No Good Deed/Dialogues

You're alone in the district council chambers, reviewing the massive stack of grant proposals piled beside you.
You rub your bleary eyes, taking a second to gaze at the gorgeous sunset outside... when there's a sharp rap on the door.
Ace: Late night, huh? Any luck selecting a new project to pitch to the Council?
MC: Everyone makes such good points in their proposals. It's tough picking the best ones.
Ace: Then let me make it easy for you.
Ace beckons, and a dozen filmmakers from every school in the district stream into the conference room.
Ace: You're gonna want to hear this...
Student filmmakers from all over the district excitedly gather close in the council chambers to pitch a proposal to you...
Classmate 1: Picture this. A bustling campus... state-of-the-art AV equipment... hourly showings of student-directed films... and gourmet popcorn by the bucket!
Classmate 2: We're talking a big budget district film festival. Featuring my new short film, Cafe Vampire: Coffee with a Bite! What do you think?
MC: I think it sounds awesome, but costly. I'll have to draft up the expenses--
Ace: Done and done.
Ace slides a document across the table. You scan it over.
Ace: Your school hasn't hosted an event since the theater showcase. The auditorium would be the perfect fit for this. Once it's fully renovated on the district's dime, of course.
Ace: Kepler's AV Club is top notch. If we get them the new equipment listed on Page 4, I think we could pull this off. I bet we'd get evening news coverage. Maybe even a thinkpiece in the Gazette.
You contemplate the numbers as the filmmakers await your response with bated breath...
MC: The proposal's too expensive to do this and any other projects this semester. And I'd really like to try Apollo Academy's solar power pilot program.
MC: We won't be renovating my school's auditorium, or getting Kepler's AV Club a bunch of high-tech electronics. But we'll make this festival happen.
The filmmakers cheer and applaud! Ace furrows his brow. He opens his mouth to speak.
MC: Thanks for bringing this to me, Ace.
Ace: ...you're welcome.
As you pack up after the meeting, Ace leaves without a word.
You hurry after him down the grand marble staircase leading to the City Hall lobby.
MC: Ace! Wait!
Ace pauses for a brief moment, his back to you. Finally, he turns.
Ace: MC.
MC: Can we talk?
You meet Ace halfway down the staircase in City Hall, stopping one step above him. He looks up at you.
Ace: How can I help you, MC? Whatever you need, I can make it happen.
MC: I know. And you have. But ever since the art tablets vote, I feel like we haven't been on the same page.
Ace: Well, I advise. You call the shots. Our system works.
MC: I don't want you to think I'm ignoring you, just because we disagreed.
Ace: We're fine. Why does it matter?
MC: It just does. I care, because you're my...
Choice
What do you say?
   You're my advisor.
   You're my friend.
if "You're my advisor." then
   MC: You stuck with me through the elections, the late nights at City Hall, and all those campaign meetings...
   MC: In the words of the best advisor around, 'a house divided is carrion for political vultures'.
   Hearing your words, Ace breaks into a grin.
   Ace: And I meant every word.
if "You're my friend." then
   MC: After all we've been through, you're more than my advisor. I'm not letting our friendship fall apart because of politics.
   MC: You matter to me.
   Hearing your words, Ace breaks into a grin.
Ace: We're cool, MC. I mean it.
Ace: A few disagreements are nothing. Goes to show that I've taught you well. You don't need me anymore.
Ace: You're a real politician now.
MC: You think so? Do I get a badge that says 'Ace Approved'?
Ace: Hey, just look at how you've handled the Council these last few weeks. You've mastered this game, MC...
Ace: And just in time. I'm out of here if I get the Hamilton Internship.
MC: More like, when you get that gig in the White House. You've been working to score that internship since forever! You deserve it.
Ace: Hope the judges think so, too. There are a few other finalists, from my school and yours. Stiff competition.
MC: You'll win, and when you do... I'm going to miss you.
Ace: Just visit me in the White House. You should get to know your way around it anyway. I still plan to make you president one day.
Ace: Besides... I've always got time for my favorite candidate.
Ace offers you a handshake, but you pull him into a tight hug.
MC: Life won't be the same around here without you.
Ace: It's been good, MC.
You release Ace from your embrace. He nods to you and continues down the stairs... then hesitates.
Ace: Listen, MC... they're announcing the Hamilton Internship winner at this gala at the state capitol on Friday. Be my plus-one.
MC: Sure, I'd love to. Maybe I'll run into the finalists from my school there!
Ace: Very likely. See you then. Oh, and MC?
Ace: There are going to be a lot of powerful people there. You're one of them now. Dress the part.
