her arms were crossed and she was tapping her right foot furiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry. I guess I should have believed you.\"\n\n\"Look, there's no time to argue about all of this,\" Indy said. \"I need to get to New Orleans, and I need to get there as quickly as possible.\"\n\n\"It's close to eleven o'clock now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence glanced at his watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked over to a map of North and Central America that hung on the wall. He used the width between his right thumb and little finger to walk off the distance. \"New Orleans is a thousand miles away, give or take. Missy will cruise at close to two hundred miles an hour. If we're lucky, I can have you on the ground in Louisiana by four o'clock this afternoon.\"\n\n\"Then you'll do it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's it pay?\" Clarence asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send me a bill,\" Indy said. \"You're already loaded, right?\"\n\n\"You could say that,\" Ulla said under her breath, remembering the mason jar in the office.\n\n\"Yeah, but I need to make sure the tanks are topped off,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"New Orleans is about as far as I can go in a single hop. You all go ahead and climb on board while I lock up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy shouldered the heavy knapsack. \"Ulla has some bags out front,\" he told Clarence.\n\n\"I'll grab them. You just go ahead and get on the plane.\"\n\nIndy and Ulla walked out onto the airfield, where the twin-engine DC-2 waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The silver skin of the aircraft was nearly blinding in the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A coat of flat red paint covered the nose. Beneath the pilot's window, in black script, was the aircraft's name: Miss Adventure.\n\n\"How do we get in?\" Ulla asked.\n\nIndy opened a trapdoorlike hatch in the belly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We climb up,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy knelt down and let Ulla step on his shoulders, then boosted her up into the interior of the plane, in spite of her protestations that she could handle it herself. Then he climbed in after her.\n\n\"It's like an oven in here,\" she said.\n\nIndy stepped up into the cockpit and slid open the side windows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It helped, but not much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a few minutes their clothes were soaked with sweat.\n\nUlla brushed a clump of limp blond hair from her eyes with the back of her hand as she looked over the crates in the cargo bay. Most of them were clearly marked as containing machinery, and were well secured, but a couple of crates were open and loosely packed. These were full of toys—dolls, tops, whatever one could find at the local five-and-dime." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who sends toys with this kind of cargo?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody,\" Indy said. \"But Clarence buys the toys himself and distributes them to the kids in the slums in Mexico City. Other times he takes them food, or clothes.\"\n\n\"Remarkable,\" Ulla said.\n\nWhen Clarence had finished checking the tanks, he passed the bags and wheel chocks up through the hatch to Indy. Then he swung up inside the plane and secured the hatch behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You all better strap yourselves in for takeoff,\" he told them as he eased his big frame into the pilot's seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All the rain we've had has turned the field into a regular washboard.\"\n\n\"Doesn't it take two people to fly this thing?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"That would be nice,\" Clarence said as switched on the starboard engine. It started with a gust of black smoke and a sputtering, whining sound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that normal?\" Ulla asked nervously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"More or less,\" Clarence replied as the engine settled into a reassuring throbbing roar. Then he looked out the cockpit toward the other engine as he brought it to life as well.\n\nIndy buckled himself into the copilot's seat. Ulla chose to remain in the bench behind the cabin bulkhead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd rather not watch,\" she grumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I saw sausage being made once, and I've regretted it ever since.\"\n\nClarence stuck his head out the window to check the control surfaces as he turned the wheel hard to the left and right.\n\n\"Take a gander out your side, buddy,\" he shouted. \"The rudder, flaps, and so forth. They all moving okay?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even at four-thirty in the afternoon, Bourbon Street was a sea of revelry and mayhem. Leading Ulla by the hand, Indiana Jones threaded his way through the crowd toward the refuge of the old St. Charles Hotel, still some blocks away.\n\n\"Have all of these people gone insane?\" Ulla asked above the cacophony." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Indy said, \"but only temporarily. It ends tomorrow—the first day of Lent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He released her hand so they could pass on either side of a man standing next to a lamppost, playing a saxophone. A battered hat with some loose change was at the musician's feet.\n\n\"Do you have anything like this in Copenhagen?\" Indy asked, striding ahead, anxious to get to the hotel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When there was no answer, he turned to confront a sea of unfamiliar faces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ulla!\" he shouted. \"Where the devil are you?\"\n\nIndy made his way back through the crowd to the saxophone player, who was working hard on a mediocre rendition of a popular tune.\n\n\"Excuse me,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The saints kept marching in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you seen a tall blond woman?\"\n\nThe saints stopped.\n\n\"Man, I've seen plenty,\" the sax player said as he rolled his eyes. \"But the one you're lookin' for was hauled inside that green door behind us. I figured you'd come looking for her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey!\" the sax player shouted.\n\n\"Sorry,\" Indy said. \"No change.\"\n\nIndy pushed his way over to the stout wooden door the musician had indicated. As he grasped the brass knob a large man with a bald head and a beard leaned against it and slammed it shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rings glittered from his fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where do you think you're going?\" he asked Indy.\n\n\"I'm looking for a friend.\"\n\n\"Ain't none of your friends in there,\" the man said.\n\n\"Oh, sorry,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he turned away he scooped up a beer bottle from the sidewalk, then spun around and hit the bald man over the head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bottle shattered, and blood trickled down the bald man's face.\n\n\"Now, wha'd you do that for?\" the man asked as he slumped to the ground. Indy propped him up beside the building, then dashed inside the green door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was dark and smoky inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ulla?\" he called.\n\nThere was a muffled cry from the back.\n\nIndy ran toward the sound, but his eyes had not adjusted yet to the darkness. He stumbled over a table and chairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stay where you are, or we'll kill her,\" a voice warned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let her go,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Are you kidding?\" the voice called back. \"You know what a dame like this will bring on the white slave market?\"\n\n\"She's more trouble than she's worth,\" Indy called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we'll kill her anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy reached inside his leather jacket and drew out his whip. Then he walked cautiously into the darkness, making his way around the tables of the closed bar. Just enough light filtered through the shuttered windows to allow him to thread his way across the room.\n\n\"Stay back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy heard a gun being cocked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked in the direction of the sound and noticed the faint orange glow bobbing in the darkness.\n\nHe lashed out with the whip.\n\nIt made an ear-splitting crack and the cigarette dropped to the floor in a shower of ashes.\n\n\"What the hell was that?\" the voice asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You want some more of it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forget it,\" another voice said. \"He can have her.\"\n\nThe kidnappers fled, leaving the green door open behind them. Indy got only a glimpse of their backs as they ran." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Light flooded into the room, and perched on top of the bar Indy could see Ulla." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hands and feet were bound and a dirty bandanna was stuffed into her mouth.\n\n\"I can't turn my back on you for a second,\" Indy said as he freed her hands and feet. \"Are you hurt?\"\n\nUlla jerked the bandanna from her mouth and spat on the floor.\n\n\"No,\" she said. \"It happened so fast, I didn't have time—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know.\" Indy pulled her toward the door as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's get out of here before they work up their courage for another try.\"\n\nAt the hotel, on St. Charles between Common and Gravier streets, he led Ulla up the impressive steps to the large double doors.\n\n\"We're staying here?\" she asked, looking up at the massive facade.\n\n\"I have a weakness for history,\" Indy explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This was the most important hotel during the slave trade, built in 1837. It was the favorite of wealthy planters, and slaves were sold in the hotel's exchange. God seemed not to like the arrangement, however, and the original hotel burned in 1851. They rebuilt it, and it burned again. What you see here is the third incarnation, constructed about the turn of the century.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They crossed the massive lobby to the front desk, where a bald man in a suit watched their approach warily. He glanced at the pair's disheveled appearance and chuckled to himself.\n\n\"May I help you?\" he asked condescendingly.\n\n\"We need a room,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man closed the guest book and, for extra measure, leaned his forearms against it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, I'm sorry,\" he said. \"But we have no vacancies.\"\n\n\"No rooms?\" Indy asked. \"You have a wall full of keys behind you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The rooms are being cleaned right now.\" The man sniffed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All six hundred of them?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, but we have nothing. You'll have to take your—er, business—elsewhere.\"\n\nAnother couple walked up to the desk. They were older, and their costumes looked a little more comical than either probably would have liked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man was an aging Marc Antony and the woman, complete with a dark wig, was Cleopatra." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man put down their bags and struck the bell on the counter.\n\n\"Service!\" he cried.\n\n\"You'll have to excuse me,\" the clerk said to Indy.\n\nThe clerk chatted briefly with the couple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Marc Antony signed the guest register, exchanged some cash for a key that the clerk took from the wall behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then they went upstairs, a bellhop trailing behind them with their luggage, while the man's sword clanged on the steps.\n\n\"I thought you said you had no rooms,\" Indy said through clenched teeth.\n\n\"Quite right,\" the clerk confirmed. \"We don't.\"\n\n\"Come on,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We will go someplace else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't want to go anywhere else,\" Indy said. \"I want to stay here.\"\n\n\"Well, you can't,\" the clerk said. \"Off with you, or I will have to call the police.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have a safe here?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Of course we have a safe,\" the clerk said. \"This is a first-rate hotel.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Indy lifted the knapsack onto the counter. He removed the three bars of gold and placed them in front of the clerk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, we've just flown into town on business and I haven't had a chance to take this to the bank and exchange it for cash.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clerk reached out for the gold, then drew back his hand.\n\n\"May I?\" he asked meekly.\n\n\"I'd be very obliged if you would lock this up for me,\" Indy said. \"And then I'd like for you to call your manager so that I can discuss this matter with him. I always stay at the St. Charles when I'm in New Orleans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am the manager,\" the man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean, I'm the acting manager. The manager is out with his krewe.\"\n\n\"Then I would like to talk to the owner,\" Indy said. \"I believe his name is... what is it, Dubois?\"\n\n\"No need for that,\" the clerk said brightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You see, I thought you just meant a room. I didn't understand that you wanted a suite. And I believe the Pontalba Suite just came available, if that would suit you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will,\" Indy said, \"if it has separate bedrooms. Also, you said this was a full-service hotel, did you not?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"Then I would like you to have someone run out and get us some proper clothes,\" Indy said. \"We need the full treatment—shirt, trousers, socks, belt, shoes. Boxers and an undershirt. A dress for the lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, no,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not a dress. Men's clothes, if you please.\"\n\nThe clerk searched for a piece of paper then furiously began taking notes.\n\n\"Yes, of course,\" he said. \"May I inquire as to sizes?\" They told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From a sensible shop,\" Indy instructed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not the most expensive, but certainly not the cheapest. You may add ten percent for your trouble, but no more.\"\n\n\"Very good,\" the clerk said. \"Thank you, sir.\"\n\n\"Also, we feel somewhat out of place,\" Indy said. \"We need a couple of costumes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, sir,\" the clerk stammered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is Mardi Gras, and—\"\n\n\"But I'm sure that you have connections,\" Indy said. \"What would you like to be?\" he asked Ulla. \"No, wait. Allow me to choose. Something Shakespearean for the lady. Not a lady-in-waiting, mind you, but a queen. No, wait, that's it—a Danish queen. Are you familiar with Hamlet? Good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please,\" Ulla said. \"I would rather be anyone but Gertrude. Ophelia, perhaps.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So be it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"And will you be Hamlet, sir?\" the clerk asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. The clerk winced. \"I've never been that indecisive. I rather fancy myself as the hero type. Fortinbras, don't you think?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not done,\" Indy said.\n\nThe clerk groaned.\n\n\"I suppose the banks are closed?\"\n\n\"They are now, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Call a banker you trust,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At home, if you have to. Tell him I would like to exchange these ingots as quickly and quietly as possible. There's a law now against private ownership of gold, you know. Tell him that I will pay a premium for prompt service.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I know a Mr. James who might be willing to help you.\"\n\n\"Good,\" Indy said. \"And one last thing.\"\n\n\"Oh my God.\" The clerk shuddered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Relax,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is an easy one. I would like reservations for seven o'clock tonight on the balcony of the restaurant upstairs. I want a table that is rather secluded, but which has a good view of the street. And make the reservations for three persons.\"\n\n\"Three?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"Trust me,\" Indy said as he signed the register. Then he looked up at the clerk. \"What's your name?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Edwards,\" the clerk said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nicely done, Edwards,\" Indy said. \"By the way, I am holding you personally responsible for the safekeeping of this merchandise until it can be exchanged. If you do it well, I will offer a good word to Mr. Dubois on your behalf. Understood?\"\n\n\"I'm afraid so,\" Edwards said nervously.\n\nThe wine steward opened a bottle of Bordeaux and poured a little of it along with fragments of the cork into Indy's glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy sniffed the wine, took a little sip, then nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The steward then took the glass, discarded the contents, and poured both Ulla and Indy nearly full glasses.\n\n\"May I compliment you both on an excellent choice of costumes,\" the steward said as he backed away, looking at Ulla's multicolored gown and braided hair. \"Especially the lady. Very nice.\"\n\nIndy smiled, then held up his glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A toast,\" he told Ulla." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To a long and healthy friendship. May we never again find ourselves lost in the dark.\"\n\n\"Just in the dark,\" Ulla added.\n\nThey both drank.\n\n\"Mm,\" Ulla said, wiping her lips with her napkin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had been in the wilderness so long I had almost forgotten what benefits civilization offers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are many.\" Indy sighed. \"He is right about that dress, you know. You look as if you were born for it.\"\n\n\"Really?\" Ulla asked. \"It makes me feel somewhat naked. But your costume is rather dashing. Perhaps I should have been Hamlet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The sword is rather a bother, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wouldn't know,\" Ulla said. \"And, it's a rapier.\"\n\n\"Well, I prefer my whip.\"\n\n\"It looks rather authentic, if that is any consolation,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose that's to be expected, considering the number of fencing schools in New Orleans.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" she said. \"It is really the only place in the New World that one can learn the ancient art with any proficiency. Probably because of all those silly antebellum duels they fought.\"\n\n\"I hope nobody challenges me tonight,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Don't worry.\" Ulla smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would be your second.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy laughed.\n\n\"You are quite a different person when you are relaxed,\" Ulla observed.\n\n\"Aren't we all?\"\n\n\"You know, I really haven't known what to make of you,\" she continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I still don't. You seemed so unsavory when we first met, with all of these wild stories and schemes, and yet now you seem as reliable as the rising of the sun. Tell me, did you get what you hoped for from the exchange this afternoon?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I got what I could have expected,\" Indy said. \"Because of the historical value of the pieces, I received rather more than I would have strictly by weight. But then, I was technically a criminal, keeping so much gold in my possession. Properly, it should have been reported to the government.\"\n\n\"And it hasn't been?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"At least, that's now the problem of the Pelican Bank of New Orleans. Which, to them, is likely not a problem at all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Ulla nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The government probably would have just used their share to buy guns and bombs.\"\n\n\"Or to feed people,\" Indy said. \"You know, if it wasn't for the relief and some of the other programs, people would be in far worse shape than they are. That is what gives me hope in humanity, you know—given the choice, I think, most people would prefer to be charitable.\"\n\n\"Ah, but there's the rub,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Many people don't have the choice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you one of the lucky few that have the choice?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Are you asking if I am rich?\"\n\n\"Well, you don't seem to have what we Americans call any visible means of support,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I appreciate your gift of the clothes today,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I could have paid for them myself. My family is one of the richest in Denmark. My father is a shipbuilder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Longboats?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"A long time ago our family did make wooden ships,\" Ulla said. \"Although longboats were a rarity. Now we make these wonderfully modern cargo ships of steel, driven by oil-fired engines.\"\n\n\"No more wooden boats?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every so often,\" Ulla said, \"we will make a wooden boat in the old style, for the bear hunters in the Arctic Circle. Wood is very forgiving, and will remain tight when a steel ship would be crushed like a sardine can in the floes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ugh.\" Indy winced. \"Sounds painful.\"\n\nAt that moment the waiter arrived and asked if they would care to order.\n\n\"Not yet,\" Indy said. \"We are still waiting for our guest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy,\" Ulla whispered. \"I'm famished. That sandwich we had earlier in the room did not stay with me, I'm afraid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just a few more minutes,\" Indy said.\n\nThe waiter bowed and went away.\n\n\"Who are we waiting for?\" Ulla asked. \"You're being so mysterious about all of this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The reason I came to New Orleans,\" Indy said, then looked at his watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is making us wait, as usual.\"\n\n\"How does he even know that we are here?\"\n\n\"He knows,\" Indy said. \"New Orleans is one of his adopted cities, and he has eyes and ears everywhere. Besides, he knows that I always stay at the St. Charles, and our conspicuous table with its unoccupied third seat is an unmistakable invitation for him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I will have some more wine in that case.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla reached for the bottle. \"Would you care for some?\"\n\n\"No, thanks,\" Indy said. \"I have some left.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the street below, the carnival was in full swing, with a seemingly endless procession of marching bands and floats streaming by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The krewes—the fraternal organizations that built and paraded the floats—threw trinkets to the crowd, and occasionally some of the cheap jewelry landed on the balcony.\n\nIndy picked up one of the necklaces that landed near the table, and Ulla allowed him to loop the cheap string of beads around her neck.\n\n\"Thank you,\" she said. \"I will keep it to remind me of our friendship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As something cheap and disposable?\" Indy teased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No! As something unexpected and remarkable,\" she said. \"Not everything that is precious starts out as gold, Dr. Jones, but is made so by the warmth of our hearts.\"\n\n\"You're a poet as well an adventuress,\" Indy said.\n\n\"All people have poetry in them,\" she said, \"whether they can express it or not. Even you, Dr. Jones, can wax poetic when talking of certain things—like beasts that must be tamed in order to save redheaded sirens from certain death.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A particularly large float, shaped like a pirate ship, glided by on the street below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As decks of cannon spewed fireworks and smoke it suddenly veered toward the side of the street where the St. Charles stood. The crowd parted with some jeers and curses, but the helmsman good-naturedly pantomimed fighting the wheel. The rigging of the float was so tall that Indy found himself looking at the end of a yardarm, from which billowed a sail emblazoned with the skull and crossbones.\n\nSuddenly a pirate swung from the end of a rope onto the balcony, then turned and gave the helmsman a salute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ship lurched away, inching back toward the center of the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pirate stood for a moment with his hands on his hips, regarding Indy and Ulla. He was a small man, dressed in black, and a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Then he swept off his plumed hat and bowed low. When he came up he tossed the hat on the floor, settled into the empty chair, and began taking off his gloves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Easter comes early this year, nest pas?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really?\" Indy asked. \"From your entrance I would have thought it was Halloween. Ulla, I would like to introduce you to Rene Belloq.\"\n\n\"Au contraire,\" Belloq said. \"I am Jean Lafitte, at least for tonight. Lafitte was the black sheep of my family who saved New Orleans for Americans. A terrible mistake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's hard to believe your family could have a black sheep, Rene,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are all black sheep, aren't they?\"\n\n\"Lucky for you I have a sense of humor,\" Belloq said. \"So stop your weak attempts at wisecracking and properly introduce me to your charming companion.\"\n\nBelloq took Ulla's hand and kissed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miss Ulla Tornaes of Copenhagen, may I introduce you to Monsieur Belloq of Marseilles,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remember, I warned you about him earlier.\"\n\n\"This is the monster you spoke of?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"Ah, but a gentle monster when the occasion calls,\" Belloq said. \"Beauty tames the beast.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought beauty killed the beast,\" Indy quipped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only in American movies,\" Belloq said. Then he picked up the wine bottle and regarded it with disdain.\n\n\"I'm disappointed in you, Jones,\" he said. \"I would have expected a little more imagination from you. After all, style is the sauce of life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you have what I require?\" Indy asked impatiently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not so fast, Jones,\" Belloq warned. \"We are civilized people here. We must eat first. That is what you intended, no?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ulla said. \"Let's eat.\"\n\nBelloq snapped his hands and summoned the waiter, who offered a menu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know what we want. Allow me. We will start with scampi and gumbo, and then go on to cuisses de grenouille. For the main course, let's try the blackened brisket. And for dessert we will have pecan pie and coffee.\"\n\nIndy made a face.\n\n\"What's wrong, Jones? You do eat pecan pie, don't you?\"\n\n\"It was the frog legs I was thinking of.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, but we must taste the local flavor,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you ever had gumbo, my dear? It is fabulous. When in New Orleans it would be a mortal sin to waste the cuisine. And waiter—bring me an absinthe, please. And the real thing, from Paris, not what you give to the tourists. Jones, will you join me?\"\n\n\"No thanks,\" Indy said. \"That stuff will rot your brain.\"\n\nThe waiter left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How have you been, my old friend?\" Belloq asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not your friend,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Jones simply has a hard time acknowledging our mutual admiration,\" he said. \"We are quite similar, really. We just work in somewhat different ways.\"\n\nThe absinthe arrived and Belloq swirled the potent green liquid around in the short glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even from where Indy sat, he could smell the strong licorice aroma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have knowledge of your Miss Dunstin,\" Belloq said.\n\n\"I hope it's not biblical,\" Indy said with a snarl.\n\n\"Oh, no,\" he said happily. \"She's definitely not my type. But this one, at your side tonight—well, I might be inclined to fight you a duel for her hand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's yours,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me what you know.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones!\" Ulla said.\n\n\"I'm sorry. What I meant to say is that Ulla and I are just good friends, but you had better treat her with respect or I'll give you the horsewhipping of your life. Now tell me about Alecia.\"\n\n\"She's with the Nazis.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't believe it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, it's true,\" Belloq said. \"I don't have the details, of course—I assure you that I am not involved—but it seems that she has agreed to help them on some wild quest in the Arctic if only they would spare your life.\"\n\n\"You're lying.\"\n\n\"I don't lie,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least not when the truth is more profitable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do the Nazis think Alecia can help them find Ultima Thule?\"\n\n\"Yes, that's the place,\" Belloq said. \"I couldn't quite remember their peculiar name for it. At any rate, Alecia is quite psychic, is she not? The Nazis are working on some crazy thing called distant viewing—an attempt to map unknown terrain through the use of telepathy. Ah, here comes the first course of our meal. Bon appetit.\"\n\nAn hour later, when the dishes had been cleared away, Belloq scooted his chair back and lit a cigarette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, my dear?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you think?\"\n\n\"It was wonderful.\" Ulla smiled. \"The gumbo, however, was visually challenging. All those shells and things.\"\n\nBelloq laughed, then took a sip of his coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now can we get on with it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Belloq said. \"You've been more than patient. Do you have the money?\"\n\nIndy handed over a paper sack containing five wrapped bundles, each containing twenty one-hundred-dollar bills. He piled them on the table in front of Belloq." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't have to count it,\" Indy said. \"It's all there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indulge me.\" Belloq picked up one bundle after another and thumbed through the stacks. \"If it were me, I would be tempted to pack the interior with paper cut to size.\"\n\nWhen Belloq was satisfied that he indeed held ten thousand dollars in cash, he reached inside the sash of his pirate costume and produced a folded sheet of teletype paper. He handed the paper to Ulla, who gave it to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took a breath, then unfolded it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The paper contained three pieces of information: 14.350 58N32'10\" 5W07'14\".\n\n\"What is this?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"The information you desire,\" Belloq said. \"Those last set of numbers are coordinates in the North Sea. It's the last known position of that little yellow canister that you seek. But it is the first set of numbers that are the key.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fourteen point three fifty?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"It doesn't make any sense to me.\"\n\n\"We five in a marvelous age,\" Belloq said. \"All of these technical marvels at our fingertips. Do you remember when I packed the skull into the canister before handing it over to the Nazis on board the submarine at Marseilles? Well, I included a little something that would help locate the skull if something unfortunate happened to the U-357.\"\n\n\"A radio transmitter,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Belloq said. \"But one that would be activated only in the event the canister came into contact with water. That number is the frequency upon which the radio transmits a pulse, every thirty seconds. But your time, I fear, is running out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"Batteries last only so long,\" Belloq said. \"The signal has grown weak, it comes and goes. In a few short days there may be no signal at all. And, the Germans have the frequency—they are looking for it as well, I fear.\"\n\nIndy pounded his fist on the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was expecting something a little more substantial,\" Indy said through clenched teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Someplace where I could go and snatch the bloody thing and be done with it. Now I have to search all across the North Sea while keeping the Nazis off my back?\"\n\n\"No. I expect it is no longer there,\" Belloq said. \"It has probably been swept north by the currents, or perhaps far out into the Atlantic. Who knows?\"\n\nIndy stood up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You bloody little weasel,\" he said, half drawing his rapier from its scabbard. \"I ought to—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, by all means.\" Belloq drew his cutlass. \"Lay on, Jones!\"\n\nUlla stood up.\n\n\"Sit down, both of you,\" she shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're acting like children.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Belloq said. \"Sit down, Jones. You are making a fool of yourself. You're dismissing the value of what I have given to you.\"\n\n\"Sold me,\" Indy corrected. \"You sold it to me, you wormy littie frog coward.\"\n\n\"Indy!\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have insulted me, you have insulted my family, and now you have insulted my country,\" Belloq said quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am a baron, I'll have you know.\"\n\n\"Baron of what?\" Indy spat. \"Of intellect? Or of morals?\"\n\n\"I demand satisfaction, Dr. Jones,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the grand tradition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're insane.\"\n\n\"Ah, who is the coward now?\" Belloq smiled. \"As well as the dullard. Without the information I have provided—and the risk I took in placing the equipment in the canister in the first place—you wouldn't have a ghost of a chance. And you repay me with insults?\"\n\nIndy grumbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dawn, at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2. You know the place, of course,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I must warn you about my skill with the blade.\"\n\n\"This has finally gotten interesting,\" Ulla said. \"But you can't be serious. Can he? Can you?\"\n\n\"Oh, I'm serious enough for both of us,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dawn, then. But isn't the challenger usually allowed to choose the weapon?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you wish.\" Belloq shrugged.\n\n\"Then I choose pistols.\"\n\n\"Revolvers?\" Belloq cried. \"How barbaric!\"\n\n\"Single shot,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Muzzle loading. Is that grand enough for you? I'll be happy to load yours if you don't know how.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need,\" Belloq said. \"I know how to aim one as well.\"\n\n\"I'll be Indy's second,\" Ulla said quickly.\n\n\"Alas,\" Belloq said. \"I will have to rely upon my old friend Captain Dominique You, for my second. I don't think his ghost will mind, since it will be so close by.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's he talking about?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A veteran of the Battle of New Orleans,\" Indy said. \"He was one of Lafitte's pirates, and he died about a hundred years ago. He's buried in the cemetery.\"\n\n\"What about the weapons?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"It's up to your second to procure them,\" Belloq said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You had better get busy, my dear. My time in New Orleans is almost up, but I think I have just enough left to show one very beautiful Danish visitor some of the more famous sights in the French Quarter, and perhaps even an antique dealer who will accommodate your needs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do I have to jump off the balcony with you?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"Of course not.\" Belloq offered his arm. \"This time I will take the stairs.\" He paused, then saluted Indy with his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Adieu, Dr. Jones. Until the dawn. Oh, and don't bother waiting up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry,\" Indy promised as he finished his coffee.\n\n\"Oh, and Dr. Jones,\" Belloq added. \"Tonight is the last of the revelry. I do hope you haven't decided to give up something precious for Lent—like your life, perhaps.\"\n\nIndy unlocked the door to the Pontalba Suite and unbuckled the rapier as he entered the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He threw the weapon on the couch in the sitting room, then squirmed out of the doublet and folded it beside it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat for a moment on the couch, his head in his hands.\n\n\"What have I done?\" he mumbled.\n\nIndy was tired. He knew he needed sleep, but he also knew that he didn't have time for sleep. He wearily got up, walked into the bedroom, and searched for the pile of old clothes he had shed earlier in the day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had been washed, and pressed, and were laid in a neat bundle on top of the newly made bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His fedora, freshly cleaned and blocked, was next to the bundle.\n\n\"Swell,\" Indy muttered as he unwrapped the twine around the package. He shook out the shirt, found the left sleeve, and held it beneath the light. The number he had penciled there was still visible, but barely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reached for the phone, got the hotel operator, and gave her the number." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The operator said she would ring when she had made the connection.\n\nIndy eased himself down on the bed and closed his eyes. A few minutes later the phone woke him.\n\n\"Jones?\" a crisp voice asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is Colonel William Markham. We've been trying to reach you. What in thunder are you doing in New Orleans?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Business,\" Indy said. \"Get to the point.\"\n\n\"I understand you may be able to help us,\" Markham said. \"You're an expert on this hokum that the Nazis believe in. True?\"\n\n\"I'm an archaeologist,\" Indy explained tiredly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But sometimes my research does take into account ancient beliefs that can seem rather strange to us today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, the Germans are flying about the Arctic in one of their dirigibles,\" Markham said. \"They seem to be looking for some kind of lost civilization. But the cables we have intercepted seem to suggest they are looking for something of military and not historical importance.\"\n\n\"Go on,\" Indy said.\n\n\"They keep referring to some obscure power source, something called Vril. Are you familiar with it? Is it a kind of mineral or something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know for sure,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, their cables to Berlin indicate that this stuff has the ability to manipulate matter, to transform or control it in some way. If they find it, that would fulfill their dream of becoming some type of super race.\"\n\n\"Look,\" Indy said. \"You seem to know as much about all of this as I do. I really can't tell you much more. It seems like fairy tales to me, except—\"\n\n\"What is it, Dr. Jones?\"\n\n\"Well, there are some who believe fervently in the legend. It is a matter of national pride, I suppose. I've had a couple of run-ins with them, and even if the story is a myth, they're treating it as gospel. They are prepared to kill for their beliefs, even if Vril has no basis in fact.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree,\" Markham said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why are you asking me about it?\"\n\n\"Because we'd like you to lead an American expedition into the region where the Nazis are searching,\" Markham said.\n\n\"Why me?\"\n\n\"Because you have some unique talents that other scholars seem to lack,\" Markham said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the remote event that the Nazis find something up there that would be better off in our hands, we'd like to know about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Spy on them, you mean.\"\n\n\"Spying is a nasty word,\" Markham said. \"Just dog their heels. Consider it research, if you like. After all, much of that territory is unexplored, and it wouldn't be the first time that a scientific expedition had a military component.\"\n\n\"I'm not prepared to lead a land expedition into the Arctic,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't have the experience. It would be suicide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the twentieth century, Dr. Jones,\" Markham said. \"Who said anything about dogsleds and frozen toes? What we had in mind was polar aviation. We have the prototype of a new bomber, the Douglas B-18, at your disposal. Twin engines, a crew of six, and a range of more than twelve hundred miles. From your base camp on Greenland, or Spitsbergen Island, you could survey the area in relative comfort.\"\n\n\"Polar aviation scares me,\" Indy said. \"Too many people have never been seen again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like Amundsen?\" Markham asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, that was years ago. Flight, even in the Arctic, has become as safe as driving your Ford to the corner store.\"\n\n\"Why don't I believe you?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I may be exaggerating a bit,\" Markham said, \"but the fact remains that this would be the safest expedition to that area, ever. What do you say, Dr. Jones?\"\n\n\"It sounds insane,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's something else,\" Markham said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the real reason I have tried so desperately to reach you. I hate to mention it, because I have always hesitated to introduce any emotional component—\"\n\n\"I already know that Alecia Dunstin is on board that zeppelin,\" Indy said. \"And yes, that is the reason I will lead your infernal expedition, because I can't stand the thought of her being left for dead on some ice floe after those bastards are through with her.\"\n\n\"Given the choice,\" Markham said, \"I felt you would rather be in a position to help her than not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have a few conditions, Colonel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm listening,\" Markham said. \"Name them.\"\n\n\"I want complete control over what you have so loosely defined as my research. And I want a friend of mine as the pilot. Or, at least, copilot. I trust him.\"\n\n\"Understood,\" Markham said.\n\n\"I also need the best radioman the army has,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He must have the latest direction-finding technology and be able to improvise in a crisis. Fearlessness wouldn't hurt, either. Do you have anyone that meets those requirements?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" Markham said. \"I will send you my own radio operator from the cryptography office. He is by all accounts a genius with anything electric and I know he is fearless.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\"\n\n\"He's seventeen,\" Markham said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All teenagers think they'll live forever. And I know he'll gladly volunteer, because he's bored to death by the daily routine around here. What else?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're welcome to whatever we find or can take from the Nazis up there—and I doubt if that will be anything at all—but I want my participation in the expedition kept quiet. After all, I have an academic reputation to protect.\"\n\n\"Some would say it's too late for that,\" Markham said. \"But yes, all right. I agree to every condition. And get some sleep. The aircraft will be on the field at Shushan Airport at zero nine hundred.\"\n\nAn hour after Indy had hung up the phone, the light came on in the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla had returned from her tour of the French Quarter, and she had a large wooden box and a book beneath her arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was lying on the couch, his fedora over his eyes. He was dressed in his khakis and had his leather jacket on.\n\n\"Have a good time?\" he asked.\n\n\"Rene is quite charming,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Monsters often are,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look what I found.\" She placed the wooden box on the coffee table and opened the lid. \"A matched pair, a forty-five-caliber, real museum pieces, circa 1840. Rene knew the owner of a quaint little antique store on Rampart Street that opened for us.\"\n\nIndy picked up one of the pistols and examined the barrel, which was covered in a splotchy brown patina of rust and gun oil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure they won't blow up in our faces?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Quite sure,\" Ulla said. \"I insisted that the gentleman test-fire both of them first. With all the commotion and fireworks tonight, nobody gave the shots a second thought. Also, he had a copy of this splendid little book—the Code Duello \"Splendid,\" Indy said halfheartedly.\n\n\"Why are you dressed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla asked. \"You need your sleep. Dawn will be here in just a few hours. I know I am anxious to hit the hay myself, as you Americans are fond of saying.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been busy,\" Indy said.\n\n\"What on earth with?\"\n\n\"Making travel arrangements for points north,\" Indy said. \"It seems I'm going on an air expedition of the Arctic in search of the Nazi dirigible that Alecia's on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you're going, just like that,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'm going to kill Belloq first,\" Indy said. \"What is it that you want me to say?\" He replaced the pistol in the case.\n\n\"I want you to ask me to go with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You need me.\" Ulla crossed her arms. \"You just don't know it yet. The Nazis are going after Thule, and they're not going to find it from the air. They're not going to find it on the surface, either. Sooner or later they are going to lead you underground, and for that you need me.\"\n\nIndy paused.\n\n\"That's what Baldwin's journal said, wasn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy stammered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was stolen before I got a chance to—\"\n\n\"But he was descending into the mouth of a volcanic crater,\" Ulla said. \"You told me that much. Now, how far down do you think he went?\"\n\n\"The Nazis won't even find the right—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They have the journal,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't. Your only hope is to find them, and then to follow where they lead. If you would only have put some thought into it, you would have realized that meant far beneath the surface.\" Indy ran a hand across the stubble on his jaw.\n\n\"All right,\" he said. \"But we have to get one thing straight. I'm the leader of this expedition. I will listen to your advice, but you must not argue with me. It's too dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And another thing,\" Indy said. \"To hell with Ultima Thule. My primary objective is to get Alecia back alive. Then, and only then, do we deal with this Nazi fantasy.\"\n\n\"Superb,\" Ulla said. \"This is the chance of a lifetime.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Indy said. \"Or the chance to end a lifetime.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you worried about?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla asked. \"Belloq may kill you before you get a chance to board the plane.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Max McCoy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mist seemed to seep from the very graves as Indiana Jones and Ulla made their way past the narrow mausoleum-lined alleys at St. Louis Cemetery No." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "2. The sky was overcast and, in the east, was beginning to take on the color of burnished brass. A light rain was falling as they emerged in a small clear space in the center of the cemetery, dominated by a huge oak that wept with Spanish moss.\n\n\"This place gives me the woollies,\" Ulla said as she rested the boxed pistols on a low headstone.\n\n\"The slaves used to hold their voodoo rituals here,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the word is willies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Woollies, willies,\" Ulla said, and suddenly her Danish accent became thicker. \"It just plain gives me the creeps.\"\n\n\"Bonjour,\" Belloq said, causing Ulla to jump.\n\nThe diminutive Frenchman, dressed in a black frock coat, was sitting atop the unmarked concrete grave of Marie Laveau and drinking a cup of chicory coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Scattered around the grave of the voodoo queen were offerings of food and hoodoo money—curious two- and eleven-cent combinations—and a dozen or so candles that had burned away to nothing but pools of colored wax." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq produced a red candle from his coat, struck a match on his heel, and carefully lit the wick before placing it at the base of the grave and making a cross on the concrete with a shard of red brick.\n\n\"For luck,\" he explained.\n\n\"You're going to need more than that,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Ah, Dr. Jones, I'm glad to see you haven't lost your spirit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq laughed. \"At least, not yet. Would you care for some coffee?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, thanks,\" Ulla said, and opened the case. \"I took the liberty of loading the guns back at the hotel. Each has forty grains of powder, one patched ball, and fresh flints. I hope that was all right with you.\"\n\n\"Of course, my dear,\" Belloq said.\n\n\"I also have a first-aid kit here in case it is needed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Doubtful,\" Belloq said. \"I shoot to kill.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He jumped down from the gravestone, walked across the muddy ground to where Ulla stood with the pistols, and picked one up.\n\n\"Magnificent pieces, really,\" he said.\n\n\"According to the book,\" Ulla said, thumbing through the pages, \"I believe this is the point where the seconds attempt to negotiate a peaceful reconciliation of differences. Because I am the only second, I will begin by playing the devil's advocate for Rene.\"\n\n\"What a nice choice of words,\" Indy remarked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Also,\" she said, \"it is my duty to remind you both that dueling is against the law in Louisiana.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A felony, in fact,\" Belloq said.\n\n\"Yes,\" Ulla continued. \"That means that if we're caught, we all could be facing criminal proceedings and possible jail time. The charges would be more serious for you, as participants, of course, but I believe I am clearly guilty of aiding and abetting the crime.\"\n\n\"And how well you do it.\" Belloq bowed with a flourish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you get tired of—well, doing whatever it is that you actually do, Miss Tornaes—there is always a place for you in my organization in Marseilles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the other hand,\" she continued, \"some may argue that there is a higher law at stake here, that of a person's honor, and that the breaking of the laws of the state of Louisiana is simply an unfortunate, but unavoidable, detail. Since I take it that the illegalities of your intended act are a mere nuisance, I will go on to the gist of the matter.\"\n\n\"Do hurry,\" Belloq said. \"Dawn is nearly upon us, and being caught in the cemetery in full daylight by the local police is an even more unpleasant prospect than sneaking in under cover of darkness.\"\n\nShe nodded. \"Dr. Jones. Will you not apologize to Rene Belloq for casting aspersions on his character, his family, and his country? Will you not give him the benefit of the doubt concerning his motives for selling you the information?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For that,\" Indy said, \"and a thousand other slights, no.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Monsieur Belloq,\" Ulla called. \"Will you not reconsider your challenge? Does your heart not soften when you think of your association with Dr. Jones? Is forgiveness not possible?\"\n\n\"It is not,\" Belloq said.\n\n\"All right, then,\" Ulla concluded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's get on with it. I see that you gentlemen have already chosen your weapons. The rules of engagement are as follows: You will stand back-to-back beneath the oak, and on my count you will stride off ten paces. Twenty would be more sporting, but we have room only for ten. At the conclusion of the last pace, you are to turn and take aim. You will fire simultaneously. Understood?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Clearly,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Quite.\" Belloq smiled.\n\n\"If satisfaction has not been achieved after the first round of shots, you may mutually agree to reload. Gentlemen, assume the position and ready your pieces.\"\n\nThey marched to the center of the clearing and pressed their backs together, their weapons held in the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rain was falling a little harder now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It dribbled from the brim of Indy's hat and plastered Belloq's hair against his skull.\n\n\"One,\" Ulla counted.\n\nThe pair strode away from each other, backs straight, eyes forward.\n\nUlla continued to count through five." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq thumbed back the hammer, a harsh clockwork sound that exposed the priming pan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy heard the sound, but pretended he didn't.\n\n\"Six,\" Ulla counted.\n\nAnother step forward. Mud clung to Indy's boots and stained the cuffs of his pants.\n\n\"Seven.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Forward still. Indy wrapped his thumb around the top of the hammer, ready to cock the weapon a moment before firing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To do so too long before, he was afraid, would give the rain a chance to dampen the primer.\n\n\"Eight.\"\n\nWhile Indy strode forward Belloq turned quickly, the tails of his frock coat billowing out. In an instant he had turned sideways to Indy, his left hand behind his back and his pistol hand extended, taking aim at the spot between Indy's shoulder blades." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Foul!\" Ulla cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq pulled the trigger as Indy turned. As if in slow motion Jones saw the hammer descend and scrape against the frizen, the flint in its jaws sending a shower of sparks into the priming pan.\n\nIndy sucked in his breath for the blast of fire and lead that was sure to follow a fraction of a second later, but none came. Instead, the powder in the pan fizzled weakly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq's powder was wet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belloq continued to hold the pistol at arm's length, incredulous. Suddenly the embers found a dry pocket, blazed brightly to life, and a moment later the pistol belched fire, smoke, and lead at Indy.\n\nThe ball passed through the upper right sleeve of his leather jacket, cutting a furrow in his flesh, and exited the back side of the jacket to go whining off into the trees lining the cemetery. Blood began to trickle down his arm to the wrist, and where it fell upon the cool ground, it steamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Ulla announced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may now take your shot, at your leisure.\"\n\nIndy held the pistol high in the air, cocked it, then lowered it until the heavy barrel was wavering over Belloq's heart. Belloq closed his eyes and his lips went thin. Then Indy jerked the pistol to the right and fired, sending the ball thudding into the side of the nearest tomb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq breathed a sigh of relief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you desire another round?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"I have satisfaction. I have proved that Belloq is a liar, a coward, and an unworthy opponent. Nothing would be gained by killing him.\"\n\n\"Merci,\" Belloq said sheepishly, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of the frock coat. \"The affair, then, is over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's over,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I lost count....\" Belloq insisted as he replaced the still-smoking pistol in the wooden case. \"I believed we were to turn at eight instead of ten. It was a simple mistake. My, I hope that you are not seriously hurt.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones, you're bleeding pretty badly,\" Ulla said. \"We'd better have a look at it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy held up a hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not here. I don't think those shots will go unnoticed, as quiet as it is this morning.\"\n\n\"It did rather sound like cannon fire,\" Ulla conceded.\n\n\"Let's clear out before we end up in the Crescent City Jail,\" Indy said. \"Besides, we have a plane to catch in just a short time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belloq scrambled over the mausoleums toward the cemetery wall, then paused and threw a salute Indy's way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Au revoir, Dr. Jones,\" he called. \"A happy ending to a desperate circumstance. I hope you heal quickly... so that we may meet again on the field of honor!\"\n\n\"The rat,\" Indy remarked as he and Ulla hurried out of the cemetery. \"Who is he to talk about honor? He tried to shoot me in the back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"True...\" Ulla inclined her head to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he did stand fast and allow you to take your shot after his attempt to cheat had failed. He could just as easily have run away.\"\n\n\"He was probably too scared to make his feet move.\"\n\n\"I don't think that's ever been a problem for Rene Belloq,\" Ulla said. \"No, he has a peculiar sense of honor—a twisted sense perhaps, but there is some kind of secret code he follows. You did the right thing by not killing him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would have just been too complicated,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too much explaining to do, too many cops and lawyers, and as you pointed out, I could have ended up in jail.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ulla said. \"And you would have killed the only person that you truly think is a worthy adversary, regardless of what you said back there. You're a very old-fashioned man, Dr. Jones. A gallant man. I think you were born in the wrong century.\"\n\nBirds were stirring in the trees now, and a shaft of sunlight had broken from beneath the cloud cover as if to illuminate their exit from the cemetery. Two blocks later they hailed a cab, and as they pulled away from the curb a couple of radio cars raced in the opposite direction, toward the cemetery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How's your arm?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slipped off his leather jacket and let her examine it.\n\n\"No bones broken,\" she said as she cut open the shirt. \"And the wound really isn't very deep. It went cleanly through, just beneath the surface. You are bleeding like a butchered hog, however.\"\n\n\"Family trait,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla cleaned the wound with antiseptic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wow,\" he said. \"That hurts worse than getting shot.\"\n\nThe cabdriver looked suspiciously in the mirror.\n\n\"Than getting a shot,\" Indy corrected, and smiled. \"This woman's a nurse, and I'm a doctor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure, buddy,\" the Creole cabby said. \"Whatever you say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla bandaged the arm, then Indy slipped his jacket back on.\n\n\"Thanks,\" Indy said. \"It feels much worse now.\"\n\nUlla placed the boxed pistols on Indy's lap.\n\n\"What're you going to do with them?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I imagine that I will put them on the wall of my office at Princeton,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Crossed, of course. To remind me of an encounter with a guy who, had it not been raining this morning, would have killed me.\"\n\nIt was still raining at the Shushan Airport, which was built on an artificial peninsula twenty minutes away from downtown New Orleans. The cabdriver pulled up under the canopy of the terminal building and looked over his shoulder at his charges.\n\n\"Here we are,\" he said in his singsong accent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I think the regular planes they have left for the morning. Do you want me to wait while you check?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need.\" Indy thrust some bills in the cabby's hand. \"There will be at least one more plane, I'm sure of it.\"\n\n\"I hope she is,\" the cabby said. \"It's a wet day, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A wet day, yes,\" Indy agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was traveling light, with only his satchel slung over his shoulder, and Ulla had her things in the knapsack that had previously carried Indy's fortune. Indy watched as the taxi driver sped off into the night with a wave.\n\n\"Go with God,\" the cabby called from the open window. \"And don't get shot no more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pair hurried into the new terminal building, which had been built by the Works Progress Administration in neoclassic style." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The building fanned out like a pyramid from the centrally located control tower.\n\nA young man in a crisp army uniform met them just inside the door. He had a clipboard under his arm, and on his shoulders were the silver bars of a first lieutenant.\n\n\"Dr. Jones?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Lieutenant Goodwin. I am to be your liaison for this expedition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excellent,\" Indy said. \"Did you find my copilot?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" Goodwin said. \"I had to enlist the help of a military police detachment from the army supply base on Dauphine Street, but we finally located Mr. Ward in the French Quarter.\"\n\n\"What bar was he in?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"An oyster bar, sir,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I have to warn you that he reeks of Tabasco, oysters, and beer.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Excuse me, sir, but your arm. There seems to be a bullet hole in your jacket and fresh blood. Is anything amiss?\"\n\n\"No, I'm fine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Goodwin looked questioningly at Ulla." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pardon my manners,\" Indy said. \"This is Dr. Ulla Tornaes, of the Danish Speleological Survey. In addition to being a specialist on this expedition, she will also be my personal assistant.\"\n\n\"There's nothing on the manifest about a female civilian,\" Goodwin said, looking over his clipboard. \"Especially a foreign national. I wasn't informed—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm informing you now, Lieutenant,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, sir, I don't know.\"\n\n\"Didn't Markham tell you I was in charge here and that you were to comply with my needs to the best of your ability?\"\n\n\"Of course, sir.\"\n\n\"Then put her down, soldier,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right there on the manifest. Pencil her in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir,\" Goodwin said.\n\n\"And you have Mr. Ward on your manifest?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes, already taken care of.\"\n\n\"What about my radio operator?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sparks?\" Goodwin smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's already on the plane.\"\n\n\"Very good,\" Indy said, then sat down on one of the airport benches. \"Now run down the rest of the crew with me so I know who I'm dealing with.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's see. We have I. Jones, commander. B. Blessant, pilot—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want their full names, their rank, where they're from,\" Indy said. \"And, if you know, what they're like.\"\n\nGoodwin began shaking.\n\n\"Calm down, you're doing fine,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How long have you had your commission, lieutenant?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A month,\" he said.\n\n\"Well, just give me the skinny like you would one of your buddies in the barracks at basic training,\" Indy suggested.\n\n\"All right,\" Goodwin agreed. \"There's you and Miss Torneas, of course, and me—I'm your navigator and meteorologist. Then there's C. R. Ward, a civilian copilot, whom you apparently know. That makes four, so far.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on,\" Indy coaxed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who don't I know?\"\n\n\"The pilot is Captain Buck Blessant. He's about thirty, has a wife and kid back in New Jersey, and is one of the Army Air Corps' best test pilots. Your radio operator is a kid named Nicholas Swan, but everybody calls him Sparks. He's a regular nut for anything to do with technology. He's a corporal, by the way. And then we have a crew chief who will be flying with us, a Sergeant Dan Bruce. Bruce can fix just about anything with chewing gum and spit.\"\n\n\"Good.\" Indy looked pleased. \"That makes seven. That it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir. The B-18 normally has a crew of six.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, tell me about supplies,\" Indy said. \"I assume the aircraft is fully loaded with arctic survival gear?\"\n\n\"Well, no,\" Goodwin admitted. \"We don't intend on going down. We just have the usual emergency gear. Rubber life rafts, emergency rations, and that sort of thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me about the aircraft.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a cold-weather prototype of the B-18 that's been delivered to the army this year,\" Goodwin said. \"It's powered by twin Wright Cyclone nine-cylinder radial engines, each of which develops one thousand horsepower. They have been modified for cold-weather operation, including an anti-icing mechanism in the carburetors and along the wings. Maximum speed is 226 miles per hour at 10,000 feet, and the ceiling is 27,150 feet. Range is normally 1,200 miles, but we've added some underwing tanks that increase that to 1,800.\"\n\n\"What kind of terrain does this thing need for landing and takeoff?\"\n\n\"Well...\" Goodwin shuffled through the sheets on his clipboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A runway is desirable, but this prototype is equipped with skids as well, for landing on hard-packed snow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about water landings?\"\n\n\"No, sir,\" Goodwin said. \"If we ditch, I'm afraid we're going to swim.\"\n\n\"Terrific. How about parachutes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Um, there are six on board.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Find another one,\" Indy ordered.\n\n\"Right away,\" Goodwin said.\n\n\"Now, how about armament?\"\n\n\"We have three machine guns, one mounted in the Plexiglas nose, and another two waist guns. We can also carry up to sixty-five hundred pounds of bombs, but since this is a scientific expedition I was told that the bomb bay would be unloaded. Besides, most of the available bomb weight has been taken up by supplies and the extra fuel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who do we have that can shoot those guns?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sergeant Bruce, of course. And Sparks and I, if we have to.\"\n\n\"What about small arms?\"\n\n\"Practically nothing, sir,\" Goodwin said. \"Sidearms, but that is all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy winced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That will have to be corrected,\" he said.\n\n\"I can get Springfields with no problem.\"\n\n\"No bolt actions,\" Indy said. \"We need automatics. Something easy to carry, with short stocks and barrels. Are you familiar with what some of the elite Nazi troops carry?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, you have seen gangster movies, right?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\n\"That's what I want. Tommy guns and so forth.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" Goodwin said, disturbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pardon me, sir, but do you think we're going to have a tactical situation on our hands up there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You haven't been well briefed, have you?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"No, sir,\" Goodwin admitted. \"I suppose not. I'll see what I can do. We'll be making a short stopover at the naval air station on Long Island for refueling. The marines ought to have something that I can scrounge.\"\n\n\"Good man,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, let's gather up Clarence and take a look at our aircraft.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's in here.\" Goodwin led the way to the men's room. He opened the door a crack and called, \"Mr. Ward? There are some people who would like a word with you.\"\n\n\"Send them away,\" a ragged voice answered.\n\n\"Come on, open up,\" Indy urged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why didn't you say it was you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clarence asked. \"What on earth is all this about? A couple of military policemen caught me just as I was about to take off for Mexico City. I reckoned I had been busted for something, and I figured it had something to do with you. Indy, if you make me lose that Mexico account, I'll be forced to punch you in the mouth.\"\n\n\"Forget the Mexico City trip,\" Indy said. \"Neither of us is in trouble. I know you were at an oyster bar making time with a Creole girl, so spare me your sad story. The point is that I need you, and you'll be well paid for your services.\"\n\n\"I've heard that before,\" Clarence said as he ran a hand over his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't been paid for this trip yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that all you worry about?\" Indy asked. \"Now, when you sober up you think you can fly a B-18?\"\n\n\"Heck, they're both made by Douglas. The 18 is just the military version of my old DC-2, except it has teeth and you can drop the cargo out through the belly,\" Clarence said. \"Where we headed?\"\n\n\"The Arctic,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The North Pole?\" Clarence asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pretty close to it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I don't like the cold,\" Clarence complained as he pushed the pilot's cap back on his head. \"What're we going to bomb there?\"\n\n\"We're not going to bomb anything,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've always wanted to bomb something,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're not going to shoot anything, either,\" Indy told him. \"Unless we have to. But it's going to be a tough flight just the same. Do you think you can handle it?\"\n\nClarence smiled sheepishly. \"Do you think I would have been jawing it over if I didn't think I could handle it?\"\n\n\"Good,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need to send a cable to Donny in Juarez,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll be at Ma Crosby's place, as usual, eating steak tampico and drinking that awful Mexican beer he likes. Not to mention that senorita he's sweet on. I'll ask him to come get Missy and fly her to Mexico City. The shipment will be a few days late, but things never run on time down there anyway.\"\n\nLed by Goodwin, Indy and the others walked out of the terminal building onto the wet tarmac. The B-18P (P for Polar) sat tail down, her nose pointed in the air. Her silver skin reflected the stormy skies above." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The engine nacelles were painted a bright red, as was the nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unlike the relatively dull body of her civilian sister, the DC-2, the B-18's fuselage bristled with Plexiglas gun ports, bubbles, and antennae. Also, heat ducts that took their warmth from the engine exhausts snaked across each side of the aircraft, and two shields attached to the fuselage just behind the cockpit were meant to catch any potentially lethal ice thrown by the propellers. A big loop antenna placed just aft of the cockpit was connected to the direction-finding equipment.\n\n\"My word,\" Ulla said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Max McCoy" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After resupplying at Long Island, the B-18P—which Clarence promptly and unceremoniously dubbed the Penguin, much to the dismay of Captain Blessant—set a course for Iceland.\n\nIndy spent most of the eight-hour flying time on this first leg of the trip zipped into his sheep-lined flight jacket, catching up on his sleep, while Ulla occasionally roused him to check the bandages on his right arm. At Goose Bay in Newfoundland, Indy rose, stretched his legs briefly on the cold runway, and watched while the Penguin was refueled. Then it was across the ocean to Godthaab, on the southern tip of Greenland, and then over more of the angry sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy made his way forward and leaned into the cockpit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How's she running?\" he asked.\n\n\"Like a charm,\" Blessant replied. \"We have one magneto that's acting up, but no big deal. Bruce can take a look at it when we set down. The only problem I have is that my new copilot here never shuts up.\"\n\n\"Just trying to make conversation,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought he'd be interested in what it was like to grow up in Erbie, Arkansas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I feel like I did,\" Blessant said.\n\n\"Did I tell you I flew a Jenny in the Big One?\"\n\n\"About a hundred times.\"\n\n\"You getting the hang of it?\" Indy asked Clarence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The bird hasn't been made that I couldn't fly,\" Clarence boasted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Besides, you just sort of point this thing where you want it to go.\"\n\n\"That easy?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"No, it's more like steering a boat,\" Clarence said. \"The controls are so dang slushy and we're so loaded that we might as well have a tiller instead of yokes. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when we strap those skis to the wheels.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence turned to Blessant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've test-flighted it that way, right?\"\n\nBlessant shook his head.\n\n\"That inspires confidence,\" Indy muttered.\n\n\"Don't worry,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're fine. When you have to worry, I'll let you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy patted Clarence on the shoulder and went aft.\n\n\"Sparks,\" Indy said. \"Any word from Markham on the location of the Graf Zeppelin?\"\n\n\"No, sir.\" Sparks was sitting at his station behind the cockpit, a set of headphones mashed over his cap, fiddling with the array of dials and knobs on the equipment that lined the bulkhead. He brushed a shock of tousled brown hair out of his eyes before answering, \"Not a word. Do you want me to send something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No reason to let the Nazis know we're coming,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any luck with that frequency I gave you?\"\n\n\"On twenty meters?\" Sparks reached up and spun the wheel that turned the loop antenna atop the aircraft. \"Not yet. Do you know exactly what it is that I'm supposed to be listening for? A tone, or a Morse signal?\"\n\nIndy shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wouldn't worry, sir,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If there's a target out there to be found, we'll find it. At this height, we have an advantage that we wouldn't have on the ground, because our line of sight is so much greater. And we have absolutely the best equipment in the world—I know, because I built it.\"\n\n\"You built all of this?\"\n\n\"Designed it, too,\" Sparks informed him. \"You see, I use the standard super-heterodyne receiver that Armstrong invented, but I have coupled it like this to the oscillator.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The teenager sketched out a block diagram on his clipboard that looked like nothing but a child's version of a locomotive and a string of cars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll take your word for it,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Sir, I can get you a rough bearing by turning the loop antenna and comparing it with the signal from the fixed radial on the tail, but to be able to get you a position, we need triangulation—like you triangulate compass bearings from two known points to fix an unknown third on a map.\"\n\n\"I know the principle,\" Indy said.\n\n\"When we find the signal, we'll need to get a reference from another source. A ship, maybe, or a fixed station on a mountaintop. One option is to find the highest ground we can for a base camp and then set up an auxiliary station there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good thinking.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The only problem, somebody would have to stay behind and operate the radio.\"\n\n\"I don't know if we can spare a crew member for that,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Well, the alternative is to find a bearing where the signal is strongest, and plot a line from there. Problem is, we won't know how far we have to go before acquiring the target. It could be beyond our fuel range.\"\n\n\"I see the problem,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll do the best we can. Keep monitoring that frequency, and let me know if you pick up anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"What is it?\"\n\n\"We haven't had much of a chance to talk, and I just wanted—\" The freckles on his cheeks were engulfed in a blush of red. \"Well, I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. My father's dead, and my mother back in Iowa had to sign the papers to allow me to join the army, since I'm not eighteen yet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What town in Iowa?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pulled up a crate and sat down.\n\n\"You probably never heard of it,\" Sparks said. \"It's a little place called Payne Junction.\"\n\n\"I know the place,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's on the Missouri River. There's some Indian mounds nearby that I visited once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right!\" Sparks exclaimed. \"My dad ran a little filling station there until a truck tire he was fixing exploded. The rim got him right in the forehead. I guess that's why he never let me fix flats.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" Indy said. \"It's tough to lose a parent. My mother died of scarlet fever when I was twelve. I still miss her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's horrible,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he added: \"I still miss my dad, too. He was a great guy. He kept telling me that anything was possible if you just worked hard enough—and had enough imagination.\"\n\n\"He sounds like a great guy,\" Indy said.\n\n\"He was kind of a science buff, and when I was little I started reading all these magazines he had around the shop—you know, stuff like Amazing Stories. They're published by a guy named Hugo Gernsback, and I guess he wanted everyone to get excited about technology and what the future could be like. That's what got me hooked on electronics. I still read 'em, too.\"\n\n\"Your dad gave you quite a lot,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\" Sparks smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My mother still doesn't understand, though. She hates those magazines, mostly because of the robots with the naked girls on the covers. I joined the army because I was tired of building crystal sets and knew I couldn't get my hands on equipment like this anywhere else. Also, to help my mother out. We had to sell the station after Dad died, and it's been pretty rough on her.\"\n\n\"The Depression's been pretty rough on everybody.\"\n\n\"She told me that if you're a soldier, you have to expect to get shot at. But isn't that what we fought the Great War for?\" Sparks asked. \"I mean, so nobody would have to be shot anymore?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy swallowed and looked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the idea, Sparks,\" he said. \"But sometimes things don't work out the way we hope. There's still a lot of evil in the world, and I'm afraid we might see some of it on this trip. We might even get shot at.\"\n\n\"I know,\" Sparks said. \"I'm not afraid. I just wish everybody could see the future like my dad did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everybody gets afraid,\" Indy told him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's nothing to be ashamed of. But if things do get dicey around here, I want you to stick as close as you can to me. Now, I've got to go check on the rest of the crew. Keep listening, okay?\"\n\n\"Roger,\" Sparks said.\n\nIndy climbed into the cockpit.\n\n\"Clarence.\" Indy tapped the pilot on the shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence took off his headphones and they put their heads together so they could talk privately beneath the engine noise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You need to promise me something,\" Indy said. \"If anything happens to me, I'd like for you to personally look after our radio operator. Sparks is a bright kid, and I couldn't stand it if anything happened to him.\"\n\n\"Sure,\" Clarence joked. \"But if anything happens to you, who's gonna look after me?\"\n\nIndy laughed and slapped him on the leg as he climbed through the cockpit and down into the nose, where Goodwin was at the navigator's desk in the bombardier's Plexiglas compartment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was filling a cup from a thermos of coffee and updating their position on the map with a grease pencil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wow,\" Indy said as he looked at the clouds and the ocean whispering past beneath them. \"Doesn't this view ever bother you?\"\n\n\"No,\" Goodwin said. \"I'm not particularly afraid of heights.\"\n\n\"I didn't think I was, but this view may change my mind,\" Indy said. \"Everything on schedule?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like clockwork so far.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goodwin glanced at his wrist-watch. \"We'll set down at Reykjavik in about twenty minutes and refuel again. Do you have any idea yet where we're going to set up base camp?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"I don't have enough information yet. I need some kind of indication where the Graf Zeppelin is. Without that, we could be locating camp a thousand miles in the wrong direction.\"\n\n\"Quite so.\" Goodwin held a finger up and pressed the headphones against his right ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain says Sparks has a message,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe it's about the big tin balloon we're looking for.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Indy made his way back up the cabin. \"What is it, Sparks?\"\n\n\"I've received a coded message from Markham,\" the boy said as he worked out the letters on his clipboard against a mimeographed code key." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've about got it. There. What's LZ-127?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the Graf Zeppelin,\" Indy said.\n\n\"LZ-127 sighted off South Cape of Spitsbergen Island by Norwegian fishermen at zero-nine-thirty hours,\" Sparks read. \"Heading NNE. Altitude five hundred feet. Speed unknown. Acknowledge.\"\n\n\"Where the heck—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's here,\" Goodwin said as he unrolled a map." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had come up from the nose to hear Sparks decipher the message. \"At the edge of the arctic ice pack. A group of islands owned by Norway and known officially as the Svalbards, but commonly called by the name of the biggest island, Spitsbergen.\"\n\n\"Where's the Graf headed?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Nor-northeast will take them around the edge of the islands, possibly into the ice pack itself,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are they doing so low?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're either meeting with a refueling ship,\" Indy explained, \"or they are searching for something in the water. My money is on the latter. How far away are we now?\"\n\nGoodwin used a protractor to measure the distance. \"About fifteen hundred miles,\" he said.\n\n\"Right,\" Indy said. \"And the top speed of the Graf Zeppelin is about eighty miles an hour.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But from the sighting, she appears to be going considerably slower than that,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's say she finds what she's looking for and heads flat out. Theoretically, we could catch up with her how soon? Somebody, help me out.\"\n\nSparks made some furious computations.\n\n\"It will take us six and one half hours to reach Spitsbergen, where we refuel,\" he said. \"That will give the Zep a head start of about five hundred and thirty miles, which we can close in another two hours and twenty minutes. But by then, the Zep will have put another sixty miles or so between us. What that boils down to is a rendezvous point that is twenty-one hundred miles away—less than ten hours, with just the one refueling stop. After Reykjavik, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's say they make a dead run for it, in any direction,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a compass from his flight suit and drew a circle representing a six-hundred-mile radius around Spitsbergen Island.\n\nThe penciled circle passed over the northeastern coast of Greenland, across a thousand miles of sea to thinly slice the coast of Norway, and through the Barents Sea to within a hundred miles or so of the North Pole.\n\n\"No matter which direction they turn,\" Goodwin said, \"we can catch them within ten hours. Not only that, but we'll still have enough fuel left to make it back to Spitsbergen, no sweat.\"\n\n\"How will we know if they change their heading?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"There won't be any Norwegian fishermen where they're headed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The closer we get,\" Sparks said, \"the better the odds we have of picking up their radio traffic to Berlin.\"\n\n\"That's right,\" Goodwin said.\n\n\"Unless they're maintaining radio silence,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Even so, it's the only chance we've got,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five minutes to landing at Reykjavik, Commander,\" Blessant called over the intercom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suggest everyone don their cold-weather gear now, if you haven't already done so.\"\n\n\"'Commander'!\" Ulla punched Indy in the ribs, a little harder than playfulness would allow. \"I like that better than Doctor.\"\n\n\"We have to make a decision now,\" Goodwin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or else we'll just waste time on the ground.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold it,\" Indy said. \"Let's take a minute and consider the disadvantages of the plan. First, we've already been in the air for nearly twenty hours. Sergeant Bruce, how is the Penguin holding up?\"\n\n\"That magneto has gone out,\" Bruce said, struggling into his fur-lined suit, \"and it will take at least an hour to change. If we go on, we'll have to count on the redundants. No real risk there, I suppose. Otherwise, the Pen—I mean, the B-18P—seems to be holding up quite well. All systems nominal.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about the weather?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's clear and holding. Barometer is steady.\"\n\n\"Good. Now, what about a base camp?\"\n\n\"No time to set one up,\" Goodwin said.\n\n\"Maybe not.\" Indy paused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sergeant, how long will it take to refuel at Spitsbergen?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Twenty minutes, tops,\" Bruce said.\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy said. \"That's enough time to unload our camp gear and leave one person behind to set it up and operate the radio.\"\n\n\"But which one of us?\" Goodwin asked.\n\nIndy looked apologetic. \"You, I'm afraid.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not me,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm the navigator. Anyway, I have to stay with the stupid plane, because Markham put me in charge of all the paperwork.\"\n\n\"Well, I need Sergeant Bruce in case something goes wrong,\" Indy said. \"Blessant is necessary, for the obvious reasons, and Sparks is indispensable. That leaves Ulla and Clarence.\"\n\n\"The civilian woman would be the clear choice,\" Goodwin suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not really,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And don't ask me to explain. It will be clear when the time comes. Goodwin, can you fly this aircraft?\"\n\n\"Fly it?\" he asked. \"No, sir.\"\n\n\"There you have it.