Super Tricky

Terence is explaining the rules of Cannot But Be.

The answer has to be cannot but be, says Terence.

Aha, says David. I understand. The trick is to ask the right question.

Yes, says Terence.

Such as what? asks Monique.

Let me try, says David. No wait. Are there any restrictions?

What are restrictions? asks Terence.

Rules, says Monique. Like, some things you can't ask.

No, says Terence.

Right, says David, holding up his right hand. Is this my right hand?

Cannot but be, says Monique. Ha! This game is too easy.

No it isn't, says Terence. That was the wrong question AND the wrong answer.

You'd better give us an example, says David.

Okay, says Terence. What if there were two bees?

Bee bees or Bs? asks David.

Wrong again, says Terence. See, it's not easy.

I wasn't suggesting an answer, says David. I was seeking more information. Are they living bees or letter Bs?

Terence thinks about this for a minute.

David waits for an answer.

Does it matter? asks Monique.

No, says Terence.

So, say it's two alive bees, says Monique. Buzzing around a flower. Getting pollen all over their noses.

Bees don't have noses, says Terence.

Legs then, says Monique.  

Now that we've established the class of bees we're concerned with, says David, I shall have a go at answering the question.

Go on, says Terence.

Cannot but be, says David. Or....(it occurs to him suddenly)....cannot but bee, perhaps? 

Wrong! says Terence. But closer.

Cannot but BEES! says Monique. 

YES! says Terence. Now it's your turn.

Okay, says Monique. What if there were three bees?

What class of bees? asks Terence.

Two buzzing bees and a letter B, says Monique.

Woo! Super tricky.