*disable_reuse
*comment code consequences for accepting a bargain

*if (background = "guard")
    "Civilian life has treated you well it seems, $!{player_first_name}," King Frederick says to you. "Not that your job was too stressful here, however."
    
    He laughs a bit and you join him. It was pretty rare that the King would smile, much less laugh at anything. 
    
    Soon enough, he's back to business. 
    
    "First of all, I must extend my thanks to you for serving in the Odessan Royal Guard. I've seen what war can do to people."
    
    A stormy look crosses the King's eyes, but before you can question it, the look is gone. All these years later and the Great Odessan War still troubles him, it seems.
    
    "Fortunately guards in your class, as well as Ross and Ryr's classes never got to see too much combat. But enough about that." King Frederick runs a hand through his hair before continuing. 
    
    "What can I offer you, $!{player_first_name}? Say what it is you desire and it will be done."
    
    You ponder the King's words and think back to the reason why you left the Guard in the first place. You also think about the other things the King might be able to offer you.
    
    Ultimately you decide to ask King Frederick for:
    *label guardbargain
    *fake_choice
        *selectable_if (guard_background = "misunderstanding") #Something to happen to that crazy commander that seemed to always have it out for you. 
            The King chuckles a bit underneath his breath. 
            
            "I'm sure you're referring to Commander Stella. She was…quite vocal when you left. Never pegged her to be the smiling type," he says, standing up from the desk for a brief moment. 
            
            "Why did she hate me so much?" You blurt out before you could help it. You had no idea why Commander Stella disliked you so much. She really had no reason to, even if you weren't the most amazing guard in history.
            
            King Frederick turns around and faces the window in the room, seeming to contemplate his next words, before speaking again.
            
            "Most likely, she was jealous or threatened of you. After all, she had been trying to watch my kids since they were born but I would never allow it."
            
            The King turns to look at you again. 
            
            "She was too brash. Too much of a bully. That's great for being a commander, but not good for watching over the heir's to the Odessan throne," he says, taking a seat behind the desk again. "But she's gone. Left for the Americas."
            
            King Frederick snorts and nearly rolls his eyes. 
            
            "Godspeed to her over there. If she could never meet my standards, I doubt she will meet that country's standard. But enough of that."
            
            The king pulls out a few pieces of paper, which upon closer inspection, turns out to be your guard transcript. The word discharged is stamped all over the paper. 
            
            "I'll clear your record, of course and dispel any lingering rumors about why you left," the King assures. "Should you not win the competition, you're free to rejoin the ranks of the guard with a higher position than when you left. Does this sound pleasing to you?"
            
            *fake_choice
                #"Yes. I accept."
                    King Frederick nods. "Good. I will see to it that everything is taken care of."
                    
                    He stands now, motioning for you to do so as well. 
                    
                    "Now, let's go meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"No, let me weigh my other options."
                    *page_break
                    *goto guardbargain
        *selectable_if (guard_background = "return") #Provisions to keep your family well above water for the rest of their lives.
            "Well, I might consider participating if my family is safe," you begin, rubbing your palms against your thighs. 
            
            Your family is much better off now since your departure from the Guard, but there was always a creeping worry in the back of your mind that some day something else of that magnitude might happen. 
            
            King Frederick nods his head. "I see," he replies, steepling his hands together in front of his chest. "I understand. Family is one of the most important things to me."
            
            You wait for him to continue his train of thought, but he moves on.
            
            "Yes. Your family will be taken care of. Obviously, monetary, but I can arrange other things for them as well…housing, schooling, whatever they desire."
            
            You nod, mulling the idea over in your head. Eventually, you tell the King…
            *fake_choice
                #"Yes, I will compete."
                    King Frederick nods. "Good. I will see to it that everything is taken care of."
                    
                    He stands now, motioning for you to do so as well. 
                    
                    "Now, let's go meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"No, let me weigh my other options."
                    *page_break
                    *goto guardbargain
        #Money. You'll find something to do with it. 
            "How about some money?" You ask.
            
            King Frederick doesn't say anything for a moment, but eventually he does nod. 
            
            "Yes. Name any amount of money you'd like and it's yours," King Frederick says. "Though, I suggest not thinking too hard about how I'll get the money, $!{player_first_name}. Just know that I will get it and it'll be yours."
            
