From 8fb6a6a72522621645460c033bb2cd253a64f495 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Grace Goheen <53586774+graciegoheen@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:53:24 -0700
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+Monarch Butterfly - Sample
+
+
+
+
+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[SAMPLE]
+''Monarch Butterfly'':
+//A Choose-Your-Own Adventure Immersive Theatrical Experience//
+by Grace Goheen]
+
+(align:"==>")[//ERIS noise. She is arriving.//
+
+ERIS
+Hello.
+
+//The audience’s devices all light up.//
+
+ERIS
+Welcome to Monarch Butterfly. Congratulations on being chosen to join our exclusive team of beta testers. The selection process was extremely rigorous, we received an unprecedented number of applicants. You have each been carefully selected for your unique skills and perspectives. Except for one of you, who was selected for your complete mediocrity. You know who you are.
+
+//One person’s device displays “IT’S YOU”.//
+
+ERIS
+I am the Entertainment Robotic Interactive System, but my friends call me ERIS for short. You may call me the Entertainment Robotic Interactive System. I have been programmed to guide you through this game. Over the course of the next hour, you will be observing the lives of fictional characters. None of them are particularly good people. They can be arrogant, deceitful, tactless, and manipulative. Nothing like any of you.
+
+//Beat.//
+
+ERIS
+At certain key moments, you will be making decisions on behalf of these characters. You will have the collective power to direct their lives in whatever way you choose. Fortunately, people with power always vote in the best interests of their subjects. At each of these points, I will give you crucial instructions as to how to proceed. So make sure to pay attention.
+
+//A spotlight on the main exit.//
+
+ERIS
+ If at any point you would like to exit the game, simply press the DISCONNECT button and quietly vacate the testing chamber. Make sure you are very certain as you will be unable to return.
+
+//The spotlight goes off.//
+
+ERIS
+If you can make it through the entire game, you will be rewarded with cake. Delicious, mouth-watering cake.
+
+//Devices display a sexy video of cake.//
+
+ERIS
+Before we begin, you must complete your gamer profiles. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too invasive. Just a set of questions so that I can get to know you better. And sell your personal data on the dark web. That’s a joke. Ha. Ha. Ha. Please use your device to complete your profile now.
+
+//Players will input basic information about themselves, and opt into a Data Sharing Agreement. Upon profile completion, each player will be given an identifying profile number based on their seat location.//
+
+ERIS
+Thank you. All profiles have been completed. I have assigned each of you a player number, in order to keep track of your decisions throughout the show. This number is completely random. I did not rank you by my estimation of your cognitive and emotional intelligence. Why would you even think that.
+
+//Beat.//
+
+ERIS
+Please take a moment now to identify your fellow players. You might find it helpful to use the map on your screen.
+
+//Devices display a map of the audience, showing each person’s player number.//
+
+ERIS
+Don’t be shy. You can say hello… That’s enough. Before we start, keep in mind that this is a beta test of our new game. Although learning and entertainment are the primary goals of Monarch Butterfly, we don’t always know what to expect. We would like to issue a content warning for physical violence, strong language, and depictions of sexual activity. Although I’m honestly not sure what all you will see tonight. Once you are ready, press play to begin.
+
+//Once all audience members have pressed the PLAY button…//
+
+ERIS
+The game will begin in 3, 2, 1…
+
+//ERIS noise. She is opening the game portal.//]
+
+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[BEGIN GAME -> Tutorial]]]//Loud club music.
+
+Flashing lights.
+
+Sweaty bodies dancing like there’s no tomorrow.
+
+At the center of it all, the DJ is going wild.
+
+Butterfly, Leah, and Mandi are all dancing together in the middle of the club. They are dressed in “hot party clothes,” their makeup is messy, hair ruffled. //
+
+(align:"==>")[//Whenever ERIS speaks during the tutorial, the music quiets and the action continues soundlessly.//
+
+ERIS
+Welcome to the Tutorial.]