You meet Ace on Friday night, just outside the majestic state capitol building where the Hamilton Internship Gala is being held!
if MC is male then
   Ace gives you the once-over as you adjust your coat. He offers you a handshake.
if MC is female then
   Ace gives you the once-over as you smooth your skirt. He grins and offers you his arm.
Ace: Lookin' good there, MC.
MC: The same to you. Ready to score an internship at the White House?
Ace: No guarantees, but I've been working towards this gig for years now. I'm going to enjoy this evening.
The two of you walk into the capitol building and through the main ballroom. Crystal chandeliers cast gleaming light on the politicians and students mingling below.
Ace leads you over to a cluster of politicians laughing and sipping from champagne flutes. He taps a statuesque woman on the shoulder.
Ace: Governor, I have the great pleasure of introducing you to MC. MC, this is our state governor.
The governor beams and congratulates you on your work for the school district. You're still searching for words as she leaves to greet the state secretary.
MC: Whoa. Did I just get props from the governor?
Ace: You did. See? The people who matter, they appreciate you. That's why you can't let the noise get to you.
MC: Thanks, I--
MC: Wait... what noise?
Ace: Ah. You haven't heard. Been meaning to talk to you about that...
Ace leads you to a quiet corner of the ballroom and drops his voice to a whisper...
Ace: Remember how the Council helped Statton start a Mathletes team, which beat yours? And how your school's team wasn't too happy with you?
MC: Yeah, especially because I went to the district victory party. But Sakura said they would get over it.
Ace: They did. But that was just the beginning. A small faction of discontented students has sprung up at your school. They think you've been helping other schools more than your own.
MC: But I don't!
Ace: That's not how they see it. They're calling themselves 'New Start.'
MC: New Start? Meaning--
Ace: Yeah. Meaning they want to replace you as Council rep.
Choice
What do you say?
   Why would they do this to me?
   Bring it on!
   Watch me not care.
if "Why would they do this to me?" then
   MC: My classmates voted me in as the Council rep, and I'm doing my best. Why is this happening?
   Ace: You make enemies when you're powerful and in the spotlight.
   MC: But... these are my friends.
   Ace: Look, MC. From what I've heard, New Start is a small group. Six people, tops. They don't matter.
   Ace gives you an encouraging smile.
   MC: You're right. And besides, this is your big day! We should be celebrating, not worrying.
if "Bring it on!" then
   MC: Who are they? What are their names? I'm going to track them down and--
   Ace: Whoa. Dial it down, MC. You're going to make enemies when you're powerful and in the spotlight. It happens.
   Ace: Look, MC. From what I've heard, New Start is a small group. Six people, tops. They don't matter.
   Ace gives you an encouraging smile.
   MC: You're right. And besides, this is your big day! We should be celebrating, not worrying.
if "Watch me not care." then
   MC: So what if I've got a few haters? Big whoop.
   Ace: That's the spirit. You're bound to make enemies when you're powerful and in the spotlight.
   Ace: And from what I've heard, New Start is a small group. Six people, tops. They don't matter.
   MC: Eh. Forget them. This is your big day. Let's celebrate!
Ace beckons over a waiter, and you grab a flute of sparkling cider. You raise your glass.
MC: To Ace, the future White House intern!
The string quartet continues to play, the music blending with the buzz of conversation. You're chatting up a group of students from another district when you notice Ace is oddly silent, constantly checking his watch.
MC: I don't think I've ever seen you nervous, Ace.
Ace: Not a good look for me, I know.
MC: Don't worry about it. If anything, you should be practicing your acceptance speech.
You turn and spot a few familiar faces across the ballroom. Ace follows your gaze.
Ace: The finalists from your school?
MC: Yep. Let's go over and say hi!
You wave to Classmate 1 and Classmate 2 as you make your way across the ballroom.
Classmate 2: MC! Great to see you.
MC: Congratulations on getting to the final round. That's pretty amazing.
Classmate 1: I can't quite believe it. Ever since I was a pre-schooler trying to legislate longer naptimes, it's been my dream to work in the White House--
Catching sight of Ace, Classmate 1 trails off. Ace offers Classmate 1 a handshake.
Classmate 1: Ace... the Ace... you're here... our hands are touching... am I still breathing?
Classmate 2: It's an honor to meet you, Ace. I know you like to work behind-the-scenes, but your political advising is the stuff of legends.
Ace: Thanks, but that's forty percent hype. I'm only human.
MC: What about that time you crushed Max's candidacy at Hearst? Or helped me win an election as a last-minute contender?
Ace: Fine. Thirty percent hype.
