Write the opening scene of a futuristic science-fiction novel. Use lots of dialogue, description, and detail. Use first-person POV and italicize the main character’s inner dialogue. Give the main character a unique, sassy, ironic, sarcastic, and humorous voice. Throughout the scene, use beats and other actions to bring the characters and their world to life. End with something shocking and unexpected.
ChatGPT (“Murder in NeoCity”):
I squinted against the harsh glare of the neon lights as I stepped out onto the rain-soaked streets of NeoCity. The air hummed with a symphony of hovercars whizzing overhead and the low murmur of conversations from the busy sidewalk. Great. Another night in this tech-infested wonderland.
I adjusted the collar of my trench coat, feeling like a low-budget detective from a vintage holofilm. Not that I minded playing the role of a futuristic gumshoe, but in a world full of flying robots and cybernetically enhanced humans, the old-school charm could only get you so far.
“Detective Ryder,” a metallic voice chimed in my earpiece, slicing through my thoughts like a buzzsaw. “You’re needed at the Cybernetix Tower. A body was found in the server room. Looks like murder.”
I sighed, my breath mixing with the misty rain. “Of course, it’s always a murder. Why can’t these people commit a good old-fashioned forgery or tax evasion?”
I hailed a hovercab, its sleek design gliding to a stop in front of me. I slid into the backseat, the doors hissing shut behind me. The driver, a holographic projection of a man wearing a classic chauffeur uniform, nodded at me through the rearview mirror. “Where to, detective?”
“Cybernetix Tower,” I replied, leaning back against the plush seat. “And step on it. I’ve got a date with a dead body.”
The hovercab shot forward, zipping through the bustling city streets at breakneck speed. I gripped the edges of my seat, my heart pounding like a faulty reactor. Why did I always end up in the middle of these messes?
The cab screeched to a halt outside the towering edifice of Cybernetix Tower, its polished glass exterior reflecting the city’s neon glow. I shoved a handful of credits into the payment slot and darted out into the rain.
I flashed my credentials at the security guard, who looked about as thrilled to see me as a cat at a water park. “Detective Ryder,” I announced, my voice dripping with the sarcasm only years of dealing with hardened criminals and malfunctioning holograms could bring. “I’m here to investigate a murder.”
The guard grunted and pointed towards the elevators. “Up to the 30th floor, detective. Server room’s just down the hall. Good luck, not that you’ll need it.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing full well that luck was about as reliable as a politician’s promises. I made my way to the elevator and pressed the button, the doors sliding open with a soft ping. I stepped inside and hit the button for the 30th floor, the numbers on the display flashing like a kid on a sugar rush.
As the elevator ascended, I couldn’t help but wonder who could have committed a murder in the heart of a high-security building like this. The doors slid open, revealing a dimly lit hallway lined with sleek silver doors.
I approached the server room, my hand instinctively reaching for the gun holstered at my side. Alright, Ryder. Time to put that wit of yours to good use. Let’s solve this murder and maybe, just maybe, I’ll have time for a decent cup of coffee afterwards.
I pushed open the door, ready to greet the grim scene that awaited me. But what I found inside stopped me dead in my tracks.
There, sprawled on the floor amidst a tangle of wires and blinking lights, lay a body. But it wasn’t just any body. It was my body.
Well, isn’t this a twist. Who knew I’d be investigating my own murder?
Prompt:
Write the opening scene of a futuristic science-fiction novel. Use lots of dialogue, description, and detail. Use first-person POV and italicize the main character’s inner dialogue. Give the main character a unique, sassy, ironic, sarcastic, and humorous voice. Throughout the scene, use beats and other actions to bring the characters and their world to life. End with something shocking and unexpected.
ChatGPT (“Murder in NeoCity”):
I squinted against the harsh glare of the neon lights as I stepped out onto the rain-soaked streets of NeoCity. The air hummed with a symphony of hovercars whizzing overhead and the low murmur of conversations from the busy sidewalk. Great. Another night in this tech-infested wonderland.
I adjusted the collar of my trench coat, feeling like a low-budget detective from a vintage holofilm. Not that I minded playing the role of a futuristic gumshoe, but in a world full of flying robots and cybernetically enhanced humans, the old-school charm could only get you so far.
“Detective Ryder,” a metallic voice chimed in my earpiece, slicing through my thoughts like a buzzsaw. “You’re needed at the Cybernetix Tower. A body was found in the server room. Looks like murder.”
I sighed, my breath mixing with the misty rain. “Of course, it’s always a murder. Why can’t these people commit a good old-fashioned forgery or tax evasion?”
I hailed a hovercab, its sleek design gliding to a stop in front of me. I slid into the backseat, the doors hissing shut behind me. The driver, a holographic projection of a man wearing a classic chauffeur uniform, nodded at me through the rearview mirror. “Where to, detective?”
“Cybernetix Tower,” I replied, leaning back against the plush seat. “And step on it. I’ve got a date with a dead body.”
The hovercab shot forward, zipping through the bustling city streets at breakneck speed. I gripped the edges of my seat, my heart pounding like a faulty reactor. Why did I always end up in the middle of these messes?
The cab screeched to a halt outside the towering edifice of Cybernetix Tower, its polished glass exterior reflecting the city’s neon glow. I shoved a handful of credits into the payment slot and darted out into the rain.
I flashed my credentials at the security guard, who looked about as thrilled to see me as a cat at a water park. “Detective Ryder,” I announced, my voice dripping with the sarcasm only years of dealing with hardened criminals and malfunctioning holograms could bring. “I’m here to investigate a murder.”
The guard grunted and pointed towards the elevators. “Up to the 30th floor, detective. Server room’s just down the hall. Good luck, not that you’ll need it.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing full well that luck was about as reliable as a politician’s promises. I made my way to the elevator and pressed the button, the doors sliding open with a soft ping. I stepped inside and hit the button for the 30th floor, the numbers on the display flashing like a kid on a sugar rush.
As the elevator ascended, I couldn’t help but wonder who could have committed a murder in the heart of a high-security building like this. The doors slid open, revealing a dimly lit hallway lined with sleek silver doors.
I approached the server room, my hand instinctively reaching for the gun holstered at my side. Alright, Ryder. Time to put that wit of yours to good use. Let’s solve this murder and maybe, just maybe, I’ll have time for a decent cup of coffee afterwards.
I pushed open the door, ready to greet the grim scene that awaited me. But what I found inside stopped me dead in my tracks.
There, sprawled on the floor amidst a tangle of wires and blinking lights, lay a body. But it wasn’t just any body. It was my body.
Well, isn’t this a twist. Who knew I’d be investigating my own murder?
Hi! Remember the sci fi prompt competition?
You may be interested in the results:)
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/GDGFqiaj8ePujZWEc/usd300-for-the-best-sci-fi-prompt-the-results