Day 153: The Tempest

Day 153: "The Tempest" is a Broadcast in. It is the third playable broadcast in the game, features a new intro theme song, and is the on-screen anchor debut for Megan Wolfe.

Pre-Broadcast
Mr. Boseman calls Alex Winston, greeting them and telling them that they've been given a public information film from Advance. He goes on to say that it is mandatory that they play it, preferably at the second break, although they still have a free choice for the other two adverts. Before hanging up, he gives a brief comment that the weather outside looks nasty.

The previous show on Channel One gives the summary of programming for the rest of the evening:
 * UP NEXT - National Nightly News
 * 6:30pm - A Brief History of Sportsboard - Patrick Bannon will be taking a look at the surprising rise of the spectacularly popular new sport.
 * 7:30pm - National Sportsboard Final - a repeat of the live National Sportsboard Final.
 * 8:15pm - National Sportsboard Final - a repeat of the live National Sportsboard Final.
 * 9pm - National Sportsboard Final - a repeat of the live National Sportsboard Final.
 * 9:45pm - National Sportsboard Final - a repeat of the live National Sportsboard Final.
 * 10:30pm - Hey! Friendship! - it's a world premiere of Channel One's television adaptation of the smash hit schools musical.
 * 11:45pm - National Sportsboard Final - another chance to view the Sportsboard Final.
 * 12:30am - National Weather Report

Behind the scenes, Jenny, Jeremy and Megan are conversing, with Cath applying makeup to her. Megan asks Jenny how it's going with Steve, who replies with a question of her own, asking why all men are such pricks. Jeremy retorts asking if it went that well.

Jenny continues, saying that Steve apparently has a complicated relationship with his faith. Megan laughs and says no, with Jeremy asking for clarification as to whether or not Steve chose his imaginary friend in the sky over Jenny. She replies saying that she doesn't know why she talks to him, with Jeremy commenting that she's probably just a really awful date.

She then announces that there are 10 seconds left before the broadcast starts, turning back to Jeremy and telling him that, like she said, all of them are pricks. He asks her if her personality accidentally slipped out, and gets called a prick, with Jenny proceeding to count down to the start of the broadcast.

Headlines
Jeremy and Megan Wolfe start the broadcast by greeting the viewers, and introducing the main headlines of the night:

Onwards and Upwards / Radical Ideas
Jeremy and Megan finish the headlines by announcing that with the exclusive Prime-Ministerial interview coming up later, and their very own Patrick Bannon coming live from the first annual Sportsboard final, that the viewers won't want to miss a second of the night's National Nightly News.

Title Screen
The Day 153 title screen is on a blue background with an analog clock ticking to 12. The words "National Nightly News" moves across the screen as clips from prior broadcasts of the National Nightly News Team is shown.

Jeremy and Megan are then shown clinking mugs and smiling at the camera, as white text appears in the top left of the screen, saying "National Nightly News". The text is followed by more, although smaller, white text in the bottom left of the screen, saying "With Jeremy, Megan, and the News Team." All of the text then fades away.

Mr. Snugglehugs Not Played
In the studio, whilst the title screen is being shown, if the Mr. Snugglehugs advert was not played during Day 8: The Fallout, Jenny announces a 30-second break, with Megan looking up at the ceiling and telling Jeremy that she just felt a drip on her head.

She calls for her make-up, turning to Jenny and asking if it's raining. Jenny replies, saying that it's only raining in the city, and bloody lovely in suburbia. Megan retorts that it's never lovely in suburbia, with Jeremy adding on that it's true, and that suburbia being lovely is a lie they all tell themselves because they're so bored.

Jeremy comments that she grew up in the suburbs, with Jeremy replying that he assumed she'd grown up in the wild. She asks if the reason he thinks that is because she's so fierce, and he retorts that it's because he's watched her eat. Jenny announces that there 10 seconds left in the break, with Megan once again calling for make-up. Jenny, in response to Jeremy, comments that it's only slightly creepy, proceeding to count down to the end of the break as Megan waves off her make-up girl, telling her that she's too bloody late.

