24 Signing the Contrac

You decide to leave the System at that.

It is enough to know that you can set own goals and get rewarded for its progression and completion.

You are currently wagering your life and the life of your mother. Seeing how that is the case, you are sure that you have many more important things you can offer the system.

Your senses.

Your emotions.

Your thoughts.

Your dreams.

Your soul.

These are to name a few.

As you have wagered your mother's life despite it is not yours to wage, there is no limit to what you can wager. However, it is still dangerous to wager anything important, unless you are very confidence that you will succeed and complete the quest.

Failure is not an option.

"I should watch what I say from now on. This damn System is too dangerous. It will take everything I said as literal."

You keep that in mind and begin to sleep afterwards. Tomorrow is a very big day for you. You will have to head to Lucasfilm to sign your first contract. George Lucas would have it ready by then.

Your junior keeps you up for about an hour before you drift off into the dreamworld. It is a very, very wet dreamworld – with your mother joining you.

By the time you are awake, your mother had left for work. You thought she might be avoiding you as her emotion is constantly playing up when you are nearby. However, she left you a warm message, telling you to have a healthy breakfast before you head out.

The only people remain in the mansion are the workers.

You greet each person on your way out and take note of the string that connect to their heart. Not all the strings coming out from the people are connected to you. Some strings are connected to another person in the mansion.

You quickly understand that the string represented how they feel about the other person – yourself included. Luckily, nobody hates you. To balance it out, none of them likes you either.

While driving to Lucasfilm, you also pay attention to people on the road and sidewalks. However, the strings are only visible for people who are within about 100m.

It seems that the string only appears when you or someone else get close enough to them. You assume that is because there would be way too many strings coming out of the person otherwise, since each string represented how they feel to another being.

The strings are intangible unless you have the intention of touching them. Otherwise – you didn't want to think about what happen if your speeding car crashes into all those strings.

When you arrive at the studios' gate, the security guard let you in and informs George that you have arrived. He has been expecting you.

"Ah, you are finally here. Come, let's go inside."

George Lucas takes you inside Lucasfilm and have you joined the conference.

As you did, you have a good look some of the strings coming out of him, especially the one that connect to you. That string is blue with a hint of red. It means that he considers you a friend and he might hold some affections for you – not in a gay way.

That is good to know.

When you are in the conference room, you noted that several people are in there already. One stood out, causing you to be alarmed. You didn't expect to see her here – not until 2012.

"This is Kathleen Kennedy."

George introduces when you just stood there, looking at her.

"This is rather awkward. Why is she here?"

You didn't say that out loud, but everyone heard you.

In the previous world, Kathleen Kennedy becomes the president of Lucasfilm. It was right after Walt Disney acquired Lucasfilm for over 4 billion dollars. She then proceeds to destroy your childhood with her feminism antics.

George dismisses your comment. "She will be the production manager for the film."

"Yes. It is rather awkward." Kathleen greets you warmly. "I have seen the video you edited. It is very impressive. I suppose I owe you an apology for before."

She is referring to several weeks ago, when you came to her residence to offer your script. She refuses it of course, just like everyone else. She has changed her mind now.

"Um… nice to meet you too, Kathleen."

You return the greeting and have a good look at how she feels about you. The string is grey with tint of black, meaning she might have a trace of resentment towards you. It is expected as you did harass her after all.

"I hope I will have your cooperation in the upcoming months."

Kathleen adds.

You smile lightly.

"If you cause any trouble for me, I will have you know the terror of Slutification!"

You have thought that to yourself before paying attention to George. He begins addressing the people in the room. They hold very high position, such as finance manager, marketing manager, team leader etc...

And then there is you – the director.

Most of the people in the room is a little shock. Some of them was even angry at you, considering the color of the string connecting to you.

"Him? Isn't he a bit young?"

"George. I don't think it is wise to have someone like him as director." An older man says, not caring even if you are in the room. "We should have someone with qualification and experience to direct the film."

"Ahem. There is no need, Ryan. He will be the director. That decision is final."

George makes it very clear before taking his seat at the head of the table. "He is Ryan Thompson. He will be your assisting director."

You look at Ryan, taking note of the distaining color of his opinion towards you. He will undoubtedly be a problem, but you cannot just tell George that you didn't want him.

"Nice to meet you. I hope we can work together."

Ryan didn't bother to return the greeting.

"Your salary is $150,000." George breaks the awkward silence.

He looks at you. "We will pay you $50,000 first. $50,000 after the film is in production. The last amount will be paid when the film is released."

It is a good pay for a newcomer like yourself.

"Uncle George. Can you put my salary into the film budget?"

George is surprised. "You want to share in the profit?"

"Yes. If you don't mind. I rather use the money for the film production right now and get pay when it is in theater. How about 1%? Will that be okay?"

"1%. I suppose that is acceptable." George agrees. "You do understand that your movie must make at least 25 million for you to earn anything. 40 million for you to earn the salary you just been offered."

You assure him that you understand fully. "Also, I want to reserve the decision when casting the actors and actresses. I also to participate the editing of the film as well as the final editing."

Everyone in the room frown. They could accept the decision to cast the actors but editing belongs to the production team. The production manager is not very happy at your request.

You just make another powerful enemy, but you didn't care. You must have the right to edit the film in post-production. That is the only way to make sure that smashes all box offices.

George nods tentatively. "As long as your suggestion is within reason."