Raising the Stakes/Dialogues

Three months after the theater showcase...
You keep up with Ace as the two of you walk quickly through the hall.
Ace: Nice work on the free class periods bill, MC. Popular move. The inter-school charity ball is promising, too.
MC: Yeah, the theater showcase fundraiser was a hard act to follow, but I think we're doing a decent job...
Ace: Better than decent. Stellar. Your approval rating's been climbing ever since you agreed to pass Asher's dress code bill.
MC: It was worth it, just to get him to vote to use the theater funds for math textbooks.
MC: By the way, congrats on Kepler making it to Mathletes nationals.
Ace: All according to my calculations. Rather, their calculations.
Ace: Your school is competing in the qualifying round against Statton today, right?
MC: Yep. Whoever wins will go to nationals. Pretty exciting!
Ace: Not to mention historic. This is the first time any district's sending two schools to nationals... and it's because of you.
MC: Nah. Statton wanted to start a Mathletes club, and they made it happen! Sure, the Council funded their program, and I got Nishan to help tutor them, but... they did all the real work!
MC: I just can't believe Statton has a shot at nationals in their first year!
Ace: Like I said. You made it happen. People are noticing...
You reach the Prep Hangout, where Payton is sorting through a huge pile of gifts.
Payton: MC! OMG, you've got, like, a million new presents from your adoring fans!
Ace: You mean, MC's constituents? Students in our school district?
Payton: Yeah, adoring fans! Let's see what you got, MC...
You and Payton sort through all the presents spread out on the table.
MC: Let's see. A photo album from the yearbook class...
MC: 'Thanks for the software upgrade! You are truly Most Likely To Succeed.'
Payton: Aw, cuties! Everyone totally loves you. Hey, you got new sneakers from the basketball team...
Ace: Not to mention gifts from Athena, Statton, Twin Branches, and Hearst--
Payton: Hearst?! Like, home of our super evil enemies Hearst?
Ace: Rivals, not enemies. After these past months, Hearst owes a lot to MC.
Payton: Yay? But, like, I don't think everyone at our school is going to love the fact that MC is helping Hearst.
MC: I'm not just helping them. I'm helping everyone! That's what the Council is all about... bringing every school together as one district.
Payton: Hanging out with everyone is pretty fun. My parties are even more awesome now that I've got so many new friends!
Ace: A good sign. Our school district is on its way up because of the Council... and MC.
MC: Like you didn't have anything to do with it. I haven't seen you take a break in weeks!
Ace: No way around it. They only ever give that White House internship to the top student at the top school in the district, so I've got to stay at the top of my game.
MC: Well, you deserve it. I don't know how you keep going.
Ace: Determination. A dash of ruthlessness, and a whole lot of coffee. But honestly, working with you, MC... it's easy to stay inspired and motivated.
Ace: You make it easy.
Later in the afternoon, you and your friends head to a downtown convention center to watch the last day of the Mathletes regionals.
Nishan: Whoa... does not compute...
Students from all across the region pack the place! The roar of the audience overwhelms you as you survey the crowd.
MC: Guess everyone wants to see some of that Mathletes action.
Nishan: It's thanks to the Council that all the schools got way more into Mathletes this year! You guys really went all out...
Nishan quickly hugs you.
Julian: Ready to crush everyone at this math stuff, Nish?
Nishan: Of course! I've got my lucky pencil with me, and I already stretched my fingers for optimal calculation speed.
MC: Good luck out there.
Nishan: Ha! Yes, we'll need it against Statton. I know they're just newcomers to the world of competitive mathletics, but they've come a long way since I first helped them start their club.
Julian: Yeah, I swear Hope sleeps with her TI-89 calculator under her pillow.
Nishan: A patented Nishan technique to facilitate mental acuity...
Nishan: I'd better get back to my team. Those equations won't solve themselves!
You take your seat in the packed convention center to watch the Mathletes finals. As the teams take the stage, the crowd claps and cheers!
Ace: Looks like we got a lot to celebrate at the victory party tonight.
Just then, a row of Statton students file into the seats in front of you!
Asher: Hey, MC. How's it shaking?
MC: Asher? I didn't know Mathletes was your scene.
Asher: Ha! It's not, but when I heard we were going up against your school, I knew I had to show.
Asher: Statton is an arts school, and it's our first year doing Mathletes, but we're still gonna stomp you! Betcha wish you hadn't helped start our program now, huh?
Choice
What do you say?
   May the best team win.