Mr. Snugglehugs Played
In the studio, whilst the title screen is being shown, if the Mr. Snugglehugs advert was played during Day 8, Jenny announces a 30-second break, with Megan asking where her make-up girl is. Jeremy looks at the ceiling in confusion, and asks if it's raining outside, continuing by saying he's sure he felt a drip. Jenny replies, telling him that she saw just a bit, as well as a man floating by on a massive boat. Megan once again calls for her make-up girl, calling her a useless fucking idiot.

Jeremy asks Jenny if the man she saw floating by had any pets, and she replies that he does, two of each. He then turns to Jenny, telling her that he seriously felt a drip. She announces that there are 10 seconds left in the break, turning to Jeremy and telling him that she'll have someone look into it, but for now, for him not to drown. She proceeds to count down to the end of the break as Megan waves off her make-up girl, telling her that she's too bloody late.

Pre-Interview
If Mr. Snugglehugs was not played during Day 8, Megan states that while Advance is certainly proving popular with the vast majority of the country, who've seen their wealth and standards of living increased considerably, that for some, the transitions have not been as pleasant.

Jeremy says that Megan is right, and that the formerly aristocratic members of their society have had to make major adjustments to come to terms with the new regime. Megan continues, saying that Robyn Shorte is in suburbia investigating rumours that those previously privileged people may be planning some kind of protest.

Outside the Somerset-Bentley Household, Robyn is asking someone off-screen if she would be able to get an espresso, thanking the person she's talking to and telling them to get the espresso as soon as possible. Whilst that conversation is occurring, Penelope Somerset-Bentley tells Wentworth Somerset-Bentley to tuck his shirt in, the two fixing each other's attire, before Robyn tells the two to get in position, directing them towards the camera.

Interview
(...)

Post-Interview Remarks
Jeremy thanks Robyn, claiming that the story is certainly one that they'd want to keep an eye on, asking Megan if she agrees. She replies, telling him to speak for himself, but that she's seen enough shaft work to last her a lifetime. Jeremy retorts, saying that he's sure she has, proceeding to ask if a naked protest movement can ever catch on due to it not seeming like the way things are done in the country.

Megan, in response, says that the country is becoming a very different place. Jeremy earnestly replies, asking who will run around naked in the country's weather. She jokes, hoping that Jeremy wouldn't be the one to do such, eliciting a response from him claiming that there wouldn't be enough canvas for the slogans. Megan chuckles some more, then informing the viewers that when they come back, Patrick Bannon will be live from the Sportsboard finals, and that they should stick around due to not wanting to miss it.

Pre-Interview
If Mr. Snugglehugs was played during Day 8, Megan states that, after the Christmas horror caused by Mr Snugglehugs, they have have an exclusive interview with one of the victims. Jeremy adds on that the victim, poor seven year-old Timmy Tadlock, like so many of those affected by the Christmas bloodbath, has spent the last three months undergoing a series of reconstructive facial surgeries. Megan continues, saying that last week, Timmy spoke for the first time since the tragedy, and that tonight, he'll talk to them.

Jeremy says that before going to the interview, that the station would like to issue a full and frank apology for any part that they may have played in the tragedy. He continues, saying that they should never have advertised Mr. Snugglehugs, and that without the station's publicity, the sheer scale of the tragedy, with now upwards of eight thousand causalities, may have been averted.

The two of them continue, saying that on behalf of the National Nightly News team, they're sorry, and that in the future they will do better.

In the Tadlock Household, Robyn Shorte is doing vocal exercises, whilst Martin Tadlock is asking his wife, Marjorie, where the tweed he bought when they went to play croquet with the Jeffords was. The two of them bicker over it being in the cupboard, but while Martin goes to get it, Robyn calls him back in for the interview.

Interview
(...)

