The Name's Oliver - Ben Oliver. Ch. 159: Duty vs Ethics, Pt. II

[ladybug53]

Hmm, I wonder what Ben has up his sleeve this time . Hopefully Ben will do more studying than keg stands . This should be quite a funny chapter coming up next . Good luck Ben on getting your university degrees . Great chapter ! 

[Beezy]

Ben, I can assure you that something bad is going to happen at the awards ceremony. I just can smell it....

Ooh..university? That's going to be interesting. Ben, I would suggest looking at the sorority house for pretty girls. That's where my sim, Elliot found his girlfriend: Ye Gangnam.

I'm surprised that De Luca bought Julienne's story so easily.

Great update!

[RainBeau]

It is very kind of De Luca to be so forgiving. I can't help thinking that this being a Schipperke story there may yet be more to it than meets the eye! And Ben is going to University, woot!

[Swirl-Girl]

Can't wait to see the partyin!
I quite like Julienne, I do hope she isn't lying.

[RaiaDraconis]

The more I think about it the more I want to believe that Julienne was just a pawn in a dangerous game. Ben does have a compelling argument for mercy in this case, though I do hope his leniency doesn't come back to bite him.

University. Oh dear...I'm not so sure that Ben will have his mind completely on his game in such a party atmosphere with college girls around.

Yay! I'm a Twinbrook cop! Now to go and arrest them Rackets...right after I finish my coffee.

[Schipperke]

Yay! I'm a Twinbrook cop! Now to go and arrest them Rackets...right after I finish my coffee.

It takes a brave person to comment on my stories, knowing that you may find yourself inserted into the story.  I hope you don't mind.   

[RaiaDraconis]

Not at all. It seriously made me giggle when I saw it, actually.

[Seabody]

I have a theory or two about that De Luca now. She bought that way too easily.

[Blayzen]

Bravo! Encore, Encore!

*Listening to the voices in my head for a second* Oh.  Is it possible that Ben being approved for University is actually a well-concocted cover story for his next mission? And that mission will be an answer to my hopes for an Encore? Yes, I do believe that Schipperke has it all figured out!

Waiting patiently while the voices in my head continue to argue about what Ben will find himself mixed up with next...

[Schipperke]

Beauty and the Thief, Part XI

Diary Entry

As I waited for the contestants to arrive, I felt a bit sad.  I had come to know and like all these special young women over the last few days, and soon it would be over.  They'd be returning home and probably I'd never see any of them again.  But for them, the pinnacle of their achievement was soon to be announced.



"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the awards ceremony.  Your judges have asked me to say that each of these young ladies is a winner in her own right.  Four of the contestants will receive awards for their achievement in a particular area, and the fifth contestant will receive the top award, the Miss Simverse title.  Each contestant has won a cash prize and a unique designer gown by Yves Sim Laurent.  Now, without further ado, I believe the contestants are finished changing into their gowns and crowns.  Our first award is for Most Talented Sim, and it goes to the young woman whose best-selling novel kept us all awake reading until late into the night - Miss Constance Shelley!"  (applause, applause)



Mayor Rossi applauded enthusiastically as Constance stepped forward and began to speak.



"Wow. I'm...speechless. I honestly didn't expect to win anything. I'm so pleased that I was recognized for my work. That's definitely what I'm most proud of. Thank you for the Most Talented Award, it's lovely. And thank you, for, well, everything. I'm just...so proud. And happy. Thank you."

Constance was poised and beautiful.  I joined the judges and bystanders in applauding as she finished speaking and left.  Then I stood to announce the next award.

"Our next award goes to a young woman who is an excellent role model for young people everywhere.  Her life's work and her personal life are testament to her dedication to good health.  Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the wall-climbing competition and winner of the Most Fit Sim award, Miss Jamie Jolina!"  (applause, applause)



Jamie's excitement was infectious; everyone applauded and laughed as she stepped forward to speak.



"I just want to thank whoever chose me to win this prize.  I didn't honestly think I would win anything, I just think this whole experience is wonderful and I have met some friends, who I hope stay in touch.  I have always tried to take care of myself and I love to jog, so I guess it has paid off.  If there is one thing I could take home from this pageant, is that there are alot of nice people out in the world.  I feel like by me doing the right thing in my life has paid off in it's own way.  Thank you again."

Jamie was radiant in her golden yellow gown.  I applauded loudly and hoped that Hank Goddard, whoever he was, appreciated this sunny young woman.

"Our next award goes to a young woman who has impressed us all with her dedication to helping the most vulnerable among us, the animals.  The M.B.P. Award for being Most Beloved by Pets* goes to Miss Gracie Loveland!"  (applause, applause)



Gracie stepped forward and faced the judges.  Then she dropped a bombshell.  "Oh! Thank you SO much! This is such an honour. I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout the Pageant. It has been such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful to have had it." Gracie looked down, her hands shaking slightly before she lifted her chin, determination clear on her face. "I have a confession to make, and first I want to apologise to everyone for not being entirely honest. I just wanted this so badly and Benny said that when someone wants something this badly, they should go for it, no matter what obstacles are in the way. Benjamin Schmidt is my husband. We were married before the Pageant even started, and I thought I could do this and not feel bad, but I feel so terribly guilty. I don't want to leave such an amazing memory with regrets of deceit. Thank you to everyone, but I withdraw myself from the Pageant. I'm sorry. To the other girls, you are all so beautiful, kind and motivated that you are all winners. I wish all of you every success in the world. Thank you."