   My school's going to crush yours!
if "May the best team win." then
   MC: And no matter who wins, our school district is going to be the first to have two teams going to nationals! Isn't that great?
   Asher grins and shakes his head.
   Asher: You're no fun, MC.
if "My school's going to crush yours!" then
   MC: My school taught your school everything they know! Statton would be nothing without us.
   Asher: You tell yourself that... but we all know Statton's got this in the bag.
Just then, the Mathletes judges signal for the competitors to come out on stage. The two teams line up at podiums equipped with buzzers and screens...
And the competition begins! Students from your school and Statton answer math questions in rapid-fire rounds.
Nishan: ...pi over x! Piece of cake. Er, pie.
Julian: Yeah, crush 'em, Nish!
Julian: Oh, and uh... GO HOPE!
Eventually, it's down to the last round. Classmate 3 faces off against Hope for the final question.
Classmate 3: According to my calculations, the answer is 60 degrees!
The judge frowns. The buzzer sounds, and a red X appears on Classmate 3's screen as Hope prepares to answer. Asher turns around to smirk at you.
Asher: Guess your school crashed and burned, MC. If Hope gets this, Statton's going to nationals!
The audience watches with bated breath as the Mathletes judge calls on Hope to answer the final question!
Hope: Um...
Hope: Classmate 3 was right. It's 60 degrees, but the answer should have been in radians... so it's pi over 3!
The judge nods. A green check mark flashes on Hope's screen. The audience erupts into cheers!
Julian: YEAHHHHH, HOPE! YOU THE MATH BOMB!
Classmate 3 and the rest of the math team trudge off stage.
MC: Hey, good job up there, Classmate 3. You did your best.
Classmate 3: Thanks, but the cold hard numbers of math don't care about effort. You're either right, or you're wrong... and I was wrong.
The Mathletes team, all except Nishan, leave to pick up their consolation prize t-shirts.
Payton: Aw, will they be okay? I mean, it's gotta suck. We were so close to winning!
Nishan: They'll live. I'm just happy that so many people are here to appreciate the higher pursuit of mathematical knowledge.
Nishan: Last year, no one came to the competition. Even the judges forgot to show...
After accepting their trophies, the Statton team descends the stage to loud applause. Hope heads straight for you and Nishan!
Hope: I totally wouldn't have gotten that question if it weren't for your tutoring, Nishan!
Nishan: It wasn't all me. MC's handiwork on the Council was a factor.
Hope: Thanks, you guys!
Hope gives Nishan a hug, and then you! Over her shoulder, you see your school's Mathletes team watching. When they catch your eye, they turn their backs to you.
MC: Huh?
Julian: Hey, I want in! C'mere, you two!
Julian grabs you and Hope, and lifts both of you into a bear hug! Later, you watch the Statton team celebrate their victory.
MC: Pretty crazy, huh? Before today, no one besides Kepler had ever made nationals from our district, and now we have two teams going!
Ace: Seems times are changing.
MC: Yeah, they are.
As evening falls, everyone starts leaving the convention center for the celebration at Kepler!
Ace: You coming to the party?
MC: Yeah. I mean, I wish it were for my school, but I'm proud of Statton.
Ace: You should be.
A group of Statton students are ahead of you, whooping and cheering over their win! Ace beckons you to catch up.
Ace: Come on, MC. We're making history here. Let's celebrate like it.
At the Mathletes victory party...
You look out at the crowd of students from Kepler, Statton, and other schools. Ace hands you a microphone.
Ace: Do the honors, MC.
MC: How's everyone doing tonight?
The crowd roars and cheers! Colored spotlights swing over the students before settling on you and the Council standing on stage.
MC: Congratulations to the Kepler and Statton Mathletes teams for making it to nationals!
MC: This party is for you... and for the whole district! We're the first district ever with two teams going to nationals!
Asher: Kepler's finally got some competition. You guys better watch out!
Classmate 1: I'm quoting you on that. Can I get a group picture of the Council?
Brigette: Oh, of course!
Kara: Just be sure to get my good side. Oh, wait. That's all my sides!
The other district council members shuffle closer together as Classmate 1 gets ready to snap a few pictures.
Zero: Remi, get in closer!
Owen: How about we do some silly poses? Like family portrait style?
Classmate 1: Anything you want. You're a photogenic bunch. Say cheese!
MC: Cheese!
Students party in the Kepler quad, dancing to high-energy pop songs and mingling under shifting colored lights.
You hang out by the refreshments table with a few other members of the Council.
