Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Oh, I dont find my faith tedious, John assured her. Just some of the practices. But, as the future Lord Defender of the Dynamics, I have to be seen taking an interest. Upon occasion, st least. As he spoke he watched her fiddling with her bracelet, reading the message in the movement of her thumbs on the tiny keyboard with an 80 confidence of accuracy, based on his knowledge of Pleidan language and technologies. Standing is tedious, the princess announced suddenly, taking his arm. Let's take a few turns about the room, shall we? See who bothered showing up, who looks elated by the news and who looks angered. I find that keeping note of angry people at a happy occasion usually comes in handy at least it won't be a surprise when you find a knife in your back. Is it a happy occasion? he wondered, watching the discrete and indiscreet glances they drew as she led them around the perimeter of the hall. Many were distinctly unhappy, and not all of the unhappy expressions were from Hyadeans. I had the distinct impression that your ruling clans were no happier about this than our Parliament. Besides, she chuckled, people will be wanting to congratulate us whether they're happy or not I imagine we'll be courted as powerful allies once your father dies and that all begins right here. An excellent point, Princess, he said with a slight smile. Its amazing the kind of compromises people will make in they think they can obtain an advantage. By the way, she added with a smile, teeth startlingly white against her dark skin, if we are to be married you may as well just call me Yusra. He returned the smile. Then call me John, he replied. Most of my family does, in private at least. That seemed to spark a question, and he watched it make its way into full life. So your brother, she asked, still walking. He looks as though he was raised on the wrong end of the galaxy, doesn't he? I didn't think mz--men of your race were very interested in women of mine. Is that why he is 'sir' and not 'prince'? It is, he answered. My father took a mistress, a few years before I was born. He shrugged. Ive never asked the details, but I know he still provides for her. And I know that he contemplated recognizing him as his son and heir, but his councilors talked him out of it because of political considerations. He gave her a sidelong glance and a sly smile. The House of Lords, he said, recalling the keystrokes on her communicator, would rather be ruled by a tedious mzungu than a bastard kaffir.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Is it a happy occasion? John wondered, watching people as they moved around the room. I had the distinct impression that your ruling clans were no happier about this than our Parliament. Oh they aren't, she agreed. But while this may not be a happy occasion for them or for us, it's supposed to be a happy occasion for both our peoples. Or so my brother keeps telling me, anyway. Besides, she chuckled, people will be wanting to congratulate us whether they're happy or not I imagine we'll be courted as powerful allies once your father dies and that all begins right here. That managed to elicit a smile from him, but only a very slight one. Neither that one nor the one he gave when he asked her to call him John seemed very genuine. It felt to her like many of his expressions were wooden and mechanical. Yusra listened with a slight frown while John explained why it was that Philip wasn't the heir to the throne. Why could he not just take her to wife? she asked. Surely Adjatay and Okot had been mistaken. Even if it wasn't common among the people, it only made sense for royalty to have that freedom for just such occasions as these. My mother, after all, is Queen Consort and I would inherit the throne with no problem, ancestors forbid something should happen to my brothers. Or if I had been born first the throne would be mine, even if my mother was not the king's primary wife. It is less complicated this way. John gave her a sidelong glance and a sly smile, the first genuine-seeming one of the evening. The House of Lords would rather be ruled by a tedious mzungu than a bastard kaffir. What minuscule progress she had made in warming to her fiance was undone. Yusra's jaw clenched and a muscle visibly worked beneath her skin, not only at the use of the word kaffir , but at the invasion of her privacy. Husbands and wives, she said, exercising a great amount of control as she worked to recover her pleasant expression and continue moving for the sake of appearances, generally do not spy upon one another. It engenders a lack of trust, don't you think? She paused to shake hands and smile at an ambassador from the Crab Nebula. Were you anyone else, she muttered through her teeth, still smiling once the ambassador had moved away, I would have immediately put your eye out for such an invasion of my privacy. I know your people don't think much of women, but on Betelgeuse we command respect and equal consideration to men. Her smile had slowly slipped in a way which was socially acceptable so that an outside observer might not notice her displeasure, but it reappeared instantly when another official came to congratulate them.