human
Well? Shawn came forward another step or two.
gpt
Well? What's this disorder, and thou naked and shameless?
human
Why, said Ben,
gpt
Mutiny, said Shawn quietly. His head canted to one side, a danger sign. He had stood so, without a word, when the body of Cornelius Barentsz was cut in quarters and tossed to the sharks. Then as now, the copper farthing had appeared in his left hand, twisting and sparkling. It caught the sun this morning, sending lances of sharp light at Ben's eyes, and Ben turned his knife until it shot the same small cruel messages to Shawn, who winced and briefly turned his face away.
human
He can't run any more of your errands. He's sharks' meat, five minutes past. Don't be calling the others and disturbing their breakfast.
gpt
This from you.... Ben, you shall have part of your wish. You shall go in the cabin, immediate. I order you to go there, and here is the key.
human
Joey, he said,
gpt
Joey Mills, do you take orders from a bare-naked child and not from your captain?
human
He won't harm you, Joey. His business is with me, not with you. If he tries to stop you, Ledyard and I will both help you.
gpt
Dummy!