            You nod, imagining how full your pockets would be with that sudden influx of cash. After mulling the idea over in your head, you tell King Frederick…
            *fake_choice
                #"Yes, I will compete."
                    King Frederick nods. "Good. I will see to it that everything is taken care of."
                    
                    He stands now, motioning for you to do so as well. 
                    
                    "Now, let's go meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"No, let me weigh my other options."
                    *page_break
                    *goto guardbargain
        #A higher position in the Guard. Senior Commander $!{player_first_name} has a nice ring to it.
            You glance at the wall behind King Frederick, looking at the numerous medals on the wall. His father was one of Odessa's best commanders, so you know that he takes the hiring of people in high positions carefully. You watched his children for years, so surely he thought highly of you…right?
            
            "Well, King Frederick, I would be honored if I could be considered for a Senior Commander position," you say, shifting your attention back to the King. 
            
            The King hums, giving you a look over. Was he sizing you up? Preparing to laugh at you? Neither it seems, as he reaches into a drawer to pull out a stack of papers.
            
            "The path to a position like that is not easy. Hence why there are so few in that position," he begins, flipping though the stack of papers, which show all sorts of names crossed out and pictures of different people. Eventually King Frederick stops and peers up at you.
            
            "You have my support. One commander recently stepped down and I don't foresee myself trying to fill that position anytime soon, especially once the Games start," he tells you. "There's tests you have to undergo, as well as prove yourself to the board, but I'm sure you can."
            
            Once King Frederick is done speaking, you think about your option a few moments longer before you tell him…
            *fake_choice
                #"Yes, I will compete."
                    King Frederick nods. "Good. I will see to it that everything is taken care of."
                    
                    He stands now, motioning for you to do so as well. 
                    
                    "Now, let's go meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"No, let me weigh my other options."
                    *page_break
                    *goto guardbargain
            
        #An all expenses paid vacation to anywhere but Odessa.
            Your proposition makes the King chuckle, but eventually he nods.
            
            "Odessa can get draining. Not a day goes by that Mozelle doesn't complain to me about wanting to leave the country," King Frederick grins ruefully at the thought of his youngest child before getting straight faced again. 
            
            "Yes, I can arrange an all expenses paid vacation for you and anybody of your choice. Just say where I will make it happen," he finishes. 
            
            Once King Frederick is done speaking, you think about your options a few moments longer before you tell him…
            *fake_choice
                #"Yes, I will compete."
                    King Frederick nods. "Good. I will see to it that everything is taken care of."
                    
                    He stands now, motioning for you to do so as well. 
                    
                    "Now, let's go meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"No, let me weigh my other options."
                    *page_break
                    *goto guardbargain
        #Nothing. There's not a single thing the King could give you that would make you want to compete.
            Are you sure you don't want to compete in the Games?
            *fake_choice
                #Yes, very sure.
                    *goto_scene chp2_earlyend
                #Well, on second thought...
                    *goto guardbargain
*if (background = "college")
    “Odessa University, hm?” 

    You look down at your transcript and ID photo at the top of the page. 

    “Many of my staff attended Odessa U. I know a place like that isn’t cheap to attend and many of them made sacrifices to attend. I’m sure you did as well,” King Frederick says. “With that being said…”

    The King places another paper on top of with a bulleted list on it. “While I decided to let the Odessa Dates web team focus on the technical aspects and not exactly the human aspects of this competition, I did have some of my people research a bit into your background. Based on their findings, should you complete, I will offer you one of the things on this list.”

    You take a look at the list in front of you, wondering which option you should choose.
    
    *label collegebargain
    *fake_choice
        #“Would you seriously rename a building for me? The building my major was housed in?”
            "Oh, definitely," King Frederick says, pulling out another paper for you to look at. 
            
            You look over the plans for the building renaming with wide eyes.
            
            "We would rename your major building and give Odessa University a sizable donation to do so. Regardless of how you place in the competition, you'll definitely turn the right heads with a building named after you."
            *page_break
            *goto collegebargain
        #“Does that say...pay off my student loan debt?”
            "Yes. I'm aware of how much college costs. We have made great strides since I assumed the throne, but there is still much to be done," King Frederick says.
            
            "I don't know how much debt you have, but I would be more than happy to pay it all off, regardless of where you place in the competition."
            *page_break
            *goto collegebargain
        *selectable_if (degree = "none") #“You would help me reenroll and complete my degree?”
            "Happily, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            King Frederick sighs softly, messing with a pen hat was on his desk.
            
