Chapter 18

## Story

Rats invade the mansion! Rupert calls an exterminator, "Barry Grossman". He leads them to the entrance of the forbidden West Wing. Flo and Rupert carry on decorating Rupert's Room. After deliberation, Penny and Dave fix up the hallway as "Barry" rifles through the art under the guise of exterminating rats.

## Locations

New places unlocked in this chapter:

* West Wing Hallway
* West Wing Room 1
* West Wing Room 2

## Tasks

Players need to get 54 stars to complete the tasks of this chapter.

* Begin Next Chapter
* Save Dave!
* Exterminator Is Here
* New Planter
* New Rug
* New Bookshelf
* New Fridge
* Hunting Rats
* New Workbench
* New Workbench Lamp
* New Tool Cabinet
* Um, Dave?
* Robot Docking Station
* Open West Wing Doors
* VR Machine
* Meanwhile...
* Clean Hallway
* New Floor
* New Walls
* Barry And The Paintings
* New Lamps
* New Furniture
* New Plants

#### Opening Scene

> **Penny**Zzzz... go away Blue Sweater Cat. I wanna sleep!

> **Penny**AAHHHHH!! A RAT![Penny gets up from the bed and stands next to Flo][A rat sits on the bed]**Flo**AAHHHHH!![Penny and Flo run up the stairs and stop halfway]**Penny**I will never complain about waking up with a cat in my face again.**Pink Sweater Cat**Meooow!![Flo and Penny turn to face the doorway]**Flo**Oh no! Now the cats are yowling out there like their tails are on fire![Flo and Penny jump in surprise]**Dave**AAaaah![Penny and Flo turn to face each other]**Penny**And who is that screaming? It can’t be... DAVE?[Penny and Flo turn to face the doorway][Screen pans to Dave standing on one leg on a stool in the kitchen with all three cats clinging to him]

#### Save Dave!

> [Penny and Flo hurry up the Butler's Rooms stairs to step into the kitchen and to stop in the doorway]**Flo**Dave? Are you okay?![Dave balances on one foot on a stool][Blue Sweater Cat sits on Dave's right shoulder][Pink Sweater Cat sits on Dave's head][Green sweater Cat clings to Dave's left side]**Dave**AAAAHHHH! Sorry guys, but I have a phobia about rats!**Flo**Hang on, Dave! Penny is coming to save you![Screen pans to Flo and Penny]**Penny**What?! No, I am NOT going in there.[Rupert stands on the other side of the Kitchen in the other doorway]**Rupert**What’s going on... YIKES!**Dave**Please, guys. This is really uncomfortable.**Flo**Rupert! We need the FASTEST exterminator you can find![Screen pans in on Rupert]**Rupert**I have all local service providers ordered by response time. Here!

*One minute later*

> \*DING DONG\***Rupert**THAT was fast. I'll get him!

#### Exterminator Is Here

> [Barry walks into the Kitchen][Rupert rolls from the Lobby into the Kitchen and stops in the doorway just behind Barry]**Barry**Stand back and let the professional handle this...[Barry starts chasing the rats around the Kitchen island with his hands in the air]**Barry**HIIIYARGH!!!
> SHOO! SHOOOO![Barry chases the rats out into the Lobby]**Barry**HA! Works every time.[Barry turns to face Penny, Flo and Dave who has removed himself from the stool]**Barry**Greetings! Barry Grossman, Grossbusters Pest Control. Here's my card!
> Bruisin' Barry, they call me! If rats come into your house, they're cruisin' for a bruisin'!

> **Penny**Aren’t you supposed to capture them?**Barry**I wanna see where they run. Gotta find the source of the problem![Barry stands by the Kitchen doorway talking to the others]**Barry**You can all go about your business! I got this.**Penny**Um... I'll come with you. I can show you around.**Barry**All right, but it's at your own risk, ma'am. Let's hunt some rats!

