Mortal Kombat Launch Strategy.

October 28th, 1988 – Friday

Blue Star Interactive Headquarters

Two days later, Alex arrived at Blue Star Interactive's first headquarters, his mother dropping him off in her red Toyota Land Cruiser.

"Okay, honey, have a good day at work. And remember to call me if anything happens," Martha said with a warm yet motherly tone.

"Alright, Mother, I'll do that. You can go to work now," Alex replied quickly, his eyes darting toward a sleek black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am pulling into the driveway.

Martha raised an eyebrow, immediately noticing Alex's attempt to rush her off. She pursed her lips, her tone becoming more pointed. "Hey, watch how you talk to me, young man. You're not too old for me to smack you over the head for being rude."

Her words carried a playful undertone, but Alex knew better than to push his luck. He winced slightly, his embarrassment evident as he noticed the Firebird's driver stepping out. Martha knew exactly why her son was eager for her to leave. He didn't want to seem like a kid in front of his friends and colleagues, especially being the youngest person at the studio.

The driver of the Firebird, Grayson Williams, parked next to the Land Cruiser and stepped out, his usual confident grin lighting up his face. He approached the car as Martha continued her gentle scolding.

"Good morning, Aunt Martha," Grayson greeted warmly, his tone lighthearted as he picked up on the situation.

Martha turned to him, her expression softening. "Good morning to you too, Grayson. You're looking well. How are your mother and sister doing? I hope you've been visiting them often."

Grayson chuckled, scratching the back of his head as he nodded. "Yes, Aunt Martha, don't worry. I make sure to visit every week and spend time with everyone." He glanced at Alex, his grin widening. "And how about you, Alex? Getting into trouble this early in the morning? That doesn't sound like you."

Martha seized the moment to tease her son further. "You see, Alex? Even Grayson knows how to behave," she said with a satisfied smile, turning to Alex with an expectant look.

Alex groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes, Mother, I get it. But could you please stop treating me like I'm still a baby? It's hard enough leading a team and giving orders to people who are years older than me. I don't need my own mother making it worse."

Martha's expression softened, and she gave him a knowing smile. "Alright, I understand. You're lucky I have to pick up Maria for her checkup today. But watch yourself, young man. Don't think I won't tell your father to set you straight if you get too out of line. You understand what I mean?"

Alex's eyes widened slightly at the familiar, unspoken threat. His parents had never severely punished him due to his past health conditions, but they weren't shy about enforcing discipline when necessary. He nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. I understand."

Satisfied, Martha smiled and said her goodbyes to both Alex and Grayson before climbing back into the Land Cruiser. The faint echo of her words lingered in Alex's ears as she drove off, leaving him momentarily shaken.

Grayson watched the exchange with an amused smirk, folding his arms as he turned to Alex. "Still scared of Aunt Martha, huh?"

Alex shot him a sidelong glance, shaking his head. "You don't get it. She might not use the belt or anything, but her 'tactics' are just as bad. Let's just get inside."

Grayson laughed, clapping Alex on the shoulder as they headed toward the studio. "Come on, fearless leader. Let's see what today's chaos has in store."

Alex entered the main meeting room of Blue Star Interactive, a modest but well-organized space where creativity and ambition flowed freely. His team for Mortal Kombat was already seated, waiting for him to join them.

The team consisted of Marcus, a meticulous programmer who always carried a clipboard of notes; Jack, the sound engineer with a knack for creating immersive audio experiences; Lucas and Eddie, the animation duo who worked tirelessly to bring the characters to life; and Fred, a programmer who also took on the role of coordinator, ensuring deadlines were met and tasks flowed smoothly.

Alex dropped his backpack near his chair, greeted everyone with a nod, and sat down at the head of the table.

"Alright, team," Alex began, flipping open his notebook. "Let's talk about where we stand with Mortal Kombat. The game's done—code's locked, assets finalized, and bug testing is complete. I just want to make sure everyone's on the same page before we hand things over fully to the marketing team."

Fred leaned forward. "Everything's good on our end. No lingering issues with the arcade build or the console version. Marcus and I triple-checked the final build last night."

Marcus nodded. "Yeah, the arcade version runs smoothly, and the console adaptation doesn't lose any of the visual or sound fidelity we wanted. Honestly, I think it's our best work yet."

"Animation is perfect, too," Lucas added, exchanging a grin with Eddie. "Every fatality, every special move—it's all there. And the fluidity of the sprites? Chef's kiss."

Jack chimed in, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Soundtrack's locked, and all the sound effects are balanced. Trust me, when players hear the announcer shout 'Finish Him!' for the first time, they'll lose their minds."

Alex smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Great. I'm proud of what we've accomplished. Now, the real challenge begins—making sure this game actually gets in front of players and blows their minds."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Jenna Phillips entered, accompanied by Mark Thompson and Lana Moore. Jenna, the marketing manager and PR specialist, carried herself with a confident air, her clipboard tucked neatly under her arm. Mark, the content creator, followed close behind, adjusting his glasses, while Lana, the community manager, offered everyone a cheerful wave as she closed the door behind her.

