Chapter 669: A Special Fate!

In the heart of Southern California's Death Valley National Park, a caravan of vehicles rumbled southeastward along the weathered road until it reached the expanse of desert where they would make camp. As the dust settled, Martin stepped off the commercial vehicle, only to find another crew already stationed in the area.

The camp sprawled across a vast space, with a multitude of vehicles of all shapes and sizes scattered about, marking the territory of the incoming crew. "Looks like we've got company," Martin remarked to his colleague Bruce.

Bruce nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Seems like Annapurna Pictures is filming 'The Lone Ranger' here too," he observed.

With the crew busy settling in, Martin decided to wander over to the neighboring camp, Bruce following closely behind. They found director Ridley perched atop a rocky outcrop, surveying the landscape.

Without hesitation, Martin ascended the rock and joined Ridley, creating a makeshift shade with his hands as he gazed toward the west. Ridley handed him a viewfinder. "Check out the southwest; it's perfect for the Arcedalia Plain scene," Ridley instructed.

Adjusting the focus, Martin replied, "We'll need a green screen for the background. After all, Arcedalia Planitia is on Mars; the sky's completely different."

As they discussed logistics, a voice from across the way called out, "Ridley!" Martin glanced over to see an unfamiliar face waving.

Ridley squinted for a moment before recognizing the figure. "Bill Wilson, from Annapurna Pictures Content," Ridley whispered to Martin.

Martin nodded knowingly. "The producer of 'The Lone Ranger,'" he remarked, familiar with Wilson's reputation through industry circles.

Ridley beckoned them over for a chat, and as Martin descended, he felt a sudden tug on his arm. Alexandra Daddario had appeared, linking her arm with his. "Couldn't find you once I got off the car," she teased.

Martin chuckled and guided her forward. "Sitting too long in the car isn't good; let's get some fresh air," he suggested.

As they approached, Ridley introduced Martin to Wilson. Though they hadn't met, the proximity of their crews had bred a sense of familiarity.

Not one to beat around the bush, Martin dove straight into conversation. "I'm well acquainted with your project. Any chance I could observe your filming?" he inquired.

Wilson, aware of the history surrounding "The Lone Ranger," replied diplomatically, "With our crews sharing this space, crossing paths is inevitable."

As they spoke, Martin noticed a gathering near a trailer. Megan Ellison emerged, flanked by Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and a group of followers. A young girl, no more than twelve or thirteen, stood at their center.

Overhearing Martin's conversation, Megan extended an invitation. "We're releasing 'Transcendence' later this year and 'The Lone Ranger' early next. Warner Bros. has distribution rights. You're welcome to attend the premieres," she offered.

Martin's expression faltered momentarily before he accepted the invitation. Megan then turned to him, inquiring about potential projects. Sensing Martin's discomfort, Ridley intervened. "Let's head back," he suggested, leading Martin away.

Just as they were about to depart, the young girl darted over, calling out, "Master, wait!"

Martin paused as Lily-Rose, Depp's daughter, approached. With innocence in her eyes, she requested an autograph. Smiling warmly, Martin obliged, "Of course."

Bruce extended a signature pen towards Lily-Rose, but she didn't have a notebook. "Can you sign it on my clothes?" she asked, turning around with a hopeful expression.

Martin grinned and obliged, scribbling a heartfelt message: "May Angel Lily be happy every day," followed by his signature. Lily-Rose then pulled out her iPhone, asking, "Is that okay?"

Seeing Martin nod, Daddario stepped in, taking the phone to snap a few photos of Lily-Rose and Martin together. As Lily-Rose stood beside him, Martin caught a whiff of smoke in the air.

"Thank you, Master," Lily-Rose beamed. "I'll always admire you!" With a wave, she bounded off to rejoin Johnny Depp and the others.

Ignoring Megan Ellison, Martin tugged Daddario back and whispered as they walked, "Did you smell that strange scent on the girl?"

Daddario nodded knowingly. "A mix of burning smells," she confirmed, glancing back at Depp. "Seems like the most unreliable father around."

Martin shrugged. "Not our family, not our business."

As they strolled back to the crew's location, they found the camp nearly set up, trailers dotting the area due to the lack of nearby hotels. Despite the close quarters, both crews managed to coexist without much interference.

As the project's investor, producer, and lead actor, Martin enjoyed the best accommodations, including a lavish Mercedes-Benz RV. Nearby, Bruce settled into a more modest RV, having upgraded upon learning of Daddario's involvement in the project.

"Only three days on location, but the space is cramped," Daddario lamented as they entered Martin's spacious RV. "I'm not used to small spaces."

Martin offered, "You can stay here with me."

Daddario negotiated playfully, "I can bunk with you if you don't mind."

Martin chuckled, "Of course." Later, during dinner, Martin invited Daddario to join him in the dining car.

While grabbing his meal, he bumped into Jessica Chastain. She leaned in and whispered, "I've arranged for drinks with Ridley and a few others after dinner."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "Ridley's on board?"

Chastain winked. "Just for one drink."

Martin agreed, "Then let's do it. But I've got an early morning tomorrow."

Chastain glanced at Daddario, teasingly suggesting, "Think you can resist staying up late?"

Martin retorted, "I'm fit as a fiddle, won't affect my work tomorrow."

Most of the scenes shot in Death Valley required actors to don space suits, a process that took hours. Martin and the others would be up at the crack of dawn to prepare.

After dinner, a group including Martin, Daddario, Chastain, and Rick Martinez ventured to the rocky hill behind the camp to stargaze. Surrounded by wilderness, under a cloudless sky, the stars shone brilliantly overhead.

Martin stood atop the highest point, surveying the sprawling camp below. Two mammoth crews and a convoy of passengers stretched out across several miles of desert landscape.

Jessica Chastain sauntered over, her gaze sweeping across the scene. "Funny how they were opposite us in the studio and now they're here," she remarked.

Martin shrugged, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Seems like fate has a sense of humor."

***

In the "Walking Alone" crew's camp, a luxurious Mercedes-Benz RV rivaling Martin's caught the eye. It belonged to none other than Captain Johnny Depp.

With two bedrooms, it surpassed Martin's accommodations, with Lily-Rose temporarily bunking in the smaller one. The larger bedroom served as the love nest for Depp and Amber.

After dinner, Amber slipped away to meet with investor Meghan Ellison, while Depp remained, preoccupied in the RV's small living room.

On the low table lay an array of indulgences: golden whiskey bottles, glasses, and Depp's credit card beside a heavy metal CD case and a skull-adorned metal box filled with cigarettes—his daily essentials.

Amber, sensing an opportunity, discreetly snapped photos of the scene with her phone.

As Depp emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a bathrobe, he beckoned Amber to assist him. But she refused, her anger palpable.

Left to his own devices, Depp settled onto the sofa, surrounded by his vices. Lily-Rose returned, joining him without a second glance from her father.

Amber observed the interaction silently, noting Depp's disregard for his daughter's presence.

Soon, Depp's rowdy friends arrived, their raucous footsteps signaling the start of a wild night of drinking and debauchery. Like their host, they reveled in the chaos, the party stretching into the early hours of the morning.