Cinemod Redux: The Most Dangerous Game

[wuhjah]

Good morning, sir. Yes, thank you. The extra days off were appreciated. Yes, I suppose I'm fine. As I guess you've already done, I've resigned myself to the task and I'm here. No, sir. I'm young. What's a few years here or there? And anyway, home will still be there waiting when we're finished.

That's the way, Bruce. And let me just say, that though this work goes on, I'm glad you're here to do it with me. You are a production assistant like none other. Now, if I've made your head big enough, would you mind telling me what's been going on out there?

Yes, sir.
Well, first sir, after all those kind words you just said, I hope you can forgive a lapse in judgement. I received an on-the-fly transmission from one of our Ninja parties who said they were presently in contact with a MGM Studio Truck. Sir, I'm sorry, but I was still angry. I told the Ninja to take the Studio Truck and anyone who tried to stop them. They did take the Truck and two captives are headed here now, but the other MGM characters fled and were not killed.

Bruce, does MGM know it was us?

No sir, I don't believe they do. Those Ninjas..., well you know those Ninjas, sir. But, it's not the first Truck they've lost to us, so they could be getting suspicious.

Bruce, I'm not angry. I understand why you did what you did. All I will say now is be careful. Actions always have consequences.

Thank you, sir, for understanding. I'll try to keep my head next time. In other news, we have completed the Great Icecream Truck in UA Casting. That will put Food Trucks in all of our sets saving us time. Sir, there is one problem. I think that some of the cast in Pre-Production are unhappy after their supervisors told them about staying longer than initially expected. Some have protested and the set has pretty much lost all productivity.

Alright, Bruce. I will take care of UA Pre-Production. I expected as much to happen. There are a few things I need you to take care of, though. Get all sets that had previously built their own Food Truck to dismantle the props. We don't need to waste money or space on those now. Secondly, there should be some Quarry Bombs stored in UA Wardrobe. I want those Gyorgs south of the NLC territory taken out. I don't want that Sea Monster delayed. If there are twelve Studios, twelve potential trading partners, we need to hurry and meet them all.

Oh, sir, I almost forgot. Our two Sea Monsters have traversed both the northern and southern coasts of Touchstone territory and it seems they are on an island. Our Sea Monsters met each other at the other end.

Well, that's good news, Bruce. For now, have one Sea Monster head north and the other due west from the island. There are still others to find.

Yes, sir. And for the record, I think you're a pretty good boss too.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Sir! Sir, you're not going to believe this. Touchstone was apparently a little upset about our reconnaissance of their coastline and asked our Sea Monster to leave. Our Sea Monster told them that the waters were unsafe for passage and, get this, Touchstone safely escorted them to just right outside the territorial waters of Paramount Pictures. From there they could even see the colors waving of another Studio, but at time of transmission they could not confirm which one.

Thank you, Bruce. I know. No, I don't know which Studio was seen after Paramount. I just know we have met Paramount Pictures. Wait. You do know that our Sea Monsters have a standing order to speak directly to me when meeting a new Studio, don't you? Well, they do. They have been instructed that if they are contacted by an unknown Studio's Director, they are to report immediately and directly to me. Sorry, Bruce. You just get the small potatoes. Anyway, I did talk to the Director of Paramount and it seems they've had a bad run of it. I don't know much, but perhaps they were isolated without anyone available to trade with or maybe they're just bad at making movies. Either way, they had nothing to offer us. I also instructed the Sea Monster to move south and identify the unknown Studio colors. Moving on, did you bring the updated maps? Good, let's take a look.

About 15 or 16 sets, that's looking good. We need to get on that jungle and marsh. Some of our sets are stuck right in the thick of it and are having a difficult time producing.

Yes, sir. And, up north, we can see our Ninjas are still securing the island in the north-east. MGM has had some bad luck (wink) and doesn't have many sets. Did they lose some of their Studio Trucks (wink)?

It sure looks like they have, Bruce. You wouldn't know anything about that, now would you? No, thought not. Looking west, we can see part of NLC territory, but it looks like it continues into the black fog. I would like to get some Sea Monsters up there to explore for any unsettled land and to see exactly where NLC end and WB begins.

Yes, sir. I will have them sent out immediately. Finally, you can see the western part of Touchstone island and where Paramount is located.

Good work, Bruce. The maps look good. Our Sea Monsters have been an enormous help. Let's promote them when we can. Tomorrow, we should be able to get our first look at the new script set. Get a good night's sleep Bruce, because the game is just getting started.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Bruce, how're we doing today?

Oh, doing well enough, sir.

Good. You know the Black and White scripts have arrived, don't you?

Yes, sir. I knew they would be here by now. Have you decided what to read?

Well, not just yet, Bruce. Let's take a look at it and see what we have to work with.

Sir, these scripts, Anaconda, End of Days, King Kong and Arachnophobia will all give us some great characters to work with.

