The Maiden: Melanie C A “Sporty” girl, yes? But don’t let the tracksuits fool you—she has the voice of an angel and the stamina of a workhorse. She has traveled the whole world, from London to Timbuktu, and she needs a man who won’t get dizzy from the heights she reaches. She is fit, she is strong, and she is ready for a partner who can keep up!
The Groom: Joseph Wong Now, listen to me closely. Is he a David or an Adonis? Maybe not in the face—but since when does a handsome face pay the rent? He is a Man of Power. He has a brain like a calculator and a chest like a fortress! My son, Joe, tells me this man is destined for greatness—President of the Asian Union for eight years! Think of the honors! Think of the respect!
The Character: He isn’t just a title. Joseph is a Mensch. He is kind, he is funny, and he treats a lady like a Queen. He wants a girl who is fit? Well, Melanie has muscles that would make a blacksmith blush!
“A daughter is a treasure, but a match is a miracle.”
I have set the table. I have told the stories. Now, it is time for the coffee. At the Cafe Algarves, they shall sit.
He will bring the wit and the gentlemanly charm.
She will bring the grace and the spirit.
Melanie, my dear, don’t look at the nose, look at the future! A man who can lead a Union can certainly lead a dance. Take the date, drink the tea, and see if the spirit of the matchmaker has brought you “The One.”
Okay, here’s that scene, with Marija Bosko laying down the law and the ambitious “Master Plan” for SimCity 4 as their starting point.
Scene: Marija’s Kitchen – Day
INT. MARIJA’S KITCHEN – DAY
The air is thick with the scent of strong coffee and Marija’s no-nonsense energy. SHANNON ELIZABETH (early 30s, a bit bewildered) sits at a worn kitchen table, clutching a mug. Across from her, MARIJA BOSKO (60s, sharp, commanding) sips from her own.
MARIJA (Slamming her mug down gently) Enough with this “American Pie” nonsense, Shannon. This is real life. You’re looking for a fling, a bit of fun. Ricky, my Ricky, needs a wife. He needs stability.
Shannon opens her mouth to protest, but Marija cuts her off with a look.
MARIJA (CONT’D) And don’t think I didn’t see you at The Roxy, giving him the naughty eye. I saw it all. He told me he knew you from somewhere. That boy at the Roxy you had a crush on? Ricardo Carvalho. My son’s oldest friend. He’s a good boy. Too good for your “one night stand” ideas.
Shannon sinks a little in her seat.
SHANNON I… I just meant…
MARIJA (Waving a dismissive hand) Doesn’t matter what you meant. What matters is what you can mean to him. Ricky has many Syrian friends, good people. He cares about what’s happening there. And I want you to rebuild Damascus with him.
Shannon stares, blinking.
SHANNON Rebuild… Damascus? Like, the city? The one in Syria?
MARIJA The very one. But first, you practice. You can’t build a city without knowing how to lay a proper sewage pipe, can you? It takes practice, child. With my son’s game. SimCity 4.
Marija pushes a monitor on the table towards Shannon. On its screen, a complex, pixelated city grid is visible.
MARIJA (CONT’D) This is your first lesson. Your “Master Plan.” You and Ricky will work on this together. I’ve made a list.
She slides a neatly typed sheet across the table.
Master Plan: SimCity 4 – Damascus Training Simulation
Phase 1: Foundation Building (The Early Game Grind)
Water Management:
Objective: Establish a self-sustaining water system for a city of 50,000 Sims.
Key Challenge: No reliance on external water trade. Master pumps, pipes, and water treatment. (Thinking of Damascus’s actual water issues here!)
Power Grid Efficiency:
Objective: Power the entire city with minimal pollution. Experiment with solar, wind, and fusion (once unlocked).
Key Challenge: Prevent brownouts and blackouts as the city grows. (No George Bush making the pie higher here, we need actual power!)
Zoning Harmony:
Objective: Create balanced Residential (R), Commercial (C), and Industrial (I) zones that satisfy the RCI demand meter without creating derelict buildings.