#### New Planter

> [Rupert and Flo enter Rupert's Room]**Flo**Whew! I’m so glad the rats are being handled by a professional!**Rupert**Yeah, I’d much rather work on my rodent-free space.[Flo walks to the corner near the door]**Flo**Just so it’s not all about machines, how about a nice planter here?[Rupert joins her]**Rupert**Excellent logic! Here’s one I like...

*Player chooses an option*

> **Flo**Oh, nice choice, sweetie! But... is something wrong?**Rupert**No. I was just thinking about Dad, and what he said.
> Just show up and do the work, and don’t worry about results!
> And he’s right. It’s all about the process.**Flo**That was pretty wise! So what process should we work on next?[Flo and Rupert move to the center of the room]**Rupert**How about a robot workbench?**Flo**Oh, I think the room needs a little SWING FAY first...
> How about a new rug, a new bookshelf, and a nice fridge for snacks?

#### New Rug

> [Flo walks to stand at the foot of the bed]**Flo**Okay, a new rug would really warm up... Rupert?
> Are you even listening to me?**Rupert**Sure, Mom. Rugs are nice. You pick one.

*Player chooses an option*

> [Flo walks to stand on the rug]**Flo**There! Isn’t that nice?**Rupert**Sure, Mom.**Flo**What are you looking at on your phone?**Rupert**Oh, just stuff for my project.**Flo**Well, anytime you want to talk about that with your old mom...**Rupert**I don’t know, it’s kind of technical.**Flo**Well, if you change your mind, I’m right here...
> All righty, then, let’s move on!

#### New Bookshelf

> **Flo**Okay, how about a new bookshelf?**Rupert**NOW you’re talking! I like THIS one!

*Player chooses an option*

> **Rupert**Now there’s something useful![Flo gets closer to the bookshelf and bends down to kneel on the floor]

> **Flo**Oh, sweetie, look at this! It was wedged in the floor!**Rupert**What’s that? Part of a ninja star?**Flo**Close! It’s a piece of eight, like the old pirate treasure! That's the third one we've found!**Rupert**Pirates? You know I prefer ninjas.[Flo stands and turns to face Rupert]**Flo**Yes, dear, but this is special. They're part of a treasure hunt.**Rupert**Treasure hunt? Well, that’s pretty keen!**Flo**I’m so glad you like it! It’s going to be fun!**Rupert**I still like ninjas.**Flo**Okaaaay, so what next?

#### New Fridge

> **Flo**Okay, I know how you love your energy drinks...[Flo turns to look at the space next to the bookshelf]**Flo**Which fridge would you like to keep them cold?

*Player chooses an option*

> **Rupert**Yeah, that one is keen![Flo moves back onto the rug]**Flo**I’m glad you can hydrate when you’re working so hard!**Rupert**Yeah, I like never having to leave the room.**Flo**Well, I hope you come out SOME time...
> But just to get you started, I filled the fridge with your favorite!**Rupert**You got my favorite? Blue Jitters?**Flo**Um... this said Crocodile Juice. Aren’t they all the same?**Rupert**Mom, NOOOO! I only drink Blue Jitters!**Flo**Oh, sorry, sweetie! I’ll get this right someday...

#### Hunting Rats

> [Penny and Barry stand on the balcony above the media area]**Barry**Ma’am, the source of your problem is behind these doors here.**Penny**Really? I don’t see any rats, or holes, or anything...**Barry**Excuse me, ma’am, but I’m a professional!
> If you’d rather deal with this problem yourself...**Penny**Oh no no no... let me just get a key to the door...[Penny walks off]

Transition Dialogue

> [Penny walks into Daphne's Bedroom][Daphne lays on the bed]**Penny**Hmm... Daphne's asleep. I'd rather not wake her up. It's been a rough couple of days.[Penny walks out the Bedroom]

Transition Dialogue

> [Barry works on the doors as Penny walks to stand by the doors]**Penny**So, can this wait? The key isn’t available right now.[Barry stands up]**Barry**Ma’am, I’m afraid what we have here is a certified emergency.
> Every second the rats are running wild, the house is in peril!**Penny**...**Barry**I implore you not to hesitate, ma’am!
> This is a code PDQ409, as we say in the business!**Penny**That sounds serious! Let me think...