You're right, as usual, Bruce. But, you know, I've got my eye on these two, End of Days and Crocodile Dundee. Can you see why?

Sir, it looks as though these two may be allow us to build wonder props. Is that it, sir?

You've got it. Wonder props are the gifts that keep giving, Bruce. Let's read End of Days and see where that takes us.

Yes, sir. I will have the script readers start at once.

Great. There are a few other things, Bruce. First, we've been notified that Pixar and LGF have both completed the great wonder prop, Chaos Theory Dino Research. I can't say I know much about it. It seems scientific and must come from one of the newer scripts. Second, and more importantly, Hollywood is allowing us to upgrade our productions systems. They code-named the project "Monarchy" to pay tribute to King Jaffe Joffer, the honorable King in Coming to America, which is, as you know, the script we just finished. Included are all sorts of great things. Our union actors will be working even harder and faster thanks to a new contract with the SAG; just make sure every set does have a SAG inside. The only small problem is that we will be having a near Studio wide work-stoppage while we install the new equipment, upgrade the systems and give the actors some advanced training. All things should get back to normal after a short time.

Okay, sir. That sounds interesting. I can't wait to see how the upgrades improve our efficiency and production. I'll see what I can do to help maintain as smooth a transition as possible.

Glad to hear it, Bruce. So, with that out of the way, is there anything else today?

Well, sir, one thing. I find it a bit odd, but MGM has sent yet another Studio Truck into harm's way. Our Ninja has spotted another Truck about to leave MGM territory, headed down the coast it appears. He is standing by now waiting for your order.

Bruce, tell the Ninja to leave the Studio Truck alone as long as it stays in MGM territory. We don't really need any trouble during this transition period. If it comes out, I don't want to know what happens to it.

Very good, sir.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Hey Bruce, how was lunch? Kung Pao Chicken? They've got that down in the Food Truck? Really? Did I ever tell you about my trip to China? No? Well, I'll spare you today and bore you with it another time. I just wanted to share a little news with you. Remember our Sea Monster had spotted a Studio's colors waving down south of Paramount territory? Yeah, well they spotted us too and contacted our Sea Monster. it turned out to be 20th Century Fox. I had a quick chat with their Director today. No, they didn't have anything to trade. In fact, they didn't have anything. No, I don't think they did. Anyway, the Sea Monster has transmitted back their own location and some images. Here, we can see a little more of those Studios' territory.

Another thing Bruce, and I know this is going to sound crazy. If I had heard this a year ago, I'd have thought it just utterly ridiculous. Now, though? Well, let me just give it to you straight, Bruce. I was notified this morning that NLC declared War on MGM. Yes, Bruce. War. I don't know. I know it's crazy. Look it's all kinds of crazy, but we have to take this seriously. We share borders with both of these Studios. Who knows what might spill over from this. I don't even know what war means. Do they mean like real war? I mean, our guns are just prop guns, right? Keep an eye on things, Bruce, and be careful.

Sir, I feel like we're in the Twilight Zone or something. How do Movie Studios declare war? But, anyway, thank you, sir, for telling me. I will notify our cast on those borders to remain vigilant. That's a funny question that I never thought to ask. But, now that you mention it, we need to check those prop guns. Also, I do have a few other things to tell you, but I don't think they'll mean as much considering your news.

Sir, our Sea Monster transporting a Studio Truck is about to make ground on the eastern island. Gyorgs have been spotted nearby, but we're hoping we can slip in and unload the cargo without being seen. We've moved our own Studio Truck to the north-eastern coastal area that our Ninja has secured. Also the Actor's Trailer is ready to be built; just give the final go-ahead.

And finally, sir, all sets have reported in that project "Monarchy" is complete. The new systems are up and online. The actors are ready to go. The actors, with their new costumes and equipment, will be able to do much more in clearing the jungle and swamp surrounding our sets. Moreover, they have some new abilities when working the land to increase food production allowing our sets to grow more quickly.

Bruce, that's great news about our switch to Monarchy. Things should run a bit smoother now, I'd imagine. Everything sounds good. Get the Actor's Trailer built and let's inventory our props and personnel when we have a little time. Any cast member not engaged in a project can head to one of our border sets and lend a hand there.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Hello, sir. Well, don't you look happy today? Sure, I suppose you should be, sir, especially since I have some pretty good news for you. Yes sir, if you insist. Please, just a little though, as I still have some work to do. If you don't mind, I'll just begin. Sir, we've auditioned our first Sopwith Camel. Yes, sir. I do like it. It's here in the Main Studio and you can go down and take a look before it leaves. Our Sea Monster managed to evade the Gyorgs, sir. It made the drop-off and is now headed back here to make another pick-up. Our set UA Post-Production is now ready to be built sir. We've been waiting for this island for so long, and now we're there, sir. We're just waiting for your final approval of the set location. Sir, we have the capability, now, to build the Knights of the Round Table. Yes, sir. It's a small wonder prop that would give us Knight characters. No, that's it, sir.

