You gather your team in your new penthouse office to finalize the casting for 'Centaurus Lost'...
MC: All right, so we still have to recast the role of Mira Norad. Who do we know that's available?
Holly: Zoe was the perfect Maria Lopez in 'Permanent Wound'... and she would've done Mira justice, too.
Mike: So long as the replacement's as hot as Zoe, I don't care who we cast.
Holly: We need someone who can act, someone who can deliver an emotional performance as the ship plummets through the alien planet's atmosphere.
Mike: Whatever. She's just gotta be hot.
Thomas Hunt: What we actually need is another actress with Zoe Rodriguez's name recognition and reputation. It'll be more difficult to market this film with Chris Winters as our only A-list star.
Addison: Are we just going to ignore the fact that someone we know probably leaked our shooting schedule to Ratzik? It can't be a coincidence.
Ethan: MC's a star now. Lots of people, even people we thought we could trust, are going to take their shots at our studio because of that.
Ethan: We don't have time to investigate every little issue, or we'll fall behind schedule. In fact, that's probably part of Ratzik's plan.
MC: I don't like to think that one of my friends sold me out, but I'm with Ethan. It's not about the leak right now. We have to concentrate on getting this movie made.
MC: I'll focus on my goals...
Choice
What do you say?
And trust my friends.
But keep a watchful eye out.
if "And trust my friends." then
MC: I can't be looking over my shoulder every second of every day if I'm going to build a studio from the ground up.
MC: Besides, I know I have countless friends who are on my side.
if "But keep a watchful eye out." then
MC: I've been burned before, but I won't be duped again.
Ethan: There's the MC we know and love. But in the meantime, we're still short one lead actress.
Just then, Zoe marches into your office.
Zoe: Hey, MC... I think I found your Mira.
MC: Zoe! What are you doing here?
Zoe: Told you I'd ask around about the part, right? Well, I found someone.
Zoe steps aside to reveal Desiree Stone standing behind her.
Desiree: Hey, everyone.
Zoe: MC, meet Mira Norad.
Holly: Desiree as Mira Norad... I could see it.
Mike: She certainly fits my criteria. Hot damn.
Desiree: Uh, thanks?
Holly: Gross.
Ethan: Well, Desiree, you definitely match Chris Winters in terms of star power.
Thomas Hunt: And, 'Sisterhoods' aside, you have had a rather impressive career so far. I'm not opposed to the casting.
Thomas Hunt: MC? What do you think?
MC: Honestly? I don't know why we didn't think of it before! We already know that we make a great team.
Zoe: I knew you'd think it was an awesome idea.
MC: Welcome to 'Centaurus Lost', Desiree!
Desiree: Thanks, MC. But before we sign anything, I do have one condition...
MC: And what's that?
You lead Desiree, Ethan, and Hunt into your private office. Desiree takes the seat across from your desk.
Desiree: We made a pretty good team, taking down Richard Sheridan like we did.
MC: Yeah, I couldn't have done it without you.
Desiree: And I couldn't have done it without you. Over the last few weeks, I've realized you're a true friend, someone I can always count on. Honestly, you're more like family to me than Bianca ever was.
Desiree: That's why I want to team up with you again, but on a much bigger scale.
Desiree: I want to be your partner, MC.
MC: Partner?
Desiree: I want in on your movie studio.
Desiree: And I'm not asking for any favors... I have the money to invest properly. With my cash added to yours, our studio will have a huge war chest!
Desiree: But I want to have a say in what movies gets made, what films get the biggest budget, everything. Fifty-fifty split.
MC: I don't know if I'm willing to split my new studio in half just like that...
Ethan: You're not.
Desiree: Fair enough. It doesn't have to be an even share. I just want enough of a stake to have my voice heard. I'd be an asset to your team.
Thomas Hunt: In what way?
Desiree: I know my way around a studio exec's office... I worked with my father for years. With me on your side, we'll be just as successful as he was, if not more so.
Desiree: What do you say?
You sit back, contemplating Desiree's proposition...