Brigette: I'm quite impressed with Statton. Kepler has always been the top school in our district, but Statton's doing so well!
Owen: Man, we need to up our game. Next year, Twin Branches is going to Mathletes nationals!
Kara: You guys are so weird. Obviously Hearst is going to dominate. We're just focusing on football right now.
MC: Uh huh. Sure...
Suddenly, a bright flash dazzles your vision! Classmate 1 snaps another picture before setting down the camera.
Classmate 1: Looking good, MC! So have you seen the news lately? You're in it...
Classmate 1 passes you a newspaper clipping. Classmate 2 drifts by to peek over your shoulder.
MC: 'Local School District Stars: Not so long ago, Kepler Magnet School For The Gifted was the local crown jewel of academics. All that has changed. Every school in the district is turning heads with superior achievements and local events.'
Classmate 2: Nice. Your influence is rising like the tide!
MC: I'm just doing my job. Glad it's working out, though.
Classmate 2: Don't downplay yourself. You're a big fish now, MC, and I wanna help any way I can... if you need my yacht for a party, just drop me a line.
Classmate 2 winks at you before wandering off with a plate of sushi. Classmate 3 sidles up to you.
MC: Classmate 3! How's your art portfolio going?
Classmate 3: It could be better. Canvas art just isn't as relevant anymore. How am I supposed to get a job with oil paintings? It's all about digital art now.
Classmate 3: Anyway, enough about me. Just wanted to give you a little something...
After a furtive glance around, Classmate 3 passes you a sealed envelope.
Classmate 3: Remember the art department when you make those big calls on the Council...
MC: Oh...
Choice
What do you do?
   Accept the envelope.
   Refuse the envelope.
if "Accept the envelope." then
   MC: Wow... thanks.
   Classmate 3: You'll love it. Three gift cards to the best art museums in the area!
   Classmate 3 walks off. You tuck the envelope away, but not before glancing at the newspaper clipping from Classmate 1 still in your hand.
   MC: 'Local School District Stars'... I like the sound of that.
if "Refuse the envelope." then
   You shove the envelope back at Classmate 3.
   MC: If you're giving me this because you want something from me or the Council... then I can't take it.
   MC: Sorry, that's just not how I roll.
   Classmate 3: Oh, it's not like that! Never mind. I'll, uh... I'll see you around.
   Classmate 3 scurries away. You glance at the newspaper clipping from Classmate 1 still in your hand...
   You crumple it up and throw it in the trash.
   MC: Guess that's how it is now...
You spot Sakura and Nishan at a picnic table, polishing off a pizza between the two of them.
if "Accept the envelope." then ---you took the money
   MC: Mm, pizza sounds good right about now.
   You head over, whistling under your breath.
if "Refuse the envelope." then
   You head over, unable to shake off the feeling of disappointment from your encounter with Classmate 3.
Nishan: Perfect timing, MC. Tell Sakura that Winner's Game is a sci-fi classic.
Sakura: It's only a classic because it's about boys fighting aliens. If it were about girls, no one would pay attention to it!
MC: Uh, haven't read it. No comment.
MC: So where's the rest of our Mathletes team? I thought they'd be here with you.
Nishan: Uh, well... they didn't want to come.
Nishan looks down at his plate of pizza.
Nishan: The team's taking the loss kind of hard, so they're venting their frustrations at the arcade downtown.
MC: But this party is for the whole school district. They could have come, too.
Nishan: Well... no. They couldn't.
MC: What do you mean?
Sakura: Oh, come on. Just tell MC the real reason they're not here...
Sakura glares at you and Nishan.
MC: Okay, then what is it? Why isn't our Mathletes team here?
Sakura: Um, why would they want to go to a party celebrating their defeat?
MC: But it's not celebrating their defeat. It's celebrating our school district's achievements!
Sakura: That's not how they see it. They took a huge HP hit when they lost the match to Statton...
Sakura: And they're not exactly happy with you right now.
Nishan: Statton only had a team because of the Council...
MC: We're not allowed to have competition? That was good for all of us!
Nishan: It's not just that. It's the fact that you, our school rep, are at the victory party for the school that beat us.
Sakura: You gotta admit, that doesn't look good.
MC: Well...
Choice
What do you say?
   I understand.
   They need to grow up.
if "I understand." then
   MC: Losing sucks, and they're allowed to feel sorry and angry about it, especially right after it happens.
   MC: I should have thought of that before attending this party.