Good work, Bruce. I'm glad to hear our Sea Monster didn't have any troubles. The Post-Production location is fine, exactly where I would have put it, in fact. Get that started immediately. We will need another Studio Truck or two there when we can spare them here. We'll ship our characters directly through the SAG, so get that built first. Have another Sea Monster get up there to help out or take over if the first runs into any difficulties. As well, start the Round Table wherever we can slot it into a set production schedule without disrupting things. Can't wait to see those Knights in action.

Now, Bruce, I've got a little news for you. First, I received a transmission informing us that Columbia has completed the Sistine Chapel prop. I don't know; they're probably working on some Dan Brown movie or something. More important than that, though, is one of our Sea Monsters, north of Paramount territory, spotted some characters on shore and made contact. They turned out to be from Lions Gate Films and the Sea Monster arranged through them that their Director will call me first thing tomorrow morning. We'll finally see what these guys have got.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Good day, Bruce. What have you got there?

Oh, this, sir? It's nothing, just a small souvenir. Earlier, I was down to watch the unveiling of the Knights of the Round Table and they passed out these miniature Knights for us to remember the occasion.

That's good. Did you get me one, Bruce?

Well, no, not exactly, sir. I didn't even want this one; they just, kind of, handed them out. You could have this one, if you wish.

No, no, Bruce. Keep it and give it to your grand-kid, someday. You'll have a story to tell about this place. So, was there anything else going on today?

Sir, actually yes. In addition to the opening of the Knights of the Round Table. We have also completed the Great Christmas Tree in our Pre-Production set. We could go down and see that together, if you'd like.

Thanks for the suggestion, Bruce. Unfortunately, I've too much work and won't be able to get out of the Main Studio for a few days. Do stop in and check that it's going okay over there, when you get the chance.

In other matters, Bruce. I met with the NLC ambassador today. We worked out a deal that will have us providing them with shipments of horses and grapes for the next 20 weeks. In return, they've given us a copy of Arachnophobia. Oh, we gave them Frosty the Snowman as well.

Excellent, sir. If we continue at this rate of getting new scripts, we may even catch Pixar. Sir, I also wanted to give you a quick update on the status of our Sea Monsters. There isn't much to say. As you can see in these updated maps, the Sea Monsters are both working their way up the coasts of these two continents. On one side, we're still looking at the expansive Miramax territory. Over here, on our side, our Sea Monster has finally found where the WB territory begins.

Good, Bruce. However, it seems we're still unsure of the location of a few of the Studios. Have the exploring Sea Monsters keep a sharp eye out for those. Oh, one more thing, Bruce. Yes, another transmission. This one tells that Pixar has completed their own Grauman's Chinese Theater. It seems they, Columbia and LGF are running the show over there. It would be great if we could know how big their Studios really are. Anyway, Bruce, getting Arachnophobia has allowed us to audition new characters. Go ahead and get one of our sets started on that before you leave today. Yeah, that sounds good. Okay, then, see you later, Bruce.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Hey Bruce, what are you doing down here at the Quarry Bombs?

Good afternoon, sir. Well, I had some things to go over with you and I knew you'd be down here taking a swim. It's been a while since I've been here and all; I just figured I'd come down and we could do things here.

Well alright, Bruce. Let's go over here, where we can talk. Can I get you anything to eat or drink? No? Alright then, what's been going on?

Quite a few things actually, sir.
The first is, we've sent a Studio Truck to the Jungle area that is situated in the crux between our territory and that of the WB and NLC. There isn't so much a problem there, but we had sent a Ninja ahead to recon the area. They are presently hiding a short distance into WB territory. Here, let me just read their report to you. "Coffins suddenly appearing from out of the ground. Unseen before special effects. Witnessed Coffins killing NLC characters. Not Friendly. Be advised."

Coffins..., huh. Bruce, I think those are characters from the script End of Days. And, if I remember correctly, Coffins, which we should soon have too, are not painted with Studio Colors. Is there anything else, Bruce?

Yes, sir. I was recently speaking with the set-director at UA Actor's Trailer. Sir, this set is nowhere near as productive as our others. For everything we accomplish there, it seems we waste an equal amount of resources. We're paying double for the same work.

Bruce, that sounds like a corruption problem. Perhaps it's because it's a new set and they haven't been with us long enough to know my stance on such matters, or maybe they are just too far away and they see too little of us. Either way, I won't be having it in our Studio. We'll make a visit there soon, but for now I want you to build a courthouse prop. We'll have no tolerance for unscrupulous behavior and will prosecute those we catch.

Sir, listen to yourself. Are you just a movie director anymore? What is happening to us?