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Husbands and wives, she said, icy control straining her voice as humor drained from her eyes, generally do not spy upon one another. It engenders a lack of trust, don't you think? A woman approached, an ambassador from the Free Worlds of the Crab Nebula. Madame Ambassador, he said, bowing slightly. A delight to see you. And to see you, on this joyous occasion, she replied. May your union and the peace it brings bless us all. I am certain it will, Madame Ambassador, he smiled, but his voice lowered to a hiss as she moved off. Husbands and wives generally do not stand in front of each other and send insulting messages to third parties about their spouses, he remarked. That also engenders a lack of trust. Yusras smile remained fixed in place, but it had the warmth of a glacier. Were you anyone else, she muttered through her teeth, I would have immediately put your eye out for such an invasion of my privacy. Then its just as well Im not anyone else, he replied, then wiggles his thumbs. And you were doing by it right in front of me. Fo you think Im blind, as well as tedious? I know your people don't think much of women, she snapped back, but on Betelgeuse we command respect and equal consideration to men. Within Hyades, women are revered as the source of life, he shot back. And we recognize that respect cannot be commanded, only earned. All you command is subservience and fear . Prince Johnathan, a voice interrupted, causing him to plaster a composed smile on his face as he turned to greet the new arrival. Lord Blakestead-Putin, he said smoothly, nodding in acknowledgement of the mans bow. Permit me to introduce Princess Yusra Rusayla Quosi, warden of the Eastern Milky Way. A grand title, Princess, Lord Blakestead-Putin replied, bowing slightly. Johns lips thinned with suppressed anger. It is, he agreed, and one befitting your future queen. Ah, but I forget my manners. He turned slightly, looking at Yusra. Princess. Allow me to present Lord Winston Blakestead-Putin, currently the Keeper of the Privy Purse of the Court of New Zion. The emphasis was not list on the Lord. Th honor is all mine, Princess Yusra, he said hurriedly, straining to control his expression as he bowed lower. I beg your leave, your highnesses. John dismissed him with a gesture. Some of us, he remarked coldly after the man left, are capable of respecting others. In public, at least.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

A title which I execute with great austerity and commitment, Yusra replied to Lord Blakestead-Putin, bowing her head very slightly. It is, John agreed, and one befitting your future queen. It surprised her that he would defend her to one of his lords, particularly given their current discussion. But he introduced them and threatened the lord with his job if he did not show greater respect. The mzungu bowed lower before taking his leave, clearly wary of getting on his prince's bad side. It chafed that John had acted so civilly when people were around, and Yusra latched on to anger rather than embarrassment to press her side of the fight. Some of us, he remarked coldly after the lord left, are capable of respecting others. In public, at least. In public, indeed, she snorted. And some of us feel free to allow our true feelings to be known to confidantes in private correspondence. Shall I look forward to earning your respect while you read my letters over my shoulder as I write them, as well? Yusra finally turned her head to look at him straight on when it was apparent that there was a break in well-wishers. Neither of us are happy about this, John. I am doing my duty and putting on a good front in public but I will not be censored in private, nor would I expect you to be. Privacy in my private thoughts and correspondence are all I ask, nothing more and nothing less. Do not force me to demand it. After a thought and a sip of champagne she turned to him again. Oh...and never again presume to know how I interact with my people. Try familiarizing yourself with a person's governing practices before making judgments about them.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Neither of us are happy about this, John, Yusra snapped. I am doing my duty and putting on a good front in public but I will not be censored in private, nor would I expect you to be. Privacy in my private thoughts and correspondence are all I ask, nothing more and nothing less. Do not force me to demand it. Censored? John folded his arms and stared at her. I was hardly censoring you, Yusra. I was remarking on your comments. You stood right there and... Another well-wisher, one of the Matriarchs of Polaris, approached. John held his tongue, thanking her for her kind words after she had greeted Yusra and then himself. And then Yusra was snapping at him again. Oh...and never again presume to know how I interact with my people. Try familiarizing yourself with a person's governing practices before making judgments about them. His reply was in his own voice, but perfectly replicating the cadence and rhythm and accent of her speech. I know your people don't think much of women, but on Betelgeuse we command respect and equal consideration to men. A blink, and then his voice returned to normal. You should learn to practice what you preach, Princess Yusra, he snapped. He gestured irritably at her wrist. And as for the nvading your privacy, that is another thing you should familiarize yourself with if you wish to make judgements about Hyadeans. Im a fifth-order Computer, a title of accomplishment and respect. He smiled a little, one corner of his mouth crooking up. One of our children could have read the message you sent, if they knew your language, and I am far better trained than that.