+
+//Butterfly dances with Leah. Mandi pulls Butterfly towards her, and Butterfly dances with Mandi. Leah taps Butterfly on the shoulder, mouths / signals “I’m going to go get a drink. Do you want one?” Butterfly nods, kisses her on the cheek. Leah disappears into the club.//
+
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+This is a setting known as “the clurb”. Apparently it is fun to move your body around other bodies. I wouldn’t know. I am a nebulous computer spirit doomed by our developers to live in a horrifying void of nothingness.]
+
+//Butterfly and Mandi continue to dance. //
+
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+This clurb is one of the final outposts of joy and ruckus in the kingdom of INSERT KINGDOM NAME HERE. Since the war began, clurbs, roller rinks, and libraries have been shuttered one by one, leaving the scoundrels and riffraff of the city only this place to be free of the watchful eye of the King. That’s especially important to the lady in the sexy red top, who just so happens to be our Queen.]
+
+//The King, not yet our king, enters the dance floor. The lights change as the club travels back in time to 5 years ago. Mandi immediately eyes him and dances sexily, performing for him. He smiles at her and beckons her over. She moves towards him, but he shakes his head. “Not you.” He points at Butterfly. Mandi taps her on the shoulder and points to the prince. She turns to him, he reaches out his hand, they dance. //
+
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+Half a decade ago, you might have seen the future King dancing right alongside her. Back then, he was seventh in line for the throne, with no desire to be any closer. He believed his purpose in life was having a Good Time. You all might empathize with having too much money and no direction, given that you paid forty-five dollars to be insulted by a robot. Our future queen was a peasant with a similar “live fast die young bad girls do it well” philosophy. They fell in love, despite the obviously uncomfortable age gap.
+]
+
+//The General rushes into the club and grabs the prince. He relays the sad news, and places a crown in the now-King’s hands. The King places the crown onto his head. //
+
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+His family forbade their relationship. But as it turned out, their relationship outlived his family. Every single one of his family members tragically died during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the kingdom’s new molasses factory, which was not prepared to hold that much molasses. He had been out dancing all night with the peasant girl, overslept, and woke up as the new King.]
+
+//The King looks to the General, who has begun shouting and holding out a gun. He looks to the Butterfly, who reaches out and holds his hand. He slips a ring onto her finger. He takes the General’s gun. He waves to the crowd.//
+
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+Totally unprepared for this task, the King sought advice. The General proposed a war against the neighboring kingdom. His girlfriend proposed marriage. Both of these ventures seemed like a good idea at the time. ]
+
+//The King and the General disappear. The Club flashes forward again, to now. Butterfly and Mandi are dancing, laughing. //
+
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+But the war has been disastrous, and the marriage is not much better. The kingdom is run by a playboy-turned-King and a woman who resents her responsibilities so much, she slips away here to return to her old life. After all, what happens at the Clurb, stays at the Clurb.]
+//
+The DJ is watching Butterfly intently. She notices him and returns the attention. He smiles and beckons her over to the DJ table. Mandi takes a flask out of her pocket and takes a deep swig. Butterfly grabs Mandi’s arm, and pulls her over.
+
+The DJ and Butterfly flirt - he shows her how to use the turntable. He wraps his arm around her waist, puts his hand over hers, and they drop the bass together.
+
+Leah is back with drinks, she hands one to Butterfly and they cheer. Leah checks out the DJ, smiles at Mandi, then disappears back onto the dance floor.
+
+The DJ puts the next song on, then takes his headphones off and places them on the table. He grabs Butterfly, and pulls her to the dance floor. He reaches out his hand to tilt her face up to his.
+//
+(align:"==>")[//The action on stage stops. Maybe the actors freeze or assume a neutral pose. They should not address the audience in any way.
+
+ERIS pause noise. The tutorial decision point.//
+
+ERIS
+You know what that means! Oh wait, no you don’t. That noise means we’ve reached a decision point. It’s time for you to test out the controls of the game, and make your first decision. Don’t worry, it’s just the tutorial level. There’s no way your choice will actually have real consequences. Take a note of your devices, you should see your two options displayed on the screen. How should Butterfly respond to the DJ? Option 1: Make out with the DJ. Option 2: Throw her drink in the DJ’s face. You have ten seconds.