Now that you mention it, Bruce, it does seem so strange. But, it felt so natural coming out. I'll tell you this, Bruce. I don't know what is happening to us, or what we are becoming. But, I do know that everything changed the day I talked to Hollywood. It would behoove you to remember this is, and always was, a competition. I don't know if we can win, but we're damn sure going to try.

Yes, sir. Please let me go on then. As our aforementioned Ninja had secured the jungle, we have moved the Studio Truck into place. We are ready to construct the UA Bloopers set on your command. Sir, and there is some good news. Three of our sets have each just auditioned a new character. Sir, if I may say, the quality of our characters is improving. Our Main Studio has auditioned a Domestic Knight through the Knights of the Round Table. From our Screenplay set a Yellow Sack Spider and from Pre-Production we have a Frosty the Snowman from the small wonder prop The Great Christmas Tree. Sir, finally, we need to choose a new script. We will finish reading End of Days today and will start production on its props and characters as soon as tomorrow if we can fit it into one of our set's production schedules. On this script chart, our possible choices are highlighted in blue.

Lots of exciting news, Bruce. We should go get a look at that Domestic Knight before it leaves. Alright, first, go ahead and get the new Studio Truck set up. Send all of our newest and others not engaged with a project to safeguard this new set. It's right in the middle of the NLC-MGM fight and, with the recent Coffin sightings, it needs to be protected. Get the courthouse started like I mentioned, but, also Bruce, you will put a courthouse into any other set that exhibits the same wasteful traits as UA Actor's Trailer did. Before I make a final decision on which script to read, I'd like to meet with some of the other Studios' Directors. Perhaps we can make a play. Wait on that and get those other things started, okay, Bruce?

Yes, sir. Enjoy your swim.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Yes, Bruce, come in. Sit down. I've got a few things to tell you.
Have you started the Necropolis yet, the small wonder prop tied to the End of Days? No? Okay, I want that started today. I've learned that this prop is the culprit behind those Coffins the Ninja saw and I'd say we need a few of our own to stay on equal footing. In addition, I had a meeting with some of the new Directors from the other continent. About the best we could do was a trade with Touchstone. They were the only one who didn't already have the End of Days script. So, we gave that with Frosty the Snowman and, in return, received the Crocodile Dundee script. That should save us a bit of time.

Just to let you know, Bruce, when talking with Pixar, I found they were at least two, perhaps three, scripts still ahead of us. We'll have to get our script readers to work a little harder. That goes the same for the production staff. Since we traded into Crocodile Dundee, we now have the ability to build the small wonder prop Uluru. No, I think it's the Aborginal name for that big red rock in Australia. No, Bruce I haven't been there. Anyway, I think that's about it. Just get the Uluru started and tell our script readers that we will now be working on King Kong.

Yes, sir. I will get to those immediately. There are just a few things I need to tell you before I leave. Our cast is arriving to the far away set UA Bloopers now. But, one of those already there, a Robin Hood has reported seeing more Coffins on the mountains separating us from NLC. Sir, it seems each time they show themselves, they're a bit closer to our territory.

Alright, Bruce. Well, our cast already has their orders concerning any confrontations with Coffins. Let's not worry ourselves too much until they are actually inside our Studio, okay Bruce? If that is all then, I'll see you a little later.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Hello sir,

As you know, I'm presently on my way to check our the Actor's Trailer. As we discussed, I'll stay as long as I need to get things in order there, and to bring their efficiency back up to standard. Once there, we can communicate, but I left this report for you to read about about some recent activities. You'll be pleased to know the Necropolis was finished in record time in the Pre-Production set. It has already begun auditioning characters and the first should be ready in a day or so.

One of our Sea Monsters reported coming to a channel in WB territory and are waiting your instruction whether to proceed in or just carry on around the outer coast. Sir, you need to be aware that there are now many more Coffins appearing just outside our border with NLC. And sir, our Robin Hood that was posted on the front-line failed to check in and failed to report back after his shift. We presume the Coffins took him. We have actors working in the area, sir and I believe they may need some support cast. In addition, sir, the latest report about this episode stated that NLC characters were also entering the scene. We're not yet sure of their intentions.

Bruce


-Later-


Hello, sir. Did you get my message that I left for you? You did? Great. Well, sir, I just arrived a short while ago. I thought it best if I checked in with you before really having a look around here. Yes, sir, it did? That was fast. How quickly do they intend to audition the Coffins? One every day or two? Wow, sir. We are going to be up to our neck in Coffins. Those others, sir? They're gone? You mean up on the NLC border? How, did we...? Oh, those NLC Brown Spiders killed them all? Well, that's pretty good news. Yes, sir, I agree. Sending our own Yellow Sack Spider there was a good move. Oh, alright, sir. Yes, I will, just as soon as I know something, sir. Okay, sir. Thank you. Good night.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Good day, sir. Pretty warm out there today, isn't it? I hope our Frosty the Snowman characters will be okay. Well, sir, despite the relative calm of these last few days, I've got a few things to report. We are just about to finish reading King Kong. The script readers have already been notified that our next project will be to read Anaconda. As well, we're getting our first glimpse of of our Cthulhu character that have just finished auditioning in UA Props. This guy is huge, sir. Some other good news, Uluru has been completed in the Wardrobe set.

