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The Freedom to Transact: Act I

Act I

An amalgamation of authors, editors, and illustrators that may or may not be human, ChatGPT3, Grammarly, and a bottle of NyQuil.

Prologue

NPC Chorus:

‘Twould be the Wojak’s predictability that ended them, inevitably, of course. But let us speak of lighter things, and see, What follies will unfold without remorse.

For in this play, a comedy of sorts, We'll follow those who seek to transact free. Their trials, tribulations, and retorts, Shall bring us laughter, joy, and harmony.

So gather 'round, and let us play pretend, As we explore this world of commerce grand. With wit and humor, our tale shall ascend,

Thus, without further ado, let's begin, "The Freedom to Transact," our play herein.

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I.i

Trad Gril:

Oh joyous day, how sweetly dost thou shine! With autumn's breeze and leaves in shades of gold, My heart doth leap with mirth that is divine, As I go forth to get my drink so bold.

For in my hand, a cup of pumpkin spice, Shall bring me cheer and warmth amidst the cold. With every sip, I'll feel so very nice, And life, in turn, shall seem a tale well-told.

But, oh! How oft I think upon my kin, And all the bonds that hold us close in heart. For love, it is the greatest prize we win, And family, the very soul of art.

So let us toast to love and family dear, And cherish them with every breath we take. For in this life, they are what we hold near, And they shall be our light when we're awake.

But now, to lighter things, and drinks that sing, And joy that doth abound when we do partake. For pumpkin spice, it is a glorious thing, And I, Trad Girl, shall never be a fake.

Thus, let us go and get our lattes grand, And savor every moment as it slips.For life, it is a tale at our command, And we, its players, with our joyful lips.

Feels Guy enters

But hark! Who is that standing by the wall, With eyes that shine with wistful reverie? 'Tis Feels Guy, with mind and heart in thrall, Lost in thought and deep philosophy.

Oh, how I long to know what he doth think, And what his soul doth crave amidst this mirth. For oft I've seen him standing on the brink, Of something greater, of love and rebirth.

Perhaps, he too, is seeking that one drink, That shall awaken him to love's sweet flame. Or maybe, he just needs a nudge, a wink, To bring him out of his shell, without shame.

For love, it is a thing that we must share, And not keep locked within our hearts so tight. And Feels Guy, with all his thoughtful care, Could be the one to make my heart take flight.

So let us go and talk to him right now, And see what secrets he may have to share. For life, it is a dance, and we must bow, To chance and fate, with all our hearts laid bare.

And if he is the one, with whom I'll find, A love that's true, and ever shall endure. Then let us dance together, heart and mind, And make our love a tale that shall allure.

Thus, let us go and seize this moment now, And make our lives a story worth the telling. For love, it is a thing that we must vow, To cherish, and to hold, with all our dwelling.

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I.ii

Trad Girl ‘accidentally’ bumps into Feels Guy

Trad Girl: Good day, Feels Guy, what brings you here today?

Feels Guy: Ah, fair Trad Girl, I'm lost in thought, I say.

Trad Girl: Lost in thought, my friend? Pray, tell me more.

Feels Guy: I'm pondering the mysteries that life holds in store.

Trad Girl: Mysteries, you say? But have you tried this drink? A pumpkin spice latte, it'll make your heart sing.

Feels Guy: A drink, you say? How could that solve the riddle, Of existence, and all its meanings so brittle?

Trad Girl: But Feels Guy, my friend, sometimes in life we find, That the simplest things bring peace of mind. A drink, a smile, a warm embrace, Can make life sweeter, and love find its place.

Feels Guy: You speak in riddles, fair Trad Girl, but yet I see, A wisdom in your words, that speaks to me.

Trad Girl: And why not join me, then, for a drink so grand? Perhaps it'll bring us closer, hand in hand.

Feels Guy: Hand in hand, with you, fair Trad Girl, It seems my mind is set to twirl.

Trad Girl: Then let us go, and get our lattes bright, And see what joys the world has in its sight.

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I.iii

Enter Chad and Soy Boy, on a run

Chad: You're really slacking behind, Soy Boy. You need to work on your cardio.

Soy Boy: I know, Chad. It's just not my thing. But hey, speaking of things, have you talked to my sister, Trad Girl, lately?

Chad: (smiling) She's doing well, Soy Boy. How's she been doing in her studies?

Soy Boy: (smiling back) Great, as always. She's always been the smart one in the family.

Chad: (nodding) That's what I've always admired about her. She's not only beautiful, but she's got a great head on her shoulders too.

Soy Boy: (rolling his eyes) Yeah, yeah, you and every other guy on the planet. But just so you know, she's not looking for a guy like you, Chad.

Chad: (grinning) And what kind of guy is she looking for, Soy Boy?

Soy Boy: (shrugging) I don't know, someone who's not a total meathead like you. Someone who appreciates the finer things in life, like pumpkin spice lattes and knitting.

Chad: (laughing) You're funny, Soy Boy. But you're right, Trad Girl deserves someone who's not just all brawn and no brains. Someone who can appreciate her for who she is.

Soy Boy: (smiling) And you think you're that guy, Chad?

