The Monophone

One day a peculiar piece of machinery appears in the marketplace of Matilda’s hometown: the monophone. Apparently it’s been put there to provide entertainment and amusement, but also to ensure order and cleanliness… Standing by the monophone is a group of black-uniformed guards. The buttons on their uniforms sparkle prettily, but the expressions on their faces are grim and serious. They are there to make sure the machine’s orders are followed. They look handsome… but a little scary too. A completely new and different atmosphere holds sway over the town. People dance and sing to the music emanating from the monophone. A lot of them seem really taken with it. But sometimes the monophone’s voice has a sharp edge to it and starts barking out orders. Many people think it’s just a game… but is it really? A sense of fear and alarm begins to spread through the town, and it gradually becomes clear to Matilda and her friends what they have to do. They need to put the monophone out of action somehow…