   Nishan: I'm sure the team will get over it. They just need some time to themselves for now.
if "They need to grow up." then
   MC: Seriously, what happened to good sportsmanship? Just because they lost, doesn't mean they have to take it out on me.
   Nishan: Well, the loss is still fresh, MC. They need time to get over it.
Sakura: They'll realize they shouldn't blame you. They should blame themselves. They're the ones who lost. No offense, Nishan.
Sakura: There are always gonna be winners and losers in everything. That's life.
MC: Yeah... and it seems like that's politics, too.
You wander away, gazing at the sky as the dance music continues into the night.
You feel someone tap you on the shoulder.
Ace: Couldn't help but overhear. Everything okay with you?
MC: Yeah... it just kind of sucks, knowing that the students I'm supposed to represent aren't happy.
Ace: Honestly? You had to expect this would happen.
Ace: Come on, let's talk... alone.
You follow Ace to a secluded corner of the party. He turns to you with an intense look in his eyes.
Ace: Know why I decided to work with you, MC?
MC: Because you're awesome?
Ace: I saw you had promise. You've got a big heart. You help everyone, no matter who they are. You're a rare breed, MC.
MC: Thanks, but I don't think you're here to just compliment me.
Ace: I like you, MC. But there's something you need to realize...
Ace: You want to be fair to everyone, but that's just not possible.
MC: Wait, what are you trying to say?
You and Ace walk through the halls of Kepler, far away from the victory party on the quad.
Ace: Remind me. Why did you run for the Council?
MC: I wanted to be there for my classmates. I didn't want anyone on the Council messing with my school.
Ace: There you go. You did this for your school.
Ace: You've worked hard for the Council. Introduced bills, ran fundraisers, and brought students together from all over. But it's time you helped your own school...
MC: But isn't that what I've been doing?
Ace: No. You've been working for all the schools. It's no wonder the Mathletes team isn't happy.
MC: Sakura said they'd get over it.
Ace: And they will. But this sort of thing... it'll tear a rift between you and your school. The divide will widen.
MC: Then what do I do?
Ace: Be a little less fair, MC. It's not always bad to be selfish. Your school's the newest and smallest in the district. Why not give your school a leg up?
Ace: Like that upcoming art investment proposal. All those cutting-edge graphic arts tablets going to Statton?
MC: Right. It's pretty costly, but I think everyone's in favor.
Ace: Why shouldn't those tablets go to your school?
MC: Well, Statton's an arts school. They'd get the most use out of the new tools.
Ace: Statton never needed a Mathletes team, but here we are. Your school deserves the chance to explore their artistic side with those tablets.
Ace: What do you say, MC? I think it's time you shook things up.
Ace: If you want this to happen, it'll happen. The other members of the Council owe me a favor.
Ace: And honestly? They owe you, too. You've bent over backwards to help them.
MC: I don't know...
Ace: All you have to do is propose the change.
You look back at the party still in full swing. You can just barely see Nishan standing alone, without his Mathletes team.
MC: I'll consider it.
At the next district council meeting...
Owen: ...and that's the public opinion on tutorial periods. Any questions?
Asher: Nope. Enough with the boring stuff. Let's get something real done.
Asher: How about my art tablet proposal? Statton could use the new toys... especially our broke scholarship students.
Brigette: We should certainly put it to a vote. Does anyone have anything they'd like to change about the proposal?
The Council watches you expectantly as you collect your thoughts.
MC: I move that we give the tablets to...
Choice
Where do you send the tablets?
   Statton.
   Your school.
if "Statton." then
   MC: The proposal's fine by me. All in favor?
   Everyone in the room raises their hand.
   Asher: Nice, nice. Smart move. I like it when everyone agrees with me.
   Kara: Looks like you're getting your weird tablets, Asher.
if "Your school." then
   MC: Actually, I'd like to amend the proposal...
   MC: As an arts school, Statton already has a large budget for the arts. My school, on the other hand, is new. We don't have an alumni organization to throw money at our art department.
   MC: And believe me, we need one. My own classmates tell me that digital arts are crucial for artists today. If they want to make it as professional artists in the real world, this is essential.
   Zero: Makes sense. I'm cool with the tablets going to your school.
   MC: Good. Then let's vote on it...
   Everyone on the Council raises their hands in favor of your amendment.
   Kara: Looks like your school's getting those weird tablets, MC.
Zero: Now for our next order of business...
The Council meeting wraps up several hours later. You walk alone through the halls, still thinking about the vote earlier.
MC: Hope I made the right decision...