Chad: (shrugging) I don't know, Soy Boy. Maybe. All I know is that when I look at her, I see someone special. And maybe, just maybe, she sees that in me too.

Soy Boy: (sighing) I don't know, Chad. She's a lot more complicated than you think. But I guess it doesn't hurt to try.

Chad: (smiling) That's the spirit, Soy Boy. You never know what might happen when you take a chance. But for now, let's finish this run and grab some coffee, shall we?

Soy Boy: (smiling back) Sounds good to me, Chad.

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I.iv

Chad and Soy Boy finish their run and enter the coffee shop

Zoomer Barista: Hey there, fellas! Welcome to the circus of coffee. What can I get for you today?

Chad: (smiling) Just a regular black for me, thanks.

Soy Boy: (excitedly) And can I get a caramel macchiato with extra foam, please?

Barista: (grinning) You got it, little buddy. And since it's your first time at the circus, I'm throwing in a free donut. Enjoy!

Chad: (laughing) Uhm - Thanks, barista. You always know how to put on a show.

Soy Boy: (grinning) Yeah, this place is so much fun. I could come here every day.

Barista: (winking) That's what we like to hear. Always working tirelessly for the better off never gets old! Now, run along and enjoy your drinks. And don't forget to spread the joy.

Chad: (smiling) You know, Soy Boy, I think that barista might be the happiest person I've ever met.

Soy Boy: (nodding) I know, right? It's like he's always putting on a show.

Chad: (laughing) Yeah, but sometimes, putting on a show can be a good thing. It's like that old saying, "fake it till you make it."

Soy Boy: (smiling) I like that, Chad. Maybe we should try putting on a show of our own at the party tonight.

Chad: (grinning) You read my mind, Soy Boy. And who knows, maybe we'll even get the barista to come along and join the fun.

Soy Boy: (laughing) That would be hilarious. But for now, let's finish our drinks and get ready for the party.

I.v

Zoomer Barista:

Okay, Zoomer Barista, let's brainstorm Some ways to make this coffee shop transform. Idea number one, I'll play loud music To drive away the customers, it's basic.

Idea number two, I'll put hot sauce in All the coffee, and they'll run away with a grin. Idea number three, I'll create a cult Around my coffee, and we'll have a revolt.

No, that's too much, I'll lose my mind and soul. Idea number four, I'll hire a mole. To steal the coffee beans and then we'll brew Only my blend, they'll never have a clue.

Idea number five, I'll create a theme Around my coffee, and it'll be supreme. But no, that's too creative and too bold, I need to come up with something that'll hold.

Idea number six, I'll make the coffee With salty water, and they'll feel so bossy. Or maybe I'll replace it with some tea, No, that's not evil enough, it's too free.

Idea number seven, I'll bribe the press To write bad things, and then we'll have success. But no, that's not original or fun, I need to come up with something that can stun.

Idea number eight, I'll dress up like a clown And do a little dance, up and down. I'll make the coffee with my feet, it's gross, But they'll be too stunned to make any close.

No, that's too weird, it's too outlandish, I need to come up with something that'll banish. Idea number nine, I'll make the coffee With poison ivy, and they'll feel so saucy.

No, that's too dangerous, it's just insane, I need to come up with something that's more sane. Wait, I've got it, I'll hack the coffee And make it only spit out my blend, so snazzy!

It's the least stupid idea I've had yet, And they won't even know until I'm set!

But why stop there? I'll take it up a notch, I'll make it so they can't even buy scotch! I'll hack the entire shops transactions, And have complete control of all the factions!

No one will be able to buy or sell, And they'll all be under my wicked spell. I'll be the ruler of this entire town, And no one will be able to take me down.

Yes, that's it, the perfect plan, so grand, I'll take away their freedom, all by my hand! And they'll never know it was all because Of a silly little Zoomer Barista's cause."

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I.vi

NPC Chorus

From the internet memes they did emerge, A cast of characters both strange and absurd. Trad Girl with her lattes and pumpkin spice, Feels Guy with thoughts that seemed to touch the skies.

Chad, the alpha male, strong and so bold, And Soy Boy, who tried to break the mold. These internet memes, come to life so real, Had stories to tell, each with its own feel.

Trad Girl, she longed for simple things in life, A latte in hand, free from any strife. While Feels Guy pondered deep and wide, And sought to understand the world inside.

Chad and Soy Boy, on their morning run, Talked of the party, and plans to have some fun. Chad longed for Trad Girl, with love in his heart, While Soy Boy just hoped for a brand new start.

But then there was Zoomer Barista, oh so sly, With evil plans that he did hope to try. His schemes were flawed, and often so absurd, But still he dreamed of great power, undeterred.

From lacing coffee with hot sauce so hot, To starting a cult, he tried quite a lot. But in the end, he settled on a plan, To take over the city, with his wicked hand.

And yet, the power of the meme held sway, And kept the chaos at bay, come what may. For in this world, they danced and they sung, And their stories forever, will be retold and spun.

So as the internet memes, they come to life, We see their tales, both joyous and full of strife. And though they're strange, we can't help but love, These characters, sent from the heavens above.

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END ACT I