\" Indy shrugged. \"Clarence stays as well. You're getting off at Spitsbergen and setting up the radio and base camp there. You can hand your paperwork over to Sparks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Colonel Markham—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Colonel Markham put me in charge of this expedition, down to every rivet in this aircraft,\" Indy said. \"I don't have time to justify my position to you. Besides, you're the only one of us besides Sparks who is capable of triangulating radio positions on a map, correct?\"\n\n\"I suppose....\" Goodwin didn't look happy.\n\n\"Then climb into your cold-weather gear,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ulla and I will help you get the supplies unloaded as quickly as we can while the others ready the plane. Don't look so glum, Lieutenant, you've just pulled the safest detail on this expedition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, Commander,\" Goodwin said stiffly.\n\n\"Oh, and remember,\" Indy told Goodwin. \"If you get a bearing on anything of interest on that radio equipment, you act as if you are a remote observing station radioing back to our grounded plane on Reykjavik, right?\"\n\n\"Right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sir,\" Sparks interjected. \"Colonel Markham is waiting for an answer. What should I send him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell him this: 'Message received. Unable to intercept because of mechanical difficulty. Landing Reykjavik for repairs. Will advise. Out.'\"\n\n\"But, sir!\" Sparks cried. \"That's against regulations.\"\n\n\"What do you think the odds are that the Nazis are listening to us and can break our codes as easily as we break theirs?\"\n\n\"The odds are excellent,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So why tell the buggers we're coming after them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. \"Let them—and Markham—think we've broken down. They've known every move I've made so far. Let's throw 'em a curveball on this one.\"\n\nSparks nodded appreciatively.\n\n\"But, Dr. Jones,\" he said. \"If we are deceiving our own people about our location as well as the Germans, and won't be giving our coordinates back to Goodwin at base camp on Spitsbergen, then who will know where to find us if we're forced down on the ice?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had no answer to this question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as the wheels had stopped rolling, the crew of the Penguin went to work. While Clarence fueled the aircraft Blessant and Sergeant Bruce worked to attach the strange-looking skis to the landing gears. The wheels themselves fit through the middle of the skis; in flight, the gears would be unable to retract completely, but would be tucked up under the aircraft like some kind of awkward bird.\n\n\"I hope this field is level,\" Blessant shouted to Bruce as he quickly ratcheted the bolts on the skis down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's not six inches difference between the skis and the bottom of the wheels.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In twenty-three minutes, the hatches were closed on the Penguin and the engines started.\n\n\"What's the barometric pressure?\" Blessant asked Sparks over the intercom.\n\n\"Twenty-eight five,\" he answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Elevation above sea level here is eight hundred twenty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blessant adjusted the altimeter.\n\n\"I'd hate to run into that famous volcano they have here,\" Blessant joked. Then he checked manifold pressure and oil temperature on both engines.\n\n\"Everybody strapped in?\" he asked over the intercom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're ready to roll back here,\" Sparks answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bruce was beside him, still sweating from the exertion.\n\n\"We're go down here as well,\" Indy reported. Ulla was in the navigator's seat and Indy was strapped into the forward gun position, with the runway just beneath his legs.\n\n\"Throttle up,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Clarence, you're going to have to help me hold her steady on the runway. There's a wicked cross wind. Keep a light touch on the rudder, but keep her straight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Check,\" Clarence said.\n\nAs the engines revved to a screaming pitch and Blessant took his heels from the brake, the Penguin lurched forward and began to pick up speed. The starboard wheel hit a hole and bottomed out the skid, which threatened to send the aircraft slewing off the runway.\n\n\"Keep her straight,\" Blessant shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will, if you can avoid the potholes,\" Clarence grumbled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At fifty miles per hour the runway was a blur of gray beneath Indy's feet, but the plane seemed reluctant to leave the ground. He could see the end of the runway approaching, and beyond it a pile of the black volcanic rocks.\n\nIndy closed his eyes.\n\n\"Remind me not to sit up here again,\" he called back to Ulla." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blessant pushed the throttles forward again, and at sixty-five miles per hour, the wheels lifted off the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the tail came up, and the plane floated on ground effect for a moment but hesitated to go any higher.\n\n\"Flaps!\" Blessant yelled, and Clarence adjusted the wheellike device between the cockpit seats.\n\nThe aircraft now took flight in earnest, and Blessant pushed the throttles nearly to their stops. The engines screamed and the Penguin gained altitude as it made a sweeping turn to the northeast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Need to make a note that the flaps should be set steeper on takeoff when using the skids,\" Blessant said calmly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah,\" Clarence said. \"And I need to make a note about carrying a change of undershorts. Boy, I'll bet landing will be a hoot.\"\n\nThe landing at Spitsbergen was not quite the \"hoot\" that Clarence had predicted. The Penguin settled gently down and skidded to a rest on a vast snow-covered plateau that served as the airfield adjacent to a Norwegian weather station. Indy helped Goodwin unpack the base camp while the others—after a bit of haggling and pleading with the weather crew about the necessity for more fuel—rolled out fifty-gallon drums of aviation fuel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the Penguin taxied around the ice and then roared back down the snow-packed runway, Goodwin stood with his new Norwegian companions and waved gamely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun had dipped below the horizon behind them, turning the western sky into a fiery orange smudge.\n\n\"I've got a signal,\" Sparks said an hour later.\n\n\"Are you sure?\" Indy asked.\n\nSparks closed his eyes and cupped his hands over the earphones, in an effort to mute the noise from the engines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he reached out his right hand and tweaked the frequency dial just a bit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I'm sure,\" he said. \"It's weak, and warbling a bit, but it's at fourteen dot three-five-zed. It's a tone, every thirty seconds.\"\n\n\"Let me listen to it,\" Indy said.\n\nSparks offered him the earphones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy heard nothing but static for a few seconds, and then there was a peculiar dwit!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "sound. He returned the phones to Sparks, who clamped them back over his cap.\n\n\"Can you get a bearing?\"\n\n\"I'll try,\" he said, then punched his intercom. \"Sir, could you hold it steady as possible for a few moments? I think I have a target. What's your heading now? Good, keep it there and I'll let you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks closed his eyes and spun the antenna wheel around this way, and then that, and then adjusted some switches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He swung the wheel again, then settled on one spot where the signal seemed to be the loudest. He looked up at the face of the antenna compass and jotted down the bearing on his clipboard.\n\n\"Captain Blessant?\" he asked. \"I think I've got it. Your heading, whatever it is now, let's call that zero. Now come port thirty-seven degrees.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The plane banked slowly and in a few moments leveled out again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, let me check.\" Sparks spun the antenna to the left, then stopped. \"Back a degree or two.\" The change in direction was nearly imperceptible this time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good, that's it. The signal is straight off our nose.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks made a note of the bearing and the time on his clipboard.\n\nIndy went to the cabin window, which was badly frosted. He tried wiping the ice away with his sleeve, but it was on the outside.\n\n\"It's still dark,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You won't be able to see anything. The sun won't be up again for another couple of hours or so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That soon?\"\n\n\"Land of the midnight sun,\" Sparks said. \"We're well within the Arctic Circle now. The nights will get successively shorter until, on June twenty-first, the sun won't set at all.\"\n\n\"Where is this heading taking us?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, we're heading almost due east now,\" Sparks said, looking at the map." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's nothing out there but sea and icebergs.\"\n\n\"Do you think the signal will last?\"\n\n\"Hard to tell,\" Sparks said. \"It appears to be wavering in strength, and I'm sure it isn't strong enough for Goodwin to pick it up in Iceland. We're ten thousand feet in the air and two hundred miles closer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So we can't triangulate it,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, sir. All we can do is follow it and hope it lasts.\"\n\nSparks took off his cap and headphones and ran a hand through his tangle of hair. His ears ached from the strain of constant listening.\n\n\"This is a different target than the tin balloon, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks asked. A cloud of vapor from his breath hung between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you don't mind my asking, sir, what is that thing?\"\n\n\"It's a canister,\" Indy said. \"Probably bobbing around on the waves. Swept into the Arctic Circle by the North Atlantic current.\"\n\n\"What's in it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's classified.\" Indy was too tired to explain; besides, he didn't think Sparks would believe him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the zep, sir?\" Sparks asked. \"Do you want me to keep trying to locate them?\"\n\n\"Not if it means losing this signal,\" Indy said.\n\n\"I think I can do both.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks replaced the cap and the headphones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what if the zep goes one direction and your target goes another?\"\n\n\"They won't,\" Indy said.\n\nSparks pushed the intercom button. \"Hey, Captain. It's cold back here. Are those heat ducts working? ... Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did he say?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He told me to drink more coffee,\" Sparks informed him. \"I don't drink coffee, but it may be time to start.\"\n\nThirty minutes later the signal had grown weaker.\n\n\"Dr. Jones, I'm afraid we're going to lose it,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've done everything I can, but it's just fading away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said that higher is better, right?\"\n\n\"Well, yes,\" Sparks said. \"But we're already high enough. Any higher would just put more distance between us and the target.\" He paused to adjust the receiver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There, the signal is gone. I can't find it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the sea is pretty rough down there,\" Indy said. \"Suppose the tops of the waves are chopping off the beacon, or some icebergs or something are in the way. Wouldn't going higher help that?\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Sparks agreed, \"but then we have another problem.\"\n\n\"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The loop antenna is on top of the aircraft,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The higher we go, the more we are increasing the angle from the ground, and eventually the body of the plane is going to be blocking the signal. Ordinarily that wouldn't mean much, but with a target this weak it could be the difference between finding it or not.\"\n\n\"Why didn't you put the antenna on the bottom?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Honestly, sir, I didn't think of it,\" Sparks said. \"The antenna is really designed to locate powerful targets that are above the deck, not something bobbing around in the sea giving off maybe a watt or two of power.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if we flew high and upside down?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spark's eyes got wide.\n\n\"We can't turn this tub over,\" he said. \"I mean, sir. This isn't a fighter. The wings would snap right off.\"\n\n\"Well, it was just a thought,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you may be onto something,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we went up to our ceiling, and then dived back down to cruising altitude, that would pitch the nose down and give the antenna a more or less right-angle approach at the target. That, we can do.\"\n\n\"Terrific,\" Indy said.\n\nSparks called Blessant and told him the plan, and the pilot announced it over the intercom. Then Sparks reached beside his seat and produced an oxygen bottle and mask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What're you doing?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can't breathe at twenty-seven thousand feet,\" Sparks said. \"You'll black out.\"\n\nAs the Penguin climbed, Ulla and Indy strapped on their masks and cracked open the valves of the oxygen bottles. A few minutes later the aircraft was high enough to catch the rays of the sun, just about to reappear over the horizon. Then the aircraft nosed over and began a dive that got progressively steeper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound of the air whistling over the wings became louder than the sound of the engines, and the plane began to vibrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks, breathing through his mask, listened through his headphones and cranked knobs frantically. A few seconds later he looked back at Indy and nodded.\n\n\"All right,\" he told Blessant. \"I've got it again. Soften this curve.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good advice, son,\" Blessant shot back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been trying, but the aircraft doesn't want to cooperate.\"\n\nThe wind grew to a shriek and the plane began vibrating so badly that Indy was afraid the rivets would pop out. Ulla reached out and clasped his arm—the one that had been shot—and squeezed. Indy winced, but did not remove her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop fighting the wheel,\" Clarence told Blessant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want me to do?\" the pilot snapped.\n\n\"Let me have it,\" Clarence said.\n\n\"It's yours.\"\n\nClarence eased the yoke forward a notch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The vibrating stopped, but the plane was pitched even more steeply down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly Indy felt himself rising above his seat as gravity lost its hold on the interior of the plane. Every loose object began to float: coffee cups, pencils, the papers on the radio console.\n\n\"This is unusual,\" Ulla said.\n\n\"Clarence,\" Indy shouted as he tore off his oxygen mask. \"What're you doing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's going to kill us all,\" Blessant said over the intercom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Naw,\" Clarence said, letting his mask dangle from his face. \"You have to smooth everything out first by pitching forward into the dive, then you bring it out.\"\n\n\"This isn't a Jenny!\" Blessant screamed. \"What do you think, this is some air show? You'll never be able to pull out of this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do it all the time in my big ol' plane back home,\" Clarence said as he watched the sea rushing up to meet them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The trick is to ease back on the yoke and do a slow roll to one side—\"\n\nGravity reasserted itself with a vengeance as the nose came up. A coffee cup broke on the floor between Indy's feet as he was slammed back down into the seat. By the time the Penguin was level again, they were skimming the wave tops." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks took off his oxygen mask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whew,\" he said. \"Remind me to put the damn directional loop on the bottom next time. I mean darned loop, sir.\"\n\n\"No problem,\" Indy said. \"Did you get a bearing?\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Sparks said excitedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ninety-two degrees, a fairly strong signal this time. I think your target must be drifting with the current.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ninety-two?\" Blessant asked. \"Are you sure?\"\n\n\"No, I mean twenty-nine degrees,\" Sparks said. \"I'm sorry. I tend to transpose numbers or otherwise get things backward when I'm under pressure.\"\n\nClarence returned the controls to Blessant, who adjusted the heading and trimmed the aircraft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you feel something at about ten thousand feet?\" Clarence asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah, the end of the world,\" Blessant said. \"My seat was shaking so much I couldn't tell what was happening. My butt feels like it's been strapped to a Missouri mule.\"\n\nThree and a half hours after leaving Iceland, over the vastness of the Barents Sea, Sparks called Indy and offered him the headphones.\n\n\"What is it?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen for a couple of minutes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The signal was clear, with no warble, but each dwit! seemed lower in pitch. The signal was also a little softer each time, as if somebody were steadily turning down the volume on a table radio.\n\n\"What does that mean?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We just passed over it,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About six minutes ago, I think. I charted it on the log.\"\n\n\"Then we go back,\" Indy instructed, and moved up to the cockpit.\n\n\"How can you guys see out of these windows?\" he asked. Although the heating ducts were working, the visibility had been reduced on each side to a hole about the size of a basketball." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It ain't easy,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen, Sparks just said he thinks we passed over the target, about twenty miles back. We need to make a U-turn and go back.\"\n\n\"No problem.\" Blessant began to bring the plane around. \"But we've picked up a lot of weather down there. We're going to have to be right on the deck to see anything.\"\n\n\"Then do your best,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dr. Jones?\" Sparks called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've lost the signal. Completely. Not a trace of it left.\"\n\nFour minutes later the Penguin had descended through the clouds and fog to five hundred feet. The air was warmer at the lower altitude, and most of the ice had broken away from the windscreens.\n\n\"This is no good,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I still can't see a thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we go lower,\" Blessant said.\n\nAt a hundred feet, they were still in thick fog.\n\n\"This is no good,\" Clarence repeated. \"We're flying nearly blind. I can't even see the water, can you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nope,\" the pilot answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going down into the nose,\" Indy said. \"Maybe I can see a little better down there.\"\n\nUlla followed him down and sat at the navigator's desk while Indy took the gunner's chair. Enough ice had melted off the Plexiglas that Indy had a good view of nothing but cloud vapor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun was well above the horizon now, and the fog seemed to glow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This should be the spot,\" Indy said. \"For all the good it does us. I can't see a thing down there. To be so close and—\"\n\n\"What happened to the sun?\" Ulla asked.\n\nThe fog in front of the aircraft had gone dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, suddenly, the cloud vapor cleared and Indy had a razor-sharp view of the sea—and of the nose of the Graf Zeppelin hovering above them, blocking out the sun and clearing the fog from an area the size of a football field with the wash from her engines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From his vantage point in the nose of the Penguin, Indy was close enough that he could see the astonished expressions on the faces of the passengers and crew in the glass-windowed control cabin, which was slung underneath the nose of the airship like a giant double chin.\n\n\"My God!\" Indy shouted into his microphone. \"Pull up, pull up! No, wait, don't pull up!\"\n\nThe Penguin dipped and throttled back but still passed close enough to the underside of the control cabin that Indy could see the cleats for the lines and the instructions printed in English and Portuguese for the benefit of foreign mooring crews." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they were past the cabin and sailing slowly beneath the belly of the leviathan, and Indy noticed that there was a kind of fighter plane he'd never seen before secured to a trapezelike mechanism amidships." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we found the zep,\" Blessant said calmly over the intercom as he pushed the Penguin down to within a few yards of the water. Indy gaped upward. The aft cargo hold was open in the Graf's belly, and from it a yellow canister swung from a slender cable. The canister was a few yards above an inflatable raft with a couple of men on board, and obviously had just been recovered. In as much time as it took Indy to recognize the scene in front of him, the Penguin had overtaken the raft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is going to be interesting,\" Ulla said as she drew her knees up and braced for impact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Confronted by the twin-engine bomber barreling at them, the men in the raft jumped overboard into the sea. Blessant pulled up and tried to veer away, but the starboard wingtip snagged the cable and the yellow canister vaulted into the sky.\n\nThe Penguin lurched to starboard from the drag of the cable while at the same time the canister was shot toward the wingtip as the slack in the cable was taken up. The canister wedged itself between the wing and the underslung fuel pod with a sickening crunch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the cable snapped, and the aircraft seemed to wallow through the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fuel began to spew into the sea from the ruptured tank.\n\nThe yoke was slammed backward into Blessant's hands.\n\n\"Throttle up!\" he shouted to Clarence as he struggled to push the yoke forward. \"We've got to get some airspeed or we're going to stall.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence slammed both throttles forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The port engine screamed, but on the starboard wing the engine backfired and began to sputter. The nose rose in the air as the Penguin chewed at the air and began a sickening spiral.\n\n\"Lean it out,\" Blessant ordered.\n\n\"I'm trying,\" Clarence said, adjusting the fuel mixture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The starboard engine coughed, as if clearing its throat, and then began to smooth out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within a few seconds it was at full power again.\n\nBlessant slammed the yoke forward and the aircraft skimmed the sea with its starboard wingtip before pulling back into the air. But they were still beneath the tail of the zeppelin. Indy saw the leading edge of one of the dirigible's stabilizing fins knifing toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the side of the fin was a huge black swastika in a red circle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you blind?\" Indy screamed. \"There's a swastika the size of my house coming right at us!\"\n\nThe Penguin rolled hard to the left, narrowly missing the massive fin, then whipped back to level.\n\nA moment later, when he discovered Penguin was still flying, Blessant shook his head and asked: \"Do we still have flight control?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've got one wingtip that's pretty boogered up, but the flaps and gizmos seem to be okay.\"\n\n\"Gizmos?\" Blessant asked.\n\n\"You know,\" Clarence said. \"Ailerons.\"\n\n\"We're dropping fuel like crazy from the starboard pod,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shut it off so it doesn't drain the rest of the wing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Check,\" Clarence said.\n\nBy the time Indy popped his head up from the nose compartment, the Graf Zeppelin was a shadow far behind them. \"I'm not sitting down there in the nose again,\" Indy ranted. \"What are you guys trying to do to me? Clarence, you did that last thing on purpose. Just wait until we get on the ground, I'm going to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Settle down, buddy,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody did anything on purpose. That was the purest example of luck I've ever seen. In the middle of nowhere we dang near crashed smack-dab into the most famous airship in the world, which would have killed us and thirty or forty people on board it. Probably would have started some kind of war, too. As it is, we're pretty lucky—maybe all we did was kill ourselves.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"Look out this here window,\" Clarence urged. \"You see that thing wedged under our wingtip and that stuff spilling out from the tank? That's our reserve fuel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The canister,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It won't fall off, will it?\"\n\n\"You've got some strange priorities, Jones,\" Clarence told him. \"Now you get back down there in the nose and plant your butt in the gunner's seat.\"\n\n\"I'm not going back down there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd better,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Graf Zeppelin just dropped a pursuit plane on our tail. Sparks and Sergeant Bruce will have to take the waist guns.\"\n\n\"I'll take one of the waist guns,\" Ulla offered as she climbed through the cockpit and went aft. In her excitement, her English began to deteriorate. \"Leave Sparks at the radio. Besides, I shoot good, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've got a really weird feeling,\" Indy said as he reluctantly dropped back down into the nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His companions, however, could not have guessed what that feeling was—it was the feeling he had had when he walked into the library of the British Museum and stared into the hypnotic eyes of Alecia Dunstin for the first time: a curious combination of fear and fascination.\n\nOn board the Graf Zeppelin, Alecia Dunstin pressed her hands against the cold panes of the observation window on the starboard side of the dining room and watched as the damaged American bomber passed out to sea.\n\n\"Indy,\" she whispered.\n\nReingold pulled her roughly back from the window, causing her red hair to spill over her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was wearing the black tunic of an officer, but devoid of any insignia except the lightning bolts at the collar and the red-and-gray piping of a specialist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the black velvet band of her cap was a grinning skull and crossbones, the Totenkopf of the SS.\n\nThe dark uniform made her eyes and skin look even paler.\n\n\"Don't get your hopes up,\" he said.\n\n\"Why shouldn't I?\" she asked, brushing her hair back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you're on the other side now,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For whatever reason, it was the right choice. It is the side that God Himself is on.\"\n\nAlecia crossed her arms.\n\n\"Wait till Indy gets his hands on you,\" she said.\n\n\"Ah, your talents are amazing,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was unsure myself whether Jones was on that aircraft, but your reaction leaves little doubt, doesn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was just a guess,\" she said. \"Not a divination.\"\n\n\"I know you better than that,\" Reingold said. \"You never guess. Your powers should prove quite useful in the coming struggle.\"\n\n\"The deal is off,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Once you make a deal with us,\" Reingold said, \"you can't back out. It's like a marriage—until death do us part.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached out and rubbed a strand of her hair between his finger and thumb. She slapped his hand away.\n\n\"We are near our goal,\" Reingold said. \"Too bad Dr. Jones won't be around to share your triumph. But I will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You promised you wouldn't hurt him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, we promised we would leave him alone,\" Reingold said. \"But now that he has come looking for us—well, that's another matter. Besides, we thought he was dead.\"\n\n\"You thought—\" Alecia stammered. \"You mean you agreed to leave him alone because you thought he was already dead?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reingold took a cigarette from his silver case, tapped it on the crystal of his watch, and put it in his mouth—but did not light it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he motioned toward the observation window, where the dirigible's fighter plane was thundering over the waves in pursuit of the bomber.\n\n\"We cannot allow this American gangster to jeopardize our well-laid plans,\" he said, \"or to get away with the canister, for that matter. I think it was a stroke of brilliance when our captain decided to hang an escort plane beneath our belly for this expedition, no?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write four sentences sentences in the style of Max McCoy spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fighter was an experimental Messerschmitt specially designed to be light enough to be dropped from a dirigible but fast enough—thanks to a growling, twelve-cylinder engine—to counter any potential threat to its mother ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had a top speed of 342 mph, a 34,450-foot ceiling, two machine guns, and two 20mm cannon. In short, it could fly rings around the Penguin. But because Germany was still forbidden to rearm by the Treaty of Versailles, only the Nazi leadership and the fledgling Luftwaffe knew of the existence of the prototype Messerschmitt Bf.l07a. About to join the circle of initiates, in a rather spectacular fashion, was the crew of the Penguin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within a few minutes the Messerschmitt had overtaken the Penguin, and as it streaked overhead Clarence muttered, \"What in the world was that? It must be doing three hundred miles an hour.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blessant keyed the intercom.\n\n\"Let's stay cool for a moment,\" he told the crew. \"Don't get trigger-happy. Let's see what their intentions are first.\"\n\nThe Messerschmitt slowed to let the Penguin catch up with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then it veered over and placed itself off the bomber's starboard wingtip, and Indy could see the pilot assessing the damage to the Penguin and radioing the information back to the Graf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy imagined that at least part of the conversation included the condition of the yellow canister wedged beneath the wingtip. As the fog and clouds grew thicker the Messerschmitt nudged even closer to the bomber.\n\n\"I can blow him right out of the sky where he sits,\" Sergeant Bruce commented as he lined up the sights of the fifty-caliber on the cockpit.\n\n\"Hold your fire,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sparks, can you get his frequency?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure,\" Sparks replied, dialing down the ten-meter band. \"But what good is it going to do us? I don't speak German.\"\n\n\"I do,\" Ulla called from the port gun.\n\n\"Coming right up,\" Sparks said. \"Got him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks piped the transmission over the cabin monitor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's advising that we are leaking fuel and that one of our landing skids is damaged,\" Ulla translated.\n\n\"News to me,\" Blessant said.\n\n\"Must have been the pop you heard during the dive,\" Clarence suggested.\n\n\"He's asking if he should bring us down,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now comes the answer, no, not over the water. They're afraid they would lose the canister. They want him to herd us over the ice, and then shoot us down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I blow him up now?\" Sergeant Bruce asked.\n\n\"No, not yet,\" Blessant said. \"Commander, this is your call.\"\n\nIndy swallowed and pressed the intercom button." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are our options?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not many,\" Blessant replied. \"No fuel to make it to a suitable landing spot. In fact, the valve on the starboard pod is screwed up and it's draining the rest of our fuel from that wing. We could take this Teutonic weasel out where he sits, but that wouldn't help our situation.\"\n\n\"If we're going down,\" Bruce said, \"we should at least take this clown with us.\"\n\n\"Wars have been started over less.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do we care?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bruce asked. \"We'll be dead anyway.\"\n\n\"Put a sock in it, Sergeant,\" Indy said. \"Nobody's dead yet. Nobody's going to die, not as long as we keep thinking. Sergeant, do we burn the same type of fuel that Richthofen here does?\"\n\n\"Sure do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we can make a safe landing on the ice, can you repair that leaking valve?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd put money on it.\"\n\nIndy swallowed.\n\n\"Okay, we need to get this clown to land on the ice with us somehow,\" Indy said. \"Ulla, I want you to talk to him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah,\" Indy said. \"Sparks, I want you to talk first. Act like you're searching for the right channel, so that we don't know what his real orders are. Then, when you've got him, act really relieved and hand the mike over to Ulla.\"\n\n\"What do you want me to say?\" she asked.\n\n\"Tell 'em we're sorry about the near collision, we were lost, and that we're real glad to see him. Really ham it up. Ask if he'll be good enough to follow us to the ice, where we intend to land and make repairs.\"\n\nUlla nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mayday, this is the twin-engine Douglas off your port wing,\" Sparks said, then adjusted the frequency." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mayday, I repeat, this is the American—\"\n\n\"Was?\" came the bewildered reply.\n\n\"Boy are we glad to see you!\"\n\n\"Wie bitte? Ich spreche kein Englisch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't speak American, is that it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks asked. \"Hold on, partner.\"\n\nHe traded places with Ulla.\n\n\"Hallo!\" Ulla said. \"Guten Tag.\"\n\nThere was no reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nice to see you,\" she continued in German." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're awfully sorry about the confusion back there, and it is awfully good of the Graf to have sent you out to check on us.\"\n\n\"Ja?\"\n\n\"As you can see, we have suffered some serious damage and are losing fuel at an alarming rate. We need to make repairs as quickly as possible. Would you be kind enough to follow us to the ice? We're planning to set down there and try to stem the flow of gasoline.\"\n\nUlla waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's switched to another channel to talk to the Graf,\" she said to Sparks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He knows they've heard the discussion, and he's not about to make a decision on his own.\"\n\nThe Messerschmitt pilot was back in a moment. He said he would be more than happy to follow them to the ice pack, which was only a hundred or so meters to the north. By the way, he asked, would the American bomber mind identifying itself?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the 23 Skidoo,\" Ulla said as she shrugged her shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're an American scientific expedition sent to study weather patterns in the Far North. We've been releasing radio balloons and were attempting to retrieve one of them when we crossed paths.\"\n\nHow many are on board? he asked.\n\n\"Six,\" Ulla said.\n\nThere was a pause." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would the American scientist Indiana Jones be among them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No!\" Indy shouted from the nose.\n\n\"Nein,\" Ulla said.\n\nThen who was in command?\n\n\"Why, I am,\" Ulla said, then paused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's actually a joint Danish-American expedition. I'm Dr. Ulla Tornaes. What's your name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pilot's name was Dieter.\n\nUlla signed off.\n\nTwenty minutes later, with the Messerschmitt still off their starboard wing, and with the skies beginning to clear, Blessant spotted the ice below them.\n\n\"Okay, Professor,\" he began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here's where it gets interesting. Is he going to let us land and then strafe the hell out of us, or is he going to take us in the air?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said, biting his knuckles. \"We need to get his plane on the ground with us in one piece, though. Ulla, get on the horn again and play to his fear of destroying the canister.\"\n\n\"All right.\" Ulla took up the microphone again.\n\n\"Dieter,\" she began in German, \"this yellow thing that is lodged under our wingtip—it is something the Graf would like to have back, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ja.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why don't you land with us and we can exchange it?\"\n\nDieter said ice landings were hazardous and that he was afraid to attempt it.\n\n\"Liar,\" Bruce said. \"He's planning to walk over our bodies in about ten minutes. Look at those oversized tires on that thing. It could land anywhere.\"\n\nThe Messerschmitt began to drop back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's getting ready to make his move,\" Blessant guessed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As soon as we're on the deck, he's going to nail us from behind. That way, they'll be sure not to lose the canister—even if we blow up, it's pretty safe on the wingtip.\"\n\n\"He'll be right behind us?\" Indy asked. \"Not higher?\"\n\n\"Not much,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His guns point the way his plane does.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's our altitude?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Hard to say,\" Blessant answered. \"The altimeter just went screwy all of a sudden. It says we're below sea level, but that can't be.\"\n\n\"Unless we're in a depression or something,\" Sparks suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What kind of depression do you find on ice floating in the ocean?\" Blessant asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Start looking for a nice clear spot to land,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Are you nuts?\" Clarence asked. \"It'll be a duck shoot for him. We can't get a clear shot. Besides, what about the landing gear?\"\n\n\"We need his plane in one piece,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you open the bomb bay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure, but why?\" Blessant asked.\n\n\"I don't have time to explain,\" Indy said. \"There's a good patch of ice up ahead. Nice and smooth. Head for it, and start dropping altitude. Open the doors when I tell you to.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need the parachutes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was growing impatient.\n\n\"All of them?\" Bruce asked.\n\n\"Just find them, will you?\"\n\n\"I think I know what you're getting at,\" Bruce said as he helped Indy gather up the parachutes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay,\" Indy said. \"When the doors open, you rip open your three and dump them and I'll dump mine. Try to get as big a pattern as you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're getting close to the deck,\" Blessant announced. \"Our boy has taken his position and is closing the gap. Here he comes.\"\n\nThere was the stutter of machine-gun fire in short bursts, followed by a pinging sound as the bullets found the top of the tail.\n\n\"He's got our range now,\" Blessant said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The next ones are going to be through the hull.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Open the doors,\" Indy ordered.\n\nA blast of cold air and snow filled the cabin of the bomber as crates of supplies and miscellaneous equipment fell from where they had been stacked around the bay. The ice streaked past below them. The engines throttled down to a near idle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Messerschmitt opened up again, and this time slugs began to spew around the Penguin like spray from a garden hose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through the open bomb bay, Indy could see tracer bullets falling toward the ice.\n\n\"Now!\" he shouted, and pulled the cord on the first parachute. \"Full throttle, Captain!\" The parachute was followed by a second, and a third, and then all of Bruce's chutes, while bullets began chewing at the tail of the bomber.\n\nThe parachutes billowed open in the prop wash from the bomber, and it seemed to the Messerschmitt pilot that he was suddenly confronted by a forest of giant silk mushrooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled up, missing the first two parachutes, but the third snagged on his landing gear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next hung on the cockpit of the Messerschmitt, then washed off, while the next two missed entirely.\n\nIndy grabbed the seventh and last parachute, pulled the cord, and tossed it down with a vengeance. It billowed open and blanketed the nose of the Messerschmitt, and as the propeller blades tried in vain to eat through the silk, the cords wound around the hub.\n\nThe Messerschmitt lost power and slammed into the ice, crushing the landing gear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It spun in a headlong circle on its belly while the machine guns continued to chatter, kicking up tufts of snow in a hundred-yard radius." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its propellor broke itself to pieces on the ice, and shards of the blade were thrown like shrapnel into the air.\n\nOver the radio, they could hear Dieter's last transmission—a long scream punctuated by the sound of grinding metal and breaking glass. Then the transmission ended abruptly as the last and largest piece of the three-bladed prop smashed into the front of the canopy.\n\nThen, after cutting its long groove in the ice, the Messerschmitt creaked to a stop and the guns were silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bingo!\" Sparks cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Close the doors,\" Indy ordered. \"Then circle around and land—away from the guns.\"\n\n\"What about our damaged landing gear?\" Clarence asked.\n\n\"Fly this thing, son,\" Indy said, brushing snow from his shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I brought you along for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Next time,\" Clarence said, \"you can just leave me at home.\"\n\nThe Penguin made an awkward but upright landing on the ice as the port landing gear sagged and groaned but held in a half-locked position. Before the engines had died, Indy drew his Webley and raced across the ice toward the rear of the downed Messerschmitt. When he clambered up on the wing and peeked inside the ruined canopy, he holstered his revolver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dieter was dead, having been decapitated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The edge of the propellor blade was buried deep into the seat back. Dieter's dead hands were frozen on the stick, his right index finger still squeezing the firing button.\n\n\"How is he?\" Ulla asked when Indy strode back to the bomber.\n\n\"Kaputt,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sergeant Bruce dropped down out of the hatch and onto the ice, followed by Sparks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Make sure your parkas are secure,\" Indy told them. \"The cold is our most immediate enemy now.\" Already, ice had begun to form around his mouth.\n\nBruce motioned for the bomber to taxi closer to the downed fighter, to make the transfer of fuel easier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy blinked hard at the white landscape around him, then realized his eyes were hurting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He brought a pair of dark goggles from the pocket of his parka and put them on.\n\nWhen the shadow of the starboard wing of the Penguin covered what was left of the Messerschmitt, Blessant cut the engines. Then he and Clarence dropped down from the hatch to help Bruce with the hoses and hand pumps.\n\n\"We'd better hurry if want to get back into the air before the Graf gets here,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sparks, do you have any idea where we are?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, sir,\" Sparks said. \"Compass readings are pretty much useless this far north. I could try to shoot an angle off the sun.\"\n\n\"Do it while we still can see it,\" Indy said. \"It looks like the clouds are going to swallow us up in short order.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy climbed on the wing of the Messerschmitt, where Clarence had knocked open the fuel door and was inserting a hose attached to one of the hand pumps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you have to use all of the chutes?\" Clarence asked.\n\n\"You'd look like poor Dieter there if I hadn't,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Your aim could have been a little better,\" Clarence mumbled. \"Why couldn't you have gotten him with the first chute instead of the last?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd complain if you won a million dollars,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hand me that crowbar and shut up.\"\n\nFrom the wing of the Messerschmitt, Indy was just high enough to reach over his head and jam the crowbar behind the yellow canister. He tugged a couple of times, and then put all his weight into it and hung from the crowbar.\n\nThe canister came loose, glanced off Indy's wounded arm, bounced off the wing of the Messerschmitt, and landed in the snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Holding his arm, Indy jumped down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The canister was badly dented and covered with rust, except for the shiny areas where it had been wedged up against the aircraft. The skull-and-crossbones warning, however, was still legible.\n\n\"Hey,\" Clarence said. \"That looks like a poison-gas canister from the Great War.\"\n\n\"That's what it looks like,\" Indy agreed as he drew back the crowbar and struck the end of the drum as hard as he could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence ducked as the lid sprang off and the canister rolled, emptying its contents out on the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amid the wires and vacuum tubes of the ruined transmitter was the Crystal Skull, which had spilled from its interior packing and was sitting upright on a patch of black cloth. A mesmerizing rainbow of arctic sunlight shimmered around it.\n\nIndy sighed and took off his goggles.\n\n\"Happy now?\" Ulla asked him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just then a dull rumble shook the ice, followed by a grinding sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then came a tremor that made them all struggle to keep their footing.\n\n\"What was that?\" Clarence asked.\n\n\"It's the ice,\" Ulla said. \"I think it's breaking up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's Sparks?\" Blessant asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nicholas is over there.\" Ulla pointed toward a ridge of ice about two hundred yards away, where Sparks stood with a sextant in his hand. \"He's trying to get a position on the sun.\"\n\nIndy fell to his knees in the snow and quickly wrapped the skull in the black cloth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he tossed it up to Clarence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want me to do with this?\" Clarence asked.\n\n\"Stow it someplace safe,\" Indy said. \"Inside the plane.\"\n\n\"Where're you going?\"\n\n\"To get Sparks,\" Indy called as he ran across the ice, Ulla behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time they reached the teenager, they were both breathing hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on,\" Ulla said, grabbing Sparks by the arm. \"We have to get back to the ship.\"\n\n\"Why?\" he asked. \"I've almost finished taking my readings, and you won't believe—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no time,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The ice pack is breaking up.\"\n\nThere was another rumble, followed by the shriek of ice buckling and a popping sound like cannon shots. A plume of white spouted at the far end of the field, marking the place where the ice was separating, and the tear spread its jagged fingers toward them.\n\n\"Hurry,\" Indy shouted. \"Run!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The break crossed their paths twenty yards ahead of them and moved quickly down the field, cutting them off from the Penguin and the rest of her crew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ice was lifted up so violently that the trio were thrown to the ground, and when they managed to get back to their feet they saw they were separated from their companions by a twenty-foot chasm with seawater at the bottom.\n\n\"This is bad,\" Indy observed.\n\n\"What do we do?\"\n\n\"Hey!\" Indy shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Throw us a line, something!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clarence scrambled over to his side of the ravine with a coil of rope, but the ever-widening tear was now forty feet across. The rope was only thirty feet long.\n\n\"Great,\" Indy said. \"Our side of the ice is drifting out to sea.\"\n\n\"Throw us some supplies, then,\" Ulla shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Food. Whatever you can find.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clarence and the others gathered what they could from the scattered supplies on the ice, and heaved them over the chasm, but only a fraction of the missiles landed on the other side. Most splashed into the frigid water between them.\n\n\"Okay,\" Indy shouted. \"We're just wasting equipment.\"\n\n\"What'll we do, boss?\" Clarence asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get the Penguin in the air,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then hightail it to the closest base and send a rescue party back after us. We can survive for a few hours.\"\n\n\"All right,\" Clarence said. \"Good luck!\"\n\nAs the massive ice floe drifted away they could see the silhouettes of Clarence and Blessant and Bruce waving to them, unwilling to turn their backs on their companions as they drifted away.\n\n\"All right,\" Ulla began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The first thing we need to do is to get organized. We each have the proper clothing, no? Keep your gloves and hoods and boots on at all times. Expose as little of your flesh to the weather as possible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll bet you could catch a killer cold up here,\" Sparks said.\n\n\"There are no colds here,\" Ulla said. \"It is too cold for the germs which spread the common cold to live. That should give you some idea of how really harsh the conditions are.\n\n\"Now, we need to make an inventory of our supplies. First, let's put them in piles—food, medicine, weapons, camp gear. Okay? Sparks, you collect the food and medicine, Indy will take care of the weapons, and I will assess the camp gear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few minutes later Indy said, \"We have no weapons, except these two hunting knives. And my revolver and my whip.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are the automatic rifles and such?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"I think we dropped them out of the bottom of the plane while we were fighting Dieter off.\"\n\n\"What a waste.\" Ulla shook her head. \"How much ammunition do you have?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five shots,\" Indy answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla nodded as she strapped on one of the hunting knives and gave the other to Sparks. \"Well, we'll have to save those for an emergency situation. What about food and medicine?\"\n\n\"We have five cans of beans,\" Sparks said, \"and they are frozen solid. A couple of them have busted open. We also have a tub of lard, a tin of sardines, and two Hershey bars. We have one standard camp medical kit, nothing fancy.\"\n\n\"Not bad, considering,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, for my report. We have two sleeping bags, a blanket, one white-gas stove with a small canister of fuel, a box of matches, and one small American flag.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No tent?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"No tent,\" Ulla said. \"But we can build igloos instead. I will show you how. It's tough work, but it will be worth it in order to have some protection from the elements.\"\n\n\"It could be worse,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ulla, do you have any idea how large this piece of ice might be?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's hard to tell,\" Ulla said. \"But I would say it is at least a quarter of a mile. When we get our camp established, one of us should carefully walk the perimeter to see.\"\n\n\"Sparks, did you manage to fix our position?\"\n\n\"That's what I was trying to tell you when the ice started to break,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fix I got from the sun doesn't make any sense at all. And look at the sun—look how red and strange it is. It's far above the horizon still, but it's like looking at a sunset, through layers of atmosphere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The position,\" Indy said.\n\n\"According to the fix I got, and my charts, we ought to be far below the Arctic Circle—like somewhere on the Norway coast. Obviously, we aren't.\"\n\n\"Can you explain that?\"\n\n\"No,\" Sparks said. \"But it's like we're on the lip of a huge—something—that's folding back into the earth. I know that's impossible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take another reading in a few more hours,\" Indy instructed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe you just made a mistake with the charts in the excitement after the landing.\"\n\n\"I beg your pardon, Dr. Jones,\" Sparks said, \"but I don't make mistakes with calculations. As a matter of fact, I find them strangely comforting.\"\n\n\"Try it again, anyway,\" Indy told him.\n\n\"With no radio,\" Sparks said, \"and on a moving block of ice, how are they ever going to find us again?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everybody up!\" Ulla called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Prepare your knives, or whatever else you can find to dig with. We are going to erect some proper shelter.\"\n\nSix hours later Indy lay exhausted inside the domeshaped igloo of snow and ice while Sparks warmed a can of beans over the little stove. He reached for the tin of sardines and was about to open them when Ulla snatched them away.\n\n\"I was going to share.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked a little wounded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These will serve us better as bait,\" Ulla said. \"I can fashion a hook and we have some cord here to use as line. Maybe we can catch a fish that will feed us all day instead of just for an hour.\"\n\n\"You've done this before, haven't you?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"Not exactly under these conditions,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But yes, at various places around the world, my survival has often depended upon making the right choices at the right times.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's that American flag?\" Indy asked, still smarting a little from Ulla's reprimand.\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I'm going to plant it on top of the igloo, to help whoever is searching for us,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can think, too, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Indy had crawled outside with the flag, Ulla leaned over to Sparks. \"Men!\" she scoffed. \"You must be careful not to bruise their egos too much. I was going to put the flag up myself, but we'll let Indy do it. It may make him feel better.\"\n\n\"Gee,\" Sparks said, and bit his lower lip so he wouldn't cry. \"You have anything to make me feel better?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla put her arms around him and hugged him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry, Nicholas,\" she soothed. \"If you want to cry a little bit, if that will help, then go ahead. But we're going to get out of this all right. We just have to keep thinking, keep working, and above all not give up hope.\"\n\nIn three days the food was almost gone, and Ulla had caught only one fish with the sardines from the tin. Indy had scouted for a quarter of a mile in either direction from their camp, but could see no end to the huge block of ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's time we moved,\" he said when he returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we would be better to stay here,\" Sparks said.\n\n\"There's nothing left here,\" Indy said. \"We're out of food. We need to go on a foraging expedition. I have my revolver, and you can put your knife on the end of the flagstaff to make a spear.\"\n\n\"But shouldn't we stay here so they can find us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nicholas...\" Ulla sighed. \"It's been seventy-two hours and we have heard no noise, no airplanes overhead. If the Penguin did get off the ice and send a rescue plane back, they obviously don't know where to look. Now is the time to move.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks nodded and began packing his things.\n\nThey set out toward the south, and for the next twelve discouraging hours they saw nothing but snow and ice. The monotony of the empty plateaus was occasionally broken by dangerous crevasses of glittering blue, sometimes with green seawater at the bottom.\n\n\"Have you noticed something odd?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"The sun hasn't set. I know the day up here is something like twenty hours long, but in the three or four days we've been here it hasn't gotten dark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isn't this the land of the midnight sun?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"Yes,\" Ulla answered, \"but it doesn't stay light all day until the summer solstice, June twenty-first. We haven't been up here that long.\"\n\nThey continued marching, growing ever more tired. After three more hours of the grueling trek, Sparks sat down dejectedly in the snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're lost,\" he moaned, his chin in his gloved hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We may be lost, but we re still alive,\" Indy reminded him. \"Come on, let's go. You can't just sit here, you'll freeze to death. We have to keep moving. Just a little while longer, all right?\"\n\n\"Oh, all right,\" Sparks snapped. \"You sound like my father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Ulla paused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll take that as a compliment,\" Indy said.\n\nThe three trudged on. Two hours later they spotted a clump of dark bundles on the ice, and their hope gave them strength. As they approached, however, their spirits again plummeted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a campsite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A half-dozen corpses lay strewn about, and the carcasses of many more dogs, some still hitched to their sledges. Most of the bodies were covered in snow and a sheet of ice, but a couple of the men were still inside their rotting tents. Their heads, feet, and hands were bundled in rags. They looked as if they had simply lain down to go to sleep—until you noticed their noses, which had turned black and fallen away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why aren't they skeletons?\" Sparks asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Putrefaction is caused by microbes inside the body,\" Indy explained, kneeling down to inspect one of them. \"The cold keeps them dormant. Well, we have a knife here, and a rifle—but I'm afraid it's useless. The cold, it seems, hasn't stopped the rusting process.\"\n\n\"You can't be thinking of robbing their bodies?\" Sparks gasped in horror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure if they could speak, they would say we were welcome to whatever could be of use,\" Ulla rationalized as she began to pick through one of the sledges." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are they?\" Sparks asked.\n\nIndy knelt down and inspected one of the victims. The revolver in his belt was of the percussion variety, and beneath his heavy coat, his clothes were decidedly Victorian. On one of the sledges was tacked a large flag, and although it was heavy with ice, Indy could discern the pattern of the Union Jack beneath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"British, probably mid-nineteenth century,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd say they were attempting to find the Northwest Passage. Probably the Lord Dwyden expedition.\"\n\n\"You mean these guys are nearly a hundred years old?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"The gentleman over there with the muttonchops is Lord Dwyden himself, more than likely,\" Indy said. \"Sparks, why don't you make a quick survey of the site, and attempt to mark its location by dead reckoning from where we left the Penguin. This is of historical significance.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right,\" Sparks said, a little awed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took out his notebook and paused. \"How do you want—\"\n\n\"Make a note of the location of each of the bodies, and of the sledges, and of the dogs. If you're up to it, you may poke around the bodies and see if you can get a name from each one. The least we can do is to notify their families back in Britain.\"\n\n\"You mean their descendants,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They look like they all died at about the same time. Isn't that kind of strange? Do you think it was disease, or what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or what,\" Indy said. \"I'd say they died from vitamin A poisoning.\"\n\n\"How can you tell that?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"It's a logical guess,\" Indy explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the early days of arctic exploration, people were in the habit—when their sledges grew lighter and they no longer needed as many dogs—of eating the surplus.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ech!\" Sparks was horrified.\n\n\"They used Huskies to pull these sledges, but what they didn't know was that the husky stores an incredible amount of vitamin A in its liver,\" Indy said. \"The liver was considered a particularly tasty and nutritious part of the dog. After a few dozen meals of husky, you ended up with vitamin A poisoning and died.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I like dogs,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I read about them. I'm named after a dog, after all.\"\n\n\"Now you're pulling our collective legs,\" Ulla said.\n\n\"Nope.\" Indy shook his head. \"I adopted my own nickname. It drove my father nuts.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's your real name?\" Sparks asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When we get out of this,\" Indy said, \"I promise to tell you.\"\n\n\"I won't count on finding out, then,\" Sparks said. His discouragement had returned. \"I'm afraid we're going to end up like these guys, and somebody will come along in a hundred years and say, 'What a shame—they didn't know that the combination of Hershey bars and sardines is fatal at arctic temperatures.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then it's a good thing I used them for bait,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sparks is clever even when he's whining,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Have you found anything useful?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"Maybe,\" Indy said. \"Lots of bear skins. Most of them are pretty ratty, but some we can use. Candles. Half a jug of whiskey.\"\n\nIndy uncorked the whiskey and took a sniff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ugh,\" he said. \"I don't know what this has turned to, but it's not drinkable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, take the candles. We can eat the tallow if we have to. And I think this sledge is in pretty good shape,\" Ulla said. \"The runners are good, the harness is in one piece, and the wood seems strong enough. Two of us could pull it while the third one rides. We could take turns.\"\n\n\"Good idea.\" Indy brought the bear skins over and piled them on the sledge. \"Sparks, I said you'd be able to rest soon. Sir, I give you your throne, at least until the next shift.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Swell,\" Sparks said, plopped down on the sledge, and covered himself with the skins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there anything else we can use?\" Ulla asked.\n\nIndy thought for a moment. \"I don't think so. Most of this stuff is pretty far gone. But I took the poles from the tents, thinking we could use them for spears or to pitch our own tents with the bear skins.\"\n\nUlla took up half of the harness and threw the other half to Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's go,\" she announced." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait,\" Sparks said. \"Don't you think we ought to say something? Like a prayer or something?\"\n\nIndy paused.\n\n\"Sparks is right,\" he said.\n\n\"May I?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be my guest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla took the knife from her belt and held the blade aloft.\n\n\"We give thanks to the Old Ones who have given us a thirst for life and have allowed us to drink deeply of one more day! We give thanks to the Dead Ones who have graciously shared their possessions to ease our journey! We give thanks to this vast and inhospitable world for the opportunity to test ourselves and know ourselves better than the timid ones who cower at home by their fires! And finally we give thanks to our enemies, for without them our swords would not gleam so bright nor our hearts beat so strong!\"\n\n\"Wow,\" Sparks said. \"I was thinking of the Lord's Prayer, but that was swell, just the same. I'll have to try to remember that one to tell my pastor back in Iowa.\"\n\n\"Ready?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mush!\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're not getting my whip,\" Indy said.\n\nThey made better time with the sledge, but it was strenuous going for the two \"dogs.\" It wasn't long before Indy's back and calves began to ache, but since Ulla didn't complain, he wasn't about to mention it. Six hours later, when he couldn't stand the pain anymore, he sat down in the snow beside the sledge and rested his back against it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought you would never stop,\" Ulla panted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, buddy,\" he said as he shook Sparks awake. His lips were so blistered it was hard for him to speak. \"It's your turn to be the dog. Let Ulla rest for a spell.\"\n\n\"I'm fine,\" Ulla said painfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her cheeks were sun-and wind-burned, and her lips were even more blistered than Indy's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know you're as tired as I am,\" Indy said. \"One of us has to rest first. It might as well be you.\"\n\n\"Oh, all right,\" Ulla grumbled as she gave up the harness and took Sparks's place in the sledge.\n\n\"Do you smell the sea?\" the teenager asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been thinking that myself for the last half hour,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But there's so much frost up my nose I wasn't sure.\"\n\n\"It's definitely the sea,\" Sparks said as he struggled into the harness. \"And the terrain has gotten a bit hillier, too. Sort of like sand dunes, only made out of snow.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Indy agreed. \"It makes it a little harder to pull the sledge up one side, but we kind of slide down the other.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After twenty minutes of pulling, Indy's legs felt like rubber and Sparks was sweating profusely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's take a break,\" Indy suggested. \"Be careful to wipe the sweat off your eyelashes, or your eyes will freeze shut. It's happened to me a couple of times already. And I think my nose is getting frostbitten.\"\n\nSparks nodded as he leaned against the sledge.\n\nUlla sat up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you hear that sound?\"\n\n\"What sound?\"\n\n\"Shush.\" She placed a finger to her lips. \"Don't move, don't speak.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Barely audible, the sound of something moving across the ice behind them, behind the last dune, reached their ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would take a few steps, snort, and then take a few more steps. It sounded like a moose or some other big animal. Then it growled, a low, frightening sound, and there was no doubt.\n\n\"Polar bear,\" Ulla whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, you had better get your revolver out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're kidding,\" he said.\n\n\"No, I'm not,\" Ulla said. \"I thought it had been tracking us for the last half mile or so, but I wasn't sure. They have a keen sense of smell, and when they're hungry they will eat just about anything.\"\n\nIndy drew the Webley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps it's a small one,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then we'll have something fresh to eat.\"\n\n\"And if it's a big one?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"The handgun won't stop it,\" Ulla said. \"And we can't run away from it. It can run at about thirty-five miles per hour forever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The top of the bear's white head loomed above the dune, sniffing the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its coarse fur was matted and its muzzle was flecked with the dried blood of its last meal.\n\n\"It's been hunting seal,\" Ulla said. \"But it still looks hungry. It's going to charge us in just a few seconds. Indy, you put as many shots as you can into it.\"\n\n\"Where do I aim?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The skull is too thick for your little gun,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My little gun?\" Indy asked, holding up the Webley.\n\n\"A thirty-eight will do little more than make it angry,\" Ulla said. \"But it's all we've got, I suppose. If we're lucky the bear will stand up—they usually do when they're about to attack—so they can use their front paws to tear you apart. Then shoot as if you're shooting to kill a man—the heart, the lungs. But lower, beneath the shoulders.\" The bear climbed up on top of the dune, stretching its long neck toward them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It bared its teeth, shook its head, and growled again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then it paused, apparently unsure of its next move.\n\n\"My god, it must weigh a thousand pounds.\"\n\n\"More,\" Ulla said. \"Some say that the polar bear can be bigger even than the Kodiak.\"\n\n\"Maybe it'll go away,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It won't.\" Ulla had her knife in her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sparks, be ready to use your spear if it charges you. If it charges Indy or me, you just run as fast as you can.\"\n\nThe bear came loping down the dune toward them, snarling, with its head down. Its fat stomach rolled from side to side as it walked. Its fangs were bared and the claws on its front paws gleamed like black razors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took aim, holding the Webley in both hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet,\" Ulla whispered. \"Wait.\"\n\nThe bear roared, then stood up on its hind feet. It was nearly twice the height of a man. It was thirty yards away, and Indy took aim at an imaginary target the size of a pie plate in the center of its rib cage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He fired twice, in quick succession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bear rolled over to one side on the snow, bellowing in anger.\n\n\"You got him,\" Sparks said.\n\nThen the bear got up and charged directly at them. Indy got off one more shot, which struck the bear in the center of the skull, but it had no effect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had two rounds left, and he was planning on saving them until the bear had him in its paws, when he would jam the Webley into its mouth and pull the trigger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment a report that sounded like a cannon blast echoed across the snow and the bear was knocked sideways, ten yards away from the sledge. Another shot came as the bear tried again to rise, and this time particles of its skull and brains were scattered across the snow. The bear gave one last defiant look at its intended prey, then collapsed.\n\n\"Where did that come from?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla pointed at the ridge of a dune two hundred yards behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A hunter was standing on top, a heavy rifle in his hands.\n\n\"What's he carrying, a howitzer?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Bear gun,\" Ulla said. \"Fifty-caliber or better.\"\n\n\"Like I said, that's a cannon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hunter shouldered his weapon and walked down the dune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a big, barrel-chested man dressed in bear skins—even his hat was made of bear skin—and he had wild hair and a full, graying beard.\n\n\"One of your Viking ancestors?\" Indy asked.\n\nThe man smiled and gestured toward the fallen bear while he chatted with Ulla.\n\n\"He wants me to have the honor of the kill,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took her knife and cut off one of the bear's ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An aficionado,\" Indy remarked.\n\nSparks blinked, and then fell to the snow, vomiting. Nothing much but water came out.\n\nIndy pulled him up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gentlemen,\" Ulla said. \"I would like to present our rescuer, Captain Gunnar Erickson. He says he has been tracking this bear for most of the day, and that he was happy because he had almost decided to give up and go back to his boat—in which case he would not have gotten his trophy, and we would have lost our lives.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His boat?\" Sparks asked excitedly. \"He has a boat?\"\n\nUlla spoke with the man briefly in Danish, then smiled.\n\n\"Yes, it is only a mile or so away,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The boat is one of the wooden bear-hunting vessels manufactured by my father's company. Gunnar says we are welcome to the hospitality of the Berserker, although it is small and quarters will be cramped. He will understand if we prefer to go our own way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is he kidding?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"He's trying to be polite,\" Ulla explained. \"He knows we cannot afford to turn down his offer, but he doesn't want to treat us like beggars, either.\"\n\n\"Doesn't berserk mean crazy?\" Sparks asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Ulla said. \"It means one who wears the bear shirt, one who takes the fighting spirit of the bear in battle. The word has been misunderstood for centuries.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell Gunnar that we will be delighted to accompany him,\" Indy said. \"And please commend him on his marksmanship. \"\n\nUlla did as she was asked; then Gunnar replied, and she frowned.\n\n\"The captain says he is sorry that he doesn't speak English so that he may talk man to man instead of having to communicate by way of an excitable and possibly inaccurate female.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy suppressed a laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm glad you find it amusing,\" Ulla said. \"Oh, by the way—there is only one problem.\"\n\n\"What's that?\"\n\n\"Gunnar's lost,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's been sailing farther and farther north tracking bears, and has been following a rocky, barren shoreline where the currents don't make sense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That sounds familiar,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Does he have a radio?\" Sparks asked.\n\nUlla repeated the question in Danish.\n\n\"No,\" she translated. \"He doesn't trust any disembodied voice. He says he hears enough voices when he is alone anyway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar field-dressed his kill and loaded it on the sledge, and all of them pulled for a quarter of a mile to a spot where a dinghy was beached upside down on the ice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Sparks helped Gunnar slide the boat off the ice into the water, and when it was fully loaded, they abandoned the sledge and Gunnar began rowing through the billowing fog.\n\n\"I hope he knows where he's going,\" Sparks said.\n\n\"Of course he does,\" Ulla told him. \"Look.\"\n\nShe pointed to where a green light glowed in the mist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Berserker was a twin-masted schooner with a bleached bear's skull nailed to its prow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hull was made of South American evergreen sheathing three-inch oak planks, and the entire ship was rounded, with a flat bottom, so that it would rise upon the ice instead of being crushed by it. The decks and sides were insulated with cork and reindeer hair so the interior remained warm and dry, and for the times when the wind was not generous, in the aft hold was a six-cylinder gasoline engine to provide power.\n\n\"She was designed after the Fram,\" Ulla explained as Indy helped her over the side and onto the ice-covered deck. \"In the 1890s, Nansen tried to reach the Pole by letting a specially designed ship, the Fram, drift with the ice. He came very close, but did not make it. He and his ship, however, returned unscathed. This ship is about half the size of Nansen's, of course, but the principle is the same.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's marvelous,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is she, a sixty-footer?\"\n\n\"A little less,\" Ulla said. \"And twenty feet at the beam.\"\n\nThey went below, and Gunnar began to boil water for coffee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks removed his gloves and parka, then tried to take off his boots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were a frozen mass of ice, and he had to hold them near the stove until they had thawed enough for him to undo the laces. Finally he got them off, peeled away his wet socks, and then a feeling like pins and needles in his feet quickly escalated to something that felt more like fire.\n\n\"Aw,\" Sparks said, \"what's happening?\"\n\n\"It's your circulation.\" Ulla sat down next to him and inspected one foot while Indy took the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks's feet were an angry red, and there were white spots on the ends of most of his toes, and on his soles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid you've gotten frostbitten,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Am I going to lose my toes?\"\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"Not unless gangrene sets in. But you don't look all that bad. I've seen worse. A little skin and flesh may slough off, though.\"\n\n\"Will it grow back?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hopefully,\" Indy said. \"Ulla, can you get us a pan of warm water? Not hot, just warm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A small price to pay for being alive,\" Sparks said.\n\n\"You're getting tougher,\" Ulla said as she drew the water.\n\n\"I have to be to run with your crowd,\" Sparks said.\n\nShe brought the pan and Sparks placed his feet in it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll see if Gunnar has anything for the pain,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then Indy and I had better look at our own feet. I'm sure they don't look any better.\"\n\nGunnar went to the cabinet and offered whiskey or aspirin. Ulla took the aspirin and Gunnar took a shot of the whiskey before replacing it.\n\n\"Gunnar says we can try some bear steak for dinner,\" Ulla told them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He says that it is unwise for us to eat too much at once, however—one must become acclimated to the peculiar, oily flesh of the polar bear. And, he adds, bear steak is all that he's got.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then bear steak it is.\" Indy gave the aspirin and a cup of coffee to Sparks.\n\n\"Ugh,\" Sparks said. \"More coffee.\"\n\n\"Drink it,\" Indy urged. \"It's warm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks took a sip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It needs about a ton of sugar,\" he said.\n\nIndy turned to Ulla.\n\n\"Ask Gunnar about the shoreline.\"\n\nUlla did as he requested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gunnar says you will see much of it,\" she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately one sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As it turns out, at the moment he is out of gasoline for the motor, the sails are frozen to the spars, and the Berserker is drifting at the mercy of the current...\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Max McCoy" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indiana Jones leaned over the ice-covered railing and stared at the dark shore shrouded in mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fingers of his right hand slipped inside his parka and felt the stone that was on the thong around his neck, and he thought of Baldwin.\n\n\"It's getting warmer,\" Ulla observed.\n\n\"I was thinking that myself,\" Indy said. \"A few more degrees, and maybe we can peel the sails away from the spars.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And then what?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We seem to be in a dead calm. Gunnar isn't even at the wheel anymore; he's just letting the boat drift along with the current. Besides, how would we know which direction to go until we can get a glimpse at the stars?\"\n\nIndy shrugged.\n\n\"How's Sparks?\" he asked.\n\n\"Still sleeping,\" Ulla replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good. He needs it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment Gunnar approached, his boots pounding on the deck. He came over and leaned on the rail between Indy and Ulla. He had a knife in one hand and a piece of nearly raw meat in the other, which he offered to the couple.\n\n\"No thanks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla took a chunk of the meat and began chewing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as tough as a leather boot.\n\nGunnar began to talk quietly with Ulla.\n\n\"What's he saying?\"\n\n\"Gunnar is telling me I have too much spirit to be a woman, that the gods must have made a mistake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled. \"He says that when the Valkyries come for the chosen ones, those who will help the Old Ones fight the last battle against chaos, I will be among them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ragnarok,\" Gunnar said.\n\n\"The Doom of the Gods,\" Indy said. \"When the bifrost bridge appears and the stars fall from the sky.\"\n\n\"So you know the story?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've read the Icelandic Eddas,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And the Volsungs. When the trumpet blows announcing doomsday, the rainbow bridge that leads to Asgard, the home of the gods, will appear. The last battle with evil will take place, and then the stars will fall, and the earth will sink beneath the sea.\"\n\n\"It is an interesting thought.\" Ulla smiled again. \"Perhaps I will be there—a single woman in a legion of men, the bravest sons of the earth. I don't know which of the traditional weapons I would prefer. No sword nor ax for me. Poetry, I think, would be my weapon.\"\n\n\"Poetry?\" Indy looked surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would count each man that falls and compose a verse for him,\" she explained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she began to sing: \"Wealth dies, kinsmen die, a man himself must likewise die. But one thing I know that never dies—the verdict on each man dead.\"\n\n\"And each woman?\" Indy asked.\n\nShe nodded. \"In my version.\"\n\n\"Does it bother you being constantly compared to men?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy asked. \"I mean, even in your religion there are only places for men. Women are either harpies who pick over the battlefields or are the barmaids of the gods.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But some of the most powerful gods are women,\" Ulla said. \"It is a complex belief system. What bothers me most is the way people treat me in this life, as some kind of freak.\"\n\n\"I've never thought of you in that way.\"\n\nUlla shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Life is hard. The power of the gods is not eternal, Dr. Jones. It will end, as all things end. Ragnarok truly is the herald of doom.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you believe that?\"\n\n\"What do you believe?\" Ulla said.\n\n\"I think there is truth in all of the old stories,\" Indy said. \"Most civilizations have creation myths which are amazingly similar, and there were saviors who died and were resurrected long before Christianity adopted the notion. Your god Odin wounded himself with his spear and hung for nine days on the Tree of Woe and was renewed. In the process he became the master of the runes, of reading and writing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Ulla said, \"but the afterlives are different. In Christianity the savior redeems the world, while in my belief system the world is unredeemable. Evil is destined to win the final battle. What matters isn't faith, but courage in the face of certain defeat. That is the only reward. After that—oblivion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is a depressing prospect.\"\n\n\"Not really.\" Ulla looked at him, her eyes alight. \"It wonderfully concentrates the mind on the moment, and gives value to our actions as momentary events, instead of bargaining chips for the next life. That is why I prefer to think of myself as an adventurer, a person of action instead of contemplation.\"\n\nIndy smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla folded down her hood and gazed at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a handsome man,\" she said. \"That is saying something, because I am not usually attracted by men. And I know by the way that you sometimes look at me that you think I am not unattractive, either.\"\n\n\"How could I not?\" Indy said. \"Not only are you smart and strong, but you are beautiful as well. A very rare combination in any individual.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then perhaps we shouldn't allow this moment to pass,\" Ulla suggested as she gripped his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sparks is asleep, and Gunnar doesn't care what we do as long as we don't sink his boat.\"\n\nShe kissed him, cautiously, because their lips were still blistered.\n\n\"Ulla.\" Indy touched her face. \"I care for you, but in the way I care for my other friends. Your suggestion is tempting, but it would change our friendship in a way that neither of us is prepared to handle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was just suggesting an hour's pleasure,\" she murmured sullenly, and pushed him away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I mean, if we're about to be sucked into this thing that your old friend said was waiting for us, why not? I wouldn't mind it. But I wasn't asking to have your babies. The very idea is revolting.\"\n\n\"Well, you know I'm—\"\n\n\"I know, in love with the redheaded sybil on the Graf,\" Ulla said, and made a face. \"You're very straitlaced, Jones. Sex must scare you a lot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About as much as snakes,\" he snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Scared of snakes, too? Hah! No sexual overtones there, huh? A psychoanalyst would have a field day with your head. I'll bet you can't bring yourself to eat an apple, either.\"\n\n\"I like apples just fine,\" Indy said. \"Ripe, red, juicy ones. Sometimes I have two or three a day.\"\n\nDown the rail, Gunnar was laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought he didn't speak any English.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was clearly annoyed.\n\n\"He doesn't,\" Ulla said. \"He's just enjoying our fight. But maybe we ought to let him in on the discussion so he can appreciate its true richness.\"\n\nIndy looked up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shush,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"Engine noise.\"\n\n\"Don't try to distract me.\"\n\n\"I'm not,\" Indy insisted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hear something, and if you would shut up for two seconds and listen, you'd hear it as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla scanned the clouded sky.\n\n\"Is it the Penguin?\" she asked hopefully.\n\n\"No,\" Indy said. \"It's over there, off the port bow. A big shadow in the clouds.\"\n\n\"The Graf,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're searching.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe they'll pick us up.\"\n\n\"They can't even see us,\" Indy said. \"The weather's too thick. And even if they did pick us up, they'd probably torture us before shooting us and pitching us over the side.