Just then, the lights dim! A spotlight swings over to the governor on stage.
Classmate 1: She's going to announce the winner!
Classmate 2: This is it! The moment of truth!
Beside you, Ace tenses up, staring straight ahead. You nudge him and smile... and he smiles back.
'The winner of the Hamilton Internship is...'
As the governor opens the envelope to read out the name of the internship winner, Classmate 1 and Classmate 2 wait for the governor's announcement with bated breath. Ace stands next to you, eyes fixed on the ballroom stage.
'And the winner of the Hamilton Internship is... Classmate 2!'
Classmate 2: Wait, I won?
Classmate 1: Congratulations, Classmate 2!
The entire ballroom bursts into applause as Classmate 2 goes on stage to receive a plaque.
You look over at Ace, who watches the ceremony with a shocked expression.
MC: I'm so sorry, Ace. You okay?
Ace: ...
Just then, Classmate 2 runs up to you and wraps you in a hug!
Classmate 2: Thank you, thank you, MC! I never could've won without you!
MC: Huh? How's that work? I mean, I'm flattered, but...
Classmate 1: Isn't it obvious? Not too long ago, our school was just an empty lot. Now look at us! We've done so much!
Classmate 2: You took our school from nothing to this! Classmate 1 and I were nominated for the internship in our first year competing. And I won... all thanks to you!
MC: It wasn't all me, but... I'm glad I had a hand in it.
After another hug, Classmate 2 offers a handshake to Ace.
Classmate 2: I meant it before. It's an honor to meet you, Ace. I bet I'll see you in the White House next year.
Ace's face is still frozen in a mask of disbelief, staring at Classmate 2's hand.
Then something clicks behind Ace's eyes. He flashes his trademark grin.
Ace: Congratulations, Classmate 2. You deserve it.
After school the next day...
Your classmates congratulate Classmate 2 on the internship!
Classmate 2: Intern-In-Chief, comin' through! Up top, MC!
You high-five Classmate 2 as you walk down the hall. You see your friends crowded around a bulletin board.
MC: Hey, what's up?
Autumn, Julian, and Payton move to block the bulletin board from view.
Autumn: Oh, MC! Nothing! Nothing's up!
You stare, confused, as Autumn, Julian, and Payton pretend like they aren't blocking the bulletin board...
MC: Seriously, what's on that board?
Payton: OMG, MC. It's just so tacky. Don't ruin your day looking at it. Let's go look at something pretty like, um...
Autumn: The foliage is so vibrant with the sunlight filtering through it...
Julian: Trust us, MC, it's stupid. Let's get out of here--
MC: Quit messing around. What are you guys hiding?
You push past your friends...
And see several large posters in black and white, with angry red words emblazoned across a face... your face.
MC: New Start...?
Shocked, you stare at the posters covering the hallway bulletin board... you read the words printed in red letters.
MC: 'Take back the Council... our school deserves better... where's our real representative?'
MC: 'MC's reign is over. Time for a New Start!'
You step closer to the posters, but Payton pulls you away. Julian angrily rips the posters off the bulletin board!
Julian: Sorry you had to see that, MC.
MC: Ace said... he said the faction against me was small!
Autumn: It is. Trust me, no one really thinks of you that way. You're the best! You don't deserve this.
Payton: Yeah, and those jerks are wrong! I think you're the best school rep ever! They're just jealous of how cool you are!
Julian: Exactly. Don't let the haters get you down, MC.
MC: I... I can't deal with this.
You shake off your friends and march away. You hear your friends chasing after you as you turn the corner...
Everywhere you look, you see posters emblazoned with an 'X' over your face.
MC: No...
Autumn: MC...
You stare at the posters, your fists clenched.
Julian: I just don't get where all these came from. I've heard a couple people grumbling, but nothing like this.
MC: I have to talk to Ace. I'm not going to let this ruin everything I've worked for!
You leave your friends behind, quickly sending Ace a text. Minutes later, he meets you on the school steps.
MC: Do you see these flyers? What's their problem?! I just want to--
Ace puts a finger to his lips, shushing you. He glances around and pulls you into an empty classroom.
Ace: You never know who's listening. Now talk to me. What happened?
You pace back and forth while Ace sits at a desk in an empty classroom.
Ace: I saw the flyers. Looks like New Start made their move.
MC: You said they didn't matter!
Ace: I miscalculated. Public sentiment must be turning against you if New Start thinks a smear campaign will work.
MC: What's their problem? So they think I'm not the right representative for the job? Just because I don't...