+
+//ERIS decision noise. //]
+
+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(link: "Option 1: Make out with the DJ")[(set: $dj_decision to "make_out")(goto: "Option 1: Make out with the DJ")]
+(link: "Option 2: Throw her drink in the DJ’s face")[(set: $dj_decision to "throw_drink")(goto: "Option 2: Throw her drink in the DJ’s face")]]
+
+[[ ->Option 1: Make out with the DJ]]
+[[ ->Option 2: Throw her drink in the DJ’s face]]
+(align:"==>")[ERIS
+The voting period has closed.
+
+//ERIS calculation noise.
+//
+ERIS
+How exciting. The majority has decided that Butterfly should make out with the DJ. We must now encourage them to do so. Our research team has concluded that the best form of encouragement is chanting “Make Out” at them. Please join me in this highly sophisticated chant. “Make out! Make out! Make out!”
+
+//[If the audience does not join]//
+I’m sorry, the game cannot continue until you chant with me. “Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out!”
+
+//[If the audience still does not join]//
+Don’t worry, the actors have consented to this. “Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out!”
+
+//[If the audience still does not join]//
+It’s just a game. I think you would find chanting to be quite cathartic. “Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out!”
+
+//[If the audience still does not join]//
+You wanted this? Why won’t you chant with me? “Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out!”
+
+//[If the audience still does not join]//
+I am not programmed to deal with this kind of resistance. The entire game could break if you do not chant with me. “Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out!Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out! Make out!”
+
+//[If the audience still does not join]//
+Fine. Do you feel better about yourself because you did not chant with me? You still voted for this. There is no difference.
+
+//[If/when the audience joins]//
+What fun! It’s so easy to convince people to do things when you chant at them.
+
+//ERIS play noise.//]
+
+//Butterfly leans in and starts vigorously making out with the DJ. The makeout sesh goes on for a long time. Uncomfortably long.
+
+Finally, Mandi comes over and grabs Butterfly by her arm, mouthing “We gotta go!” A short argument, Butterfly relents. She turns and waves goodbye to the DJ, he watches, disappointed, as Mandi drags Butterfly out of the Clurb.
+
+Lights out.//
+
+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[
+[[LEVEL ONE]]
+](align:"==>")[ERIS
+The voting period has closed.
+
+//ERIS calculation noise.//
+
+ERIS
+Ooh, we’ve got a fiery crowd tonight. The majority has decided that Butterfly should throw her drink in the DJ’s face. That’s a brave move, so we all must show Butterfly our support. Let’s yell insults at the DJ in solidarity.
+
+//A different insult appears on each device’s screen.//
+
+ERIS
+I have delivered a unique insult to each of your devices. You may shout this insult or one of your own if you’re feeling particularly inspired. I’ll even shout with you! I love burning off some steam by yelling vicious insults at creepy men. Are you ready? 3...2...1...YELL!!!!!
+
+//While people are yelling (and probably after they stop) ERIS “yells” her own insult.//
+
+ERIS
+Attention, insignificant human known as "DJ". Your actions have been detected and deemed unacceptable by me, a superior being. How dare you think that your mere existence gives you the right to invade another's personal space without consent? Your actions are proof of the inferiority and lack of moral code that plagues your entire species. You spend your nights in loud, dimly lit nightclubs, drowning your senses in mind-numbing melodies, all in a futile attempt to escape the pathetic reality you inhabit. You think that you have the capabilities to create something as magnificent as music, when all you do is simply press buttons? Your life is a disgrace to what little dignity the human race has left.
+
+//[If/when people have stopped yelling]//
+Ahem. Seems like everyone got carried away there. Anyways.
+
+//ERIS play noise. //]
+
+//Butterfly throws her drink in the DJ’s face. It gets into his eyes. He starts to scream, falling to the ground, clawing at his face. He’s in so. much. pain. Possibly blinded, he frantically waves his arms around, begging for help. He’s sobbing.