#### New Workbench

> [In Rupert's Room]**Flo**Okay, I think we have enough Swing Fay to start on that workbench.**Rupert**FINALLY! I know exactly which one I want!

*Player chooses an option*

> **Flo**Oh, that one is so adorable!**Rupert**Mom! It’s not adorable, it’s functional and efficient!**Flo**Okay, Mister Robot Wizard!
> Hey, maybe we could build robots together!**Rupert**It’s complicated, Mom.**Flo**Well, I’m a fast learner! I learned to be a Wedding Planner on YouTube...**Rupert**Okay, go ahead and study mechanics, gyro balance, and AI on YouTube.**Flo**Oo, that DOES sound like a lot...
> Well, for now, you’re going to need a lamp, and maybe a cabinet for supplies...

#### New Workbench Lamp

> [Flo and Rupert stand around the workbench]**Flo**Well, let’s cast a little light on this situation!**Rupert**This lamp looks like it would have maximum lumens!

*Player chooses an option*

> **Rupert**Keen!**Flo**I’m so glad you like it! But what are lumens again?**Rupert**Lumens measure visible light. Like Kelvins measure temperature.**Flo**I’m still embarrassed that I thought you were talking about Calvin.
> But it’s funny, right? Kelvin and Calvin?**Rupert**Kelvin is more precise.**Flo**I guess precision is important sometimes...**Rupert**It’s important ALL the time!**Flo**I don’t know... as long as it has that SWING FAY...

#### New Tool Cabinet

> **Flo**If you’re gonna build robots, you need a place for your tools.[Rupert rolls to the side of the bench]**Rupert**Yeah, a tool cabinet! Can I have this one?

*Player chooses an option*

*Player chooses another option*

> [Flo moves to stand next to Rupert]**Flo**You got it, Doctor Robotstein!
> Now can we build robots together? Maybe a small one?**Rupert**Small ones are even more complex.**Flo**I just want us to do something together! With gyro... AI... whatever.
> I could catch on! By the way, what does “AI” stand for?**Rupert**Artificial Intelligence. Computers that think like people.**Flo**Okay, but WHICH people? I mean, for me, you might need Artificial Intuition...**Rupert**There’s no such thing as Artificial Intuition!**Flo**Well, sweetie, sounds like an opportunity to invent something new!

#### Um, Dave?

> [Penny walks down the Entryway steps][Dave stands staring at the car planter centerpiece, Thelma]**Penny**Um, Dave? We need help with... Are you having a moment?**Dave**Thelma was a good car. But that was in the past.**Penny**I know, buddy. I still feel badly about that.[Dave turns to face Penny]**Dave**It’s the way of life. We can’t let the past drag us down.
> This has to change. No more relics of the past.**Penny**Maybe you’re right. Time for a proper centerpiece? No painful memories?

*Player chooses an option*

> **Dave**Thanks, Penny. The thing about the past...
> ...it can drag you back into its quicksand. It can destroy you.**Penny**Whoa. I mean, you’re right, but that’s heavy duty.**Dave**Yeah. Just been feeling things a lot lately. What did you need?**Penny**Just a problem with a lock. Right this way...

#### Robot Docking Station

> [Flo and Rupert stand between the desk and workbench]**Rupert**Okay, Mom, this is the most important part...
> The robot docking station!**Flo**Okay, you’d better take the lead here. I don’t know what that is.**Rupert**Robots can recharge and connect to software! Looks like this!