Post-Interview Remarks
Megan thanks Robyn, claiming that it's harrowing stuff, Jeremy adding on that there's also many questions to be answered by Sophia Rymmington in the coming days and months, asking how she'll manage to turn the crisis around. Megan then turns to him, asking what the warning signs are that a consumer should look out for when they're spotting a dangerous toy. He answers, stating that experts advise to always check for the new Advance mark, which he claims will guarantee a level of safety and quality.

Megan then requests a close-up of the National Nightly News mug on Camera Three, showcasing an example of the Advance mark. After she finishes showcasing the mark, Jeremy states that the government was praised in the wake of the scandal for their swift response in bringing in the set of stringent checks on new products. Megan mentions that it certainly is good to know that someone is watching out for their families, then informing the viewers that when they come back, Patrick Bannon will be live from the Sportsboard finals, and that they should stick around due to not wanting to miss it.

Mr. Snugglehugs Not Played
Megan rushes out of the studio, apologizing and stating that she's busting. As she runs off, Jenny fixes Jeremy's tie, telling him that she's funny. Jeremy agrees, informing her that he knows and thinks that it's endearing. Jenny warns him that Megan wants his job, and he, in response, says that she's welcome to it. He then looks down in frustration, asking why it's raining on his desk, as Jenny proceeds to look upwards towards the ceiling.

Mr. Snugglehugs Played
Megan rushes out of the studio, apologizing and stating that she's bursting. As she runs off, Jenny puts her arm around Jeremy's shoulder, telling him that someone is very good. Jeremy asks for clarification in regards to who she's referring to, and she informs him that she was talking about Megan. After receiving clarification, he agrees, and Jenny tells him to watch his back, as women are coming. Jeremy then turns to her and retorts that he's more worried about the water dripping onto his head.

During the break, Boseman calls Alex again, informing them that they're receiving reports that naked protestors may try to spoil the Sportsboard final by "waving their fleshy bits about." He requests that Alex tries to make sure that they don't broadcast said protestors, as, in his words: "It's 6pm for God's Sake, no-one wants to see fannies on the news."

Back in the studio, Jeremy and Megan are bickering over their lines for the segment, with Megan thinking that they should just keep the lines as it is. Jeremy responds that it was likely Megan would think such, as he's only got one line. She expresses confusion, asking what he means by the statement and telling him that she didn't write the lines.

Jeremy then calls out for Jenny, mentioning that something is wrong with the autocue. She announces that there are 10 seconds before the end of the break as Megan mentions that she felt a drip again, asking whether or not the leak has been fixed. Jeremy remarks that they are wanted to be seen fried, adding on that it would be good for the ratings as Jenny then proceeds to count down to the end of the break.

Pre-Game
Megan welcomes the viewers back, and informs them that, later, she'll be speaking to Prime Ministers Julia Salisbury and Peter Clement about their exciting new healthcare facilities, the 'Transition Centres'.

Jeremy replies, saying that it's nice to see that they care, with Megan telling him that he's certainly right, but first, they'll be going live to Patrick Bannon, who's reporting live from the finals of the new game that's gripping the nation; Sportsboard.

Sportsboard
(...)

Post-Game Remarks
Jeremy tells the viewers that that was Patrick Bannon, at an extraordinary final. Megan comments that the Sportsboard was historic, resulting in him saying that he never knew she was a fan.

In regards to Jeremy's statement, Megan boasts that she can wrench a doubler with the best of them. Jeremy replies, telling Megan that he certainly wouldn't bet against her.

Megan then goes to inform the viewers of what will happen when they come back, but gets interrupted by a shriek of pain from Jeremy. She continues, telling the viewers that she'll be talking to Prime Ministers Julia Salisbury and Peter Clement, adding on that they apparently have a big announcement that the viewers wouldn't want to miss.

Break 2
Jenny announces a one-minute break, and Jeremy exclaims that the microphone just shocked him, storming off and demanding to know the location of the sound guy. Jenny then walks over to Megan, asking her if everything's alright, who responds by informing her that the microphones are apparently trying to kill them now.

