June 5TH, 2058

Five years before the launch

With a loud thud, the heavy gothic-style oak double doors slammed against the walls on either side as a fuming Colin Mackenzie, CEO of the Mass Media Corporation known as Obscure Studios entered the foray of his Estate home with a threatening gait. As he entered the grand library/study Colin’s mind went back over the events of the last few hours, where the ‘so-called’ board of executives of his company had vetoed the request for the transfer of funds to start up a new type of reality TV show. The board had the nerve to even attempt at removing him as CEO, but after making a few favours to those that he still trusted, his position was safe.

Still, not everything had gone disastrous for him, Colin had a few people look into what the gaming community was dubbing as the ‘Pen-Ultimate’ in gaming tech – Mind-Shift – it was being developed by a small Australian video game company called, Mystic Media. Colin moved to sit at his desk, resting his ash wood cane across the surface of the desk as he opened his laptop. Clicking the mouse upon the folder, Colin quickly scanned over the information from his contacts about Mystic Media and its current Owner.

After reading through all the information, Colin opened up his email and added a new contact, then clicked on the compose button.

To Mr Forrester,

First off, let me introduce myself, my name is Colin Mackenzie and I am the CEO and owner of Obscure Studio, and after reading all about Mystic Media and this intriguing new tech of yours I would like to extend an offer to fund your project. After reading through everything that I have been able to find, I find the concept and Idea of the Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game intriguing. Enclosed you will find an address where we can meet and discuss any and all steps to bring this to the masses, I would also like to discuss some things that I feel, after some research, could very well benefit both parties. If my offer in any way intrigues you, then I look forward to talking in person.

Respectfully,

Colin Mackenzie

CEO of Obscure Studios

Colin clicked send and closed his E-mail, before rising from his chair and moving to the study’s liquor cabinet that was uniquely disguised as a shelf of books. Pushing at the bottom left corner, Colin watched as the books slowly spun to reveal a selection of high-end alcohol like Grey Goose Vodka to Johnnie Walker Blue Label at one end, from Glenlivet to Crown Royal at the other.

Picking up the bottle Glenlivet, Colin poured himself a whisky neat before returning to his desk. Opening a file on his laptop’s desktop labelled: Tempest, the man smiled at how he knew that his plans were not only going to save his business and boost that of Mister Forrester’s as well. Leaning back into his chair, Colin threw back his glass and allowed the smooth texture of the 25+-year-old liquid to glide down his throat.

Colin’s attention was brought back to the present as the door to his study opened, revealing in his humble opinion the most beautiful angel of a woman in the world, Nastassia Mackenzie.

“Guessing from the fact that the liquor cabinet is open that not everything went smoothly?” Nastassia asked with a raised eyebrow.

“One could say that my dear, those stiffs that make up the board once again stopped my new project from getting off ground but it is at the moment a minor setback.”

“Oh? You already have something in the works, my dear husband.”

Colin looked at his wife of 28 years with a devilish smile, that Nastassia knew hinted at a mischievous and sometimes evil intent. “Too early to say at this point my sweet, but…”

“But?” Nastassia asked, “But what Colin?” Nastassia quickly snapped.

“But, from what research I have had people collected for me.” Colin padded a little pile of folders as he said this, “Let’s just that this could very well change the way everyone views entertainment forever.” Colin answered.