\"\n\n\"Well, it'd be better than sitting here on this little boat with you,\" Ulla concluded, and went to the cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar laughed again and patted Indy on the shoulder as he followed her down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The current quickened now and the Berserker was drawn inexorably into the rugged bay, where her hull bumped and ground against a dozen rocks. Gunnar and his passengers managed to push her clear each time with poles and oars, but even though they managed to save the ship, they couldn't stop her headlong rush toward the mouth of the river on the dark shore. The river was dark and wide and flowing inward, and as they drifted, the weather grew increasingly warmer and the rest of the ice fell from the decks and masts. At one point Gunnar unfurled the sails and attempted to check their progress, but there was no wind and the attempt simply made the little boat swirl dangerously in the middle of the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The weather was worsening as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clouds became even darker, and blotted out the sun. For the first time in days they were in darkness. Up ahead they could make out the dim outlines of a smoldering red peak, but never could they get a clear view of their destination.\n\n\"I wish I had some proper equipment,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A radio transmitter, or a compass that worked, or even a theodolite. I keep checking the barometer in the cabin, but it just keeps rising with the storm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no way to fix our position?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Not without the sun or the stars,\" Sparks said. \"If there's no landmass under the arctic ice, then where are we? You don't have rivers running over the ice, and from what I can see of the terrain, it's solid rock. Maybe we're lost in some fjord in Norway.\"\n\n\"I don't think so, Sparks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy patted the boy's shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they neared the smoky peak the river began to run faster and the clouds closed down upon them. Rain lashed over the deck and lightning streaked around them, sometimes hitting the shore and reducing a boulder to so much smoking rubble. Around the tops of the masts the eerie blue light of Saint Elmo's fire danced and bobbed.\n\n\"This is too weird for me,\" Sparks commented as he hung desperately to the rail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My mother was right. I should never have joined the service. This isn't worth twenty-three dollars a month.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar looked at him and nodded, understanding the sentiment intuitively but not the specific words of the boy. The captain tamped his pipe, lit it, and murmured something in Danish.\n\n\"What'd he say?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"You don't want to know,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on, tell us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, our captain believes that we're all dead,\" she explained. \"He thinks it happened when he picked us up after killing the polar bear—he doesn't know how, exactly, but he presumes that the boat sank and we all drowned since we're still together—and that we have sunk to the netherworld.\"\n\n\"In other words,\" Indy said, \"he thinks we're in hell.\"\n\n\"You got it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they spoke Gunnar began distributing pieces of rope to each of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's this for?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"He's telling us to lash ourselves to the masts,\" Ulla said. \"The river is running too fast, and he says we are bound to be smashed to bits on the rocks at the base of the mountain, or blasted to bits by the lightning. He says the three of us can decide to jump off, if that's what we want, but he doesn't have a choice. He's the captain, and he's determined to go down with his ship.\"\n\n\"Jumping off would be suicide,\" Sparks observed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess it depends on your perspective,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It doesn't make much difference, unless you think we're still alive.\"\n\n\"My vote's for alive,\" Indy said. \"And I'm still the leader of this expedition, so that's your vote, too.\"\n\n\"You've done a helluva job so far, Commander,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which mast do you want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Ulla tied themselves to the forward mast while Sparks secured himself to the aft one. Gunnar lashed himself to the wheel pedestal, in some vain attempt to retain control over his ship.\n\nThe river had turned into a ribbon of whitecaps. The boat continued to pick up speed until the wind whipping through the lines made a whistling sound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The glowing mountain peak was above them now, and at any second they expected the Berserker to be dashed against the rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy closed his eyes against the spray coming over the bow, and Ulla squirmed uncomfortably against the ropes. Sparks began to recite the Lord's Prayer, while Gunnar gritted his teeth and chewed on the stem of his long-cold pipe.\n\nThe ship pitched forward, as if to slam against the side of the mountain, but instead was swept into a tunnel that could not be seen through the storm outside. The tops of the masts were snapped off like pencils by the roof of the chasm, and lines and spars came crashing down onto the deck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They seemed to hang in the air for a moment, as if on the lip of a waterfall, and then the Berserker hurtled downward in the darkness, trailing its wreckage behind it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no light in the shaft, and all had the sensation they were swirling down a gigantic drain.\n\nSparks screamed.\n\nAt the bottom of the shaft the little ship struck an underground lake with such force that she dove deep beneath the surface. The water surged over the decks with an explosive fury that nearly knocked Indy out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tied by his hands around the mast, he could feel his body twisting helplessly in the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But thanks to her watertight hull, the Berserker shot back to the surface like a cork.\n\nIndy gasped.\n\nIt was perfectly still in this new pool of water. He took his pocketknife and cut himself clear of the mast, then freed Ulla." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you all right?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gagged and threw up some water.\n\n\"I'll take that for a yes,\" he said.\n\nThen Indy crawled aft, where he found Sparks unconscious but alive. He and Gunnar untied him and laid him on the deck, which was listing badly to port." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How are you, Captain?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar smiled and showed him a wrist that had obviously been broken while he was attempting to control the wheel. The bones were protruding through the skin.\n\n\"Ulla,\" Indy called. \"Gunnar's injured. We have to take care of it right away.\"\n\nUlla staggered back to the wheel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this thing going to stay afloat?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said. \"It looks pretty badly beaten up.\"\n\n\"Wait until I see my father and tell him about the shoddy workmanship on his bear-hunting boats,\" Ulla said. \"Would an even deck be too much to ask for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With that, she went off to retrieve the whiskey from the cabin, then poured it over Gunnar's wound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, while Indy held a rope attached to Gunnar's right hand and pulled, she delicately pushed the bones of the forearm back beneath the skin.\n\nGunnar groaned and bit the stem of his pipe in two.\n\n\"We're not done yet.\" Ulla smiled. \"I have to feel around a little more and make sure the ends match. Indy, I need a little pressure this time, just enough to—there, that's it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar's eyelids fluttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, get me some sheets from below so we can bandage his arm up. It wouldn't be much of a splint, but it's the best we can do right now.\"\n\nThen Ulla took the whiskey and turned to Sparks. She held his head while she poured a little of the beverage into his mouth.\n\nHe coughed and sputtered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How are you?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know I'm not dead,\" the boy said. \"I hurt too much. My head feels like it's been hit with a baseball bat.\"\n\n\"You've got a pretty good-sized lump on your forehead,\" Ulla confirmed. \"I think one of the spars might have caught you a glancing blow when they gave way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Indy came back on deck from the cabin, Sparks told him to look up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There, framed in the volcanic throat of the mountain, which glowed with flecks of lava, was a sky full of stars. And floating peacefully among the stars was the dark cigar-shaped outline of the Graf Zeppelin.\n\n\"I'm not getting it.\" Sparks grimaced. \"If the sun never sets up here, then how can we see the stars? Maybe it's like being at the bottom of a well. They say you can see the stars at noon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think so,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That well thing is a myth. Maybe we're just in that two hours of darkness each day. That one star up there has to be the North Star. See it, just about dead center above us?\"\n\n\"That makes calculations easy,\" Sparks said. \"Latitude ninety degrees. As fantastic as it sounds, we have to be at the North Pole—or awfully close to it.\"\n\n\"No, we're not at the pole,\" Indy said. \"We're under it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks whistled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Swell,\" he said. \"How do you think the zep got through the storm?\"\n\n\"They didn't go through it,\" Indy said. \"They sailed over it. We took the hard way.\"\n\n\"And this is what they've been looking for all along?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded. \"It's the entrance to something,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not exactly sure what, but something.\"\n\nSuddenly the hair on the back of his neck and arms bristled. \"Hey, do you feel that?\" he asked.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Sparks said. \"It feels like some kind of electrical discharge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A nebulous rainbow of colors began to form in the night sky above them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the rainbow started to rotate, then it shot down and illuminated the interior of the volcano in a celestial light. The four voyagers were bathed in a mixture of blue and green and rose. The rainbow continued downward, seeming to disappear somewhere beyond the edge of their subterranean lake.\n\n\"The northern lights,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least we can see now,\" Ulla commented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Berserker drifted over to the shore of the lake, where they tied it fast to a pillar of rock. Indy jumped down onto the gravel, then stood with his hands on his hips while he turned around and inspected the interior. About halfway up on one wall lay the wreckage of an aircraft.\n\n\"What do you think?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must be a half mile away, at least. Do you think we can make it up there?\"\n\nUlla studied the rock formations.\n\n\"I think so, without much problem,\" she said. \"There seems to be a natural kind of stairway winding around the inside of the cone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we have to go take a look,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It might be the Penguin. Gunnar, you stay here and take care of your arm. Sparks, do you feel like a little hike?\"\n\n\"My head hurts, but I think I can make it,\" the boy said. \"I'd hate to think of Clarence and the guys lying up there hurt.\"\n\n\"That's my feeling,\" Indy told him. \"Let's get going.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took the trio more than two hours to climb to the wreckage, and when they reached the plateau on which it lay it became obvious that it wasn't the Penguin, or any other type of twin-engine craft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a smaller plane, and although it had obviously tumbled some distance, the red-and-white fuselage was largely intact. It was a hydroplane, and one of its pontoons was missing. On the nose of the plane was a name, clearly legible: THE LATHAM. In white chalk, on the nose, was the following message: CREW DEAD." }, { "from": "human", "value": "ATTEMPTING TO USE PONTOON AS CANOE." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "AMUNDSEN. 26 JUNE 1928.\n\n\"Well, now we know what became of Amundsen,\" Sparks concluded.\n\n\"No, we know what became of his plane,\" Indy corrected. \"He obviously walked away from the crash. Smart, using the pontoon as a boat. But there's no chance he could fight that current and get to the outside.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe he didn't go to the outside,\" Ulla suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks stepped into the crumpled fuselage.\n\n\"Where are the bodies of the crew?\" he asked.\n\n\"Amundsen buried them,\" Indy said. \"In those rock cairns, along the wall here. Look, there's a name chalked on the largest rock atop each of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good,\" Sparks said. \"I hate corpses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy went deeper into the wreckage. He came out a few minutes later, plainly disappointed.\n\n\"The radio is all busted up,\" he reported. \"The batteries are dead, anyway, after six years. And it looks like Amundsen took everything with him that wasn't bolted down, including the log.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, the old man was nothing if not thorough,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks stepped out of the plane.\n\n\"It was a long climb up here for nothing,\" he said.\n\n\"Not quite,\" a voice above them said. \"It saved us from climbing all the way down to the bottom to kill you, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Reingold,\" Indy snarled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the ledge above the wreckage Reingold appeared, followed by his men. They were ten feet above Indy and the others, and the troopers began to scramble down.\n\n\"At your service,\" the SS captain said behind his drawn Walther. \"I believe you have already met some of the other members of my squad, especially Sergeants Dortmuller and Liebel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The officers in question jumped down onto one of the rock cairns, their submachine guns pointed at the trio." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were followed by a half-dozen troopers similarly armed.\n\n\"Oh, and of course we can't forget the newest member of the Thule Society, can we?\" Reingold added with a triumphant smirk. \"Dr. Jones, meet SS Specialist Alecia Dunstin. I believe you two once meant something to one another, but that affair, you could say, was doomed from the start.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled Alecia forward so that Indy could see her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She looks rather smart in her uniform, doesn't she?\" Reingold taunted. \"And I must say, she has earned it. The journal gave us much information, but it was Alecia's clairvoyance that helped us to pinpoint the exact spot. Many people don't believe in that sort of thing, I'm afraid—until they have a well to dig, or a lost civilization to find.\"\n\n\"Don't,\" Alecia said.\n\n\"Dortmuller! Liebel!\" Reingold shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Help us down from here. You others, don't take your guns off them!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reingold straightened his jacket when he reached the ground. Alecia kept her eyes lowered.\n\n\"Specialist Dunstin, observe!\" Reingold commanded. \"It looks like Dr. Jones's flame did not last very long for you. It appears that he lost no time in finding a blonde to replace you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't believe him,\" Ulla told Alecia." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy's not my type.\"\n\n\"Silence the degenerate,\" Reingold said.\n\nDortmuller brought the gun up and aimed.\n\n\"Not that way, you idiot,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dortmuller walked over and slammed the butt of his gun into Ulla's stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It knocked the breath out of her, but she remained on her feet.\n\n\"You give us Nordic types a bad name,\" Ulla managed to wheeze.\n\n\"Leave her alone,\" Indy said. \"She has nothing to do with this. It's me you ought to be slugging in the stomach.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All in good time,\" Reingold assured him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't we begin by asking about that precious yellow canister which you stole from us? Reichsfuhrer Himmler was particularly distressed to learn of its theft. His astrologer assured him it was vitally important to the future.\"\n\n\"Tell Himmler to go—\"\n\n\"Careful, Dr. Jones,\" Reingold said. \"You shouldn't say that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, but I can think it,\" Indy spat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, I'll tell you everything if you just let Ulla and the boy go.\"\n\n\"I have all of you,\" Reingold said. \"Why would I let anybody go?\"\n\n\"Because I'll kill you if you don't?\" Indy ventured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Reach for that revolver under your jacket,\" Reingold said, \"and my men will cut you to pieces. You're in no position to threaten anybody. Or to bargain, for that matter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Captain,\" Alecia said.\n\n\"No, my dear. In German.\"\n\n\"Hauptsturmfuhrer.\"\n\n\"Passable, but you need to work on your accent,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You sound like a London guttersnipe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I have a word with Dr. Jones?\" she asked, wiping away her tears. \"I think I may be able to persuade him.\"\n\nAlecia walked over, and now it was Indy's turn to stare at the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nice boots,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you look at me?\"\n\n\"No,\" he said. \"You'll do that thing with your eyes and make me agree to anything.\" Indy paused, his body rigid. \"Can you tell me why you betrayed me? Betrayed yourself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't betray you,\" Alecia said defiantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If anything, I was attempting to save your life. You know what these chaps are capable of.\"\n\n\"Too bad I didn't know what you were capable of.\"\n\n\"Don't thank me now,\" Alecia said, and crossed her arms.\n\n\"Or later.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, things went so horribly wrong between us,\" she said, and touched his sleeve gently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I kept having these recurring nightmares—prophecies, really—of people dying, even more than during the Great War. Death on the ground, in the sea, in the sky. Death raining down from the sky on civilian populations all across Europe and Asia. Cities reduced to ashes—with nothing but a single bomb.\"\n\n\"Science fiction.\" Ulla sneered.\n\n\"You don't know what it did to me,\" Alecia pleaded. \"My spirit went into shock, my mind into a kind of fugue state. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. And the thing that got to me the most is that I saw you dying. I've seen what's going to happen to you, Indy—thrown into some horrible tomb in the desert with thousands of snakes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy swallowed hard. \"Snakes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And then the tomb is sealed shut and that's it.\"\n\n\"Thousands of snakes?\" He swallowed again.\n\n\"Millions of people are going to die, Indy, and you are one of them.\"\n\nTears rolled down her cheeks and dribbled onto the SS rune on her collar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A city destroyed by one bomb?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla said. \"You're obviously some kind of delusional charlatan who needs to justify her own importance.\"\n\n\"I believe her,\" Sparks said.\n\n\"Nobody is really going to win like this,\" Alecia continued. \"I thought I had to do something to keep so many people from dying. Isn't it better that one side wins quickly rather than millions dying in a kind of hell on earth?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not if the winning side is their side,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the funny thing about life—there are some things worth dying for and some that aren't, and when you lose your ability to make that distinction, you're something less than human.\"\n\nAlecia removed her officer's cap and looked at it with a wry smile, her thumb tracing the aluminum skull insignia on the black velvet band. Then she threw the hat over the side and began to unbutton her tunic.\n\n\"What're you doing?\" Reingold demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I quit,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wriggled her shoulders and let the black jacket fall to the ground. Her hair spilled over the shoulders of her white blouse.\n\n\"Nobody leaves the SS,\" Reingold warned.\n\n\"Watch me,\" she said as she stepped forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took Indy's face in her hands and kissed him passionately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy returned the kiss and put his arms protectively around her.\n\n\"Get back,\" Reingold ordered. He advanced with the Walther held tightly in his left hand. \"Of course I knew it would come to this eventually. Do you really think we would allow a woman into the SS? Quite a nice charade, though, while it lasted, wasn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I love you,\" Alecia said, and kissed Indy again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy saw Reingold's finger tighten on the trigger. He and Alecia were standing side by side, and he was unsure for a moment at which one of them the Nazi captain was aiming. When he finally attempted to push Alecia behind him, it was too late—and in the wrong direction.\n\nWhen Reingold fired, the bullet flew within an inch of Indy's twisted chest and shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It struck Alecia in the ribs, beneath her right arm, which was still around Indy's neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her lips were still pressed against his.\n\nAlecia stiffened in Indy's arms as the coppery taste of blood entered his mouth from hers. The bullet had lodged in her right lung. As Indy slumped to the floor with her and cradled her head, Alecia looked into his eyes and smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are some things worth dying for,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My God, no!\" Indy screamed.\n\nReingold fired again, this time placing a bullet in Alecia's heart.\n\nHer face tightened with pain, then her features relaxed and her blue eyes became cloudy.\n\nNot a word was spoken. Nobody moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Indy drew his Webley and took aim at Reingold's chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sweat beaded on his forehead and upper lip, and his mouth was twisted in hate.\n\nHe pulled the trigger.\n\nThe hammer fell, but nothing happened. The cartridge was so waterlogged it would not fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla reached out for the nearest soldier and grabbed the back of his collar while she swept his legs out from beneath him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time he hit the floor, her boot had already connected solidly with his jaw, snapping his head around at an unnatural angle. She took the short MP-40 submachine gun from his lifeless hands and turned it on the other soldiers.\n\nThe first soldier that raised his weapon was hit by a burst that Ulla fired from her hip. He fell over the edge and tumbled down into the throat of the volcanic crater, bouncing off rocks and finally landing in a scalding pool of lava." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other soldiers lowered their weapons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kill him!\" Reingold snarled. \"Kill Jones!\"\n\n\"Be my guest.\" Dortmuller gestured politely with one hand, then pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose with the other.\n\nReingold took aim at Indy's head.\n\n\"I wouldn't do that if I were you,\" Ulla said over the barrel of the MP-40." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reingold shrugged, then tossed the Walther over the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's get out of here,\" Ulla said. She reached down and relieved the dead soldier of three ammunition pouches.\n\n\"I'm for that,\" Sparks said. He grasped the barrel of a submachine gun from the nearest soldier and wrenched it away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't leave her,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry.\" Ulla glanced at him sadly. \"But she's dead. We can't bring her back, but we can save ourselves.\"\n\nIndy didn't look up to meet her gaze. \"What's the use?\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the barrel of her gun still pointed at the soldiers, Ulla walked over to Indy and pulled him with one arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Free of his grasp, Alecia's head lolled to one side, but her eyes were still gazing at him.\n\nUlla knelt down and closed Alecia's eyes.\n\n\"Are you going to let her die for nothing?\" Ulla shouted at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She died proving that she loved you—that nothing on this earth was as important, and that she was sorry for her mistakes. It was a perfectly beautiful and courageous act, and I am not going to let you waste it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gritted his teeth and fixed Reingold with a stare that made the SS captain's blood run cold.\n\n\"You reptiles did this to her.\" He bit out the words. \"You took someone who was kind and gentle, and destroyed her, played on her fears of hurting others so that she would do your bidding. And then, when she became herself again, you killed her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy holstered the Webley and held out his hands toward Sparks, coaxing with his fingers for some firepower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks threw him the machine gun.\n\n\"But what you didn't count on is that love is eternal,\" Indy said as he backed away with the gun, pulling her body after him. \"You don't know the power of love because all you have is hate, and that hate has turned your hearts to stone. Well, I'm not going to let you desecrate her body—or her memory.\"\n\nHe knelt down, hoisted Alecia's body over one shoulder, and then stood up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was still holding the machine gun in his other hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"The only thing I can do,\" Indy answered. \"Bury her.\"\n\nHe thumbed the fire-control button of the MP-40 to full automatic, and as the sharp click! echoed from the stones, Reingold and the soldiers dived for cover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry,\" Indy whispered, and then heaved Alecia's body over the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She seemed to sail through the air, her arms and legs splayed and her red hair flaming out behind her. Then her body struck the surface of the lava pool and burst into flames.\n\nThe twisting pillar of the northern lights flared to brilliance. For a moment everyone stopped, mesmerized, because Alecia's face was staring back at them from within the supernatural glow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impulsively, Indy retrieved Alecia's hat from the ground and stuffed it inside his jacket." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you waiting for?\" Reingold screamed. \"Get them!\"\n\nIndy took cover behind the nearest rock as his gun spewed flame and lead, allowing enough cover for Ulla and Sparks to join him. The Nazis returned fire, but the trio was already far down the rocky steps, protected by the undercut ledge. Mixed with the acrid smell of gun smoke was the odor of burning flesh." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Max McCoy and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Ulla jumped onto the deck of the Berserker, then together they pulled Sparks aboard as he tottered uncertainly on the rail. Ulla crouched behind the gunwale, and at the first sight of a Nazi uniform on the path above, she fired a burst.\n\n\"Get below,\" Indy told Sparks.\n\n\"The water is up to my ankles in the cabin,\" he protested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, there's going to be hot lead up to your neck if you stay up here,\" Indy said as he grabbed a broken piece of spar and tried to push the boat away from the shore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar asked if the devil himself was after them.\n\n\"You could say that,\" Ulla replied in Danish.\n\nGunnar's right hand was in a sling, but he picked up an oar with his left and, leaning against the handle with his thick chest, helped Indy push the boat out into the lake.\n\nThe Berserker bobbed low in the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep poling!\" Ulla shouted as she let loose with another burst to keep their pursuers at bay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dortmuller held his weapon above a rock and sprayed the area, but succeeded only in wasting ammunition and stitching the surface of the water.\n\nSoon the lake was too deep for Indy to reach the bottom with the spar, but the current began to draw the boat away. Ulla emptied the rest of her magazine at the shore, then popped in a fresh clip, released the bolt, and waited.\n\n\"Keep low,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boat edged slowly toward the sound of rushing water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're not going through another drain, are we?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"If we are, it beats facing what's back there,\" she said.\n\nThe current began to pick up speed and soon the boat was pulled toward the shallow falls that emptied from the lake. Her bottom grounded on the rim of the falls but, after some nudging from Indy with the spar, slipped over the rocks and entered the mouth of a dark river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon they were out of sight from the shore, but they could hear Reingold's curses as he exhorted his men to follow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are we headed?\" Sparks asked, poking his head out of the cabin door.\n\n\"Down,\" Indy said.\n\nA luminescent mist tinted with the colors of the aurora floated over the river as it serpentined into the depths of the earth, allowing just enough light for the passengers of the wallowing boat to glimpse their surroundings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During some portions of the descent, the rocks would take on a majestic quality, as if they were floating through a stygian cathedral complete with bits of stained glass in the form of quartz and amethyst." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At other times the passage seemed to be flanked by velvet drapery, or glittering tapestries made of diamond, or the tourmaline tubes of a gigantic pipe organ. Occasionally they caught glimpses of what must have been veins of silver, and at other times of gold. Gunnar's eyes gleamed with greed at the sight.\n\nA narrow path paralleled the course of the river during most of these passages, but occasionally the path would veer off as the river passed between high cliffs or beneath a rocky overhang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Always, however, the path would reappear, as reliably as a railway track running alongside a desert highway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla estimated that their speed was just sufficient to keep ahead of the pursuing Nazis, but not by much. Her calculation was proved during the infrequent straight stretches when an occasional geyser would rise in the water close to them, followed a moment later by the report of a rifle.\n\nFor hour after hour the Berserker drifted deeper into this forbidden realm. Ulla remained at the stern of the boat, ever watchful for the flash of a gun barrel behind them, but Indy found himself staring off into the darkness ahead of the boat, holding Alecia's unlikely black hat in his hands—and dreaming about things that now could never be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Ulla watched and Indy brooded, the Berserker sank lower and lower, until the water left no room at all in the cabin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar had salvaged some food and a coffeepot before abandoning the lower deck altogether, and he lit a small fire from the bits of the mined boat, intending to make a modest meal to lift their spirits. It seemed to take a long time for the water to boil, and when it finally did and the coffee was made, it was so unbearably hot that the porcelain cups began to crack.\n\nGunnar questioned Ulla about it.\n\n\"Air pressure,\" Sparks said, and Ulla repeated the answer in Danish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The air is becoming denser, and the boiling point of water has risen, like in an automobile radiator.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're sure?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"Normal air pressure is fourteen point seven pounds per square inch at sea level,\" Sparks said, as if he were reciting a passage from a textbook. \"It must be at least double that now.\"\n\n\"Do you remember everything you read?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If it's a number,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sometimes I can't get to sleep at night because I have all of these figures running through my head—equations, telephone numbers, even sports scores.\"\n\n\"That must be horrible,\" Ulla said.\n\n\"No, it's rather pleasant, actually,\" Sparks told her.\n\n\"How deep do you think we are?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks shrugged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're at the bottom of a column of air molecules that extends, in its thinnest form, up to a thousand miles in space,\" he said. \"Air does not compress like water does, which doubles its density every thirty-three feet. But the coffee took three or four times longer than usual to boil, right? My guess is that we're at least three hundred miles down by now, and the pressure is double, maybe triple. Of course, I can't know the precise depth without knowing the precise temperature of the water.\"\n\n\"What about the ship's barometer?\" Ulla asked. \"Wouldn't it give us some idea?'\n\n\"It burst,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So did the thermometer. Anything with air sealed inside is likely to implode.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla translated for Gunnar.\n\n\"But we have air inside of us, right?\" Ulla asked. \"Why don't we burst?\"\n\n\"Because our bodies are mostly water, not gas,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesn't compress. And the air spaces we do have in our bodies are not trapped—our lungs, for example, are breathing air that is the same pressure as the outside, so there is an equalizing effect. The only pressure you might feel is in your sinuses, if you have a head cold. Otherwise, you're fine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there a risk of the bends?\" she asked.\n\n\"Deep-sea divers are under much more intense pressure,\" Sparks said. \"If we were experiencing this pressure in the ocean, we'd probably be only between sixty and ninety feet. And the bends are caused by rapid ascent, not descent.\"\n\n\"A hundred miles?\" Ulla asked reverently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's deeper than a human being has ever gone into the earth, deeper by at least ninety-five miles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We may not be the first,\" Indy said. \"Baldwin, remember.\"\n\nUlla frowned.\n\n\"Well, we're the first on record,\" she said. \"Like Columbus. And explorers get to name their discoveries, right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So what do you want to call this place?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Edda Shaft.\" She translated for Gunnar, and he nodded.\n\n\"What's it mean?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"Loosely translated,\" Indy said, \"the Shaft of Poetic Saga.\"\n\n\"I'm impressed,\" Ulla commented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have read the Icelandic tales, haven't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Water was beginning to wash over the deck now.\n\n\"It looks like we're breaking up,\" Ulla noted. \"And this ship is supposed to be unsinkable.\"\n\n\"It's the cork,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The cork is failing because the pressure is collapsing the microscopic air pockets in it. It has lost its buoyancy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, for whatever reason, it's about time to abandon ship,\" Indy said. \"Everyone here can swim, right?\"\n\n\"Why are you looking at me?\" Sparks asked. \"I know how to, theoretically.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within minutes, the Berserker simply sank away beneath their feet, leaving them to swim for it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla slung the submachine gun around her neck and starting kicking for the bank. For a moment Indy thought Gunnar had gone down with his ship, until he saw him bob to the surface and try to tread water with one hand. Indy grabbed him by the collar and towed him behind. But Sparks was the first to reach the bank, even though he gulped mouthfuls of water and was doing a combination dog paddle and frog kick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gee,\" Sparks said coughing as he crawled dripping onto the rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd think with all this air available, we'd float a little better. Sometimes, science just doesn't make sense.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute,\" Indy said after he was sure Gunnar was all right. \"What is this dense atmosphere going to do to a bullet?\"\n\n\"You mean the trajectory?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks asked. \"It'll retard it, but not enough to make much of a difference,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Indy said. \"I mean, with the gunpowder.\"\n\n\"Hmm.\" Sparks stopped to ponder. \"That's an interesting thought. We're so deep now, I wouldn't try to shoot those guns of yours.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Two reasons. One, the increased pressure will make powder burn at higher, more explosive temperatures.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like the coffee,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Right.\"\n\n\"And second?\"\n\n\"This is the interesting part,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because of the extra power, and the denser and therefore springier gases inside the barrel of a firearm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, what's that mean?\" Ulla asked.\n\n\"The gun may blow up in your face,\" Sparks finished. \"Chambers and barrels weren't designed for pressures of two or three times normal, and in the brief instant of a gunshot there's no equalization in the barrel.\"\n\n\"Is there any way to make the guns useful?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah,\" Sparks said. \"Take the bullets apart and reduce the amount of powder by at least half—or two thirds, to be on the safe side.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of boots echoed down the passage behind them.\n\n\"You're sure?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Don't put me on the spot.\"\n\n\"Well, we're about to test your theory,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You three, go on down the passage. I'm going to stay here for a moment, be a target for them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy!\" Ulla said.\n\n\"No, go on,\" he shouted. \"And don't try to use that thing you're holding until we find out for sure.\"\n\nThe other three hurried off farther down the path away from the Germans, while Indy hid behind a boulder and waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the sound of the boots were nearly upon him, he jumped out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now's your chance!\" Indy shouted.\n\nDortmuller was in the lead, and his submachine gun was up in an instant. He was about thirty yards from Indy. \"Fever eroffnen!\" Reingold shouted from behind. \"Open fire!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned on his heels and ran." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dortmuller aimed at Indy's back and pulled the trigger. The gun exploded with a flash of light and a deafening whooomp! in his hands, and the explosion simultaneously set off the remaining twenty rounds in the gun's magazine. As Dortmuller's torso turned into a red haze, pieces of the gun ricocheted off the stone walls and slashed like shrapnel through two of the troopers standing beside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A scalding piece of the barrel nicked Indy in the right calf, sending him stumbling to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he got to his feet and continued running, but now with a limp.\n\n\"Three for the price of one,\" he panted as he caught up to his companions and sat down on the ground. \"That leaves eight of them, I think.\"\n\nHe pulled up his trouser leg and inspected his calf, which was surprisingly free of blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But here's an important tip that Sparks failed to mention—the guns explode like bombs, and pieces go in every direction.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla inspected the ugly red welt.\n\n\"It didn't hit anything vital,\" she said. \"And the metal was so hot that it cauterized the wound. But you'll have a lovely scar.\"\n\n\"A lovely scar?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It hurts. Something that feels like this can't be called lovely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Consider yourself lucky.\" Ulla folded her arms, her lips tight. \"It could have hit you in the back of the head.\"\n\nIndy got up, still limping.\n\n\"Let's keep going,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Find a place we can rest for a bit and rig the bullets like Sparks said.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're going to figure it out, too,\" Ulla warned.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Indy said proudly, \"but we did it first.\"\n\nTwo hours later the path left the river, apparently for good. When it opened into a wide chamber, Indy called for a rest stop, and while they sat they used their teeth to remove the lead bullets from the cartridges and pour out most of the powder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Won't this slow the velocity?\" Ulla asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nope,\" Sparks said. \"Guns work from the compression of gases. Things should work out about equal.\"\n\n\"Should,\" Indy said. \"That's a scary word.\"\n\n\"Where do you think this passage is leading us?\" Sparks asked nervously. \"Do you think it will ever go back up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I intend to find out.\"\n\nIndy took his two ruined cartridges from the Webley, pulled the slugs with his teeth, and then used a little of the gunpowder that Ulla had emptied from her ammo.\n\n\"Back in business,\" he said as he holstered the Webley. \"Let's go.\"\n\n\"I'm getting awfully tired,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gunnar and Sparks don't look any better. Can't we rest a little bit longer?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think they're resting?\"\n\n\"No,\" she said sadly as she replaced the magazine in the MP-40. \"How long do you think this can go on?\"\n\n\"Until it ends,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla stood up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Nazis suddenly stumbled into the chamber, unaware that Indy and the others had paused there. The troopers fumbled for their guns, and before Ulla could bring her own weapon around, two of them had already begun firing. The air was suddenly filled with ricocheting lead.\n\n\"Cover!\" Indy shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla took a step toward Indy and the others, then was jerked backward like a puppet as one of the flattened slugs struck her in the chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face was full of surprise as she landed on her rump and elbows on the ground, the machine gun dangling uselessly from the strap around her neck.\n\nShe glanced down at the growing crimson stain, then over at Indy with apology in her eyes.\n\n\"Sorry,\" she said.\n\nIndy ran to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed the MP-40 and fired blindly into the Nazis while dragging Ulla away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar and Sparks were unhurt, and already running. Two of the Nazis fell dead from Indy's barrage and a third clutched his arm before the gun jammed, refusing to eject a shell that had been loaded with too little powder. Indy dropped the gun and hurried with Ulla down the passage.\n\nThe Nazis, who were as tired and dazed as their prey by now, hung back for a moment while they counted their losses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sparks!\" Indy cried. \"Help me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks got beneath Ulla's shoulder and together they ran with her down the twisting passage, her feet dragging on the floor, splatters of blood marking their trail. Two hundred yards later the passage narrowed and then opened again—this time revealing a cathedral-like chamber with a blank wall opposite them.\n\n\"Oh, no,\" Sparks said.\n\nThey placed Ulla on the floor, and Indy unbuttoned her shirt and took a look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood was gushing out of a bullet hole on the left side of her sternum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla looked up at him from beneath half-closed eyes.\n\n\"So you were lying when you said you weren't attracted to me,\" she quipped.\n\n\"Shhh,\" Indy said. \"Don't try to talk.\"\n\nGunnar took off his sling and ripped it into strips, which he jammed beneath Ulla's blouse in a desperate attempt to stanch the flow of blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he took off his bearskin shirt, rolled it in a ball, and placed it beneath her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of a chamber are we in?\" Ulla asked. \"It's brighter in here. And there are people on the walls.\"\n\nIndy glanced around. The aurora glow was brighter in this chamber, and there were shadows on the walls that looked indistinctly like gargoyles.\n\n\"Indy,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not now,\" Indy snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a circle of stones in the floor here.\"\n\nGunnar took Ulla's hand, and then he nodded toward where Sparks was kneeling.\n\n\"I'll be right back,\" Indy said. \"Don't go away.\"\n\nThere were five crystals in a circle of about a foot in diameter, but there were slots for six stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The five stones in the slots were yellow, violet, blue, red, and green." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stone at the top of the circle was missing.\n\n\"What does it mean?\" Sparks asked.\n\nIndy reached for the piece of Icelandic spar on the leather strap beneath his shirt. He gave a jerk and snapped the thong, then held the stone up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had turned from its original smoky color to a milky white." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy placed the stone in the vacant spot.\n\nNothing happened.\n\n\"What's it supposed to do?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"I don't know,\" Indy said impatiently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it must do something. Open a door, reveal another passage, something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sparks bit his lip.\n\n\"Maybe it has to do with the order of the stones,\" he said, and sat down cross-legged in front of the stones.\n\n\"The message on the Thule Stone,\" Indy remembered. \"It said, 'I am all colors and I am none. Circle me backward and you are undone.' Does that suggest anything to you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Should,\" Sparks said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't say that,\" Indy told him. \"Think!\"\n\n\"You're making me nervous.\"\n\n\"You're making us dead,\" Indy said.\n\nSparks reached for the stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe if we just randomly—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" Indy caught his hand. \"You have to be sure. Get it backward, and it will be bad.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"I mean bad,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't mess around with these types of warnings. Now, the white crystal obviously is in the right place, because that spot was vacant. What do we do with the other five?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar called out.\n\nIndy could hear the sound of boots approaching.\n\n\"You've got about thirty seconds,\" Indy told Sparks. \"I'm going to leave you alone. Do it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy returned to Ulla and cradled her in his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know what it is,\" Sparks cried. \"It's the spectrum! Arrange the stones according to their visible light frequencies. Clear goes at the top, because all color is contained in white light.\"\n\n\"Good!\" Indy shouted. \"Do it!\"\n\nSparks began moving the stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar was on his feet, slapping himself in the face, preparing to fight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ignored the pain in his broken arm. Blood gleamed at the corners of his mouth.\n\nIndy could hear Reingold scream for the troops to move quickly. They were almost to the last bend in the passage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pointed the Webley down the passage, waiting, but his hand was shaking badly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't die,\" he whispered to Ulla. \"Please. Hang on.\"\n\nHer blond hair, where the ends brushed against her blouse, was stained a strawberry color, and to Indy the color seemed eerily like Alecia's. Her skin had turned ashen and her lips were tinged with blue. Her breath was ragged and accompanied by a sickening gurgle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jones,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't try to talk,\" Indy said, and wiped his eyes with the back of his gun hand. \"Save your strength.\"\n\n\"Be a man,\" she rasped.\n\nIndy blinked hard.\n\n\"What color is between red and green in the spectrum?\" Sparks asked calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yellow!\" Indy shouted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hurry up! They're almost here.\"\n\n\"I told you,\" Sparks said. \"Don't make me nervous.\"\n\n\"You're doing great,\" Indy said encouragingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could hear Sparks beginning to rearrange the stones, each making a sharp clicking sound as they fell into place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's see. White at the top. Then—clockwise, right?—red, yellow, green, blue, and violet.\"\n\nThe room suddenly became hot, unbearably so, and the air felt like molasses in Indy's lungs. Then the hair on the back of his neck stood up.\n\n\"Do you feel that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks asked. \"Static electricity. The air has become supercharged. I don't know why.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Nazis were nearly upon them.\n\nUlla opened her eyes and looked over Indy's shoulder at the blank wall beyond. Her eyes widened and she wetted her blood-flecked lips.\n\nAt that moment the Nazis burst into the chamber and spread out, their guns trained on Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar sprang at the nearest soldier and wrestled him to the ground, hands around his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two others grasped Gunnar's arms and pulled him back, but he threw them off like rag dolls.\n\nReingold walked over and placed the barrel of his Walther at the base of Sparks's neck.\n\n\"Stop this nonsense,\" he ordered.\n\nGunnar stopped fighting, but Indy kept his gun trained on Reingold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lower your gun,\" Reingold said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go to hell,\" Indy spat over the wavering gun barrel.\n\n\"It seems we are already there,\" Reingold said, tugging at his collar.\n\nThe chamber had become suffused with a crimson glow, and the heat was stifling. A deep rumble shook the floor, and behind them they could hear stones crashing down to the floor of the narrow passage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shadows on the wall, Indy could now see, were more than shadows—they were bas-reliefs of gargoyles and skeleton men, all looking as if they were about to step down from the walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's becoming a little crowded in here,\" Sparks said anxiously.\n\nThe skeleton men were stepping down from the walls, moving slowly but determinedly, wielding swords and axes. One of the skeletal warriors wore a helmet from ancient Greece, while another had a Roman breastplate and sword. A creature in a doughboy helmet and wielding a wicked-looking stone bayonet hopped down, apparently more eager than the others for combat, and his jawbone clacked rhythmically as he repeated the words: \"Hun! Hun! Hun!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another hobbled across the floor using his cavalry saber as a cane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His left foot was missing. Atop his skull, at a rakish angle, was a Civil War kepi. Behind him was a Viking skeleton swinging a double-bladed stone ax.\n\nOther warriors were from periods that Indy had never seen before, much less identify, including a skeleton twirling some sort of hand weapon in the shape of a five-pointed star." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all of the warriors had descended, the gargoyles and chimeras came to life, flapping their gray wings and gnashing their stone teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be alarmed!\" Reingold announced to his men. \"These creatures cannot be real. It is some kind of trick. Hold your ground!\"\n\nSergeant Liebel screamed when a bony hand seized him by the shoulder. He emptied the magazine of the machine gun into the rib cage of the apparition, but to no effect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The skeletal warrior dragged him across the floor, stepped back into the wall, taking the hapless Liebel with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the others watched in horror the soldier's skin and uniform turned to stone in front of their eyes. He, too, had become part of the bas-relief, complete with steel helmet and machine gun.\n\n\"Sparks, this is what I meant by bad,\" Indy shouted.\n\nThe Viking warrior had Sparks by the feet and was starting to drag him away from the stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, I got it backward,\" the boy cried while trying to keep his hold on the crystals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should have gone the other way.\"\n\nMeanwhile the four remaining Nazi soldiers dropped their weapons and ran for the passage, but found it blocked by a giant stone. The gargoyles and skeleton warriors advanced, and each Nazi was seized and dragged toward the walls.\n\nReingold backed away from a particularly hideous-looking creature, a skeleton that carried a samurai sword in one hand and its head in the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He fired blindly with the Walther as the creature used the point of the sword to back him toward the nearest wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Indy felt the clawlike fingers of a gargoyle grip his own shoulder. He smashed the monster with the butt of his gun, but to no effect.\n\n\"It's like hitting a piece of rock,\" he yelled.\n\nGunnar broke away from the gargoyle holding him and then grappled with the skeleton at Sparks's feet while the teenager desperately tried to rearrange the stones so that the sequence of colors around the circle was reversed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was almost finished when the skeleton got a grip on both of them and began dragging Gunnar and the boy toward the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The four Nazi soldiers were already a part of the hideous tableau, and Reingold had disappeared in the wall up to his waist.\n\n\"Indy!\" Sparks shouted. He still had the red stone in his hand. \"Do something!\"\n\n\"Throw me the stone!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was on the floor, with the stone gargoyle on top of him, and the thing was so heavy he couldn't breathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he managed to bring his knees up and push the nightmare back. Sparks tossed Indy the stone.\n\nThe gargoyle snarled and bared its fangs, then rushed. Indy instinctively swung the double-terminated crystal like a knife and caught the creature in the face, knocking some of the granite teeth from its mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy scrambled over to the circle and placed the red stone in the open spot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The glow in the chamber changed from red to blue. At the sound of a trumpet, the monsters all stopped. The skeleton men slowly released their prey and returned to assume their original positions in the walls, while the gargoyles snapped and snarled a bit longer before retreating. Even back in the wall, the doughboy's mouth kept repeating, \"Hun! Hun! Hun!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it slowed and eventually stopped, frozen agape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help me,\" Reingold pleaded. The skeleton with the samurai sword, who was now back on the wall, had left him buried up to his chest.\n\nIndy and Gunnar each grabbed an arm and tried to pull the SS captain out of the wall, but they could not budge him. Reingold began to scream, his face turning purple with pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's agony,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't leave me this way.\"\n\n\"There's nothing we can do,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Kill me,\" Reingold pleaded as he squirmed.\n\nGunnar grasped Reingold's head beneath his left arm and gave a sharp twist, snapping his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks looked away. Reingold's body shook convulsively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then his eyes rolled back, his arms went limp, and his head fell forward.\n\nReingold's silver cigarette case fell from his tunic.\n\nIndy picked it up and looked at the inscription, which was the SS motto: Meine Ehre heisst Treue.\n\n\"My honor is pure,\" Indy translated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gunnar looked at Indy and shrugged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy shrugged back.\n\nThen he returned to Ulla and knelt beside her.\n\nHer eyes fluttered open.\n\n\"I must be dead,\" she gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Valkyries are here. My God, but they are beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy glanced over his shoulder.\n\nBehind the circle of stones, a doorway had opened in the once-blank wall. A pleasant breeze wafted from the opening. A trio of shimmering beings of pure light wafted into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They floated and wove around one another in the air like butterflies, and as they hovered over Ulla they became almost too bright to look at." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla held out her hand toward them.\n\nAt that moment a tall, athletic-looking man in his mid-fifties appeared in the doorway. He had a long, thin nose, his hair was cropped close to his head, and his beard was neatly trimmed. He wore a turtleneck sweater and had an air of command about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flanking the tall man were a pair of what appeared to be Tibetan monks in flowing yellow robes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bring her in,\" the man commanded in English.\n\nThe monks took Ulla in their arms and carried her through the doorway into the brightness beyond.\n\nThe tall man waited in the doorway with his arms crossed.\n\n\"Well, are you coming or aren't you?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir,\" Sparks said, and hurried for the doorway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gunnar followed, and as Indy passed the circle of stones he picked up the piece of Icelandic spar.\n\n\"The lapis exilis,\" the tall man commanded. \"I'll have that.\"\n\n\"Roald Amundsen, I assume?\" Indy asked as he handed over the stone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The same,\" the tall man answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doorway closed behind them as the monks, leading the way, took Ulla to a black casket-shaped trough. They laid her gently inside of it.\n\nThey were on a vast columned balcony overlooking a mist-shrouded sea, and peering over the railing Indy could see that the balcony was only part of a huge complex of buildings whose architecture seemed faintly Egyptian. High in the sky was a ball of light that swirled with the colors of the aurora." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Across the sea there was an island, and Indy could see a forest of jeweled spires reaching up through the mist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Welcome to Ultima Thule,\" Amundsen said.\n\n\"Or Agartha?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Whatever one wishes to call it,\" Amundsen said. \"There was once an outpost on the rip of the volcanic peak you came down, but I'm afraid the world has gotten too small for that now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monks worked feverishly now, pouring jugs of a glowing liquid substance into the black trough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy walked over and peered into Ulla's face, but she seemed quite dead.\n\nHe started to put his hand in the liquid, then stopped.\n\n\"May I?\" he asked.\n\nAmundsen nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The glowing green liquid felt like nothing Indy had ever experienced before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he scooped some of it into his hand and held it up to examine, the liquid passed right through his palm and dribbled back into the trough.\n\nIndy wiggled his fingers. His hand felt energized.\n\nIn the trough, the color was coming back into Ulla's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Vril?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amundsen nodded.\n\n\"Curious stuff, isn't it?\" the tall man asked. \"You can do just about anything with it—build cities, or destroy them. Technically, it is the fourth state of matter—plasma. It was forged in the interiors of stars eons ago, and is a type of ionized gas. It floats through space until attracted by earth's magnetic field, then is brought down here with the aurora, where the Aesir collect it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Those shimmering things we saw?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Amundsen said. \"What they call themselves can't be translated into human speech, so that's the name I employ. It's the collective name of the old Norse gods. They could not live on the surface, you know—the air is much too thin. They wouldn't survive.\"\n\n\"Are there more humans here?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Of course,\" Amundsen said. \"But not many. Mostly they are ones that the Aesir trust, like the monks, or people like me, who stumble down here by accident. I must say, they didn't think much of you. They were afraid that you were as bad as all the rest, going around shooting things up and delighting in the deaths of your enemies. They were touched by your obvious affection for the dead woman and the boy, but they would have been just as happy to let you become part of the wall out there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this a dream?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, this is quite real, Dr. Jones,\" Amundsen said. Then he held up his hand. \"Yes, I know all of your names. And I know the sorry state of the world above, so you needn't fill me in on the last seven years. The world is as it has always been, preparing for war.\"\n\n\"Do you have any technical material on any of this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sparks asked. \"Especially Vril, and how the earth's magnetic field collects it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Technical material?\" Amundsen repeated, and laughed. \"I'm afraid not. But don't worry. You won't remember any of this when you get back to the surface, I'm afraid.\"\n\n\"Why not?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"Well, you have a choice,\" Amundsen said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may stay here in peace and harmony and glimpse the secrets of the cosmos, or you may return to the world above. But if you return, you won't remember any of what you have witnessed. It will be like a dream you had long ago. What will it be?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't get to think this over?\" Sparks asked.\n\n\"No,\" Amundsen said. \"The more memories you accumulate here, the harder it is to send you back. Stay more than an hour, and we have no choice but to keep you.\"\n\nUlla sat up in the trough. She brushed back her hair, which glowed with the luminous stuff, then felt for the bullet wound beneath her shirt. It was gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this Valhalla?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, my dear.\" Amundsen smiled benevolently. \"You are still among mortals, I'm afraid, though you came very close to passing to the other side.\"\n\n\"Once a person's dead, then, it's not possible to bring her back?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"No,\" Amundsen said. \"I'm sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded sadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so beautiful down here,\" he said as he looked over the railing at the city beyond the sea. \"Who would have dared to dream?\"\n\n\"Our imaginations are really quite limited and centered on what we already know,\" Amundsen said. \"You teach your students that human civilization on this planet goes back, what, five thousand years? Ha. At least a hundred major human civilizations have come and gone in the last twenty thousand years, and that's not counting the communities of nonhuman intelligences. One day it will all be clear—but not today. Your time here is so short that it would only confuse you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monks motioned for Gunnar to bring his broken arm over to the trough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ulla reassured him in Danish, and he reluctantly approached and dipped it into the plasma.\n\n\"Does life continue after death?\" Indy said.\n\n\"How should I know?\" Amundsen asked. \"I'm not dead yet. But I know what the Aesir tell me—that everything in the universe is connected, that it's all happening at once, and that the passage of time is just an illusion of human consciousness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So love is eternal?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was thinking of Alecia.\n\n\"Love, friendship, compassion, joy—what is death compared to these things?\" Amundsen asked. \"Now, I must have an answer from each of you. Do you stay or do you go?\"\n\nGunnar looked up. He had been inspecting his healed arm, but he knew the tone of a question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla translated for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He jerked a thumb upward.\n\n\"I agree with Gunnar,\" Ulla said. \"There are still things to accomplish above.\"\n\n\"Dr. Jones?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Back,\" Indy said emphatically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nicholas?\" Ulla asked.\n\nSparks thought for a moment.\n\n\"Wow,\" he said. \"What a choice. But I don't think I can leave my mother alone up there. But thanks for everything—you've been swell.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Indy said. \"Particularly for bringing Ulla back to us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She was deserving,\" Amundsen said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or so they tell me.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" Ulla leaned over and kissed Amundsen on the cheek. \"You have been a hero of mine since I was a little girl. You are like a Viking god in my hometown, and I am sorry that I cannot bring them news of your good health.\"\n\n\"I miss all of Scandinavia,\" Amundsen said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the wild places on the surface. But I needed new worlds to explore. I am beginning to find out that, like the Bible says, the world is without end.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say,\" Indy interjected. \"Are you sure that we won't remember any of this?\"\n\n\"You'll remember up to the part where you came through the door,\" Amundsen said. \"But nothing of what has transpired after.\"\n\n\"Hey, Sparks,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remember when I promised to tell you what my real name was if we got through this? Well, now's the time. It's Henry, but my dad always called me Junior.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. Jones,\" Sparks said. \"You're a rat.\"\n\n\"Now,\" Amundsen said, \"it is time for you to leave. Please follow the monks. And, farewell.\"\n\n\"Good-bye,\" Indy said, and shook Amundsen's hand.\n\nThey followed the monks along the balcony to an altar placed between two great columns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The star-shaped construction was made from a translucent blue material, and a set of steps led up to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rays of the aurora cascaded down onto the altar from a channel high above them, and then trickled like water down a series of broad marble steps to the multicolored sea below.\n\n\"Too bad we won't remember any of this.\" Sparks frowned.\n\n\"In dreams, Nicholas,\" Ulla said. \"Only in dreams.\"\n\nThe monks motioned for them to step up onto the altar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ulla went first, ascending confidently and then spreading her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hair flowed about her as if she were floating in a pool of water, and then her body began to glitter. Suddenly she was gone.\n\nGunnar went next, hesitantly.\n\nThen Indy motioned for Sparks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please,\" Sparks said. \"I'd like to go last, if you don't mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you will come?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I promise.\"\n\nIndy stepped up onto the altar. He felt nothing at first, and then a dreamlike feeling rushed over him, and then there was a sensation of floating." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt his glittering body leave the altar." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was flying up, passing effortlessly and without fear through miles and miles of rock, toward the warmth of the sun." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Max McCoy and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indiana Jones woke on his back in the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A husky was standing over him, licking his face.\n\n\"What the—\"\n\nHe sat up. Then he shook Gunnar and Sparks, who were sleeping next to him. Ulla was already awake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was sitting in the snow, petting the dog and laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were no footprints around them, not even their own.\n\nThey were on a slope overlooking a town that consisted of a dozen buildings, a glittering blue bay spreading out beyond it. At the near edge of the town was an airfield. They could see the Penguin shining in the sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are we?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ny Alesund on Spitsbergen Island,\" Ulla answered. \"The northernmost town in the world.\"\n\n\"How do you know?\"\n\n\"That sign on the roof of that hangar says so,\" Ulla said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They pulled Gunnar and Sparks to their feet, then all four of them raced down the slope, the dog trotting happily beside them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun was shining brightly, and despite the cold, Indy felt incredibly rested and alive.\n\nAs they neared the airfield the dog ran ahead, barking.\n\nThe commotion brought Clarence to the door of the hangar. He was eating a ham sandwich, and he opened the door to pet the husky and give him a bite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he looked up and saw Indy and the others crossing the snow-packed field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clarence shot out of the door, crossed the field like a track star, and grasped Indy in a bear hug.\n\n\"Buddy, I thought I'd never see you again,\" he gushed. \"I felt so guilty after we got back in the air and couldn't find you. We looked, I swear we did.\"\n\n\"It's okay,\" Indy said. \"Put me down.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clarence stepped back and shook his head in wonder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you get here?\" he asked.\n\nIndy looked at the others, and they returned his blank stare.\n\n\"Buddy,\" he said, \"we're not sure.\"\n\n\"What d'ya mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean we don't know,\" Indy said. \"We can't remember.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, you didn't get far in those clothes,\" Clarence said. \"Somebody had to pick you up or something. But if you don't want to tell me, I understand. This big guy probably found you, whoever he is.\"\n\n\"This is Gunnar,\" Indy said. \"He rescued us on the ice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, there you are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, a lot more happened after that,\" Indy said. \"I remember parts of the last few days, but not all of it. Reingold and his squad are dead, I know that.\"\n\n\"I don't remember much, either,\" Sparks said.\n\n\"What about your girlfriend on the Graf?\" Clarence asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked at Clarence and blinked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alecia is dead,\" Indy said. \"Reingold shot her.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"So am I,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Well, come on in and get warm,\" Clarence said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Captain Blessant and Sergeant Bruce are at the trading post, but will they be glad to see you when they get back. And Marcus Brody has been driving us nuts trying to find out what's happened to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You still have the skull?\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" Clarence said. \"And that thing gives me the creeps. I finally stuffed it in a cardboard box because that cloth you had it wrapped in kept coming off somehow.\"\n\n\"Show it to me,\" Indy said.\n\nThey entered the hangar, and Clarence brought him the box." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy peered inside to make sure the Crystal Skull was there, but he did not take it out of the box." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you going to do with it?\" Clarence asked.\n\n\"Put it back where I found it,\" Indy said. \"Before it has a chance to ruin somebody else's life.\"\n\nIndy put the box down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What're we going to tell Major Markham?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy wondered aloud. \"What am I going to tell Brody? I'm not sure which parts of what I remember are a dream and what's not.\"\n\n\"The Edda Shaft was no dream,\" Ulla said.\n\n\"Well,\" Indy asked, \"do you think you can find it again?\"\n\n\"No,\" Ulla answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me neither.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In that case,\" Ulla said sadly, \"it's just another story.\"\n\n\"But you know,\" Sparks said, \"I have the impression that we did something important, like avoiding that final battle that Ulla and Gunnar were talking about.\"\n\n\"Ragnarok?\" Ulla smiled. She looked in turn at each of the now familiar faces around her, and then settled her gaze on Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt her ice-blue eyes looking through him to something beyond." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately one sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It can never be avoided,\" she said. \"Only postponed.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Rob MacGregor.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Rob MacGregor every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "October 1917" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Petrograd, Russia\n\nThe first snow of the season had started to fall less than an hour earlier as Vadim Popov galloped down the wooded lane. A rope tied to the stirrup of his saddle pulled another horse, and on it rode Vadim's captive, a White Russian lieutenant. Blindfolded and gagged, with his hands bound behind his back, the captive soldier rocked unsteadily atop his steed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd been riding for several hours and Vadim was exhausted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the young Bolshevik soldier knew he was close to the command post and he was anxious to get there before dark. Until he reached the post he was in danger of encountering White Russian soldiers on the road and becoming a captive himself. So far he'd only passed a few wagons, and the peasants had said nothing. Everyone knew the revolution was underway, and the sight of a captured soldier was not so remarkable as it would have been a year ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vadim was a courier who carried messages back and forth from the revolutionary troops to the command post." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had stopped at an inn the night before, where he was to meet another courier, who was to give Vadim additional messages for the revolutionary leaders. It was late when he'd arrived and he'd been unable to find the courier, whom he knew only by the code name Uri.\n\nThe next morning the man joined Vadim at breakfast. As they ate, Uri mentioned that the night before he'd begun talking with a man whom he'd momentarily mistaken for Vadim." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They shared a few shots of vodka together, and soon the stranger was telling Uri that he was an army lieutenant and was on his way to see the czar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim knew that the only way a lieutenant would get anywhere near the czar was if he was a courier like himself. \"Where is he now?\"\n\n\"Still here, sleeping, I think. He drank too much last night,\" Uri said with a laugh.\n\n\"Let's pay him a visit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the White Russian answered his door, he was still groggy with sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim jammed his gun into the lieutenant's stomach, and he and Uri bound and gagged him. They found his diplomatic pouch and looked at its contents. At first, when they examined the photographs and the useless piece of wood, neither understood what they were seeing. Vadim questioned the lieutenant, but he would only say that he was a member of the 14th Railroad Battalion stationed in Turkey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Meanwhile, Uri read the accompanying documents and excitedly explained the importance of what the man was carrying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was when Vadim decided he would take the captive to the command post to be interrogated. He was sure the commander of the revolution would want to thank him personally, and if he did, it meant that his future would be bright. The lieutenant suddenly started talking when he realized where he would be taken and told a fantastic story, but it only made Vadim more eager than ever to get him to the command post.\n\nFinally, he told Uri that he'd made a serious mistake talking to the White Russian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Couriers were not supposed to make idle conversation with strangers or drink while on duty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, he'd said he wouldn't report him if he swore to say nothing about what had happened here. Uri considered what he'd said, then grudgingly agreed and went on his way.\n\nThat had been hours ago, and Vadim was wet and cold from the snow. He wanted nothing more than to reach his destination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he'd been alone, he would've been out of the cold and out of danger by now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something was wrong.\n\nHe felt it like a stab in the back. He glanced over his shoulder.\n\n\"Mother of God,\" he cursed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The captive was no longer on his horse, and there was no sign of him on the road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled hard on the reins, turned, and raced back. He'd covered fifty yards before he saw the mark in the snow-covered lane where the soldier had tumbled off. He leaped to the ground and dashed into the woods. It was no problem tracking him, but Vadim was surprised at how well the lieutenant was moving through the trees and underbrush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he glimpsed him hobbling across a field and saw that the escapee had managed to lower his blindfold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim raised his pistol. \"Halt!\"\n\nThe soldier ignored him. Vadim aimed and fired. The bullet shredded bark from a birch tree, missing the lieutenant by inches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vadim cursed as he raced across the field and plunged into the woods, following the man's tracks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If his captive got away, the accolades he expected to receive for seizing the document would no doubt be muted. He might even be chastised for allowing the White Russian to escape.\n\nThe man was starting to drag one leg. Vadim was gaining on him; he was going to catch him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard the report of a rifle and dived to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could the bastard have a weapon? His hands were still tied a minute ago.\n\nVoices.\n\nHe crawled forward until he saw five or six soldiers who surrounded a body lying facedown in the snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For an instant he thought he'd run into a squad of the Imperial Army." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw their ragged coats and frayed fur-lined hats and knew they were Bolsheviks like himself, and they'd shot the White Russian.\n\n\"Comrades,\" he called out as he stood up. The soldiers turned and raised their weapons. \"That man was my prisoner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sergeant approached him. \"Who are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim identified himself.\n\n\"What's, a courier doing with a prisoner?\" the sergeant asked suspiciously.\n\n\"I was bringing him to the command post. He was carrying documents to the czar.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What documents?\" the sergeant growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim adjusted the leather pouch he carried on his shoulder. \"I have them here,\" he answered in an authoritative tone. \"I need to get to the command post immediately.\"\n\n\"Shioosayu. I am listening,\" the sergeant said in a stern voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vadim knew he was supposed to give him the password, but so much had happened today that the word slipped his mind for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mir,\" he finally said, relieved that he had recalled the simple word, which meant village, peace, the world or universe, depending on the context.\n\nThe sergeant eyed the satchel a moment, then motioned him to follow.\n\nWhen they reached the road, Vadim mounted his steed, and accompanied by the sergeant, he continued down the lane. Not more than a mile from where the White Russian had escaped, they turned down a winding drive that ended at a gate where more soldiers waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sergeant said something to one of the guards, who looked closely at Vadim, then nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They dismounted and headed along a snow-covered walkway that was scored with boot prints. At the end of the path stood a three-story stone mansion. Smoke curled from a pair of chimneys and soldiers were moving about the grounds. It amazed Vadim that even though they were barely a dozen miles from Petrograd and the czar's palace, the command was firmly ensconced in a baronial estate whose owner had fled from the approaching revolutionary troops." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the door, there was another exchange with two more guards and they were escorted into an expansive foyer where a fire burned in a huge hearth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim brushed traces of snow from his coat as the sergeant conferred with a captain near the double doors of the mansion's great hall. For an instant, Vadim glimpsed several officers seated around a table. They were probably planning the attack on Petrograd, he thought. The captain, a tall man with a long face, looked over at Vadim, then took the leather pouch and told him and the sergeant to wait." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's in the bag? You can tell me now,\" the sergeant said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vadim knew it would be dangerous to reveal anything to the sergeant. \"It's not your business.\"\n\nThe White Russian Army had made a great discovery in Turkey, almost great enough to reaffirm his faith. But he was a Bolshevik and he knew that religion was an oppressive force." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe there was a God, but it didn't matter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The revolution was going to abolish the wealthy bishops and shut down the churches. Religion, after all, had become nothing more than a conspiracy to keep the proletariat in order.\n\nAfter Vadim had waited about forty-five minutes, the captain returned and asked the sergeant if he'd looked at the documents that Vadim had carried, or if Vadim had told him anything about them. He shook his head and the captain dismissed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sergeant gave Vadim a sour look and walked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was probably hoping he would get credit for my work, Vadim thought.\n\n\"Come with me,\" the captain said.\n\nVadim followed him down a hall and into a library with walls rising fifteen feet and covered with books. A fire crackled in an immense fireplace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In front of it was an ornate mahogany desk with gold inlaid trim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The high-backed chair behind it was turned toward the fire. As they approached the desk the captain cleared his throat. The chair swiveled about. Seated in front of him was a man with a thick handlebar mustache and penetrating dark eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The commander of the revolution. Trotsky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In his hands were the photographs and the accompanying documents. \"Sergeant Popov.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" Vadim stiffly saluted him.\n\n\"Tell me how you came upon this material.\"\n\nVadim remained standing as he told his story." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He embellished it, making the endeavor sound more daring, and he didn't say a word about Uri's help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said that after he'd discovered he was sharing the inn with an officer from the Imperial Army, he'd snuck into his room and found the document. Then, while he had been examining it, the White Russian had walked into the room and they'd struggled until he'd overcome the man.\n\n\"Excellent work, Sergeant Popov. Has anyone else seen these documents?\"\n\n\"Just myself.\" Uri better keep his mouth shut if he knows what's good for him, Vadim thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you tell anyone about them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"And do you know what these photos are supposed to be?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat.\"\n\n\"Do you believe it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vadim stared straight ahead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't sure what to say. The question of authenticity had never occurred to him; he wanted the photos to be real. He wanted the discovery to be important. \"I think they are what they're said to be. Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trotsky nodded. \"You've intercepted an extremely important document, and I congratulate you. However, it's unfortunate that you've seen the documents and believe so strongly in them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He realized he'd said something wrong. The warmth had vanished from Trotsky's face. His eyes turned dark and cold. \"Well, sir... I believe in the revolution. That's what I believe in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Trotsky wasn't paying any attention." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes shifted toward the captain, and he gave a slight nod.\n\nOut of the corner of his eye, Vadim saw the gun. He turned, held up his hand. The captain fired and the bullet ripped through Vadim's palm, pierced his eye, and buried itself deep inside his brain. He took a staggering step backward, shuddered, and collapsed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nRob MacGregor" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spring 1927" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "London\n\nOn the blackboard of the classroom were two vertical lines with bars and curls and rectangles drawn at various intervals, some on the left side of the line, some on the right. The young archaeology instructor, Professor Jones, pointed at the board with his wooden marker. He was in the midst of a lecture on Celtic ogham to the fifteen students in his class." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some of the students looked bored; others were enthralled, busily taking notes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A couple of the women in the front row were passing a piece of paper back and forth and grinning slyly.\n\nThe professor's full name was Henry Jones, but he preferred to be called Indy. He had just finished discussing the five letters, with bars extending from the right side of the vertical line and now tapped the marker against the letter designated by one bar protruding from the left side of the line. \"Huathe is the name for the letter H. It was represented by the hawthorn tree. To the Celts, it meant cleansing and protection, and it was associated with a period of waiting in which one kept himself or herself away from the hustle and bustle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy could relate to the letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the same way about himself. He'd felt that way since returning to London last summer after losing the most important person in his life.