Jenny, in response, tells Megan that she'll be fine, as she's unshockable. Megan laughs and tells Jenny that she's immune to her cheap flattery, and gets a retort back from Jenny telling her that she's wearing her down.

During the break, Mr. Boseman calls Alex, informing them that he heard from the people in maintenance that the storm outside is causing a power surge, resulting in some of the controls in the Broadcast Room being temporarily electrocuted. He continues, saying that he knows Alex is tough, and can take an occasional electrocution for the sake of a perfect news broadcast, but if Alex were to take too many shocks in quick succession, that it could render them unconscious. Boseman finishes the call by saying that he's sure they'll make the right decisions.

Back in the studio, Julia and Peter enter, with Jenny apologizing for all the buckets around the studio, and that they seem to have sprung several leaks. Peter responds, telling her that she'll need a whole new lining on the ceiling, preferably triple-sealed. She replies, telling him that she'll look into it.

Megan enters the room, shaking hands the Prime Ministers and telling Julia that it's good to see her again. Julia, in response, tells Megan that her star seems to be on the ascendant. When shaking hands with Peter, he tells her that she has a firm handshake, Julia joining in and telling him that Megan is tougher than she looks.

Julia goes to sit down, and asks Megan if she sits on the left. She gets a reply, telling her that she's on the right, with Peter on her left. When he sits down, he turns to Julia and asks her if her seat is damp. She replies to him, telling him that her seat is fine, leaning in and asking him if he's "had a little accident". He laughs, calling Julia a cheeky cow as Jenny proceeds to count down to the end of the break.

Prime Ministers Interview
This segment can be failed if the player takes too many electric shocks within a short amount of time.

Megan welcomes the viewers back, telling them that she is delighted to be joined by Julia Salisbury and Peter Clement. She welcomes the Prime Ministers to the National Nightly News, and Julia replies, telling her that referring to her as Prime Minister is unnecessary. Peter adds on that they don't believe much in titles, as it doesn't seem very 'Advanced'.

Megan starts off by asking them how they feel about the graffiti that has been springing up across the capital, asking them if they should be worried. Julia tells her that she definitely shouldn't be worried, with Peter commenting that you shouldn't unless you've got a fatal paint allergy. Julia continues, saying that it seems that there are still some people that they haven't been able to help, and have yet to benefit from the many advantages the New Future brings, or in Peter's words, a bunch of whingers.

Peter then turns to Megan and recites a quote from his old mam, telling her that there are just some piss-ants who don't know how to be happy. Julia continues, in regards to his statement, saying that they're working hard to reach those people, find out what they're angry about, and how they can help. She adds on that the door to her government is always open.

Peter looks up at the ceiling and tells the group that something is dripping on him. Julia then starts speaking again, mentioning that they didn't come to the National Nightly News to talk about what may turn out to be an alternative arts project, Peter commenting that if it were to be, that they no doubt will have funded it.

She continues, saying that they want to talk to the Nation about something far more exciting. Megan replies, telling her that her office briefed them that she had an announcement to make, but that they were being surprisingly secretive about it.

Julia tells Megan to let her ask her a question, and she replies saying that it's not usually how it works doing interviews. She asks Megan what scares her, and after the lack of response, Peter joins in to tell Megan that she's talking about death. Julia continues, saying that they're all afraid of their deaths, and that it's part of being human.

Megan, seemingly confused, turns to Julia and asks if she's saying that Advance has cured death, which elicits laughs from around the room, Peter telling her that it would be a vote-winner. Julia responds, saying that while they may not have cured death, that they've found a way to make it much less scary.

Peter then asks Megan which camera his close-up is, and she replies, telling him that it's camera four. He turns to the camera, telling the viewers that when he was thirteen, his mam came and got him from school because they were to go to the hospital due to his granddad collapsing, and they were all to go and say their goodbyes to him.