Hey Bruce, let's go down and see the Uluru. I'll bet we can get a Didgeridoo from the gift shop. Ever played one?

No sir, I haven't ever. If you don't mind sir, I just have one or two more things.

Please, Bruce.

Okay, sir, our Sea Monster has finally verified that they have found Pixar territory. Pixar is located on the northern cap of the other known continent. Also, we have had reports of multiple MGM Sea Monsters coming down the coast. To make matters worse, our own Sea Monster carrying a Studio Truck is mixed up in the middle of them. Finally, sir, that other Sea Monster, the one I suppose you authorized to pass through the WB channel, is now trapped inside. Unless you specify otherwise, I've directed them to wait it out and look for an opportunity to pass through again.

Well, yes Bruce, as you implied, I did authorize that Sea Monster to explore the inner bay of WB territory. It was a gamble, and unfortunately, this time the Sea Monster is stuck in a jam. They'll be okay, Bruce. Those Sea Monsters have proven their toughness. I've got a little good news, as well, Bruce. I talked with the Tristar Director. We worked out a trade to give them the King Kong script for their Dogma script and 56 gold bars. In case I forget, remind me to build at least one Cathedral prop which would then enable us to build the small wonder Vatican Armory prop.

Bruce, I was going over the sets' daily reports and noticed that our island set to the north was growing a little too slowly. I want you to put a rush build on the harbor prop at our Post-Production set. We need to get them connected to our warehousing and trade network.

Yes, sir. I'll talk with the on-set director immediately.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Bruce, what's the latest word on UA Set?

Well, sir, there is still a work stoppage and a few protests. Sir, they're saying the same things we've heard before in the other sets. They're saying if they need to be stuck here longer to work, they need more luxuries and entertainment and such. I'm sure, soon enough, things will get back to normal.

Thank you, Bruce. I'm sure they will. We may have to consider these things, though. We need a happy and stable work force if we're to reach our goal. On the other hand, I want you to have the on-set Directors keep an eye out for instigators. Moving on, I received a transmission stating that Columbia has completed the Pick of Destiny. Here, Bruce, look at this daily set report and tell me what you see.

Well, I don't know, sir. I see a lot of things. What are you getting at?

Bruce, look at our production schedule for these sets.

Yes, sir. I see them.

There are only props, Bruce; I would like to see more characters auditioned. Try to find the right balance between building a strong cast and building the props to support them. I realize these props are beneficial, if not essential. But, just as soon as they are finished, I would like you to get back to the auditions.

We took the initiative this time, Bruce, and we are establishing an Embassy in Pixar Studios. You'll need to assemble the new staff and send them for training, this time in our embassy in NLC Studios. Once they are ready to take over, send the old NLC staff to our new Pixar embassy. We need some experienced people working over there.

Two more things, Bruce. Our first Crocodile is now in NLC territory. I want to you to be its direct contact. You need to record all the information we can get about what's going on behind the scenes. Bruce, this Crocodile is on its own. If he is caught, you are to cut the line and cease any attempt to contact it. That is the way it has to be with the way we're going in. Okay, Bruce, lastly I see that our Wrap Party set is already set-up on the island. That's good. Make sure that the set gets a SAG immediately. That's it. Any questions? No? Good. Anything on your side, Bruce? No? Alright then, see you tomorrow, Bruce.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Hello, sir. How was your weekend down at UA Wardrobe? Oh, you got one; is that it? How do you say it? Didgeridoo? So, is that the way it's
supposed to sound, sir? Are you sure you're doing it right? Well, sir, as much as I would like to talk about what didgeridoo over the weekend, there are a few things I need to report. Things have been pretty calm on the land sir, but lots happening out on the water. One of our Sea Monsters has mapped out another island near WB territory. WB currently has one movie set on the island, but there is still a lot of empty room, they say. Speaking of WB, sir, WB has their own Sea Monster scouting the coast of our northern island. Our on-location Ninjas have been directed to intercept anyone who comes ashore. The school of MGM Sea Monsters has continued down the coast and are deep into our territorial waters, sir. They are currently near our Actor's Trailer and Props set. Lastly, for these guys, we have one more Sea Monster still mapping the coast near Pixar. They are still unable to estimate the total size or number of Pixar Studio sets.

Sir, it's been a while, but we've encountered another Coffin. Sir, this one was grey as opposed to the previous black ones. We don't know where it came from, but I suspect MGM due to the proximity. We happened to have some characters nearby who quickly dispatched the Coffin, but sir, I expect we may soon see more, just like last time.