            "College is hard. I respect anybody that takes even one class in any university in Odessa. I'm not sure why you had to leave Odessa University, but I will do anything in my power to get you back in your classes, whether that is paying your tuition and other fees, writing letters, or anything else," King Frederick says.
            *page_break
            *goto collegebargain
        #“You would fund my entire grad school program, no matter where I go?”
            "That's right. You can go back to Odessa University, or you can go out of the country. Wherever you'd like," King Frederick says. "Everything will be paid for."
            *page_break
            *goto collegebargain
        #“You would set up a scholarship fund for people in my hometown to attend?”
            "Absolutely. I would have to get with my education advisor, but it shouldn't be a problem to set up a fund for anybody in $!{player_hometown}."
            
            King Frederick flips through a few pages on his desk before showing you one of them. You see a rough few outlines for the different programs that could be offered, including a fund that increases in value over time.
            
            "Wow," you say.
            *page_break
            *goto collegebargain
        #"Does that say you'll give me money?"
            "Yes. Perhaps none of these options suit you and you'd rather do what you want. Name any amount of money you'd like and it's yours," King Frederick says.
            
            You pause. That had to be illegal. Where would he even get that money?
            
            "I suggest not thinking too hard about how I'll get the money, $!{player_first_name}. Just know that I will get it and it'll be yours," King Frederick continues as if he could read your mind.
            *page_break
            *goto collegebargain
        #Done asking questions.
            *page_break
            “Now that you’ve heard the options, what is your decision?” King Frederick asks.
            *fake_choice
                #“I’m in. Rename that building for me.”
                    *set fame %+2
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“I’ll be debt free? I’m in, Your Majesty.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                    
                *selectable_if (degree = "none") #“I’ll do anything to finish my degree, even this. I’m in.”
                    *set smarts %+5
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“I’ve always wanted to go to grad school. I’ll compete.”
                    *set smarts %+2
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“Giving back to my hometown? Yes! I’ll compete then.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"Give me the money."
                    *set bribe "yes"
                    King Frederick nods. "Consider it done."
                   
                    He straightens up his shirt before sighing. "I've held you up here long enough. I think it's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting               
                #“Sorry, Your Majesty. I still don’t want to compete.”
                    *goto_scene chp2_earlyend
                
*if (background = "hometown")
    “Your hometown, $!{player_hometown}, is lovely. Absolutely lovely. It was one of the first places I visited after the war was over and we were in a relative peace,” King Frederick says. “Everybody there was nice and made me feel as if I was one of their own.”

    The King places another paper on top of with a bulleted list on it. “While I decided to let the Odessa Dates web team focus on the technical aspects and not exactly the human aspects of this competition, I did have some of my people research a bit into your background. Based on their findings, should you complete, I will offer you one of the things on this list.”

    You take a look at the list in front of you, wondering which option you should choose.
    *label hometownchoice
    *fake_choice
        #“You will help revitalize my hometown?”
            "Yes. While $!{player_hometown} has many great things about it, I know that there are some things that could likely be changed. Improving roads, creating more jobs, so on and so forth," King Frederick says, handing you a sheet of paper.
            
            You scan the page, noticing a list of proposals to change a lot of the things you used to complain about back home.
            
            "We'll also give more support to your Town Head, whether that is monetary or personnel. Whatever they need, we'll give it to them," the King adds.
            *page_break
            *goto hometownchoice
        #“You’ll help renovate my childhood home?”
            "That's right," King Frederick says with a smile. "Perhaps you found it too small when you were younger, or some other reason. I'd be happy to employ the Royal Builder and her team to build the home of your dreams."
            
            You hum a bit in thought, almost imagining how you'd triple your old bedroom size.
            *page_break
            *goto hometownchoice
        *selectable_if (family_relationship = "good") #“Everybody in my family will get a scholarship to whatever college they would like to attend?”
            "That's right, $!{player_first_name}. Whether they want to go to Odessa University, or a community college close to home, we will fully fund their entire education, including post-graduate studies if they wish," King Frederick says. 
            
            "You don't want them to work for you after it's all done?" You ask.
            