MC: This is an interesting offer, but I don't like to make hasty business decisions. I need to talk it over with my team. Would you give us a minute?
Desiree: Take your time.
Desiree leaves your office, closing the door behind her. You look at Ethan and Hunt.
MC: So? What's your gut reaction?
Ethan: Gut reaction? Seems too good to be true. Second reaction? We should definitely go for it.
MC: Why?
Ethan: If she wants an equal share, that means Desiree is offering up a lot of cash. We could use it.
Ethan: If she's also okay with us keeping the majority power in the studio, then it seems like a done-deal.
MC: Do we need money that badly? I thought we were good with the profits from 'Permanent Wound'.
Ethan: The budget for 'Centaurus Lost' is eating that up pretty quickly. And we need to keep some wiggle room for unforeseen disasters.
Thomas Hunt: Even if nothing happens, extra cash flow will give us more creative freedom during filming.
Ethan: And she has experience working in a movie studio... that could only help us.
MC: It sounds like adding Desiree to the team makes a lot of business sense.
MC: Desiree will help make this studio and 'Centaurus Lost' better. I can't say no to that.
You call the others back into your office.
MC: Desiree, we'd love to have you on board!
Desiree: MC, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership...
A few days later, your cast and crew arrive at the rented studio lot. Dean meets you at the front gates.
Dean: I hope you're ready to have your minds blown... I've been working on the Centaurus set for days, and I have to say, it's some of my best work.
MC: Can't wait to see it.
Dean leads everyone through the lot to your set...
MC: Oh...
Ethan: My...
Addison: Goodness...
The control room of the Centaurus spaceship stretches out before you...
The room is full of flashing buttons and illuminated control panels, with one curved viewport looking out into deep space.
Dean: The control panel is completely operational. Just let me know what you want on the screens, and I'll program it to show up when the actors hit the buttons. This is as state-of-the-art as you're gonna get.
MC: Wow. This is amazing, Dean. Better than we could've even hoped!
Mike: Dude, this is sick. Exactly as I saw it in my head.
Dean: I did go a little over-budget, but can you really put a pricetag on high production value?
Ethan: Yes, you can. How much did you spend?
Dean: Well...
Just then, Classmate 3 floats by the control room window in a harness.
Classmate 3: Check it! I'm in outer space!
Dean: Classmate 3 has been practicing for that shot all day.
Thomas Hunt: I appreciate the work ethic, Classmate 3, but your spinning should feel more out-of-control when you fly by the window. Here, I'll help you.
Chris: Seems like Hunt's eager to get started. I can't believe we get to be in his comeback film.
Desiree: It's definitely an honor to be directed by the genius behind 'Ruin'.
MC: Honor or not, you two better get to wardrobe and makeup with Classmate 1 and Classmate 2 so that you're ready to go. We want to start filming as soon as everything is set up.
Chris: Sounds good, boss.
Soon, it's time to start filming the first scene in 'Centaurus Lost'...
Desiree is in a sleek, black jumpsuit, with gold makeup highlighting her features. She attaches a sophisticated toolbelt around her waist.
Desiree: Mira Norad, reporting for duty.
MC: Whoa, Des. You look fabulous.
Chris: What about me? Am I pulling this outfit off or what?
Chris spins around so you can see his full body armor, complete with light up panels along his arms and legs. His hair is slicked back, and he shoots you a suave smile.
MC: It's like Declan Lasseter himself jumped off the pages of the script.
Thomas Hunt: All right. This scene is the very first time that Mira and Declan see each other. Their initial distrust should be clearly apparent, as well as their immediate attraction. Think you can handle it?
Desiree: With a co-star like Chris? Should be easy.
MC: Okay, everyone take your marks.
Desiree takes her position down the hallway. Chris and a few security guards stand in front of one of Centaurus's side doors.
Thomas Hunt: And... action!
Desiree marches forward as the camera swoops down to capture her determined expression. Finally, she reaches the door and tries to get past Chris.
Desiree: Excuse you.
Chris: Whoa there, princess. Passengers aren't allowed back here.