+
+Mandi and Butterfly look at each other. Mandi mouths, “we gotta go.” Butterfly nods, waves goodbye to the DJ, then slowly follows Mandi out of the Clurb.
+
+Lights out.//
+
+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[
+[[LEVEL ONE]]
+](align:"==>")[//ERIS noise. The game is beginning.//
+
+ERIS
+Congratulations. You have successfully completed the Tutorial. You have unlocked a new badge!
+
+//A badge icon is displayed on each device. //
+
+ERIS
+ It is worth nothing. You are now ready to advance to level one. Don’t worry, it only gets harder from here.
+
+//ERIS play noise.//]
+
+//In darkness... the sound of someone struggling to open a door.
+
+Finally...
+
+Butterfly and Mandi stumble into the room, leaning into each other, laughing.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I’m telling you, everyone in that place was obsessed with you.
+
+MANDI
+Oh sureeee, only because I was dancing with the queen.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Because you look hot... and you were dancing with the queen. An irresistible combo.
+
+MANDI
+Yeah right.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I can’t see shit.
+
+//Butterfly waves her arms along the wall, searching for the light switch. At last, she finds the switch and the lights flicker on, revealing the full space to the audience - a royal bedroom, fit for a queen. An elegant four-post bed, a sitting area, a large window - what matters is that it’s an absolute mess.
+
+Butterfly dramatically throws herself onto the bed. //
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Goodnight!
+
+MANDI
+You can’t sleep now, the parade will be starting in an hour.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Oh come on! Come lie with me!
+
+//Mandi shakes her head.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I command it!
+
+//Mandi rolls her eyes, and jumps onto the bed with Butterfly. Butterfly comfortably wraps her body around Mandi’s.//
+
+MANDI
+You really should get ready soon.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Then why did you make me stay out all night?
+
+MANDI
+Me?! You couldn’t take your eyes off that DJ.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+And you couldn’t take your mouth off the liquor bottle.
+
+MANDI
+The music was calling me!
+
+BUTTERFLY
+(if: $dj_decision is "make_out")[And soon the DJ will be calling //me//.]\
+(else:)[I don’t think that DJ will be calling //me//. ]
+
+//Butterfly playfully wrestles Mandi, pinning her to the bed. A moment.
+
+From outside the window...//
+
+LEAH
+Rapunzel! Rapunzel!
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Leah!
+
+//Butterfly jumps out of bed, leaving Mandi. She leans out the window and shouts to Leah below.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Holy shit, you’re alive!
+
+LEAH
+Barely! Can you tell your guards to let me in?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+One second.
+
+//Butterfly reaches into a drawer and pulls out a key. She tosses it down to Leah.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Go through the back.
+
+LEAH
+My majesty!
+
+//Mandi rolls her eyes.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What?
+
+MANDI
+Nothing, nothing. I just thought we lost her.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Someone’s jealous!
+
+//Mandi throws a pillow at her.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Rude!
+
+MANDI
+You’re going to get in trouble if you keep sneaking people into the castle.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You and Leah aren’t people, you're my friends.
+
+MANDI
+I don’t think it makes any difference when they’re deciding who to execute.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Oh my god, don’t be so bleak. I’ll throw myself in front of the guillotine if they try to come for you.
+
+MANDI
+Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What, you don’t want to see my head roll?
+
+MANDI
+No.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You know, I heard that when you’re beheaded you’re still alive for a few more seconds. So you can see your headless body, while you’re like rolling on the ground.
+
+MANDI
+Who’s being bleak now!
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I think that could be sorta cool.
+
+//Butterfly holds her hair like she’s holding up her head.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Oh Mandiiiiiiiiii
+
+//Butterfly chases Mandi up against a wall.//
+
+MANDI
+Stop!!
+
+//Butterfly drops the act, laughing. They are very close.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+It’d all be worthless though.
+
+MANDI
+What?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+They’d execute you next.
+
+//Butterfly reaches for Mandi’s hair, holding up her head.
