human
I have a surprise for you, Retief, he said, in Terran.
gpt
I myself have made use of the teaching machine you so kindly lent us.
human
That's fine. T'Cai-Cai, Retief said.
gpt
I'm sure Mr. Spradley will be interested in hearing what we have to say.
human
Never mind, the Yill said.
gpt
I am here only socially.
human
So plainly you decorate your chamber. But it has a certain austere charm.
gpt
Oh, you are a strange breed, you Terrestrials. You surprised us all. You know, one hears such outlandish stories. I tell you in confidence, we had expected you to be overpushes.
human
Pushovers,
gpt
Such restraint! What pleasure you gave to those of us, like myself of course, who appreciated your grasp of protocol. Such finesse! How subtly you appeared to ignore each overture, while neatly avoiding actual contamination. I can tell you, there were those who thought--poor fools--that you had no grasp of etiquette. How gratified we were, we professionals, who could appreciate your virtuosity--when you placed matters on a comfortable basis by spurning the cats'-meat. It was sheer pleasure then, waiting, to see what form your compliment would take.
human
I confess even I had not hoped that you would honor our Admirable so signally. Oh, it is a pleasure to deal with fellow professionals, who understand the meaning of protocol!
gpt
There is one bit of business I shall take pleasure in attending to, my dear Retief, T'Cai-Cai went on. He drew a large paper from his reticule.
human
The Admirable is determined than none other than yourself shall be accredited here. I have here my government's exequatur confirming you as Terrestrial consul-general to Yill. We shall look forward to your prompt return.
gpt
I'm sure the Corps will agree,
human
Then I shall be going, T'Cai-Cai said. He stood up.
gpt
Hurry back to us, Retief. There is much that I would show you of Yill.
human
I'll hurry, Retief said and, with a Yill wink:
gpt
Together we shall see many high and splendid things!