\n\nHe moved down to the letter with three bars extending from the left of the vertical line. \"The letter T is called tinne. It's symbolized by the evergreen holly. It signifies the will and ability to overcome enemies no matter how powerful. The ancient name for holly is Holm and is considered the likely source of the name for Holmsdale in Surrey. It might even be the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional character Sherlock Holmes. As we know, Holmes did quite well in combating his enemies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to the board." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The letter C is coll, which—\"\n\n\"Professor Jones?\" A man with a crew cut and a pencil behind his ear raised his hand. \"You forgot the letter D, the one with two bars. You skipped right over it.\"\n\nIndy tugged at the lapel of his coat and peered through his black, wire-rim glasses at the D, duir, the oak, which meant solidity and fortification." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was something about it that he wasn't remembering, or didn't want to remember." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned away from the blackboard. \"You know, the interesting thing about the ogham alphabet is not only that the letters contain complex meanings, but that each one can be represented by a hand gesture. In fact, the language was used as a secret way of communicating in the presence of others—for example, the Romans—who would have no idea what was being said.\"\n\nIndy glanced toward the two women in the front row. \"It saved paper, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The class laughed, and it seemed that even the skulls in the cabinets with the pottery shards were grinning at the professor's joke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two women turned red and tried to look attentive.\n\n\"Didn't that annoy the Romans when the Celts made these hand gestures?\" a man sitting in the second row asked.\n\n\"It sure did. No one likes being talked about behind his back, especially when he's standing right there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy frowned at the two women again, who wriggled uneasily in their seats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he'd begun his teaching career, he had been amused by some of the female students' reaction to him. They apparently expected archaeology professors to be human antiques, not young and virile. But this past year he'd only been annoyed by his flirtatious students. He definitely didn't want to get involved with any of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was still hurting from the loss of Deirdre, the love of his life, who had died just weeks after he'd married her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Romans finally had enough of it and outlawed the use of hand gestures,\" he continued.\n\nAn attractive, dark-haired woman raised her hand. \"Does anyone still use the sign language today?\"\n\nThe question confused him, even though the answer was obvious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I was thinking about the druids, who go to Stonehenge for the summer solstice. Do they use the hand signals?\"\n\n\"Not that I know of.\"\n\n\"I have an uncle who is involved with a druid group,\" said an attractive, but shy, doe-eyed girl.\n\n\"Oh? What's he say about hand signals?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd never match up to Deirdre, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of them would.\n\n\"Nothing. But he says that the druids set up colonies in the Americas a long time ago, and that some of them are still alive today. Do you think that's true?\"\n\nWhy did she have to ask that question? \"The subject is ogham today. Let's stick with it, and not waste our time on fanciful ideas that some know-nothing druids pass off as the truth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman drew back in her chair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had hardly spoken during the entire course, and now when she finally had come out of her shell, he'd attacked her. He turned back to the blackboard and stared at it as if he were preparing to make further remarks about the letters.\n\nHe felt bad, but the question annoyed him. It made him think of Deirdre again, and their search in the Amazon for Colonel Fawcett, an English adventurer who thought ancient druids had settled in South America." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd lost Deirdre when their airplane crashed in the jungle, and he knew that as long as he taught Celtic archaeology he would be haunted by her memory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had been his best student, a Scot of Celtic descent who spoke fluent Gaelic. Even though she was an undergraduate student, she knew more about Celtic archaeology than most doctoral candidates in the field.\n\n\"Okay. Where was I now? Oh, yes. I got up to the letter C, coll. This one relates to creativity, imagination, inspiration, and intuition. You may want to reflect on this one awhile before you write your final essay that's due Tuesday.\"\n\nEveryone laughed, and the bell rang. \"Class dismissed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the students filed out the room Indy caught the eye of the girl he'd snapped at." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Wilkens?\" He motioned to her. The two note passers gaped in surprise. \"Listen, I'm sorry if I offended you with my comment. I didn't mean it the way it sounded.\"\n\nThe girl crossed her arms over her books, which were pressed to her chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked embarrassed. \"It's all right. I know it... it must be hard for you sometimes. We all know about Deirdre, of course. I guess I shouldn't have asked that question. I wasn't thinking.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took off his glasses and stuffed them in his coat pocket. \"There was nothing wrong with the question. It's just that I'm not feeling so great today.\" He glanced up at the clock above the door. \"That was all.\"\n\n\"Professor Jones, may I ask you a question?\" the girl asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy gathered up his notes. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think it's worthwhile for a girl, I mean, you know, a woman to become an archaeologist?\"\n\nIndy shrugged. \"Why not?\"\n\n\"My father says it's not a ladylike thing to do. You know, digging in the ground and getting dirty. He thinks I should get married and have kids, and forget about going to graduate school.\"\n\nHe couldn't help thinking of Deirdre again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glanced up at her, then looked away. \"Maybe he's right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strode out of the classroom and quickly headed to his office. He didn't understand why Deirdre's death was hitting him so hard today. A year had passed since the tragic incident and he'd been feeling that it was behind him. Maybe the lecture on ogham had opened a door to a buried memory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Door, duir. Something about the ogham word reminded him of the incident leading to Deirdre's death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he wasn't sure what it was. There was a blank in his memory, a result of the airplane crash. He couldn't recall much of anything that had happened in the jungle, and that especially bothered him because he'd lost the memory of his last days with Deirdre. No matter how hard he tried to recall what had happened, the only thoughts that came to mind were vague images about an Indian village." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He entered the office area and greeted the secretary, a frizzy-haired graduate student who worked for three assistant professors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't want to see anybody.\"\n\nShe shrugged. \"No one wants to see you.... Not now.\"\n\nHe walked into his office and closed the door. Someday he'd have his own secretary and she wouldn't be so damned insolent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned against the door and rubbed his face with his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he stared over his fingers at his desk, which took up most of the space in his cramped office. A stack of journals lay on one corner of the desk. His mail was neatly stacked in another. Ungraded term papers were piled in the center of the desk, and a smaller batch of graded ones were to the left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the papers and journals and mail weren't what caught his attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was peering at two baked clay figurines, one a woman with large breasts and wide hips, the other a man with an erect penis that was half the length of its leg. How'd they get there? They'd been packed away in a box in his closet for months.\n\nThe pair had been given to him by Deirdre, who had passed them on from her deceased mother's collection of artifacts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd probably been used in Celtic fertility rites, and he remembered how Deirdre had smiled and said: \"They represent our love.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now they were a profanity. They taunted him, and he had an urge to swat them off the desk and smash them against the wall. He moved further into the room and saw that the closet door was open and the box where the figurines had been stored was pulled out of its place on the floor beneath a shelf.\n\n\"Francine,\" he yelled, then walked back into the outer office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you been messing around in my office?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't bark at me, Jones. I haven't been in your office today.\"\n\n\"Then how did my mail get there?\"\n\n\"Two of your students were here looking for you during your so-called office hours this morning. They were disturbing me with their chatter, so I told them to wait for you in there. I gave them your mail and told them to put it on your desk.\"\n\n\"What did they look like?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The phone rang and Francine picked it up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It didn't matter. He was sure they were the two gigglers who were passing notes in class. They'd visited him together last week. They'd asked a couple of innocuous questions about the course, then attempted to pry into his personal life.\n\nHe returned to his office, snatched up the figurines, put them back in the box, and closed the closet door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shook his head in disgust and stopped in front of his bookcase." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared at the titles and picked up a book called Buried Treasures of Chinese Turkestan. He leafed through it, then put it back on the shelf. He needed a change, a new challenge. Something that wouldn't remind him of Deirdre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But where would he find it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't just walk away from his responsibilities. Classes were about to end and he was supposed to teach summer school in another week. Then in the fall back to more of the same. Celtic archaeology.\n\nHe had to talk to Pencroft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was all there was to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd ask for a sabbatical. Maybe he'd go to Egypt or Greece or India. Hell, maybe he'd go dig for the buried treasures of Chinese Turkestan. He didn't know, but he was going to do something, something different, and Pencroft would just have to bend a little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt better already." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He scooped up the mail, quickly riffled through it, stopped a moment as he noticed a letter from Jack Shannon, his old friend and former college roommate. He put the letter in his pocket, stuffed the rest of the mail in his backpack, and headed for the door.\n\nHe recalled that Pencroft had suggested that he save his backpack for the field and that a briefcase would be more appropriate for the classroom. He was about to leave it behind, then changed his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His pack was his way of keeping in touch with a part of himself that was important, and if Pencroft didn't like it, too bad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you leaving?\" Francine called after him.\n\n\"I hope so.\"\n\nAt the end of the hall, he approached the department chairman's secretary, a round-faced, middle-aged woman who watched after Pencroft like a mother. \"Afternoon, Miss Jenkins. Is he in?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But you can't see him now. He's resting. He has a meeting in half an hour.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's important I see him.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, Professor Jones. You're going to have to make an appointment. How about—\"\n\n\"Indy, what can I do for you?\" Pencroft stood in the doorway of his office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a frail, bald man in his mid-sixties." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leaned on a cane and peered through thick black-framed glasses that magnified his eyes.\n\n\"Dr. Pencroft, would it be an imposition if I spoke with you for a few minutes?\"\n\n\"I told him you were resting.\"\n\nPencroft patted the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's okay, Rita. Please, come in, Indy. Come in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy didn't hesitate. As he quickly followed him inside and closed the door he smiled at the secretary, who crossed her arms and shook her head in disgust.\n\nPencroft hobbled over to his desk and eased himself into his chair. He had spent more than forty years studying Paleolithic man and had become chairman of the department after Victor Bernard had supposedly vanished without a trace on a trip to Guatemala.\n\nIndy knew Bernard had not died in Guatemala, but in Brazil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was one of Indy's last memories of the Amazon before everything turned fuzzy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he also knew that no one would believe him. Even his old friend Marcus Brody had thought it was a delusion caused by the plane crash. He'd advised Indy to keep the incredible story to himself. So he hadn't said another word about it, even though he was sure that Bernard had not only been killed by Indians, but had been behind an attempt to murder Indy himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, sit down,\" Pencroft said, and frowned at the backpack as Indy set it on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, what can I do for you?\"\n\nSuddenly Indy was tongue-tied. \"Well, Dr. Pencroft, it's not that I don't like what I'm doing or that I'm not grateful to be teaching here, but something has come up and I'm not sure, I mean, I don't think I can continue on, and I'm wondering if... well, I feel like a sabbatical might be in order.\"\n\n\"Sabbaticals are for tenured professors. Maybe in a few years you might qualify, but right now...\" He shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't really mean a sabbatical in the technical sense. I meant that I need to take a leave of absence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft's hand rustled unsteadily through some papers on his desk. \"It's interesting that you should bring up this matter about your future with this institution. I've been meaning to talk to you about that very topic.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"Yes. You see, the academic review board has raised questions about how qualified you are to teach Celtic archaeology.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What? I've been teaching it almost three years.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pencroft found the sheaf of papers he was looking for and absently paged through it. \"It's your background,\" he said, uttering each word as if his visitor might not understand. \"They don't feel you are sufficiently educated for the task, and between you and me it doesn't help that you are an American.\"\n\nIndy knew that he had been fortunate to get hired at the University of London." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also was aware that the offer had been related to his discovery of the Omphalos at Delphi, an artifact that he'd belatedly learned was linked with Stonehenge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But all that was in the past. His practical experience outweighed his lack of formal training in Celtic archaeology, and he told Pencroft so.\n\n\"The problem is not my qualifications or abilities. I'm just getting stale. I need a break to try something different.\"\n\n\"Let me finish,\" Pencroft said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The board also criticized your fieldwork last year. Before Dr. Bernard disappeared last summer, he had submitted an extremely critical report on your work at Tikal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But that's got nothing to do with my Celtic teaching.\" He was tempted to tell Pencroft all about Bernard, but he held back.\n\n\"That's part of the problem. Your acceptance of Dr. Bernard's offer to work at Tikal shows that you are not concentrating on Celtic archaeology, and now you tell me that you're feeling stale.\"\n\n\"So what are you saying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pencroft cleared his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I can make an observation, I'd say that your present feelings are related to what happened to you in the Amazon with Deirdre Campbell last summer.\"\n\n\"That's part of it.\"\n\nThe old professor nodded thoughtfully. \"You know, her mother and I were great friends. Her loss affected me deeply. So I certainly understand your feelings, and in fact, I have been considering these mitigating circumstances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy didn't feel much like talking about his feelings with Pencroft, and he didn't appreciate the professor's vague attempt at consoling him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wished he would get to the point.\n\n\"I'm sure you recall at the beginning of the fall term I offered you an opportunity to spend the academic year translating Goidelic manuscripts from the second century B.C.\"\n\n\"I remember.\" Goidelic was a Celtic dialect, and although Indy had a working knowledge of the language, he was far from an expert. It was not the sort of challenge he was looking for then, or now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I made that offer because I thought you might want to avoid the pressure of teaching after the unfortunate events of the summer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know you did.\"\n\nPencroft crossed his arms. \"Well, I'm going to give you another chance to work with the manuscripts. I'm sure I can come up with funding for you through the summer. After that we'll examine the progress you're making and decide about the fall.\"\n\n\"I appreciate your offer, Dr. Pencroft. But like I said before, I think there are better people for the job. You see, I was thinking of fieldwork. I need to get away for a while.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Translating is not always a scholarly task,\" Pencroft said in an admonishing tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at Sir Henry Rawlinson. He had to hang over the side of a cliff by one hand and copy the Babylonian cuneiform letters with the other. If his grip had failed, he would've fallen to his death.\"\n\n\"But the Goidelic text you're talking about is in the library down the hall.\"\n\n\"Are you turning down my offer?\"\n\nIndy thought a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He realized what the consequences might be if he said yes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think I am. I need to get away.\"\n\nPencroft nodded. \"Then I think you understand that your association with the university will terminate with the end of classes.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next four sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the days of Chaucer, London had been a one-square-mile village surrounded by a Roman wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon, villages took root around the old city with names such as Chelsea, Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho, and Bloomsbury, and gradually the city became a patchwork of these villages. Hampstead was the village with the most open spaces and the highest point of land in London, known as Parliament Hill.\n\nIndy had headed directly for Hampstead Heath, as the village's vast park was called, after he left Pencroft's office. He passed through open fields and clusters of pines, drinking in his surrounding, relieved that he was away from classrooms, students, and colleagues, and when Parliament Hill rose in front of him, he started climbing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hike was a way of dealing with his frustrations and clearing his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would attain a view of the city, and maybe an overview of his life.\n\nWhen he reached the crest, he gazed down at the network of winding streets lined by mansions and terraced cottages. Some were redbrick, others white stucco, and most were garnished with ivy and holly. He spotted Wentworth Place, where John Keats had written \"Ode on a Grecian Urn,\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ode to Psyche,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To Autumn,\" and other poems. He lifted his gaze to the distant spires and buildings and realized that London looked different to him now. He was not only looking at the city from above, but thinking of it in the past tense. His time in England was drawing to an end like the closing chapter of a book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would miss the characters and the setting, but he was ready to move on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would leave here this summer, and he wouldn't return in the fall.\n\nAs he sat down to rest he slipped Shannon's letter from his back pocket. Jack had moved back to Chicago a year and a half ago, after his father had died. Indy didn't know the details, but he guessed from the little that Shannon had said that his father's death was neither natural nor an accident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon's family was involved in gangster affairs, and death by a bullet was an occupational hazard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had written Shannon several times, but he'd only received a couple of letters from him. This one was the first he'd gotten since Shannon had written him expressing his sorrow at Deirdre's death. Shannon had said little about his life in Chicago, except that he was playing regularly in a jazz band in a South Side nightclub.\n\nHe opened the envelope and unfolded the letter, which was dated May 2, and quickly read it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dear Indy," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sorry I'm so bad at writing. I got no excuses. I'm just too wrapped up in my music and other things. I'm playing now five nights a week at the Nest on Thirty-fifth and State." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You ought to see Chicago now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ole town has really taken to jazz and the blues. You could almost say it's respectable. Well, that's going a bit too far.\n\nLike I said, you should see it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trouble is that the families are getting ruthless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since Dad was killed, there's been a shaky truce. I've done my best to stay clear of it, but it's tougher now that Dad is gone. I'm one of the Shannon brothers and the Shannons are in the Business.\n\nI don't know why I'm telling you all of this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe it's a confession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a tough line I'm walking and I've had to seek Higher help, if you know what I mean. If things don't work out, I may have to get out of here fast. Maybe I'll show up at your door one of these days. This is your warning. Ha-ha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not unless I show up at your door first, Indy thought. Arid that wasn't such a bad idea. Going back to Chicago was definitely a possibility.\n\nLast winter he'd attended a conference on Celtic archaeology in Dublin and had presented a paper on Celtic influences in New England." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had focused on stone inscriptions found mainly in Massachusetts and Vermont and compared them to Celtic ones in Great Britain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd stopped short of drawing a definite conclusion. His intent had been simply to get Celtic scholars to look at evidence they'd previously ignored. One of the other presenters at the conference had been Angus O'Malley, chairman of the archaeology department at the University of Chicago. He'd been impressed by Indy's paper and had told him that if he was ever interested in returning to Chicago to teach Celtic archaeology, he would find a position for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy hadn't given the offer much thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not until now. He'd always figured he'd move back to the States again; he'd just never known when. Maybe he could join one of the university's digs this summer and start work in the fall. It wasn't a bad plan, and besides, it would be good to see Shannon again, and to find out what sort of \"higher\" help he was getting. He didn't think that Shannon had turned to religion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wasn't the type." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then what was he talking about?\n\nThe more he thought about it, the more he realized that he was ready to go back. It would be swell living in Chicago again. Maybe he'd even find a girlfriend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He carefully folded up the letter, returned it to its envelope, and stuck it in his pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heavy clouds were moving in and the view of the city was turning gray and hazy. It was time to go home, he decided, and for the first time in years that meant Chicago.\n\nJack Shannon leaned against a sooty brick wall at the end of the alley behind the Nest. As the truck motored past him, he glanced at his watch and saw it was two minutes past three A.M." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Nest was closed, but the important business of the day was about to begin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both the alley and side street were clear of any suspicious activity, and Shannon hoped the men waiting at the backdoor of the club were ready to unload. He wanted the truck out of here in five minutes or less. Crouched a few feet behind him was another member of the organization, and hidden in the shadows across the alley were two others. At the opposite end of the alley, Shannon's brother Harry and three of his men guarded that entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all had tommy guns tucked close to their sides and were ready to use them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Restocking the nightclub's supply of booze was no routine matter. It wasn't the cops who presented the danger. They were well paid. It was the competition for territory that caused the problems, and right now things were as hot as they could be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon tried to stay calm by thinking about the woman he'd met earlier this evening before he'd come to the club." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her name was Katrina and the name seemed to fit her personality. He was intrigued by her, and he was looking forward to seeing her again. It had been a long time since he'd met a woman who had made such an impression on him.\n\nMaybe it was because she was so different from the women he was used to seeing at the club." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all had short hair and wore baggy, fringed dresses and layers of beads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They flaunted their cigarettes, snapped their gum, made wisecracks, and drank white lightning when they weren't on the dance floor doing the wicky-wicky-wacky-woo. That was fine, but he'd been around the flappers so much that he fantasized encountering a repressed-Victorian type who would swoon in his arms rather than blow smoke rings across a bar.\n\nThen he'd met Katrina. Her silky blond hair probably fell to the middle of her back when it wasn't tied on her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her clothes were conservative, a high-necked blouse and a long skirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet she didn't seem prudish. She had openly greeted him, her blue eyes studying him curiously as he shook her soft hand. He was sure he'd sensed a longing that was ready to erupt.\n\nBut he'd met her at the church just before his Bible class, and it was hardly the place to make a pass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd talked about her father, who was meeting with the reverend and who was going to speak at the church in a couple of days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were planning an expedition to Turkey, where they would search for Noah's Ark.\n\nHe'd watched her with such intensity that he'd barely heard what she was saying, and when he'd asked a few questions to keep the conversation alive, she'd finally shook her head and laughed. \"I already told you that. Aren't you listening to me?\"\n\n\"With all my heart,\" Shannon had replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the reverend and her father had emerged from the office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd smiled coyly and walked off to join them.\n\nShe was probably snuggled in bed right now, deeply asleep, while he stood here in the alley with a tommy gun, waiting for trouble. He almost laughed at the contradiction that his life had become. Except it wasn't very funny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, look.\" Richie, the heavyset man behind Shannon, nudged him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see it.\"\n\nA black Packard was moving slowly down the side street approaching the alley. Just then the truck revved its engine and pulled away from the backdoor of the club; it was coming their way.\n\n\"Oh, no,\" Shannon muttered under his breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Packard had almost slowed to a stop and the truck was picking up speed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He snapped off the safety button. His finger tensed on the trigger. Then the driver of the Packard saw the truck. Shannon raised his weapon, waiting for a window to roll down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the Packard moved past them and pulled to the curb just as the truck roared out of the alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It jumped the curb and turned away from the automobile.\n\nThe front doors of the Packard swung open and two men in long, dark coats and hats stepped out. Shannon swiveled his gun, still expecting to see machine guns poke out of the coats.\n\n\"Don't shoot!\" Richie said aloud. \"That's Benny Boy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's he doing here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think? Hey, Benny!\"\n\nThe man turned, wobbled a moment. Then he smiled and doffed his hat, revealing slicked-back hair that was parted in the middle and a thin mustache. \"How ya doin', Richie? You goin' upstairs to stick your wicky, too? C'mon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, Shannon thought, finally relaxing his grip." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately one sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bordello next door was open all night." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Rob MacGregor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three Weeks Later" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chicago\n\nAs the train pulled into the Union Station at Jackson and Canal streets in downtown Chicago Indy watched the throng of people moving this way and that on the platform. The platform was like a huge stage and everyone was performing a part in some incomprehensible play with neither beginning nor end. The dialogue usually ran together with everyone talking at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Occasionally, an individual's performance would stand out for a few seconds, then the actor would disappear into the masses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a sense, the city was an extension of the platform, Indy thought. It was much more complex, of course, with literally thousands of scenes being acted out simultaneously. There were stars and a massive supporting cast everywhere you went. Chicago was a noisy play with the dialogue punctuated from time to time by the staccato fire of tommy guns from the mob, the braying of cattle heading to slaughterhouses, or the grinding and shrieking timbre of industry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chicago was discordant and harmonious, drama and comedy, and it played continually around the clock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had never thought of the city this way when he lived here, but he hadn't spent a night in Chicago for eight years, and he felt like an outsider. He didn't belong anymore. He was an actor without a role. At least for now, he thought as he disembarked from the train." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd spent nine days at sea, then had traveled by rail the last three days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was midafternoon and he felt tired and disoriented. He decided to look for a hotel near the train station and rest awhile. He walked a few blocks over to Sixth and Michigan and found himself outside of the Blackstone. It was famous, luxurious, and expensive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd never stayed here, or even thought about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rich people from out of town stayed here.\n\n\"May I take your bag, sir?\" asked the doorman. He was a young Negro, who was dressed like a general, but stood barely over five feet.\n\n\"My bags? Oh, no thanks. I don't think I'm going to stay here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not? Aren't we good enough?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy laughed. \"Your hotel's just fine. It's my pocketbook.\"\n\n\"So what? Why not treat yourself for one night? You won't regret it.\"\n\n\"Sounds like you're getting a commission.\"\n\n\"No, but I don't want to work here all my life, either,\" the doorman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to get into sales \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd be good at it.\"\n\n\"You mean you're going to stay here at the Blackstone?\"\n\n\"I wish I could.\"\n\n\"Tell you what. I can get you a suite for the price of a single. What do you say to that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't need a suite, and why would you do that for me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why? Because I know I can do it, and I can see that you're the type of guy who would benefit from my inside information, if you know what I mean.\"\n\nWhat the hell, he thought. It wasn't such a bad idea. He'd been given severance pay equaling two months of his regular salary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd splurge for a day or two, then he'd find cheaper lodging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. You convinced me.\"\n\n\"Great. My name's Frankie. If you need anything, just let me know.\"\n\nFrankie opened the door for him, and Indy stopped in his tracks. The elegance was literally breathtaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His feet sank into the thick carpeting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Massive, intricate chandeliers glistened from the ceiling. The walls were covered with rich woodwork, and there were delicate marble statues everywhere.\n\nHe moved to the registration desk and asked for a room. The clerk smiled and told him he was getting the last one available, a single room on the second floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A single?\" Indy asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clerk gave him a baffled look. \"You are alone, aren't you?\"\n\n\"Yeah.\"\n\nA couple of minutes later, the clerk moved off to get Indy the key." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he returned, he looked upset." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, there's a problem. The room I gave you is already taken. Just a few minutes ago, our guest decided to stay another night. We're completely booked... except for one room, but that one is a corner suite.\"\n\nHe laughed, amazed at how Frankie had known exactly what was going on. Then he realized the clerk wasn't offering him any discount. \"I can't afford it. I'll have to go somewhere else.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The desk clerk looked disappointed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just a minute, please.\"\n\nHe disappeared into an office. Indy watched a middle-aged woman draped in furs and jewelry walk by with two poodles. Two steps behind her was a man in a top hat and tails, carrying an ebony cane with a gold handle shaped like a lion's head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy idly wondered how the pair dressed for the evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Jones, I've talked to the manager and you can take the suite for the price of a single room. Our apologies for the mix-up.\"\n\n\"No problem.\" Just the kind of mix-up I could get used to, he thought.\n\n\"I'll help you with your bags, sir.\" It was Frankie again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks. How did you know what was going to happen?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frankie laughed. \"When you work at the door, you pick up things. Lots of things.\"\n\n\"So why aren't you at the door?\" Indy asked as they waited for the elevator.\n\n\"I'm just helping you out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I bet, Indy thought, and wondered how much change he had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was payoff time. Same old Chicago. Everyone from the mayor to the hotel doorman had a racket.\n\nA couple of minutes later, Indy was ensconced in an immaculate corner suite with two queen-size beds. He'd tipped Frankie more than he'd expected to pay for a room, but he didn't mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad the kid had convinced him to stay here; he never would've done it on his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He flopped down on the bed and within seconds was sound asleep.\n\nIn another room of the Blackstone, Katrina Zobolotsky stood in front of the window and brushed her long blond hair. She watched the people moving along the street three stories below. She didn't care for Chicago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She preferred San Francisco, her home for the past six years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then, her impressions of Chicago had been soured by the presence of the watcher.\n\nShe absentmindedly ran her fingers over the velvet drapes and wriggled her toes in the thick carpeting. In her twenty-four years, she had never stayed in such luxurious accommodations. She felt like a princess, but also like a prisoner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew he was out there somewhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waiting. She and her father couldn't go out without drawing his attention, and he seemed to be everywhere. They would spot him across the street standing in a doorway, only to turn the corner and see him again ahead of them. Waiting. Watching. How he did it she didn't know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father was ready to believe that the devil was on their trail, and she didn't blame him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe it had been a mistake coming to Chicago. But if that were true, then maybe everything was wrong. She couldn't let those kind of thoughts get in her way. She had to believe that what she was doing was right, and that it would all work out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned away from the window and rapped at her father's door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was dinnertime, and she was sure everything would look better after she ate something. She wanted to believe that. She needed to believe it.\n\nAs Indy came awake a phrase was running through his mind over and over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "D is for duir.... D is for duir.... D is for duir. D... D... D." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. All right,\" he muttered in his sleep. He'd been away from London and the university for two weeks, but this Celtic stuff was still running through his mind. He blinked his eyes open and looked around. It was dark outside, but the curtains were open and light from the street was shining into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He still felt tired, and he had an urge to turn over and go back to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But instead he found the light switch to the lamp next to his bed and tugged on the chain.\n\nHe walked over to the radio, twisted the knob, then lay back down. He'd wait until he heard the time before he decided what to do. He didn't feel much like going out, and he could always see Shannon tomorrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The radio announcer was reading the news and Indy caught the end of a story about federal agents discovering a still in a warehouse a block from city hall in Cicero, a town just outside of Chicago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the announcer turned to the national news.\n\n\"It's been two and a half weeks now since Charles Lindbergh made his historic flight from New York to Paris and we're hearing more bits and pieces about what it was like on that long and lonely air voyage,\" he said. \"Many of us have wondered how Linbergh managed to stay awake for the thirty-three and a half hours that it took, and now we have an interesting answer. According to a friend of the Lindbergh family, the pilot has remarked on more than one occasion that he felt at times as if he were not alone in his airplane. There was someone else in the compartment with him, an invisible presence, who was guiding him and helping him stay awake.\"\n\nIndy threw his legs over the side of the bed as the announcer chatted on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He called room service, ordered a steak dinner, and headed to the shower." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Lindbergh could stay awake for the entire trip across the Atlantic, he could damn well stay awake this evening to see his old friend.\n\nBy nine-thirty, he'd eaten, dressed, and was ready to go out. As soon as he stepped through the revolving door, a taxi rolled up to the front of the hotel and Indy slid into the backseat. \"Take me down to Thirty-fifth and State.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The taxi driver, a Negro in his fifties, peeked over his shoulder at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you sure that's where you wanna go, sir?\"\n\n\"They're still playing jazz down there, aren't they?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. That they are,\" he said, and drove off.\n\nThe area along State Street was known as a vice district as well as the home of much of the jazz that was played in Chicago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a Negro neighborhood and was just a few blocks from the Irish, Lithuanian, and Polish neighborhoods, which surrounded the nearby stockyards and packing houses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gazed out the window as the cab motored along the busy street. He hadn't been here since his college days, when he and Shannon had spent many nights in the neighborhood slipping into the \"black and tan\" clubs, as the ones catering to mixed racial audiences were called. Usually, they'd ended up at rent parties, where Shannon got his first opportunities to play his cornet with real jazz musicians.\n\nNow jazz, or at least a watered-down version of the gutsy stuff, was being accepted in Chicago and all over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first movie where the actors were actually talking had just come out; and it was called the Jazz Singer, and starred Al Jolson." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the Jazz Age now as much as it was the Roaring Twenties.\n\nThe sidewalks were crowded and he could hear music filtering into the streets from the clubs. As they neared Thirty-fifth, he recognized several cabarets with familiar names: the Dreamland Cafe, Paradise Gardens, the Elite No. 2, and LaFerencia. Then he saw the New Monogram Theatre and next to it was a building with the words THE NEST lit up in red lights above the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right here. This is where I'm going.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You enjoy yourself at the Nest,\" the driver said as Indy paid his fare. \"But watch out in that place. Anything can happen there.\"\n\n\"Thanks for the advice,\" he said, leaving the driver a tip.\n\nIndy crossed the street, and as he approached the nightclub two policeman looked him over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Upstairs,\" one of them said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The nightclub's upstairs?\" he asked.\n\n\"For you it is,\" the cop answered.\n\nAt first Indy didn't understand, then he realized they were telling him that the second floor was for whites. He entered an alcove and was about to climb the stairs when the door suddenly swung open and a Negro couple moved past him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard a sultry piano and caught a glimpse of a dimly lit and crowded nightclub: small tables with candles, a stage with green and red lights, a dance floor, and a haze of smoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He decided to see if he could spot Shannon and catch his attention.\n\nHe stepped through the door, but a burly Negro in a coat and tie immediately moved in front of him and pointed to the stairs. \"There's plenty of seats upstairs, sir.\"\n\n\"Thanks. I'm looking for Jack Shannon, the cornet player.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man gave Indy a second look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can look at him from right on upstairs. Mr. Shannon is onstage.\"\n\nIndy handed the doorman two bits, enough to buy a square meal. \"Tell him Indy's here from London. Upstairs.\"\n\nThe man nodded. \"I'll see that he hears.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The second floor was a horseshoe-shaped balcony with the tables bordering the railing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy passed several occupied tables before he found an empty one. The view of the stage was good, so he sat down. Even though the character of the place was similar to the bohemian boites in Paris, the second-floor patrons wore dark suits with hat brims pulled low, rather than natty sweaters and jauntily cocked berets. But maybe dressing in mobster garb was the craze these days in the Windy City." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no doubt about the women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were attired in flapper outfits: short skirts, long strings of beads, hose rolled down to their knees, and unbuckled galoshes on their feet.\n\nHe ordered a Coca-Cola from a mulatto waitress, then turned his attention to the stage as he heard the familiar signature of Shannon's cornet and a sassy beat of a jazz drummer. Shannon didn't look any different than the last time Indy had seen him. He still wore a goatee and his red hair was as unkempt as ever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In college, Shannon had stood six-foot-two and weighed a hundred and forty pounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't look as if he'd added a pound to his wiry frame.\n\nAt the end of the third time, Shannon leaned over the microphone as the applause died down. \"Thank you. That was the 'High Society Rag,' appropriated directly from King Joe Oliver himself.\"\n\nHe turned his head to the side and used his cornet like a pointer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On piano tonight we have our old friend, Mr. Willie 'the Lion' Smith. Let's hear it for him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the applause died, he continued: \"On drums, all the way from New York's famous Rhythm Club, let's welcome Sonny Greer. We're going to play one more now, then take a break. When we come back, some of the Lion's friends are going to sit in with us.\"\n\nShannon shaded his eyes with a hand. \"You up there, Jones? One of my special friends is here this evening. He won't be performing onstage for us, though. He's a professional ditch digger by trade, fresh off the streets of London.\"\n\nIndy laughed as Shannon lifted his cornet to his lips and the band struck up a rollicking tune and the dance floor filled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy leaned back in his chair and let the music flow over him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "True jazz was the sound of raw emotion, of hard luck and good times. He looked at the people at the other tables on the second floor, watching the dancers below as if they were attending a performance. Some snapped their fingers to the syncopated beat. Others just observed; and for most whites who dared to venture into the neighborhood, that was enough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few minutes after the band took its break, Shannon strolled up the stairs wiping his brow with a towel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he worked his way toward Indy's table he nodded and smiled and paused a couple of time to say a few words to the club's patrons. Indy stood up as Shannon reached his table. They shook hands and clasped shoulders.\n\n\"So you're really here,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I got your telegram and could hardly believe it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can hardly believe it myself,\" Indy said as they sat down. \"I feel like it's a dream.\"\n\n\"Well, this ain't Dreamland. That's down the street. No dreaming allowed here.\"\n\nIndy laughed, and momentarily flashed on his dream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "D is for duir.... D is for duir." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was something about his lost time in the jungle. Whatever had happened to him was like a dream. A dream that was still buried inside of him.\n\n\"So what do you think of this place?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess it's about what I expected.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't know the half of it, Indy. Believe me.\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"We own the place, you know.\"\n\n\"We?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me and my brothers. Who do you think? It's sort of a silent ownership. A Negro manager, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really? Then I'm surprised that you won't allow whites downstairs,\" Indy said. \"Back when we used to come down here to listen to jazz, you used to complain about that kind of thing.\"\n\n\"I know. I know. That's one of the concessions I've had to make to my brothers. You see, if we mixed things up, we'd draw attention to the place, and we don't need that. We've got enough trouble as it is.\"\n\nThe waitress set a glass of soda water in front of Shannon and gave Indy another Coke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a flask. \"Gin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see you haven't changed much.\" Shannon spiked Indy's soft drink, considering the comment as he added gin to his glass of soda water. \"Oh, I don't know about that, Indy. You'd be surprised.\"\n\n\"I guess you've gotten closer to your brothers,\" Indy said, attempting to gauge Shannon's involvement in the mob." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not really what I was thinking of, but yeah, I have gotten closer to the family. It was a necessity, you could say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy knew that Shannon had moved into the family house, which he shared with his mother and one of his brothers, who had a wife and a couple of kids. \"You still like living back home again?\"\n\n\"It has certain advantages.\" Shannon ran a hand through his thick, unkempt hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish I could invite you to stay at the house, but it's just not the best idea right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No problem. I've got a room already. I'm staying in the Blackstone Hotel.\" The last thing he wanted to do was take up space in a house that was probably already overcrowded.\n\n\"You're kidding. Hoover stayed there when he was in town.\"\n\n\"I believe it. It's quite a place, even if I can only afford it for a couple of nights.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So how long you staying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. It all depends. I'm going to see about a teaching job at our old alma mater, if you can believe that.\"\n\nShannon looked astonished. \"What about your job in London?\"\n\n\"What job?\"\n\n\"You quit?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More or less. I couldn't take it anymore. I felt haunted. I'd even see Deirdre walking across the campus. Of course, it was never really her. Just someone who looked like her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a damn shame what happened,\" Shannon said. \"I know things weren't always great with you two, but I thought right from the start that she was the one.\"\n\n\"She was. That's the problem. But it's over now, and I've got to put it behind me.\"\n\n\"Well, I'm glad you're back, but I'm a little surprised that you would want to teach at the university, especially after that run-in with Mulhouse over Founding Fathers' Day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy waved a hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God, I'd almost forgotten about that little episode. That's ancient history.\"\n\n\"I suppose. But if you had to do it over again, would you still hang those dummies?\"\n\nIndy dredged his memory. The two of them had hung effigies of George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Benjamin Franklin from lampposts to protest the university's mandatory participation in Founding Fathers' Day activities and assignments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Indy had been caught, he'd nearly lost his degree." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know, when time passes, you look back at things that seemed important and you realize that they weren't such a big deal after all.\"\n\nShannon sipped his drink. \"I see, so you're getting older and wiser.\"\n\n\"No, listen. At the time, I thought I was trying to make a point about heroes. You know, if the British had won, our revolutionary heroes would've been criminals. But I realize now that the real point I was making was that celebrating freedom should never be required of anyone. That's not what freedom is about, and Mulhouse was just plain wrong to force us to participate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess you're right. I always looked at it as your way of making a stand against mediocrity, because that's what that whole celebration...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon stopped as he stared down to the first floor at three men in stylish suits and hats who just walked into the club. The husky doorman was attempting to direct them upstairs.\n\n\"Looks like they don't know the downstairs is off limits for whites,\" Indy said.\n\n\"They know. They're looking for me.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with four sentences, emulating the writing style of Rob MacGregor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina and her father were leaving the restaurant when she saw the watcher again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood across the street, huddled under a streetlight. \"Look, Papa. There he is. Do you see him?\"\n\n\"Don't look at him. Just get in the taxi.\"\n\nShe slid across the backseat, but couldn't help stealing another glance at the mysterious man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood well over six feet, but he didn't look tall because of his bulk, which probably surpassed two hundred and fifty pounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a square jaw and wore a hat and a trench coat. He was too far away now, but she'd already seen his icy blue eyes. He stared at the taxi and didn't move. She felt an involuntary shiver and was relieved when the taxi pulled away from the curb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few minutes later, they stopped in front of the Blackstone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But as soon as she stepped out a chill raced up her spine. She saw him. He was standing less than fifty feet away under the outside light of a shop. She stared, and saw the clothes, the same features, the square jaw, those terrible eyes that seemed to bore right through her. How had he gotten here ahead of them? It was impossible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there he was. Waiting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Watching.\n\nShe was about to say something to her father as they entered the lobby, but she could see by his tense expression that he, too, had seen the watcher. It was better not to exacerbate the situation. Stay calm, she told herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Papa, I'm tired. I think I'm going to go to bed early,\" she said when they reached their suite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a good idea. We have a big day tomorrow. And don't worry about him. We're safe here.\"\n\n\"I know. See you in the morning.\" Katrina kissed him on the cheek and retired to her room. She sat on the edge of her bed and paged through a magazine, waiting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She heard the water running in her father's bathroom, then the toilet flush." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, a faint creaking of springs told her that he'd settled into bed. She waited another few minutes, then turned off the light and quietly slipped out the door. She walked quickly down the hall to the elevator and descended to the lobby.\n\nShe identified herself to a desk clerk and told him what she wanted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He asked her to step around the counter, then escorted her into a room where dozens of built-in safes lined the walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took the key from her purse and searched the walls. She was confused because all of the safes looked too small. They were fine for jewelry and cash, but not for the sort of valuable her father had placed here.\n\n\"The number, madam?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three twenty-three. I don't remember—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The lower level.\"\n\n\"Oh, there it is.\" Larger safes lined the wall along the floor. She tried the key and was relieved when it worked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully, she withdrew a canvas bag, closed the door to the safe, and thanked the desk clerk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She started to leave the room, but then turned back to the man. \"Could someone accompany me to my room, please?\"\n\nThe clerk gave her a puzzled look. \"Our hotel is perfectly safe, madam.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You don't know about the watcher, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure it is, but I'd still like someone to walk with me.\"\n\n\"Of course.\" The desk clerk raised his head and snapped his fingers. \"Frankie.\"\n\nA young Negro man in a fancy doorman's uniform hurried over to the desk. \"Please accompany Miss Zobolotsky to her room.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't even as tall as she was, she thought.\n\n\"Evening, madam. Can I carry the bag for you?\"\n\nShe drew back. \"No, I'll carry it.\"\n\nFrankie shrugged, then led the way to the elevator." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina wasn't expecting trouble; there were too many people around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she wasn't going to take any chances. As they rode up in the elevator it occurred to her that the doorman might have noticed the watcher.\n\n\"Frankie, can I ask you a question?\"\n\n\"Yes, ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm wondering if you noticed a certain man outside the hotel this evening.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She described the watcher to him.\n\n\"Oh, that guy. I asked him if he wanted a room, but he just ignored me. Not a very friendly fellow.\"\n\n\"Have you seen him around before?\"\n\n\"Just the past couple of days. There are two of them, you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah. They look alike, even dress alike.\"\n\nSo that was it. She felt relieved that at least part of the mystery had been solved. It wasn't the devil, just twins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But her relief was only momentary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She still didn't know who they were, or what they wanted. \"Did you notice anything else about them?\"\n\nHe gave her a sly look. \"Well, you see, I sort of snuck up on them earlier this evening and listened to them. I wanted to know what they were talking about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This kid was great, she thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what did they say?\"\n\n\"I don't know. They spoke in some foreign language. Maybe Lithuanian. We got some of them folks here, you know.\"\n\nRussian, not Lithuanian. That was her guess.\n\n\"Do you know them?\" Frankie asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just happened to notice them,\" she said, and gave him a well-deserved tip as she stopped at her door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She quickly unlocked the door and slipped into the room. She stood in the darkness, listening. When she didn't hear any sounds from the adjoining room, she moved silently over to her bed and shoved the bag underneath it. She opened a dresser drawer and patted the inside of it until she found her nightgown." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As she changed in the bathroom she felt like a kid trying to get away with something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't like doing anything behind her father's back, but it was better she did this alone. She was concerned about what would happen tomorrow. She needed some reassurance that it was going to work out. She opened the canvas bag and reached inside it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She removed an oblong object and slowly unwound the cloth that was wrapped around it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, she closed her eyes and pressed it to her breast, and waited.\n\nIndy followed Shannon as he quickly walked over to a red door in the corner. Shannon tapped on it three times, and after a moment it swung open. Another hulking doorman looked them over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a light-skinned Negro with wavy hair, and his arms and chest looked as if they were about to burst out of his tuxedo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's okay. He's a friend,\" Shannon said, nodding toward Indy. The doorman was the only Negro in the smoky, crowded room. In the center under hanging lights were three gambling tables in full operation. A young woman walked up to Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wore a gingham baby romper with a big bow in the back, high heels, and pink and blue silk ribbons in her bobbed hair that were as large as her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face was heavily made up and she carried a tray with several drinks on it.\n\n\"Hi, Jack. Whiskey for you and your friend?\"\n\n\"No thanks.\" Shannon moved toward the tables. As Indy trailed him he noticed several more women, all dressed in identical costumes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some were moving about the room with drinks or cigarettes, others were seated on couches talking with men who were smoking and drinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on, Jack?\" Indy asked as Shannon stopped by one of the tables and looked around.\n\n\"Just wait a minute, will ya?\"\n\n\"Would you like to get into the game, sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned to see a handsome man with slicked-back hair and a thin mustache." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore a tuxedo like the doorman, but was closer to Indy's size. \"Ah, I don't think so. Not right now.\"\n\n\"Benny.\" Shannon motioned to the man. \"If three mugs carrying lead in their jackets come in asking for me, tell them you haven't seen me. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man nodded. \"Of course, Mr. Shannon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon motioned to Indy and they moved past the tables and over to another door. This time there was no doorman to question them. They hurried down a dingy back staircase and into an alley behind the club.\n\n\"Okay, Jack, what's going on?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a long story,\" Shannon said, walking rapidly down the alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me a hint.\"\n\n\"Wait till we're inside.\"\n\nShannon knocked on a door at the next building. After a few seconds, Indy heard someone ask who it was, and Shannon gave his name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door opened a couple of inches and a face peered out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tall woman in a cocktail dress smiled at them. \"Hi, Marlee.\"\n\n\"Why, hello, Jack. Is this business or pleasure or both?\"\n\n\"Neither. We just want to come in for a while. We'll stay out of the way.\"\n\n\"Anything you want.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they stepped inside and closed the door Marlee looked at Indy, a question mark on her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is Indy, an old friend.\"\n\nThe woman extended a long hand with painted nails, then she turned away and motioned for them to follow. They moved down a dimly lit hallway and into a room that looked like a harem. Yards of silk with swirls of pink and blue floated in waves across the ceiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More silk was draped over a couple of Tiffany lamps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The opposite wall was a mirror covered by a sheer material that gave their reflection a dreamy look. It took a moment before Indy noticed the pink couch with three women seated on it. They all wore silky robes; their faces were masks of makeup. One of them stood up and her robe slipped from her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wore a lacy teddy and high heels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not tonight, Cheri,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"Is this what I think it is?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Of course it is. The family protects it,\" Shannon explained.\n\n\"Seems like it's the other way around to me,\" Indy commented." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean we protect the place from police raids,\" Shannon said, sounding annoyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the only way a bordello can stay open. Ain't that right, Marlee?\"\n\n\"You got it. Now is there any service we can provide you gentlemen?\"\n\n\"Just give us an empty room where we can get out of sight.\"\n\nShe smiled knowingly. \"Oh, I get it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think you do, Marlee, but show us the room anyhow,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They followed her around the corner and down a short hall. \"This one has a king-size bed.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Shannon closed the door and locked it.\n\nThere was a sink in the corner and a bed, which nearly filled the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy walked over to the window and saw that it looked out onto a brick wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He peered down and saw a fire escape about ten feet below.\n\n\"Well, here we are locked in a bordello with no women and no view.\"\n\n\"Welcome back to Chicago,\" Shannon said as he stretched out on the bed and propped up his head with his hands.\n\nIndy sat on the windowsill and crossed his arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay. I'm waiting to hear all about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" Shannon began. \"Those guys we saw are from the syndicate.\"\n\n\"What syndicate?\"\n\nShannon laughed. \"You certainly have been away a long time. The syndicate is an alliance of families in Chicago who got together and mapped out their territory for the liquor business. Dad refused to join, because he didn't get along with the Sicilians and didn't hide the fact. He paid for it. He was ambushed and shot along with two of his men in a restaurant in Cicero.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't know the details. I'm sorry,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah, well. It hit me pretty hard, because Dad and I weren't on the greatest terms after I moved to Paris. I was the black sheep, you know.\"\n\n\"But you always said he understood.\"\n\nShannon shrugged. \"I guess he did.\"\n\nThat wasn't the case with Indy's father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't understand why Indy had become an archaeologist, and it seemed that he didn't much care about him anymore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anyhow, Harry, my oldest brother, took over and worked out a deal to join the syndicate. We got a piece of the South Side.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute. How could he join the syndicate after what happened to your father?\"\n\n\"Don't think he liked it, Indy. He didn't one bit. But it was the only thing he could do. It was that or get out of the business, and if we did that, the cops would've been all over us.\"\n\n\"For going straight?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For losing our power base.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So why is the syndicate after you now?\"\n\n\"After Harry took over, we bought the Nest, but the club, you see, was a few blocks outside of our territory. So we worked out a special deal with Johnny Torrio, the head of the syndicate. The problem is that Johnny's out of the picture now. Replaced by his former chief lieutenant, and he says the Nest is his territory.\"\n\n\"You mean for liquor?\"\n\n\"Yeah, but it don't make no sense for us to run the club and gambling room and not control the booze.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You keep saying 'we.' Does that mean you're involved?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure it does. If I'm here in Chicago, there's no escaping it, Indy. It's a fact of life.\"\n\n\"What do your brothers say about this problem with the Nest?\"\n\n\"They say to hell with Alphonse Capone. If we give an inch to him, he'll go after more of our territory, and push us right off the map.\"\n\n\"Sounds like trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I was getting at in the letter I wrote you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you going to do?\"\n\nShannon shrugged. \"I don't know. But I've been praying a lot on it.\"\n\n\"Praying?\"\n\n\"Every day, Indy. On my knees.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was quiet a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would say you were joking, but I don't think you are.\"\n\n\"I'm not. I've taken up the Bible. I'm serious about it.\"\n\n\"When did this all come about?\"\n\n\"After Dad's death.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon didn't seem very anxious to talk about it, but Indy was curious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me about it.\"\n\n\"I just started thinking about things. I'd already decided to stay, and I knew that if things didn't work out right, I'd be joining Dad real fast. I just felt I was being called. It was time for me to listen to what God was saying to me.\"\n\n\"But, Jack, how can you justify being religious and reading the Bible and being involved in the mob and everything that goes with it? Hell, we're sitting in a bordello.\"\n\n\"I'm a sinner, Indy. I'll be the first to admit it. I sin every day. But the Lord died for our sins, and that means there's hope.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That sort of summed it all up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What could he say?\n\n\"Well, no offense, but it sounds to me like this religious stuff isn't having much effect on your personal life.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"I mean instead of going around talking about how much you sin, do something about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're all sinners, Indy. Plain and simple. You can't get around it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And if you think otherwise, that's probably a sin, too, Indy thought. He was having a hard time adjusting to Shannon's new approach to life, as well as to the surrounding circumstances. In the past few minutes, he'd learned that his old friend was actively involved in his family's illegal businesses, that he was being pursued by some vicious mobsters, and that he'd found a refuge in religion.\n\n\"What are you going to do about those guys with the guns?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll leave that up to God. It's totally in His hands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why did you run?\"\n\n\"Because I'm weak. I let my fear control me.\"\n\n\"Cut the crap, Jack. It was your instinct. And you were right.\"\n\nIndy heard voices in the hallway and a door open and close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How does this protection racket work, anyhow?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's two dollars a trick. The girl gets eighty cents, twenty cents goes to protection, and the house gets the other dollar.\"\n\n\"Swell deal.\" Indy's head jerked at the sound of shouts and a scuffle outside the room. \"What's that?\"\n\n\"They found us.\"\n\nIndy moved over to the window, pulled it open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stretched a leg out the window toward the fire escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack, c'mon. Move it.\"\n\nShannon's face was contorted with the anguish of some private battle. It was as if part of him wanted to flee and another pinned him to the bed. \"There's nothing easy about following the path of the Lord,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's talk about it later. Now get over here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly there was an ominous thud and the door shuddered. Indy was now in a fix similar to Shannon's. He was torn between dropping to the fire escape and staying with his friend. The door crashed open, and from his perch Indy saw a blur of movement and a gun aimed at Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled his leg back into the room and dived headfirst, tackling the gunman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They rolled over amid shouts and grunts.\n\nSomeone kicked him in the side. A hand grabbed him by the hair and jerked him to his feet. He was thrown against the wall and kneed in the crotch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a wild swing, and connected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But hands immediately grabbed his arms and twisted them behind his back.\n\nHe expected to see the three thugs, but instead he was surrounded by cops waving billy clubs and aiming guns.\n\n\"Oh, isn't this sweet,\" one of them said. \"Which one of you is supposed to be the girl?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon was shoved over next to him and they were both handcuffed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They don't look like sissies to me,\" one of the cops said. \"I can always spot 'em. They were probably just waiting for the girls, and we spoiled their fun.\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" another one said. \"You can't tell these days. Some of 'em even have wives and kids.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wonder how things are going at the Blackstone?\" Indy said from his bunk in their barren jail cell.\n\nThey were charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. They wouldn't get out until morning at the earliest, and all Indy could think about was his empty suite at the Blackstone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Count your blessings.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My blessings? What blessings are they?\"\n\n\"I'm just saying we were lucky it was the cops and not the capos who got us, and we were lucky they were real cops.\"\n\n\"Yeah. I feel real lucky.\"\n\nShannon stared across the cell at Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, I'm sorry about this. When we get out of here, I think it might be a good idea if you just stayed away from me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack, cut it out.\"\n\n\"I'm not kidding. Things are getting out of hand. Just look where we are now, and like I said, we were lucky.\"\n\nIndy grinned. \"And you always said I was the one who pulled you into dangerous waters.\"\n\n\"I guess I'm getting back at you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy understood how Shannon had latched onto religion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was so uncharacteristic of the Shannon he knew that he asked how it had happened.\n\n\"How did what happen?\"\n\n\"The Bible stuff.\"\n\n\"One of the guys who plays at the Nest one day invited me to the church. He said they needed a horn player. I thought it was going to be like playing at a bar mitzvah. You know, go play, collect your money, and go home. But when we got there, everyone welcomed me in a way that was real genuine. I don't know; it just made me feel real good. It turned out the minister had been a barrelhouse piano player from the old days before he'd turned to God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yeah?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I guess that sold me on the church. I just felt comfortable and there were other musicians there, too. Pretty soon the Bible started making sense to me. It was like a part of me needed it and I was ready.\"\n\n\"How is it different from going to Mass?\"\n\n\"No comparison. This church doesn't have all the ritual. I mean you can stand up and shout if that's what you feel like doing. It's just a lot freer.\"\n\n\"Is the minister a Negro?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure. It's a Negro church.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you the only white guy in the congregation?\"\n\n\"There're a few other whites in mixed marriages who belong. But I'm the only Irishman. Ambrose, the minister, says the race of the congregation members is about as important as the color of socks vou wore yesterday.\"\n\n\"Well, if you like it, why not?\"\n\n\"Indy, it's given me a new way of looking at things. It really has.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could tell Shannon was sincere, and that was fine with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He just hoped his old friend didn't get so caught up in his new religious ways that he became intolerant toward anyone whose beliefs were different.\n\n\"Just do me one favor, Jack. Don't ever try to tell me that the world was created six thousand, eight hundred, and twenty-three years ago on a Tuesday morning.\"\n\n\"Wasn't it on a Thursday morning?\" Shannon laughed. \"All right. That's a promise. I may think it, if that's what the good book says, but I won't try to make you believe it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A minute passed in silence, then Shannon spoke up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know maybe this isn't such a bad thing being in jail together.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"We're getting a chance to talk and we haven't done that for a long time.\"\n\n\"That's true.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope you get the job at the university. It would be great to have you around again. At least, after things settle down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The only thing about the job is that I'd be teaching Celtic archaeology again, and like I said, I'm not sure I want to do that now.\"\n\nShannon nodded. \"You know, maybe you should get back into translating inscriptions. You're good at languages,\" he said.\n\n\"Why do you say that?\" Indy asked suspiciously.\n\n\"Oh, I don't know. I was just thinking that something like that might bring you closer to your father again. I think it's important to have a good relationship with your parents, especially your father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, don't worry about me and my father. I know that situation better than you do, and translating inscriptions is no way to win his affection. Not at this point, anyhow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I suppose not.\"\n\n\"Besides, I already turned down a chance to do that very thing. That's what got me fired.\"\n\n\"I thought you quit.\"\n\n\"It was sort of a mutual agreement. I just don't care much about translating dead languages for a living. It can drive you nuts.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon pondered his comment a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you say that?\"\n\n\"It's the truth. Ogham doesn't use vowels. Ancient Greek doesn't use punctuation, and sometimes it reads one direction on one line, then the other direction on the next one.\"\n\nShannon shrugged. \"Yeah, but you like a good mystery.\"\n\n\"Listen, when I say that it can drive you crazy, I mean it. Have you ever heard of George Smith?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What instrument does he play?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"None that I know of. Around the turn of the century, Smith became one of the most renowned decoders of ancient languages when he translated cuneiform found at the ruins of Ninevah.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute. I'm a jazz musician, remember? What language is cuneiform? I never heard of it.\"\n\n\"It's not a language; it's an alphabet that was used for several languages: Babylonian, Assyrian, Sumerian, and Persian. That's part of what made decoding them so tough. It's got wedge-shaped characters that are so different from any other alphabet that for a long time it was thought to be a decorative motif. But finally cuneiform dictionaries were discovered with translations in several languages.\"\n\n\"So where does this Smith guy fit in?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon asked. \"Did he find the dictionaries?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, that was Rawlinson. What Smith did was translate cuneiform that was found in the palace library of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal.\"\n\n\"A library with books?\"\n\n\"Books made out of clay. The inscriptions were baked rather than printed.\"\n\nShannon shook his head and laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, it amazes me that you know all this stuff.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not as amazing as the way you can pick up a cornet and actually make music.\"\n\n\"Nothing to that. But this stuff is sort of interesting. Those people you're talking about are from biblical times, aren't they?\"\n\n\"Biblical times and long before it. But let me finish what I started to tell you. Smith was translating a broken-off section of a book when he realized that he was reading the story of the Flood.\"\n\n\"You're kidding. You mean the one Moses wrote about—Noah's Ark in Genesis?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right. But the version that Smith was translating was written long before the Hebrew one. The amazing thing is that it was the same story, except for the names of the deity and of Noah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon suddenly let out a whoop and stood up. He raised his hands above his head and shook them. \"Oh, yeah. Praise the Lord.\"\n\nIndy looked up in alarm. \"What's wrong?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just had a revelation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you talking about?\"\n\n\"I can't believe it. Oh, yes. I do believe it.\"\n\n\"Jack, calm down....\"\n\n\"Listen. Noah's Ark, Indy. That's it. Hallelujah! I'm receiving the Lord's word. I think you're supposed to go to my church with me tomorrow night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pressure of everything that was happening with Shannon's family was getting the better of him, Indy thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack, just sit down. Take a deep breath.\"\n\nShannon laughed. \"You think I'm crazy, don't you? But you're wrong. Tomorrow night, Indy. It's important.\"\n\n\"Jack, I told you that it's fine with me if you want to get religious. Praise the Lord and read the Bible all you want, but don't try to drag me to your church. All right?\"\n\n\"But you don't understand. Tomorrow evening there's a man, a special guest, who's going to talk, and I think you should hear him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The name of his talk is 'The Genesis Deluge.' He's going to talk about Noah's Ark. In fact, he climbed Mount... Mount...\"\n\n\"Ararat.\"\n\n\"Right. He climbed. Mount Ararat and found Noah's Ark.\"\n\n\"Or so he says,\" Indy said without enthusiasm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think about it, Jack. Let's be rational. If he really found Noah's Ark, don't you think the whole world would know about it by now? Hell, it probably would've been carted down off the mountain and put on exhibit in the world's fair.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, give the man a chance, will ya? You're judging him before you've heard what he's got to say.\"\n\n\"I've heard enough already. Noah's Ark is a legend, a myth. It's not a wood boat that you can climb up and look at, for chrissakes.\"\n\nShannon looked acutely disappointed. \"You don't even want to hear about it, do you? You're so concerned about us so-called Bible thumpers forcing you to believe something that you won't listen to anything we have to say. Maybe he did find Noah's Ark. Can't you even consider it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy held up a hand. \"Okay, I'm sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew Shannon was right. He was reacting to Jack just like many of his former colleagues would react to some of his own experiences. Experiences he himself couldn't explain or quite grasp. He'd never told any of his colleagues about what had happened to him at Stonehenge beyond the barest details." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd said nothing about the enigmatic influences of a stone called the Omphalos, and not a word about his strange chat with a kindly old man who claimed to be Merlin the magician." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't that he didn't have the courage to talk about those encounters; he just considered them personal experiences. Besides, since he didn't fully understand them himself, how could he convince anyone that they were real?\n\n\"I'll tell you what. If you can get us out of here, I'll gladly go with you tomorrow night.\"\n\n\"That's great. Don't worry. We'll get out by morning. That's a promise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One other thing,\" Indy added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that?\" Shannon asked warily.\n\n\"Do me a favor, and don't shout any more hallelujahs in my ear.\"\n\nThey both laughed, and Indy realized their friendship had just been reaffirmed.\n\nMorning was still hours away, so Indy decided to get some sleep and forget about what had happened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was just about to stretch out on the bench when Shannon spoke up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say, you never finished your story about this guy named Smith.\"\n\n\"Oh, yeah.\" Shannon's enthusiastic outburst had made him forget all about Smith.\n\n\"You said he translated a book that gave the same flood story, but was a lot older.\"\n\n\"Right. The man who built the boat and saved the animals was called Ut-naphishtim.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon looked perplexed. \"Then there were two Noahs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. But that's not the point. What I was getting to was that the work was so consuming for Smith that it did something to his mind. After he finished making one crucial translation, he told his colleagues: 'I am the first man to read this text after two thousand years of oblivion.' Then he started making some strange grunting sounds and ripped off his clothes. He died a little while later. He was only thirty-six.\"\n\n\"You're making this up.\"\n\n\"No, I'm not.\"\n\n\"You think he was possessed by the devil?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. It's like I said, translating old languages can drive you nuts, and I don't want to follow in Smith's footsteps.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see your point, but—\"\n\nJust then the gate of the cell block creaked open, and Shannon leaped to his feet. \"Maybe we're going to get out of here sooner than I thought.\"\n\nIndy heard footsteps and suddenly a guard appeared at the door with the key." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did I tell you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon said, turning to him. \"You see, God is with us.\"\n\nBut Indy was looking beyond the guard. He saw three men in dark suits with hats pulled low over their brow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was almost certain they were the same trio who'd come to the Nest in search of Shannon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You got visitors, fellows,\" the guard said. \"Mr. Capone would like to talk to you.\"\n\nThe three men moved into the cell and the guard turned his back. Two of the men pulled short clubs from inside their coats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The third one, a round-faced man with dark, mean eyes, crossed his arms and smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had been away, but he knew he was standing face to face with A1 Capone. His picture, as well as his notoriety, had made the papers in London.\n\n\"So Jack Shannon, your big brother has been ignoring me, and here I thought we had an agreement about territory,\" Capone said.\n\n\"I'm a musician. I don't know what you're talking about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of Capone's henchmen thrust the blackjack into Shannon's gut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stepped forward and the other thug clubbed him in the kidneys. Both men crumpled to the floor of the cell.\n\nOne of the thugs jerked Shannon to his feet and pressed his blackjack under his jaw. \"Let's not play games, Shannon,\" Capone said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just answer my questions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want from me?\"\n\n\"This is your lucky day, Jack. I'm going to go real easy on you tonight. You're going to be my messenger boy for your big brother Harry. You got that?\"\n\nShannon nodded.