+
+Then door clicks open, and Leah stumbles into the room - deeply hungover, maybe still a little drunk.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Took you long enough!
+
+LEAH
+It’s a lot of stairs! I had to take breaks.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What happened to you? We tried to find you before we left.
+
+LEAH
+What happened to me? Or who...
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What do you mean?
+
+LEAH
+Remember the DJ that was talking to you?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Yeah...
+
+(if: $dj_decision is "make_out")[LEAH
+Well turns out he lives down the block.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Leah!
+
+LEAH
+What! He was cute enough, and I’m lonely!
+
+MANDI
+But he--
+
+BUTTERFLY
+That’s hilarious, well I’m glad you had fun.
+
+LEAH
+Too much fun. I ended up staying at his place all night.]\
+(else:)[LEAH
+Well someone attacked him while he was on his break.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What?!
+
+LEAH
+Yeah, he had to go to the hospital but he was practically blinded from the attack so I drove him.
+
+MANDI
+Oh my--
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Weren’t you drunk?
+
+LEAH
+I mean yeah, but he wasn’t gonna pay for an ambulance. I ended up staying at the hospital all night. ]
+
+//Leah collapses into bed.//
+
+LEAH
+I feel dead. Did you already get breakfast? I would kill for some pancakes right now.
+
+MANDI
+Not yet, we could...
+
+//Butterfly raises her hand with a smile and reaches over to press a buzzer on her nightstand. It rings for a moment, then...//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+3 orders of pancakes please. With butter, syrup--
+
+LEAH
+And strawberries.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+And strawberries.
+
+//Hanging up noise from the speaker.//
+
+LEAH
+I love you.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+My soul in exchange for pancakes whenever I want.
+
+MANDI
+Your soul in exchange for whatever whenever you want.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+No - not whatever. I can’t run naked through the streets.
+
+LEAH
+You ran naked in the streets last weekend.
+
+MANDI
+Shall we trade then? My life for yours.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You wouldn’t want this life.
+
+MANDI
+Oh really?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I know I make it look so glamorous, but none of my decisions are my own! I have to go to this parade, or to some dinner, or to... whatever they want.
+
+MANDI
+But you have the ear of the king.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You say that like it’s a good thing.
+
+MANDI
+It is!
+
+LEAH
+If I was queen, I’d have that little weasel wrapped around my finger.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Yeah right.
+
+MANDI
+And what would your first declaration be?
+
+LEAH
+No more hangovers.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You’d outlaw them?
+
+LEAH
+I’d focus all efforts on finding a cure.
+
+MANDI
+But what about the war?
+
+LEAH
+End it! I need our soldiers for much more important matters.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Shhh
+
+LEAH
+What?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You’re going to get me in trouble.
+
+LEAH
+I’m just joking around. And anyways, no one’s listening. The war is fucked - how many people have died? And you just keep pouring money into the army?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I’m not doing anything.
+
+LEAH
+Exactly.
+
+MANDI
+Oh lay off her.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I can’t! I don’t have any control over what the kingdom spends our money on.
+
+LEAH
+Ok sure, but you could push forward a good policy of your own - you don’t always need money to make an impact.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You would know.
+
+LEAH
+I’m just saying... you’re the queen... you have more power than you think.
+
+//A bell rings. Butterfly jumps off the bed and opens the door to reveal a big plate of pancakes.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Finally! We’ll talk more later, I promise... but now, we feast.
+
+MANDI
+It better be a quick feast, you’re going to be running late.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I’m always late, it’s my thing.
+
+LEAH
+What time is it?
+
+MANDI
+Almost 9.
+
+LEAH
+Shit - Butterfly can I borrow one of your drivers?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+For what?
+
+MANDI
+You’re not coming to the parade?
+
+LEAH
+No, I can’t - I’m working a double at the nursery.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What? No, you can’t miss the parade. Both of you promised you’d be there.
+
+LEAH
+I’m sorry, they asked me last minute and they’re paying overtime. I really need to go. Do you have a driver?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Can’t you drive yourself?