Desiree: Passengers? I built this ship. Now move.
Desiree tries to walk by Chris again, but he sidesteps to block her path, arms crossed.
Desiree: You're preventing me from doing my job.
Chris: You're preventing me from doing my job. Now, let's see some ID.
Thomas Hunt: And... cut! Not bad, but for this next take, let's try it with more passion, more electricity.
Hunt steps on set, showing Chris and Desiree exactly what he wants.
Thomas Hunt: Step closer to each other, maintain eye contact... Desiree, poke him a couple times when you say that he's not letting you do your job. Quick jabs, right in the chest. Don't hold back.
Desiree: I won't.
As Hunt continues directing Chris and Desiree through the scene, Classmate 1 taps you on the shoulder.
Classmate 1: MC! We're having a fashion emergency!
You follow Classmate 1 and Classmate 2 over to the makeup station where Mike and Holly are bickering...
MC: What's wrong?
Classmate 2: Mike and Holly can't decide on which look everyone should have for the captain's dinner scene.
Mike: Like I said, the less clothes, the better. Think 'spring break in space'... silver swimsuits with sheer coverups, dark eye makeup and lipstick...
Holly: You think the future of fashion is a metallic bikini? Minimalist doesn't mean naked... it means sleek silhouettes and clean lines, monochromatic palettes and sharp eye makeup.
Classmate 2: MC, what should we do?
MC: I agree with...
Choice
What do you choose?
Mike.
Holly.
if "Mike." then
Holly: MC!
MC: Sorry, Holly, but I think Mike's on to something here... a beach-y vibe could emphasize that the passengers are relaxing on vacation and contrast dramatically with the workers' uniforms.
MC: And it's pretty unique for the sci-fi genre. It'll make 'Centaurus Lost' stand out more.
if "Holly." then
MC: We want something chic, not tacky. Holly's vision fits our aesthetic better.
Mike: Your loss.
Classmate 2: We'll get started on this right away!
You return to set to see that they're already shooting the next scene.
MC: That was fast! I can't believe they're already done...
Ethan: You've hired the best team around. They're blowing through everything pretty fast, which frees you up for the appointments I arranged for this afternoon.
MC: Appointments? But I need to be here, right? I'm the producer...
Ethan: You're not just a producer, MC. You're a mogul. And if you're going to be a mogul, you need to expand your horizons... we're looking to establish your name as a brand, and sitting around a movie set won't do that.
Ethan: That means fragrances, shoe deals, your own drink.
MC: But I don't want to leave the team stranded...
Desiree overhears you and cuts in.
Desiree: I'd be happy to help out if you have somewhere you need to be, MC.
MC: Well...
Desiree: We are partners, after all. And what are partners for, if not to help each other out? If there's a major issue, we'll call you right away.
MC: ...okay. Thanks, Des.
Ethan hustles you out of the studio lot and into his Porsche.
Ethan: Now, we've got three meetings in the next few hours. Ready to expand your brand, MC?
MC: Let's do this.
Ethan leads the way into a fragrance manufacturer's front office. The walls are stark white, and a long mahogany table full of sample scents takes up most of the room.
Ethan: Anyone who's anyone has their own signature fragrance.
MC: You mean like Jay-Z and Beyonce?
Ethan: Exactly. And today, you're going to design your scent.
if MC is Male then
Ethan: You'll pick a couple fragrances, and the team here will blend them together into a unique cologne.
if MC is Female then
Ethan: You'll pick a couple fragrances, and the team here will blend them together into a unique perfume.
MC: Sounds amazing. Let's get started!
Ethan: Pick any base note you like. Once you choose the category, the specific scents will be easy to blend.
MC: Hmmmm...
Choice
What do you choose?
Floral scents!
Citrus scents!
Woody scents!
if "Floral scents!" then
MC: Nothing says 'me' like the sweet scent of blooming flowers!
The perfumer offers you a sample of rose petals mixed with a touch of cherry blossoms. You inhale deeply.