\n\n\"Good. You see, the Shannons broke our agreement. That was real stupid. But I'm going to try one more time to talk some sense into you. You tell brother Harry that there'll be no more Shannon booze in my territory, and you tell 'em that from tonight on I get half of the gambling take at the Nest. I heard you guys are doing real well, so we're going to share it, like buddies. You got that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon tried to say something, but the blackjack cut off his windpipe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You either like it or join your dear old dad. You got that, Jackie Boy?\"\n\nIndy wobbled to his feet. \"Let him go.\"\n\nCapone stared at Indy. \"Who is this guy, Shannon, another punk horn blower?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy took a swing at Capone, who jerked his head back just in time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thugs instantly slammed into Indy, knocking him to the floor. They pounded him with fists and clubs again and again until he couldn't feel a thing.\n\n\"Stop it,\" Shannon yelled. \"You're killing him.\"\n\n\"Enough,\" Capone said. \"Pick him up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thugs grabbed Indy by his shirt and pulled him to his feet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy could barely see, but he knew what was about to happen. Capone drew back his arm and slammed his fist into Indy's jaw, and that was the last thing he remembered." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Indy awoke the next morning, he found himself on a bed with white curtains draped around it. He vaguely recalled being carried on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a hospital. He sat up, wincing as pain shot from his shoulders and arms, up his neck, and into his jaw.\n\nHe heard voices from beyond the curtain and recognized Shannon's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried to make sense of what was being said, but he only picked out disjointed words and phrases." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Possible concussion... bruises... lucky... no fractures... examine... later.\"\n\nHe heard footsteps as someone walked away. \"Jack? You out there?\"\n\nShannon pushed aside the curtain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're awake. How you feeling?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do you think?\"\n\n\"I was just talking to the doctor. He said it could've been a lot worse.\"\n\n\"Yeah, maybe if I'd been run over by a truck. I see we're out of jail.\"\n\n\"We were officially released about an hour ago. The charges were dropped.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why was that? Because they let goons in the cell to beat us up?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Because one of the circuit judges is a special friend of the family.\"\n\n\"Convenient.\"\n\n\"I thought you would think so. The doctor's going to be back around lunchtime to check on you. I guess you should stay here a couple of days.\"\n\n\"No thanks. I'm not in that bad of shape.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He threw his legs over the side of the bed and tried to ignore the pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hand me my clothes.\"\n\nShannon chuckled as he reached down on the lower shelf of a steel tray for the clothing. \"I had the feeling you wouldn't want to stick around here.\"\n\n\"I've got to get my things out of the Blackstone before I go broke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry about it,\" Shannon said offhandedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pulled on his pants. \"What do you mean don't worry about it?\"\n\n\"I extended your stay a couple nights. It's all taken care of.\"\n\n\"You did?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The family's got a little credit at the Blackstone, you could say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh. Well, in that case, thanks. How are you feeling?\"\n\nShannon rubbed his side. \"I'm okay. You're the one they laid into.\"\n\n\"So what are you and your brothers going to do about Capone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good question. I've got to talk to them today. It's not going to be an easy decision, I know that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good luck.\"\n\n\"Say, do you still want to see Dr. Zobolotsky tonight?\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"The guy who found Noah's Ark. He's a Russian doctor. He lives in San Francisco now. Escaped after the Bolsheviks took over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yeah,\" Indy said unenthusiastically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was about the last thing on his mind right now. \"You think it's going to be worth it?\"\n\n\"I can't promise you anything. But I'd really like you to go. As a favor for me. Besides, you ought to see his daughter, Katrina. I'm in love with her and I only met her for a few minutes.\"\n\n\"In love, uh?\" Indy grimaced as he pulled on his shirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon was an independent sort who was not quick to fall in love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact, he'd only heard Shannon say he was in love once before.\n\n\"Yeah, I think I am. I really do.\"\n\nIndy didn't give a damn about seeing the girl or her father. But he knew there was no way he could back out, especially after Shannon had covered his room at the Blackstone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now tell me again why he's speaking at your church?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think I told you in the first place. He was originally going to talk at a Lithuanian church over on Wood Street. But the pastor backed out after he realized there was going to be publicity about it. Most of his parishioners have families back in the old country and they're afraid this sort of thing could cause trouble for them.\"\n\n\"The Russians don't run Lithuania.\"\n\n\"Give them time,\" Shannon said. \"I hear they've got big plans for Europe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy looked around for his shoes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So your minister volunteered his church.\"\n\nShannon found Indy's shoes under the bed and handed them to him. \"Not a Russian or Lithuanian immigrant in the congregation,\" he said with a grin. \"But we've opened the doors to the Lithuanians and anybody else interested for this event. It should be interesting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. I'll take it easy today and see you there tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Great. I've got a real good feeling about this, Indy.\"\n\n\"What do you mean by that?\"\n\n\"Something is going to come out of this for you. I'm almost sure of it.\"\n\nProbably a good laugh, Indy thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man read the article in the Chicago Tribune for the second time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He read it slowly and carefully, making sure that he understood every line. He had lived in America for ten years, but his English was not as good as it could have been. The article was about plans to search for Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat. The mountain was located in Turkey, his homeland, and he had to do something to stop this Zobolotsky before it was too late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you reading there? You look like you're going to start the paper on fire with that stare.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ismael looked up at his young wife, Jela, whose dark hair fell over her shoulders. She had just put their year-and-a-half-old son into his crib for his afternoon nap. \"Take a look.\"\n\nShe read over the article much more quickly than he had, then looked up at him. \"What are you thinking?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This can't be allowed. It's not time for the Ark to be found. You know the scriptures. The savior has not returned.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't talk like that. You're not carrying the future of the world on your back. If that man wants to go to Turkey, you can't stop him.\"\n\n\"But he must be stopped.\"\n\n\"Ismael, please. You have your family to think about. Maybe he'll change his mind or maybe he won't find it. Don't ruin your life over something like this. Think about our children.\"\n\nShe was right. Maybe nothing would come of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he would contact his brother right away and warn him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan was difficult to reach, but he knew someone in Istanbul who would get a message to his brother.\n\nHe pushed away from the table.\n\n\"Where are you going?\"\n\nHe took her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry. I'm just going to send a cable to Istanbul. Hasan must be told. He will take care of what must be done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Humidity clung to the air like a cloak, but a fresh breeze was blowing off the lake as Indy left the Blackstone and headed up Michigan Street. It had rained late in the afternoon and the streets were slick and glistening. Shannon's church was located about a mile south of the hotel just off Michigan, and he'd decided to walk.\n\nHe was glad now that he'd committed himself to going out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The walk would give him a chance to clear his head and work out the aches and pains." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was probably not what a doctor would recommend, but he knew his body and his ability to recover from injury better than anyone.\n\nAfter all, he'd spent the day in the hotel soaking in his bath, resting in bed, and ordering room service. He was still sore, but he felt surprisingly improved from this morning. He took his time, though, and he wasn't going to make it a late night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to be ready to see Angus O'Malley tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd called the archaeology department at the university that afternoon and was told O'Malley was out of the office. When he identified himself, the secretary told him that O'Malley had received his telegram and was interested in seeing him as soon as possible.\n\n\"That's fine with me,\" Indy had said, and made an appointment for two-thirty.\n\n\"Oh, wait a minute. Dr. O'Malley just walked in the door. Let me tell him you're on the phone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indiana, how are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "O'Malley's voice boomed so loudly that Indy had to pull the receiver away from his ear.\n\n\"I'm fine. I just got into town yesterday.\" Fine wasn't exactly the right adjective to describe the way he felt. But he certainly wasn't going to tell O'Malley that A1 Capone and a couple of his henchmen had beat him up in jail last night after he'd been arrested in a bordello." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And please, just call me Indy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'm glad you called... Indy. I was very pleased to get your telegram. The timing couldn't be better. It just so happens that one of my staff is leaving quite unexpectedly and I have a part-time position open this summer, if you're interested.\"\n\n\"I think I might be. What about the fall?\"\n\n\"By then I should have the funding for a full-time assistant professorship for you, if you're willing to stay on with us.\"\n\n\"That sounds great.\" O'Malley, it seemed, was actually true to his word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is one thing, Indy. I can't assure you that all of your classes will be in Celtic archaeology. We like our staff to be as versatile as possible. In fact, this summer you would be teaching an introductory course with an emphasis on North American archaeology.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, well, I suppose I could manage.\" He tried his best not to sound gleeful at the unexpected and welcome development.\n\n\"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you can handle the course with ease.\"\n\n\"I would think so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see you're scheduled to come in at two-thirty tomorrow. I have another appointment just before that, but I don't expect it to take long at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll see you then,\" Indy said, and rang off.\n\nNo, he wouldn't mind getting away from the Celts for a while. Not at all, he thought, as he neared his destination.\n\nThe Gospel Chapel of New Life didn't look like a typical church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no high steeple or sharply sloping roof, no stained glass or arched windows, and no impressive doors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was an unimpressive two-story brick building, where a dozen or so people were filing through the door ahead of him. He followed them inside and up the aisle past rows of wooden seats that were already filled.\n\nHe'd no sooner entered the church than he heard Shannon's cornet accompanied by a clarinet and a piano. The three-piece band was set up in a corner near the front of the church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The music was intended as a soothing background sound and it was one of the more tranquil horn pieces he'd heard Shannon play in a long time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The usual flurry of sixteenth- and thirty-second-note runs had been replaced by long, drawn-out notes that made Indy think Shannon was moving in slow motion. Gone was the dissonance that seemed almost part of his instrument. In its place was a smooth, flowing sound that rippled gently over the assembly.\n\nAlthough Indy would've preferred sitting near the rear, all the seats in the back half of the church were filled, mostly with whites, who, like himself, were probably attending the church for the first time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He found a seat a few rows from the front and sat down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon nodded to him and continued playing. Indy wondered how Shannon's meeting with his brothers had gone. He'd ask about it when the evening's address was over.\n\nJust as Indy was starting to wonder how long the music would go on, a robed choir rose in unison to its feet and began to sing \"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The congregation sang along." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When \"Michael, Row the Boat Ashore\" followed, Indy realized the evening was going to extend longer than he had hoped. Halfway through the song, someone began to shout \"Noah\" in place of \"Michael\" and others quickly joined in. Then the pace quickened as the choir swung into a lively gospel song in which the crowd answered each line with the same two words.\n\n\"Won't you ring old hammer?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "HAMMER RING" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Broke the handle in my hammer.\n\nHAMMER RING\n\nGot to hammering in the Bible.\n\nHAMMER RING" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gotta talk about Noah." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "HAMMER RING\n\nWell, God told Noah\n\nHAMMER RING\n\nYou is a-going in the timber" }, { "from": "human", "value": "HAMMER RING.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly people were rising to their feet, first the Negroes, then slowly the whites. They clapped their hands and shouted their response. A large, Negro woman tugged at Indy's arm, pulling him to his feet, and he joined the clapping. Shannon set his horn down on the piano and joined the call and response, and he grinned as he caught Indy's eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, the musical warm-up came to a close and a Negro man who looked to be in his mid-fifties strode to the pulpit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He greeted the audience and many of them greeted him right back. He introduced himself as Ambrose Hinton, the pastor of the church, and welcomed all the new faces.\n\n\"Tonight we have a very special guest with us. During the war, Dr. Vladimir Zo-bo-lot-sky was a lieutenant in the White Russian Army and was stationed near Mount Ararat in Turkey. Mr. Z, as I like to call him, brings a message of great importance, not only for this assembled audience, but the entire world.\"\n\nAs he spoke his voice grew louder and stronger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a message that not only documents the truth of the word of God as spoken through the Bible, but is a direct message from the Almighty, who is telling us here and now to reaffirm our faith and belief in Him, because it will ultimately be rewarded. O Lord, you know we're listening to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Amen,\" several people shouted.\n\n\"I usually have more to say,\" he continued in a quieter voice, \"but this is such a momentous occasion that I will now yield the pulpit to our honorable speaker so we can all hear his wonderful story.\"\n\n\"Hallelujah,\" someone cried out.\n\n\"I hope that's for our speaker and not for my quick departure,\" Hinton said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laughter rippled through the crowd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A slender man with sandy hair walked out with his spine held straight and his shoulders back. He moved as if he were in a hurry to reach the pulpit. He shook hands with Hinton, then moved behind the pulpit.\n\n\"Praise the Lord,\" someone shouted before the Russian had a chance to say anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, praise the Lord,\" Zobolotsky responded in accented English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am very glad to be here with you this evening.\"\n\n\"We're glad you came,\" someone responded.\n\nIndy wondered what the Russian thought of the church. The Gospel Chapel of New Life, with its freewheeling style of music and the shouts from the assembly, was no doubt a far cry from the Russian Orthodox Church or any other church in his homeland." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Zobolotsky was not a timid man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rose up on his toes and leaned forward over the pulpit as he spoke. His voice was strong and easily carried to the back of the room.\n\n\"Thank you, my friends, for inviting me. I am happy to have the opportunity to talk to you this evening about a great wonder,\" he began.\n\n\"During the war, I was an officer with the Nineteenth Petropovlovsky Regiment, which was stationed in a very isolated province of Turkey. Our mission was to guard the Aratsky Pass from the Turks, who were aligned with the Germans. It was very cold when I arrived there and I remember thinking about how I missed my home and wished I was there. Or actually any place but where I was. Then one day, it was late in 1916, something very startling happened. A pilot named Roskovitsky was flying over the mountain they call Ararat, and when he returned he said that he saw a great wooden ship up near to the top. Weil, I knew my Bible stories and I knew that the mountain was the one where Noah landed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky paused and looked over the audience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The place was quiet now. A chair squeaked; someone cleared his throat and the sounds seemed to fill the room.\n\n\"I thought to myself that this pilot probably knows the Bible, too, and he's playing a joke on us. I am not a pilot, so I did not know him very well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But about a week after I heard the story, I saw Lieutenant Roskovitsky in the village and asked him what he had seen on the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He became very serious and told me that, yes, it was a ship. His copilot was there with him and he said he saw it, too. I said, 'Well, maybe it was a big rock,' but both men said they saw wood beams. They were convinced it was a boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then Roskovitsky said I should see it for myself and invited me to fly over the mountain with him. So three or four days later, I joined Roskovitsky and two other officers, and I was very impressed with what I saw. It did look like a ship, maybe a very large submarine. But I asked myself, why would someone be building a submarine way up here on the mountain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused again and his eyes scanned the attentive audience. \"I was very curious about what I saw, but to be truthful, all I wanted at that time was to go home to Harbin and my family. Every day I prayed that today I would hear that the war was over and we were leaving. Several months passed and finally we were told that the Nineteenth Petropovlovsky Regiment would be returning to Russia. I was so happy that I nearly wept when I heard the news." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then two days before the regiment was to depart, the colonel gathered all the officers and told us that the Fourteenth Railroad Battalion had arrived with orders from the czar to climb the mountain and find Noah's Ark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hal-le-lujah,\" several people shouted in unison.\n\n\"Well, that's not what I said,\" Zobolotsky responded. \"My first thought was that no one could climb to the top of that mountain. Good luck, boys, I said to myself. Then the colonel looked us over and I saw his eyes stare right at me. He said that the battalion would need a medical doctor to join them, and the next thing I knew—how do I say it? The colonel volunteered me to stay behind with the battalion. I was very disappointed. Only later I realized it was God's will that I stay. God's will, and of course, the colonel's, too.\"\n\nThe audience laughed, and Indy chuckled along." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least Zobolotsky wasn't boring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The next week one hundred soldiers were picked to climb the mountain. We were divided into two groups and we soon found ourselves marching up different sides of the mountain. It was a very difficult climb that took us two days. During the second day, it seemed that we were almost to the top. Then we would reach another crest and see that there was more mountain ahead of us. Finally, late in the afternoon we crawled to the top of a ridge, and there we saw it. The Ark was resting in a saddle of the mountain between the two peaks. The soldiers from the other group had already reached the ship and we could see them walking around it and on top of it.\"\n\n\"Oh, Lord,\" the woman next to Indy whispered.\n\n\"So we hurried down, moving faster than we had gone all day. When we arrived, everyone was amazed that there was actually a ship here on the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We were fourteen thousand feet above sea level." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was huge, and the entire ship was covered with a thick layer of pitch that had preserved it, so that most of the ship looked in very good condition.\n\n\"I saw that the door had fallen off and it lay next to the ship. It was partially burned and I thought that lightning must have hit it. I went inside and looked around, and that was when I knew it must be the Ark. There were three decks and on each of them were cages. Lots of cages of different sizes.\"\n\nOh, brother, Indy thought. This is entertaining, but it was getting to be a bit much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moses had written the story of Noah around 1475 B.C., supposedly about fourteen hundred years after the great deluge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even if a wooden ship could somehow still exist after almost five thousand years, finding Noah's and finding it virtually intact was just too good to be true.\n\nZobolotsky explained how the soldiers meticulously measured the Ark, drew diagrams of the exterior of the ship and each of the three interior decks, and took numerous photographs. \"We were all very excited about what we had found, and a message was sent to the czar. Later, a full report was prepared with the drawings and photographs, and it was carried by messenger to the czar's palace. Unfortunately, we know nothing of what happened to the messenger or the report. You see, about the time he would have arrived in Petrograd the czar was overthrown in the Bolshevik Revolution.\"\n\nSwell, Indy thought. A testimonial, but no evidence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky turned and motioned toward the side of the church." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An attractive, young blond woman walked toward the pulpit carrying a canvas bag. She passed the bag to Zobolotsky, who laid it on the pulpit and removed something that was wrapped in cloth.\n\n\"I had the feeling that I should take something of the Ark with me just in case anything happened to the rest of the evidence. So when no one was looking, I took a piece of wood from the broken door and quickly hid it in my pack.\"\n\nHe stepped aside; the woman took his place and began to slowly unwind the cloth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She must be his daughter, Indy thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced over at Shannon and saw a look on his face that he hadn't seen since they were in college and Shannon thought he'd found the love of his life, a music major who was fascinated with jazz and infatuated with Shannon. She was just right for him, but when she'd found out about his family, she'd suddenly broken off their engagement.\n\nEveryone leaned forward for a better look. \"Now you will see it,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here, my good friends, is a piece of Noah's Ark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman lifted a blackened, oblong object above her head. It was about the length and thickness of her forearm. Everyone was quiet; some people bowed their heads in silent prayer, others held their hands out toward the piece of wood as if to be closer to it or to soak in its sacred energy.\n\nZobolotsky could've found the stick behind the church for all Indy knew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shifted his gaze from the piece of wood to the woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could see why Shannon was so taken with her. She hadn't said a word, yet Indy almost felt as if he knew her. She was innocent, honest, dedicated, and compassionate. He didn't know how he knew this, but he would be surprised to find out otherwise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment, he thought her eyes met his, then she lowered the object." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she rewrapped it and returned it to the canvas bag, Zobolotsky finished his narrative.\n\n\"Soon I will be leaving the United States and going back to Turkey, where I will climb Mount Ararat again. I know I must go back. I have no choice. The sacred Ark is pulling me. There are dangers, of course, but I know I am under the guidance of the good Lord. Someday I hope you will invite me back and I'll tell you all about my return to the Ark. Thank you.\"\n\nAs Zobolotsky and the woman walked away from the pulpit the audience rose to its feet and applauded loudly. Indy stood and watched the pair until they disappeared from sight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't know quite what to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was an interesting performance, but what was the point? What did Zobolotsky expect to gain from it?\n\nHe was sore and tired and ready to go back to the hotel, and the sooner the better. He'd say hello to Shannon, then he'd be on his way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the evening's entertainment wasn't quite over yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The choir was on its feet again, and as the applause started to die, the vacuum was filled with the lyrics of another lively gospel song.\n\n\"Ol' Noah's lookin' for his mountaintop,\n\nGoin' let that dove go fly flippety flop.\n\nWhen that bird come back round with a sprig" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You bet Noah's goin' dance all over that rig.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crowd clapped to the beat, and hardly anyone left until the song was over. Finally, as the rows of chairs emptied, Indy walked over to Shannon, who was wiping his cornet with a towel.\n\n\"So what did you think, Indy?\"\n\n\"I enjoyed it. Glad I came.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did you think of Katrina?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The girl?\" Indy shrugged. \"A real heart-breaker, I'd guess.\"\n\n\"Thanks for being so encouraging.\"\n\n\"Well, you know how it goes sometimes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon laid his cornet in its case." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's see if we can talk to them. You could have a chat with Dr. Zobolotsky about the Ark, and I could get to know Katrina better.\"\n\nIndy held up a hand. \"I don't think so. I've heard all I care to hear for tonight.\"\n\n\"Really? You mean to say that if Dr. Zobolotsky offered you a chance to go with him to Mount Ararat on his mission, you wouldn't jump at it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First of all, archaeologists don't go on missions. They go on expeditions. They're scientists, not part of a church.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, all right. But answer my question. Would you go with him if you had the chance?\"\n\n\"I'm not interested in missionary work. Besides, there's a real good chance I'm going to be teaching right here in Chicago this summer. I'll find out for sure tomorrow.\"\n\nThey headed down the aisle toward the door. \"I don't know, Indy. I just had the feeling that you'd be more excited about this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy didn't say anything more until they stepped outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you really think Zobolotsky found Noah's Ark, Jack?\"\n\n\"You heard what he said. You think he'd lie in a church about something like that?\"\n\n\"It's not a lie exactly. I think he saw what he wanted to see. Or believes. That's all.\"\n\n\"Yeah, I suppose,\" Shannon said, sounding disappointed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"C'mon, Mr. Scientist, I'll give you a ride to your palace.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They climbed into Shannon's Model-T runabout and pulled away from the curb. \"I thought you sounded good tonight, Jack. It was a different style for you.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Shannon seemed fatigued. His shoulders slumped, his jaw was slack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So how'd things go with your brothers?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon shrugged. \"Not so good. We had a talk, but I don't know what's going to happen. Things could get violent very easy.\"\n\n\"Can't you do something to stop it?\"\n\n\"Any suggestions? I'm out of them.\"\n\nIndy didn't know what to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they slowed to a stop in front of the hotel Shannon leaned back in his seat." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The way things are going I may get to heaven before you. But I'll blow my horn when I see you coming.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Rob MacGregor" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was his first time back on campus since he'd graduated, and Indy couldn't help feeling uneasy about it. Even though eight years had passed, he still remembered how he'd been treated during his last days here. But why even think about it? Mulhouse had retired; Founding Fathers' Day had been dropped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet he still felt an undeniable undercurrent of tension as he approached the campus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He passed the university bookstore, peered in through the window, then crossed Ellis Avenue. He walked past the administration building where he'd been interrogated by Mulhouse and some of the regents. He could still picture himself sitting at a long table on the top floor and facing his gray-haired accusers. His gut tightened as if he were up there now doing it over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked along the south side of the building through a narrow passageway and into the quadrangle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The university, with its neo-Gothic buildings, looked the same as he remembered it. But there were differences. The students, for instance. They looked very much like the ones he'd been teaching in London, but seeing them here made him realize how much he'd changed over the past eight years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not only were the students no longer his peers, they looked like kids." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he strolled across the campus he tried to recall what he'd been like in his student days. One thing struck him. Even though he'd gone on to get a Ph.D. and had already experienced life as few people ever do, he felt he knew less now than he had in his undergraduate days. But back then he had everything figured out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew the answers, whether it was about politics or linguistics, love or war." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But in his present ignorance about all of those topics, Indy knew he was far wiser than he had been at age twenty-one.\n\nHe passed a building where he had taken many of his language classes, then climbed the steps of the one housing the archaeology department. The clock in the waiting room outside of Angus O'Malley's office read two-twenty-three when he arrived. He introduced himself to the secretary, a young woman with short, straight hair and bangs that framed a thin face with closely set eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He guessed she was a student working a part-time job." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dr. O'Malley has a couple of people with him, but he's expecting you.\"\n\nIndy sat down and picked up an alumni magazine from a stack on the table and paged through it. After a few moments, he glanced up and saw the secretary watching him. He smiled and looked back down at the magazine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand you might be joining the staff,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope so.\"\n\n\"You took your degree here, too, didn't you?\"\n\n\"Yeah.\"\n\n\"Dr. O'Malley sent for your grades.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really? They weren't very good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. You took a lot of tough courses, though. All those linguistic courses are tough. Especially Anderson's 301 course. He still fails nearly half the class every semester.\"\n\nSwell. The secretary knew more about his academic record than he could remember. He turned the page of the magazine, hoping she'd get the hint. He wondered how much emphasis O'Malley would put on his undergraduate grades." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd never been too concerned about his grade-point average." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't until he was in graduate school that he'd started getting A's in most of his classes.\n\n\"As long as you don't take advantage of your position, everything is fine here,\" the secretary said when he didn't respond.\n\nIndy looked up from the magazine. \"Excuse me?\" She leaned forward and gave him a conspiratorial look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The professor you'll be replacing got fired because he was making advances at the girls in his classes and fixing their grades if they went along with what he wanted.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I guess I don't have to worry then,\" he whispered back to her. \"I don't fix grades, and I'm not the least bit interested in extracurricular activities with my students.\"\n\n\"Oh. That's good.\"\n\nFrom the tone of her voice, she sounded disappointed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd probably hoped he would wink at her or something and say that he would have to watch himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ever since Fitzgerald had written about petting on college campuses in This Side of Paradise, there'd been a controversy raging about the morality of college coeds. The professor in question probably had been caught researching that very question himself, and no doubt in great depth.\n\nHe heard voices as the dooy of O'Malley's office opened a few inches. \"I'm sorry I can't be of any assistance, but I'm sure you understand we have our priorities,\" O'Malley said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you're missing a great opportunity,\" someone else said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy knew that voice. Then the door swung open and he saw O'Malley and Vladimir Zobolotsky. They paused, letting Zobolotsky's daughter step through the doorway.\n\n\"You'll regret your decision,\" the woman said in a firm voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pair swept past Indy, followed by O'Malley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'm sure I will, if you are successful,\" O'Malley said as they paused in the outer doorway. \"Good luck and thank you for stopping by.\"\n\nIndy studied the shapely legs of the blonde as he tried to recall her name. When his gaze climbed her body, he saw she was staring back at him, a scowl on her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she turned on her heel and was gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina, that was it. Lovely Katrina. What the hell were she and her father doing here? Probably after money. O'Malley was the chairman of the department, after all, and he'd have a list of contributors who might back the expedition.\n\nO'Malley let out a long breath and shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a story. You wouldn't believe it. So how are you, Indy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy stood up and they shook hands. \"Great. Let me guess, he's going to look for Noah's Ark.\"\n\n\"You must have read about him in the papers.\"\n\n\"No. I heard him talk last night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "O'Malley looked surprised. \"You actually went to that church to hear him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A friend invited me.\"\n\n\"Oh. So what did you think about Dr. Zobolotsky's claims?\" O'Malley asked as they walked into his office.\n\n\"Probably about the same thing as you did. They don't make myths out of wood.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "O'Malley laughed. \"Well put, Indy. Well put.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed at a chair. \"Please, sit.\"\n\n\"I suppose he wanted you to fund his expedition?\"\n\n\"Actually, he wasn't looking for money. In fact, quite the opposite. He was willing to pay. He wants to authenticate his expedition with the name of a major university behind it.\" O'Malley shook his head in disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't care how much money he offers, I would never send any of my staff on such an expedition. The university would be the laughingstock of the academic world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he's got money, I'm sure someone will take him up on it.\"\n\n\"No doubt. The world's full of fools.\" O'Malley cleared his throat and opened a file folder on his desk. \"Now, about our business.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared at a piece of paper for a long moment and seemed to hesitate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A frown creased his forehead. He tapped his desk with a pencil.\n\nIndy wondered what the hell he was doing. Maybe it was something about the salary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hadn't even thought about that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It better be competitive; he wasn't about to work for peanuts.\n\nO'Malley ran his hands over his face, then looked up. \"You know something, Indy? As much as I would like to hire you, I just can't do it.\"\n\nThe last three words hit like a blow to the gut, and it was harder than anything dished out by Capone or his thugs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After I talked to you yesterday, I sent for your records. They arrived this morning.\" He rapped his pencil against the file folder. \"Everything is in order, except... It seems you were involved in an unfortunate incident here at the end of your senior year. I think you know what I'm talking about.\"\n\nFounding Fathers' Day, Indy thought as his hopes plummeted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was a long time ago, and President Mulhouse is—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know, I know. But the university has a long memory about such things, and whether Mulhouse is here or not, it doesn't really matter. You embarrassed the institution and your name is on a list.\"\n\n\"What list?\"\n\nO'Malley hesitated. \"It's a list of...\"\n\n\"A list of people you can't hire because they think for themselves. Right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stood up. \"That's swell, Dr. O'Malley. I think I've heard enough. No sense wasting time, mine or yours.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Indy,\" O'Malley said, rising from his chair. \"There's nothing I can do about it.\"\n\n\"Nothing that won't shake the walls of this hallowed institution, but I guess you're not about to do that. Nice to see you again.\"\n\nHe walked out without looking back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So much for his new job." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much for living in Chicago. He was ready to get out of the city. He didn't know where he was going, but he didn't want to stay around now. The university didn't want him, and even Shannon didn't think it was a good idea for them to see each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He crossed the quadrangle and headed for a tree-lined roadway on the east side of the campus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt like a ship without an anchor. Up until now his life had been relatively structured, with either his studies or a teaching job forming the backbone of his existence. But now there was nothing, not even a family to speak of.\n\nHe reached a path veering to his left from the roadway and followed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trail wound past a quiet pool of water officially known as Botany Pond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked over to it and stared into the glassy water. His reflection wavered like a mirror in a funhouse. He sat down on the grass and wondered if the students still called it the Reflecting Pool. In his undergraduate days, he'd stared into the water, thinking about his problems, problems with girls mostly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he couldn't even remember which girls had been of such concern to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the moment, they were the least of his worries. What the hell was he going to do? Where was he going to go? He couldn't go back to London, and Paris was out of the question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was jobless and his savings wouldn't last forever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Damn, I shouldn't have stayed at the Blackstone, he thought. Maybe he should go to New York and see his father. But they hadn't spoken for a long time, and his present circumstances would just prove his father right. He could just imagine the old man telling him he knew all along that archaeology was not the proper field for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And now look at you, Junior: no job, no career. You're a disgrace.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. He wouldn't see his father. But maybe he would go to New York. He could stay with Marcus Brody for a while, and Marcus would probably give him a job working in his museum until he found something else. Marcus, after all, had helped him out of other jams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that was the problem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd taken advantage of Marcus's kindness too many times already. He had to strike out on his own.\n\nHe picked up a pebble and tossed it in the pool, shattering his reflection. He pushed off from the ground and continued down the path." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He passed under the wrought-iron gate at the entrance to the campus and turned right on Fifty-seventh Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One block down at the corner of Fifty-seventh and University, he paused to look at Mandel Hall, a massive building with an ornate theater filled with rich, dark wood and gold-leaf trim. It was also the home of the student union and was another spot where he'd spent a lot of time, especially during his freshman and sophomore years when he lived in a dormitory a few blocks from here.\n\nHe recalled meeting a farm girl here, whose name he had forgotten. They'd talked awhile and then walked back to their dormitories together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He continued on, following the same route that he and the girl had taken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered his heart thumping as they'd turned onto Woodlawn and headed along the dark street hand in hand.\n\nGrace. That was her name. He still remembered that she spoke with a south Illinois accent and that her parents had frowned on her moving to Chicago on her own. They'd been disappointed that she hadn't married her high-school sweetheart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The things you remembered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stately brick mansions lined Woodlawn. They'd been built in the 1890s and were inhabited mostly by professors. Not much chance now that he would ever occupy one of these majestic residences, he thought. But then, it had never occurred to him that he would live here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If there was any house along Woodlawn that he would like to live in, it was the one built by Frank Lloyd Wright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a Prairie-style house that was built on a pedestal, instead of above a basement, and it had a cantilevered roof projecting out over the lawn.\n\nHe remembered Grace saying that she would live in that house one day, and if he ever came by he should stop in and see her. Back then everything seemed possible. Now he saw things differently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grace didn't live in that house, and even if she did, they wouldn't have anything to say to each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd gone out with Grace a few times after that first night. Then the school year had ended and he'd never seen her again. She'd probably married that old boyfriend, or someone from her hometown. By now she had a couple of kids in school and maybe lived on a farm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The good life, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But almost any life sounded good when you didn't have one. He didn't have much of anything.\n\nHe was only a block from the dormitory where he'd lived for two years, but there was no reason to look at it. Besides, the sullen, leaden sky had finally started to drizzle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned on Fifty-eighth and walked over to University Avenue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the corner was the Oriental Institute, another place where he'd spent numerous afternoons. Its exhibits focused on the history, art, and archaeology of the ancient Near East—Assyria, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, and Palestine.\n\nHe headed up the walk to the entrance, passing two men wearing trench coats and hats. He overheard one of the men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy didn't understand what he'd said, but knew he was speaking Russian." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced back at them as he opened the door, but both had turned away.\n\nHe meandered past displays of statuary, pottery, and bronze busts, some dating back to the second millennium B.C. He was about to enter a room featuring artifacts from Mesopotania when he stopped short. Directly across the room from him stood Zobolotsky and Katrina." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pair was huddled to one side of a tablet and conversing in soft voices." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy moved quietly into the room and acted as if he were examining a statue. He edged closer until he could hear them better. Zobolotsky was speaking Russian just like the man outside. Indy spent a few months in Russia when he was a kid, and he had spent his mornings studying the language." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As a result, nearly twenty years later, he could still pick up words and phrases." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zobolotsky: \"I just don't understand it.\"\n\nKatrina: \"Don't worry. It'll work out.\"\n\n\"But where do we look?\"\n\n\"Father, I think ...\" The woman stopped in midsentence and turned toward Indy as she realized he was standing behind her eavesdropping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" she snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked blankly at her as if he didn't understand. \"Pardon me?\"\n\n\"What do you want?\" she asked in English.\n\nHe glanced at the tablet in front of them and saw it was inscribed with cuneiform." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to look at the tablet. It's cuneiform, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry.\" She stepped back. Her features softened as she smiled. \"It's just that you surprised me.\"\n\nNow that he was so near her, he was suddenly curious about her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had a heart-shaped face with high cheekbones and a narrow chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her skin looked baby soft, and her eyes were blue, watery, deep. Eyes that could cast a spell, and what man would fight it? Her lips were luscious and full and matched the color of the ruby silk scarf that was draped over her shoulders.\n\n\"Can you read cuneiform?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobody really reads it,\" he replied, noticing how her long black dress accented the flair of her hips from her wasplike waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A few people translate it. It's slow, painstaking work.\"\n\n\"You sound like you know something about it,\" Zobolotsky said. The Russian looked older today. His sandy hair was tinged with gray, and his eyes were deeply creased at the corners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was hunched over like a very old man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A bit.\"\n\n\"Do you know how important this tablet is?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\nIndy stepped forward and peered at it. He saw that it had been broken into two pieces and fitted back together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had no idea what the cunieform said and started reading the printed translation next at it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I caused to embark within the vessel all my family and my relations,\n\nThe beasts of the field, the cattle of the field, the craftsmen, I made them all embark.\n\nI entered the vessel and closed the door...\n\nFrom the foundations of heaven a black cloud arose..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All that which is bright is turned into darkness..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gods feared the flood,\n\nThey fled, they climbed into the heaven of Anu,\n\nThe gods crouched like a dog on the wall, they lay down. ...\"\n\nHe stopped reading and stared at the tablet, the actual cuneiform tablet with the story of Ut-naphishtim." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, this is quite a coincidence,\" he said, his tone hushed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean?\" Katrina asked. He took a step back, but kept his gaze on the tablet. \"Just the other day I was telling a friend of mine about this very tablet. I had no idea it was here in Chicago. After I told him the story of how it was found and translated, he asked me to go to his church and hear a talk about the search for Noah's Ark.\"\n\n\"You mean...\" Zobolotsky began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I was there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought you looked familiar to me,\" Katrina interjected. \"I must have seen you there. Who are you?\"\n\n\"Excuse my daughter,\" Zobolotsky said. \"Are you an archaeologist?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" His voice seemed a bit too loud, as if he needed to convince them as well as himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been at the University of London for a few years. But I'm taking some time off now.\"\n\n\"Interesting,\" Zobolotsky said, and stroked his chin as he studied Indy.\n\n\"Wait a minute,\" Katrina said. \"I know where I saw you. You were just now in Dr. O'Malley's office.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right. I had a meeting with him right after you left.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We did not find him very cooperative,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\n\"As a matter of fact, I didn't either,\" Indy said, and couldn't help but laugh.\n\nKatrina looked mystified. \"What did he say about us?\"\n\n\"What makes you think he said anything to me about you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you were at the church. You must have said something to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy nodded. \"He's very skeptical about your expedition.\"\n\n\"He doesn't understand how important it is,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\n\"What do you think?\" Katrina asked.\n\n\"I have some questions about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy tried not to sound too harsh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina touched something in him that had been buried for months. He felt a magnetic attraction to her that was startling in its intensity. He'd forgotten all about Shannon's fascination with her. For every second that he remained in her presence, the strength of her magnetism doubled, then tripled, as though she were a mathematical law unto herself and he was nothing but a number she shuffled around in an equation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are they?\" her father asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment, Indy didn't know what Zobolotsky was talking about. \"Why do you want to go back there if you've already climbed the mountain and seen the ship?\"\n\n\"It's important that we document its existence.\"\n\n\"You've already got the piece of wood,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The wood means nothing to the nonbelievers. People like O'Malley look at it and tell me I'm lying, that I could have found it anywhere. It proves nothing to people like him. Do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perfectly.\"\n\n\"But they cannot ignore photographs. Katrina is a very good photographer and will prove to the world that the Ark exists.\"\n\nSo she was going along. That changed everything. He was no longer merely curious about their expedition; he needed to know about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried to concentrate on Zobolotsky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why is it so important to you?\"\n\nThe former soldier straightened his back. \"Because the world must know, and when it is known, all the false governments that have outlawed God and religion will collapse.\"\n\n\"I see.\" So it was political as well as religious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Science took a distant third place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not saying the government under the czar was the best possible, but the Bolsheviks are taking away the freedom of the people to even think for themselves,\" Zobolotsky explained.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Indy said without enthusiasm. \"It's none of my business, but how can you afford this expedition?\"\n\n\"I am a successful doctor. I've saved my money for a long time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So when are you leaving?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Soon,\" Katrina said. \"Do you think you might want to join us?\"\n\n\"Me?\" Indy smiled. His better judgment told him to say no. But then again he didn't have anything else planned, and the allure of Katrina was unmistakable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It sounds interesting, but you'd have to understand that my participation would be purely a scientific one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That comment wasn't entirely true, but Zobolotsky didn't have to know how Indy felt about his daughter. At least, not right now.\n\n\"Of course,\" Zobolotsky said. \"Are you ready to leave tomorrow morning?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's kind of short notice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long do you want?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\nHe thought a moment. What else did he have to do except say good-bye to Shannon? He shrugged. \"Tomorrow morning is fine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wonderful.\" Katrina was literally beaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're staying at the Blackstone,\" Zobolotsky said. \"Do you want to meet us there tomorrow at eight?\"\n\n\"The Blackstone? I guess I can manage.\"\n\nAs Indy walked away he felt elated at the turn of events and amazed by the series of odd coincidences he'd encountered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd made two stops this afternoon, at O'Malley's office and the institute, and he'd found Zobolotsky and his daughter at both places." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now it turned out that they were staying in the same hotel. It must mean that he was on the right track, that he was supposed to join the expedition. At least, he hoped that's what it meant.\n\nHe pushed the door open and headed down the sidewalk." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 4 sentences in the style of Rob MacGregor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boris Kaboshev stood near the entrance of a basement bookstore across the street from the Oriental Institute, and watched the man in the sport jacket head down Fifty-sixth Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd seen him at the university when the man had walked into the same office that Zobolotsky and his daughter had disappeared into. He wanted to know who he was and why he had followed them here.\n\n\"He was at the church, too,\" Boris said to his twin brother, Alexander. \"That's where I've seen him before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come to think of it, I've seen him, too,\" Alexander asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's staying at the Blackstone.\"\n\n\"Get down,\" Boris hissed as he spotted Zobolotsky and Katrina leaving the Oriental Institute. They backed down the stairs and into the bookstore as the pair moved in their direction. When they were sure that the father and daughter weren't coming into the bookstore, they climbed the stairs back to the street and saw them flag down a taxi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're going to Turkey soon,\" Alexander said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then it will be over for us and we can go back to the shop.\"\n\n\"Not necessarily, Alex. They may want us to stay on this one a little longer.\"\n\nIn fact, Boris had been told that if Zobolotsky left the country, he and Alexander were to follow them and complete their mission in the appropriate way.\n\n\"Let's see if we can catch up to the other one,\" Boris said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to see where he's going.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alexander grunted and they stepped out into the drizzle and hurried after the man in the sport jacket. Boris knew that Alexander didn't want to follow the man any more than he'd wanted to watch the Zobolotskys. Alexander hadn't said anything lately against their work, but Boris knew that his brother would be happy living like a normal person. But Alexander kept forgetting that they weren't normal people." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two Russian immigrants operated a small printing plant on the South Side and actively kept in touch with other Russians who had come to the United States after the Bolshevik Revolution." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But unlike most of the others, Boris and Alexander had not fled Russia because of their fear of the Bolsheviks. On the contrary, they were Bolsheviks and followers of Leon Trotsky. They were here in the United States on behalf of the revolution.\n\nTheir job was to keep track of Russian immigrants who might be working to overthrow the Bolshevik government." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their current mission was to watch Zobolotsky and his daughter, and to follow them wherever they went in Chicago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zobolotsky was a known associate of the New Russia Movement, a group of czarists who hadn't given up the idea of returning their homeland to the ways of the past.\n\nThe father and daughter had arrived in Chicago five days ago, but had acted like tourists until the day before yesterday when the newspapers ran an article about Zobolotsky and Noah's Ark. At first, the news had puzzled Boris, but he'd soon realized that the whole thing must be a propaganda ploy by the NRM. The discovery of Noah's Ark would lend credibility to the Bible, and that was counter to the revolution." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Religion was the opiate of the masses, and the discovery of a boat on Mount Ararat would only confuse people, which is just what these czarist dogs wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would be easy to get rid of Zobolotsky and his daughter, but the orders were not to kill Russians in the United States. A murder would attract attention and might expose the network of spies who worked in the country. If the Zobolotskys left the United States, then it was another matter.\n\n\"Where's he going now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alexander asked as the man disappeared into a park." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How should I know?\"\n\nThey crossed the street and followed him. Boris was almost certain that the man was not a Russian, even though he hadn't heard him say a single word. When he knew for sure, he would act." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all, he was free to eliminate any non-Russian who might be aiding the enemy's propaganda efforts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If archaeologists in the distant future ever excavate Chicago, they might puzzle over the odd remains of buildings constructed in the style of ancient Greek architecture. No doubt someone would mistakenly hypothesize that the Greeks discovered America and built great structures in the middle of the country at least two thousand years before the birth of Christ. Indy mulled over the thought as he cut through Jackson Park and passed the Palace of Fine Arts. The museum, which from the air looked like a giant geometric bird, was one of several buildings constructed in the Greek Revival style for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked down the drive to the entrance of the museum, crossed Fifty-sixth Street, and headed down Cornell Avenue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Shannon family home was just a block away, a short walk from the University of Chicago and a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Indy knew the neighborhood well from his days at the university, but he'd never seen the Shannon home. It was built the year after he and Shannon had graduated, and Shannon's father had bought it a few years later.\n\nHe figured it would be better to talk to Shannon at the house rather than wait until this evening when he'd be at the nightclub." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides the fact that Shannon would be busy, the last thing Indy wanted was another encounter with the likes of Capone, and from what Shannon had said, that was a distinct possibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slowed his pace and looked around. He was sure he was on the right block, but he couldn't find the house. Where it should have been was a huge estate surrounded by an ominous-looking iron fence that resembled rows of upright spears. Barely visible through a wall of trees was an immense mansion, and at the entrance to a driveway was a gatehouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw someone watching him from the gatehouse and decided to ask for directions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he approached the gatehouse he saw a pair of German shepherds tied on leashes to the iron fence on either side of the driveway.\n\nA brawny man with thinning hair and no neck to speak of had stepped from the gatehouse. The tenseness in his body suggested that he might reach into his suit coat for his weapon at any moment.\n\n\"What can I do for you, fellow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm looking for the Shannon residence. It's supposed to be—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You found it. What do you want?\"\n\nIndy stared up the drive, which curved in front of a three-story, red-brick manor set back fifty yards from the road. It looked like a fortress not a home.\n\n\"Well?\" the gatekeeper asked when Indy didn't immediately respond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm here to see Jack Shannon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He expecting you?\"\n\n\"Not really. But I'm an old friend.\"\n\n\"What's your name?\"\n\nIndy told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard about you,\" the man answered in a tone that was neither hostile nor friendly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold up your arms.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nThe gatekeeper stepped forward and patted him down, searching for weapons. \"You're okay. Wait here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man moved back inside the guardhouse and wrote something down on a piece of paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lifted a small wooden box from a peg and stuck the paper inside it. He called one of the dogs, bent over, and secured the wooden box to a hook on its collar. Then he said something in the dog's ear and unleashed it. The shepherd instantly sprang away and scampered toward the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your messenger?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gatekeeper nodded.\n\n\"What if nobody sees him coming?\"\n\n\"Listen.\"\n\nThe dog barked at the front door and a few seconds later a man stepped outside and bent down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Smart dog,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Vicious dog. With the right command, he'd tear out your lungs.\"\n\nIndy cleared his throat. \"I'll take your word for it.\"\n\nThe conversation lapsed, but the gatekeeper didn't retreat to his house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He kept an eye on Indy and the remaining shepherd did the same." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy paced about as he waited. The drizzle was still coming down, and an occasional raindrop ran over his jaw and down his neck. At this rate he wouldn't have to worry about taking a bath for a while.\n\n\"We need to find out who lives there,\" Boris said as he watched Indy pace back and forth in front of the gatehouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He and Alexander were crouched behind a hedge halfway down the block and across the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe it's one of the czar's nobles,\" Alexander answered.\n\nBoris shook his head. \"We would know.\" That was the advantage of the print shop. He printed a newsletter for Russian immigrants, and he heard all of the gossip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alexander took a pair of opera glasses out of his pocket and focused on the man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe we're wasting our time. Maybe this guy doesn't have anything to do with Zobolotsky and his expedition.\"\n\n\"He must,\" Boris snapped. The guy had stuck his nose into the wrong Russian's business. Now he'd become Boris's business." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, Indy heard a bark and saw the dog race toward the gatehouse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an instant, he thought the shepherd was charging right at him. He held his ground and tried not to show any sign of fear. The dog leaped the last ten feet and skidded to a stop in front of the gatekeeper. The man calmly reached down and unhooked the box as if deliveries by dog were an everyday occurrence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened it and unfolded a piece of paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack's waiting for you.\" He jerked his head toward the house. \"Go around to the porch door on the left side.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy moved carefully past the dogs and strode toward the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that the Shannons were successful in their enterprises, which were a combination of legal and illegal businesses ranging from bootlegging and gambling to trucking and laundry-and-linen delivery. However, he'd never thought of Shannon as wealthy or living the sort of opulent life that this estate symbolized. After all, Shannon had lived in one-room apartments for years in Paris and London. Now, though, he had an idea why Shannon hadn't said much about the place. It embarrassed him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon was standing in the doorway of the porch, and he didn't look very pleased to see him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, I told you not to come here.\"\n\n\"No, you didn't. You said I couldn't stay here.\"\n\n\"Yeah, well, what do you want? It's not the best time to stand around and bullshit. I'm sort of busy.\"\n\nIndy was surprised by Shannon's wariness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just came to say good-bye. I'm leaving in the morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon stepped out on the porch. \"Where're you going?\"\n\n\"To Turkey with Zobolotsky.\"\n\nShannon looked puzzled. \"You changed your mind, I see.\"\n\nIndy shrugged. \"It didn't work out with the university. They dragged up that old episode with the dummies. I should've known.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack!\" Someone called him from inside the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who the hell you talking to out there?\"\n\n\"It's Indy. He's here from London,\" Shannon called out.\n\nA man with slicked-back red hair stepped outside. Indy recognized Shannon's oldest brother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harry was a couple of inches shorter than Jack and at least twenty pounds heavier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy hadn't seen him since he and Shannon were in college together, but he didn't look much different. He'd always been mature and savvy, and now he was the head of the Shannon family.\n\n\"How's it going, Harry?\"\n\nHe glared at Indy and it was obvious even before he spoke that he didn't want him around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know, you're calling at a bad time. We were just on our way out. We've got some business to attend to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was just leaving. Good to see you again, Harry. Jack. Nice house.\" He nodded, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and walked off.\n\n\"I'll walk you down to the gate,\" Shannon said, then glanced at his brother. \"Meet you out front.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make it fast,\" Harry said tersely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And Jones. I hope you don't think you're going to drag Jackie Boy off to Europe again, because little brother here is settled down and part of the family. You understand?\"\n\n\"Yeah. I sure do.\"\n\nShannon joined Indy and they walked in silence for a few steps. \"I'm sorry about Harry. He's under a lot of pressure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, look, I didn't mean to make it sound like you're not welcome here. It's just that things are a little tense right now, and we do have some business to take care of.\"\n\n\"You don't have to apologize, Jack.\"\n\n\"So you're going to Turkey after all. What about Katrina? What's she going to do while her father's gone?\"\n\n\"She's going, too. She's the team photographer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon stopped near the gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, ain't that just sweet. I should've known. That's why you're going.\"\n\n\"That's not true, Jack.\"\n\n\"You telling me that woman had no effect on your decision, that you just happen to want to climb some mountain in Turkey to look for a boat. I don't buy it.\"\n\n\"C'mon, Jack, I'm an archaeologist. This could be an important discovery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy knew he didn't sound very convincing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't hide anything from Shannon for long. \"Besides, you wanted me to go look for the Ark. Remember?\"\n\nShannon's eyes narrowed. \"I wanted you to go with her old man, not her. You knew how I feel about Katrina.\"\n\n\"But she's not your girl, Jack. You hardly know her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd steal my girl right from under me. Nice friend you are, Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack, come on,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Get out of here, will you? Go have your fun.\"\n\nThat was when Indy noticed the bulge under Shannon's jacket. \"What's that you're carrying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's my business.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't let Harry push you around, Jack.\"\n\n\"What do you care?\"\n\nA shiny Cadillac moved slowly down the drive toward them. Suddenly, he understood. \"I can't believe it. You're going out on a hit, aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said stay out of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're going after Capone, aren't you? Don't do it, Jack.\"\n\n\"We're doing what we have to do. We've got to do it before he does it to us. It's just business.\"\n\nIndy shook his head. \"Is this what all your Bible study has taught you? To go out and kill anyone who gets in your way?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon grabbed Indy by the lapel and shoved him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just get out of here. You got that? Get out!\"\n\n\"You're some friend, Jack,\" Indy spat as he backed through the gate.\n\nHe heard a growl and out of the corner of his eye saw one of the shepherds dashing toward him. Then it leaped. The dog struck him on the shoulder and chest and knocked him off his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw snapping fangs and raised his forearm just in time to block the beast from ripping out his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The animal grabbed his arm and shook it.\n\nA shot rang in Indy's ear, the dog squealed, then shuddered and collapsed on top him, its jaws still clamped on his forearm. He pushed off the dead weight. Shannon stood over him, his revolver in his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get back, Gretel.\" Shannon snapped at the other dog, which was straining at its leash, fangs bared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You shouldn't have cursed me like that, Indy. That was his command to kill.\"\n\n\"Sorry.\" Indy held on to his injured arm and backed away from the other dog. \"And thanks.\"\n\n\"He was my favorite dog,\" Shannon said, staring down at the lifeless shepherd. \"Richie, get him out of here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right away.\" The gatekeeper pulled the dog out of the driveway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy didn't know what else to say.\n\n\"Are you hurt?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"No, but another few seconds and it would've been another story.\"\n\n\"What is this, Jackie?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harry was standing next to the Cadillac, which had stopped at the gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hansel attacked Indy. I had to kill him.\"\n\nHarry shook his head and looked disgusted. \"Get in the car. Now!\"\n\n\"Harry, I'm not going.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean you're not going?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what I said.\"\n\n\"Are you part of this family or not?\"\n\n\"I didn't like killing Hansel, and I don't think I'll like killing people, either.\"\n\nHarry reached into the car and pulled out a tommy gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He aimed it at Shannon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get in the car, Jack.\"\n\n\"Or what? You gonna shoot your brother, Harry?\"\n\nHarry lowered the tommy gun. \"No, I've got a better idea. If you don't get in here, I'm going to give you an ugly little hairlip so you never play that horn of yours again. You got that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, get in here,\" another brother shouted as he stepped out from the passenger side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stay out of this, Jerry,\" Harry snarled.\n\nJust then a Packard slowed in front of the driveway. Indy took one glance and saw tommy guns sticking out the windows.\n\n\"Harry!\" the gatekeeper yelled as he pulled a gun from his coat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harry's eyes widened until they were as large as the Packard's tires." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He swung up the tommy gun. \"Sonuva...,\" he growled, and was hit by a burst of gunfire.\n\nIndy tackled Shannon and they rolled over near the gatehouse as the chatter of machine-gun fire filled the air. The gatehouse windows shattered; bullets tore through the wood walls and ricocheted off the iron fence inches above their heads." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon lifted his head; Indy grabbed him by the neck, smashed him to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tires screeched and the Packard roared away. It all had happened in less than ten seconds. Slowly, Indy and Shannon picked themselves from the ground. Bodies and blood were everywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gatekeeper and the two shepherds lay in pools of blood on the driveway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The burly man was coughing and spitting up blood.\n\n\"Oh, God,\" Shannon yelled. \"Oh, God.\" He rushed toward the car. \"I knew it. I knew this was going to happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jerry was draped over the hood of the Cadillac, his blood streaming down the fender." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Harry was sitting on the ground next to the car; his face was blood-splattered, his hands were crimson.\n\nShannon dropped down next to him. \"You're going to make it, Harry. You're going to make it. We'll get you to the hospital.\"\n\nBlood trickled from Harry's mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lifted a hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your fault, Jackie Boy. Your fault.\"\n\nHe slumped over dead." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Rob MacGregor" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure he is the right one, Papa,\" Katrina said as they headed toward downtown and the hotel.\n\nZobolotsky gazed out the rain-splattered window of the taxi. \"I hope so.\"\n\n\"What's wrong?\"\n\n\"He seemed almost too eager, and I wonder about his background. If we had more time... but the Lord sometimes works in strange ways, and he did tell us we would find our archaeologist here in Chicago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She never contradicted her father when it came to his beliefs, but she wasn't so sure that the Lord had anything to do with it, at least not in the way her father thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a child, she had received impressions about things that were going to happen to her and other people around her, and when she'd told her father these things, he'd said that only the Lord could prophesize. At school, her teachers told her that no one could see the future, and so at age six her visions had stopped.\n\nYears passed. Then, after her father came home from the war, he showed her the piece of wood from the ship on Mount Ararat, and it was as if she were a child again. When she'd held the Ark wood for the first time, she'd described the ship in detail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Things her father had seen, and other things he knew nothing about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For example, she'd told him that people in the village had climbed the mountain from time to time over the centuries to collect pitch from the ship, which they used as sacred amulets. Her father was impressed, then astonished, and from that day on he was convinced that the Lord spoke through her.\n\nShe didn't know quite what to think of this. But she figured that the Lord had some helpers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She liked to think that it was old Noah himself who spoke through the wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She never told this to her father, though, because she knew that to his way of thinking, it was either the Lord Himself, or the devil.\n\nImages came to her every time she held the wood. She had seen her father talking to crowds of people about the Ark, and she saw people rejoicing and returning to their faith in God, and she had witnessed it coming true right here in Chicago. She had also seen her father climbing the mountain again, and she'd sensed that many people waited to hear about the expedition and to see the proof they would obtain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other times the visions confused her and made little sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One recurring image continued to puzzle her. She was moving through a strange valley where everything was white and distorted, and it was both dark and light at the same time. In the vision, she was being taken to a place against her will.\n\nBut the future was by no means a well-paved road with no surprises." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Things continued to happen to her and her father that she hadn't foreseen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three months ago, they'd been ready to set off on their expedition when two nights before they were to leave, their sponsors held an emergency meeting and decided they would require Zobolotsky to bring along an archaeologist. The decision had disappointed them, but Katrina knew that it also made sense. It would help document their discovery, or, rather, her father's rediscovery of the Ark.\n\nBut they'd run into one barrier after another in their search for a reputable archaeologist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed that no university was willing to endow her father's quest with credibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, she'd held the Ark wood one evening and asked where they should go to find the person they needed, and she'd heard the name clearly in her mind: the University of Chicago. They'd left the next day.\n\nSince their arrival, she'd become increasingly anxious that the chairman of the archaeology department would be like the rest of the archaeologists they'd talked to, and it would mean that she'd been wrong. But when she'd taken out the Ark wood from the safe two nights ago, she'd felt the presence of the one who would join them, and she'd reconfirmed it the next night in the church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd sensed him there in the audience, and as she'd held the Ark wood above her head she'd tried to pinpoint him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she'd been distracted when she'd spotted the twin watchers seated near the back of the church, and she'd lost her concentration.\n\n\"You like him, don't you?\"\n\nShe smiled and turned her head away. During the past couple of years, Papa had started asking her about her feelings about men and it always embarrassed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If her mother were still alive, she would have readily volunteered her thoughts and feelings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Mama had died shortly after her father had returned from the war and she'd never confided in him in the same way.\n\n\"I think... he's interesting.\" She hardly knew him. The other man she'd met since they'd arrived in Chicago, the one who'd played the cornet at the church, was interesting, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack—that was his name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a certain helplessness about him that appealed to her. She sensed that Indy was hiding something. It was almost as if a protective crust were hardening around the man's feelings, and she wondered what was behind it.\n\n\"It's okay if you like men. It's time you started thinking about finding a husband, you know. It's what God wants for His children when they grow up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Papa, I don't want to get married to anyone. I've told you that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew her father liked to hear her say that. He was proud that she was still content to live with him.\n\nHe laughed as the taxi pulled up to the curb in front of the hotel. \"You will, Katrina. You will. All little girls grow up. But I want you to watch out for this Jones. I don't want him to hurt you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they entered the lobby Zobolotsky headed directly to the security room and unlocked the safe containing the Ark wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing, Papa?\"\n\n\"I'm going to bring it up to the room.\"\n\n\"Do you think it'll be safe?\"\n\n\"The Lord will protect us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few minutes later, Katrina sat on the couch and waited for her father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew that getting the Ark wood from the safe meant that he had a question and would want her to hold it again.\n\nWhen he had taken a seat on the chair across from her, she picked up the cloth-covered Ark wood and carefully unwrapped it. She turned it over in her hands. It wasn't much more than a splinter of wood sixteen inches long and a couple of inches thick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On one side it was coated with a dull black resin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the other side the wood was rougher, and it was apparent that it had been broken off from something larger.\n\nShe held the wood in her hands and closed her eyes as her father recited a prayer. \"We thank Thee Lord for Your help. We are Your humble servants and we wish to serve You in all things. Please guide us now in the direction we should follow. We rely on Your wisdom and we trust it. Thank you, Lord, for listening to our humble petition. Amen.\"\n\nKatrina held the Ark wood to her breast and rocked gently forward and back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She breathed deeply, exhaled, and let go of all thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She drifted just above sleep, and it wasn't long before she saw an image of Jack, the horn player.\n\nAt first, she just saw his face. Then she realized that he was looking down at her, and slowly she was drawn into the scene. The impressions were more than just visual." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could feel, hear, and sense his presence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as if she was really with him. And how she was with him!\n\nHis face was just above hers, his lips were parted. He leaned down and kissed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She returned his kiss and hugged him tightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were lying down very close to each other, and a hand grazed her breast, then ran down her belly and along hip and thigh.\n\n\"Katrina.\"\n\nShe looked up and saw that it wasn't Jack.... It was Indy.\n\n\"Katrina...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time she knew it was her father's voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She blinked her eyes open. Gasped for breath. He was staring intently at her. She laid the Ark wood down on the coffee table in front of her.\n\n\"Well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm... not sure.\" It had seemed so real." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But why had the faces changed? What did it mean? She was confused and flustered. And now she was embarrassed, too; Papa had been sitting here calmly watching her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wondered what sounds she had made, and what her body had done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You must have seen something. You were so... intense. You were whispering to someone.\"\n\nNot only whispering, she thought.\n\n\"What did I say?\"\n\n\"I couldn't understand, but I know who you were talking to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was the Lord, wasn't it?\" Zobolotsky said. \"You were talking with the Lord.\"\n\n\"I think he said Indy is the right one.\"\n\n\"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't like the way he was looking at her as if he doubted her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was tempted to ask him if he doubted the word of the Lord. But she couldn't say it. \"I think so.\"\n\nShe slowly rewrapped the Ark wood in the cloth and tried to make sense of what had happened to her. Maybe the devil had fanned her passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No. She refused to believe that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The act of love was not the devil's work. She knew that much. Then it dawned on her. The Ark was about survival and so was lovemaking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only thing was, it hadn't really happened. She'd imagined it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But maybe she had also foreseen what was to be. But with which man?\n\nThen her father dropped the bombshell. \"I don't think Jones is the one, Katrina. There's something about him that I don't like. Let's pack and leave right now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, Papa!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If it wasn't clear to you, he's not the one we want.\"\n\n\"But I think it was clear. It's just that...\"\n\n\"Just what?\"\n\n\"Nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laid a hand on her shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll see, Katrina. It'll work out. There are lots of universities in New York. We'll find an archaeologist there. And this way we'll also be rid of those two Trotskyites. I'm sure you'll be glad of that.\"\n\nKatrina didn't answer. She moved over to the closet and started to pack.\n\nThey were both covered in blood and surrounded by the carnage. Shannon was hugging Harry's body, crying and babbling to the dead man as Indy tried to comfort his friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy knew he had to do something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were vulnerable. The mobsters could swing by again before the cops got here. Given what had happened in the jail, he didn't trust the cops, either.\n\n\"Jack, we've got to get out of here. C'mon. Right now.\"\n\n\"What are you talking about. I can't go anywhere. I can't just leave my brothers like this here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let them go, Jack. It won't do any good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've got to help them.\"\n\n\"There's nothing we can do for them. Think about yourself. Your life is in danger. You've got to get out of Chicago.\"\n\n\"Where am I going to go?