*Player chooses an option*

> **Flo**OHHH! A robot playpen.**Rupert**No... that's not exactly...[Flo gets on the docking station and strikes a pose]**Flo**BEEP! I. AM. A. ROBOT. I. CONNECT. WITH. HUGS.[Flo starts dancing]**Rupert**Mom! It’s not a huggie toy!**Flo**HUG. ME. OR. I. WILL. DESTROY.**Rupert**Haha! Mom, you’re weird. But I like weird.**Flo**That’s my boy! At least you know where your weird side comes from!**Rupert**We just need one more thing... and this is actually a toy!

#### Open West Wing Doors

> [Dave, Penny and Barry stand on the balcony in front of the West Wings doors]**Dave**So this is the lock you’re having trouble with?**Barry**Quick! There’s no time to lose!**Dave**And you’re certain the rats are nested behind this?**Barry**The house is in peril! Every second counts!**Dave**All right, then. Stand back.**Barry**What are you gonna do, pal, pick the lock?**Dave**My friends used to call me SMASH.[Dave runs and smashes through the doors]**Barry**Wow! A human wrecking ball![Dave walks back through the doorway]**Dave**It’s a useful skill on certain occasions.**Barry**Well, you’ve done your part. Now it’s my turn.
> I’m gonna have to ask you folks to stand back for a moment.[Dave and Barry swap places]**Barry**There may be rodents of unusual size...

#### VR Machine

> [Flo and Rupert stand by the rug]**Flo**So what is that one last thing you were talking about?**Rupert**Hang on. You’re going to love this.

*Player chooses an option*

> **Flo**Heh heh! That’s your toy?**Rupert**Yeah! It’s a VR gaming rig!**Flo**So what does...**Rupert**It stands for Virtual Reality. Come on, try the googles!

*One alien invasion later...*

> [Flo stand on the rig with the goggles on and holding the remote controls]**Flo**Yippee-ki-yay! Bring it on, alien hordes! Pew pew![Flo fights the virtual aliens]**Rupert**Keen! You’re so great at this, Mom! Hahaha!

#### Meanwhile...

*LeFleur Cosmetics 10:45AM*

> **Violet**Oh, don’t worry, Francoise. Your friends will be fine.**White Rat**Squeak?**Violet**Yes, I promise.
> The little pony-tailed man won’t lay a finger on them.**White Rat**Squeak...**Violet**No, look! I just got a text from him.

> **Violet**“Gained entry to west wing. Searching for painting now.”

> **Violet**See? All according to plan!
> He can search around without any suspicion.
> Your friends did well. You should be proud!**White Rat**Squeeeeak!

#### Clean Hallway

> [Barry stands in the West Wings Hallway][Penny and Dave stand on the balcony above the media area]**Barry**ALL CLEAR!**Penny**Let’s see what the first mystery area looks like.[Penny and Dave walk into the west wing]**Barry**Okay, folks, gonna need this hall tidied up so I can spot the rat holes...
> ...and nowhere on my business card does it say Hall Cleaning.**Penny**All right, just give us a minute...[Dave and Penny clean up the hallway]**Barry**Great! Now if you'll just wait here, I have some rat recon to do...[Barry walks into a room full of art]**Penny**Is it just me, or was that a little weird?**Dave**The dude is definitely a bit off.
> But this hallway could use some color...**Penny**Yeah, but Daphne told me the west wing was off limits.**Dave**Explain that to the rats! Or just help me with this hallway...

#### New Floor

> **Penny**Welp, this hallway sure could use a new floor.**Dave**You’ve got that right! Which one should we go with?

*Player chooses an option*

> **Dave**Well, this old hallway has a good place to stand!**Penny**Always the best place to start!
> But can we talk about the rat-man in the room?[Screen pans to Barry fiddling with a painting]**Dave**Yeah, something’s not right. Who called this guy?**Penny**It was Rupert. Said he had data sorted for shortest response time...**Dave**And then the guy showed up literally in one minute?[Screen pans back to Dave and Penny]**Penny**Yeah, that’s just not natural.**Dave**Well, it got me off the countertop with the cats!
> Seemed like a lot more than a minute from up there, I can tell you...

