The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 761: FILMING MORE SCENES

”AND cut!” Director Evans’ voice called out across the set.

Astrid closed his eyes and let go of the emotions he had used for the scene. To be honest, he had not needed to dig too deep for that one, which made it easy for him to step out of Noa’s character.

Jordan stood up after a staff member removed the handcuffs from his wrists. He walked over to Astrid. ”That’s an impressive scene. I’d almost forgotten how easy it is to film with you.”

He suddenly remembered their first filming experience together. It’s the first time he had worked with an actor who rarely made mistakes. That had pushed him to improve his own acting so he would not look bad by comparison. It seemed he would have to bring that same level of focus and effort to their scenes this time as well.

Astrid chuckled. ”I can say the same to you.”

”Alright, let’s get them touched up for hair and makeup and then we will continue with the scene!” Director Evans called out.

***

”I can help you erase all of your criminal records, and those of your friends,” Noa stated, his voice even and matter-of-fact. He looked completely serious, his dark eyes holding Remi’s gaze without a flicker of emotion.

Remi stared, his mind struggling to catch up. ”How?” he finally asked, the word sounding rough. ”How could you possibly do that?”

Noa leaned back slightly in his chair, the picture of calm authority. ”Because I’m a member of the Imperial Central Intelligence,” he explained. ”And I’m fairly high in the organization.”

The words hit Remi like a physical blow. The Imperial Central Intelligence, or ICI, was the primary intelligence arm of the military. They were shadows, operatives who handled the Empire’s most sensitive and dangerous affairs, far from public view. Remi’s mind reeled. He could not reconcile the Noa he knew with the cold, powerful government entity the ICI represented. The man in front of him worked for the very system they had spent their youth distrusting. His confusion, which was already deep, now just overwhelmed him.

Seeing his stunned silence, Noa continued. ”The offer is simple. You and your friends agree to work with us on a specific mission. If you do, I give you my word that all your records will be wiped clean upon its successful completion.”

He laid out the terms as if discussing a business transaction, nothing more.

Then, Noa stood up smoothly. ”I’ll leave you to think it over.”

He turned and walked toward the door.

A sudden, sharp panic seized Remi. He was watching Noa’s back, the same view he had seen half a year ago just before the man vanished from his life again. The fear of him disappearing, of being left with more questions and no answers, was simply too much.

”Noa!” Remi called out, the name bursting from him.

He half-expected Noa to ignore him, to keep walking without acknowledging the name he had not yet confirmed was his. For a second, Noa’s steps halted. His back was still turned, but he had stopped. A fragile hope flared in Remi’s chest.

Then, it died. Noa did not turn around. He did not speak. He simply resumed walking, the door clicking shut behind him and leaving Remi alone in the silent room.

***

They completed two more scenes before breaking for lunch. Astrid and Ellis joined the rest of the crew in a large temporary tent that had been set up for meals. They were each given a lunch box containing chicken tenders, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Astrid sat at a table with Ellis, Jordan, and Director Evans.

”By the way, are Logan Hayes and Zoey Collins arriving today?” Ellis asked, referring to the actors playing Hunter and Callie, respectively.

”No, they both have other commitments,” Director Evans explained. ”They’re scheduled to arrive the day after tomorrow. So my plan is to film all of Astrid and Jordan’s shared scenes today and tomorrow, if we can manage it.”

”I’m sure we can,” Jordan said with confidence. ”With Astrid here, we’ll definitely be able to work faster.”

”Well, I will certainly do my best,” Astrid said with a smile. ”But I’m sure you’ll do just as well.”

”You two had better be good,” Director Evans said, a wide, playful grin spreading across his face. ”Or I will work you both to the bone.”

”You don’t have to worry about that, Jean,” Jordan said, his gaze lingering on the director a little too long. ”You know I always give my best for you.”

Director Evans’s cheeks turned a noticeable shade of pink. He shot a sharp look at Jordan, his eyes clearly telling the actor to behave. Then, without another word, he focused his attention down on his lunch, avoiding everyone’s gaze.

Astrid raised an eyebrow at the exchange. It reminded him of something he had noticed during the last filming they had together, that Jordan seemed to hold a quiet admiration for the director. But this time, Jordan was being much more open with his affection. Astrid wondered what had changed between them. He also considered if this new openness was connected to Jordan’s decision to leave the show.

Jordan probably wanted to avoid any potential controversy if his relationship with Director Evans became public knowledge. That was likely why he had chosen to leave the show. In any case, the reasons were their own business. Astrid was just here to do his job and film his scenes.

But even with that thought, his curiosity got the better of him. So later, when he found himself alone with Ellis, he could not resist asking the question.

”Sister Ellis, are Jordan and Director Evans in that kind of relationship?”

Ellis looked at him and raised an eyebrow, as if playfully judging him for being such a gossip. He just grinned and shrugged in response.

She let out a quick sigh. ”That’s their private business. I don’t know the details, and it’s better if we don’t speculate.”

Astrid scratched his cheek. ”Yeah, you’re right.”

He glanced over at Jordan, who was currently hovering near the director, and he felt a strong suspicion that his guess was correct.