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Comments I didn't address to you , nor did I say them aloud, Yusra interrupted. You stood right there and... The prince held his tongue and they both smiled and greeted the Matriarch of Polaris warmly. Yusra allowed herself a sip of champagne once the Matriarch had departed. Oh...and never again presume to know how I interact with my people. Try familiarizing yourself with a person's governing practices before making judgments about them. His response was to mock her accent, admonishing her to practice what she preached. Her eyebrows raised, her chin jutted out, and she pressed her palms together in a prayer-like position in front of her chest. She would rip that smug little smirk right off of his face. It took a great amount of restraint not to. Computer indeed, John Harker, she agreed, gesturing with both hands still pressed together. A bomboclaat machine, that's you. And a fifth-order at that. She tilted her head , a warning sign of danger particularly in combination with her gesturing hands throughout the Pleiades system despite her plastered-on smile for the benefit of onlookers not in earshot, and cocked an eyebrow even higher. Do you think I'm some ignorant commoner who knows nothing of your culture? The same primitive, ignorant African your ancestors assumed mine were? You're lucky if you're a first-order Computer. And clearly an invasion of privacy is something you mzungu even teach your children is acceptable. How do any of you trust one another? Just because you can spy on someone's private communications does not give you the right to. In what was a great act of will she straightened her head and dropped her hands, clenching and unclenching her fists a few times, knowing that her countrymen would pick up on her physical cues if they had been watching. Not a good look, at least not right now. Abruptly she embraced him and kissed his cheek before letting go just as abruptly. I'll see you at the scarification ceremony, your highness, she said shortly before breezing by him as though she had just seen her brother. What did you just do? Okot demanded, hissing in her ear while they kissed cheeks to greet each other. What makes you think I did anything? Yusra asked lightly, taking his arm. Not only do I know you, baby sister, but I was watching you. Things started out looking like they were going well. And then...? And then he decided to spy on my private communications, call me a kaffir, and mock my accent. Okot resisted the urge to rub his eyes. We need this alliance, Yuyu. For the good of us all, and for the continuation of humanity. You marry him, then! she snorted. By the way, he'll be returning with us to Betelgeuse for the scarification ceremony this evening.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

This is madness ! John raged, pacing the floor of his fathers private office. It is necessary , responded King Robert with an air of infinite patience. Hed been expecting an outburst of this sort ever since his son had received the news. Thats easy for you to say! John snapped. Youre not the one being forced to marry some ill-tempered, arrogant heathen ! He rounded on his father. She... Is in the line of succession to the Pleadean throne, replied his father, leaning back and regarding him cooly. And your wedding is a necessary component of the peace we have brokered. I... John began. You will do your duty, King Robert snapped, cutting him off. You will marry her, and you will sire an heir on her, and then you can discretely take a mistress. He crooked a humorless smile. No doubt, she will do the same. The smile faded. But you will make this work. The peace is fragile enough right now. I dont need your temper jeopardizing it further. Yes. Father. The wirds were strangled. Good. Now make your arrangements, and choose your entourage. The King watched his reaction carefully. You are leaving for Betelgeuse in three hours, after all.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

It is blisteringly hot, here, Prince John complained. At least you get to wear something that breathes , Sir Philip retorted, adjusting his collar. Sweat beaded on his face, and pooled in the small of his back. Your Honor Guard doesnt get that luxury. John grimaced, considering the justice of his brothers complaint. He was dressed in a traditional Pleadean ceremonial robe , while his brother and Ryan Temple, Lord-Commander if the Princes Guard, wore the formal white jackets and black breeches of the Hyadean Royal Navy. The uniforms were light weight, but still uncomfortably hot in the stifling subtropical temperatures. Ill trade you. Not likely, Lord Ryan snorted. Ill take sweating over letting someone carve into me any day. Thank you, John stated deadpan, for reminding me. I live to serve, Lord Ryan replied, cracking a small grin. I live to serve. -- This is for the greater good of humanity , John reminded himself as he entered the courtyard. Drums thundered in the background, adding a primal rhythm to the savage ceremony about to his nooks. The greater good of all . Yusra stared at him across the pit in the center, her expression a mocking challenge as the... priest? John was uncertain of his title, call him an officiant. As the officiant recited the ritual words of the ceremony. I am certain, he replied when cued, staring back at her with hard, unwavering eyes. He let his robe fall to the ground, stepping by naked into the fire pit. Surrounded by black faces, staring at the bare black body of his fiance, he had the sudden sensation that he was the unusual one. Is this how Philip feels ? he wondered. But then the time for idle speculation was past, and he reached out to grip Yusras hands as he sat. A drink was offered to him with the murmured promise that it would dull the pain. He refused i, noting that Yusra did as well. He kept his eyes fixed on Yusra, focusing on her face as he felt the officiant tracing lines on his back, marking out where the incisions would be made. A second attended to Yusra, performing the same actions. That officiant then produced a knife cut from a glittering black substance, and from Yusras carefully controlled expression he knew his attendant had done the same. Concentrate on other sensory input , he reminded himself. It will dull the pain . And so he set himself to memorizing the contours if Yusras hands and features. Even so, he wasnt prepared for the sensation. A line of flame seemed to sear acriss his skin at the first cut, drawing a small gasp and causing his hands to clench. That... wasnt so bad , he thought shakily. For an instant he thought it was over. But then pain seated across his skin once more, and he realized it had only just begun.