            The King shakes his head, a bit amused. "No. I promise."
            *page_break
            *goto hometownchoice
        *selectable_if (family = "none") #“You’ll build a better home for orphaned children?”
            King Frederick nods solemnly. "I will."
            
            He pauses for a moment, before continuing his thoughts. 
            
            "I can't make up for you not having a lot of support growing up, but I can at least help some children have a better leg up in life. There's a lot of other factors that will determine a child's success in life, but having a good group home will likely do wonders," King Frederick says. "So we'll rebuild your old home with your guidance and a few of the Royal Builders. No matter where you place, this will get done."
            *page_break
            *goto hometownchoice
        #"Does that say you'll give me money?"
            "Yes. Perhaps none of these options suit you and you'd rather do what you want. Name any amount of money you'd like and it's yours," King Frederick says.
            
            You pause. That had to be illegal. Where would he even get that money?
            
            "I suggest not thinking too hard about how I'll get the money, $!{player_first_name}. Just know that I will get it and it'll be yours," King Frederick continues as if he could read your mind.
            *page_break
            *goto hometownchoice
        #Done asking.
            “Now that you’ve heard the options, what is your decision?” King Frederick asks.
            *fake_choice
                #“My hometown is in need for vital upgrading. I’ll do it.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“My family will be over the moon in a new house. I’ll compete.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                *selectable_if (family_relationship = "good") #“Some of my family members have never been to college. If I say yes, then they can go. So yes.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
               *selectable_if (family = "none")  #“Orphaned kids in $!{player_hometown} deserve way better than what I got. I’ll compete, Your Majesty.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"Give me the money."
                    *set bribe "yes"
                    King Frederick nods. "Consider it done."
                   
                    He straightens up his shirt before sighing. "I've held you up here long enough. I think it's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“Sorry, Your Majesty. I still don’t want to compete.”
                    *goto_scene chp2_earlyend
                
                
*if (background = "mover")
    The King places another paper on top of with a bulleted list on it. “While I decided to let the Odessa Dates web team focus on the technical aspects and not exactly the human aspects of this competition, I did have some of my people research a bit into your background.”

    He runs a hand through his hair. “Well, we tried to, anyway. You move around a lot, so it was hard to determine what you might want, but still, we came up with a few options that might satisfy you. Feel free to read them all. Should you complete, I will offer you one of the things on this list.”

    You take a look at the list in front of you, wondering which option you should choose.
    *label moverchoice
    *fake_choice
        #“You’ll send me on an all expenses paid trip around the world?”
            "Definitely. No strings attached," King Frederick answers. "All of us figured that since you do like to move around so much, why not give you the funds to really go anywhere you'd like?"
            
            You had never been out of Odessa, but your mind raced with all the sights you could see and experience if you left the country.
            *page_break
            *goto moverchoice
        #“You’ll give me a Court job?”
            "Sure," King Frederick says. "Wherever and whatever you'd like. If it's a position that requires extra education, we'd be happy to pay for that as well."
            
            The King sighs and messes with the collar of his shirt. 
            
            "I've been nothing but impressed with how you've handled all of this so far. I think you could be a very valuable asset to the Court, wherever you go, if you decide you would like a job."
            *page_break
            *goto moverchoice
        #“You’ll help me start a vlogging channel?”
            "A bit unconventional, but Mozelle actually helped to come up with the idea," King Frederick chuckles. "She would be more of the ringleader if you decide to go that route, but she said that if you travel around a lot, you might as well paid for it."
            
            You think the idea over in your head. After competing in this competition, should you not win, you'll still have a massive amount of attention on you. That will definitely help with views. Plus, it could be fun traveling around and recording everywhere you go.
            
            "It would be, er, trendy, as she likes to say," King Frederick says.
            *page_break
            *goto moverchoice
        #"Does that say you'll give me money?"
            "Yes. Perhaps none of these options suit you and you'd rather do what you want. Name any amount of money you'd like and it's yours," King Frederick says.
            
            You pause. That had to be illegal. Where would he even get that money?
            
            "I suggest not thinking too hard about how I'll get the money, $!{player_first_name}. Just know that I will get it and it'll be yours," King Frederick continues as if he could read your mind.
            *page_break
            *goto moverchoice
        #Done asking.
            “Now that you’ve heard the options, what is your decision?” King Frederick asks.
            *fake_choice
                #“I’ve never been out of Odessa and I’ve always wanted to travel. I’ll compete.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“A job in Court? If you think I’m worthy, then yes, I’ll compete.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“I might as well make a career out of traveling. I’ll compete.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                    
                #"Give me the money."
                    *set bribe "yes"
                    King Frederick nods. "Consider it done."
                   
