Episode 38 Recalibration (part 3/3) (Patreon)

Jack Routh

“Thanks for the ride.” He waved to Nickolaj as he stepped out of the sedan.

“It’s on the way anyway.” The Danish actor waved back through the window, and a moment later his car joined the traffic in the busy street.

He adjusted his jacket and headed inside the car dealership. He only had one job to do here, and it was to get another vehicle. He and Zoe realized that they would need another vehicle in anticipation of the little one that would arrive in eight months or less, and his wife’s GR86 was not really suitable with its two-door design.

He was sure they were in a nesting mode right now, once they came to grips with the reality of their situation. Zoe had bought newborn outfits the other day after her shift, and he, much to his wife’s annoyance, bought an outdoor play set that consisted of a little playhouse and a plastic slide. He was lucky the parts all fit inside Zoe’s car, but it was a close thing, and he had to drive with the beams sticking out from the back up to just right beside his head.

His eyes ran down the vehicles on display at the showroom, and his gaze stopped at the beautiful, white two-door car featured prominently at the center.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” One of the car sales representatives stood beside him as he admired the sleek yellow car. “I’m afraid it’s not for sale. The owner just displays it out there to brag.”

“I heard the company lost money selling these because of how long it took to develop the car.” He liked the sleek lines of the Lexus LFA and how the yellow paint stood out more with the black trim.

“They did.” The sales rep nodded his head in agreement. “There were only 400 built, but the resale value is insane. This is what happens when it’s the engineers who are in charge of designing and building a car. It’s spectacular, but it’s just too expensive. The price for some of the parts alone can buy a brand new car.”

“But it’s still one of the top attractions in car shows.” The man continued speaking. “And the sound it produces, there’s nothing like it. I’m Carl, by the way.”

“Jack.” He replied as he returned the man’s handshake. “I’m looking for a car suitable for newborns. My wife’s pregnant, and we wanted to be prepared.”

“Congratulations!” Carl beamed. “I just have the car for you. Follow me.”

It was just as he expected when Carl led him to a row of what he could call soccer mom type models, along with SUVs. One model caught his attention, though, and he kept glancing at it between Carl’s sales pitch.

“I can tell you’re attracted to that one.” Carl grinned. “Want to have a closer look?”

“Sure.”

Carl led him closer to the Toyota Hilux. The white pick-up truck looked nicer up close, and he thought it matched well if it was parked beside his wife’s GR86.

“You have good timing.” Carl began. “Toyota just introduced this refreshed model this month, updated interiors, and even optional off-road attachments.”

“Will car seats and baby carriers fit in the back seat?” He asked.

“Why don’t you try it yourself?” Carl opened the rear passenger door for him.

It was a tight fit, and his knees hit the back of the passenger seat, but he could tolerate it if he slouched a bit so that his head wouldn’t hit the roof. He knew another person with a smaller build would be comfortable in the back.

Seating in the driver’s seat was more comfortable, and he had more room to move around compared to Zoe’s car. What truly sold it for him was the truck bed and its electric tray cover for the carpeted flatbed. He remembered struggling to fit multiple items in Zoe’s car and often had to make several trips during the renovation phase of their house when they had just moved in.

He was sure Zoe would see his reason and turned to Carl, who was seated in the passenger seat. “I’ll take it.”

He’d still take his bike for weekend rides, but he knew this would be his and Zoe’s daily commuter vehicle in the future.

Zoe Andersen Routh

The outdoor antique bell outside the gate chimed in, attracting her attention. She got up from the ground and spotted a certain redhead standing outside with a tray of what looked like ice-cold drinks. Beside her, Mary was carrying a couple of boxes of Pizza.

“Forgot the time, didn’t you?” Jessica grinned.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t wake from the alarm.” She didn’t want to reveal that she slept late due to having had sex multiple times last night. There was just something about Jack’s scent that was pleasant, and it even aroused her.

“What’s all this?” Liz pointed to the pile of wood parts on the ground.

“It’s a play set.” She answered. “Jack bought it yesterday after he borrowed my car to buy some tools. Of course, I couldn’t complain that much because I’m equally guilty. I must have bought eight sets of newborn onesies the other day.”

“You’re both adorable.” Jessica smiled. “C’mon, let’s have a snack first, and I’ll help you assemble that.”

“And we'd better eat the pizza while it’s hot.” Liz added.

She was delighted to drink a normal coffee drink for once. Her doctor did say she could drink one once a week, but she would have to go completely cold turkey in her third trimester. She wasn’t looking forward to that, but it was better to be safe.

“That good?” Liz asked her after she took a sip from the straw.

“You have no idea.” She replied. This was bliss.

She was surprised at how well Liz was in helping her out in assembling the play set.

“I took the odd job before when I was younger.” The redhead actress shared as she wiped away a bead of sweat on her forehead with a towel. “I grew up in poverty, so I had to pick up many skills to make it. Fixing discarded or broken furniture was one of them.”