MC: Mmmm... it's like I'm walking through an English garden in springtime. It's perfect!
if "Citrus scents!" then
MC: Nothing says 'me' like the refreshing scent of oranges and lemons!
The perfumer offers you a sample of lemon flowers mixed with a touch of grapefruit. You inhale deeply.
MC: Mmmm... it's like walking through an orchard filled with lemon trees. It's perfect!
if "Woody scents!" then
MC: Nothing says 'me' like the smell of pine trees!
The perfumer offers you a sample scent of pine trees mixed with a touch of ocean breeze. You inhale deeply.
MC: Mmmmm... it's like I'm at the edge of the woods after a spring rain, and I can just smell a hint of the sea. It's perfect!
Ethan: They'll whip this mix up for you in no-time. In a few weeks, your signature scent will hit the stores.
MC: And then everyone can smell like me.
Ethan: That's the real American dream.
You and Ethan arrive at a plain office building with no signs anywhere... Ethan enters a key code and the front doors slide open.
MC: Where are we?
Ethan: The flavor headquarters of Cola X. It's time to choose a signature beverage.
MC: A signature beverage... like Lebron's Mixx?
Ethan: Exactly.
Ethan leads the way through the offices to a room full of soda fountains and flavor syrups. A woman in a lab coat hands you a cup filled with plain soda water.
Ethan: Okay, MC, add whatever syrups you want to create a flavor that's all your own.
MC: How about...
Choice
What flavors do you choose?
Cucumber and lime!
Strawberry and bananas!
Hot sauce!
if "Cucumber and lime!" then
MC: Cucumber and lime are the perfect combo for my brand. Classy, sophisticated... and carbonated.
Ethan: Sounds just like you.
You pump cucumber syrup and lime syrup into your cup and mix it all together. You take a long draft...
MC: Mmmmm... refreshing! It's definitely my new cool-down drink.
if "Strawberry and bananas!" then
MC: A classic combination, just carbonated.
Ethan: Can't go wrong with a classic.
MC: It'll be sweet, like me! Perfect for the brand.
You pump strawberry syrup and banana syrup into your cup and mix it all together. You take a long draft...
MC: Mmmmm... refreshing and delicious!
if "Hot sauce!" then
Ethan: A bold choice. I like your confidence.
MC: This soda is supposed to represent my brand, right? That means it has to be hot.
You dump some hot sauce and simple syrup into your cup and mix it all together. You take a long draft...
MC: Mmmmm... spicy, yet refreshing!
Ethan: We'll get this out in stores and set up the marketing campaign. Soon, everyone will be ordering a MC.
Ethan pulls up outside a huge skyscraper in the middle of downtown. Inside, the lobby is filled with framed pictures of designer shoes.
MC: Let me guess... time to design my signature shoe.
Ethan: Got it in one. All kinds of celebrities have shoe lines... singers like JLo and Mariah Carey have fashionable high heels, basketball players like Michael Jordan have sneakers, actors like Halle Berry have summer sandals.
Ethan: The only question is... what will you have?
Ethan: I've asked Christina Lorenza, one of the top designers in the business, to draw up some sample designs for you. All you have to do is choose which type of shoe embodies your brand.
One of Christina's assistants takes you over to a table with all the designs spread out.
MC: Hmmm, I choose...
Choice
What do you choose?
High heels!
Men's dress shoes!
Sneakers!
if "High heels!" then
MC: I'm best represented by some killer stilletos. Think Bond girl meets everyone in TSwift's 'Bad Blood' video.
Ethan: I like the way you think, MC.
You point to a design.
MC: This one. I love the deep red color, and the swirls on the heel make it really unique.
if "Men's dress shoes!" then
You point to the design you like.
MC: These really speak to me. It's a perfect fit for the 'modern man' my brand stands for... sensible and sophisticated, versatile and innovative.
MC: Look at the stitching details on the wingtips. These are the shoes of a man who is going places.
if "Sneakers!" then
MC: I want my brand to be authentically true to me, and that means that my signature shoe has to be a sneaker.
MC: Besides, even Heidi Klum has a sportswear line. This is just the beginning of mine.