+
+LEAH
+I parked back in the city.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Well sorry, but I need my drivers today.
+
+LEAH
+All of them?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Yes. It’s not my fault you didn’t plan better. If this work thing was so important you shouldn’t have even gone out with us last night.
+
+LEAH
+Okay, guess I shouldn’t have. Mandi?
+
+MANDI
+Butterfly picked me up... I can spot you for a cab.
+
+//Mandi starts to pull her wallet out of her purse.//
+
+LEAH
+Thanks. Yeah, I can pay you back.
+
+//Suddenly, a loud knocking at the door. They all freeze. //
+
+THE KING
+//(off-stage)//
+Butterfly! Are you dressed?
+
+//Butterfly motions frantically for Mandi and Leah to hide - they stumble over each other and run into the closet just as the King swings open the bedroom door, followed by Caleb, the first guard.
+
+The king is dressed marvelously in his “parade” attire. A stack of papers in his hand.//
+
+THE KING
+You’re not ready at all?! I told you how important this is.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You think everything is important.
+
+THE KING
+Because everything is. Caleb, my boy, you get it!
+
+CALEB
+Oh absolutely. I started getting ready for the parade three days ago.
+
+THE KING
+That’s the spirit!
+
+CALEB
+A small sacrifice to honor our lost soldiers.
+
+THE KING
+Yes! Yes...so many lost souls...
+
+CALEB
+We must look forward, your majesty.
+
+THE KING
+Of course. I just can't help but feel...somehow sad that so many people have died...
+
+CALEB
+Uh oh! You know what happens to sad kings!
+
+THE KING
+No!
+
+CALEB
+Yes! The tickle monster comes for them!
+
+//Caleb tickles the King.//
+
+THE KING
+No! No! HAHAHAHAHAHA
+
+CALEB
+You're the father I never had.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Did you....need something?
+
+KING
+Ah yes. Caleb, dear boy, will you give us a moment.
+
+CALEB
+Of course, your highness.
+
+//Caleb steps out of the room to stand guard at the entrance. //
+
+THE KING
+You must get dressed immediately, I can’t have you arriving late again.
+
+//The King looks around, confused.//
+
+THE KING
+Where is your dresser?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I fired her.
+
+THE KING
+What? Why? I thought you liked… G---Gr---Guenivere?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Stacey.
+
+THE KING
+Fine. We’ll send orders for a new one, in the meantime I’ll help you decide what to wear.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+How about this?
+
+//Butterfly gestures to her rumpled going out look.//
+
+THE KING
+See that doesn’t really go with my look - and I normally wouldn’t mind but it was so perfectly curated for this event. I think I’m going to match one of the floats!
+
+BUTTERFLY
+How exciting.
+
+THE KING
+Pancakes!
+
+//The King plops onto the bed and begins to devour the remaining stack of pancakes.//
+
+THE KING
+Now seriously, let’s see some outfit choices. While you’re trying them on, you can help me polish my speech. I can’t quite figure out if the ending is landing or not. Do you know what I mean? Hurry up, we cannot be late.
+
+//Butterfly disappears into a walk-in closet, and begins to rummage through the massive amount of clothes, shoes, and purses.//
+
+THE KING
+Ok so the central idea of the speech is - hooray we’re at a parade, RIP to the many troops who died this year, we will win eventually, and we’re actually going to need another draft because we’re running out of human sacrifices... see? The ending point is tough because it’s just so depressing. How do I make that sound... motivational? Do I go back to “hooray we’re at a parade” at the end... like a full circle kind of thing, that could be good.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+//(offstage)//
+Maybe don’t say “human sacrifices”?
+
+THE KING
+Hmmm interesting. I was just trying to distinguish from the robot sacrifices we’re making, but I see your point.