                    He straightens up his shirt before sighing. "I've held you up here long enough. I think it's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“Sorry, Your Majesty. I still don’t want to compete.”
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_earlyend
                
*if (background = "on the run")
    The King places another paper on top of with a bulleted list on it. “While I decided to let the Odessa Dates web team focus on the technical aspects and not exactly the human aspects of this competition, I did have some of my people research a bit into your background.”

    He runs a hand through his hair. “You’re a runner, $!{player_first_name}. Your past isn’t squeaky clean, but I’m the last person to judge somebody based on their past.”

    The King glances away for a moment, lost in thought, before he focuses back on you again. “Anyway, my team and I came up with a few options that might satisfy you. Feel free to read them all. Should you complete, I will offer you one of the things on this list.”

    You take a look at the list in front of you, wondering which option you should choose.
    *label runningchoice
    *fake_choice
        *selectable_if (on_the_run_background = "law trouble") #"You'll help me clear my name? "
            The King nods and it almost brings tears to your eyes. 
            
            "Yes. I'll do everything in my power. I don't know the details of your entire background, but I know that it's nothing threatening, otherwise my security wouldn't have let you anywhere near the palace, regardless of how much you match with my child," King Frederick says.
            
            He passes you a list of lawyers that you could potentially choose from.
            
            "These are some of our best lawyers. Feel free to research for the one you'd like to represent you, they'll look into your background and go from there. I have faith in them, and you."
            *page_break
            *goto runningchoice
        #“You’ll expunge my criminal record?”
            The King nods and it almost brings tears to your eyes. 
            
            "Yes. I'll do everything in my power. I don't know the details of your entire background, but I know that it's nothing threatening, otherwise my security wouldn't have let you anywhere near the palace, regardless of how much you match with my child," King Frederick says.
            
            He passes you a list of lawyers that you could potentially choose from.
            
            "These are some of our best lawyers. Feel free to research for the one you'd like to represent you, they'll look into your background and go from there. I have faith in them, and you."
            *page_break
            *goto runningchoice
        #“You’ll donate money to Lox’s Lighthouse?”
            "That's right. I believe that Lox's Lighthouse is the only reason that you're probably alive right now. You met your roommate there, the place helped you get back on your feet, what better place to give money to on your behalf?" King Frederick asks. 
            
            You can't think of any other place at the moment, so all you do is nod in agreement.
            *page_break
            *goto runningchoice
        #“You’ll get me a job I actually enjoy?"
            This causes the King to burst out laughing. You manage to join him. After he calms down, he nods at your question.
            
            "Anywhere you'd like, $!{player_first_name}. If you tell me your dream job, I'll even talk you up to the right people," he says.
            *page_break
            *goto runningchoice
        #"Does that say you'll give me money?"
            "Yes. Perhaps none of these options suit you and you'd rather do what you want. Name any amount of money you'd like and it's yours," King Frederick says.
            
            You pause. That had to be illegal. Where would he even get that money?
            
            "I suggest not thinking too hard about how I'll get the money, $!{player_first_name}. Just know that I will get it and it'll be yours," King Frederick continues as if he could read your mind.
            *page_break
            *goto runningchoice
        #Done asking.
            “Now that you’ve heard the options, what is your decision?” King Frederick asks.
            *fake_choice
                #“A clean criminal record? I thought I’d never get one. I’ll compete.”
                    *set cunning %-5
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“Lox’s Lighthouse deserves so much. Money is a great start. I’m in.”
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“I’ll actually love going to work? I’ll compete, Your Majesty.”
                    *set snarky %+2
                    *set bold %+2
                    King Frederick nods, a hint of a smile on his face. 
                    "Great. I've held you up long enough, though. It's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #"Give me the money."
                    *set bribe "yes"
                    King Frederick nods. "Consider it done."
                   
                    He straightens up his shirt before sighing. "I've held you up here long enough. I think it's time for you to meet my eldest child."
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_heirmeeting
                #“Sorry, Your Majesty, I still don’t want to compete.”
                    *goto_scene chp2_earlyend