Suddenly, your phone buzzes with a text from Autumn!
MC: 'Stop by the Artist Hangout. I've got something to show you!'
The moment you step into the Artist Hangout, Autumn grabs your hand and pulls you forward.
Autumn: Come on, MC. You have to see this!
if "Statton." then
   Autumn pulls you farther into Artist Hangout, where your classmates are hanging up several canvas paintings.
   MC: Whoa, these are gorgeous!
   Autumn: Some students from Statton just sent them over with a note thanking our school for being such good friends...
   Autumn: Hope told me all about the Council donating art tablets to her school. I just knew you had something to do with it!
   MC: I take it they're happy about the donation.
   Autumn: Of course! Now Statton can finally kickstart the graphic design program they've been wanting to do.
   Autumn: They've been holding off, because their school board didn't support it, and they needed the tablets for their scholarship students... but now it's full speed ahead!
   MC: Glad I had a hand in it.
   Autumn: It's going to be amazing! Maybe I'll visit Statton sometime. Can you even imagine having those tablets at our school?
   MC: Yeah... that'd be nice.
   Just then, someone raps sharply on the Artist Hangout door! Before anyone can answer, Ace strides into the room.
   Ace: MC. Outside. Much to discuss.
if "Your school." then
   Autumn pulls you farther into the Artist Hangout, where several large boxes are stacked neatly in the corner.
   Autumn: We got this shipment, like, an hour ago...
   Autumn opens one of the boxes to reveal a dozen new drawing tablets!
   Autumn: It's my dream come true! I've been wanting to try my hand at digital art since forever... I didn't know the art department had the budget for this.
   MC: They didn't. The Council voted to donate these to our school.
   Autumn: Wait, the Council did this?
   Autumn: But... I thought the Council was donating tablets to Statton. Hope told me all about it. She was so excited!
   MC: Well, the plan changed. I figured our school needed them more.
   Autumn: I mean, this is great for us, but... Statton's been trying to kickstart a graphic design program for years, but their school board prefers traditional mediums.
   Autumn: Without the board's support, Statton doesn't have enough money to buy tablets for the scholarship students who can't afford them...
   MC: I guess I didn't really think of that.
   Just then, someone raps sharply on the Artist Hangout door! Before anyone can answer, Ace strides into the room.
   He catches sight of the shipment of tablets and breaks into a huge grin.
   Ace: Hey! That's what I like to see. Good for you, MC. Stepped up for your school, huh?
   MC: Yeah, sort of...
   Seeing the look on your face, Ace immediately steers you away from Autumn.
   Ace: What's going on, MC?
Outside the Artist Hangout, you hurry to keep up with Ace as he walks ahead of you.
if "Statton." then
   Ace: You let the proposal pass. What happened to helping your own school?
   MC: I wanted to, but I'm not okay with doing that at the expense of other schools.
   MC: It sounded like Statton really needed those tablets...
   Ace: You have to look out for your own, MC. Who else is going to go to bat for your school? Kara? Asher? Politics is cutthroat.
   MC: But the district council has done a lot to bring our schools together. Things can change.
   Ace: Maybe. Maybe not.
   Ace: Look, it's not too late. Go back to the Council and propose an amendment--
   MC: Ace. Stop. It's not happening.
   MC: I appreciate your advice, Ace... but that's all it is. Advice.
   MC: In the end, I have to make my own decisions. I have to do what I think is right.
if "Your school." then
   Ace: What's the deal? Your school just received fifty tablets. This is great!
   MC: I'm not so sure anymore.
   MC: Autumn said Statton really needed those tablets. And Asher mentioned some scholarship students...
   Ace: What are you saying? You regret voting to help your school?
   MC: I don't want to do it like this... boosting my school at the expense of others.
   Ace: You have to look out for your own, MC. Who else is going to go to bat for your school? Kara? Asher? Politics is cutthroat.
   MC: I'm not okay with that. I don't want to hurt another school.
   Ace: I know you don't, but you know they'd be happy to walk all over you. That's how the game is played.
   MC: Well, I want to change the game.
   MC: I appreciate your advice, Ace... but that's all it is. Advice.
   MC: In the end, I have to make my own decisions. I have to do what I think is right.
Ace opens his mouth to retort, but for the first time, he stays silent. His eyes search yours, narrowing almost imperceptibly, as if trying to read you...
Finally, he gives you a nod.
Ace: Understood.
You just had your first disagreement with Ace...
Will everything be okay between the two of you? And what's next for the Council?
Keep playing to find out!