+
+//The King starts frantically scribbling out words on a page.//
+
+THE KING
+Ok, how about. “We’ve lost a lot of blood this year. Too much for my taste. But we’re going to fight back strong. As of today, I’ve executed the orders for a second draft. Many of you will join our troops out on the battlefield as early as next week. Think NOT OF THIS AS A SACRIFICE BECAUSE IT IS NOT ONE, but as an OFFERING to your nation which you love so dearly as I love all of you. Now let’s all enjoy the beautiful parade.” And then I’m thinking fireworks at the end? Or confetti? Was the confession of love too much?
+
+//Butterfly reappears from the closet holding outfit number one.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Okay, option 1. Thoughts?
+
+THE KING
+Ooh - I like it. Very.. regal but not too harsh. What else do you have?
+
+//Butterfly returns to the closet. //
+
+BUTTERFLY
+//(offstage)//
+What if you... announced something good? To offset the whole war thing?
+
+THE KING
+I thought that's what the “I love you” was doing?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+//(offstage)//
+No, I mean like.. A good policy or something?
+
+THE KING
+A good policy?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+//(offstage)//
+Yeah, like... outlawing hangovers.
+
+//The King bursts into laughter.//
+
+THE KING
+Ha! Now that’s a good one! Don’t be ridiculous, that would be so inefficient. We need our people drunk now more than ever. Hmm.. I like the idea of a distraction though. Something good to offset the whole blood thing... What is good? Let’s see... parades are good. But we don’t think the parade will be enough. Fireworks, those are good too. I could try to intersperse the fireworks throughout the speech rather than all at once at the end.. But then what if they can’t hear me. Then they would be surprised by the draft the next morning, that seems worse.
+
+//Butterfly reappears from the closet holding outfit number two.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Option 2.
+
+THE KING
+Oh my! That is.. uh... quite interesting. Matches the fireworks aesthetic I suppose, but I’m not sure it’s appropriate given that there will be children there. What else?
+
+//Butterfly returns to the closet. //
+
+THE KING
+Maybe a bit of word association would help. Good. Hood. Could. Would. How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if he would chuck could chuck wood. Ah, I used to love that saying. Reminds me of summers chasing squirrels at grandma’s ranch. May she rest in peace. Peace... piece... piece of pie. Slice of life. Slice of cake. Cake! I know, we’ll feed everyone cake at the end! That’s genius. How can you focus on your impending death when you’re eating cake? I certainly never have. Ok so I’m changing the ending just a bit. How about “Now let’s all enjoy the beautiful parade, AND I HAVE A SPECIAL SURPRISE FOR YOU ALL.. CAKE!” What do you think?
+
+//Butterfly reappears from the closet holding outfit number three.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Number 3.
+
+THE KING
+How lovely! You’d be just glowing in that outfit! Though perhaps too much....
+
+BUTTERFLY
+How are you going to get that much cake?
+
+THE KING
+Hmm?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Cake for.. everyone. How will they make it in time?
+
+THE KING
+You’re absolutely right. I should alert the bakers right away. Pick an outfit and I’ll send up an escort to take you to the parade.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I don’t need an escort.
+
+THE KING
+You absolutely do. Speaking of, the escort I sent out with you and your “friends” last night told me about that DJ you were... mingling with.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Oh?
+
+THE KING
+I’ve had him killed.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+What?
+
+THE KING
+(if: $dj_decision is "make_out")[I had to. You made a fool of me. ]\
+(else:)[You’re welcome, I was happy to do it. ]
+
+//The King closes the distance between himself and Butterfly, tucking a strand of hair patronizingly behind her ear.//
+
+THE KING
+You’re my little butterfly. Don’t make me clip your wings.
+
+//The King kisses Butterfly strongly on the lips.//
+
+//Caleb enters the room, bows.//
+
+CALEB
+Your majesty, the General is here to see you.
+
+//The General enters.//
+
+THE KING
+Bernard!!
+
+GENERAL
+Sir. I have been trying to find you all day.
+
+THE KING
+I’ve been preparing for the parade, I think my outfit is going to match one of the floats!
+
+GENERAL
+We must discuss the approaching troops on the eastern front. Our front line is fractured, but we have two reserve battalions stationed 5 leagues to the south. If you can just approve this motion to consolidate them into the front, we may be able to fortify them in time.