“I had no idea.” She was impressed by her friend’s resiliency.

“Where is Jack anyway?” Liz asked.

“He hitched a ride with Nickolaj.” She shared. “We talked about it, and we decided to buy a new car, one that’s more appropriate for a family with a baby.”

“So, like a Sienna?” Jessica grinned.

“I told Jack to use his judgment, but that’s what he will probably get.” She replied. “It’s the most reasonable and practical vehicle for our needs.”

“You’re not worried he’ll get a large SUV?” Jessica teased.

“That’s not his style at all.” She answered.

“No, his style is a white Toyota pick-up.” Liz pointed to the gate that was now halfway open as a white vehicle waited.

She wanted to get annoyed as the white Toyota Hilux parked beside her car, but as she thought more about why Jack bought this vehicle, she calmed down. She knew her husband was a practical man with simple tastes, and this vehicle showcased that.

She knew it was a reliable vehicle, often joked as indestructible by the famous car show presenters she met on her honeymoon.

“Pickup, huh?” She stared at her husband with folded arms and a raised eyebrow.

“It has space enough for a car seat.” Jack looked excited. “Look at the back.”

She and her friends followed him as he pressed a button on the side. The aluminum that covered the flatbed started to retract, revealing a folded stroller. Okay, she saw the point.

“You guys are hilarious.” Jessica giggled. “You already bought a stroller!”

“I had to.” Jack replied. “Otherwise, how could I test if the detachable basket of the stroller can fit in the backseat?”

“So you have it installed?” She asked.

“Take a look for yourself.” Jack gestured at their new vehicle.

She nodded in approval when she opened the car and saw the baby basket attached properly at the back. She tried to wiggle it loose and found it was attached securely to the anchor point in the seat.

“Good job, honey.” She leaned in to give a quick kiss on the lips to her husband. This new vehicle was unexpected, but a welcome one nevertheless. She could see how useful it would be if they needed to purchase large items.

“Why don’t we take it out for a ride?” Jack suggested and handed her the keys after he put away the stroller and the baby basket. “See how it handles.”

“Just drive around?” She could do that. She looked at Jessica and Liz and decided to invite them too.

“Mmm, new car smell.” Jessica commented once they all got in. “You really can’t fake this.”

“Are both of you comfortable back there?” She asked as she adjusted the rear-view mirror.

“Very comfortable.” The redhead replied and gave a thumbs up.

“The space is almost the same as the backseat of my sedan.” Liz added. “So where are we going?”

“First things first.” She put in the address to the GPS in the center console and smiled at how fast and easy it was to use. “Drive through ice cream.”

“Yes!” She smiled when she saw Jessica pump her fist in excitement through the rear-view mirror.

The car handled well, and she had a great view of the road around her. The added rearview cameras helped a lot, and overall, she was happy with how comfortable it was to drive their new vehicle. Fortunately, no ice cream was spilled inside the car, and they spent the afternoon with a quick snack at their favorite restaurant.

It took her some time to adjust to parking, but the rear-view camera helped a lot. They were just about to go back to Rosewood with Jack driving when Liz suggested they take a detour.

“You both are free today, right?” Her fellow brunette asked.

“We are.” She looked back at her friend. “Do you want to go somewhere else?”

“I thought Jack would like a sneak peek regarding the Star Wars project I’m working on.” Liz explained. “So how about it?”

“Sure.” One glance at Jack and she knew what her answer would be. “We’re in.”

“Great!” Liz quickly gave them the address of the studio where they were filming a special scene. “Not even the other cast members know about this.”

“So how do you know?” Jack asked.

 “It’s all thanks to you.” Liz answered. “The producers and the director were happy with my suggestions that they gave me credit as an associate producer for the film. Jack’s suggestion saved them a lot of money and gave my team an invitation to see the secret scene they’re about to film.”

“So we’re now your team?” Jessica teased.

“You all are.” Liz nodded, trying and failing to look serious. “I pay with pizza boxes.”

“That’s fair.” Her husband quipped.

They arrived at a warehouse, passed by a couple of security checkpoints. Liz even had to call the director so that they could get in. Walking inside the warehouse, she was amazed to see an elaborate set built inside and a few dozen crew members working around various filming equipment.

 “Please place any electronic devices here.” A staff member stepped in front of them with a tray in her hands.

“They’re really serious about the security.” Liz explained as she placed her phone on the tray. They all followed her example and were soon let inside the premises.

“Mary!” A middle-aged man with a light beard wearing thick-rimmed glasses approached them.

“Hey Gareth.”

“You never told Ms. Chastain was part of your team.”

“Now you know.” Liz waved them over and started making introductions. “This is Gareth Edwards, director of the new Star Wars movie. These are my friends and consultants.”