\"\n\n\"Come on to the hotel with me. You'll be safe there until morning. We'll figure out what to do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy grabbed Shannon by the arm and pulled him away from the bullet-riddled car where his brothers lay dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A siren wailed in the distance. They hurried down Cornell until they reached Fifty-third, then cut over to Lake Park Avenue.\n\nA trolley was approaching. Perfect timing, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd be downtown in ten minutes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They leaped on and the trolley rolled ahead. There were a dozen people on board and everyone was staring at them. Indy looked down at his shirt and hands and over at Shannon. Christ. Their clothes and skin were streaked and stained with blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They couldn't walk into the Blackstone this way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd be stopped before they'd gotten ten feet, and the police would be called.\n\n\"Let's get off,\" Indy said as the trolley slowed.\n\n\"What in the world happened to you boys?\" an elderly woman asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The slaughterhouse, ma'am,\" Indy said. \"The slaughterhouse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are we doing, Indy?\" Shannon asked after they hopped down from the trolley.\n\n\"I don't know, but we've got to get cleaned up.\"\n\nThey backtracked until they reached Jackson Park, where they headed to a pool near the Palace of Fine Arts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day was overcast and cool, and the park was nearly deserted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy took out a handkerchief, wet it in the pool, and washed his face and hands as best he could. He wrung out the handkerchief, then gave it to Shannon, who made an attempt to wash away the blood.\n\nShannon handed him the handkerchief and stared blankly ahead. He was in shock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They needed to get to the hotel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their faces were fairly clean, but their clothes were another matter. They needed to do something about them before they walked into the Blackstone.\n\nThen he spotted the two men in trench coats. The same two men he'd seen outside the museum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who the hell were they, and what were they doing here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he and Shannon ambled away from the pool Indy watched the men out of the corner of his eye, and an idea came to mind.\n\n\"You still got your gun, Jack?\"\n\nShannon nodded.\n\n\"Good. See those guys over there? When I say 'now,' pull the gun on them. You hear me, Jack?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hear you,\" Jack said in a monotone, then followed Indy toward the pair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they neared them the men veered away. \"Hey, fellows. How much you want for those coats?\" Indy yelled.\n\nThe men stopped and turned. \"What?\" one of them asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy saw they were twins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We need your raincoats.\"\n\n\"I don't know what you are talking about,\" one said in accented English.\n\n\"We don't sell our clothes on the street,\" Twin Two said as they started to move away.\n\n\"Give us those coats. Now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men stopped and turned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Indy was sturdy and muscular, he was no match for these guys. They were at least fifty pounds heavier, two or three inches taller, and their necks looked as large as his thighs.\n\nIndy glanced at Shannon. \"Now,\" he repeated.\n\nTwin One grabbed Indy by the collar of his shirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe it's time you see some of your own blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gun was suddenly in Shannon's hand and it was aimed at Twin One's head. He knocked the man's hat off with the muzzle, revealing a completely bald head. \"Let go, and move away if you want to keep your cue ball on your shoulders.\"\n\nThe man did as Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now both of you, get those coats off or I'll shoot them full of holes with you inside.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was surprised by Shannon's recovery. It seemed the moment the twin had grabbed him, he snapped out of the shock and lethargy from the gunfight and deaths.\n\nThe twins shrugged out of the trench coats. \"Drop them at your feet,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now start walking. Move it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as the twins had walked a few yards Indy grabbed the coats. \"Let's get the hell out of here.\"\n\nWithout another word, they dashed out of the park until they were back on Lake Park Avenue. They pulled on the coats as they spotted another trolley coming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both of them were lost in the extra-large raincoats, but it didn't matter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They climbed aboard the trolley, and no one paid them any heed. Ten minutes later, they entered the lobby of the Blackstone. The belts on their raincoats were tightened, and their hands were inside the deep pockets discreetly holding the hems above the carpeting.\n\nThe elevator was waiting. \"Howya doing, sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy saw that it was the doorman, who was now manning the elevator." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hiya, Frankie. I thought you worked at the door.\"\n\n\"I'm a man of many talents,\" Frankie answered. \"Today I run the elevator. But to tell you the truth, sitting in this little room all day is boring. But don't tell my boss I said so.\"\n\nAs the elevator rose Indy was struck by an idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed so obvious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was just a matter of getting Shannon to agree to it, and he didn't think that was going to be too difficult. \"Say, Frankie, I was talking to a young lady earlier today, a Miss Zobolotsky. Do you know which room she's in?\"\n\nFrankie grinned. \"Of course. She and her father are in the suite right above you.\"\n\nThe elevator stopped and they headed down the hall to Indy's room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, why don't we both go to Turkey?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want me to go to Turkey with you?\"\n\n\"Why not? What better place to hide out. And don't forget, Katrina will be with us.\"\n\n\"That's right. It's definitely worth considering, that is, if Zobolotsky will take me.\"\n\nIndy unlocked the door to the suite." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Rob MacGregor" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina tapped her foot impatiently as they waited for the elevator. The arrow above the door had gone from the first to the third floor and stopped. But now she heard the whining of the motor and the arrow edged toward four.\n\nShe hadn't even bothered arguing with her father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was no use." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was stubborn, and he would do as he saw fit. But she didn't understand why he'd changed his mind about Indy so suddenly. Maybe it was a look on her face or a word she'd uttered while she'd held the Ark wood. Something had made him decide to cross Indy out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, the door creaked open, and the elevator operator nodded to them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was the same young man who had accompanied her to the room on the night she'd gotten the Ark wood from the safe.\n\n\"May I help you with your bags, Miss Zobolotsky?\"\n\n\"No, they're very light. Thank you.\"\n\nShe was carrying her handbag and a small luggage case while her father held the bag with the Ark wood and a suitcase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They would send a bellboy for their other bags while they checked out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the door closed and the elevator descended she felt the gaze of the operator on her. She gave him a rueful glance to let him know she didn't like being stared at.\n\n\"Miss Zobolotsky?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" she answered stiffly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't say a word about the other night, she silently commanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was someone just asking about you.\"\n\n\"Who?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"Mr. Jones.\"\n\n\"When was he here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's here now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where?\"\n\n\"Katrina, that's enough. There's no need to say anything further to him. It'll just complicate things.\"\n\n\"But, Papa. What's wrong with him?\"\n\n\"I don't think he would be a good influence on you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was tempted to say something about how all little girls grow up, as he'd put it, but she wouldn't do it in front of the elevator operator." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door opened and Zobolotsky grabbed his suitcase and ushered Katrina toward the desk.\n\n\"Mr. Jones is gonna be disappointed,\" Frankie said to himself as they walked away. \"I do know that.\"\n\nIndy tried not to laugh as he looked at Shannon, who was wearing a pair of his pants that were several inches too short and a shirt that was too loose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that'll have to do until we can get you some new clothes. Let's go upstairs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They headed down the hall and waited for the elevator. \"One floor up,\" Indy said.\n\nFrankie made a face. \"You're not going to see Miss Zobolotsky, are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Something wrong with that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah. They checked out about fifteen minutes ago. They're gone.\"\n\nIndy held out his hand to keep the elevator door from closing. \"Did they say why they were leaving so fast?\"\n\n\"No, sir, but I think Mr. Zobolotsky was afraid of something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Any idea where they were going?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They didn't say, but my guess is the train station.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" Indy and Shannon quickly backtracked to their room.\n\n\"I wonder what he was afraid of,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"Let's go find out. I'll pack and we'll be out of here in five minutes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I don't have any luggage,\" Shannon protested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. You can help me carry mine.\"\n\nKatrina sat glumly by the window as the conductor made his last call for passengers. Indy should be here with them. But now it was too late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were leaving without him, and that was as good as telling him they didn't want him along." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The turn of events was giving her second thoughts about the expedition. If she was wrong about Indy, then maybe she was wrong about everything. Maybe she had thought Indy was the right one for the expedition because he was young and handsome, the very reason her father didn't want him along. Likewise, maybe she had foreseen her father going to Turkey and climbing Ararat just because she knew that was what he wanted to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe it was impossible to foretell anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What if the Ark wood was nothing but a piece of old firewood, and her visions just a recurrence of childhood fantasies? What if there was no Ark? But Papa wouldn't lie. He must have seen it. Unless..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something about her father's story bothered her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was something she knew, but couldn't quite place into context.\n\nIt didn't take long for Indy to realize that the chances of finding Zobolotsky and Katrina were slim. One of the first weekends of the summer was approaching and the train station was so crowded it looked like everyone in Chicago was trying to get out of the city. \"I say if we don't see them in another few minutes, we just hop a train and get out of here,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me buy some clothes at least,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I should go to the nightclub and get some money. I just can't leave empty-handed.\"\n\n\"Jack, don't be stupid.\" They moved along the platform past clusters of travelers who were boarding trains on either side of them. \"If you go back to the nightclub, you're as good as dead. And we can get you some clothes in another town. They do sell clothes outside of Chicago, you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon ignored Indy's sarcastic comment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Capone and his henchmen are probably lying low. They're not going to bother me.\"\n\n\"Uh, Jack, from what I remember, Capone said if you didn't play by his rules, it was curtains. I believe the guy. I think he keeps his word when it comes to killing his enemies.\"\n\nShannon shrugged. \"I don't know, Indy. Where would we go, New York?\"\n\n\"Hell no. If there's a hit on you, New York would be as bad as Chicago. Maybe worse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen to you. You sound like one of the Shannon brothers yourself. God, I'm finally corrupting you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cut it out, Jack. I've had my fill of gangsters. You know that.\"\n\nIndy had told Shannon all about Julian Ray, the New York bookmaker and mobster who had placed odds against Colonel Fawcett's return to civilization with evidence of a lost city in the Amazon. Indy had belatedly learned that his own boss, Victor Bernard, was a compulsive gambler and had joined forces with Ray to keep Indy from ever reaching the Amazon. Ray's thugs and Bernard himself had narrowly missed accomplishing their goal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If New York is out, then where do we go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon asked, as if New York were the only alternative to Chicago.\n\n\"I've got an idea. Why don't we got to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? You know, on the other side of the lake. We'll get a cabin in the woods for a while.\"\n\n\"Yeah, and what are we going to do for money? Chop wood? Forget it, you know me, I like cities.\"\n\nIndy was about to suggest that Shannon get used to rural living for a while when he spotted a familiar face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was one of Capone's henchmen who had beat them up in the jail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look over there. On your left, by the next car.\"\n\n\"I see him, and I just spotted his buddy across the way by the other train. I say we do a one-eighty and move on.\"\n\n\"Good idea.\"\n\nThey turned and started walking at a steady, but unhurried pace so as not to draw attention to themselves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They reached the end of the train and walked over to the next set of tracks, where a train hissed and belched a burst of smoke as it prepared to leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The conductor yelled, \"All aboard,\" and rattled off a list of cities to the east, ending with New York.\n\nAs they moved along the platform the train started rolling out of the station. If Zobolotsky was getting ready to leave for Turkey with or without an archaeologist, it would make sense for him and Katrina to go to New York. But Zobolotsky and his plans were a secondary concern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy just wanted to stay alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon grabbed Indy by the arm. \"Hold it. More trouble ahead.\"\n\nThe platform was crowded, and it took Indy a moment to spot them. It wasn't Capone's henchmen, but the twin thugs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the pair was heading right for them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Shannon turned and tried to lose themselves in the crowd. \"Too bad we left the raincoats in the hotel room,\" Shannon said. \"We could bargain with them.\"\n\n\"Somehow I don't think they're the bargaining types. I don't know who they are, but I don't like them much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Indy glanced over his shoulder, he saw that the twins were closing the gap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he glimpsed Capone's men moving toward them from the other direction. One of them pointed, and they charged toward them.\n\n\"I think we're in big trouble, Jack.\" The train was picking up speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last car was approaching, and it was their only hope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hop aboard,\" Indy yelled.\n\nThey both rushed after the car as it passed them, each of them swinging a bag. Indy leaped and grabbed the railing. He dropped his bag on the rear platform of the car and reached for Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was racing after the train, and the two thugs were right behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy leaned over and stretched as far as he could. His fingers brushed Shannon's, then he grabbed his hand and pulled him up onto the bottom step.\n\nOne of Capone's men lurched for the railing just as one of the Russians did the same from a different angle. The two men collided, tumbled to the platform, and their companions tripped over them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See you, guys.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy didn't mean it literally, but he was right in the case of the Russians. They would see them again.\n\nKatrina was peering forlornly out the window when she saw the Russians about to board the next car.\n\n\"Look, Papa. It's those twins again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just what we don't need,\" he growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men hadn't harmed them. Hadn't done anything, but Papa was right about them. They must be Bolshevik spies. Then, to her surprise, one of them pointed to something along the platform and instead of boarding the car they hurried away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She craned her neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are they doing?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"I can't tell.\"\n\nThe train started to roll forward. Whatever the distraction was, it was working to their advantage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few more seconds and they'd be free of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see Indy!\" She nearly shouted the words. \"He's out there.\"\n\nIndy and another man were racing for the train, and the twins were chasing them. But so were two other men. She couldn't believe what she was seeing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How did they know about Indy, and who were the other men?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For that matter, who was with Indy? She'd only caught a quick glimpse of him, but he looked familiar.\n\nShe tugged at the window, but it wouldn't go up high enough for her to stick her head out. She squashed her cheek to the glass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She couldn't see Indy or the other man any longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"I don't know. No, there they are.\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"The Russians. They didn't make it. We're free of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Jones?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't see him, Papa. But I think he's on the train. He was with another man, too. He looked familiar. I know who it was. It was the man from the church—Jack. The one who played the cornet.\"\n\n\"I don't like this. I don't like it at all.\"\n\n\"Papa, don't you see? This is the way it was supposed to happen. They got rid of the Bolsheviks for us.\"\n\nHer father was a cautious man, but she could tell by his pensive expression that he was mulling over what she'd said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reached for the door handle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You wait here. I'll be right back.\"\n\n\"You know, Indy, it's too bad this train isn't going to take us to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,\" Shannon said as they moved along the aisle looking for an empty seat.\n\n\"Okay, okay. So maybe it wasn't the greatest idea. But at least it was a destination.\"\n\nIndy stopped abruptly and Shannon bumped into him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky had just entered the car and was standing five feet in front of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was staring directly at him and he didn't look a bit surprised. \"We seem to have a way of bumping into each other,\" Indy said.\n\n\"You got that right,\" Shannon said, not realizing that Indy was talking to someone else.\n\n\"What are you doing here?\" Zobolotsky asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right now Jack and I are just trying to find a seat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zobolotsky nodded solemnly, then looked past Indy at Shannon. \"I met you in the church the other day. You were talking to my daughter.\"\n\n\"Right,\" Shannon said. \"Is she here with you?\"\n\nIndy heard the eagerness in his voice and gave him a sharp look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why don't you two join me and Katrina in our compartment?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sounds good to me,\" Shannon said.\n\nAs Zobolotsky moved ahead a few steps Indy turned to Shannon. \"Take it easy,\" he whispered.\n\nWhen they reached the compartment, Zobolotsky stepped inside first, then held the door open for Indy and Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think you both remember Katrina.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could I forget? Indy thought. She looked between them and he swore she was blushing.\n\n\"I saw you catching the train.\" She was looking directly at Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack. How are you? I didn't know you two knew each other.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've met.\" Shannon's gaze was locked on Katrina.\n\n\"It was quite a race to catch the train,\" Indy said as he settled into the seat across from her. Shannon started to sit down next to Katrina, but Zobolotsky directed him to sit next to Indy. Damn you, Shannon, Indy thought as Zobolotsky sat down next to his daughter, but he directed his words at the expedition's leader." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess you decided to leave early.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Zobolotsky didn't answer, Indy continued. \"My guess is that it had something to do with those bald-headed twins. Am I right?\"\n\n\"They're Bolshevik spies. Trotskyites. I've had it up to here with them.\"\n\n\"We would've contacted you from New York,\" Katrina said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy nodded, and wondered how they would've done that since he hadn't told them how to reach him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're glad you're here now, aren't we, Papa?\"\n\nZobolotsky stared at them, but didn't say anything.\n\nIndy cleared his throat. \"I'm not too excited about getting involved in any political battles with Bolsheviks, but my friend here can help. Right, Jack?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon still couldn't take his eyes off Katrina. \"What's that, Indy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I said you can help with security.\"\n\n\"Oh, yeah. Sure.\"\n\nZobolotsky stiffened. \"What makes you think I want to take you two with me to Ararat? This isn't a vacation, you know.\"\n\n\"Because you need an archaeologist, and your time is running out. You've got some opposition, too, and you need protection. That's where Jack comes in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy didn't know whether or not Zobolotsky's time was running out, but he spoke as if he did and he hoped his dramatic flair would capture the ex-soldier's attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zobolotsky peered at Shannon, who was doing his best to pay attention now. \"He doesn't look like someone who could protect himself, much less anyone else.\"\n\n\"Are you kidding?\" Indy responded. \"I know you're living in San Francisco, but I'm sure you must have heard of the notorious Shannon gang of Chicago's South Side.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky looked perplexed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think I've heard of them, Papa,\" Katrina said, and smiled at Shannon.\n\n\"Jack is one of the brothers. He knows a lot about protection.\"\n\n\"We do need protection, Papa.\" Katrina's voice was soft." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Rob MacGregor" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two Weeks Later\n\nIstanbul\n\n\"Nefis... simit, simit.\"\n\nThe words echoed in Indy's head as he rolled over in bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were shouted from somewhere outside of their hotel room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You awake?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"Sort of.\"\n\n\"Take a look at this.\" Shannon was leaning out the window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The view of downtown Istanbul was dramatic, a skyline of domes and minarets silhouetted in the orange glow of the early-morning sunlight. But that wasn't what had caught Shannon's attention\"." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nefis... simit, simit.\"\n\nAcross the street baskets were being lowered down on ropes from several windows to a waiting vendor. The man pulled donut-shaped objects from a stick and placed them in the basket.\n\n\"You woke me to see that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's he selling?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. Simits. I guess. Some kind of bread.\"\n\nIndy spotted a kid lowering a pail from the adjacent building. \"What is it? Bu nedir?\"\n\nThe kid turned his head and gave Indy a puzzled look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, English. What time is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too early. What's he putting in your pail?\"\n\n\"Good morning. How are you today?\" the kid responded in slow, accented English. \"Is Turkey beautiful? Yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's avoiding your question,\" Shannon said, and laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly an arm shot out the window and the kid was yanked out of sight. A moment later, a girl of about eleven or twelve leaned out and pulled up the pail. She glanced over at Indy and smiled. \"My little brother does not know English, only phrases. Are you going to get simits for breakfast?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hot bread. It's very good. You will like it.\"\n\n\"I wish I had a basket.\"\n\nThe girl pulled her basket into the window. \"That's okay. I will bring simits to your door.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't have to do that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes. You are misafir.\"\n\n\"Okay. Tesekkur ederim.\"\n\nIndy pulled his head back in the window. \"Breakfast is on the way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did you say to her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon asked, looking mystified.\n\n\"She's going to deliver the simits because we're guests in her country. I said thank you.\"\n\n\"I didn't know you spoke Turkish.\"\n\n\"Enough to get by,\" Indy said as he pulled on his clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Teach me something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right. Turkce bilmiyorum.\"\n\n\"Teurk-chech bihl-mih-yohrum,\" Shannon repeated. \"So what's it mean?\"\n\n\"I don't speak Turkish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, great. Just in case there's any doubt about it. Right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You got it.\"\n\nA few minutes later, there was a knock, and when Indy opened the door, the girl was holding a tray with tea and simits, donuts of hot bread covered with sesame seeds. She wore a ragged dress and her long, dark hair was braided.\n\n\"I hope you like Turkey,\" she said as she set the tray down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy thanked her and handed her some change, which she slipped into her pocket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's your name?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"Sekiz.\"\n\n\"That's a number,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Yes, of course. Number eight, because I am the eighth child in my family.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lots of kids,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are eleven.\"\n\n\"Do you go to school?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"No, it is not possible now. I work in my father's leather shop in the bazaar.\"\n\n\"Do you sell boots?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon asked. \"I need a pair of boots.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, boots are on another street. We sell bags. We make them, too.\"\n\n\"You like the job?\"\n\nShe shrugged. \"Someday I want to be a tourist guide. I can tell you all the best places to see, if you want.\"\n\nKatrina suddenly appeared behind the girl, materializing like a ghost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Am I interupting something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, come in.\" Indy was surprised to see her.\n\nKatrina had said little to him or Shannon during their trip. She'd stuck close to her father most of the time and had spent hours alone in her cabin on the cruise from New York to Athens. His attempts at conversation usually ended with Katrina excusing herself for one reason or another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon hadn't had any better luck getting to know her, and he was just as baffled by her behavior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're just getting our breakfast and a little conversation,\" Shannon said. \"This is Sekiz. She lives in the next building.\"\n\n\"Gunaydin.\" Katrina smiled at the girl.\n\n\"Good morning to you, too, kiddo,\" Sekiz answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina laughed, then turned to the men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just want to tell you both that Papa and I are going out to arrange for our permits and transportation. He's hoping he can get all the paperwork done today or tomorrow at the latest.\"\n\n\"Swell,\" Indy said.\n\nHe was interested in seeing Istanbul, but he was even more anxious to get moving as soon as possible. They'd been waylaid for five days in Athens as the Zobolotskys had visited family members living in the city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Shannon had spent their days wandering around the city and most of their nights in tavernas drinking ouzo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With each drink they recalled another incident from the time they'd spent in Greece together a few years ago. They toasted Greece, their friendship, the mysterious Katrina, and the Zobolotsky family reunion. The Never-Ending Family Reunion, they'd dubbed it.\n\nBut it had finally ended, and now they were in Istanbul." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that didn't mean they were ready to climb Ararat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides the matter of permits, they had to traverse the length of the country to get to the mountain. Turkey was shaped like a foot, with Istanbul located near the toes, and Ararat at the heel.\n\n\"Do you need help?\" Indy asked after a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Papa said it will be best if it is only two of us so as not cause confusion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled shyly at him. \"I'll tell you all about it at dinner.\" She looked over at Shannon. \"Both of you.\"\n\n\"Aren't we lucky,\" Indy said when she'd left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to hear all about the Turkish bureaucracy tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At least she's coming out of her shell,\" Shannon said. \"It gives me hope.\"\n\nA man with a thick mustache that reached from ear to ear stood across the street from the hotel and munched on simits as he listened to a small clutch of men chatting near a storefront. His name was Hasan and he was enjoying the exchange of ideas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men were arguing about the need to change the alphabet from Arabic to Latin and the value of becoming a Westernized nation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most of the men, Hasan observed, had thought that modernization of the nation was a good idea, but now that it was actually taking place they were having second thoughts. He was glad to hear it. Even though he'd been educated in London, he was bound to Ottoman tradition and didn't appreciate the changes that had been sweeping through Turkey in recent years. He was a victim of the changes, but he was fighting back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan's attention was distracted as an older man and a young woman left the hotel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded to another man who stood in a doorway a few yards away and watched as the man followed the pair. Hasan would wait and see what the other two foreigners would do. He'd been waiting patiently for several days for the arrival of the expedition, and he didn't mind waiting another few minutes or even hours. The plan was ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only a matter of exactly how and when it would be carried out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After breakfast, Indy and Shannon headed to the Covered Bazaar, a maze of tiny shops, restaurants, mosques, and workshops. As they entered one of the gates they passed under a huge gold armorial emblem. It was from the days of the Ottoman Empire, and a reminder that the old ways were still close at hand. In spite of the confusing array of narrow, winding streets that led into one another, there was an order to the market." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On one street they passed dozens of vendors selling copper pots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On another street, the only product being offered was used Korans. Still another street was well stocked with thousands of yards of colorful fabrics. It went on like that, street after street, block after block. There were rows of stalls stocked with sheepskins, alleys of bangles and beads, and the world's only street that exclusively sold portraits of Mehmet the Conqueror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I remember Zobolotsky saying that this wasn't a vacation, but I can't help feeling like I'm on a vacation,\" Shannon said glumly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Enjoy it while it lasts.\"\n\n\"But I don't like being a tourist. Not unless I was with Katrina. Then I wouldn't mind.\"\n\nSometimes Shannon acted like a kid, and whenever he did, Indy just ignored him. He was as anxious as his friend to move on, but he didn't mind Istanbul." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a vibrant, friendly city, if somewhat chaotic to a Westerner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a way, it was more accessible to outsiders than the Northern European cities. The people here were more willing to stop and answer a question, even if they didn't know the answer, and more often than not they asked a few questions of their own. They didn't expect you to know their language and were pleased when you made an effort to speak it. He remembered Turkey from a visit he'd made when he was a kid, and he was pleased that his youthful impressions were still true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they reached the cobblers' lane, Shannon just stared at the array of footwear that surrounded them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were finally lured into one of the shops by a cup of mint tea, and while the aged proprietor helped Shannon try on boots his son tried to convince Indy to buy a pair. When Indy failed to show any interest, the dark-eyed young man moved his stool closer to Indy and told him about a special kind of boot.\n\n\"You see, it has an extra layer of leather on the inside where you can hide things you don't want the customs people to see. You understand?\"\n\nIndy had no idea what he would want to hide in a boot from customs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought you would be interested. You see, I can sew the packets of powder right into the lining for you, and you can make big money when you get back to your rich country. You understand?\"\n\n\"What kind of powder?\"\n\n\"The heroin. You know, from the poppies.\"\n\n\"No thanks.\" Indy set down his tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, make sure you don't buy any boots with an extra lining inside.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the least of my concerns,\" Shannon said. \"They don't make boots here for size-twelve feet.\"\n\nThe proprietor's son wasn't ready to give up yet. \"Look at this.\" He showed Indy the bottom of a boot, twisted the heel, and a three-inch blade slid out of a hidden groove." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, that's interesting.\" Indy examined the heel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think you could do that to my heel?\"\n\nThe young cobbler smiled. \"Before you can say Ali Baba.\"\n\nA few minutes later, they moved on to another shop and then a third before Shannon finally found a pair of boots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd been offered cups of tea at every stop, and by the time Shannon made his purchase, they'd also attracted an entourage of onlookers who watched their every move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we're the center of attraction today,\" Shannon commented.\n\n\"They don't see tall, skinny guys with red hair every day.\"\n\n\"I guess not. I wish I had my cornet. I've give them an earful of Chicago jazz.\"\n\n\"I bet you would. Let's go look for a restaurant.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they moved on, the onlookers trailed after them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think we're in trouble?\" Shannon asked, glancing over his shoulder.\n\n\"Naw. They're just curious. That's all. The market's safe.\"\n\n\"Then why are you carrying a gun and a whip, and why did you get a knife put in your boot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just in case I'm wrong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy turned and everyone watched him as if he were about to perform a trick. \"Where's a good restaurant in the Covered Bazaar?\" he asked the man standing nearest to him.\n\nThe Turk thought a moment and everyone was quiet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone made a suggestion, then all of them were suddenly talking at once as if the choice of restaurants was a serious matter of dispute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, the man waved everyone back. \"My name is Hasan,\" he said in accented English. \"I will guide you to a very good restaurant on Kahvehane Street.\"\n\nIndy wondered why the man didn't have anything better to do, but then he realized that judging him by his own Western standards was probably meaningless. \"Okay. Let's go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they moved through the market the man asked why they had come to Turkey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was muscular, in his late thirties, with a face adorned by a full mustache that curved around his cheeks and melted into his sideburns. He had large, dark eyes, a long chin, and a hawk nose.\n\n\"We're going to climb a mountain,\" Indy said offhandedly.\n\n\"Why do you want to climb a mountain?\" Hasan asked" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To look for a boat,\" Indy quipped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy!\" Shannon shook his head.\n\n\"What's wrong?\" Indy asked under his breath.\n\n\"Too many eyes watching and ears listening.\"\n\nWhen they arrived at the restaurant, Indy reached into his pocket, but Hasan raised his hand and shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No charge. You are guests in our country.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tesekkur ederim,\" Indy said, and tipped his fedora.\n\nThe dining room was crowded, so they took a table outside on the porch. \"Nice guy, that Hasan.\"\n\nShannon ran a hand through his auburn mop. \"I wonder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wonder what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What he was after. I didn't trust him.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\n\"His eyes.\"\n\n\"Cut it out. You're just not used to seeing Turks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon gazed out at the nearby cluster of shops and the activity on the street." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't get me wrong; I like this place. Life in the bazaar sort of appeals to me. But I know a suspicious character when I see one.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 4 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the waiter's recommendation, they both ordered cerkez kebabi Circassian, a dish consisting of peas, lamb, potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers in a sauce." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When it arrived at the table, it was accompanied by bulgur pilaf, beans, and bread.\n\nIndy noticed a furrow on Shannon's brow and asked him if the food didn't agree with him.\n\n\"No, it's tasty. Real tasty. I was just wondering why they changed the name of this place from Constantinople. I mean if they renamed Chicago, people would go nuts.\"\n\n\"Stin poli,\" Indy said as if that explained everything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So what's that mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's Turkish for 'in the city.' The phrase was used so much here that people just stopped calling it Constantinople, and stin poli became Istanbul when the Ottoman Empire died after the war.\"\n\n\"Why did the empire die?\"\n\n\"Why does any empire fade? The world changed. Constantinople was the center of a great power for centuries, first under the Byzantine, then the Ottoman rule.\"\n\n\"What made this place powerful?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy dipped his bread in the sauce, took a bite, and swallowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mostly because it's located on both the land and sea routes between the East and the West.\"\n\n\"So it was a rich country.\"\n\n\"Yeah, but the sultans milked the wealth from their provinces to pay for their palaces and fortresses, mosques, and all the excesses.\"\n\n\"What about now? It seems to me like there's a lot of confusion.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is. Mustafa Kemal is remaking the country. The last of the sultans were banished with the Ottoman Empire five years ago. They've got a constitution now. Polygamy was abolished. No one is supposed to wear fezes anymore, and now the Latin alphabet is replacing the Arabic.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why can't they wear fezes? I kind of like them,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"They're a reminder of the sultans and harems and the backwardness of the Ottoman Empire.\"\n\n\"If you take away someone's hat, you're only gonna make him mad,\" Shannon said.\n\nIndy laughed. \"You're probably right there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon sat back in his chair and crossed his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you ever forgotten anything?\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\nShannon made a snatching motion with his hand. \"You're always pulling facts out of the air like they're just there for the grabbing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shrugged. \"Makes me sound intelligent. It's a requirement of my profession. Sometimes at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hell, until yesterday, I didn't even know that Istanbul used to be Constantinople or Byzantine.\"\n\n\"Actually, only part of Turkey was Byzantine, but it was all Roman.\"\n\n\"See, that's what I mean.\"\n\nBy the time they'd finished lunch, the onlookers had lost interest in them, and they left the Covered Bazaar unaccompanied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They crossed Sultanahmet Square, passing pools and fountains and flower gardens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just ahead of them was the Byzantium church known as Aya Sophia, which in English meant Divine Wisdom.\n\n\"You want to go take a look at the church?\" Indy asked, looking up at the Aya Sofia.\n\n\"What's so special about it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at it. It's supposed to be the most impressive dome ever built. In the sixth century, there was nothing like it in the world. The Byzantines said it was suspended from heaven by a golden chain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't like looking at old churches. It's just a shell. The spirit's in the word, not the building.\n\nIndy shrugged. \"I didn't say we were going to look at God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I'll go the telegraph office and see if there're any cables for me. You want me to check for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure. Why not?\"\n\nWhile they were in Athens, Shannon had cabled his mother to tell her he was okay and to ask what had happened in Chicago after he'd left.\n\nIndy wasn't expecting any cables, not unless he got one from Marcus Brody. He thought about his conversation with Brody in New York as he headed toward the Aya Sophia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had explained the latest developments with his teaching career, and he'd told him about the expedition he was about to embark upon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brody, who was usually open to the unusual, surprised him. He thought Indy must be desperate to join such a farfetched undertaking and offered him a job in his museum. Indy had thanked him and gently turned down the offer.\n\n\"Have you checked this Dr. Zobolotsky's credentials?\" Brody asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not really. I know he's saved his money for years to finance the expedition. He's very religious and anti-Bolshevik. He thinks that proving the Ark exists will help bring down the revolutionary government.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Brody frowned and shook his head. \"I hope you know what you're doing. Let me check on this man myself.\"\n\n\"That's not necessary, Marcus.\"\n\n\"No, no. I insist. I'll cable you in Istanbul if I come up with anything. Please be careful. This sounds like it could be dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Brody's frown had vanished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you're in Istanbul, don't forget to visit Aya Sophia. Think about me when you're inside that incredible church.\"\n\nIndy smiled to himself as he entered a side door of the church. Instantly, his gaze was literally pulled up to the dome one hundred and eighty-one feet above the floor. Flanking the great dome was a network of smaller semidomes, vaults, arches, and columns leading to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was impressive, Indy thought, but it was also barren and cold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The church's gold-leaf mosaics and chandeliers were stripped away, as was its golden altar. Oddly, it was the crusaders who had sacked the church of its gold in the thirteenth century, and the Moslems who had repeatedly overseen its repairs when it seemed destined to crumble to the ground. Now it was neither Christian nor Moslem, but a symbol of monotheism.\n\nIn spite of its lack of embellishments, the beauty of the structure itself still remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the capitals, atop the columns, were monograms of Justinian, who rebuilt the original fifth-century church after it was burned to the ground in the Nike Revolt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Indy walked under the dome, a lone figure in the massive ancient building, he could almost hear the walls reverberate with Justinian's words upon the completion of the Aya Sophia: \"Solomon, I have surpassed thee!\"\n\nThe massive columns had come from even more ancient structures, the red ones from the Temple of the Sun in Baalbek, the green from the Artemision of Ephesus. He gazed up at a pair of green columns in the center of the gallery at the far end of the church. The two columns marked the spot where the empress used to worship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glimpsed the ghostly figure of a woman as she moved between the columns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was turned away and seemed to examine something on the wall. Her hair was long and loose. For a moment, he imagined it was a spectral figure of an empress returning for a visit. Then she was caught in a beam of light from one of the upper windows and Indy recognized her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Katrina!\" His voice echoed between the walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gazed down at him and placed a finger to her lips. He turned up his hands as if to ask what she was doing here. She leaned forward between the columns and motioned for him to join her.\n\nElated, he crossed the floor to the ramp that led up to the gallery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he reached the top, he saw her camera perched on a tripod." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rest of her photography equipment lay in a canvas bag inside a cart, which she'd wheeled into the church.\n\n\"What a surprise,\" he said. \"I thought you were going to be busy with paperwork.\"\n\n\"It was too boring. We were just waiting in offices and Papa knew I wanted to photograph the church, so he said it was all right for me to go.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was the first time he had seen Katrina without her hair tied back or on top of her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hands were folded in front of her and a faint smile brightened her angelic, heart-shaped face. The more he was around her, the more intrigued he became. He imagined that she was keeping some deep secret and yearning to tell him. Maybe this would be the moment when the tension between them would collapse and her secrets would spill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look at this mosaic. It's Empress Zoe and her husband. Her third husband. His face was painted over the second one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the way it goes,\" Indy said.\n\n\"If I get married, it'll be forever,\" Katrina said softly. \"How about you?\"\n\n\"I was married once, and thought the same thing.\"\n\n\"You were?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first, he didn't feel like talking about it, but he'd brought up the topic and he could see that she was curious to hear about his marriage, so he told her about Deirdre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he finished, she looked up, obviously moved by the story. \"I'm so sorry, Indy. I didn't know.\"\n\n\"It's okay. It's over now.\"\n\n\"Will you never love another woman?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reached out and took her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without a word, he leaned toward her, kissed her gently on the lips. Then he abruptly pulled his head back as he heard footsteps on the ramp and a muttering of voices. A few minutes ago, he'd thought he was alone in the church. Now it sounded as if the gallery was about to get crowded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd better go,\" Katrina said, and turned away from him to pick up her camera." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she wasn't going anywhere, at least not on her own. A half-dozen men appeared at the top of the ramp, and they didn't look like they were here for the mosaics. They stared intently at Indy and Katrina as they fanned out. They were garbed like no one Indy had seen in Turkey: baggy pants made of thick raw cotton and long tunics, which were tied about their waists with brightly colored sashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But what made their appearances particularly peculiar was their headgear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They each wore a tall, black hat that made them look like they were at least seven feet tall.\n\n\"You guys looking for someone?\" Indy asked.\n\nNo one answered. Indy tried some more happy talk, hoping that if he didn't take them seriously, they wouldn't present any danger. \"What's with the hats? You hiding your fezes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again, no one responded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not the right thing to say, he thought.\n\nThen Indy recognized one of the men from the bazaar. \"Oh, it's you. Hasan, isn't that your name? Thanks for the recommendation on the restaurant. My friend and I enjoyed our meal.\"\n\nThe man stroked his thick mustache." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was your last.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Swell. The men closed in on them. \"Things are getting a little dicey,\" he said to Katrina as they edged back toward the railing. She said something to him under her breath.\n\n\"I didn't catch that,\" he muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're going to kill us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, just him,\" Hasan said.\n\n\"You wouldn't kill anyone in a church, would you? That could cost you in the long run.\"\n\n\"We are guided by Allah,\" Hasan said. \"We act upon his commands.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men were within six feet of them; Indy's back was pressed to the railing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them kicked the tripod that Katrina had abandoned and the camera crashed to the floor. One of the others dumped over the contents of the cart, and for a moment Indy glimpsed what he thought was the ark wood wrapped in a cloth.\n\n\"Why is He commanding you to pick on us?\" Indy asked. \"We haven't done anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You told me yourself that you are here to climb Ararat to find the Ark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did I say that?\"\n\n\"It's not time yet to find the Ark.\"\n\n\"We're not planning on stealing it.\" Indy kept an eye on the men as they edged closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We just want to take a few pictures. We probably won't even find it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy could see there was no use arguing with him, but he had to try to talk his way out of the situation. The chances of saving himself and escaping with Katrina weren't good. \"Okay, we'll talk to the leader of the expedition, and tell him your concern. Maybe you'd like to meet with him yourself.\"\n\n\"You don't understand. We are not going to talk about it. You are not going to Ararat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If they didn't want to talk, then it was time to act, Indy figured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached inside his jacket and pulled out his .455 Webley. \"Stop right there. Fun's over for you guys and just starting for me. I've got a bullet for each of you.\" He hoped he sounded convincing.\n\nThe men stopped, then drew their own guns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, no fair.\" Indy put his revolver away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't waste another second. Drastic measures were required and he didn't hesitate. He executed a backward somersault over the rail and caught the base of the railing with one hand. He dangled a moment, then hooked his arm through the railing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his free hand, he unhitched the whip from his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as one of the men kicked at his arm, he unfurled the whip and snagged the nearest green column. The rope curled around it; his intent was to grasp the other end and slide down the column.\n\nBut it didn't work out that way. The end of the whip didn't reach all the way around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It fell limply down the column." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So much for that,\" he muttered, and winced as a boot struck his forearm with another blow. Katrina's screams echoed through the church, then fell silent.\n\nHe couldn't hang on much longer. Another kick would do it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could try to climb down the column, but the chances were he would simply fall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His head was just below the base of the gallery floor, and as he twisted he saw iron rungs leading under the floor to the wall.\n\nThe structure had been reinforced several times over the centuries and the rungs were probably part of the reinforcements. He jammed the handle of the whip in his mouth, grabbed the nearest rung, and unhooked his arm just in time to avoid another kick. His arm throbbed; he could barely hang on to the rung." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in times of great danger, the body reacted in seemingly superhuman ways." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And this was one of those times.\n\nHand over hand, he climbed until he reached another column. But this one's circumference was smaller. He snapped the whip around it and grabbed hold of both ends in one hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He positioned his feet against the column and let go of the last rung." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he skidded downward, the whip started to slip from his grasp, but he snagged it with his free hand. He slid rapidly down the column, the whip cutting into his palms. He struck the stone floor and dropped to his hands and knees.\n\nAs he started to get up he saw a pair of legs in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he could react, a boot connected solidly with his jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fell over backward, struck his head against the floor, and another boot slammed into his groin. Nearly blind with pain, he rolled over, tried to stand up. A rope tightened around his neck; no, not a rope. His whip. He was being strangled with his own whip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gagged, clawed at the air with his hands." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A tall hat dropped to the floor. The whip tightened, cutting off his air. He struggled, but he was losing his strength. He saw dark, beady eyes, a hawk nose, and a thick mustache that was twisted by a grimacing expression.\n\nThen everything went black." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 4 sentences, emulating the writing style of Rob MacGregor." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was floating under the great dome. He felt warm, comfortable, relaxed. The dome was spinning and he smiled. Suspended from heaven by a golden chain, Indy thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or did he speak the words?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't know, didn't care. Nothing mattered. Not now. Not ever.\n\nHe was on his back, gliding effortlessly. So easy. He felt hands on his arms and legs and realized he was being carried away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered who was carrying him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were taking him out of the dome, but he didn't want to leave. It was too nice here. He told himself to fight, to get away, but his body wouldn't listen to him. It felt too good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did it matter where he was going or who was carrying him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed. It was just a free ride. Go with it. No problem. No problem at all.\n\nThen the dome was gone and the bright sun seared his eyes and he was being held up and dragged down a street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to scream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A blur of color and forms moved past him. People. He should say something to them. But what and why? Was something the matter?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered being with her and then he recalled the men with the tall hats. He'd tried to get away, but something had happened. His throat. He vaguely remembered being strangled by his whip. He moved his head, felt a burning in his throat; the skin on his neck was raw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was breathing now, so what did it matter? Nothing mattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not even Katrina. But why didn't anything matter? He should be concerned.\n\nMorphine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd drugged him. That was it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to do something... something... but...\n\nThe bright light and crowd vanished and he was tossed inside an enclosed wagon. He was lying on something soft, and a wave of good feeling swept over him. Everything was all right again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He closed his eyes as he felt the wagon moving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled to himself and drifted.\n\nIndy blinked his eyes at the gray canvas ceiling. Faint light oozed around him. He felt the motion of the wagon bouncing over a rough road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could hear men's voices speaking Turkish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rose up and saw vague shapes huddled together. Men. Someone saw him and spoke sharply. Immediately, the men moved toward him. They pushed him down, pulled at his arm, and held him down so he couldn't move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt a sharp stinging pain in his forearm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Several seconds passed as he tried to grasp what was happening. Where was he? Who were these men? He had to remember; it was important. Of course. He was drugged, and these men..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time stopped. The tension drained from his muscles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was drowsy and floating. A cocoon of exquisite pleasure wove its threads around him. He felt something being wrapped around his eyes. Didn't matter. Nothing could hurt him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everything was perfect in the cocoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No desires, no pains, no concerns.\n\nThe darkness was complete, but through its thickness Indy heard a jumble of words. Not Turkish. Not English. A woman's voice. Speaking softly near his ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was speaking Russian, and it took a while for him to make sense of any of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he recognized a few words, enough to know that she was praying.\n\n\"Katrina,\" he whispered.\n\n\"Indy, are you all right?\" she said in English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's so dark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait.\"\n\nFingers on his face tugged at something and suddenly blinding light beamed in his eyes. He squinted and slowly his eyes adjusted. He saw Katrina staring intently at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hair was loose and wild as straw, and right then, she was the most beautiful human being he'd ever seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the pain hit him.\n\n\"God, my head feels like pulp. They must have drugged me.\"\n\n\"Shh. Not so loud.\"\n\nThe wagon had stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's going on? Where are we?\" he whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're outside. I think they're changing horses again.\"\n\n\"Again?\"\n\nHe dimly recalled incidents with men moving about, incomprehensible activities that were just part of a long dream. He still felt groggy, but he was getting back in control of himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew the morphine was wearing off because now he cared about what was happening to him and Katrina, and he wanted to do something about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've been traveling three days now. They only drugged me the first day.\n\n\"Who are, they, anyhow?\"\n\nKatrina looked away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong? Did they do something to you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shook her head. \"No, it's my fault that you're in this mess. We didn't tell you everything.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"When we were in Athens, it wasn't for a family reunion. There was a big meeting of the NRM.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The New Russia Movement. They're the ones who are sponsoring the expedition. They're placing a lot of pressure on Papa to make sure that we find the Ark. They really think that its discovery will topple the godless Bolsheviks.\"\n\nSo there were things going on, as Indy had suspected, that she and her father had kept to themselves. He should've known. Zobolotsky had given him enough hints. \"But what's that got to do with those guys in the church?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you see? They must be agents of the Bolsheviks. They don't want us to get to Mount Ararat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy nodded, but he wasn't so sure about the identity of the men. Something about them was vaguely familiar and he didn't think it had anything to do with Bolsheviks.\n\n\"Where are they taking us?\"\n\n\"I don't know. But look outside.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina moved over to the canvas wall and held open a tear in the fabric that was several inches long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy leaned forward, his face close to Katrina's. He blinked, then ran a hand over his eyes. He didn't believe what he saw. The drugs must be still affecting him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a dream landscape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It looked as if a giant had molded the land from white clay, creating mountains and hills and strange forms like nothing he'd ever seen. There were buildings made of the white clay, but they were like no buildings he had ever seen. Some were jagged and peaked, others smooth and egg-shaped.\n\nThe nearest one had walls that bulged out as if the giant had sat on the flat roof while the clay was still wet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door was squat and arched, and two small children stood in front of it staring at the wagon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But what was even more peculiar was that to the right of the structure was the strangest monument Indy had ever seen. It looked like a ten-foot-high needle of white stone with a boulder resting on its tip. In the background, a cliff rose from the surreal landscape, and it appeared to have windows carved on its face.\n\nHe drew back from the slit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you see what—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I see it, too. It's very unusual.\"\n\n\"Unusual? The place looks like a nightmare.\"\n\n\"Then it's my nightmare, too. I've seen this place when I've held the Ark wood. Several times. Now I know it's a real place.\"\n\n\"Let's not try to figure it out. Let's just get the hell out of this wagon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But how?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy pulled off his left boot and twisted its heel. He shook the boot, but nothing happened. Then he hit the heel against the floor of the wagon, and this time a three-inch knife blade fell out. He slipped the boot back on and found the rip in the canvas covering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carefully, he made a horizontal slit, then a vertical one, while Katrina held the canvas together at the top." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You ready?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" Katrina said. \"It'll be dangerous.\"\n\n\"It's dangerous staying here, too.\" He didn't want to leave her behind, didn't think he would do it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he needed to cajole her into action." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You coming with me or not?\"\n\n\"Well, yes. I guess so, but...\"\n\n\"Then let's go. Run toward that house or whatever it is. We'll get it between the wagon and us and then head for that cliff.\"\n\nHe pulled the flap inside the wagon and stuck his head out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A man with a rifle stood about ten feet away, a complication Indy hadn't noticed when he'd peered through the tear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the guard's back was turned to him, and Indy had the advantage of surprise. He somersaulted out of the wagon, sprang to his feet, and just as the guard turned he jabbed the blade against his throat. In Turkish, he ordered him to drop the rifle. The man followed his orders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Indy stuffed what was left of his blindfold in the man's mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One more thing,\" he said, and slammed his fist into the man's face. The guard staggered, but stayed on his feet. \"Must be the drugs,\" Indy muttered, and leaned over to pick up the rifle. The guard dived and tackled him around the ankles just as Indy was about to scoop up the weapon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy kicked hard, and his boot caught the man under the jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time he dropped to the ground, out cold.\n\nIndy grabbed the rifle and helped Katrina, who was halfway out of the wagon. \"Let's go,\" he hissed.\n\nThe house with the bulging walls was less than fifty yards away, and he was about to sprint for it when a shout from behind stopped him in his tracks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hold it right there. Drop the gun, Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Hasan and he held Indy's own revolver to Katrina's head. Indy dropped the rifle and two other men moved around the other end of the wagon and grabbed his arms.\n\n\"So you didn't get enough morphine, Professor Jones,\" Hasan said. \"We'll have to experiment a little with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Katrina were dragged back into the wagon, and a few minutes later Hasan reappeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the men pulled up Indy's shirt sleeve. Indy struggled and slipped free, but two other men quickly pinned him to the floor of the wagon.\n\nHasan leered at him as he held up a syringe. \"This should take care of you for a while. It's a mixture of morphine and a certain herb we call the beautiful lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Belladona, Indy thought, fighting a wave of panic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a hallucinogenic drug, and if he was given too much of it, he'd die, and lose his mind in the process.\n\n\"You might really like this, Professor, if it doesn't kill you.\"\n\nHasan had already promised to kill him, but Indy had never suspected it would be by an overdose of drugs. \"You no good sadistic....\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is for the sultans of old.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan stabbed the needle into his forearm.\n\nIndy tried to fight off the drug by talking, but a pleasant glowing feeling began to envelope him. He felt powerful, on top of the world, and drowsy at the same time. \"I'll be whatever I want to be, thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was slurred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He giggled; he couldn't help it. \"Where are we going?\"\n\n\"To my harem, of course. You'll be there soon enough.\"\n\nHasan's voice was a liquid bubbling of sound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy smiled and closed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd never felt so relaxed, so good. He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but he couldn't quite remember what the situation was. It didn't matter. He felt like his being was in a million places at once and it all felt wonderful.\n\nShannon sat on the edge of his bed and opened his Bible to the place that was marked with the unopened cable he'd picked up for Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered if he would ever get a chance to deliver it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He read the short passage from the second book of Corinthians yet another time. They were the same words that had saved him from despair more than once during the last few weeks in Chicago. He'd memorized the words, but they seemed stronger to him when he read them.\n\nMy grace is all you need; for my power is strongest when you are weak." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was exactly how he felt: weak and helpless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy and Katrina were missing, and he had no idea where to look for them. All that he could do was pray and hope that Zobolotsky would turn up some clue. The words blurred on the page. Got to do something, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew damn well that if he was the one who had disappeared, Indy wouldn't be reading the Bible or any other book." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd be out looking for him.\n\nHe stood up; the Bible slipped to the floor. He walked over to the window and stared down at the street. Someone out there must know what happened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He just had to find the right person." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned from the window, intent on going out, but stopped before he reached the door. Who was going to listen to him? He and Zobolotsky had already spent two days scouring the market for them. He didn't speak Turkish, and even if he did, the chance of finding that one person who could help was like hunting for the proverbial needle in the haystack, and Istanbul was not the easiest haystack to dig through." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked down at the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Bible had fallen open to a passage from the Acts of the Apostles. He picked it up and started to read a verse from Acts 8 in which an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip. Get yourself ready and go south to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. So Philip got ready and went." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was that a message for him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was he supposed to go south? But he was in Turkey, not Palestine. He kept reading.\n\nEn route Philip encountered an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. When Philip asked if he understood what he was reading, the eunuch asked for help interpreting the scripture, which read:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was like a sheep that is taken to be slaughtered;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he was like a lamb that makes no sound when its wool is cut off;\n\nhe did not say a word.\n\nHe was humiliated and justice was denied him.\n\nNo one will be able to tell about his descendants," }, { "from": "human", "value": "because his life on earth has come to an end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon snapped the Bible closed. If that was a message to him, then Indy was dead. There was no reason for him to go anywhere. But the Bible had always given him hope, not despair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There had to be something here for him to grasp onto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His thumb was still in the book and he opened it again. The rest of the verse explained how Philip told the eunuch of the Lord and how he baptized him when they came upon water.\n\nThat was it. Indy could be saved. Shannon wasn't in Jerusalem and Indy wasn't in Gaza, but it didn't matter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would go out in search of Indy, and the Lord would lead him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Philip could save the eunuch, then just maybe Jack Shannon could save Indy.\n\nHe stuffed the Bible in his bag and started packing. This was going to be a true test of his faith, but he was looking forward to it. If he found Indy, he would know that the Lord worked miracles and that the Almighty was guiding him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe that was the reason he had come to Turkey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe it was what all of his troubles in Chicago were about. He was supposed to become a conduit for the word of the Lord.\n\nMeanwhile, his troubles in Chicago were still multiplying. When he'd picked up Indy's cable, he'd also found one waiting for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was from his mother, who was happy he was alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the news had been bad. The Nest had been condemned by the city, and unless the owners answered the complaint in thirty days, it would be taken over by the city and sold at auction. There was no doubt in Shannon's mind that it was all a ploy and that Capone was behind it. But that wasn't his concern any longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His bag was almost packed when he heard a knock on the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Zobolotsky, and he looked grim. \"What happened?\" Shannon asked.\n\nThe Russian ran a hand through his sandy hair. He was fatigued and distraught." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The police are completely baffled. I don't know what we're going to do. I should have been a better father and not brought Katrina here. It's just that I thought she was supposed to be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon didn't ask what that last part meant. \"Well, I'm going after Indy and Katrina. I'm heading south.\"\n\nZobolotsky looked surprised. \"What are you keeping from me? What do you know?\"\n\n\"I only know that the Lord spoke to me, and I'm supposed to leave the city. I don't know where I'm going, but He will guide me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky studied him for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he spoke, his voice was resolute. \"I hear the devil speaking to you, not the Lord. You are mocking me.\"\n\nShannon was startled by the Russian's harsh attack. He didn't know how to respond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean? Why am I mocking you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Lord speaks through Katrina, not you. She has proven it over and over. What have you proven?\"\n\n\"Only that I'm weak, but I believe the Lord is making me strong, and I'm going to go out there and look for Indy and your daughter whether you come with me or not.\"\n\nShannon picked up his bag and was about to leave when there was another knock on the door. \"Who is it?\" he snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door slowly opened and the girl from the next building stepped inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She glanced between the two men. \"Excuse me, can I speak to you?\"\n\n\"Who are you?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"Hello, Sekiz,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're kind of busy right now, and I was just on my way out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it's important. It's about your friend and the pretty woman.\"\n\n\"You know what happened to Katrina?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"I have heard things on the street. They say that they were taken far away, but that they are still alive.\"\n\n\"What else do you know?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all I know. Except...\"\n\n\"Except what?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"There is a blind man I know. He is very old and has been blind all of his life. But he can see in strange ways. I think he might be able to see where they were taken.\"\n\n\"More heathen devil talk,\" Zobolotsky scoffed, and dismissed her with a wave of his hand." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Rob MacGregor.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Rob MacGregor every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy's thoughts were taking on a life of their own. All that really existed was thought. Everything was impressions, feelings, pain and pleasure. Indy himself was a thought, and that was all he needed to know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see nothing in the darkness, not even his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet he could see the inside of his mind quite clearly. Old friends paraded across the invisible screen in front of him, and each one generated a flood of emotion from compassion to wrath, anger to joy. He saw Dorian Belecamus, his archaeology professor and lover, who wanted to swallow him. His old history professor said he was remarkable, but not profound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Madelaine from his past called his name and laughed hauntingly, and a girl named Marion said she was going to punch him in the mouth one of these days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now Deirdre appeared, and with one look she wrung his heart, drenched it in sorrow and regret, then she looked to one side and was gone.\n\nIndy turned to see what she had looked at and there was Colonel Fawcett. He was telling him something. His lips weren't moving, but Indy could hear his booming voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You haven't lost any memories. They are all there—veiled.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With that single word Indy recalled his experiences with Deirdre and Fawcett in the Lost City, the city called D. The people could veil themselves and the city. There was something about dreaming, too. They ruled themselves through their dreams, and he'd had a hard time telling when he was dreaming and when he was awake. But now he knew that Fawcett had died along with Deirdre in the plane crash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though Indy had survived, his memories had been veiled. But no more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thoughts and images flowed together, washing over him. He had little sense of his surroundings or the passage of time. It was dark and cool, and he wasn't in the wagon anymore. He didn't know how he'd gotten here, where he was, or how long he'd been here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet there was something that he should know about this place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was this the harem that Hasan had spoken of?\n\nHarem. The word resonated within him, and Indy saw himself as a kid again visiting Turkey with his father. They were in the Topkapi Saray, the great palace where the sultan ruled. The power of the sultan was quickly disintegrating and his father was hoping to find a manuscript related to his lifelong study of grail lore before the palace records were destroyed or moved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were walking through the second court and his father was deep in conversation with one of the sultan's deputies when Indy saw the tall men with swords and funny hats cross the courtyard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dad, did you see them? Who are they?\"\n\nHis father shook a finger at him. But the deputy, a corpulent man with a trim beard, stopped and placed a hand on Indy's shoulders. \"Those men are from the famous Janissary Corps. They are great warriors and great soup eaters, too. It's a ritual for them. They're headed to the soup kitchen right now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deputy turned back to Indy's father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, what was I saying?\"\n\nThey moved on, but Indy lagged behind. When he saw that his father wasn't paying any attention to him, he wandered off in the direction that the two Janissaries had gone. He came to the first of several kitchens." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Janissaries weren't there and neither was the soup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there were sweets, trays and trays of them. A cook saw him staring at the array of candies and baked goods and offered him a gooey honey-and-almond concoction, which he gladly accepted.\n\nWhen the cook wasn't looking, he crept into the next kitchen and found the Janissaries. There were six or seven of them and they were standing in a circle around the largest pot of soup he'd ever seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They each held a bowl and spoon and lifted their spoons at the same time in a slow, formal manner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Indy returned to the second court, his father was nowhere in sight. He crossed the courtyard and opened a door near where he'd last seen his father. He peered into an empty council chamber, then closed the door and walked around the side of the building where he found another door. This one was to prove far more interesting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While he didn't find his father, Indy did discover something else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a courtyard at the end of a corridor, a dozen girls were seated on benches and an older woman was talking to them. This was the sultan's harem; he knew he wasn't supposed to be here.\n\nHe turned to retreat down the corridor, but now two chubby Negro eunuchs were moving toward him, carrying baskets filled with freshly laundered clothing. He knew they were eunuchs because his father had told him about the men who guarded the sultan's concubines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd also said it was strictly off limits, and now here he was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slipped back into the courtyard, ducked behind a column, and waited for the eunuchs to move past him. But as soon as they reached the courtyard they set down the baskets and one of them clapped his hands twice. Two women appeared and took away the clothing, passing within three feet of Indy, while the eunuchs lounged near the entrance to the corridor.\n\nNow he had to find another way out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The women had left the baskets of laundry in the corner of the courtyard, which gave him an idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dashed into an alcove, reached out, and grabbed a billowy dress from one of the basket. Quickly, he pulled it over his head. It was too large for him, but he could hold the bottom off the floor.\n\nHe didn't look much like a girl with his short hair, so when he was sure no one was looking, he stepped out from the alcove and rummaged through one of the baskets until he found what he thought was a scarf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he spread it out he realized it was an undergarment for a large woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cursed and was about to put it back when the laundry women returned. He ducked out of sight, and watched as they toted away the baskets. The underwear would have to do. He wrapped it around his head as best he could and steeled himself for his walk past the courtyard of concubines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't like the idea of dressing like a girl, but he knew his hero, the late adventurer Richard Francis Burton, would have done it, and if it was all right with Burton, it was okay with Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Burton was a master of disguises, a dauntless fighter, rider, and athlete who also spoke twenty-nine languages and dialects. He had roamed the frigid mountains of Afghanistan, the baked plains west of Karachi, unknown Central Africa, and the forbidden cities of Islam. He was a scientist who founded the first anthropological society in England, a translator of the Arabian Nights, and a student of mysticism. He was known to disguise himself in the garb of the native people, and he did so on numerous occasions to escape certain death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If there was anyone Indy wanted to be like when he grew up, it was Burton, and now he was getting a chance to prove himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't wait any longer. He stepped out of the alcove and crossed the courtyard to the far gate. No one said a word to him, but as he reached the gate he was disappointed to find himself peering into an even larger courtyard where more concubines languished and several Negro eunuchs watched over them. Life in the harem, Indy thought, wasn't for him, and the quicker he found a way out the better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked along the side of the courtyard away from the eunuchs and kept his head down until he saw an old woman moving his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a scowl on her face that suggested she was more than slightly curious about him. Trouble, he thought, and looked for a way to avoid her. He opened the first door he reached and stepped inside.\n\nIt didn't take but a glance to see that he'd found the common bath, and at least a dozen women in various stages of undress were sharing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He started to back out, but bumped into the old woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She laid a hand firmly on his shoulder.\n\n\"Do you want to take a bath, young lady?\" she asked.\n\nIndy's knowledge of Turkish was minimal, but it wasn't difficult to figure out what she'd said. He shook his head and tried to squeeze past her, but she grabbed his arm and pulled the underwear off his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you?\" she demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm lost,\" Indy said in English. \"I was with my father, but he was too busy to wait for me.\"\n\nThe old woman pulled him out of the common bath and marched him across the courtyard. She signaled one of the eunuchs, gave him an order, and he hurried away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She walked Indy over to an imposing door, opened it, and directed him into a large room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A fountain bubbled in the center of it, and there were chairs and couches around the walls. She pointed to a chair and Indy sat down. He could see through a partially open door into another room with a canopied bed and an ornate fireplace.\n\n\"These are my son's quarters,\" the old woman said in perfect English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is the sultan, and I am known as the valide sultan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is where the sultan lives, in the harem?\" Indy asked in astonishment.\n\nThe valide sultan laughed. \"Let me explain. In every traditional Moslem household, there are two parts: the greeting room, like this one where we are sitting, and the harem or private household quarters where the family lives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the palace, of course, we have a very large harem because the sultan has a large household with four wives and many concubines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy nodded. He had heard somewhere that some sultans also had boys as concubines, and he wanted to make sure that he didn't become one of them. \"I'd better be going,\" he said, and pulled off the dress as he stood up. \"My father will be worried.\"\n\n\"Sit down,\" the woman ordered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your lost father will be found. Not everyone has the opportunity to talk with the valide sultan. You should feel fortunate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina was frightened. They were in some dark, deep hole. She was tied to Indy, and for a long time he'd been so quiet that she'd feared that he was in a coma. But now he was muttering to himself and moving. \"What did you say, Indy? Can you hear me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said I do feel fortunate to be here, but I think my father must be worrying about me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's okay,\" Katrina said. \"You're going to be all right.