I suspect you may be right, Bruce. Good work, by the way. It sounds like things are under control. Our Sea Monsters have done very well in helping us get a better view of how things are situated. Keep auditioning new characters. We now have some Arch Angels who would be quite happy to help with a Coffin problem, should we have one. Get any characters not on set working to our border sets. Perhaps a strong presence shown will deter some of these hapless Coffins from finding their way inside our territory.

Bruce, I've got a few transmissions to fill you in on, then we'll be done. The Tristar Studios have completed the great project, the Pick of Destiny. More importantly, though, Pixar has completed both the Sistine Chapel and the Art of War for Dummies. They are strong, Bruce. Unfortunately, we'll need to change our production schedule here in the Main Studio now that we cannot complete the Art of War for Dummies.

So, Bruce, anything else? No? Did you want to try playing the didgeridoo? No? You sure? Alright then, see you tomorrow.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Good morning, sir. Yes, sir. A few things to go over before we get the day started. Our Studio Truck is finally in place on the far edge of our territory, near the WB, sir. They are ready to build our Distribution Management set. Just waiting on you to give the "okay." Our trapped Sea Monster has just sent a message stating that the channel was opened and they slipped out. They are headed back here now, sir.

That's good news, Bruce. I'm glad the Sea Monster is out. When the Sea Monster arrives, send it here so we can congratulate it on its fine work. Also, get the set started as soon as possible. Bruce, over there I see a Coffin lurking just inside MGM territory. As well, this whole area is very close to the fog over WB territory; we don't really know what is actually there right now. Have a Ninja go scout the area around the set so we know who or what we may run into. And Bruce, have the cast take positions nearby, and be ready to move into the new set as soon as it is built.

Bruce, our people have spoken saying they wanted a Forbidden Movie Set. Start looking around and see if we have a place to build one yet. If not, don't worry. This is not a priority at the moment. Bruce, I was looking again at our daily set reports and see you've had quite a few of these Pest Control props built in our sets. They seem to be time and resource intensive projects, so would you, again, remind me what it is exactly that they do?

Sir, these props became available when we read Arachnophobia, and yes, I know they seem expensive. But, while we lose some time auditioning cast now, ultimately, these props should increase the production of the sets they are built in. I believe each Pest Control prop will allow us to shave at least a day or two off each audition or prop that we build in the future. If it matters at all, sir, they're eco-friendly.

Bruce, I don't give a rat's ass if they're eco-friendly. I'm just worried we don't have a large enough cast to continue all the projects we need to complete. Alright, Bruce, I won't go on about that, but there is one more thing. We received another of these transmissions comparing the top Studios. Look who is now number two. Bruce, you've done some great work and this proves it. Good job.

Just comparing wealth, though. I wonder how we stack up when compared on movie production. That's great, sir. Thank you. I'll get on that new set, now.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Sorry for the delay, folks. This last weekend and few days prior, I've been having some connectivity problems. While most websites loaded fine, apparently my ISP has no love for CFC and I was looking at 5-10 minutes for a page refresh. It seems things are a little better, but still slow going. Though, I think I can manage to get the story updated now.

 

[wuhjah]

Hey, Bruce, what's up? You seem in quite a hurry.

Sir, I don't really know. We've just received a report from one of our Sea Monsters. They say that a pair of WB Sea Monsters has suddenly appeared nearby and rather than keep going around us, their Sea Monsters seem to have stopped just alongside our Sea Monster. Our crew tried to make contact with them, but were apparently ignored.

Alright, Bruce. Have our Sea Monster hold fast and we'll give their Director a call. Is there anything else?

Yes, sir. Quite a few things, and each equally unnerving. Sir, you said we wouldn't worry until Coffins had breached our boundaries. Well, sir, it's finally happened. Just to the east of our Make-up set, a Coffin has been unearthed. We do not know to which Studio it belongs. We have actors working quite nearby, sir, and I think it best if order them back to the set, to safety.

Sir, finally, and perhaps most disconcerting, The look-out from our Actor's Trailer set has sent a message stating that a group of combined WB characters has crossed into our territory. I have confirmed this with a few other characters who are working near the boundary line. Sir, they said that this appears quite different than the previous exploratory incursions that MGM and NLC have made in the past.

Bruce, that is quite odd, indeed. We haven't had any trouble with the WB in the past. Have our actors working near the Actor's Trailer moved to safety for now. I will talk to the WB Director and see if there is any good explanation for this. We know that MGM is still at war with NLC and perhaps this is part of the WB's own move as they begin to expand into MGM territory.

Bruce, get those actors out and alert the general cast to keep their eyes open. They should report anything that seems out of the ordinary. After lunch, perhaps things will be more clear.

Yes, sir. I hope so. I will come back a little later, then.


-Later-


Sir, are you in there?