“Nice to finally meet you, Mister Routh.” Edwards looked eager to meet with her husband.  Soon, it was her turn to shake hands with the director, and they were quickly escorted to an area prepared for them.

She immediately zeroed in on the coffee, but stopped, realizing she already had her coffee drink for today, and settled on a bottle of orange juice. Her husband, meanwhile, drifted closer to the futuristic set, with a childlike expression on his face as his eyes roamed all over.

“This is the Tantive IV.” What did that even mean?

“You noticed that?” Edwards laughed. “You really are a Star Wars fan.”

He had no idea. Her husband had amassed quite a collection of memorabilia in the year she loved with him. Fortunately, he was very organized and meticulous and stored them properly in his side of his office. Then there was that expensive slave Leia costume. The metal bikini kept slipping, showing off her nipples if she moved the wrong way.

It wasn’t that her breasts were small. It was just that the bikini was so poorly designed that she had a suspicion that whoever came up with the idea didn’t know how breasts worked. Pity, the packaging said that the slave Leia costume was studio authentic, and it even had a certificate that came along with the box. If that was authentic studio quality, she wondered how the original actress who played the character handled the constant wardrobe malfunction.

Jack seemed to enjoy the constant nip slips, though they both agreed she couldn’t wear it in any costume party in the future without making some design changes.

She settled in her chair, taking everything as Jessica explained the filming process to her.

“They don’t film in a linear fashion.” The redhead revealed. “Most studios do that to save costs. Sometimes the ending scene of the film is the first one to be filmed, like in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.”

“And we’re doing the same thing here.” Edwards commented. “This is a special surprise to the fans.”

“I don’t think even my fellow cast member knows about this.” Liz added.

“This will blow people’s minds.” Edwards nodded and soon left to shoot the scene.

She waited, and waited, and kept looking at her watch. Men in weird-looking helmets arrived, but they all seemed to be waiting for someone. Liz looked confused and asked a nearby assistant to ask what was going on.

“We’re having problems with the stuntman who will wear the Darth Vader costume.” The assistant looked worried. “It looked like he’s sick with the Flu.”

“Couldn’t anyone just step in?” Liz asked.

“If it were only that easy.” Edwards returned, looking frustrated. “The Vader costume is custom-made for a tall man with a powerful build to emphasize how dangerous and scary he is. If there’s only…”

“What is it?” Liz asked.

She followed the director’s gaze and noticed he was staring right at Jack, who was now playing with a glowing red lightsaber while he spoke with some of the crew.

“Routh, he’s perfect!” Edwards grinned. “Do you think he will do it?”

“You want Jack to play Darth Vader?” Liz looked thoughtful. “That could work.”

“I’m sure he’ll say yes.” She answered for her husband. “He’s the biggest Star Wars fan I know.”

As she expected, Jack jumped at the opportunity offered, and she was pretty sure her husband had only given a quick look at the contract before signing it. He was always more thorough, and that showed how eager he was to play the iconic villain.

Her boredom about the whole thing vanished now that Jack was more involved. Jack practiced a choreographed set of moves from the stunt team, and she watched the quick rehearsal with pride in seeing how Jack quickly mastered the moves.

Even Edwards and the producers with him looked impressed, and an hour later, filming began. This was going to be the first take, and she stood with Jessica and Liz behind Gareth and watched the scene unfold.

The lights in the hallway dimmed, far different from the bright, pristine white walls of the other set they visited earlier. This one looked more compact, with instruments and sliding doors constructed around the futuristic-looking hallway.

“Quiet on the set! Action!”

She watched as the group with the funny-looking helmets crowded around an elaborate looking work station, complete with flat screen monitors and blinking lights. An alarm sounded, making it look like they were all in an emergency.

“Got it!” One of the men yelled, holding up a thin golden object. Was that like a storage device? She didn’t know.

“That’s the Death Star plans.” Liz murmured beside her. “That’s the reason this movie was even made in the first place.”

The group of men started to run to a door, but suddenly the lights dimmed, and they all looked around in fear. She had to admire their acting skills.

They all turned to the dark end of the corridor as they heard footsteps and a harsh breathing noise. Suddenly, the hallway lit up in a red hue, revealing Darth Vader standing in the middle of the corridor holding a glowing lightsaber in his right hand.

It was a terrifying moment. His height and the presence he gave off with that outfit were intimidating.

The next few hours were enjoyable, especially with the good catering the studio provided. She could see Jack grinning with the helmet off between takes, listening patiently to Edward’s instructions.

The final result ended with an electrifying scene, with Darth Vader chasing the poor rebels and slaughtering them without mercy as they tried to hold him off. The sacrifice of the rebels made the Death Star plans even more important. Despite not being a Star Wars fan, she couldn’t wait to see the scene on the silver screen with the special effects involved.

She was so proud of Jack. Her husband was Darth Vader.

Did that make her Padme, though?