\" He was delirious; she hoped it wasn't a permanent condition. \"Do you know where you are?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a silly question; she didn't know herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she needed to make Indy aware of his surroundings. Right now she wasn't sure he even knew she was tied to him.\n\nIndy was confused. He was a kid and a grown man at the same time and something was seriously wrong. The old woman was talking to him about a strange place in Turkey, and Katrina was speaking in his ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know where you are?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina asked for a second time.\n\n\"Someday you should go there,\" the valide sultan said. \"The odd shapes were caused by lava from ancient volcanoes and thousands of years of erosion. The people in the valleys have carved out very extraordinary houses from the stone, and instead of trees there are tall needles of rock with boulders balanced on top.\"\n\n\"What is the place called?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cappadocia. Remember that name, young man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, can you hear me?\" Katrina asked.\n\nHe blinked his eyes and the sultan's palace was gone and he was no longer a kid. He was groggy and back in the dark place. It was earthy, damp, cool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was sitting up, leaning against something that moved when he did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hands were tied behind his back, and a rope was bound around his arms.\n\n\"Katrina?\"\n\n\"I'm right here. Do you know where you are?\" Her voice was near his ear, and he realized that they were tied back-to-back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cappadocia,\" he said without thinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\nHe was confused, uncertain about what was real and what was hallucination. But the drugs seemed to be losing their hold on him. \"I think that's where we are, and these men are from the Janissary Corps.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That doesn't mean anything to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think it means we're in big trouble.\"\n\nSekiz's thick braid swayed from side to side, a dark pendulum as she walked through the narrow streets of Istanbul. She moved surprisingly fast, and Shannon did his best to keep track of the swinging braid in front of him and Zobolotsky behind him. Finally, they walked out onto the Galata Bridge, which spanned the Bosphorus River, and Shannon no longer had to worry about losing sight of either one of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they reached the center of the bridge, Sekiz stopped and waited for them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They say that this is where Asia ends and Europe begins,\" the girl said.\n\nShannon gazed at the network of winding streets on the hill rising from the west side of the river. \"Is the blind man a European?\" he asked as they continued across the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sekiz laughed. \"Don't you know, we are all Europeans now in Turkey. That is the new way. The old ways are over.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How much further?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"You see Galata tower over there? We're going very near it.\"\n\n\"Don't tell me there's a special street over there for blind prophets,\" Shannon said, recalling how the streets were organized in the covered market.\n\n\"No. This man is very special. He is not a Gypsy fortune-teller. You will see.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After reaching the far side of the bridge, they continued along the road until they arrived at a square." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They crossed it, then walked down a narrow, stone-paved street marked Galip Dede Caddesi. Sekiz pointed to a door on their left. Above it was a sign in both Arabic and Latin lettering, which read: Galata Mevlevi Tekkesi. She opened the door and they entered a well-tended garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flowers bloomed in a riot of colors on either side of them as they followed a path toward a modest, wood-frame building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are we?\" Shannon asked, but Sekiz put a finger to her lips. \"Wait.\"\n\nShe knocked on the door of the building, and after a short time, an elderly woman looked out. Sekiz addressed her and the woman motioned toward the side of the house, then closed the door.\n\n\"This way,\" Sekiz said, and led the way along another path." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They approached a shaded nook, sheltered by a high hedge and trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A bearded man was seated on a bench. His head was bowed against his chest, and he appeared to be asleep.\n\n\"Who is there?\" he asked in a low voice without raising his head.\n\n\"Grandfather, it is me, Sekiz.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old man raised his head and smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A ray of sunlight illuminated his face. His eyes were white and filmy, his beard was gray, but his hair was as red as Shannon's own. \"And who is with you, little one?\" he asked as she sat next to him and took his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've brought two friends who are from far away. They are in need of help.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man patted the bench next to him. \"Sit down, please.\"\n\nSekiz pointed to the bench and translated her grandfather's words.\n\nThe old man clapped his hands three times. \"We will have tea and talk. Now, what are your names and where are you from?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon had no idea if anything would come of this venture, but he remained patient and listened closely to Sekiz's translation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He and Zobolotsky sat down and introduced themselves.\n\n\"You can call me Alfin,\" the old man said. He reached out a hand and Shannon shook it, but the old man didn't let go of it. \"Do you know we are from the same ancestor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think so,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My grandparents came to the United States from Ireland.\"\n\n\"Yes, and my distant ancestors traveled to the British Isles from this very land, which was then known as Anatolia. They were called Galacians, but you know them as Celts.\"\n\n\"I didn't know that.\" Shannon made a mental note that he would ask Indy if the Celts came from Turkey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alfin let go of Shannon's hand and reached for Zobolotsky's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Russian hesitated, then extended his hand. \"Please help me find my daughter.\"\n\n\"Your God and your daughter, and now your daughter and your God,\" Alfin said, and Zobolotsky pulled away his hand.\n\nThe old woman who had opened the door of the wooden house appeared with a tray of tea and set it down on the bench." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sekiz passed cups to Shannon and Zobolotsky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was about to hand another to the old man, but his head had nodded against his chest again. Shannon glanced at Zobolotsky, who was frowning and shaking his head.\n\n\"You, Dr. Zobolotsky, know nothing of who I am,\" Alfin said. It was a statement, not a question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should not judge what you do not know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought it best not to say too much about you,\" Sekiz said.\n\nAlfin patted the air as he raised his head again. \"I am from a long tradition, which our new government is trying to abolish, but they will fail. The house in front of you is a tekke, where we hold our ceremonies. We are known as the Mevlevi, one of the Sufi brotherhoods. We seek mystical communion with God through sema—chants, prayers, music, and the whirling dance.\"\n\n\"But the government doesn't allow them to dance here anymore,\" Sekiz added after she translated her grandfather's words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whirling dervishes,\" Shannon said, sipping his tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've heard about them. When I lived in Paris, a girlfriend of mine played me a recording of lute music that she said was played by dervishes.\"\n\n\"Did you like it?\" Sekiz asked as she passed a cup of tea to Alfin.\n\n\"It was hard to listen to, and I've listened to a lot of music.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sekiz smiled. \"Maybe you have to be a dervish to appreciate it. You would like our folk music better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen,\" Zobolotsky interrupted. \"My daughter is missing, and I will not sit here and drink tea. I must find her. Can he help us or not?\"\n\nAlfin didn't wait for a translation. \"Sit still, doctor. Stay calm. I will tell you what you want to know. You came to the right person even though you do not believe it.\"\n\nAfter a few moments of silence, Alfin set down his cup of tea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded his head low on his chest until Shannon thought he was going to tip over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he rocked back and forth and spun his head in circles. Shannon was dizzy from just watching.\n\nWhen he stopped, he spoke in a voice that was even deeper than normal. \"The ones who kidnapped your daughter are known as Janissaries.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are they?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Soldiers, evil soldiers,\" Zobolotsky answered, \"the most terrible of all.\"\n\n\"When the Ottoman Empire was strong, the Janissaries were the best soldiers in the world,\" Alfin said. \"They were excellent swordsmen and could cleave a head with a single blow.\"\n\n\"That's impressive,\" Shannon said, and touched his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But they became very powerful and manipulative. They could remove a sultan from power. They are Sufis, but of another sect known as the Bektasis. They are the reason that the new government outlawed all the Sufis in 1925.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why would they want to kidnap my friend and this man's daughter?\" Shannon asked.\n\nAlfin was silent a moment. \"Why are you here in Turkey? The question is your answer.\"\n\n\"I don't understand,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're here to climb Mount Ararat to search for Noah's Ark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then that is the reason,\" Sekiz said without hesitation.\n\n\"But why wouldn't they want us to look for the Ark?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"The teachings of Islam say the Ark will only be revealed by God on the Day of Judgment,\" Alfin explained. \"The Janissaries believe it is their mission to protect the Ark from those who would reveal it before God's chosen time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Bible says nothing of this,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God wants us to find the Ark to reaffirm our faith,\" he insisted.\n\nAlfin said nothing.\n\nWhen Zobolotsky spoke again, it was in a meeker tone. \"Can you tell us where my daughter is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cappadocia is the land of the Bektasis,\" Alfin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is where they will be found.\"\n\n\"Is it a city?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"No, it's a part of Turkey that was once a kingdom,\" Sekiz said.\n\n\"Where will we find them in Cappadocia?\" Zobolotsky asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In an underground city,\" Alfin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are many of them in Cappadocia, but the Janissaries live in only one of them.\"\n\n\"How do we find it?\" Shannon asked.\n\nAlfin rocked back and forth, his blind eyes staring straight ahead. \"You will find a house with three peribacas. There you will meet a man who knows where your companions are and how to find them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's a per-i-baca?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sekiz asked her grandfather to explain. \"He says that you will know when you see them.\"\n\nAlfin turned his head and seemed to stare at Shannon with white eyes. \"There will be one among you who lies and cannot be trusted. This one will cause sorrow before the journey is over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's he look like?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alfin raised a hand, cutting off the discussion. \"You will see for yourself.\"\n\nThey thanked Alfin for his time and walked with Sekiz to the gate. \"I am going to stay a while longer with my grandfather.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wished them well on their journey." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks for taking us to him,\" Shannon said. \"I think he sees better than I do.\" They started to leave, but Shannon stopped. \"By the way, which direction is Cappadocia?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To the south,\" Sekiz said. \"South of Ankara.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"South,\" he said, and smiled at Zobolotsky. The Russian, it seemed, was a bit more humble now than when they'd arrived.\n\nBoris waited until Shannon and Zobolotsky were out of sight before he spoke. \"It doesn't do us any good to just follow these idiots around. We've got to find out what's going on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The brothers had arrived several days earlier, worried that they would be too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they'd soon learned from their contact in Istanbul that the Zobolotskys were attending a secret conference in Athens and would be delayed. So they'd waited.\n\nTheir plan had been to kill Zobolotsky in Istanbul and get it over with. When he was dead, the others would give up. But no sooner had the expedition arrived than Jones and the girl disappeared, and that changed everything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boris knew that Zobolotsky was not to be trusted and he suspected that the sudden disappearance of two party members might be some sort of scheme to mislead anyone who wanted to follow them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So now they'd probably have to follow them to Ararat and ambush them on the mountain. Killing them there would be the easy part. No one would be too surprised that the expedition had disappeared. Kurdish warriors were a known hazard in the region, and the mountain itself presented a variety of dangers: wild dog packs, wolves, snakes, and bears; avalanches, rock falls, sudden fissures in the ice, and frequent earthquakes, to name a few." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But first they needed to know exactly what was going on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are we going to do?\" Alexander asked as Boris led the way to the gate.\n\n\"Our duty, brother.\"\n\n\"I want to get one thing straightened out between us,\" Zobolotsky said as they entered the hotel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to get to know each other a lot better in the coming days, so I want you to call me Vladimir from now on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously, he had a new status now in Dr. Z's eyes, Shannon thought.\n\n\"Dr. Zobolotsky,\" the desk clerk called out. \"A message for you, sir.\"\n\nShannon watched as Zobolotsky opened the note." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's from the kidnappers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He read it and passed it to Shannon.\n\nYou must leave the country immediately or your daughter and your friend will die. Be on the boat to Athens tomorrow morning. The hostages will be released there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then go home. If you return to Turkey you will die. Your last warning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon looked up. \"What do you think?\"\n\n\"We've got to follow their orders. We can't take any chances with my daughter's life.\"\n\nShannon thought a moment about the guidance he'd received from the Bible and about what Alfin had said. Just a minute ago, he'd been certain that they were supposed to go to Cappadocia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he didn't know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then it occurred to him that Athens was also located to the south of Istanbul. \"You're right, Vladimir. We've got to follow their instructions.\"\n\nNow that things were looking up and it appeared that Indy and Katrina were going to be released, Shannon wished he had been the one who was swept away with Katrina. Suddenly he envied Indy's situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He just hoped that Katrina wasn't falling for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An hour later, Boris and Alexander left through the gate of Galata Mevlevi Tekkesi. The old man had been very helpful. He'd been more than willing to answer their questions after Boris had threatened to kill his granddaughter.\n\nBut when they knew everything, Boris decided it was best not to take any chances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't want the girl rushing to Zobolotsky and warning him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So now there were three dead bodies in the garden. The old man and the old woman had died quickly from bullets in the back of their heads. But the young girl had run screaming for the gate, and it had taken three shots to kill her.\n\nA shame, Boris thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So young and pretty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But their mission was to protect the revolution, and that was more important than any individual's life, be it a child or an old woman or an old man. And now he knew exactly what to do. The old man had told him about the meek scholars who lived in underground tunnels. They were knowledgeable about the Ark and were going to guide the expedition to the mountain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jones and the girl had gone ahead to make arrangements while the other two had stayed behind to complete the paperwork." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He and Alexander would leave for Cappadocia this evening and complete their assignment. He didn't know anything about the Janissaries other than what the old man had told him. But it was enough to know they were just a bunch of crazy Moslem hermits. He laughed at the image of the two of them rampaging through their sacred refuge. The Janissaries would probably bury their heads in their books, just like they'd buried their lives in the ground, and clean up the mess when it was over." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 4 sentences sentences in the style of Rob MacGregor spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounded like breathing and it was coming from somewhere nearby. \"Do you hear it?\" Indy asked. He could see a wall a few feet in front of him and the outline of a doorway, but not much else.\n\nKatrina shifted positions, and Indy's whip, which was bound around them, tightened. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not sure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He peered across the room in the direction from which he'd heard the noise. Gradually, as the hallucinations subsided and the drug wore off, his vision was coming back to him. He could make out a shape: a figure with his back against the wall slumped in the corner. A rifle lay across his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His head was nodding forward and he was starting to snore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Company,\" he hissed. \"A guard, and he's sound asleep.\"\n\n\"He must have been here all along. I didn't even know it. I can't see over there.\"\n\n\"Let's see what we can do to get loose.\" Indy drew his feet beneath him and pushed off the floor as he pressed against Katrina's back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither spoke as they squirmed up and down and sideways." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The whip cut into his chest and arms and seemed to be tightening.\n\n\"Ouch!\" he said in a raspy whisper. \"What are you doing?\"\n\n\"Trying ... to ... to turn... around,\" she answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pull in your stomach.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think it goes in any further.\" He twisted toward her until their hips were attached like Siamese twins, then Katrina was facing his back, her chin touching his shoulder. But the ropes weren't any looser.\n\n\"I think I can do that, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy wiggled his arms and twisted around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he stuck fast halfway around.\n\n\"What are you doing?\" Katrina hissed. \"I'm stuck now. I can't move.\"\n\n\"Not so loud.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy glanced over his shoulder; the guard was still asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tightened his buttocks, then deftly rotated his hips, and suddenly he and Katrina were face-to-face, their chests and hips pressed against one another. It was an entirely different sensation from being tied back-to-back and not exactly an unpleasant one.\n\n\"I don't think this is working,\" Katrina said as she adjusted her shoulders.\n\n\"It's a tough situation,\" Indy agreed as he wiggled his hands and rolled his hips as he tried to get hold of the whip, \"but it's got certain compensations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you doing down there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Down where?\" They were nose to nose now.\n\n\"You know.\"\n\nHe moved his hips again.\n\n\"There!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm trying to reach for the whip.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But do you need to do that?\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\nHis thumb touched the lower strand of the whip, but he couldn't quite hook it. He thrust his hips forward and arched his back as he reached again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah... You're doing it again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I almost...\" He took a step forward and tripped over Katrina's foot. They tottered a moment, then toppled into the straw bedding. \"You okay?\"\n\nKatrina's breath came fast, a whisper of air against his ear. \"You're lying on top of me, you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah. Just wait. I think I can get it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As his thumbs flicked at the whip he couldn't help nuzzling Katrina's neck. Her closeness was overpowering; it aroused him. Their lips met and his thumbs stopped working. The softness of her body snuggled against him and he was pressed so firmly against her that the whip slackened and slid on its own over his thumb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Katrina, I...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't have to tell me. But I want to tell you something.\"\n\nKatrina's words surrounded him in the darkness like a thick, comforting blanket. He could listen to her talk like that forever. He was still moving his hips against her, slower now, as he worked the whip over hips and thighs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked into her eyes. \"Tell me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know that piece of wood from the ark?\" she breathed.\n\nHe stopped moving. It was the last thing he'd expected to hear from her. She was probably going to tell him it was a fake.\n\n\"What about it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When I hold it, strange things sometimes happen to me. I mean, I see things happening that haven't happened yet. I knew you would come here to Turkey with us, that you were the right archaeologist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's nice. I think.\"\n\n\"That's not all, though.\"\n\nThe guard suddenly seemed to gasp for breath; then he coughed. He shifted positions and Indy saw that he was a sow of a man, well over three hundred pounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy waited to see if he would wake up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he heard the guard return to the slow, measured breathing of sleep, he whispered in Katrina's ear.\n\n\"Don't tell me you saw us getting kidnapped and put in some hole or wherever we are.\"\n\n\"Not exactly. But I saw us like this. You know, together.\"\n\n\"Tied up?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Just together. But... oh, never mind. Maybe it was just my imagination. Besides, it wasn't you. It was Jack.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? You said it was me.\"\n\n\"Well, it was... later.\"\n\n\"Later? Maybe we should continue this conversation later.\" The whip was loose now and they pulled it over their legs as best they could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are we going to do about our hands?\" Katrina asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm working on that.\" Indy used his right foot to slip off his left boot. He turned around and took the heel in his hand, twisted it, and caught the blade as it popped out. He shifted positions until he was back-to-back with Katrina again and sliced at the cloth binding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Careful,\" she whispered. \"That's my wrist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slowed his slicing motions, but finally the cloth fell apart. Katrina took the blade from his hands and quickly cut him free.\n\nIndy immediately crept over to the guard and patted his cheeks. \"Hey, you're not supposed to sleep on the job.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guard came awake with a start, and Indy slammed his head into the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man slumped to the floor, and Indy snatched his rifle. \"If you're a Janissary warrior, I can see why the empire collapsed.\"\n\n\"Indy, there's no door. It just leads out into a stairway, and light is coming down from above.\"\n\n\"Let's see if we can find our way out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as Indy took a step toward the door the guard grabbed his ankle and jerked him to the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy was caught by surprise and dropped the rifle. He reached for it, but the guard pulled him away like a spider overcoming its trapped prey. Indy kicked at him, but the guard quickly pinned his legs beneath him. The guy might be a slob, but he was strong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pulled back his arm and slammed his fist into the man's jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He connected solidly, but his hand just bounced harmlessly away.\n\nHe punched him again with the same lack of effect.\n\nThe guard grinned, spread his fingers, and lunged for his captive's throat. Indy butted his forehead into the man's nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It stunned him, but for only an instant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard's forearm landed under his jaw, and Indy gagged as the man's hands tightened around his throat, his thumbs pressing hard against his Adam's apple. His face turned red, then blue, and he was on the verge of passing out when the guard's grip suddenly relaxed and he flopped over like a beached whale. Indy gasped for breath and squinted up at Katrina, who stood over the guard holding the rifle by the barrel.\n\n\"I think I might have killed him,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy rolled over and struggled to his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood poured from a deep gash in the guard's temple. \"We all gotta go sometime.\" Indy rubbed his raw, bruised throat. \"And he left just in time as far as I'm concerned.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They moved out of the room and down a corridor. \"Indy, wait.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\"\n\n\"I can't leave without the Ark wood.\"\n\n\"Sure you can.\"\n\n\"But it's an incredibly important relic. Papa is going to be really mad if I've lost it. It's priceless. It's more than that. It's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, I'm sure it is. But our lives are even more valuable, and I'm sure your father would agree.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he saw the look of disappointment on her face, he added: \"But let's play it by ear.\"\n\nThe quickest way to get to Athens was by train, so early the next morning Shannon and Zobolotsky left the hotel and took a taxi to the station. But as they neared their destination the road clogged with cars, horses and wagons, and pedestrians.\n\n\"What is going on?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky asked. \"Our train leaves in twenty minutes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'd better walk from here,\" Shannon said. Then he noticed a swarm of police blocking the entrance to the station. They were stopping everyone who approached. \"Why don't you wait. I'll go see what's going on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he neared the crowd Shannon saw a British-looking man in a bowler." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man walked over to a well-dressed woman surrounded by luggage and porters. Shannon moved closer to hear what he had to say.\n\n\"What is it, dear?\" the woman asked.\n\n\"It seems they're looking for two murderers. Foreigners, they say from America.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't say.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They killed a little girl, and an old blind man and his nurse, if you can believe that.\"\n\n\"How dreadful. But how long are we going to wait? Our train leaves on the hour.\"\n\n\"Oh, no,\" Shannon said as he backed away.\n\nHe hurried down the street to the taxi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not only was he a suspect in a triple murder, but he was carrying a gun under his arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we better take the boat to Athens. The police are looking for a murderer.\"\n\n\"Who got killed?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\nShannon repeated what he'd heard, but kept the explanation brief and impersonal when he saw that the driver, who spoke some English, seemed to be listening intently.\n\nZobolotsky glanced at the driver, then back to Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's horrible. I think you're right. The boat might be a better way to travel today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the taxi crawled through the traffic amid honking and shouting Shannon and Zobolotsky quietly discussed the situation. \"I can't believe this,\" Zobolotsky said. \"Who would do such a terrible thing?\"\n\n\"I don't know, but that poor innocent girl. I'm ready to get out of this country. It's as bad as Chicago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe the Janissaries followed us from the hotel,\" Shannon suggested.\n\n\"Why would they do it? We were leaving the country just like they wanted.\"\n\n\"The note might have been there when we left the hotel,\" the rangy musician said. \"We didn't stop at the desk. So maybe they followed us to the dervish house, thinking we already had the note. They probably know all about the old Sufi and thought he was crossing their plans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could be,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what does that mean for us and for my daughter?\"\n\n\"Nothing too good.\"\n\n\"Look. More police,\" the driver said as they reached the docks. A crowd was gathered near the gangway of a ship, and police were holding them back, checking every passenger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon suddenly realized the implications of what Zobolotsky had said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If they would kill that easily, then we can't trust them to release Indy and Katrina, even if we do go to Athens.\"\n\n\"But we must do what they say,\" Zobolotsky insisted.\n\nNeither had paid any attention to the driver, who now turned to them as he pulled to the curb. He was a wiry man with salt-and-pepper hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know, I lived for ten years in the United States, but I came back when the last sultan was finally finished. I will tell you something about these Janissaries you are talking about. Their time is over, but some of them do not know that yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon was surprised at the taxi driver's interest and awareness of what was going on. He must have heard and understood everything they'd said. \"What else do you know about them?\"\n\n\"They are still warriors, but now they are known for their gaming.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am telling you this: if the Janissaries killed those three, then they probably did it so the police would put you in jail. That is how their gaming works. They play one group off of another.\"\n\n\"It would have been easier for them just to kill us,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"These Janissaries must be smart,\" Zobolotsky said. \"They must know that if the entire expedition was killed, it would be an international incident and the United States government would send its army to look for us and the Ark.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's dreaming, Shannon thought, but didn't argue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead he pointed to the police, who were now scouring the crowd on the dock, no doubt looking for two men fitting their descriptions. \"So what do you think we should do? They're getting closer.\"\n\nZobolotsky thought a moment. \"As the leader of this expedition, I have decided we should go to Ankara, and from there to Cappadocia to look for the missing members of our team.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will take you as far as Ankara,\" the driver volunteered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have a cousin there, and I have not seen him for many years.\"\n\n\"How much?\" Shannon asked.\n\nThe driver waved his hand. \"Don't worry; I am honest and will give you a fair price, or my name is not Ahmet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Done,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So they were finally heading south, Shannon thought, and couldn't help feeling a bit smug.\n\nHasan sat cross-legged on the cushion in the corner of his room and turned over the piece of wood, examining it closely. He knew what it was from the moment he'd found it among Katrina's belongings. One of his brothers in America had sent him a copy of a newspaper article about Zobolotsky and his plans to search for the Ark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The article had alerted him to the expedition, and it had also mentioned the piece of wood that the explorer claimed he'd taken from the Ark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lute music filtered into his room from Spring House. The ceremony was about to begin. He would take the wood with him and whirl with it until he learned its secrets.\n\nIndy's hope that the stairway from the cell would lead directly to a way out of their underground prison was quickly dashed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The light filtered from a torch at the top of a stairway; beyond the stairs was another room carved from porous rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina moved into the room and out a door on the other side. \"Look, now the stairs go down.\"\n\n\"Somehow I'm not surprised.\"\n\nThere was no choice but to keep going and see where they ended up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For all Indy knew, they could be on their way to the center of the earth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, they descended to a hallway illuminated by torches, with several doorways and windows on either side. They peered into one after another and finally walked into a room with two other doorways that each led to different corridors.\n\n\"You take that one; I'll try the other. Maybe one of us will find a stairway going up,\" Indy said. \"Let's meet back here in five minutes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had no sooner gone a dozen yards than he was confronted with more choices." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A short hallway to his left led past a couple of rooms, then divided into two branches. To his right, the passageway led directly to another doorway.\n\n\"Now what?\" he muttered.\n\nHe moved down the corridor to his right, but the room was a dead end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He backtracked and tried one of the branches leading from the opposite corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first, it looked hopeful. There were no stairs, but the hallway rose at a forty-five-degree angle, turned, then turned again. The walls were open from above his waist, and in the faint light he could see rooms and other hallways. The place was part medieval prison and part funhouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a beehive of madness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a couple more turns and, when he saw the hallway was continuing upward, decided to backtrack and find Katrina. He counted the turns as he walked, but when he thought he should be near the dead-end room, he found himself in one with three doorways. He backed out the door, tried another room, and saw that the doorway on the opposite side led to more hallways stairs.\n\nHe looked around, confused and lost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pounded a fist against a stone wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The funhouse was turning into a nightmare. \"Swell. Now what?\"\n\nThen he heard footsteps. Katrina was probably lost in this same network of madness. But he couldn't tell where the steps were coming from or which way they were moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to call out her name, but suppose it wasn't Katrina?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For all he knew, the Janissaries were already combing these corridors for them.\n\nHe crept quietly down the hallway and peered into the darkness. Now he couldn't hear anything. Either the person had moved out of hearing range or had stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly he heard the footfalls again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They sounded close. Right by his head. He spun around and there were the feet moving along another hallway at his eye level.\n\nHe had to make up his mind fast. He swung the butt of the rifle around, then he saw the boots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed Katrina by the foot, and she let out a scream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shh! It's me.\"\n\n\"Indy?\" She was on her hands and knees, looking around, then she saw him. \"Oh, God. You scared me. I didn't know what happened to you. This place is crazy.\"\n\n\"I know. Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think so. Help me down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She swung her legs over the side and slid down into his arms.\n\n\"I missed you,\" she whispered.\n\nHe touched her cheek, and for a moment he imagined he was with Deirdre again. Then it occurred to him that he was falling for the woman that his best friend adored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stepped back from her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've got to keep moving. I thought I found a ramp that was heading up, but I'm not sure which one it was now.\"\n\n\"There are too many choices. It's so confusing.\"\n\n\"C'mon. Let's stick together.\"\n\n\"Don't leave me again,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't really mean it the way it sounded, he told himself as he picked a corridor and headed down it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd barely gone ten yards when the hallway opened into a chamber with a high ceiling. He stopped and gazed at the wall on his right, which was illuminated by a torch. On it was painted a fresco of a man with a cross in one hand and a sword in the other, which he pointed defiantly at a winged beast.\n\n\"It's Saint George with his dragon,\" the young archaeologist said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sight of the Christian icon triggered something in his memory." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For whatever good it does, I think I know where we are.\"\n\n\"You do?\"\n\n\"When I was a kid, I came to Istanbul with my father and accidentally met the sultan's mother. She told me that back in medieval times, thousands of Christians lived in underground cities in a remote part of Turkey. She thought I should visit the cities while I was in Turkey.\"\n\n\"And you think that's where we are?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shrugged. \"It's a good guess.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why did they dig all these passages?\" she asked.\n\n\"They didn't. They were already here, built by some ancient people.\"\n\n\"Did your father take you to see them?\"\n\n\"No, he doesn't like going into confined places. He gets claustrophobic.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy spotted a couple more inscriptions a few feet away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, take a look here.\"\n\n\"Oh, my God. Is it what I think?\"\n\nIt was a rough sketch of a fish and next to it was an ark. \"The fish and the Ark were used as Christian symbols before the cross. The fish represented the Son of God, and the Ark stood for the judgment of God and the hope of salvation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you're a Christian, too. Just like Jack.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy cleared his throat. \"No, not just like Jack. To tell you the truth, my interest is more in the history and artifacts of the times.\"\n\n\"But aren't you a believer in the word of—\"\n\n\"Listen!\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you hear it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It sounds like music.\"\n\nThey crossed the cavern and followed a hallway leading from the far side. The sound grew louder. But then the corridor came to an abrupt end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy passed through a doorway on his left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A faint light filtered through a narrow window, and the sound of the lute music filled the room.\n\n\"Take a look at this!\" he whispered as he peered through the window. Below them was a huge cavern many times larger than the one they'd just left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dozens of torches burned on the walls, and a placid pool in the center of the cavern reflected the flames." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the water wasn't what grabbed Indy's attention. On the far side of the pool a dozen men were spinning in circles with their arms straight out from their bodies. They were dressed like the ones who had captured them, complete with the high hats, and now he knew who they were.\n\n\"Dervishes!\" Indy said in astonishment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Janissaries must be a Sufi brotherhood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't understand. What are they doing?\"\n\n\"They're called whirling dervishes.\"\n\n\"Why do they whirl?\"\n\n\"To imitate the movement of the cosmos. It's their way of gaining communion with God.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, look at the one in the center,\" she said excitedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you see it? He's got the Ark wood.\"\n\nIndy had noticed that the man held something in one hand and now he realized Katrina was right. The man was whirling faster and faster, but Indy recognized the mustache. \"It's Hasan.\"\n\nThe words were barely out of his mouth when the muzzle of a gun jammed up against his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a coincidence. Two more lost souls. Drop the rifle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy did as he was told and slowly turned his head. He could hardly believe what he saw. It was the twin Russians from Chicago. \"Don't tell me you're still mad about the trench coats.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get ready to die, Jones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you find us here?\"\n\n\"We broke a few heads, and one of the peasants talked. They know all about these dancing bookworms.\"\n\nIndy wasn't sure what he meant, but it was no time for idle chatter. He needed to act and fast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled Katrina in front him and loosened his whip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're not going to hurt an innocent woman, are you?\" he asked.\n\nOne of the twins laughed. \"What kind of man are you using a woman to shield you?\"\n\n\"You're right. That's not nice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed Katrina aside and snapped his wrist, unleashing his whip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Russians were standing close enough together to allow him to lash the whip around both of their necks. A rifle fired and the bullet hit the wall next to Indy's head. Indy jerked hard and the twins toppled over. He took Katrina's hand and they rushed down the hallway." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfour sentences\n\nStyle:\nRob MacGregor" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time Shannon and Zobolotsky had arrived in Ankara, Ahmet had joined the expedition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would not only take them to Cappadocia, but would serve as their translator in their search for Indy and Katrina. That was fine with Shannon. Ahmet, it turned out, was a lute player, and while Zobolotsky slept across the backseat Shannon learned to play the string instrument with the driver's help.\n\nThey ate, then slept a few hours in Ankara, staying at the home of the driver's cousin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they were on the road again, heading south." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no place in the world like Cappadocia. You will see things there that you will not believe.\"\n\n\"Have you been there?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"Of course. I have another cousin there. We will find him and see how he can help. Everyone in my family helps each other.\"\n\n\"I have heard this name, Cappadocia, but I don't remember where,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was late afternoon when they entered a valley near the city of Goreme and came upon a landscape like no other that Shannon had seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As far as he could see, there were mounds of smooth, white rock in every shape imaginable and nearly every one of them was pocked with windows.\n\n\"These are the troglodyte houses made of tufa, the rock from the volcanoes,\" Ahmet said. \"They say that if you lived on the moon, you would be at home in Cappadocia.\"\n\n\"I believe it,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The tufa is soft and very easy to cut. It makes a good house, and when you want to add a room for a new baby, you just carve it out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The people must live like animals,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\n\"No, like Christians,\" Ahmet answered. \"Many Christian monks lived in Cappadocia in monasteries hollowed from the rocks.\"\n\nZobolotsky was quiet a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now I know why the name was familiar to me. Cappadocia is mentioned in the Bible.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't think I've read that far yet,\" Shannon said.\n\nAhmet's cousin, Omar, didn't live in a troglodyte house, but in a rectangular stucco one, a shape that Shannon found to be a relief after looking at houses with ballooning walls, conical tops, or completely nondescript shapes. But outside Omar's house were three narrow columns of tufa that formed a triangle, and resting atop two of them were boulders.\n\n\"Those are fairy chimneys, carved by the wind,\" Ahmet said when he saw the two men staring up at them as they stepped out of the taxi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ferry chimneys?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, peribacas.\"\n\nShannon exchanged a glance with Zobolotsky as they followed Ahmet into the house. He was even more amazed by the blind man's foresight. Oddly enough, it seemed they were right where they were supposed to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon didn't know how Alfin could have known about this house, but he was even more confident now that the Lord was guiding them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omar looked like a younger version of the wiry Ahmet, with a mustache and thick, curly black hair, and greeted them as if they were all family members. When they explained their situation, Omar nodded and gazed thoughtfully out the window.\n\n\"I know about these outlaw Janissaries. They believe as strongly in the Moslem teachings as you do in the Christian traditions. They would kill for their beliefs.\"\n\n\"Then they are not truly religious people.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe not,\" Omar said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But they are like the Christian crusaders who killed thousands of Moslems in the name of religion.\"\n\nZobolotsky was about to say something in response, but Shannon laid a hand on his arm. The Russian turned away in disgust.\n\n\"Can you help us, Omar?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Cappadocian stepped away from the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sure what you want.\"\n\n\"Do you know where the Janissaries are hiding? That's what we need to know.\"\n\n\"They are not hiding. Many of us here know where they are. But few would dare to enter their city.\"\n\n\"A city?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. An underground city. A very old one. It is near Derinkuyu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you lead us there, cousin?\" Ahmet asked.\n\n\"Just show us where it is,\" Zobolotsky said. \"You must understand that my daughter's life is at stake.\"\n\nOmar considered what he'd heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For me, the family is most important. You are friends of my cousin, and if he trusts you, then so do I. I will take you there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Great,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"I not only know the location of their city, but I know a way of entering it from another underground city.\"\n\n\"You mean there is more than one of these cities?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\n\"There are many. Maybe six or seven, and they are all connected. When I was a boy, I spent a summer with a cousin who lived near one of the cities and we explored them. I can show you the way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were in luck, Shannon thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But in the back of his mind he still remembered that Alfin had said someone would be lying to them.\n\nWhenever the Janissaries were in the underground city, they dressed in their tunics and pantaloons, as Hasan was now. Because they had been banished and outlawed by the new government, they did not dare to don their traditional garb when they were in Istanbul. But Hasan had made an exception when they'd captured the archaeologist and the Zobolotsky girl in the old church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd wanted to startle them, and although Jones had nearly escaped, it had worked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now they'd captured two other men, and this time Hasan had been the surprised one. He had no idea who these bald-headed twins were or what they were doing here, but he was determined to find out. The shirts had been stripped off the burly pair and they were dangling on ropes from the ceiling of the chamber, their toes barely touching the floor.\n\n\"Why did you come here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan asked for the fifth or sixth time, and once again neither man answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded toward his lieutenants. The one who had taken Jones's whip cracked it across the back of the man in front of him, then struck him again. The other Janissary twirled a barbed rope, which was attached to a short stick, and snapped it again and again, slashing shoulders and neck. The results looked about the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The backs, necks, and shoulders of the twins were crisscrossed with cuts and welts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rivulets of blood and sweat ran down their backs.\n\nHasan waved a hand and the men stopped the beating. \"Now answer me.\"\n\nNeither said a word.\n\n\"Salt the wounds,\" Hasan commanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two Janissaries flung open bags of salt over the men's wounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both cried out in pain.\n\n\"Talk,\" Hasan demanded. The Russians' heads hung and their faces were contorted in pain, but neither spoke. \"So that's the way you want to be.\"\n\nThe Janissary chieftain pulled a sword from its sheath and moved it slowly in front of the men's faces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its blade was curved and artfully inscribed with an intricate design." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This, my twin friends, is a blade made of Damascus steel. It is sharp and strong. It can slice a floating feather in two, or it can lop off a head with a single blow.\" He touched the tip of the blade to one of the Russians' throat. \"And that is what I am about to do.\"\n\n\"What do you want from us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "one of them said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alexander... nyet,\" the other warned.\n\n\"So, you are Russians.\" Hasan was more perplexed than ever. He moved closer to the first man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Alexander, I only want to find out why you are here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We were following the other two, the man and woman.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Don't say anything more,\" the other one warned.\n\n\"I'll say what I want, Boris.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay. Let me do the talking,\" Boris said, and raised his head toward Hasan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was a personal matter. Our business.\"\n\n\"A personal matter. Tell me, where did you start following them?\"\n\n\"Chicago. That's where we live. Not Russia.\"\n\n\"So you have come halfway around the world for a personal matter. Very interesting. Now tell me the truth. What did you want with them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None of your business.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boris spat the words.\n\nHasan tightened his grip on the sword and raised it over his shoulder. He'd get rid of this one and then the brother would tell him everything.\n\n\"We were going to kill them before they got to Mount Ararat,\" Alexander said, and spared his brother's life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan lowered his sword and considered what Alexander had said. \"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We want to keep them away from the Ark. We don't want them to find it.\"\n\n\"I see, you want to find it yourselves. Now I understand.\"\n\n\"That's a lie. We don't want anyone to find it,\" Boris said.\n\nHasan looked suspiciously at the men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't the answer he'd expected. \"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because,\" Boris said, \"the bishops will try to win back the people's hearts in our homeland.\"\n\nFinally, Hasan understood. They were Bolshevik spies.\n\n\"Hasan,\" a man called from the doorway. \"We have news from Istanbul.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared at the twins a moment longer, then walked over to the door. \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Zobolotsky and the other one didn't leave for Athens by train or boat,\" the man said in a low voice. \"The police are after them and they've disappeared.\"\n\n\"Why do the police want them?\" Hasan asked angrily as he saw his plans falling apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They say they killed an old Mevlevi dervish, and a girl and an old woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan didn't know what to believe. But he knew now that Jones and the woman would have to die, and so would the Russians. It was a perfect time for the ultimate game. He smiled, excited about the prospects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hoped Jones and the woman would make the contest interesting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to the men who were guarding the twins. \"Cut them down. There's a game to be played.\"\n\nScaling rocks wasn't Shannon's idea of fun. He and the three others—Zobolotsky, Ahmet, and Omar—were climbing along the base of a cliff, searching for an entrance to a cave—a cave that would lead into an underground city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon had stumbled twice, scraping a forearm the first time and bashing a knee the second." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was limping slightly and felt a trickle of blood on his shin.\n\n\"It must be here. I remember this place very well,\" Omar said.\n\nShannon looked around, wondering how these particular rocks and shrubs were any different from the ones they'd been climbing over during the past hour. Maybe Omar was lying when he said he knew about the Janissaries' underground city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For all Shannon knew, there were no underground cities, and everything Omar said about them was a lie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Omar let out a whoop. \"Here it is. I knew we were close to it.\" He was kneeling in thick underbrush and Shannon couldn't see a thing. He worked his way over to Omar and glimpsed a dark hole behind the branches of a bush the Turk was holding back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going down there? Into that snake hole? You've got to be kidding.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have lanterns,\" Ahmet said. \"It won't be so bad.\"\n\nShannon gave Zobolotsky a sour look.\n\n\"Think of Katrina,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Zobolotsky knew just how much he thought about her, he wouldn't say that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina was a soft, persistent ache in chest, and yes, of course, he was committed to Indy. But he was hesitant to follow them to a similar fate. Maybe there was another way. But if Indy and Katrina were underground, how was he going to help them up here?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew that Indy would help him if their positions were switched, and what good was it to love Katrina if he never saw her again?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was all about loyalty and friendship, love... and faith. That was it. He had to remember that he was guided, and there was no reason for fear.\n\nThey lit their lanterns and crawled into the hole. Omar took the lead, followed by Shannon, Zobolotsky, and Ahmet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon held his lantern in one hand and felt his way with the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ceiling was low, and he was already claustrophic. He'd barely gone five feet when he felt animal droppings on his hand. He wiped his palm on his pant leg, then duck-walked several more feet until he could stand in a crouch. The floor of the cave descended gradually, and soon the walls were wide enough to stretch out both hands and the ceiling rose to nearly seven feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How far do we go, Omar?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One city is right below us now. The one where we are going is maybe two miles.\"\n\n\"Two miles? Are you sure you remember the way?\"\n\n\"It's very easy. Take a look. You see, the cave branches here. To the left, it goes down to the city, and to the right is our underground road to the other city.\"\n\n\"I'll take your word for it,\" Shannon said as they moved on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A couple of minutes later, they came to a stairway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you remember these steps?\" Zobolotsky asked as they started the descent.\n\n\"Yes, I think so. They must have been here.\" Omar sounded uncertain.\n\n\"When were you last here, Omar?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When I was ten or eleven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a long time ago.\"\n\n\"I'm only twenty-seven.\"\n\n\"So am I, but I can't remember much of what I did when I was ten,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"If you would've explored these cities, you probably would remember very well,\" Ahmet said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon squinted through the dusky air. \"I hope so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A short distance after they reached the bottom of the steps, the passageway split again. This time Omar stopped. \"I don't remember any other forks, but I think we should stick to the right.\"\n\nGreat. Just great." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At this rate not only would he never see Indy again, he'd never see the sun or breathe fresh air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm placing my life in your hands, Lord,\" he muttered, but the words came out louder than he expected.\n\n\"God is good,\" Ahmet said.\n\nA doorway appeared on their left, and when they held up their lanterns, they saw another passageway that appeared to run parallel to them. Omar shook his head and they continued walking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one said a word, but they were all thinking the same thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something was wrong. Just ahead of them another stairway descended sharply and curved left and out of sight.\n\n\"No, this can't be right,\" Omar said. \"Let's take a look at that other corridor we just saw and find out where it goes.\"\n\nShannon was feeling more uneasy than ever, but he didn't say anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd barely gone ten yards on the adjacent corridor when they reached a series of interconnected rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the rooms had windows looking into adjacent rooms or passageways, and there were holes in the wall revealing stairways leading to other levels or other parallel paths.\n\n\"This is madness,\" Zobolotsky said as he held his lantern up and the beam illuminated a ceiling that looked like an upside-down staircase. \"I think we should go back to the first junction and take the other path.\"\n\n\"I agree,\" Omar said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We must be in the wrong city now. Let's go back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They retraced their steps out of the rooms, but now they were confronted with a corridor that split into three arms. \"I think we were in this one,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\n\"No,\" Shannon said. \"I'm sure it was the center one.\"\n\nShannon dropped down on one knee and tried to find their footprints, but the stone floor revealed nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had the feeling this might happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have faith,\" Zobolotsky said. \"The weak of heart always perish first.\"\n\nShannon had faith, all right, but it wasn't in Zobolotsky's sense of direction.\n\n\"I didn't see all these different routes when we came by here,\" Ahmet said, shaking his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"These cities are deceptive,\" Omar said. \"I think you are both turned around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack's way is right, but the direction is wrong.\"\n\n\"Good God,\" Shannon moaned.\n\n\"God is good,\" Ahmet replied.\n\n\"Maybe it was a mistake to try to escape.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina was huddled next to Indy in their cell; two guards stood at the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hasan said he was going to let us go if Papa left the country.\"\n\n\"He'll probably still do it.\" Indy sounded more optimistic than he felt.\n\n\"But I killed that guard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy heard footsteps in the corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we're going to find out really soon.\"\n\nHasan appeared in the doorway and said something to the guards, who grabbed them by their arms and yanked them out of the cell. Indy's right foot was tied to Katrina's left one and he stumbled as they were dragged into the corridor.\n\n\"Where are you taking us?\" Indy demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To larger quarters,\" Hasan replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Much larger quarters.\" Without any further explanation, he accompanied them along the passageway and down a set of stairs. They hobbled through a series of corridors and rooms, down another set of stairs, and then they were in the expansive cavern with a pool in the center.\n\nKatrina paled. \"Indy, I can't swim. Don't let them throw us in there. I'll drown.\"\n\nHasan snapped another order; the guards pulled out knives, and the blades flashed in the torch light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy and Katrina backed away, but the guards grabbed them, spun them around, and cut the bonds on their hands and ankles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan gestured impatiently. \"Okay, go on. You're free to find your way out.\"\n\nIndy looked warily around. \"What's going on?\"\n\n\"There are at least six doors leading from this room and you can take any of them. You may find a way out; you may not. There are many hidden passageways, some that we've never explored. Who knows where they go?\"\n\n\"Why are you doing this, Hasan?\" Katrina asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To give you a fair chance. It's a game we play with our children. Only the smartest ones can find their way out of the labyrinth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, hey, it's just a game.\" Indy laughed nervously. \"Maybe we don't want to play.\"\n\n\"You have no choice. Our game is a deadly one, as you'll see.\"\n\nThe pair didn't wait any longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They hurried along the shore of the lake, away from where Hasan and guards stood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think's going on?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I was going to ask you the same thing.\"\n\nThen Indy saw the answer to his question standing twenty yards away under the light of a torch. \"Look over there.\"\n\nThe hulking Russians watched them like hawks ready to dive for their quarry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is the right passageway; I'm sure of it,\" Omar said triumphantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon just nodded; neither Zobolotsky nor Ahmet said a word, either. They'd tried several routes and now Shannon felt thoroughly lost. He no longer had any sense of where they were or which way they had come from. They could spend days wandering around here and never get out, much less to another underground city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But as they continued along the corridor and didn't reach any forks or stairs or rooms, Shannon's hopes rose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Omar stopped and looked up at something.\n\n\"What is it?\" Zobolotsky asked wearily.\n\n\"Yes, I am certain. This is the way.\" Omar pointed to the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You see those three connected circles. They represent the Trinity of God. I remember this very clearly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's hard to believe that Christians lived in the ground like this,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\n\"They were safe here and free to tend to God's work without interruption from the everyday world,\" Omar said.\n\n\"Like a monastery,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"Exactly,\" Omar answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My cousin, you have found the way, but we must hurry now,\" Ahmet said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They moved quickly along the narrow path, covering a mile in fifteen minutes. After another ten minutes of steady walking they stopped to rest. \"This place makes me claustrophobic. I can barely stand up,\" Shannon said. \"There must have been one helluva threat above the ground if they took this route rather than walking in the sunshine and fresh air.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe it was only used in emergencies,\" Ahmet suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like now,\" Shannon said. \"We better get going.\"\n\n\"Wait a minute.\" Zobolotsky held up his hand. \"Omar, what's going to happen when we get to the other city? Do you know where the Janissaries are?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I can remember how to find the lake. They're probably close by.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The underground city has a lake?\" Ahmet asked in amazement.\n\n\"It's a spring, their water source.\"\n\n\"Then let's go,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Russians were not attractive men, and now, with blood covering their upper torsos, they looked monstrous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But ironically, all Indy could think of as he stared at them was that the pair would never make it through the door of the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago.\n\n\"Why don't we talk about this?\" Indy said as he and Katrina backed away. His eyes darted around for the nearest door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We all want to get out of here. If we work together, we can do it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan suddenly stepped out of a dark doorway that Indy had just spotted. \"That wouldn't be fair, Jones. Not fair at all, and we would have to end the game very quickly.\"\n\n\"What do you want from us?\" Katrina's voice quavered.\n\n\"I'm glad you asked. You can answer a question for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan stepped out into full view and held up the Ark wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That belongs to my father.\"\n\n\"Yes, he says it's from the Ark.\"\n\n\"It is from the Ark.\"\n\n\"Then here is my question. Why does no one believe that he found the Ark?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Some people believe him. But many people want more evidence. That's why we came to Turkey.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan held up the Ark wood. \"I know the Ark is on Mount Ararat, but this piece of wood is not from the Ark. I whirled with it and saw that it was ordinary.\"\n\n\"Fine. Just give it to us and show us the way out of here,\" Katrina said.\n\nHasan laughed. \"I'm afraid, Miss Zobolotsky, that will not be possible. Judgment Day is not upon us yet, and God's command to me is to protect the Ark from being revealed before that day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Ark is about life, and a new beginning, not the end of everything. Finding it won't bring on the Judgment Day,\" Katrina said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you do not know the word of God.\" Hasan took a few steps toward them. \"You will not climb the mountain, and you will not ever look at this piece of wood, either.\" He hurled the Ark wood into the lake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\" Katrina raced toward the dark waters and dived toward the spot where the piece of wood had splashed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, you can't swim,\" Indy said as Katrina disappeared beneath the water.\n\nWhen she surfaced, she gasped for air and slapped the water.\n\n\"You weren't kidding, either.\" Indy dived after her, and the shock of the cold water nearly drove the air from his lungs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He surfaced next to her and crooked his arm around her neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was already shivering, but he only had a few strokes to reach the shore.\n\nKatrina struggled frantically against him. \"The wood,\" she gasped. \"I've got to get it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy struggled to shore with her. They were both on their hands and knees in the shallows of the pond when Indy looked up and saw the twins standing in front of them. They grabbed his arms and jerked him to his feet.\n\nBefore he'd even caught his breath, both men pulled back their arms and simultaneously slammed their fists into either side of his face." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Rob MacGregor would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first thing Shannon saw when they reached the cavern was the last thing he expected to see. The two Russians from Chicago were pulling someone from the lake. At first, he couldn't see who it was, then it became all too clear.\n\n\"It's Katrina,\" Zobolotsky said. \"Stop them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon pulled his revolver from his shoulder holster and fired three rounds above their heads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't the greatest shot, and he didn't want to hit Katrina. The Russians looked up, then hurried away from the lake with Katrina. \"You missed,\" Zobolotsky yelled. \"Shoot them.\"\n\nShannon took aim, but the Russians were holding Katrina up so that her body blocked his shot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they ducked through a doorway and were gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You let them go,\" Zobolotsky snapped.\n\n\"I could've hit Katrina.\"\n\n\"After them,\" Zobolotsky barked, and the four men raced across the chamber.\n\nShe's still alive, Shannon told himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's got to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he couldn't help thinking that the Russians might've been shielding themselves with a corpse.\n\nHigh above the floor of the Spring House, Hasan watched as the intruders disappeared from sight in pursuit of the Russians. He stared a moment at the pool to make sure Jones hadn't surfaced, then moved away from the window.\n\n\"God is helping us carry out His will,\" he said to his two lieutenants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The rest of the expedition has arrived. We couldn't have asked for anything better. All the players in the game are with us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about the other one?\" one of the men asked.\n\n\"Who, Jones?\" Hasan walked out the doorway and down the passageway. \"You can fish his body out later. Let's see about the living ones right now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The instant Indy had struck the icy water, he regained consciousness, but his arms and legs wouldn't work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as if the connection between his mind and his muscles was out of order. He could move his feet, but his legs wouldn't kick. He held what air was left in his lungs and drifted with the spring's current.\n\nTo his surprise, he started picking up speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was moving sideways, instead of upward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he felt a rocky surface below him. His shoulders bumped against walls and his head struck a ceiling. He was being hurtled through a water-filled cave, and his lungs were bursting. He couldn't last much longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pounding on his body awakened something in him, and for all the good it did him, he'd regained control of his limbs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he was out of air and desperate. He clawed at the ceiling. Drifted, drifted. It was almost over. Then his arm shot through a hole and his elbow hooked on a ledge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his remaining strength, he pulled his head up through the hole, but he was still underwater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand poked through the surface and touched something soft and spongy.\n\nAbove Indy, the cook for the Janissaries, an overweight man in his early sixties, leaped off the wooden toilet. He was so startled by the hand that had grabbed him that he ran into the wall in his rush to flee. He tottered, fell back, and struck his head on the edge of the toilet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy burst through the surface of the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gasped for air, coughing and gagging. He was still in the water, but he was breathing. He would make it. His head was inside a wooden box with an oval hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He kicked his legs and pulled himself up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blinked against the assault of light, then saw that he was in a small room and a man was lying next to him with his pants down. A dead man. It dawned on him that he'd surfaced through a toilet and that the spongy object he'd felt had been flesh. He pushed the box off his shoulders, tossed it aside, and climbed out the hole.\n\n\"I'm glad you don't bolt your toilets to the floor,\" he said to the dead man as he stepped over him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked into the next room and found himself in a huge kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the center of it was a gigantic black iron caldron. He walked over to it and smelled soup. \"These guys really do like soup,\" he muttered.\n\nHe heard someone coming, ducked behind the caldron, and peered around the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A Janissary with his sword drawn was skulking through the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mustafa,\" the man called out. \"Mustafa.\"\n\nIndy crept around the pot on his hands and knees and saw the man as he lifted a ladle from the pot and tasted the soup. He grabbed the Janissary around the knees and lifted him into the air. The Turk's yell was cut short as Indy dumped him headfirst into the iron pot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope the soup's good.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He retrieved the Janissary's sword and darted out of the kitchen and down the corridor. He had no idea where he was, but he had to find Katrina. He heard footfalls ahead of him and slipped into the nearest room. On a table in the corner of the room was his whip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He scooped it up and hooked it on his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sounds of footsteps grew louder. He heard voices speaking Turkish. There were at least two in the party, probably more, he thought as he pressed up against the wall. When they passed by without pausing, Indy crept to the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was about to step into the passageway when he heard footsteps and breathing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the Janissaries was probably trying to catch up with the others who'd just gone by. This was his chance. He'd force the man to show him where Katrina was being held. He waited just inside the doorway until the man was within a few feet, then reached out, grabbed him by the throat, and shoved him against the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised the sword to within a hair's breadth of the man's nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw who it was. \"Christ, Jack. What the hell are you doing here?\"\n\n\"Having a heart attack.\"\n\n\"I could have killed you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Likewise.\" Shannon held up his revolver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Another half second and I'd have blown your guts out.\"\n\nBoris and Alexander pulled Katrina's limp body into a room. They'd been ready to toss her into the lake after Jones when they'd heard the shots. Boris instinctively lifted the body to shield himself, then they rushed toward the nearest door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Only after they were safe did he see who was following them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No wonder the girl hadn't been struck by a bullet.\n\nShe wasn't dead yet, but she wasn't his concern right now. They had to deal with Zobolotsky and his party, and they weren't the only problem he and his brother faced. The old blind bastard had lied about the Janissaries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was obvious they were warriors, not scholars, and there were too many of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were probably hiding out in this maze because they were outlaws.\n\nBut first they'd deal with the Zobolotsky bunch. They laid Katrina in the corner of the room, crouched on either side of the doorway, and waited. Their disadvantage, Boris knew, was that they weren't armed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That wouldn't have been any problem if they'd just faced Jones and the woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now they had to rely on surprise, because the others were armed.\n\n\"I'll grab the one with the gun first, and you get Zobolotsky. Then we'll take care of the other two.\"\n\n\"I hear them,\" Alexander said.\n\nThe sound of footfalls in the passageway grew louder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were less than a hundred feet away, but Boris didn't dare peek around the corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tensed, readied himself to pounce as soon as the men came into view.\n\n\"Father, watch out,\" Katrina shouted.\n\nBoris cursed in Russian as he turned to see Katrina sitting up. Then Alexander stepped into the hallway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fool, he thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boris grabbed his arm, pulled him back into the room. \"This way.\"\n\nThere was a window on the opposite wall that led out into another passageway. Boris dived through it, rolled over. \"Hurry,\" he snarled.\n\n\"What about her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Leave her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alexander flopped through the window and Boris roughly pulled him through.\n\n\"Ah, my back!\" Alexander said.\n\n\"Forget about your back. Think about your life.\"\n\nNow they would have to find another way to catch them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, we've got to find Katrina,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think we're doing? Where've you been, anyhow?\"\n\n\"In the toilet.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Where's Zobolotsky?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didn't you see him go by here? He was just ahead of me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just heard someone speaking Turkish.\"\n\n\"That was Ahmet and his cousin. They're with us,\" Shannon explained.\n\n\"Tell me about it later. Let's go.\"\n\nWith Indy in the lead, they raced down the corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they hadn't gone far before they heard voices coming from one of the rooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They stopped, pressed up against the wall, melted into the shadows.\n\n\"Oh, Papa, you're here. You're here.\"\n\n\"It's Katrina,\" Shannon said, and bounded toward the roomi\n\nZobolotsky was hugging her, and when she saw Indy and Shannon, she looked as if she were going to fall over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, I can't believe it. You're alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She ran to him and wrapped her arms around him.\n\n\"I'm like a cat. I've got a few extra lives.\"\n\n\"Yeah and you may need another one in a minute,\" Shannon grumbled.\n\n\"Jack. You're here, too,\" Katrina said, and embraced him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm so glad to see you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are? I mean...\"\n\n\"It's no time to stand around,\" Zobolotsky barked. \"We've got to get out of here.\"\n\n\"Papa, they took the Ark wood and threw it in the lake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, they didn't,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've still got it. I fixed a fake one for you to carry just in case something like this happened.\"\n\nKatrina looked startled. \"That's wonderful, Father.\"\n\n\"Yeah, she almost killed herself going after the other one,\" Indy said. He headed to the door, but stopped and turned to Shannon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know the way out of here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know. We came from another underground city,\" Shannon explained. \"Omar, you can take us back the same way, can't you?\"\n\nThe Turk nodded. \"Yes. But only if we can find our way to the lake. Right now I'm lost, too.\"\n\n\"The problem with going back to the lake is that's where the Janissaries are,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't forget about our Russian friends,\" Shannon added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're around here, too.\"\n\n\"So you've seen them, too,\" Indy said.\n\nZobolotsky moved into the corridor. \"We've got to make up our minds.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy's got a good sense of direction,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I say we follow him back to the lake.\"\n\n\"My good sense of direction says we go up to get the hell out of here. If we find the lake and your route to the other city on the way, then we'll take it.\"\n\nZobolotsky took his daughter by the hand. \"Let's go.\"\n\nHasan knew the maze as well as anyone, and it didn't take him long to figure out how Zobolotsky had entered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told one of his men to make sure that the path to the adjoining underground city was guarded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of them was going to escape.\n\nThe maze was a network of pathways, most of which went nowhere. When the brotherhood had first descended into the city two years ago, Hasan had been angered and annoyed by the lack of order. But as he gradually learned his way around, he realized that the maze had been built that way intentionally, to foil any intruders who managed to enter the city." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knowing one's way around was a powerful advantage, which the members of the Zobolotsky expedition and the two Bolsheviks would soon realize, if they didn't already." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan stepped into a narrow room with a long, rectangular window at head level. There were at least a dozen rooms in different parts of the city that were identical to this one, and months had passed before he'd realized their purpose. They were specially built for observation, and through this particular window he could see five or six levels above him and at least a dozen paths.\n\nHe scanned the area and after a few seconds spotted the Zobolotsky party." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were carrying torches now, which made it a simple matter to find them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when he raised a pair of binoculars to his eyes and studied them, he counted two extra members. The Zobolotsky girl was with them and, to his surprise, so was Jones. Somehow, the archaeologist had survived and escaped undetected, and the girl must have been rescued from the Russian twins.\n\nHe was disappointed in the Russians, but mildly amused by the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were nothing compared to the challenge presented by the government, which was intent on abolishing the Sufi brotherhoods, especially the ones linked to the Bektasis order and the Janissary Corps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This game was going to be enjoyable, even though it would be one-sided.\n\nHe could see the group was attempting to climb the maze to the surface, but they'd embarked on a dead-end path. When they backtracked, as they would be forced to do, they would try again and then again, and each time they would find themselves either facing a blank wall or circling back on paths they'd already trod.\n\nHe scanned the rest of the maze that was visible, searching for the Russians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took a while longer to locate them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They weren't carrying torches, which was smart of them, but it also made the going more difficult, since many of the passages weren't lit by wall torches. He spotted the pair moving along the same passageway as the expedition. They were several levels higher and near the end of the route. They weren't looking for Zobolotsky and the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were searching for a way out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But they'd soon turn back, and in a matter of minutes the two parties would encounter one another, and that was another count against the expedition. Their chances of surviving to see another day were virtually nil; their chance of making it to Ararat nonexistent.\n\nThey were coming down a flight of steps after striking a dead end when the two Russians were caught by surprise. A double surprise, it turned out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hear them coming,\" Boris hissed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Get over here fast.\"\n\nThey crouched in the darkened alcove next to the stairway as the expedition marched their way. They weren't ready to attack; they could only defend themselves if they were discovered. They'd both agreed that finding a way out was their top priority, and if they came upon Zobolotsky and the others, so be it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd take care of them as best they could, then continue their search for an exit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Coming here had been so easy. The peasant had been more than willing to help them after he'd understood that his life was in danger. He'd led them into the city, and when they'd reached the first burning torches on the wall, Alexander had crushed his skull against the rock wall. That had angered Boris, not for any moral reason, but because the body could attract attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that didn't matter; finding the original path did, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The expedition moved into view and with it another surprise. Leading the way was Jones. The bastard was still alive, and somehow he even had his whip again. That damned whip. He'd like to strangle Jones with it, and maybe he would." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The archaeologist was followed by the gangly redhead with the gun, Zobolotsky and Katrina, who both carried torches, and two others who looked like Turks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each one's attention was on the steps and none saw them crouched just a few feet away.\n\n\"Six now, Boris. We were only supposed to get two of them. We should've never come here.\"\n\nBoris didn't know whether he meant the underground city or Turkey itself. But knowing Alexander, he probably meant both." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen, we're not the only ones who are surprised. The Turks weren't expecting these other guys, either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So what's that mean to us?\"\n\n\"It means we kill them all, and hope the Turks let us out of here for doing their dirty work.\" Boris noticed a hole in the wall above their heads. \"Boost me up so I can see what's up in that hole.