Yes, come in Bruce. Sit down.

Sir, is everything all right?

Bruce, I don't think it is. Please, sit down. We have some things to discuss.
First, Bruce, I did contact some other Studios this morning. Yes, I talked with the WB, but I talked with a few others first to see how things were going for them. Having recently finished reading Anaconda, I was hoping we could shop it around for a trade. You see, there is still daily business at hand that we must take care of.

The good news, Bruce, is that we were fortunate and made a few trades for Anaconda. The Tristar Studios were quite happy to get this script and gave us V for Vendetta and 200 gold bars. Though, we had to turn around and give Pixar 180 of those gold bars with Anaconda to get their script, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. All in all, we made substantial progress there, turning one script into three.

And what about the WB, sir?

I was getting to that, Bruce. I met with the WB, and I'm afraid I don't have good news. At first, I tried to just discuss our normal business about scripts, but the manner in which their Director would reply to my queries was quite unusual. We were making no progress in any negotiations and I finally realized he was just playing with me, wasting time. It came to a head, Bruce, and when the Director answered my question as to why so many of their Characters had intruded into our Studio territory, I knew he was lying. I gave them an ultimatum. Remove their Characters or we would escort them, with force if necessary, out of our territory. His response, Bruce? Bruce, he declared war on us.

Bruce, there is something more I need to tell you. I hope you can forgive me for not being forthright earlier. In my own defense, I did what I thought was right at the time. Do you remember ago, when we were so confused about the happenings around us, when I made contact with Hollywood? Hollywood informed us then that this was, in fact, a game, a competition, which would have a winner, the one to finish producing all the movie scripts that were given to us. Well, Bruce, Hollywood told us something else. Do you remember I told you he said, "No one is leaving until one gets it done." Well, Bruce, he really meant it. Only one will be leaving, the one who gets it done. I'm sorry, Bruce. I'm sorry that we're stuck in this and I'm sorry I waited so long to tell you. I really wasn't sure what to think about it then, but recent events have been quite telling. Bruce, I know it's a shock, but I promise you, we are going to make it. We are now at war. The only way to end this sick game these monsters have created is to fight our way out. And, that is exactly what we are going to do. And, we are going to win!

Sir, I am at a loss for words.

I know, Bruce. It took me some time to finally come around to understand and accept this. I wanted to really know and really understand before I told you, and the others. I know you may be angry that I didn't tell you at first, but I think I was still hoping that it all wasn't really true. Unfortunately, WB crushed those hopes today. Bruce, I will make the rounds to our movie sets and meet with the on-set directors and their staff. I'll tell them everything they need to know, and rally our Characters, who are soon to be our troops. Speaking of troops, Bruce, didn't you ever find it curious that every character we auditioned had some characteristic or skill that lent itself to fighting or war? It would appear that these monsters, the producers, hand-picked each script to foment great acts of pain and destruction. Our Characters were made for this. This was their plan all along and they've just been enjoying the show. Well, Bruce, we're going to give them a show.

Tell our Sea Monster to Run. Run! They don't need to engage those two WB Sea Monsters unless they feel there is no other way out. Our other Sea Monster, the one who just escaped being trapped in WB Bay, send it back. I want that channel closed. Explain the situation to this Sea Monster and tell them that they are now ordered to kill any WB character that tries to come out. Bruce, remind them if they won't fight, then they will probably die out there. Fighting is the best chance for survival, and our new enemy, I'm sure, knows that as well.

Sir, and what of those WB characters inside our territory now?

Bruce, leave those to me. Those characters will not live to see the night fall. WB started this war and their blood will be the first spilt. And, Bruce, trust me. We are going to be fine.

Spoiler :

 

[MTB4884]

Glad to see you back despite your connection issues with CFC. I loved the way you described the outbreak of war with WB. Great work!

 

[wuhjah]

As always, MTB4884, your support is much appreciated.

I was a little wrong, though. Things are still not so great. Though, I can't figure out why the problems are concentrated on this site... I'll keep up when I can, but there could be delays here and there (due to my patience with this matter being exhausted.)

 

[wuhjah]

And now you see, they knew. The curtain had been raised, and their eyes were open. They knew what we were up to. While they didn't understand the how or why, they knew it was some machination from our perverted minds. And, they played their roles perfectly. They had to, just as my friend had said they would.

What they didn't know was how we became obsessed with watching them. I'd say it even became an addiction. We twelve would hold parties. We would laugh and gamble, watching "our project" the whole time, discussing the good and bad moves our pawns were making. While we never really talked about it in the beginning, it always hung in the air over our heads. Despite our laughter and self-adulation, it tugged away at our minds. We, too, started to realize that there could be only one winner.