He continues, saying that he went to go see his granddad, and he was frail and pale, which scared him because Peter saw him the week prior and he had been fit as a fiddle. Peter then says that his granddad told him that it was the right time, and that he didn't even want to be a burden to the people he loved.

Megan asks Peter if that was the last time he saw his grandad. He replies, telling her that it wasn't, and that three days later his grandad was back home, and that he lived with them for nine miserable years after that. He adds on that his grandad had to be fed with a rubber spoon, and had a commode, so he'd just take a shit right in the lounge while they were watching football, and wouldn't even wait until half-time.

He continues, saying that it was awful for them, but what the point was is that it was awful for his granddad, and that he could see it was destroying Peter's mam, watching him slowly fade away, and would beg her to turn off his breathing equipment at night, but she couldn't, or she wouldn't. He adds on that it was a crime to do so, and that his mam didn't want to lose her children as well as her father.

Julia says that no family should have to suffer like how Peter's did and that now they won't have to because the Health Service is opening the first of 300 Transition Centres. Peter joins in, saying that the Transition Centres will handle everything for the viewer's last days, and that the legal, financial, and emotional costs are all catered for and paid for by the government so that even the poorest citizen will get to pass on with dignity when they choose.

Julia continues, saying that the choice is important, and that it's a service only for people who choose it, for people who've run their course and don't want to burden themselves or their families with a slow, long, humiliating decline.

Peter then shrieks in pain as thunder is audible, saying that the microphone pack he's wearing has just given him an electric shock. Megan asks if he's okay, and he replies saying that he isn't sure, adding on that he thinks it fried his arsehole shut.

Julia warns Peter that they're still on the air, and he acknowledges it, apologizing for his language. Megan then turns to her and asks if she is worried if the new system might be open to abuse, getting a response back where Julia asks her in what way the system may be open to abuse.

Thunder is audible again, with Peter once more shrieking in pain, immediately apologizing afterwards, saying that he got zapped again, requesting for assistance. Megan replies to Julia's question prior to the interruption, saying that the older generation might feel somewhat coerced, but before she can finish her sentence, Peter gets shocked again, claiming that it was massive. He proceeds to walk off-screen, claiming that the bastard is coming off.

Megan continues, asking if the older generation might feel somewhat coerced. Julia replies, asking if she means coerced into spending their final days eating gourmet food and drinking fine wine in luxury spas and gardens. Their conversation gets interrupted by Peter again, saying that he's perfectly capable of doing something, but gets interrupted by more thunder, shouting for someone to fuck his grandmother with a rusty twat-basher.

Megan turns to Peter, asking him to please watch his language. Thunder then interrupts with the broadcast's signal briefly, with Peter then being shown getting his foot stuck in a bucket. Julia then tells him to go get himself sorted out, as she tells the viewers that they're launching a Government Information Film that should tell them everything they need to know. Megan replies, telling her that she really moves at a breathless pace and that it's hard to believe that she's yet to be in office for a year.

Julia laughs, then turning to the camera and saying that they're only getting started. Megan then ends the interview, thanking both of the Prime Ministers for being there.

Exit Remarks
Jeremy informs the viewers that that is all the time they have for the night, and that their thanks go out to their guests, congratulating all the winners at the Sportsboard Final, and that they'll see the viewers the following night at the same time. Before the broadcast ends, Jeremy wishes the viewers a peaceful night.

Break 3
Once the last advert is played, Alex gets shocked, and slowly goes unconscious.

As this occurs, Jenny announces that they're out, turning to Jeremy and asking him something before pausing momentarily, not finishing her sentence. He replies to her that it seems so, and she continues, stutteringly saying that she doesn't suppose that there's any way that what they're referring to could be a good thing. He claims, in response, that it is good for his nephews, who'll have him 'transitioned' the moment he starts to leak.

Adverts
There are five selections of adverts for this broadcast:
 * Advance: Transition (told by Mr. Boseman that it is "mandatory that you play it.")
 * Crazy Neil Easter
 * Check Your Prostate
 * The Joy of Screws
 * Jus de Cochon Long