Okay, here’s that scene, with Marija Bosko laying down the law and the ambitious “Master Plan” for SimCity 4 as their starting point.

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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.

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Master Plan: SimCity 4 – Damascus Training Simulation

Phase 1: Foundation Building (The Early Game Grind)

1. 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!)
2. 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!)
3. 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)

1. 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.
2. 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)

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.

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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.

FADE OUT.