"Good timing," Alex said, motioning for them to take seats. "We were just going over the final status of the game. Now it's your turn. How are things looking on the marketing front?"

Jenna sat down and placed her clipboard on the table, flipping to the first page of her notes. "First off, congratulations on finishing the game. From what I've seen, Mortal Kombat is going to be a game-changer. Now, here's where we are with the marketing strategy."

She glanced at her team before continuing. "The focus is on two markets: arcades and consoles. For arcades, we've already set up demos in several major locations, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. We're targeting high-traffic areas to generate buzz. Posters, flyers, and promo videos are in production and will be distributed over the next week."

Mark spoke up next. "I've created a series of teaser trailers and short ads showcasing the gameplay, characters, and, of course, those fatalities. We're planning to release these in waves, leading up to launch day. Our goal is to create anticipation and get players hyped."

Lana added, "For consoles, we're focusing on the community. We've reached out to gaming magazines like Electronic Gaming Monthly and GamePro to run exclusive previews and interviews. We're also setting up pre-orders through key retailers and organizing a launch event to celebrate."

Alex nodded, impressed. "That's a solid start. What about the release schedule?"

Jenna flipped to another page. "We're aiming for a December release to capitalize on the holiday season. Arcades will get the game first, followed by the console versions about two weeks later. This staggered release gives us time to build hype and transition players from arcades to their home systems."

"That makes sense," Alex said thoughtfully. "It gives us a strong presence in both markets without stretching ourselves too thin. Anything else we need to cover?"

Jenna exchanged a glance with her team before replying. "Just one more thing—press coverage. We're arranging for journalists and influencers to attend a private demo next week. It'll be their first look at the finished game, and we're counting on them to spread the word."

"Perfect," Alex said, standing up. "Thanks for the update. Let's make this launch a success."

The room buzzed with energy as the team exchanged ideas and finalized plans, their shared excitement for Mortal Kombat palpable. For Alex, it was another step forward in proving that Blue Star Interactive wasn't just a fledgling studio—it was a force to be reckoned with.

The Henry Residence – Friday Morning Several Minutes Earlier

Martha pulled into the Henry driveway, her red Toyota Land Cruise purring to a stop. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as she stepped out, glancing at the neat two-story home where her closest friend, Maria, lived. She smoothed her skirt and adjusted her coat as the front door opened to reveal Michael, dressed sharply in a crisp blue shirt and black jeans, ready for work.

"Good morning, Aunt Martha," Michael greeted warmly, stepping onto the porch. At 16, he carried himself with a quiet confidence that belied his age. His bright blonde hair was missile stewed about and his sharp features reflected a mix of determination and boyish charm.

"Good morning, Michael," Martha replied with a smile. "You're looking quite dapper this morning. Off to impress someone at the office?"

Michael chuckled, shaking his head. "Just another day at work. Mom's inside getting ready for her appointment. I didn't want her rushing."

Martha nodded approvingly, heading toward the porch. "That's thoughtful of you. How's she feeling today?"

"She's doing okay," Michael said, holding the door open for her. "Gabriella left early for med school. I dropped her off on my way to get coffee. Mom's been resting, but she seems in good spirits this morning."

Inside, the warm, inviting smell of cinnamon lingered in the air. Maria appeared from the hallway, her wavy, dark brown hair cascading over her shoulders. She was dressed in a loose, comfortable sweater and maternity pants, a soft purple scarf draped around her neck. Despite the casual attire, her radiant complexion and elegant features made her look effortlessly stunning.

"Martha!" Maria exclaimed, her face lighting up with a warm smile. She moved toward her friend, arms outstretched for a hug.

"Maria, you look beautiful as always," Martha said, embracing her. "Are you ready for the appointment?"

"Almost," Maria said, stepping back. Her hands instinctively rested on her rounded belly. "I was waiting for Michael to make sure I didn't forget anything. He's been such a blessing these days, making sure I'm eating, walking, and staying calm. Sometimes I think he's more worried than I am."

"Someone has to make sure you're taking care of yourself," Michael quipped, a teasing smile on his face. "Dad would kill me if anything went wrong while he's away."

"Well, you're doing an excellent job," Martha said, her tone both sincere and reassuring. "But don't worry. I'll take it from here today."

Maria glanced at her watch. "I'll grab my bag, and then we can head out."

As Maria disappeared down the hall, Martha turned to Michael. "How are you holding up? Between work, running too big projects and helping your mom, you've got a lot on your plate."

Michael shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm fine. It's a lot, sure, but Mom and Gabriella are worth it. Besides, the team at Blue Star is great. They make it easy to stay focused."

Martha nodded, impressed by his maturity. "Just don't forget to take care of yourself, too. You're still young, Michael. Don't let the weight of everything burn you out."

"I'll be fine, Aunt Martha," he said, his smile widening. "Promise."

Maria returned a moment later, her bag slung over her shoulder. "Alright, I'm ready. Michael, are you sure you don't need the car today?"

