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48% Becoming a Superstar 1988: Being Edited / Chapter 35: A Date

Chapter 35: A Date

Walking into his private office Oliver found his wife sitting behind, her own computer desk that is horizontal to his own. Oliver walked straight up to Martha desk, leaning as he leaned his arm on top of the computer monitor.

Martha who hadn't noticed Oliver approach, was surprised, when he suddenly rested his arm on her monitor. Looking up she noticed he was standing in a slightly unusual posture, his body was slightly tilted, his right hand in his pocket.

The posture really accentuated his tall and lean figure nicely. However, rather then being attracted Martha herself was more puzzled than anything else. Oliver couldn't be said to be the best romantic at all, which wasn't really necessarily for him.

Oliver's looks and figur alone was outstanding enough that, there was never really any need for him the romantic type. His more suited to be the silent and cold man which went well with his overall appearance. In any case Oliver has never do this type of thing, before so all she could was give him.

A what in the world are you doing expression with her hazel colored eyes which were particularly bright.

Making Oliver feel a little embarrassed at his current actions, he had honestly never done this sort of thing before. He had just tried to copy some of the scenes his watched man doing in the romantic movies, that he would be usually dragged into watching with his wife.

Keeping his composure on the outside, Oliver finally spoke after a few seconds of the two of them just staring at each other weirdly.

" Uhmm.. So I was thinking the two of us should make plans to go out and have dinner together. Just the two of us at a restaurant somewhere. " Oliver invited maintained the same posture.

" Dinner? " Asked Martha a bit puzzled by the sudden plan to have dinner together. Even though the two of them were a married couple, Martha could count the number of times they had gone out on a date before.

The one she fondly remembers is when Oliver invited her to small dinner were he finally proposed to her. At that time they already had three kids by than but, them making their relationship official was something she remembered fondly.

" Yes, I was thinking that we should do something for ourselves. Since we haven't gone out on a date in a long time, don't you think. " Explained Oliver still standing in the same posture he looked away for a moment. As Martha stared at him a little surprised now as she hadn't really thought about it.

" Okey, that sounds nice. When are we going?" Asked Martha after finally getting out of her slightly puzzled state.

" Okey good how does next week Saturday sound for you?" Asked Oliver

" Next week Saturday? That sounds like you have big plans. Alright next week is fine I can't wait to see what you have in store. " Said Martha as smile from on her face as she was now looking toward their first date in a long time.

And the fact her husband needed nearly two weeks to prepare made her even more excited.

' Alright, I'll pick you up.. Uhmm I mean I'll get everything prepared." Spoke Oliver slightly forgetting that the two of them already live together.

After saying that Oliver slowly stop leaning his arm on the computer than walking backwards before turning around and leaving the office. Watching her husband leave after that unexpected turn of events chuckled to her. Feel really happy about Oliver finally asking her out on a date in a long time.

Meanwhile, Duke was now currently in another separate room inside the office building. The building itself was about 4 meters tall and 20 meters wide. There were three small separate rooms and one large room, where most of the seven person hired by Horizon worked.

Duke shared this room with his two sisters, his father and mother shared one room. While Tyler and Nathan shared the other office space just in front of the entrance. Duke main job was to manage the website for Horizon and keep it running, which he could currently handle by himself.

Duke is currently was helping his two siblings to learn how to operate and keep their website running. Duke could manage the operation by himself now but, right now he also had another project he was working on the side.

Blue Space a search engine that could find files on the Internet. Right now finding something on the internet wasn't easy unless you had a good understanding of it. Alex had brought this topic up to him during their discussion together, and he thought it was a great idea.

Right now they were currently using WHOIS a kind of search engine. WHOIS is a query and response protocol that is used for querying databases that store an Internet resource's registered users or assignees.

These resources include domain names, IP address blocks and autonomous systems, but it is also used for a wider range of other information.

The protocol stores and delivers database content in a human-readable format. The current iteration of the WHOIS protocol is drafted by the Internet Society, and is documented in RFC 3912.

WHOIS was standardized in the early 1980s to look up domains, people, and other resources related to domain and number registrations. As all registration was done by one organization at that time, one centralized server was used for WHOIS queries. This made looking up such information very easy.

Duke was currently studying this software well along with Alex own notes, which weren't much about what type of search he envisioned. Alex had only given Duke small notes because he wanted his older to grow develop solutions to problems himself.

If he gave him a much more detail analysis of the eternal coding software it wouldn't help him much in the long run. Basically Duke was on his own when it came to this, he had been busy studying the WHOIS protocol and the website Alex had already created.

Right now he was trying to figure out how to start creating the software operating systems for the search engine. He already new how it needed to be to simple and easy to use for everyone, that was one of the things Alex emphasized. Duke second task was to create hardware that could allow for faster internet speed.

Alex and Duke had already setup Blue Space as a long term project for the future, so he isn't in a rush to get started on creating and releasing the software. Once the it was done none of them would be running the search engine themselves anyway, instead they would appoint someone else to run it.

