LAST Sim Life

As the big day approached, STV continued to scout for potential stars. Not only did they need a baby, but they needed an entire town full of people... eventually. For now, on a sound stage, the most important roles of Truman's life were being cast...

Director (offscreen): Alright, next we have Greta Alba and Thomas Shaker. You guys are familiar with the role?

Greta: Yes, I've read the synopsis. Mother figure, bakes pies and cakes, used to be a florist...sounds simple enough.

Director (offscreen): Just remember, it has to look as real as possible.

Thomas: I'm sure we can manage.

Director (offscreen): Okay, Screen Test -- Greta Alba and Thomas Shaker as Mr. and Mrs. Simone... action!

Greta: Hello, honey... how was work today?

Thomas: Busy and boring as ever. I'm glad to be home. I tell you, that robot emporium down the street is cutting in on our business. All I get from customers is 'do you have a robot crafting workbench here?' I offer them jigsaws, hammers, screwdrivers, and all they want is electronic doodads. It's crazy.

Greta: Well, maybe it's time Simone Hardware changed to something else... like Simone Flowers.

Thomas: Don't be silly, dear. That shop's been in the family for generations. My grandfather built it with his own time and money.

Greta: I know, dear, but if business isn't going well, maybe it's time for a change, that's all I'm saying.

Director (offscreen): Beautiful. Love the chemistry. Keep it up.

Thomas: Dear, the store's fine. I've just been having trouble with the employees. You tell them to do one thing, and all of a sudden they're wandering about playing video games on your dime. Then when you finally get them onto the register, they quit a few hours later because they think they deserve a pay raise. I tell you, when I was their age, you were lucky to get a job for ten simoleons an hour. Now these college kids are demanding fifteen, twenty, thirty, and half the time they're not even working.

Greta: Hmm... oh! I know! What if I came to work with you to help out? I used to work a register.

Thomas: We've been through this, Greta - I won't have my wife working herself into an early grave just to make things meet. It'll be fine. But you know what I'd like right now? Some of your berry pie. That'd make everything better.

Greta: I know something else that would help...

Thomas: What's tha-- mmm...

Director (offscreen): Perfect! That's just what we need to see. Realism. Passion. Love. Great acting!

Thomas: *murmured* I definitely look forward to working with you again, Greta... wow.

Greta: *murmured* The pleasure's all mine, Thomas.

Director (offscreen): Alright, people! That's a wrap - we'll let you know and send over a contract if we decide you're ideal for the role.

Meanwhile, Brandi was still turning over the difficult proposition in her head. It was almost Beau's birthday, and she'd already bought him a cake. But she just couldn't seem to focus on the matter at hand, with her baby almost ready to be born...

Brandi: What to do, what to do... god, I just can't give up my baby for money... but... 50,000 simoleons... I could send Dustin to college... buy a better television... get a car... start dating again... this is just too much pressure. I can't do it!

Dustin: Mom, I'm home... what are you freaking out about? This isn't that 'pre-partum depression' or something, is it?

Brandi: No, it's... Dustin, someone wants to adopt my baby.

Dustin: You're giving it up for adoption? Geeze, Mom, what's wrong with you?

Brandi: They want to pay us 50,000 simoleons.

Dustin: Oh, holy crap, mom! That's awesome! Say, how much would they give if we threw in Beau?

Brandi: Dustin! This is serious!

Dustin: Well, mom, you don't exactly have a job at the moment... and you've been complaining about me working the streets for food money. And don't we have to get Beau new clothes soon? Fifty thousand versus another mouth to feed...

Brandi: I know, I know... they say they want to adopt him and make him into a television star. I just don't know if it's right.

Dustin: So they want to give us a bunch of money and make my future little brother have a Simmywood career. And the problem is...

Brandi: ... I guess you're right.

Dustin: Beau's going to need his own room soon, too. And I could really use a computer to do my homework on...

Brandi: ... I'll call him now.

Although she had misgivings, Brandi called Christof and arranged the necessary details. Christof assured her again that her child would receive the best care available, and invited her to come to the sound stage as soon as her baby arrived.

Brandi: Is this Sound Stage 5?

Christof: ...and I hope the train trip wasn't too problematic.

Greta: Oh, for you I would take a train around the world, Christof. You know I'd do anything for you.

Christof: Of course, of course.

Brandi: . o O ( Wow... I'm actually on a sound stage. Me! With William Christof! )

Thomas: . o O ( I wonder if Christof ever had Greta on his casting couch? )

Truman: . o O ( Who is that dork? )

Greta: And this must be our star -- hello, Truman!

Brandi: Actually, I was going to name him Geoff...

Greta: Well, his name's Truman now. Hi, little Truman! I'm going to be your mommy.

Brandi: You'll take good care of him, right?

Greta: Of course. Who's a cute little baby? Yes, you are!

Greta: Awwwww... he waved at me! Isn't he just the most precious...

Brandi: I know. I... um... I really hope he has a ... a happy life.

Greta: Relax - he'll be on television. The whole world will be his babysitter, so to speak.

Thomas: ... so I said to her, 'next time we do it in the photo booth, let's not put in our money first.'

Christof: I see... looks like the ladies are almost done over there. Brandi, whenever you're ready, I think Greta should get more acquainted with her new child...

Brandi: Oh... of course. Here he is...

Greta: Who's my precious little boy...

Brandi: . o O ( I hope Christof is right about this being the best... I'm starting to have second thoughts... )

Greta: See, he likes me - this should be easy. . o O ( And this should give me a career role for life! Little boy, you are my paycheck! )

Greta: Truman Simone. That's your name from now on. Truman Simone. And I'm Greta Simone.

Brandi: Goodbye, Geoff--

Greta: Truman.

Brandi: ... Truman... I love you.

As the sun set, Brandi couldn't help but feel her emotions sinking with it.

Brandi: Goodbye...

Brandi: *sob* ... I'm sorry...

The cameraman couldn't help but feel a bit sniffly himself, but kept the film rolling as the real-life drama continued.

Brandi: You promise you'll take good care of him - no matter what?

Greta: Of course. After all, I'm his mother.

Greta: Now if you'll excuse me, we have to get him acquainted with his father now.

Brandi: His father... oh... yes... of course.

Christof: And how are we doing over here?

Brandi: I was just saying my goodbyes... now... about the... about the money?

Christof: Oh, of course. If you'll just come with me, we can get the necessary paperwork completed, and then you'll be on your way to your new life.

Thomas: So this is the little bugger, huh? Doesn't look like much.

Greta: *whispered* Remember, whenever you're around him you're in character.

Thomas: Oh. Right. *clears throat* Hello, Truman. You're kind of cute, aren't you?

Thomas: We're going to be together for a very long time. Let's see... things kids like... okay...

Thomas: Peeeeek... a boo. Peeeeeek a boo!

Truman: *giggle*

Greta: Aww. He likes it. How sweet...

Christof (offscreen): Alright, people -- pack up the equipment and let's get over to the set. We've got a lot of work ahead, but I have a feeling this is going to be the greatest show in SimTV history!

This marks the conclusion of our Prologue. Tune in to Welcome to Simsville, coming soon!