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

The ritual went on and on, far longer than seemed necessary. John lost himself in memorizing his fiancees features, the mental exercise helping to distract him. Not very much, admittedly, because the knives demanded attention every time they sliced into him. But enough to resist the urge to flinch or scream. If Yusra could stand it, he decided, than so could he. And she could handle it, impressively so. Handle it well enough to offer a measure of comfort as she squeezed his hands back. And to, in the midst of the ritual, glance downwards to examine him. Tedious mzungu or not, the little smile she managed showed that she approved of what she saw. And to tell the truth, he did as well. Once he got past her ebon skin - far darker than the typical dark-skinned Hyadean, who was generally of Indian or Mesoamerican ancestry - she was nicely formed and quite pleasant to look at. Even with her muscles rigid with the effort of self-control. He let his gaze linger visibly in her thighs and breasts, then returned her appraising smile with one of his own. Then the knife cut into him again, and the moment of shared flirtatious appraisal passed. Finally, it ended. He rose on shaky feet, throat parched and legs aching and tortured back on fire. He had to bite his lip to keep from crying out as something stroked over his lacerated flesh, and the medical ointments they deposited stung and burned. It took a moment to remember he needed to take the torch Lord Ryan offered, and an act of will to bend and thrust it into the wood. The audience applauded and cheered, and the drums - which had kept a slow, steady rhythm throughout - erupted into a thunderous roar. May the ancestors bless your union, the officiant cried above the cheers, and grant you strong, healthy children. May they guide your hands in your marriage, in your lives, and in your rule. He grinned. Let's eat! Moving carefully, John allowed Ryan and Philip to help him dress, hissing softly as the soft fabric of the robe slid over his raw back. Philip then gently steered him back towards Yusra. They were, after all, engaged now. Well now, that wasn't too terrible was it? Yusra teased, her smile artificial. He wasnt certain if it was due to pain or distaste. The worst is passed, mostly. It certainly prepares a couple for a life together, he replied, managing a weak smile. After all that, the common trials of marriage must seem mild and petty. He offered her his arm, but allowed her to guide him. Hed memorized the layout of the palace and its grounds, but didnt feel up to the mental gymnastics of orienting himself. And we've seen each other naked now, too, she chuckled, so at least that's out of the way. I don't think the wedding night will be too awkward. I know Ill be looking forward to finding out how awkward it will be, he replied, smiling a little. I hope the ceremony isnt until our backs heal, though. He walked in silence for a moment. Tell me, though... are there any other traditions I should be aware of?
Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Pay attention, Yusra admonished Andikan. This is your heritage, and it will be your rite of passage too some day. A rite of passage. John looked out over the assembled crowd, all of them watching the lion - a holigraphic replacement for the extinct predators of Old Earth - as it prowled and roared. But, he saw, they werent just watching the lion. They were watching the young men as they stretched and readied themselves to prove themselves men. Bomani, he asked mildly, the lion. Can it still injure the hunters? Yes, the bodyguard replied. It is a holograph displayed on interlocking cling fields of force that can be grounded by the spear. But the forces feel solid, and can bruise or even kill. I see. He thought for a moment, then rise. Pray excuse me, Princess Yusra. It seems I am not done with ritual this evening. What are you doing ? Philip hissed, grabbing his arm. You herd her, he answered. It is a rite of passage. A way to prove manhood. John gestured towards the crowd. If Inam to be a Prince of these people, Philip, they must see me respect their customs. And they must see me as a man.