Ace: You don't favor your own school. You're fair. Now that your generous nature benefits the whole district and not just your school, you're making enemies.
MC: Seriously? Is everyone at my school against me?
Ace: Of course not. You've done so much for your classmates. Fought Hearst for them. Welcomed every student personally. Brought cliques together. They'd be fools to take that for granted.
MC: But some people are. New Start is.
Ace: That's the curse of the politician. You may have built this school from nothing, but some of your classmates are never going to appreciate that.
MC: Then, you know what...
Choice
What do you say?
   They're not worth my time.
   They're petty, immature cowards.
   They should get out of MY school!
if "They're not worth my time" then
   MC: No matter what I do, I can't win... it sucks, but I'm just going to ignore them.
   MC: Like you said, I'm the one who built this school from the ground up, but my classmates are still whining that I'm not doing things their way? Not my problem.
   You let out a heavy sigh. Ace winces in sympathy.
   MC: What's the point? Why am I even on the Council? Why waste my time trying to help ungrateful people?
   Ace: No need to get worked up, MC. It's gonna be okay. I'll handle this.
if "They're petty, immature cowards." then
   MC: Seriously, what's their beef? I worked my tail off on the Council, and they're mad that I'm not favoring my school? How petty can you get?
   MC: I mean, I practically built this school from the ground up! I won the election fair and square. And now they're complaining?
   MC: I'm putting myself out there. I don't see anyone from that New Start group coming forward. They want to complain, but they can't even do it publicly.
   You let out a heavy sigh. Ace winces in sympathy.
   MC: Talk about ungrateful. My classmates really take the prize for immaturity.
   Ace: No need to get worked up, MC. It's gonna be okay. I'll handle this.
if "They should get out of MY school!" then
   MC: Talk about ungrateful. I practically built this school from the ground up, but my classmates had the nerve to run against me for office...
   MC: And after I won the election, they're whining about the job I'm doing for them? Who else can take my place? No one, that's who.
   You kick a nearby chair, sending it clattering to the floor! Ace winces in sympathy.
   MC: If my classmates have a problem with me, they should just get out. They don't belong in my school.
   Ace: No need to get worked up, MC. It's gonna be okay. I'll handle this.
   You take a deep breath to calm yourself.
MC: Thanks... and thanks for hearing me out, Ace.
Ace: Keep your chin up, MC. Politics is thankless work. It's true what they say... no good deed goes unpunished.
Ace reaches out to squeeze your shoulder. He looks you in the eye.
Ace: Trust me. Whoever put those flyers up is going to get what they deserve. Everyone always does.
The next day, you head to homeroom. You try to ignore the New Start posters plastered on the bulletin boards.
MC: I wish this would just blow over...
You settle into your seat as the school news begins playing on the classroom projector...
On screen, Classmate 1 reads off a series of announcements.
Classmate 1: ...Taco Tuesdays are back, by popular demand. Get ready to chow down!
Classmate 1: Oh, and the principal would like to remind the school that food fights are strictly prohibited.
Classmate 1: Anyone participating in the upcoming district film festival must report to Room 23B to register.
Another student hands Classmate 1 a paper. Classmate 1 reads it, brow furrowed.
Classmate 1: Breaking news! This just in...
Classmate 1: We've just received footage from an undisclosed source revealing a secret meeting regarding the district student council. What it contains may shock you! Roll tape!
The screen cuts to a blurry image of a classroom being filmed from outside the window.
You recognize a figure pacing back and forth in anger... it's you!
MC: Oh no.
You and your classmates watch as a recording of you plays during the morning announcements.
MC: This is not good...
Your blood runs cold as the recording shows you pacing back and forth in an empty classroom.
if "They're not worth my time" then
   MC: ...I'm the one who built this school from the ground up, but my classmates are still whining that I'm not doing things their way? Not my problem.
   MC: What's the point? Why am I even on the Council? Why waste my time trying to help ungrateful people?
if "They're petty, immature cowards." then
   MC: ...I practically built this school from the ground up. I won the election fair and square. And now they're complaining?
   MC: Talk about ungrateful. My classmates really take the prize for immaturity.
if "They should get out of MY school!" then
   MC: ...talk about ungrateful. I practically built this school from the ground up, but my classmates had the nerve to run against me for office!
   MC: And after I won the election, they're whining about the job I'm doing for them? Who else can take my place? No one, that's who.
   On screen, you kick over a chair. It goes clattering to the floor.
   MC: If my classmates have a problem with me, they should just get out. They don't belong in my school.
The recording cuts off there. Classmate 1 looks directly at the camera.
Classmate 1: And there you have it. An exclusive look at our Council rep's true feelings.