"No, I'll bike to work. It's not far," Michael assured her.

Martha shook her head, chuckling. "You're a good son, Michael. Keep it up."

Michael gave her a mock salute as he walked them to the car. "I'll see you both later. Call me if you need anything."

As Martha helped Maria into the car, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for the Henry family. Despite the challenges they faced, their love and resilience were undeniable.

"Ready?" Martha asked as she settled into the driver's seat.

"Ready," Maria said, resting her hands on her belly.

With that, they pulled out of the driveway, heading toward the doctor's office. For a moment, the world seemed peaceful, filled with the promise of a better future for their growing families.

On the Road – Morning

Martha gripped the wheel of her red Toyota Land Cruiser as it glided through the streets of Brooklyn. She glanced over at Maria, who sat in the passenger seat, her hand resting protectively over her rounded belly. Despite Maria's calm demeanor, Martha could sense a quiet tension beneath the surface.

"How are you feeling, Maria?" Martha asked, her voice gentle as she slowed for a red light.

Maria turned to her friend, her light brown eyes warm but tinged with weariness. "I'm doing okay, I think. It's just… every time I go for a checkup, I can't help but worry. You know, after everything."

Martha reached over and squeezed Maria's hand reassuringly. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Maria. And you've got a lot of people rooting for you—David, Michael, Gabriella, us and everyone else. We're all here for you."

Maria smiled faintly, her other hand stroking her belly. "I know. I just… I've waited so long for this, Martha. I want to believe everything will be fine, but it's hard not to be scared."

The light turned green, and Martha steered the car onto the main road. "And that's why we're going to Dr. Bradley. He's the best there is. If anyone can get you through this, it's him."

Doctor's Office – Late Morning

Dr. Harold Bradley's office was a modest space, lined with medical books and framed degrees. The man himself was in his mid-50s, with salt-and-pepper hair and a demeanor that exuded experience and calm. He smiled warmly as Maria and Martha entered, motioning for Maria to take a seat on the examination table.

"Maria, it's always a pleasure to see you," he greeted, his voice steady and reassuring. "How have you been feeling?"

Maria settled onto the table, her movements careful. "A little tired, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The baby's been active, which is a good sign, right?"

Dr. Bradley nodded as he washed his hands and retrieved his stethoscope. "That's an excellent sign. Let's take a look and make sure everything's progressing as it should."

He began with routine checks—blood pressure, heart rate, and a brief physical examination. Then he moved to the ultrasound machine, applying gel to Maria's belly before running the transducer over her skin.

The room filled with the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat. Maria's lips parted in a soft gasp, her eyes glistening as she looked at the monitor.

"There's your little one," Dr. Bradley said, pointing to the screen. "Strong heartbeat, good movement. That's what we like to see."

Martha, standing nearby, let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "That's wonderful news, right, doctor?"

Dr. Bradley hesitated briefly, his expression growing thoughtful. "It is, but there are a few things I want to discuss."

Maria's smile faltered, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Martha's hand. "What is it, Dr. Bradley?"

He turned to face her, his tone gentle but firm. "Maria, you're five months along now, and everything looks good so far. But I need to remind you that this is a high-risk pregnancy, given your history. You've had three miscarriages before, and while we're doing everything we can to ensure a healthy delivery, your body is under a lot of strain."

Maria nodded slowly, her expression somber. "I understand."

"Your blood pressure is slightly elevated," he continued, "and that's something we'll need to monitor closely. It's not alarming at this stage, but it does mean you need to rest as much as possible. Avoid stress, stay hydrated, and keep up with your prenatal vitamins. I also want to see you back here in two weeks instead of the usual four, just to keep a closer eye on things."

Martha interjected, her protective instincts kicking in. "Don't worry, Dr. Bradley. We're all making sure Maria's taking it easy. She's got a whole army at home keeping her in check."

Dr. Bradley smiled at Martha's words. "Good. With the right care and support, I believe we can get Maria to full term. But it's going to take vigilance."

Maria managed a small smile, though her eyes betrayed her lingering worry. "Thank you, doctor. I'll do whatever it takes."

"You're doing great, Maria," Dr. Bradley said reassuringly as he handed her a towel to wipe off the gel. "And you're not alone in this. We're all here to help you see this through."

Outside the Office – Noon

As Martha helped Maria into the Land Cruiser, she noticed her friend's distant expression.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Martha asked as she started the engine.

Maria exhaled slowly, placing a hand over her belly. "It's just… everything he said, I already knew. But hearing it again—it's a lot to process."

"You don't have to do it alone," Martha reminded her. "We're all here for you, every step of the way."

Maria smiled softly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Martha. Or without everyone single one of you showing such support once again. I just hope this baby knows how much they're already loved."

"They will," Martha said firmly. "And so will you."

The two women drove off, the crisp autumn air carrying with it a quiet sense of determination. For Maria, the road ahead was uncertain, but with the unwavering support of her family and friends, she knew she wasn't walking it alone.