The Truman Sim
Prologue, Episode 2: An Idea is Born
The next day, Brandi received a call from STV. She'd been randomly chosen to participate in 'market research' - whatever that was - and informed that she'd receive 100 simoleons for her assistance. Ever quick for a bit of extra food money, Brandi readily agreed to visit the Control Tower...
Jenny: ...and this is our meeting room. Many of our shows have been thought up over a Chinese lunch and a bit of inspirational music.
Brandi: This place is amazing... and so big! I haven't seen anything this big since... well... nevermind.
Jenny: *chuckle* Don't worry, we've heard far worse. Anyhow, we've been doing a bit of demographic surveying lately, looking for the next big show, and you're one of the people we've randomly chosen for our survey. Would you mind answering a few questions?
Brandi: Oh, I'd love to! I'm happy to help!
Jenny: Alright, well, first of all, what interests you the most at the moment?
Brandi: Well, I love The Young and the Simful -- left hand to God. Or... um, whatever religious promise you prefer.
Jenny: Don't worry, we in demographics don't worry about censorship. That's for our legal department.
Brandi: Well, anyhow, it's my favorite show. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I watch a lot of television when I'm not busy cleaning the house or taking care of the kids or whatnot...
Jenny: I see. What do you like most about it?
Brandi: The realism -- the immersion. I mean, I like watching other people having their trials and tribulations and successes. It's the sort of thing that gives me hope.
Brandi: I just found out that I'm pregnant with my third child, you see, and I'm at a rough time in my life... so it really helps to see someone else succeeding in life sometimes, you know? It gives me hope that things will work out somehow. It's comforting.
Jenny: I see your point. Well, it's good to hear that our programming helps to inspire people to get through the day. The Young and the Simful is my personal favorite - I'm glad to see it's on the air and so popular with everyone. How about your coworkers - your husband? How do they like the show?
Brandi: Well... I don't have any coworkers at the moment. My... my husband was a businessman downtown, and he... well, he died. Recently. In a pool ladder accident. Things've been tight lately, and... excuse me, I think I need to go now...
And with that, Brandi left STV and went home to have a good cry. Little did she know that her chance encounter would bring a familiar visitor...
William: Miss Brandi, I presume?
Brandi: I don't believe we've met before... wait... aren't you William Christof?
William: That I am. I understand you spoke with my associate the other day -- for a demographic survey?
Brandi: Yes, we were talking about my favorite shows... I'm really sorry I had to go, I... well... it's been a rough week. I'm really sorry.
William: Oh, I understand -- it's got to be tough bringing up children on your own.
Brandi: Yes... well, I do all that I can for them - play with them, take them to the beach... well, not so much now that Skip's gone...
Brandi: I mean... he was such a wonderful father... well, okay, not so much, but he was always willing to play with Dustin when he was little...
William: Well, let me ask you a question, miss Brandi. What would you do for your family if you had the money? Take a plane trip around the world? Buy a new home? Send your kids to college?
The conversation lasted well into the night. Brandi confided eventually that she wanted to do all of those things for her children -- but without a job, all of that was impossible, and she couldn't afford to hire a nanny to keep up with the household while she worked. William merely smiled.
William: So you're saying that, basically, you simply can't afford to keep up your current state of living, much less improve it. Perhaps there's something STV could do about that.
Brandi: *cautiously* What do you mean?
William: We at STV are like a family. Best friends. Willing to help each other out in times of need. And I have a proposition that I think would help STV, but most importantly, help you.
William: What if I told you there was a way for your newborn child to receive the finest education -- the best schooling? Teachers known around the world for their intellect?
Brandi: Well, of course I'd want that. But I can't afford that... and... why would STV do that for me?
William: Well, we've been talking about ideas for new shows... and one recurring theme that our market is really interested in is reality television.
Brandi: You want my family to appear on reality TV? I mean... isn't that... um... I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that.
William: No, no, not quite... you see, reality television has been done to death - it needs something new. Something fresh. And I came up with this idea... but we need a volunteer. A consenting mother who's willing to let their young child be a star.
Brandi: But Beau's... well, my son Beau's no actor, Mr. Christof. Though I'm flattered, I'm sure... I really don't think I'm comfortable with where this is going.
William: Well... I want to give your unborn child the chance of a lifetime.
William: Imagine seeing your child on stage, performing a rock solo, and knowing that you - you had the opportunity, and you made that happen for him. Wouldn't you want that?
Brandi: Well... yes, I suppose so...
William: Imagine it with me. He's strumming away at his guitar, the crowd is roaring... and all because he got a chance that few people ever get. Trust me, I've been in this business a long time... and it's luck and fate that makes 90% of the stars on my shows. It's luck and fate that brought you to our studio the other day.
Brandi: I suppose every cloud has a silver lining...
William: Now you're talking.
Brandi: And I really want what's best for my children... but... what exactly do you plan on doing to help my unborn baby?
William: I want your child to grow up well, Brandi. And I want the whole world to be there watching when he does. All I need is for you to let me help him. Let me adopt him when he's born, and I will give him an entire world of possibilities.
Brandi: I'm not sure... I...
William: He'd have his education paid for, the best possible in the world.
William: And the world would know him - he would be the most famous television star ever. I can make it happen.
Brandi: Would he win a Simmy someday?
William: Better -- he would be the actor that Simmy winners aspire to be. His would be the ultimate performance... so, will you let me?
Brandi: I... I have to think about it.
William: Well, let me know soon... I have an air date to meet. If you aren't interested in the 50,000 simoleon reward and the chance of a lifetime...
Brandi: I didn't say that! I... I'll call you soon with my decision.
William: Very good. Goodnight, miss Broke...
Brandi considered her options carefully. 50,000 simoleons was a lot of money -- and this enigmatic figure promised the child unborn a future beyond her wildest dreams. But was it worth it?
Brandi: Beau... would you want the chance of a lifetime? For all of us?
Beau: Gaaa...
Our Prologue concludes with Part 3: Brandi Goes for Broke.