In the scorching morning sun of the southwest, Martin stood by a modified Mars rover, sweat dripping down his face as he unloaded supplies. The relentless heat bore down on the crew, but they pushed through, knowing that after today's shoot, they'd bid farewell to Death Valley and head back to the comforts of Disney Studios.
Ridley Scott, the director, called for a break, and Martin wasted no time shedding his helmet and spacesuit, seeking relief in the cool air of the nearby car. As he tried to recuperate, Louise, his colleague, spotted something through her binoculars.
"There's a Wrangler on the main road," Louise announced, her voice cutting through the silence. "I'm pretty sure it's Megan Ellison's car. I'll go check it out."
Martin, feeling drained, simply nodded, taking a gulp of water to quench his thirst. "Go ahead," he said wearily. "Not in the mood to chat right now."
Understanding his exhaustion, Louise nodded and made her way out of the car. She instructed the bodyguard to drive the Mercedes-Benz G as she headed towards the main road.
As Louise drove, she noticed the convoy of "The Lone Ranger" crew leaving the camp. Her attention then shifted to the Wrangler up ahead, where Megan Ellison stood observing the filming from a distance, her presence looming like a silent judgment.
The Mercedes-Benz G pulled up beside Megan, and Louise stepped out, her demeanor poised and confident. "Louise Meyer," she introduced herself.
Megan's gaze lingered on Louise with a hint of curiosity. "So, you're here to watch Martin in action?" she inquired, her tone carrying a subtle challenge.
Louise adjusted her glasses and met Megan's gaze head-on. "And what about you? Come to oversee your little project?" she retorted, her words laced with subtle sarcasm.
Megan remained unfazed. "Perhaps," she replied cryptically. "But it seems you're more interested in Martin than your own film."
Louise smirked, unbothered by Megan's insinuation. "I'd love to stay and chat, but it seems your convoy is running a bit behind schedule," she remarked, glancing at her watch pointedly.
Megan shrugged nonchalantly. "We have the luxury of time and resources," she stated, a hint of superiority in her tone.
Louise saw through the facade. "Because of Johnny Depp, right?" she remarked bluntly, hitting a nerve.
At the mention of Depp's name, Megan's facade cracked, revealing a glimpse of irritation. "Dealing with him has its challenges," she admitted begrudgingly.
Louise nodded knowingly. "You've handled it well," she acknowledged, offering a rare compliment. "Not everyone can navigate such turbulent waters."
Megan accepted the praise with a hint of satisfaction. "It's all part of the job," she replied dismissively, masking the underlying stress.
As the conversation came to a close, both women exchanged a silent understanding, acknowledging the complexities of their respective roles in the unforgiving world of filmmaking.
Louise offered a parting nod. "Wishing you the best of luck," she said sincerely.
Megan's smile was a thin veneer as she watched Louise and the others depart. The weight of impending challenges etched onto her features.
As the Mercedes-Benz G disappeared from view, Megan's gaze shifted to the approaching crew motorcade, her anxiety palpable. She stole a glance at her watch, her expression contorting with frustration.
Every scene left to shoot required Depp's presence. Without him, the production would grind to a halt. But Depp remained obstinate, his whims dictating the crew's movements.
Reviewing the financials, Megan grimaced. The budget, already stretched to $250 million, fell short of the mounting expenses. She longed to unleash her fury, but the weight of financial constraints held her back.
Joining the convoy, Megan's mind churned with mounting pressure. A plume of smoke billowed from Depp's nanny car, a stark reminder of the chaos that followed him.
"I hope you're worth every penny," Megan muttered under her breath, a warning to Depp echoing in her thoughts.
Arriving on set, the crew sprang into action, their focus unwavering despite the looming challenges.
Megan beckoned Amber Heard to her car, seeking a moment of respite from the chaos.
"Ms. Ellison, I've done everything I can to rein in Depp," Amber began earnestly as she entered the car.
Megan nodded in acknowledgment. "Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed," she replied, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. "I've heard rumors of an impending wedding. Is it true?"
"After we wrap this film, we'll focus on planning," Amber confirmed with a hint of apprehension.
Megan's gaze bore into Amber's. "Is it for love, or something else?" she pressed, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Amber hesitated before confessing, "It's love."
Satisfied with Amber's response, Megan reached for a check, passing it to her. "After the wedding, gather evidence of Depp's wrongdoings. I'll be in touch."
"He's my husband," Amber protested, clutching the check tightly.
Undeterred, Megan handed her another check. "You're smart. You know where your loyalties should lie," she stated firmly.
With a resigned sigh, Amber accepted the check, her resolve faltering in the face of Megan's persistence.
Megan's laughter echoed in the car as she spoke. "You may be family now, but who knows for how long? Gather your evidence, Amber. It'll serve you well in the end."
Amber's resolve hardened as she clutched the checks, knowing she was embarking on a precarious path, but one she couldn't avoid.
Louise's voice dripped with venom as she spoke. "Depp's a ticking time bomb. Booze, drugs, and a hair-trigger temper. Once we tie the knot, I'll push his buttons until he snaps. Domestic violence is practically guaranteed."
She locked eyes with Meghan. "Boss, give me the word, and I'll make it happen."
Megan's satisfaction gleamed in her eyes. "Keep gathering intel," she instructed, her tone commanding. "I won't settle for anything less. Don't wait for my call. Act now."
Amber, her voice lowered to a whisper, reassured her, "Already on it."
Megan's estimation of the woman rose a notch.
---
Outside Beverly Hills, in Los Angeles:
Colson, Depp's confidant, entered a lavishly adorned villa to meet Fernandez, a familiar face.
Fernandez cut to the chase. "My men delivered the goods, but they vanished along with your people."
Colson deflected blame. "It was Martin Day Wes's doing, not ours."
Fernandez, having seen the news, scoffed. "Your incompetence cost us dearly."
Colson scrambled to salvage the situation. "The footage online is doctored. Martin Davis forced our hand."
Fernandez remained skeptical. "Provoking me against Martin Davis won't work."
Colson persisted, trying to fan the flames of resentment. "Martin Davis is responsible for your brother's death. Don't you want revenge?"
Fernandez, mindful of the risks, hesitated. "Taking him down won't be easy. We can't afford to provoke him."
With a wave of his hand, Fernandez dismissed Colson, issuing a directive to increase prices for future dealings.
Alone with his trusted subordinates, Fernandez deliberated. "We must tread carefully. Revenge is a must, but we can't play into Depp's hands."
He reached for the phone, dialing a number.
---
On the set of "The Martian," Martin wrapped up filming in Death Valley and headed back to Los Angeles with Louise.
Spotting "The Lone Ranger" crew, Louise shared her morning encounter with Meghan.
"I pushed Meghan's buttons," she revealed. "She's on the verge of exploding. Even if our film succeeds, she won't stand for Depp's antics."
Martin pondered. "Maybe we need someone else to stir the pot."
Knowing Martin's inclinations, Louise raised an eyebrow. "You mean Amber Heard?"
Martin nodded. "She's got potential to ruffle Depp's feathers."
Louise, intrigued, teased, "Heard there was quite the scene on their wedding night."
Martin swiftly changed the subject. "Any progress with Depp's investors?"
"We're on it," Louise assured him.