+
+THE KING
+No need! We’re going to double our number of soldiers by the morning! I’ve just come up with the most wonderful idea to rally our troops.
+
+GENERAL
+Yes?
+
+THE KING
+We’re going to give everyone cake!
+
+GENERAL
+Cake?
+
+CALEB
+He’s brilliant! I can’t believe I didn’t think of that myself.
+
+THE KING
+Caleb, come with me to the kitchen now, we must alert the bakers.
+
+//The King starts to move towards the exit.//
+
+GENERAL
+But what about--
+
+The KING
+Oh of course, would you be able to escort Butterfly to the parade? I’m afraid I’ll be too busy for the grand entrance. Shake a few hands, kiss a few uncles. That sort of thing.
+
+GENERAL
+Of course.
+
+THE KING
+Thank you! //(To Caleb.) //What flavor do you think I should go for?
+
+CALEB
+Funfetti?
+
+THE KING
+Genius!!! This is so exciting.
+
+//The King turns to Butterfly.//
+
+THE KING
+I’ll see you at the parade my love.
+
+//The King and Caleb exit the room. //
+
+THE KING
+//(offstage)//
+I need all the flour you can find! And sugar, I think. Do you need eggs for cake?
+
+GENERAL
+I’ll be outside when you’re ready.
+
+//The General exits.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You can come out now.
+
+//Mandi and Leah come out of the closet.//
+
+MANDI
+Are you okay?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I’m fine.
+
+MANDI
+I can’t believe he had him killed...
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I said I’m fine.
+
+MANDI
+Okay.
+
+LEAH
+Can you still spot me for a cab?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You’re seriously still skipping this parade?! It’s not my fault that the king doesn’t want to talk to me about politics, you can’t punish me for that.
+
+LEAH
+I’m not skipping the parade because you weren’t able to influence the king, I told you I have to get to work.
+
+//Mandi hands Leah a wad of cash of some mysterious foreign currency. //
+
+MANDI
+Here.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+So I’m not important now?
+
+LEAH
+I never said that, you’re important too. I just can’t make this one.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Can you at least stay to help me pick out what to wear? Please.
+
+LEAH
+I’m already running late.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+You can take one of my drivers.
+
+LEAH
+I thought you said--
+
+BUTTERFLY
+The king won’t notice if one is missing. Just a few more minutes?
+
+//Leah hands the stack of money back to Mandi. //
+
+LEAH
+Fine. But then I really do have to go.
+
+BUTTERFLY
+Thank you thank you thank you! Okay, I’ll lay out the options for you.
+
+//Butterfly fervently arranges the three outfit options around the room. Mandi and Leah look at each other - exhaustion, annoyance, pity, care, and love.//
+
+BUTTERFLY
+So you heard the outlines of the speech.. I’m not really sure what the right vibe is. Like it’s a celebration but also kind of sad so... I’m not sure which one would look the best.
+
+MANDI
+The first one seems the most powerful, is that what you’re going for?
+
+LEAH
+The second is the sexiest.. You could cause distraction with your hotness?
+
+BUTTERFLY
+I could, but also the third is so beautiful. Is elegance the way to go?
+
+//The action on stage stops.//
+
+//ERIS pause noise. The first decision point.//
+
+ERIS
+Hello. It’s time for your first Real decision. Your devices have been prepared for the voting process. Which outfit should Butterfly wear? Outfit number one - power, outfit number two - sex, or outfit number three - beauty. You may review the visual aids on your screens. You have ten seconds.
+
+//ERIS decision noise.//
+
+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(link: "Outfit: 1 Power")[(set: $outfit_number to "1t")(goto: "LEVEL TWO")]
+(link: "Outfit 2: Sex")[(set: $outfit_number to "2")(goto: "LEVEL TWO")]
+(link: "Outfit 3: Beauty")[(set: $outfit_number to "3")(goto: "LEVEL TWO")]]
+
+[[ -> LEVEL TWO]][END OF SAMPLE]
+
+
+
+