Your classmates turn to stare at you with hurt and angry expressions... you sink down into your seat.
Payton: MC, was that really you? Did you say those things about us?
MC: No, I... I mean, yes, but it was taken out of context! I wasn't talking about you!
Wes catches your eye from across the classroom. He stares at you, like he doesn't even recognize you anymore.
Wes: ...
After school, your friends are anxiously waiting by your car in the parking lot.
Payton: So those morning announcements, huh?
MC: Guys, you have to believe me. I didn't mean what I said. I just lost my temper after I saw those New Start posters.
MC: I don't help people just to make them feel like they owe me, I promise.
Nishan: Yeah, I noticed the video conveniently left out any mention of New Start...
Autumn: You just need to find a way to clear the air. I'm sure it'll turn out fine.
Julian: Might be tough. I heard talk of impeaching MC.
Nishan: I did, too. MC, you need to do some damage control. Fast.
MC: Ace will know what to do.
After texting Ace, you meet him at a classy bistro downtown. When you enter, the restaurant is empty of diners.
A waiter leads you to a private table in the back, where Ace is eating alone, carving into a juicy steak.
He gestures to the seat across from him, where the table setting already immaculately laid out.
Ace: Sit. I ordered for you.
MC: Ace, someone recorded me talking to you about New Start! And it sounds like I'm dissing everyone at my school...
MC: Sure, I was mad about a propaganda campaign against me, but what I said... it hurt my friends. I don't even care about the Council anymore! I just want to make this right.
MC: It must've been New Start. They did this.
You look straight at Ace and notice he's grinning.
Ace: You still haven't figured it out yet?
MC: What... what are you talking about?
Ace: It was me, MC. I leaked the recording.
The world around you seems to fade away. Ace calmly slices into his steak as he talks.
MC: What do you mean, you leaked the recording? But... what about New Start?
Ace: An insignificant threat. Students carried away with rhetoric. I gave them a little push to go after you...
Ace: Okay, it was a big push. Your classmates love you too much.
MC: I don't understand. I trusted you!
Ace: You took something precious from me. I repaid you in kind.
MC: Wait... is this about that internship?
Ace sets down his steak knife. He looks back at you, his mouth a grim line.
Ace: You have no idea how long I worked to get the Hamilton Internship. How could you? Your school's barely existed for a year.
Ace: I did everything to make myself the top student at the top school in the district. That internship was mine.
MC: No, it wasn't. My friend deserved it just as much as you did.
Ace: MC, let me tell you a little something about deserving.
Ace: Everything you said on that recording? All true. Your classmates? They're entitled. Ungrateful. You deserved the Council seat. I deserved the Hamilton Internship.
Ace goes back to cutting his rare steak, carving out a slice of red meat. A trickle of blood pools on the dish.
Ace: I came from nothing, MC. I worked hard to get where I am. I climbed to the top of Kepler. I made sure the Council had the right people. Stayed out of the spotlight, working as an advisor.
Ace: And then you came along, with your happy-go-lucky school.
MC: Why did you pretend to help me?
Ace: I never pretended. We were helping each other. I wanted Kepler to stay the best school in the district, and you wanted your cheery little community to get a leg up. We were the perfect team.
MC: No, you were using me and the rest of the Council to funnel resources to Kepler!
Ace: And you profited just as much. That was my mistake. I assumed the other schools were the ones gunning for Kepler's throne. I never thought you would be the threat.
Ace: You and your friends... you think you can just set up shop on an empty lot and start winning everything? That's not how the world works. You have to earn it.
Ace leans in, sneering.
Ace: But I promise you, I'm going to make sure your school never steals anything from anyone ever again.
MC: What's that supposed to mean?
Ace: You think Hearst came close to shutting your school down? You have no idea.
Ace: I own the Council. That power is mine. And once your own classmates impeach you, there will be nothing you can do to save it.
Ace signals the waiter, who brings over a steak dinner for you.
Ace: My treat. Consider it a last supper.
Ace gets up to leave. You look down at the gourmet meal laid out in front of you. You feel hysteria bubble up, and you burst into laughter.
Ace: What's so funny?
MC: To think, during the campaign, you had the audacity to lecture me about trust. That's wild.
Ace: I told you what you needed to hear. And now what you need to hear is this...
Ace: It's over. Your school is finished.
With that, Ace walks out, happily bidding goodbye to the bistro wait staff and complimenting the chef.
You sit there alone, stunned, watching the blood slowly seep out of Ace's steak.
Ace has finally shown his true self! What does he have planned for your school?
Keep playing to find out!