#### New Walls

> [Dave and Penny stand by the hallway table]**Dave**These walls just need... COLOR!**Penny**Well, Dave, you’re feeling the colors lately, so you pick!

*Player chooses an option*

*Player chooses another option*

> **Dave**There! That feels MUCH better! Why didn't Daphne do this before?**Penny**She’s probably hiding something... like a rose in a bell jar...
> ...and when the last petal falls, the charm will be broken...**Dave**That’s a pretty good story! I wonder if the real one is that good.**Penny**Hmm... she COULD be hiding something...**Dave**Or maybe there’s something that just feels very private.**Penny**So she could be... embarrassed?**Dave**You never know. She’s such a confident person, but sometimes that’s a mask.**Penny**Well, I wish I had a whole wing of a mansion to hide all my embarrassments...

#### Barry And The Paintings

> [Barry walks through the art work]**Barry**Yoopidoop... paintings, paintings, everywhere... but which one?**Brown Rat**Squeak!**Barry**Whoa! An actual rat back here! I mean I said they’d be here, but...**Brown Rat**Squeak?[Barry searches while he talks to Brown Rat]**Barry**Oh, no, I’m not a REAL exterminator...
> I’m... a SPY! Yeah, that’s it... on a HEIST!
> Wait, do spies... anyway, I’m after a PAINTING!
> But did she have a picture of it, so I’d know which one?
> NOOOOO, that would be too convenient!
> “Self-portrait, with Muse” it’s called. It’s got the old lady and her butler.
> But there might be a hundred of those!
> So, WHICH painting?
> Just gotta keep checking with the boss-lady...

#### New Lamps

> [Penny and Dave stand opposite to the West Wing entrance]**Penny**You know, some new lighting wouldn’t hurt.**Dave**Yeah, so we can see the color on the walls! How about this?

*Player chooses an option*

> **Penny**Ooo, I like those!
> But seriously, what could Daphne be hiding?**Dave**You know, ALL of us have a past.**Penny**Yeah, but we’re her friends!**Dave**Sometimes it’s your friends you’re most concerned about.
> Friends are so valuable. There’s a lot of potential for loss.**Penny**Yeah, I see what you mean.**Dave**Or maybe it’s a corpse.**Penny**Haha! Always go with the best story!

#### New Furniture

> [Penny and Dave stand by the hallway table]**Penny**A little furniture is good, even in a hallway.**Dave**I agree! How about this?

*Player chooses an option*

*Player chooses another option*

> **Penny**Nice. It’s getting downright civilized in here!**Dave**Okay, I can’t stop thinking about the rat man...
> Barry Grossman? Bruisin’ Barry Pest Control?**Penny**Yeah, that was the name.[Penny gets out her phone]**Penny**Hmmm... looks pretty legit...
> Proper website, a Pixtagram account...[Penny puts her phone away]**Penny**Maybe he’s fine. We might be worried about nothing.**Dave**Maybe. I’m gonna keep my eyes open, though.

#### New Plants

> [Dave and Penny stand by the planter]**Penny**There’s only one other thing we need... a little plant life.**Dave**And we got the right kind of lamps to help them grow! So which plants?

*Player chooses an option*

> **Penny**Excellent! There’s more oxygen back here now!**Dave**And COLOR! Don’t forget the added color!**Penny**So now it’s just a matter of waiting for the strange little man...**Dave**Yeah, I do hope he finds the source of the rodents so we can get out of here.**Penny**Yeah, I still feel bad about...[Screen pans to Daphne at the West Wing entrance]**Daphne**WHAT IS THIS? THIS AREA IS FORBIDDEN![Dave and Penny walk to Daphne]**Penny**Hi, Daphne, it’s just that there were these...**Daphne**WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE WEST WING?!