Some of you are now wondering if this could even be true. You, no doubt, are trying to wrap you head around the little things. Finding a flaw in the logistics of the matter would set your mind at ease, that none of this could have really happened. I assure you that it is all absolutely true. Were they really going to use real weapons and kill each other? Yes. Would you not use a gun if you were given one? Do you really think it is that hard to get weapons? And to think that they were so naive that they didn't even realize we gave them real guns to begin with. Where did all the people come from then, you're doubting? See, you ask these questions because you don't really understand the big picture. The big picture we live in. There is no problem that cannot be overcome when you have the money and power we did. Runaways, tramps, prostitutes, missing persons disappearing without a trace. Hell, you can't even imagine how many Chinese nationals we could have a month, if we needed or wanted. Getting people or anything else we needed was not a problem. We were not troubled with trivial little things like these that you might think of. So, I implore you to focus not on this, but rather on the people who were really involved. This story is about them, who they were and who we made them become.

 

[wuhjah]

Hey, Bruce, how are you doing today? You okay?

I'm okay, sir. I mean, I'm not okay with this. I guess I'm still coming to terms with it. After a while of wishing it were just a dream, I suppose I've realized it's not. Let's just move on, sir. I'll be okay.

I know you will be, Bruce. Well, let me start with this. As our (WB)embassy staff were being escorted out, one of them overheard that the WB and NLC have aligned to fight Miramax. I'm not sure how it helps, but perhaps it will keep them too busy to focus on us. As well, we've learned NLC has enlisted the help of Columbia to wage war on MGM.

Interesting, sir. So, they are building alliances already. That means we could end up fighting NLC too, if WB persuades them that way.

Let's hope they don't, Bruce. Considering that, in the meantime, let's think how we can improve our relations with NLC Studios. Now, I know the WB characters in our territory were all eliminated last night. I saw to it myself. How are things looking out there now, Bruce?

Okay, sir. All available characters have been given orders. A large contingent, which you used part of last night, will be sweeping west from under MGM territory. It seems WB has sent some of their characters to flank around the MGM sets. They are mostly older characters we know well and will be cleaned in the sweep. Despite declaring war and their initial probe, sir, our cast hasn't seen many WB characters out there. Except, sir, our Sea Monster that was sent to hold the channel didn't make it. Their last communication stated that there were multiple, incoming Japanese Zeros. Communication was then lost. They didn't have a chance, sir.

There are two more things, sir, that I think are very important. The first is our cast at UA Bloopers spotted a source of Salt-Peter just inside the WB boundary. Sir, with that resource, we could get the most out of some of our characters and build new props for them to use. The other thing sir, well I've never seen it before. One of our Snowmen crossed into MGM territory as they fought with those WB last night. It sent back images, sir. Look at this Character. I don't even know how to begin describing it, sir.

Bruce, let's not worry about anything MGM has at the moment; we've got our own problems. With that said, I think things are going pretty well. Listen to you, talking about taking a resource from the WB. You might just be alright, after all, Bruce. Taking it is a long way off, though. Keep our characters moving there. We need more auditions, Bruce. And, for now, go ahead and have one of our Coffins find their way to that Salt-Peter. Let's see how the WB responds. Finally, Bruce, I regret losing our Sea Monster as much as you do. But, I'm afraid this is going to get worse before it gets better.

Spoiler :

 

[wuhjah]

Hello, sir. Shall we get right to the report? Yes, sir. I know they are waiting and, though there is quite a bit of activity out there, I will try to make this as brief as possible. After I realized the Studios were creating alliances, I alerted all of our embassy staff still working in other areas to find out more about the possibility of the Studios creating alliances against us. Our staff in NLC have found that NLC has now joined Columbia in their fight against Lions Gate Films. Also sir, we've finished our Vatican Armory small wonder prop here in the Main Studio. Talk about made for war, sir. This prop will give us bombs, well grenades to be more exact.

I'm sure you know this by now, sir. A Coffin, we don't know whose, has unearthed just near our Cinematography set. Sir, I know it doesn't need to be said, but that ghoulish thing can cause a lot of damage if remains there long. Sir, we have also received a report from our Bloopers set that there is a large group of NLC Spiders amassing in the mountains between our Studios. We don't know yet where they intend to go. As well, sir, there have been some attacks on our Distribution Mgmt. set, and so far, we've held them off. But, sir, those Japanese Zeroes are relentless.

Our Sea Monster is being chased around there northern cap of the continent. We're all holding our breath that they will make it. Sir, we unearthed another Coffin in WB territory to scout and what we're seeing is more and more of these wheel-chair guys, Larry Flynt. Sir, this guy, though you wouldn't know it by looking, is powerful.

Okay, Bruce. Good work. Tell those guys out in our Distribution Mgmt. to hold on. I hope the WB run out of Zeroes soon, because that's the only way they're going to stop. We've got some reinforcements on the way. I've got to go, Bruce, so we'll finish this later. But now, get that Coffin out of our territory and have our Sherwood Knight promoted and commended for his acting services.

Spoiler :