Author's note: I used ChatGPT for this script but had to change the dialogue so it would fit with my own writing. I hope you enjoy this first episode of 2023 Tales. (You'll figure out why the title is called that way.)
Opening Scene – January 1st 2023
The scene opens at the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia. The streets are bustling with people in elaborate costumes, playing instruments, and dancing. The main characters are navigating the crowd. The roommates in a Multigenerational Household (A combination of original characters, aged-up characters, pre-existing characters, and real-life people including celebrities) start navigating the streets of the crowds in the parade and quickly starting laughing on how absurd it is.
"Wow, I thought New Year parades were all confetti and balloons. But I did not expect this!" Nina laughed.
"Back in Ukraine, Alikan and I have never seen or been in a parade like this. This one is very loud but kind of amazing at the same time." Arina smiled.
"Nah, this parade is actually pretty tame. You think this is loud? Wait until we go to New York. Their parades always drown out the people talking." Tulpa chuckled.
"Yeah, this is a parade to the next level. Did you see the guy dressed as a giant clock? He's probably counting down to next year already." Alikan chuckled jokingly while gesturing around.
They all continue to chat when a humorous radio broadcast cuts through the airwaves.
"Speaking of time ticking... Apparently, there are fewer and fewer kids being born each year. At this rate, the only parade left will be a bunch of old timey ones for Baby Boomers." Robin mocked seriousness while listening to the radio nearby.
"Happy New Year, folks! Let's make 2023 unforgettable. Birth rates are dipping, labor markets are tightening, and the future workforce might just be... well, sparse! Stay tuned for the next segment: 'When fewer babies mean more worries." The radio broadcast announced in a cheerful way but with dark undertones.
"That's kinda dark, but true." Nina snickered.
"This is America, what did they expect. They'll find a way to keep it going. (pauses) Even if it's just one guy playing with a kazoo." Beatrice scoffed while rolling her eyes.
"I guess it's just like the Ukraine situation we're still in it, even if things aren't the same." Arina said thoughtfully.
"D-Does that mean there will be no more parades when I grow up sis?" Fiolet asked her older sister so innocently.
"Not if you become a parade leader Fiolet. Boom! Problem solved!" Vohon grinned.
New Year's Celebration Party – In The Afternoon and Evening
The group is back at the Multigenerational House, celebrating with a mix of cultural references and scenarios. The scene cycles through genre styles.
Ramona (who's now 11), Beezus (now 16), and Roberta (now 3) engage in new years resolutions at the table in their room.
"So, who's doing resolutions for this new year? Mine is to avoid doing homework as much as possible, cuz it'll be too much to do or handle!" Ramona declared
"And Somehow, I think you'll keep that one, Ramona." Beatrice sighed.
"I want to avoid that too!" Roberta exclaimed.
"I'm surrounded by brats." Beatrice scoffs through a facepalm.
Dramatic music swells as Vohon and Ariana accidentally bump into each other. They share a long, surprised look. Vohon starts having an inner monologue
"How did my new year start with meeting someone like her?"
"I didn't think moving back to America would be this... cinematic." Ariana monologues being slightly embarrassed.
Suddenly, upbeat music plays as Robin Nauchnaya (Russian-Australian, age 14) starts dancing, inviting everyone else to join. The group hesitantly follows along, laughing as they try to match the rhythm. Meanwhile, Tulpa and Alikan exchange melodramatic glances.
"Alika, how could you bring us to a party... without warning about the karaoke machine?" Tulpa dramatically exclaimed in an exaggerated way.
"I didn't know that it started already. I'm so sorry I've betrayed you! Alikan said melodramatically.
"That was the surprise. You're welcome." Nina said deadpan.
January 2nd 2023 – Slice of Life
The group start visiting the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where they experience rural American culture. They talk about the significance of population declines in small towns.
"Yep, they sure have tastes in food." Ariana said.
"Can you imagine running this place one day? Alikan said while eating a turkey leg.
"Only if there's a robot cow involved." Z joked.
"There are a lot of rural areas back in Australia that are shrinking too. Makes you wonder who will keep these traditions alive." Robin said thoughtfully
"Forget about that! Let's just enjoy this day while it lasts." Tulpa exclaimed.
The kids all go home after being at the farm show for hours. There we get introduced to the characters of The Beano, Harvey Comics and The Proud Family.
Fiolet is upset about the car taking a long time to drive back home, especially since they're a bunch of older kids in the car with her.
"This car ride is taking forever!" Fiolet whined.
"It's only been 10 minutes since we drove off Violet." Tulpa exclaimed.
"But that's too long!" Bea said kicking the back of her older brother's seat.
"I just want to go home and rest instead of having to listen to Ivy the terrible here!" Minnie complained putting her palm on her face.
"Ugh! The WiFi is not working y'all, the internet sucks." Penny groaned.
"I can't even hear my music because of all the racket in here!" LaCienega whined with her headphones in.
"Stop kicking my seat Bea or I'll take your toy away!" Dennis demanded.
"No Denny no! I'm sorry!" Bea said sadly and stopped kicking Dennis' seat.
The kids finally got home after a long drive and went to their rooms immediately.
Ending Scene – January 31st 2023 (A moral lesson)
The roommates gather around a small bonfire outside, sharing their reflections on the month's events.
"I guess moving here wasn't just a new start. It's a new way of looking at everything." Robin says.
"Even when things change, we adapt. Sometimes, we just need to see things from a different angle. Ariana nods.
"Or backwards, like National Backwards Day today!" Z laughs.
"Well we can all agree that we've learned something after weeks of January coming to an end today." Nina assured.
"Absolutely!" The preteens agreed including Fiolet.
As we end this episode, a headline that reads "Human Trafficking Awareness month from January 11th" pans to the screen. That might not be relevant for a future episode right?
As the first month of 2023 ends, we need to learn the perspectives of cultures and other people while our new friends are finding their own ways to make sense of the cruel world they're living in.
The End
YOU ARE READING
Cyberpunk Chronicles: 2023 Tales
Non-FictionLife is tough on Neo-Earth, but that's okay because we'll get through it together. These characters are just trying their best to live their lives in Neo-Virginia with other characters that are either pre-existing from other works of fiction or jus...