She smiled brilliantly and waved to the judges then turned and strode off the platform.



For a few moments everyone sat in stunned silence.  Then I stood and began to clap, and soon the whole room was giving Gracie a standing ovation.  Mayor Rossi clapped particularly loudly.



Gracie had withdrawn herself from the pageant, but I hoped they would let her keep her award.  I felt her honesty and courage had certainly demonstrated her integrity, and I was sure she would go on to do great things whatever the outcome of the pageant.  I rose to announce the next award.

"The next award goes to a young woman whose dedication to skill development is impressive in its variety.  She is not only an accomplished writer, she can cook and upgrade appliances as well.  Ladies and gentlemen, the Most Skilled award goes to Miss Theodora Jayne!"  (applause, applause)



Theodora was elegant and regal as she spoke, "Thank you all for this award.  I am honoured to have received the Most Skilled award.  I do believe that skill development is one of the most important things a young person can do for themselves, and I hope that I have helped to set an example in this regard.  I hope to use the prize money to further my own skills and perhaps I may be able to help others learn skills as well."



I joined in the loud applause as Theodora left the platform.  For a moment I wished I didn't have to leave immediately for university.  Theodora and I could have fun exploring new skills ...

But it was time to announce the grand prize winner.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for.  The young lady who has been chosen to represent the whole Sim world!  The judges are pleased to announce the pageant winner.  Let's hear it for Julienne Knack, Miss Simverse!"  (applause, applause)



Julienne seemed overwhelmed.  For a few moments she was silent, then she began to speak:  "It’s strange. Since the day I joined this contest I’ve had a victory speech prepared, but now that I’m standing here with you all, I honestly don’t know what to say. How could I praise my own efforts and beliefs when so little of myself came through in this contest? How could I possibly demand validation when I no longer feel I deserve it? I’ve questioned myself so much these last days, but now this, this win, shows me you’ve kept faith in me at a time when I’ve struggled to have faith in myself. With all my heart, I thank you for giving me this award.  I hardly feel I deserve it.  I would also like to thank all my friends and lovers in Twinbrook for their support, and of course I can’t forget about my parents; Mum, Dad, you’ve motivated me more than I could ever let the two of you truly know. Thank you."

Her words seemed humble and heartfelt.  I was glad she wouldn't be going to prison.  Julienne looked around the room one more time. 



I caught her eye and for a moment our gazes locked.  Then she was leaving the stage.  Wild applause broke out.  The three judges were on their feet, clapping loudly.  Even mean-spirited Su Lin Chang.



And then, to my surprise, someone's voice called out, "And a big thank-you to our handsome emcee!"  and the audience members rose, looked at me, and saluted.



I could scarcely believe the pageant was over.  Everyone had airplane connections to make, and there was no time for long good-byes.  Good-bye hugs were exchanged as the girls left the hotel.





All except Julienne, who said, "Ben, could I have a private word with you?"

We went into the changing room.  She started, "I want to thank you for the mercy you -"

I cut her off.  "Julienne, you've been given a second chance.  You deserve it.  But there won't be another chance, so keep your nose clean in future.  Oh, and Julie - when you get home, I suggest you look at finding some new friends.  People are judged by the company they keep, you know, and it doesn't look good to be consorting with known criminals."



She gave me her brilliant smile and said "Thank you, Ben.  I'll never forget you."  And then -



Julienne kissed me and dashed out the door to catch her plane.

And I had no time to feel sad.  I hurried home, packed my bag, changed clothes, and ran off to catch the bus that would take me to university.



Diary Entry Ends

*Thanks very much to Rhapsody for suggesting the name for Gracie's award!

Thanks to the Top Hush team members for writing the final speeches.  I think you'll agree the team members did an outstanding job in every way, from the initial makeovers to the final speeches.  A big thank-you to each of you for your invaluable contribution to this story.  Applause, applause!

[Magz from Oz]

A well deserved round of applause for the hush-hush team for all their wonderful work and another round of applause for the co-ordiantor and brains behind it all.  Take  a bow Schipperke, you deserve it!  And all that with a broken wrist.    You're my new idol. 

[ladybug53]

Wow....a big round of applause for the Top Hush team . Excellent work ! Your photos are just amazing Schip . This was a wonderful end to a chapter . I can't even begin to imagine what Ben is going to discover in Sim University . This should be an other awesome chapter . 

[RainBeau]

*bowing* Thank you, thank you, you're too kind. I too would like to state how impressed I am with Schipperke for putting it all together! A brilliant chapter in the life of Ben Oliver, and I'm glad to be a part of it. Cheers!

[Audren]

The Top-Hush team truly did a spectacular job! Bravo to all of you for making this story even better than it already was! 

[Saltypaws]

It was a lot of fun being part of Schipperke's story.  It was written beautifully, I might add.  Well done, Schipp.