You point to the design you like.
MC: The neon highlights are the best part. It's perfect for people who go running when it's dark out. Practical and stylish.
Ethan: Excellent. We'll get the design to the manufacturers, and before long, your shoes will be sold in high-end department stores across the country.
After your appointments, you hop back in Ethan's Porsche.
Ethan: I'd say that was a very productive afternoon.
MC: Seriously. A signature fragrance, beverage, and shoes. What's next, copyrighting my face?
Ethan: One step at a time, MC. You're well on your way to becoming a real Hollywood mogul. We just need-
MC: Oh crap!
Ethan: What's wrong?
You point at the clock on his dash.
MC: We're late! We should've been back on set by now!
Ethan hits the gas, and his Porsche flies through the streets of L.A..
MC: I hope the shoot hasn't stalled without me there...
Ethan: We have a good team, MC. I'm sure they're handling everything just fine.
MC: Still... I can't help but worry...
Fifteen minutes later, Ethan pulls into the studio lot. You jump out of the car and hurry inside to find...
Thomas Hunt: Cut! Again! From the top!
As the actors reset the scene, you check in with Hunt.
MC: How's everything going? I see you're on one of the last shots for the day.
Thomas Hunt: What are you doing here, MC?
MC: Um, producing a movie? Remember?
Thomas Hunt: I meant that I thought you were going to be gone until tomorrow.
MC: No, just the afternoon. I had some errands to take care of.
Thomas Hunt: Well, things are running pretty smoothly here... we're right on schedule, thanks to Desiree.
MC: Oh?
Thomas Hunt: She's doing a fairly good job of handling her producer responsibilities, even when she's in a scene. I'm almost impressed. She's taking a break in her trailer now, I think.
Hunt turns his attention back to the actors.
Thomas Hunt: And... action!
You start toward Desiree's trailer but spot her over by the water cooler.
Desiree: MC, you're back early! Everything's been going great. Only a few hiccups here and there, but I think I managed to douse all the fires.
MC: Oh, that's, uh, great, Desiree. Thank you for stepping up.
Desiree: That's my job as your partner! Oh, there was one thing that came up. I hope you don't think I overstepped, but...
MC: What?
Desiree: Well, Mike was gabbing on the phone all day. Like, ever since you left. I told him to get off the phone or get off set. Normally, I would never be that rude, but he was interrupting the shoot and slowing us down...
MC: Oh, that's fine. It sounds like you did what you had to do.
Desiree: I'm so glad you feel that way, MC. I was thinking...
Ethan: MC!
You and Desiree look up as Ethan rushes toward you.
Ethan: We have a major publicity problem.
Some of the members of your crew gather around you, Desiree, and Ethan, curious about Ethan's news.
Ethan: It looks like May Gordon strikes again. Listen to these tweets:
Ethan: 'Trouble is stirring on the set of MC's newest film 'Centaurus Lost'... not that MC would know.'
Ethan: 'An inside source confirms that MC is little more than an absentee producer. Wouldn't want that leadership on my film. #lostcause'
Desiree: Look at all the pictures she has of you around L.A.!
MC: There I am outside the perfume manufacturer's office... and outside Cola X... and at Christina Lorenza's. Is she paying the paparazzi to stalk me or something?
MC: And I'm not an absentee producer... am I?
Desiree: I mean, you were gone for part of the day, but it's not like you abandoned us or anything. I don't know who May Gordon's source is, but they seriously have no idea what they're talking about.
MC: Yeah... who would even say that sort of stuff about me?
Just then, someone's phone goes off, interrupting the shoot.
Thomas Hunt: Whose phone is that?
Mike: It's mine. Sorry about that, big guy.
Mike moves away from the group, dropping his voice as he answers the phone.
Mike: Yeah? Oh, hey, May. Now's not really a good time...
MC: May?
MC: As in May Gordon?!
Why is May Gordon calling Mike? Is he the one leaking information to the media?
And what will the bad press mean for 'Centaurus Lost'?
Keep playing to find out!