Key Challenge: Ensure sufficient job opportunities without excessive commuting.
Phase 2: Infrastructure & Connectivity (The Commuter Crunch)
Public Transportation Mastery:
Objective: Design a public transport network (buses, subways, elevated rail) that carries 75% of daily commuters, drastically reducing traffic congestion.
Key Challenge: Integrate mass transit seamlessly into dense urban areas.
Highway & Road Networks:
Objective: Construct an efficient road system that complements public transit, allowing for smooth inter-regional trade and emergency services.
Key Challenge: Minimize gridlock at key intersections.
Phase 3: Urban Development & Prosperity (The Damascus Vision)
Specialization & Economy:
Objective: Develop a diversified economy. Explore specialization in technology, tourism, or manufacturing within the game’s limits.
Key Challenge: Attract high-wealth Sims and businesses without neglecting low-wealth residents.
Landmark & Aesthetic Integration:
Objective: Integrate unique landmarks (custom content if necessary, Marija will find it!) and aesthetic zoning that mirrors the cultural richness of Damascus.
Key Challenge: Balance historical preservation with modern development needs (within SimCity’s capabilities).
Regional Development:
Objective: Develop three interconnected cities within the same SimCity 4 region, each with a unique specialization that benefits the others.
Key Challenge: Manage cross-city services and resource sharing.
Shannon slowly picks up the paper, her eyes wide.
SHANNON This… this isn’t exactly what I had in mind for a date.
MARIJA (Nodding sagely) No. This is what you have in mind for a life. Ricky needs a partner who can build something real with him, not just chase dreams. This game… it teaches you discipline. Responsibility. What it takes to truly make something better. You want him? You build him a city. Starting with this.
Marija taps the SimCity 4 screen with a long finger.
MARIJA (CONT’D) And then, maybe, just maybe, you’ll be ready for Damascus. And for Ricky. Now, get to it. He’ll be over after work. Don’t be late.
Shannon stares at the screen, then at the “Master Plan,” a whole new world opening (or closing) before her eyes.
The setting is a dimly lit backstage lounge, the roar of the crowd still muffled through the walls. Marija pulls Gwen away from her team, her hand firm on Gwen’s arm.
Marija: (Urgent, low voice) Gwen, honey, look at me. Stop looking for Blake. I need you to look at that man standing near the sound booth. Chris Kolic.
Gwen: (Adjusting her glove, looking confused) Marija, I’m supposed to meet Blake at the trailer. Who is—
Marija: Forget the trailer! And for the love of everything, stop listening to those preachers Blake has whispering in your ear. They’re selling you a version of heaven that doesn’t fit a girl from Anaheim.
Gwen: (Frowning) They’re just his friends, Marija. He’s a country boy, he’s got that “survive the apocalypse” mindset. It’s sweet, in a way.
Marija: (Laughing sharply) Sweet? Gwen, it’s a fairy tale. You’re a city girl! You think you’re going to be planting corn when the world ends? Wake up—the farms all belong to Bill Gates now. There is no “back to the land,” there’s only the street. And Chris? Chris is street smart. He’s got the kind of grit you can’t buy at a tractor supply store.
Gwen: (Glancing toward the crowd, intrigued despite herself) He does have a look about him. Very steady.
Marija: Because he’s the real deal. He’s brave enough to actually protect you, not just sing about it. He genuinely loves you—not the image, not the duet partner. Just you.
Gwen: (Sighing) Marija, I’m married. You can’t just—
Marija: (Interrupting) New rule, Gwen. We’re calling it the “Mulligan Rule.” You know, like in golf? Everyone gets one free divorce. A total do-over that doesn’t count against your soul. Think of it as a gift from the universe.
Gwen: (Small smile forming) A mulligan? That’s a very dangerous theory.
Marija: It’s a necessary one. Blake is a lovely man, but he isn’t the “Chosen One.” He’s a detour. Chris is the destination. Don’t trade your city soul for a ranch that isn’t even yours. Look at him again. Tell me you don’t feel that shift in the air.