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alexander bent over. \"But they'll be coming back as soon as they see it doesn't go anywhere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what I'm counting on.\" Boris stepped on his brother's shoulders and Alexander stood up. It was too dark to tell whether it was a room or another corridor, but it didn't matter. He had another idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, you get back by the steps, and when they come down, I'm going to jump on the one with the gun. You take Jones. The others will be easy, and we'll have the gun. Just don't let any of them get past you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy ran his hands over the wall, searching for a lever or at least a crease in the wall to indicate that it was a door. But the longer he searched, the more he became convinced that the wall was just that—a wall that was not going to magically open and lead to the great outdoors.\n\n\"No, the damn thing just ends,\" he said. \"We've got to go back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no,\" Katrina moaned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How far back down do we have to go?\"\n\n\"Five levels if we want to stay on the main route,\" Omar said. \"But there are other paths we could try, too.\"\n\n\"Maybe we should break up into groups of two and look for a way out,\" Ahmet suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That'll make it too easy for the Russians. They'll pick us off one at a time. But I don't think the Russians are stupid enough to attack this many of us.\"\n\n\"I bet ole Hasan is just sitting back waiting for us to give up,\" Shannon said as he gazed wistfully at Katrina, who stood next to him.\n\n\"The Janissaries are just playing with us,\" she said. \"It's like a game for them. They're waiting to see what the twins do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have an idea,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Katrina, I'm going to take out the Ark wood. I want you to ask the Lord for guidance.\"\n\n\"Amen,\" Shannon said. \"We need guidance, but what's that got to do with the piece of wood?\"\n\n\"You'll see,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\nAnything was worth a try, Indy thought, remembering what Katrina had told him about the Ark wood and its effect on her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sat on the floor and carefully unwrapped the cloth from around the piece of wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon was looking around uneasily. \"We're cornered here if anyone comes after us.\"\n\n\"Have faith,\" Zobolotsky said. \"I can see that you have not been a Christian for long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon scowled and looked like he was about to start an argument when Indy drew him back from the others and asked in a quiet voice what had happened to them in Istanbul." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon told him about the murders and their escape. \"Now I realize that it must have been the Russians who killed them, not the Janissaries.\"\n\n\"That poor girl,\" Indy said.\n\n\"Shh!\" Zobolotsky raised a hand. \"Please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina's eyes were closed, and she held the Ark wood to her chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The image Katrina saw was that of a woman surrounded by light. At first, she couldn't make out the woman's features, but even before they became clear, she knew it was her mother. At the moment of her realization, the light seemed to brighten. Her mother smiled at her, then the light descended until it surrounded Katrina." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She thought it would blind her, but she was overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and tranquillity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw herself rising on the light beam, moving straight up through a tunnel until the night sky was above her. She was standing on ground in the white valley with the strange houses, but now she knew where it was. It was no longer an imaginary landscape, but a real one that existed above the underground city. She also knew why it was dark and light at the same time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun was down, but a bright moonlight flooded the valley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the valley was gone. She still saw the light, and in it, blocking her way, stood the silhouette of one of the Russians. The light faded and she was aware of herself again sitting on the floor of the passageway. She looked up and saw the others staring down at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you see a way out?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "her father asked. When she didn't answer immediately, he spoke again. \"Did the Lord show you the way?\"\n\nShe didn't want to tell him that she had seen her mother. That would cause only confusion and denials." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw a way, I think, but I'm not sure where it is.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'd better get moving,\" Indy said.\n\nHe sounded impatient; he wanted more. She rolled up the Ark wood, feeling angry and foolish at the same time. \"Actually, I do know where the way out is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They waited for her to continue, and she drew out the moment." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe she'd seen her own death. Maybe that was the only way out. But there had been something else.\n\n\"Well?\" her father asked.\n\n\"We'll find it when we find the twins.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with 4 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Rob MacGregor.i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of Rob MacGregor.Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a Rob MacGregor sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know it's almost two in the morning?\" Shannon asked as they walked along the corridor. \"No wonder I'm exhausted.\"\n\nAs far as Indy was concerned, there was no time down here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No day; no night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only the dim, smoky light of the torches and the flickering shadows. \"Yeah, I could use a cup of coffee, but I don't think we'll find a coffee shop on this route.\"\n\n\"How can you make jokes?\" Zobolotsky said as they descended a stairway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy stopped at the base of the step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was fed up with Zobolotsky and his stern demeanor and was about to tell him what he thought when Shannon pulled his gun.\n\n\"What was that?\"\n\n\"Where?\" Indy whirled around.\n\n\"Over there, in the corner. I heard something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't shoot,\" someone said from the darkness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy had no sooner heard the plea than a massive figure dropped from above and knocked Shannon off his feet. The gun flew from Shannon's hand and vanished in the shadows.\n\nIndy raised the sword he'd been carrying, but the man in the corner sprang at him like an animal, grabbed him by the neck, and tossed him against the wall. He snagged Indy's arm, twisted it, and the sword clattered to the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shouts and screams and moans reverberated around him; arms flayed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the men picked up Omar and Ahmet by their throats and was strangling them. Indy glimpsed a bald head as he kicked out both legs and knocked over the attacker. The other Russian was applying a bear hug to both Shannon and Zobolotsky, who punched wildly at him.\n\nIndy fumbled with his whip, but the twin he'd knocked down rolled over on top of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled the whip from his grasp and wrapped it around Indy's throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He jerked it so tight that Indy knew his neck could snap at any moment. He was to about pass out when Katrina jammed a torch in the Russian's face. The whip slackened as the twin staggered around bellowing like a wounded bull.\n\nIndy rolled over just in time to see Katrina jam the torch down the back of the other twin's pants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He let go of Shannon and Zobolotsky and roared in pain as he tried to pull out the torch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time Indy got to his feet, the twins had hobbled off into the darkness, and the torch that had saved them was smoldering on the floor. Indy was wobbly, but managed to help the two Turks to their feet. Zobolotsky was crawling on the floor, muttering about the Ark wood, and Shannon was hugging Katrina.\n\n\"Hug her for me, too,\" Indy said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hug her for all of us. That torch trick saved us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy spotted the Ark wood on the floor, illuminated by a faint, silvery light that had suddenly appeared. \"There it is, Vladimir. Over here.\" As Zobolotsky snatched it Indy turned his head to see the source of the light. It was filtering through a hole high in the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The light. That's moonlight,\" Katrina said excitedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's where one of the Russians was, blocking the light. That must be it, our way out.\"\n\nShannon boosted Indy, who crawled through the hole. He found himself inside a closet-sized room. A few feet in front of him was another wall with a similar round hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But above him was what looked like a narrow elevator shaft that went up and up, and far above him a full moon spilled light down the shaft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's an air shaft,\" Indy told the others. \"It goes up at least a hundred feet.\"\n\n\"Maybe we can climb out,\" Katrina said.\n\nIndy ran his hands over the smooth wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No handholds. Nothing to grab onto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ducked back down and saw that Shannon and Katrina had joined him in the tight quarters.\n\nShannon had picked up the sword from below and now he poked it at the wall. \"I wonder how long it took to cut that shaft.\"\n\nThat gave Indy an idea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a knife, Jack?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah, but I didn't have any time to get it out. The Russians were all over us.\"\n\nIndy sat down and twisted the heel of his boot, which was still soaked from the lake and his travels through the sewer system. He pulled out his blade. \"You can use it now. We've got work to do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan had watched the Bolsheviks limp down a passage and head up another dead-end trail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew that there'd been a confrontation, and the Russians looked hurt. Twenty minutes had passed and the others still hadn't reappeared. What could they be doing up there? It was just another dead end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe the Russians had finished them off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you think they're dead?\"\n\nHasan looked over at his lieutenant with disdain. \"How should I know?\"\n\n\"Do you want me to go see?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan took in a deep breath and exhaled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd hoped that this game would last longer, that he would follow them through the maze and watch their battle. But now it seemed it might already be over. A disappointment.\n\nHe spotted the Bolsheviks again. They were moving closer to the Green Road, a passageway that would lead them to the top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go see what happened to them, and let me know. Then head off the Bolsheviks before they get onto the Green Road. Nobody escapes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The inside of the shaft was made of the same solidified volcanic ash that covered the entire valley, and it was an easy task to carve handholds and footholds. They were making progress, scooping out holes every couple of feet, with each one taking no more than thirty seconds to carve. But Indy didn't know how much time they had left before Hasan would investigate. He was almost certain that the Janissary chieftain knew where they were, if not what they were doing, and before too long his warriors would show up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy had wrapped the hilt of his blade with a piece of cloth and had worked his way more than fifty feet up the wall, taking turns with Shannon, while Omar and Ahmet were working on the other side of the shaft, using their own knives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indy, I'm going up,\" Ahmet called out. \"I'll get the taxi.\"\n\nHe turned to see Ahmet climbing hand over hand, stabbing two knives in the friable tufa. He was surprised, but he knew Ahmet was doing the right thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They would need to get away as soon as they were all out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched Ahmet's progress. The first few overhead pulls had been quick and smooth, but he was slowly losing strength and each stab was becoming an effort. Then, with only a few more feet to go, he stopped to rest.\n\nIndy knew it was a mistake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only way Ahmet could make it was to continue climbing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The knife wouldn't hold his weight for more than a few seconds. He saw the knife slowly pulling out and Ahmet slipping. That was it; he was about to fall. He'd knock Indy off the wall; they'd both die." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But at the last moment Ahmet slammed the other blade into the tufa, catching himself in time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His narrow escape seemed to give him renewed vigor and strength, and he quickly scaled the remaining stretch. He flopped over the top and his legs disappeared from sight.\n\n\"Here comes the knives,\" Ahmet yelled.\n\nSwell, Indy thought. Just swell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw a silvery glint of steel in the moonlight as the blades dropped along the opposite wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One fell straight down, but the other struck a prominence and veered off course, heading directly for Indy. He turned his head and ducked. The hilt of the knife struck his fingertips, missing his head by inches. His fingers throbbed with pain, but he refused to let go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay down here, Indy,\" Shannon yelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You ready for me?\"\n\n\"Yeah, I'm coming down.\" He passed Omar ascending the opposite wall and wished him well. When he reached the bottom, he gave Shannon a pat on the back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he saw that Zobolotsky and Katrina hadn't been idle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since he was last down here, they'd been taking the fallen pieces of tufa and enclosing the hole.\n\n\"Good idea. Let me help.\"\n\n\"It's better than standing here waiting for the next piece to fall on our heads,\" Katrina said.\n\n\"Sorry.\" He brushed his hand over her hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's nothing,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zobolotsky scowled when he saw Indy touching Katrina. \"How did you allow these brutes to capture Katrina in the middle of a city in broad daylight?\"\n\n\"Papa, he couldn't help it.\"\n\n\"It's no time to argue,\" Indy said just as a chunk of tufa struck him on the neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rubbed his neck, then picked up the piece and added it to the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hole was not much more than a wide slit now. That was when he heard the Janissaries.\n\n\"They're coming,\" he whispered.\n\nThere was no time to do anything but hold their breath and hope the Janissaries didn't see what remained of the hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound of voices grew louder; Indy knew there were at least a half dozen of them, maybe more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the Janissaries were right outside the wall.\n\nClots of tufa rained down on them. Indy squeezed his eyes shut, expecting swords to plunge through their false wall at any moment. But the Janissaries kept moving, and climbed the steps toward the dead end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the sound of their steps receded, Indy and Katrina and her father dropped to the ground and grabbed the tufa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank the Lord,\" Zobolotsky breathed.\n\n\"We're not out of this yet,\" Indy warned. The Lord might have double duty to perform before this night was over, he thought as they finished the wall.\n\nIt wasn't a beautiful-looking wall, and it definitely wasn't a sturdy one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the Janissaries might miss it altogether and assume they'd gotten to another passageway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy squinted as he gazed up the shaft. Shannon was within twenty feet of the top and Omar was even closer.\n\n\"Go ahead,\" Indy said. \"By the time you two get up there, they should almost be done.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about you?\" Katrina asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going to wait until I hear the Janissaries leave, then I'll be right behind you.\"\n\nAs they started to climb, Zobolotsky followed his daughter on the same route. \"Don't do that,\" Indy said. \"If she falls, she'll knock you down. Take the other one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zobolotsky turned and glared at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop trying to run this expedition, Jones. If Katrina starts to fall, I might just be able to save her. And if she falls, I might as well go with her.\"\n\nSomething about Zobolotsky bothered him. It was more than his moodiness and arrogance. But there was no time to think about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Janissaries were returning down the steps, and this time he heard them talking right below the false wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Get going, keep moving, Indy ordered in his mind.\n\n\"Hey, what are doing?\" Shannon yelled down. \"I'm not done yet.\"\n\n\"Jack, shut up,\" Indy whispered through his clenched teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Janissaries were quiet a moment, then they were jabbering excitedly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy cursed under his breath and backed away from the hole just as a sword pierced the false wall and a hand and arm followed it.\n\n\"Oh shit.\" He snatched his whip off his belt. The quarters were tight, but there was space above him, and he came down with an overhand release that caught the intruder's sword and snapped it out of his hand. Indy pulled it over to him and picked it up just as the entire false wall caved in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Janissary, who'd lost his sword, looked up warily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Looking for this?\" Indy held the sword like a spear and jabbed it toward him. The Janissary threw himself over backward onto his companions below, and Indy still clutched the sword. \"Just kidding.\"\n\nHe looked up to see the progress above him. Omar had reached the top, but Shannon was still a few feet away and Zobolotsky and Katrina were right below him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He considered darting up Omar's side, but thought better of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to hold the Janissaries off as long as he could.\n\nAnother one had mounted the hole. Indy could see his head and shoulders, but no sword. Then his right hand appeared and in it was a gun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fortunately for Indy, the man didn't see him right away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time he did, the sword had slashed down and severed the man's hand. Indy looked at the curved blade. \"Like cutting butter. And that was left-handed.\"\n\nThe Janissary disappeared from sight, but another warrior quickly replaced him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He swung the sword, but the Janissary blocked it with his own blade, then thrust the sword with lightning speed at Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For an instant, Indy thought he must be dead, but then he saw that the sword had plunged under his armpit and was buried at least a foot in the tufa.\n\n\"Indy, hurry!\"\n\nHe looked up to see the others peering down at him from the top and didn't hesitate another second. He draped his whip over his shoulder, gripped the sword with his teeth, and climbed as fast as he could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd barely taken a dozen steps when he glanced over his shoulder and saw several Janissaries already mounting the carved steps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Swell. Lots of company.\"\n\nHe could make it to the top ahead of them, but he wasn't sure how long he could hold them off once he'd climbed out of the shaft. Suddenly, he realized he wasn't scaling the shaft nearly as quickly as he'd hoped. He'd made the mistake of climbing the steps that Omar and Ahmet had carved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'd made longer and shallower steps and that was why Omar had finished ahead of Shannon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now Indy climbed with an uncertainty that slowed his progress.\n\nHe was nearly halfway up when his right foot slipped, then his other one slid out of its hole. He dangled, kicking his feet, and then he saw one of the Janissaries reaching for his ankle. Indy found one of the footholds, and the Janissary found the other one as he missed Indy's foot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's mine,\" Indy snarled, and jammed his boot hard against the man's hand and wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Janissary grunted, pulled his hand away, and swayed out from the wall. That was all Indy needed. He kicked out his leg, catching him across the chest, and the man toppled off his perch. He struck the man below him, knocking him off, and then two more Janissaries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They plunged like screaming dominoes to the bottom of the shaft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That wasn't so hard,\" he said, congratulating himself.\n\nA sword suddenly slashed the wall, nicking his forehead. Blood streamed down his cheek as he turned and saw the opposite wall covered with a string of sword-bearing Janissaries. \"Oh, shit.\"\n\nHe scrambled up the wall as fast as he could, not worrying about the depth of the footholds or their spacing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now the longer steps worked to his advantage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he neared the top he saw Shannon and Omar silhouetted in the moonlight as they reached down to him. They grabbed his wrists and jerked him out of the shaft.\n\nHe rolled over, pulled the sword from his mouth, and stabbed it at the first Janissary coming up the wall. But the man had stopped short, and he was waiting with a revolver aimed at the top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was already jabbing at him when he saw the gun, and before he had a chance to react, the gun fired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bullet careened off the sword's blade just above the hilt, and he felt the pressure between his eyes.\n\n\"C'mon,\" Shannon barked.\n\nIndy flung the sword down the shaft, and retreated. Maybe he'd knocked the gun away or even knocked the man off the wall, but he wasn't sticking his head over the side to find out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, hurry!\" Katrina yelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned to see the others already fifty yards away, dashing toward a pair of headlights. He raced after them as the taxi made a U-turn, and they scrambled inside. The car was already moving and Shannon was holding the backdoor open as Indy leaped onto the running board. He looked back and saw half a dozen Janissaries with raised swords closing the gap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No more room, guys.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy slipped inside and slammed the door shut.\n\n\"Step on it, Ahmet,\" Shannon shouted, and they pulled away.\n\n\"This is much more fun than driving in Istanbul,\" Ahmet said. \"Where are we going next?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mount Ararat, of course,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's why we're here.\"\n\n\"Then I'll take you.\"\n\n\"You'll need help driving these roads,\" Omar said. \"I'm going along, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The expedition is ready to find the Ark,\" Zobolotsky said in a commanding voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy looked over at Shannon. \"Now for the real excitement.\"\n\n\"You don't exactly look like you're ready to climb a mountain,\" Shannon replied.\n\nIndy's shirt was nearly in shreds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face was streaked with dried blood and bits of tufa." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could be worse off. I've still got my whip.\"\n\n\"And your jacket and fedora are in the trunk,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"When I was coming to pick you up,\" Ahmet said, \"I saw two men in my headlights. It was only for a very short time, but I'm sure they were those Russian twins.\"\n\n\"Guess they found their way out, too,\" Katrina said.\n\n\"And I bet they find their way to Ararat,\" Indy said." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Rob MacGregor would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The midafternoon sun was brilliant on Mount Ararat, the sky a deep blue, and the day had been a pleasant one. They'd left their encampment before dawn and had been climbing for more than eight hours. The six of them were strung out in three pairs. Indy and Shannon were in front of Ahmet and Omar by a couple of hundred yards, and Zobolotsky and Katrina brought up the rear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy filled his lungs with mountain air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After all they'd gone through, they were finally here and scaling the famed peak. Even after a full day, his enthusiasm hadn't waned. The openness and brightness were a stark contrast to the dim, hazy world of the underground city they'd fled nearly a week ago.\n\nAfter their escape, they arrived at the Cappadocian city of Kayseri by dawn and rested for a few hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they feared the Janissaries would hunt for them, so they left by midafternoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the next several days, they traveled from village to village across eastern Anatolia, the ancient name still used in this part of Turkey. Indy had jotted down the names of the villages and cities along the route, thinking that someday he'd write about this sojourn.\n\nThey drove through Sivas, Malatya, Adiyaman, and Kahta, where they stayed at a temple on a mountain called Nemrut Dagi. Before they left the next morning, Indy had inspected a collection of statues left behind by some pre-Roman king and his relatives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each day he was more and more impressed by the antiquities he saw in the villages and countryside, and he wondered about the ones that still remained hidden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd moved on to Sanliurfa, Mardin, and Diyarbakir, where Indy briefly examined ancient walls and the exteriors of mosques built more than a thousand years ago. The following morning, they'd headed east through Bitlis, then along the southern shore of Lake Van and to the city of Van, where they spent another night. Then it was on to Agri and east to Dogubeyazit, where they'd bought supplies for the climb. Yesterday afternoon, they'd arrived at a hamlet called Eli, the last outpost before the ascent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was located at 6,400 feet on Agri Dagi, the Turkish name for Mount Ararat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The escape from the underground city had gone as smoothly as Indy could have hoped, considering that they faced opposition on two fronts. There'd been no sign of either Janissaries or the Russian twins, but Indy hadn't let his guard down. The chances were good that they were being followed. The worst part of the journey had been listening to Zobolotsky's pompous espousal of how they were being guided by the Lord and how he would spread word of the Ark across the globe after they returned to civilization." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was almost as if Zobolotsky thought he was the resurrected Christ, and Katrina some sort of virgin mother of prophecy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Zobolotsky probably suspected that something had happened between Indy and Katrina during their forced stay together, he said nothing to Indy about it. Instead, he'd kept Katrina close to him and appeared by her side every time Indy was alone with her for more than a minute or two. Shannon, on the other hand, had repeatedly prodded Indy for details and it was clear that he was jealous.\n\nIndy didn't know what was going to happen between himself and Katrina, if anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was attracted to her as much as ever, but so was Shannon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It hardly mattered, though, because neither had any time alone with her. And she prudently kept whatever her thoughts were on the matter to herself.\n\nIndy turned his thoughts from the tangle of relationships and gazed up at the mountain's two peaks, still visible in spite of the clouds that were settling on them. The one on the left was Buyuk Agri or Great Ararat, the other was Kucuk Agri or Little Ararat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Ark was supposedly located in a saddle between the peaks at about fourteen thousand feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to imagine a flood that would place a boat at such an altitude. It would take one helluva storm to generate that much water, a deluge beyond imagining. There were a thousand arguments against the existence of the Ark. Yet, if Zobolotsky had actually seen it, Indy was hard pressed to dispute it, unless Zobolotsky was lying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, hold on,\" Shannon called from a few yards behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was gasping for air as he caught up to him.\n\n\"What's wrong? We're almost there.\"\n\n\"I know, but don't you think it would be a good idea to let Vladimir lead the way from here?\"\n\nIndy dropped his pack and leaned against a block of stone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose you're right. We don't want the good doctor worrying that he's got a mutiny on his hands.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they'd stopped for lunch, Zobolotsky had pointed out a sheltered area high above them, and they'd agreed that it would be the best spot to make camp. It was just below where the snow began and would protect them from the wind. Now they were less than five hundred feet from the spot.\n\n\"I think he's worried that you're going to steal his thunder,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I'm worried you're going to steal his daughter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"C'mon, Jack, will you cut it out about Katrina and me? Your imagination's getting the better of you.\"\n\n\"Sorry, it's just that she seems to be brooding about something all the time, and I wonder if it's you. She won't even look at me.\"\n\n\"It's probably not about either of us.\" Indy gazed out over the range of mountains and valleys below them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see several lakes that looked like pale blue ponds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The roofs of the houses in the village where they'd camped were mere specks. \"I was hoping we'd go a little farther. I'd really like to get to that saddle by early tomorrow afternoon.\"\n\nShannon had set down his pack next to Indy and was rummaging through it. \"It looks like we're almost there to me. I bet we could be asleep inside the Ark tonight if we really pushed it. At least, if everyone went at your pace.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I doubt that. It's not going to be so easy tomorrow. You can count on lots of snow and wind and freezing temperatures up there. To say nothing of hidden fissures.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon took out his Bible. \"We're in God's country, Indy. I hope you don't mind if I read a few lines aloud before the others get here.\"\n\nIndy shrugged. \"I'm all ears.\" Thankfully, Shannon had kept his pontificating to a minimum during the last few days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy didn't know if he could have put up with two Bible thumpers in the crowded taxi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon opened the Bible and an envelope fell out. \"Oh God, here's that cable of yours I picked up in Istanbul. I forgot all about it.\"\n\nIndy glanced at the envelope; it was from Marcus Brody. \"That's quite a while for you not to crack open the Good Book, Jack,\" he said as he opened the envelope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not losing your commitment, are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not at all. But being around Vladimir so much has made me see that you can get sort of carried away.\"\n\n\"Amen.\" Indy unfolded the sheet of paper and read the cable:\n\nINDY: HE'S A FRAUD. NO ONE NAMED ZOBOLOTSKY IN 19th PETROPOVLOVSKY REGIMENT." }, { "from": "human", "value": "PROBABLY NEVER CLIMBED ARARAT. MARCUS" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, no.\"\n\n\"What is it?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"Take a look.\" He passed Shannon the sheet of paper.\n\n\"What's it mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It means we've been taken.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now that I think about it, he doesn't seem like he knows any more about Turkey than I do,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"And he's only made a couple of general comments about his last trip,\" Indy added.\n\n\"So what're we going to do?\" Shannon asked\n\nIndy shook his head in disgust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's got some explaining to do before I take another step up this mountain with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina was glad to see that Indy and Jack had finally reached the campsite. She was exhausted from the day's trek and she wasn't even carrying any of the supplies.\n\n\"Do you remember it being so tiring, Papa?\" she asked.\n\n\"I've tried to forget about that part,\" he answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm only thinking about the Ark, and that we will soon see it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could hardly believe it herself that they would actually reach the Ark tomorrow. She was anxious not only to see it, but to photograph it. She'd been so relieved to find out that the police had recovered her cameras from Aya Sophia. But she felt guilty that Omar and Ahmet were carrying her equipment as well as the other supplies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would've liked walking with Indy or Jack, at least part of the day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she knew Papa wanted her to stay by his side. Ever since their escape from the underground city, he wanted her to have as little as possible to do with either of the men. He'd made Indy his scapegoat for all their troubles, and she felt sorry for him.\n\nIn spite of the intimacies she had shared with Indy, it was Jack who preoccupied her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She thought about him so much, she couldn't even look at him anymore for fear he would see it in her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't as handsome as Indy, or as self-assured. But he was struggling to find himself and she could understand that. She knew all about it. And he was a jazz musician; that fact alone fascinated her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had never heard jazz before she migrated to the United States, and even though her father was against it, whenever she heard the music it triggered something deep inside her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She knew it was no use telling Papa how she felt, not about jazz or Jack. It would only make things worse. At least for now. Besides, there was really nothing to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack hadn't really told her how he felt about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed to watch her a lot, but he'd hardly spoken to her. She remembered, though, how he'd hugged her in the underground city after she'd driven away the Russian twins with the torch. It had been an emotional moment, when, for a few seconds, the barriers had broken.\n\nThe two Turks had caught up with Indy and Jack, and she and her father were only a few yards away when she heard the sound of barking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several huge dogs—or maybe wolves—raced across the sparse landscape toward them. \"Look, Papa!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dikkat! Dikkat!\" Omar yelled. \"Hurry, danger.\"\n\n\"Up here!\" Indy shouted from the top the rock he'd been resting against.\n\n\"Papa, run!\" she screamed.\n\nAs they raced toward the rock the barks grew louder and were mixed with howls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy pulled Jack up, then both men helped Omar and Ahmet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were just steps away when her father slipped. She stopped to help him and saw the charging dogs, their teeth bared leaping at them. She froze; it was too late. She covered her head with her arms and squeezed her eyes shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the animals stopped short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She heard their snarls, felt their hot breath on the back of her neck. Slowly, she raised her head.\n\n\"Don't move!\" Indy said in a low voice from the rock.\n\nThe dogs growled and pawed the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were five or six of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They looked like wolves, but they wore spiked collars around their necks. Then, beyond the dogs, she saw several men standing on the prominence staring down at them.\n\n\"Are they Janissaries?\" Jack asked.\n\n\"No,\" Omar responded. \"They're Kurds.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly, the men picked their way through the rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They wore long beards, turbans, and simple outfits woven from raw wool. As they neared, Ahmet called out to them.\n\n\"Merhaba! Hello!\"\n\nThe men didn't reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lutten kopegi tutun. Hold your dogs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the men said something and the dogs whined and backed away, wagging their tails and holding their heads low. The men stepped forward, and examined the expedition's gear, and spoke among themselves.\n\n\"What do they want?\" Zobolotsky asked.\n\nThis time Omar spoke to the men, and they answered him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They want to know what we're doing here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell them,\" Katrina said.\n\nOmar gave what seemed like a long, rambling speech. Katrina understood none of it. The one who seemed to be in charge, the oldest of the band, responded with a few terse words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He wants to know if you are Russians,\" Ahmet said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They don't like Russians on their land.\"\n\nKatrina knew that they were near the Russian border, and she'd heard Omar say there were hostilities between the Russians and the Kurdish tribesmen.\n\n\"Tell him we're Americans,\" Zobolotsky said.\n\n\"I already did,\" Omar said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then ask him if he knows about the Ark,\" Indy suggested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old Kurd listened to the question, then waved his hand toward the mountaintop as he answered.\n\n\"He says that it's impossible to climb higher on the mountain. It's a holy place and is protected,\" Omar said. \"The Ark is up there, of course, but they never would try to look for it. He says if we try to find the Ark, we will only meet our deaths.\"\n\n\"Optimistic fellow,\" Jack remarked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that moment, the old Kurd pulled a long knife from his belt and hurled it at Katrina." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It landed next to her foot, where it had pierced the head of a snake.\n\nThe Kurd picked up his knife and tossed the snake. He directed a few words at Katrina, then said something else to Omar. He motioned to his band, and they moved away without another word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did he say?\" Katrina asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He said the snake was poisonous and was about to strike you,\" Omar replied. \"Then he told me that we better not kill any of their sheep or they will kill us.\"\n\nIndy jumped down from the rock. \"That sounds like a fair deal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina looked down at the ground where the snake had been and rubbed her hands over her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she raised her head, Jack was staring at her. She could tell he wanted to say something. She smiled shyly at him and looked away.\n\n\"Let's move on to the shelter and get the camp set up,\" Zobolotsky said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy spoke up. \"Not quite yet. I've got a problem. I don't think you've ever been here before, Vladimir. I think you're lying about seeing the Ark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you talking about? You saw the Ark wood yourself, and you know that it is holy.\"\n\n\"All I know is that you were never in the Nineteenth Petropovlovsky Regiment.\"\n\n\"Why do you say that now that we are almost to the top of the mountain?\"\n\n\"Because it only recently came to my attention. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're crazy, Jones. Let's go, Katrina. We'll carry our own luggage. We don't need these madmen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina was startled and surprised by what Indy had said. But now something that had happened a few years ago suddenly made sense. Everything fell together and she knew that her father had been lying to her for years.\n\n\"He's telling the truth, isn't he, Papa?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, are you against me now, too?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you remember, Papa? I told you about the man who came to our house and was so glad that you were alive. He said he was in the army with you, but that you had disappeared during a battle with the Germans in 1917. When I told you about it, you said it must be another Vladimir Zobolotsky. But it was you, wasn't it? You were never in Turkey, were you?\"\n\nZobolotsky looked away.\n\n\"Mother and I didn't hear from you for a long time, then you came home with this story about Turkey. Why, Papa, why?\"\n\n\"Stop it.\" His face was lined with anguish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a softer voice, he said, \"All right. It's true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But, Papa, what about the Ark wood? Is it just another lie?\"\n\n\"No, it is from the Ark.\"\n\n\"But you just said—\"\n\n\"I know what I said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ran a hand over his face, gathering his thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina could tell he was going to give a lecture, but she sensed this one was going to be like no other she had heard from him.\n\n\"I was a young doctor and I was sick of death,\" he began. \"We were being sent to the front lines and I knew most of the men would die. Millions were dying. The villages were stacked with bodies. I was overwhelmed by blood and death. It was horrible. So I fled back to Russia, but I could not go home because I would be arrested for deserting. Instead, I joined the Bolsheviks.\"\n\nKatrina could hardly believe what she was hearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was as if her father had been transformed into another man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't know him anymore.\n\n\"What's this got to do with the Ark?\" Indy asked\n\n\"I'm getting to that. I didn't tell the Bolsheviks I was a doctor, because I would have been too valuable. At that time I was very naive, and wasn't sure of where I stood about these political matters. They made me a courier, and that was when I found out about the Ark.\"\n\nHe explained how he and another man had captured a White Russian courier en route to the czar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They found that he was carrying photos and descriptions of the Ark and explanations of how it was found, and deep inside the man's satchel, Zobolotsky had found the Ark wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You see, I was a religious man, and when I found this, I knew it was a message from God. I could not be a part of the godless Bolsheviks. I wanted to take the satchel myself, but the other Bolshevik courier wouldn't allow it. I know now that I should have killed him and sent the White Russian on his way to the czar, but everything happened so fast. All I managed to get was the Ark wood.\"\n\n\"What happened to the rest of it?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"The courier delivered it to the command post. I suppose it fell into Trotsky's hands. As for myself, I fled home, and in the confusion of the revolution I escaped with Katrina to America. I never forgot what I saw in the courier's satchel, and of course I took the Ark wood with me. I knew that one day I would come here.\"\n\n\"Why didn't you just tell the truth?\" Katrina implored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At first, I was afraid to admit that I had associated with Bolsheviks. I was worried that I wouldn't have been allowed to enter the United States. Then once I had told my story and people listened, I couldn't change it. No one would believe anything I said about the Ark if they found out I had lied about climbing the mountain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're damned right there.\" Indy pulled the cable out of his pocket. \"I wouldn't be here now if I'd picked up this cable while we were in Istanbul.\"\n\nKatrina took it from him and read it, then handed it to her father without saying a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In spite of Papa's explanation, she didn't understand how he could be such a religious man and at the same time live so long with a lie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her father crumpled the cable and tossed it down. \"The important point, Jones, is that the soldiers of the White Russian Army did climb the mountain and find the Ark, and so will we.\"\n\n\"Unless the whole thing was a fraud,\" Indy said. \"Maybe none of it was real. Maybe it was just a ploy by the czar to keep the Russian people on his side and against the revolution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't believe that,\" Katrina said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now she was wondering about the Ark wood. Had she taken the real Ark wood or the false one from the safe that night in Chicago? Did it matter? Maybe it was all just her belief and had nothing to do with the wood.\n\n\"We'll find out soon enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, can we move on to the shelter?\" Zobolotsky asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words were no sooner out of his mouth than the crack of a firing rifle cut through the cool mountain air. There was a moment of stunned silence, then Katrina screamed as her father collapsed. She dropped beside him. \"No! No!\"\n\nIndy and Omar and Ahmet were yelling in Turkish and Jack and Indy in English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two of them grabbed her father under the shoulders and another carried him by his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This couldn't be happening. She couldn't believe it.\n\nA bullet ricocheted off a rock near Katrina's head. Jack pulled out a gun, dropped to one knee, and fired wildly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and they rushed toward the shelter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In her mind she saw Papa a few hours earlier, pointing to this place where they would camp.\n\nAnd where he would die.\n\nIndy had no idea where the rifle had been fired from or who had fired it. What he knew was that Zobologsky was dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon and Katrina were huddled together under the shelter of rocks as long shadows fell across the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her head rested against Shannon's chest and his arm was draped around her shoulder. Zobolotsky's body was covered with a tarp just a few feet away. Two hours had passed since the first volley had been fired, and they'd heard only one other shot, distant and muffled, fired about half an hour ago.\n\nIndy stood on guard, his rifle pointed out toward the fading light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omar and Ahmet had left to investigate after the last shot was fired, and they hadn't returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ducked back down under the shelter. \"I'm going to start the kerosene stove and heat up the soup.\"\n\n\"Good idea,\" Shannon said. \"Give me the rifle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy tilted his head toward Katrina." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She going to be all right?\"\n\nKatrina looked up and nodded. \"I'm okay,\" she said in a barely audible voice.\n\nJust then several more shots were fired." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy spun around, but it took him only a moment to realize that the shots had been fired from well out of their range." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the hell's going on out there?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"Don't know, but I'll find out.\" Indy crawled out of the shelter. \"Be back in a little while.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy, it's going to be dark in a few minutes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. They won't see me.\"\n\nHe moved off in the direction from which he'd heard the gunfire. He was worried that by now Ahmet and Omar were beyond help. But he couldn't just leave them out here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hadn't gone far before he saw a long shadow moving over the rocks, then another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Monstrous shadows. They were coming his way and he could see rifle shadows, too. He ducked behind a rock and took aim.\n\nThe one in the lead was in his site when he disappeared behind a rock. When he came into view again, one of the last rays of sunlight fell across him and Indy recognized Ahmet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Omar was behind him; they were alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, over here,\" Indy said in a hushed voice when Ahmet was with ten yards.\n\nBoth men ducked behind rocks, then Omar called out, \"Indy, is that you?\"\n\nIndy stood up and ran over to them. \"What was the shooting about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men started talking at once in a mix of Turkish and English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy couldn't make any sense of what they said. Finally, he took Ahmet by the arm. \"Try again. Slowly this time.\"\n\n\"Okay. We walked in the direction of the shot we heard, and when we got close, the Kurds jumped out and captured us. We thought they were going to kill us, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it was the sheep, you see,\" Omar said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I don't see. What sheep?\"\n\n\"The two Russians, the twins. They are the ones who shot Dr. Zobolotsky,\" Ahmet said. \"Then they must have decided to celebrate their victory. So they shot a sheep for their dinner, but the Kurds saw them.\"\n\n\"And they killed them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, they only shot them in the legs so they die slowly. The Kurds showed us what they did, then they let us go. They only wanted us to see what they did to those who killed their sheep.\"\n\nIndy looked up in the direction the Turks had come from. He knew that a wounded man could be as dangerous as a cornered animal. He didn't put it past the Russians to come after them, even with wounded legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's go take a look,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This way,\" Omar said. They climbed over rocks for several minutes. The light had faded almost completely when they reached the base of a rise.\n\nAhmet pointed to the top of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can see from up there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They'd taken just a couple of steps when they froze at the sound of a ferocious growl that made the snarling dogs sound like puppies. \"What the hell was that?\" Indy asked.\n\nBoris wasn't as badly wounded as Alexander, who was bleeding heavily from the bullet in his thigh. They had to get the bullets out, and Boris was ready to operate on his brother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that, he'd tackle his own wound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't trust Alexander to do the job, especially after he was done with him.\n\n\"What are we going to do? We can't climb down the mountain,\" Alexander complained. \"We're going to die here.\"\n\n\"Shut up and pull the tourniquet tighter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boris poured vodka over the wound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Drink this. It'll help.\" He passed him the bottle; Alexander took several gulps.\n\n\"Okay, get ready.\"\n\nBoris dug his knife into the wound, and Alexander screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the scream was lost amid a bone-chilling growl from right behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boris's knife slashed out of control down his brother's leg. He turned his head and saw two huge bears hovering over them. They must have stood ten feet tall with arms thicker than his own thighs. One of them bared three-inch incisors and growled again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boris raised an arm, and the bear swatted his massive paw at him, shredding his forearm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No! No!\" Boris scooted on his back as fast as he could.\n\n\"Boris, help me,\" Alexander screamed.\n\nThe other massive beast picked up Alexander, wrapped his arms around him, and squeezed. Then he shook him as if he weighed nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bear growled at Alexander, shook him again, then ripped out his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Boris didn't see it. He only saw the razor-sharp claws slashing at his head, then felt his face being torn from his skull.\n\nFrom the top of the rise, Indy peered down and saw the Russians receiving the same savagely brutal treatment they had so readily dished out. They were sprawled on the ground, and a pair of gigantic brown bears were viciously tearing them apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few yards away, as yet untouched, was the carcass of the sheep, which the Russians would never eat." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too bad, guys. Too bad." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "expand on the story like Rob MacGregor would" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A day later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The snowfield seemed endless to Katrina, a continent of white that stretched farther than she could see. They were all tied together and carried sticks and prodded the snow as they walked. If Indy tumbled into a fissure, they could surely pull him out. The same might be true if Jack were pulled in after Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if Katrina followed them into a chasm, she figured the two Turks would quickly join them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would be a sudden end to the expedition, which had already lost its leader.\n\nIf Jack hadn't stayed at her side, comforting her through the hours after her father's death, Katrina didn't know if she would have had the courage to continue the ascent. Although she appreciated Jack's support, her feelings were as frozen as the ice and snow that surrounded them. The emotional numbness was self-imposed, a requirement for her very survival." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She couldn't break down or the expedition would collapse and her father's dream would never be realized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So she pressed on, scaling the mountain with a determination that she had hardly known she possessed.\n\nThe clouds were only a few hundred feet above them, and still descending. Katrina fought off a sense of hopelessness. The Ark could be buried beneath the snow and ice of any of the valleys and canyons they'd already climbed through." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if the Russian army report, which Papa had intercepted ten years ago, was correct, the Ark was visible during the summer months." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tried not to think about how she had turned against her father in his last few minutes of life. She didn't want those feelings roaming free. He'd been a good man. That was what she thought, and she was going to fulfill his last wish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just before he'd died, he'd whispered in her ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There. The Ark. See it?\"\n\nNature wasn't their only adversary. Shannon hadn't forgotten about the Janissaries. Every time they'd had a good view of the landscape above and below them, he had stopped the procession and taken out Zobolotsky's binoculars which Katrina had given him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "First, he would peer up the mountain, searching for a sign of the Ark, then he would turn his gaze to the snowfields below them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each time, without a word, he put away the glasses and they continued climbing, a sojourn they'd all agreed to complete.\n\nAfter Indy had told him and Katrina about the fate of the Russians, he asked who wanted to go back down the mountain in the morning. Although Shannon was curious about what was ahead, he was ready to call it quits, if that was what the others wanted. To his surprise, Katrina had spoken adamantly against turning back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was her father's expedition and he would not only want to be buried on the mountain, he would also want them to complete his quest, she'd said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After her speech, no one dissented. Jack was proud of Katrina and more infatuated than ever with her. Although she had yet to open up to him, she accepted his comfort and support. He even felt she needed it, and this gave him hope; perhaps they would have a future together beyond their time in Turkey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the morning they'd buried Zobolotsky's body in the shelter where they'd slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina had kissed her father, then laid the Ark wood on his chest and crossed his hands over it.\n\n\"You sure you want to do that?\" Indy had asked.\n\n\"The Ark wood belongs with him.\"\n\nShannon knew exactly what Indy was thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it was wood from the Ark, it was a treasure that belonged to humanity, and besides, Zobolotsky had stolen it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Indy did the right thing and kept quiet. He and Jack draped the body with a tarp, and then with the help of Omar and Ahmet, they'd covered it with a mound of rocks.\n\nKatrina asked him to read something from the Bible before they left. He agreed, of course, and she requested Luke 17, verses 22 to 26, which was what her father had been reading over and over during the past few days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon had looked it up, read it three times to himself, and then as the others waited he'd read it aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then he said to the disciples, 'The time will come when you will wish you could see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, \"Look, over there!\" or, \"Look, over here!\" But don't go out looking for it. As the lightning flashes across the sky and lights it up from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer much and be rejected by the people of this day. As it was in the time of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man.'\"\n\nShannon thought he knew why Zobolotsky had read the verses over and over. They could be interpreted to mean that the discovery of the Ark would herald the return of the Son of Man. Zobolotsky must have seen himself as a Christlike figure, who'd suffered and been rejected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His quest had been the butt of jokes among Indy's peers and the press." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His chief allies had been people who were more concerned with the political implications than the spiritual ones. But Zobolotsky also lied and deceived. He was a man, not a God.\n\nShannon could also see how the Janissaries could interpret the words to mean that the discovery of the Ark would bring on Judgment Day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe they were right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe it wasn't time for the Ark to be found. Who was he to be responsible for what could be the virtual end of the world?\n\nHe stopped. \"Wait a minute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy turned and frowned. \"Now what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina looked concerned. \"Are you okay?\"\n\nShannon bent down, picked up a handful of snow, and smeared his face with it.\n\n\"What are you doing?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"I just want to clear my head. I think the altitude is getting to me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina bent down next to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you make it?\"\n\n\"Sure. But do we want to make it?\"\n\nKatrina gave him a puzzled look as they both stood up. \"What do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was starting to think that this might be a mistake, that maybe we shouldn't be here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you want to go back?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"Do you?\"\n\nIndy gazed up toward the peak of Big Ararat, which rose above them. A thick layer of clouds had nearly engulfed the mountaintop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know, if the Janissaries hadn't threatened us and tried to kill us, I'd say forget it. Let it rest. But I think we should complete this. If nothing else, it's a matter of principle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what if the Janissaries are right?\" Shannon asked.\n\nNo one said anything for a moment. Then Omar kicked at the crusty snow. \"If we were not supposed to be here, then we wouldn't be. Simple as that, I say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon wasn't so sure about that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their leader had already died, and maybe it was a warning for the others. He felt like he was carrying the weight of the world's future on his back instead of a knapsack. But who were the Janissaries to determine when Judgment Day would come, and why should they be able to kill to enforce their beliefs?\n\n\"Let's go see what's waiting for us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, don't take it so seriously, okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy said as they prepared to move on. \"Chances are we won't find anything.\"\n\nShannon wasn't sure what Indy meant. \"Are you telling me that you came all this way and you don't believe in the Ark?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, for me, it's not a matter of belief. Maybe there was an ark; maybe there were lots of arks that set out during some great flood in ancient times. Maybe there is one of them on this mountain. But the Ark was just a legend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they plodded on, Shannon puzzled over what Indy had said. As far as he knew, the Bible didn't say anything about a bunch of arks. Indy always put a twist on things that made them difficult to understand. Indy was smart, but he didn't study the Bible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jack wasn't even sure what Indy believed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except he knew he didn't believe the earth was created a few thousand years ago. He'd told him that. The more he thought about it, the more bewildered he became. If Indy was right, then was the Bible wrong?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But how could that be?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Things were much simpler when he was onstage and playing his music. There were no such questions to ponder. That was when he was struck by an odd thought, a strange connection that he might not have glimpsed on another day or at a lower altitude. The truth about the Ark might be like the beauty of a jazz riff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were different ways of playing it, and you played what you felt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But your interpretation wasn't necessarily the only right way to play it.\n\n\"Maybe that's it,\" he muttered to himself. \"Maybe it was something like that.\"\n\nIn the dream, they had found the Ark and were about to enter a gaping black hole that was a doorway to the interior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard noises coming from inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Animal sounds. Maybe animals lived inside the Ark. But what animals would live at this altitude?\n\nIndy took a step inside and the shriek of animals was deafening. He was knocked to the ground, overrun by a flood of animals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stampeded over him and the others, crushing them and burying them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a silly dream, not even worth repeating to any of the others. Yet it bothered him, and he couldn't get it out of his mind as they trudged across a snowfield hours later. The sound and the rush of animals had been ferocious, and he'd woken from it sweating and out of breath.\n\nIndy's thoughts were interrupted as his stick plunged straight down through the snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shannon didn't notice he'd stopped and walked into him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy tottered on the brink of the hole, then Shannon yanked on the rope and he was pulled away.\n\nIndy turned and grinned, but his face was as white as the snow. \"That was close.\" He pointed his stick toward a ledge above them. \"Let's try to work our way up there since we can't go any farther in this direction.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one argued with him, especially since the craggy landscape along the route he had suggested was relatively free of snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They backed away from the hidden crevice, then turned upward. Now the angle of the climb was much steeper and the going slowed. At this altitude, it didn't take much to tire them, and every few minutes they stopped for a short rest.\n\nFinally, Indy reached the rocky slope leading to the ledge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you see anything?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy gazed into another canyon, and at first he didn't see anything different from the other canyons they'd crossed today. But then he saw it. \"Pass me those binoculars.\" Indy lifted the lenses to his eyes and focused as the others joined him. \"Very interesting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jack, do you see it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Katrina whispered as the others joined Indy on the ridge.\n\n\"I sure do.\"\n\nOmar and Ahmet dropped to their knees.\n\nThree hundred yards away, a massive black rectangular-shaped object rested on the floor of the hollow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If what they were looking at was Noah's Ark, it resembled a ship about as much as the strange tufa structures in Cappadocia looked like log cabins, Indy thought as he gazed through the lenses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I only wish my father was here with us now,\" Katrina said.\n\n\"Maybe he is,\" Shannon said.\n\n\"What do you see, Indy?\" Katrina asked.\n\nHe lowered the binoculars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's go down and take a closer look.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon held out his hand. \"Let me see.\"\n\nSomething was definitely wrong. Shannon was sure of it, and as they crossed the hollow he became more and more suspicious about the Ark. It seemed to fit the description of the Ark of Genesis, which depicted a vessel that was more barge than boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But magnified through the lenses, the contour had changed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, as they neared it, he realized that what they'd seen was an optical illusion created by shadows and reflections.\n\nHe could see that great chunks had been scooped out of the front and side. It narrowed in the center and was shaped more like a letter K than a rectangular block. It didn't look like it was made of wood, either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy was the first to touch it. \"It's a rock.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon searched for an explanation. \"Maybe it's petrified wood.\"\n\n\"I don't think so, Jack. There's no wood grain of fiber. It's igneous rock.\"\n\nAt that moment, the sun broke through the clouds and they turned their eyes skyward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first, the sun blinded Indy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blinked, shaded his eyes, and then he saw it. No more than two hundred feet above them, a massive black box, shaped like a coffin and virtually the size of an ocean liner, protruded from a glacier. The sight was overwhelming, nearly beyond Indy's comprehension, and totally unexpected.\n\nIn spite of all the time he'd had to think about it, he was unprepared for what he saw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no doubt in his mind that he was gazing up at the Ark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His knees wobbled; his heart fluttered. He turned his head away.\n\n\"My God!\" Shannon whispered. He dropped to one knee and bowed his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katrina's hands were folded in prayer, and tears rolled down her cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two Turks had dropped to the ground and bowed their heads in the snow.\n\nIndy forced himself to look again. He saw it was really there. \"The Ark,\" he said under his breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At least, an ark...\" Whatever, it was going to change everything." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your next one should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would prove that the Genesis deluge was more than legend, that the earth really had undergone massive changes. It was the discovery of all time." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around four sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Rob MacGregor.Produce four sentences using the prose and structure of Rob MacGregor every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even though it seemed they could nearly touch the immense vessel, it took nearly an hour for them to scale the last barrier separating the expedition from the Ark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The break in the clouds had been temporary, and the dense shroud of fog, combined with blowing snow, made the going particularly treacherous. Indy could barely see his feet and repeatedly stabbed his stick at the hard-packed snow in front of him as he edged forward.\n\n\"It's taking forever,\" Shannon said. \"hope we didn't walk right past it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be hard to miss, Jack, even in this soup.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then he saw it fifteen feet away, a vast black wall in the haze. \"Take a look!\"\n\nAlthough Indy was anxious to reach it, he took his time, feeling every step before he committed himself to it. The wind gusted along the wall of the Ark; every stride was an effort. The rope connecting them was icy and felt like an iron rod protruding from his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, the Ark was within his reach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rubbed the snow away and scraped at the ice on the wall. He pulled off his glove and touched the Ark. He leaned close as the others gathered around. It wasn't stone or wood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The surface looked like a hard black resin similar to the layer of pitch he'd seen on the Ark wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've found it, haven't we?\" Katrina shouted above the whining wind. \"We've really found it.\"\n\n\"I don't think it's a rock.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, it's not,\" Shannon said. \"It's the Ark.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were all touching it now. \"This is the holiest of holy places,\" Katrina said. \"We are blessed to be here.\"\n\nIndy took a couple of steps back and craned his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From below he'd estimated that the Ark rose at least forty feet from the snow, but now it was impossible to tell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to gauge its length, its width, but the structure vanished after a few feet in the clouds and blowing snow.\n\n\"What's wrong, Indy?\" Shannon shouted.\n\n\"We'd better start back. We can't stay up here tonight, and it's going to be dark in a couple of hours.\"\n\nKatrina shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to stay up here. In the morning when it's clear, I can take my pictures.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's look for a door,\" Shannon said. \"We can stay inside.\"\n\nA door, he thought. Sure. And a welcome mat decorated with a pair of giraffes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Usually he was the one willing to take chances." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But not in the damn cold. He hated every minute he spent in the snow and ice and blowing wind. Give him a desert or tropical jungle any day over these conditions. And the longer they stayed up here, the less time they'd have to find a suitable shelter in the canyon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he didn't argue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned and edged along the Ark toward the end that they hadn't been able to see. Except for the top few inches, the snow was packed hard and formed an incline. The vessel was probably resting on a glacier, and someday, with the right conditions, it might slide down into the valley. It could take years, centuries even." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or it could slip this summer. Or tonight, maybe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The end of the vessel was buried in snow, and the incline allowed them to reach the top. Indy stepped out onto the flat, snow-covered surface and was nearly blown off the mountain. The wind howled; sixty miles an hour, at least, he thought.\n\nHe dropped to his hands and knees and was about to back down, but the others were already following him. Swell. Just swell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He crawled ahead until he reached the other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind seemed lighter here, and there was less snow in the air. But there was no incline. If they dropped to the snow fifteen feet below, they probably wouldn't be able to climb up again, and he wasn't in favor of finding a new route down. Not at this hour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look! There. Do you see it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shannon was hanging over the edge, pointing.\n\nIndy leaned forward and peered through the haze. The wall was covered with snow and ice, but Shannon was pointing at a black hole.\n\n\"It's a way inside,\" he yelled. \"C'mon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy wasn't so sure it was an opening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered the illusion the fake ark had created. \"Jack, wait!\"\n\nBut Shannon had already slipped out of the loop of rope tying them together, shed his knapsack, and dropped over to the side. He sank to his thighs in the snow and waved for them to join him.\n\nThen everyone was wiggling out of the rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ahmet and Omar took Katrina's hands and lowered her over the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dropped next to Shannon, who gave her a hug and pointed.\n\nMaybe something was there. At least a shelter for the night. The two Turks quickly rigged the knapsacks to the rope and lowered them over the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Say, aren't you guys worried about what might happen when the world knows about the Ark?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy asked. Even though they were Moslems, they'd had no reservations about the climb.\n\n\"If it is time for Judgment Day, then we are ready,\" Ahmet said. He leaped down, and Omar followed him.\n\n\"I don't know if I'm ready,\" Indy said to himself, then plunged after them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hit a soft spot and fell forward and was buried to his neck in snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rose up and gazed toward the wall.\n\nWisps of fog hung in the air, and the wind had died to a whisper. In front of him, a gaping hole opened in the side of the vessel, and all Indy could think of was his dream of the Ark's doorway and roaring animals charging and burying them.\n\nShannon and Katrina stepped toward the black hole and were about to enter the vessel when they stopped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They didn't move, and Indy wondered what was keeping them from entering the Ark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Hasan emerged from the darkness, aiming a rifle at Shannon's chest. Behind him were two other Janissaries.\n\n\"So glad the expedition finally made it,\" he said and smiled. \"It was faster going up the other side.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy knew they were trapped, but he didn't think that Hasan had seen him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He quickly burrowed down into the snow, covering his head, disappearing from sight.\n\n\"Where are the other two—Zobolotsky and Jones?\" Hasan demanded as soon as Shannon and Katrina and the two Turks were ushered inside.\n\n\"They didn't make it,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thought he'd seen Indy drop from the roof, but now he wasn't sure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We had some trouble with those bald twins.\"\n\nHasan motioned the two men with him to look around. \"Where are the Russians?\"\n\n\"The Kurds and a couple of bears took care of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too bad. Well, take a look around. I hope you find this place interesting, because you're going to stay here a long time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the Ark,\" Katrina said. \"You can't deny that it exists.\"\n\nHe smiled at the young woman. \"I never denied the existence of the Ark. It's the revelation of it that concerns me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why didn't you just stay in your hole?\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hasan's thick mustache curled up into an ear-to-ear smile. \"You are the ones who will stay in the dark until Judgment Day when your bones will be crushed by the hordes praising the return of the Son.\"\n\n\"And you will be judged as a murderer,\" Shannon snapped.\n\nHasan's jaw tensed. \"The Janissaries are servants and warriors of God. We are one with His wishes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then why did He let us find the Ark?\" Shannon asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jack, don't push him,\" Katrina said.\n\n\"You are fools, but you are no longer a danger. God has tested us, and we have shown Him that we are ready to defend the Ark from all infidels who would expose it to the world.\"\n\n\"What makes you think you know when Judgment Day is coming?\" Shannon persisted.\n\n\"Only God knows that. He will reveal—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sharp crack of a gunshot cut the exchange short." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On your faces, and don't move.\"\n\nIndy knew every minute now was precious. Hasan was going to kill his friends, and he wasn't about to let it happen without a fight. Slowly, he lifted his head until he could see the wall and the black hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the Janissaries prodded the snow with the barrel of his rifle near the spot where Shannon had landed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He moved closer to another landing spot and stabbed at the snow.\n\nThen he moved nearer and jabbed the snow near Indy's feet, missing his boots by inches.\n\nC'mon, Indy thought. Closer. A little closer.\n\nIndy couldn't spring from the snow with any effectiveness; it was too deep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, the man moved along toward Indy's head and thrust the rifle into the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instantly, Indy snatched the barrel; the man struggled and tumbled on top of him. They rolled over and over, fighting for the weapon.\n\nThen a shot was fired, but the rifle didn't kick. The Janissary's grip relaxed, and Indy realized the man had been hit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shoved him up, out of the snow, and the air cracked with the report of another shot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy burst through the snow into a sitting position, simultaneously raising the rifle. He spotted another Janissary, fired.\n\nThe man crumpled to the ground; Hasan darted from the hole. Indy rolled over, burying himself in the snow again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hasan fired wildly, and the sound of the shots echoed from the top of the mountain and down through the valleys below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy rose up to return the fire just as a low rumbling erupted. He took aim at Hasan, but he couldn't hold the rifle steady any longer. The ground shuddered; the rumbling grew louder. It was as if the mountain were talking back, and indeed it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Talking and moving! The sound grew to a roar; the mountain rocked. Avalanche!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gunfire. Of course.\n\nIndy crawled toward the hole and collided with Hasan. The Janissary raised his rifle, swung it at him, but missed. Indy jabbed the butt of his rifle into Hasan's gut and dived for the hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took one look back as he rolled over and saw a tidal wave of snow fifty feet high roaring down the mountain; the sound was deafening. \"Oh, Jesus.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rolled again and disappeared into the hole just as the maw of the avalanche swallowed the Ark. Snow exploded over and around him. The vessel shuddered and he was tossed onto his back.\n\nThey were moving! The Ark slid forward, over the edge of the canyon, a giant toboggan sweeping into the valley over the snow and ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy tumbled and careened about like a circus performer somersaulting from a trapeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there was no partner to catch him, no net to save him. He didn't know up from down; all he knew was that his body was being pummeled. Then, with a tremendous jolt, the Ark came to a rest and he was catapulted through the air, a human cannonball, and his head cracked against something hard.\n\n\"Hark!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy blinked his eyes at the sound of the voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first, he saw nothing but the darkness. Gradually, his eyes adjusted and he saw the old man. \"Who are you?\"\n\n\"You know.\"\n\nIndy tried to make out his features." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a bushy beard and white hair falling over his shoulders. \"Merlin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man laughed. \"Think about where you are.\"\n\nIndy looked around, trying to get his bearings. He saw the ruins of cages." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Noah... don't tell me you're Noah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then I won't.\"\n\n\"What do you want?\" Indy asked.\n\n\"You're in my Ark. You're my guest. What would you like?\"\n\n\"To get out of here alive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this really happening?\"\n\n\"What do you think?\"\n\n\"I don't know. Where are the others? I don't want to lose them. I want to see them. I want all of us out alive.\"\n\n\"So be it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indy! I think he's coming to his senses. Indy, are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noah's voice still echoed in his mind as he heard Katrina. He blinked his eyes. His head pounded. Katrina, Shannon, Ahmet, and Omar were crouched around him.\n\n\"It's a miracle,\" Shannon said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We thought you were outside buried in the avalanche all this time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy saw faint light in the distance as he rose up on his elbows. He was near a wall and a pile of snow. \"What happened?\"\n\n\"The Ark slid down into the valley,\" Shannon said. \"But that was yesterday. We've been tunneling through the snow all morning, and we broke through.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was piling snow here from the tunnel when I saw you,\" Katrina said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy sat up and rubbed his face. He was cold and sore and numb.\n\n\"Indy, listen,\" Shannon said. \"Do you think you can walk? We've got to get out of here before the tunnel collapses. There's a lot of snow on the Ark.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They helped him to his feet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Now write approximately five sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt dizzy for a moment. \"I think I'm okay.\"\n\nAs they moved toward the tunnel his vision of Noah came to mind. \"Hark?\"\n\n\"What was that?\" Shannon asked.\n\n\"Never mind. I'll tell you later. Let's go home.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide four sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A month late\n\nNew York\n\n\"So at that point, we were ready to make our descent,\" Indy said as he relaxed in an overstuffed chair in Marcus Brody's office.\n\n\"You must have been exhausted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brody rested his chin on his hands as he listened in fascination." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We all were. It was a tough day, but we made it to a shepherd's hut, and the same Kurds who had shot the Russians gave us our first meal in two days.\"\n\nIndy brushed a mote of dust off of his tie, which he wore with a brown tweed suit, as he waited for Brody's response.\n\n\"Indy, I haven't heard such an intriguing tale since... I guess since you told me what happened to you in the Amazon.\" He stood up and moved around his desk, working his way through a maze of pottery, statues, and stelae." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hate to say this to you, but I think it's in your best interest if you keep this episode to yourself when you go to the interview. Especially the part about your talk with Noah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy laughed. \"Don't worry about that, Marcus. But I wasn't the only one who saw the Ark. We were all inside it.\"\n\n\"Yes. You and a jazz musician who found God, an Istanbuli taxi driver, a Turkish peasant, and a young lady whose father was obsessed with the Ark. They won't be taken seriously and neither will you.\"\n\nIndy adjusted his black, wire-rim glasses. \"Well, it's up there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Brody raised a hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't get me wrong, Indy. I believe you, but I'm just trying to be practical. Think about it; even if you did convince a team of scientists to accompany you and you raised the necessary funds, what are the chances that you would find it?\"\n\nHe probably could find the valley again, but the Ark was buried under tons of snow. \"I see what you mean.\"\n\n\"Maybe it's best that way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indy smiled and leaned forward in his chair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't tell me that you believe this stuff about Judgment Day.\"\n\nBrody walked over to a window and stared out. \"Not so long ago, you would've laughed at the suggestion that there was an ark, any ark on Mount Ararat.\"\n\n\"That's true.\" Indy stood up and shook Brody's hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've got to go, Marcus. I'm late already.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope it goes well at your interview. I think you'll make a great addition to the archaeology staff.\n\n\"Thanks. I'll let you know what happens as soon as I find out.\"\n\nIndy left the office and descended the steps of the museum." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He caught a taxi to Grand Central Station and hurried inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There you are,\" Shannon said. \"I thought you weren't going to make it. We're all ready to board.\"\n\n\"I know.\"\n\nKatrina stepped forward and hugged Indy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you were going to California with us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be out to see you. Best of luck.\"\n\nShe kissed him on the cheek. \"Thanks. I've got something for you.\" She reached into her purse and pulled out a long, slender object wrapped in cloth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Ark wood.\"\n\n\"What? You left it with your father.\"\n\n\"No. That was just cloth wound tightly together. It was a gesture. I didn't see any reason to leave the real one, but I didn't want to say anything right then.\"\n\nIndy held it up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know just the museum director who will find a place for it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indy turned to Shannon. \"The jazz scene in San Francisco will never be the same after you arrive, Jack.\"\n\nShannon grinned and took Katrina by the hand. \"We'll see, Indy. We'll see.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a lucky guy, Jack. One helluva lucky guy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\"\n\n\"Well, I've got my own train to catch.\"\n\nIndy started to leave, but stopped and turned to Katrina. \"By the way, did you hold the Ark wood one last time?\"" } ]