As Duke was studying and researching on the topic, the door suddenly opened. And John his old friend opened the door without knocking, slightly peaking inside. His head looking around only found Duke in the room. Who looked back at him with a what are you doing here expression on his face.

After seeing Duke is the only one in the room he entered the room with the same smile on his face. He was currently wearing a long sleeve white button color shirt, black pants and shoes with a brown. He also on longer had his afro hair style but, a clean cut buzz cut with a nice trim.

Duke spoke up before John had the opportunity to say anything. " I see that you agnored my peel to knock before entering the room. "

" Uhmm...Yeah, Sorry about that." Said John dismissing Duke's words light. " There a game today with the guys you coming?"

" I already said I'll be there, so why did you come here? " Asked Duke, as John could have come during launch time to discuss this.

He most likely wanted to ask him for something else, and John had the tendency to ask this type of favor at the most inconvenient times.

" So this week there a Bulls game on Friday, Vic canceled on us so I was wondering if you can host at your place, if you're mom and dad are fine with it. " Said John with a smiling expression on his face as he said it.

" I'll ask them." Answered Duke wanting to end this conversation quickly, and get back to his work.

" Really? thanks man. I knew you're a real friend I can rely on." Spoke John happy before walking beside Duke and punching lightly on his left shoulder.

Duke gave him an instance star unhappy with John disturbing him for something like this, that he could have asked him at a better time. John seeing Duke's unhappy expression that was even more scray, especially now when no he isn't wearing his glasses.

" Okey, I'll be leaving than, I got work to do. " Said John hurriedly leaving the room after their discussion.

Duke stared at the door the door for sometime before turning back to what he was doing. Before hearing the door open again to as his two sisters entered the room after finally coming back from their launch break.

Which ended a long time ago but, was extended since their mother decided to give them a shopping list, of things they needed to get for tonight dinner. Duke was now even more upset with John interruption, as now he could no longer work on his research.

The problem with working with these two siblings off his, was that they would talk insistently making him unable to concentrate on other things. Duke begrudgingly put away the books he was reading.

Ashley and Jennifer obviously noticed Duke unhappy expression as they entered, the two of them looked at each for a brief moment. Before deciding not to talk excessively until there younger brother cooled down, as they both quietly took their seats. Duke was more of an older brother to his three siblings, as he seemed to be the most mature one out of the four.

Even the way he dressed had away been much more formal, beside a few sneaker and sport wear, he would only wear when doing physical exercise. His wardrobe was mostly compares of long sleeve button shirts, and formal pants and shoes.

The only difference now than when he attended high school was he that, he now wore a tie, along with a vest, along with formal pants and shoes.

Usually he would pare his long sleeve button shirt with jeans and a pair of snacker shoes when he attended school. Duke was too upset to notice that his two older sister unusual silence, so he just went on with his main task for the day.

In the meantime Oliver was currently trying to figure out what type of plans to make for his evening out with his wife. He was even considering just making it a day out than just a night out but, that just made it much more difficult for him to plan.

He would need to scout advice from another parties, as David had proved to be useless as he just gave him the basic of what he already knew. However, he knew that David was just like him and was a total a mess when it came to romance. The same couldn't be said for Damien who is a total chamer and good at romance.

He had twelve days to prepare for their date, he honestly didn't have any idea beside organizing a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant. He might actually need Damien help here.

" Hey, boss is there something on your mind." Asked Nathan who had noticed his boss who had been standing in the waiting lobby. For some time now, looking out of the window with a thoughtful expression.

" Oh, Nathan... I'm sorry I have a lot on my mind right now is there something you need to inform me about? " Spoke Oliver after breaking out of his thoughts.

" Yes, there is Johnathan and I wise to talk about something we think is important." Said Nathan in confirmation.


Chapter 36: Blue Star Meeting Part One

Alex POV.

May 10th 1988 Alex set at his desk in a small office room inside Fire Foxx Production, station where he went through some of the actor candidate's for Mortal Kombat. There were only two things Alex was looking for, firstly their ability to perform in front of a camera.

Second was their ability to follow directions when instructed to carry out the moves set, they would be instructed to do.There wasn't really any need for great acting ability as one could barely see their faces clearly during gameplay.

The only other thing Alex could think of was voice acting, which would be very minimal- like the sounds Lui Kungs and the other characters made when they through punches or got hit.

There appearance matted little to Alex, however for most people visual appearance matted a lot. Especially for gamers with female character's, unless the characters was always designed to be unattractive from the beginning.

Any changes to their design to something less pleasing to the eye, would evidently lead to outrage.

Alex recalled the huge outcry of gamers to the changes made to characters like Chun-li form street fighter and Tanya from Mortal Kombat in the reboot. Alex wasn't too concerned about these things right now, as he didn't plan to keep the realistic design of Mortal Kombat for long either.

Just like the original Mortal Kombat trilogy, he would also to move to a 3D design later on. He wasn't too sure about how long to keep the realistic design yet, since he had decided not too stick to a certain plan and to make changes when necessary.

He couldn't predict how the future would change because of his actions. Alex had already decided on the actors for Mortal Kombat, except for the actress who played played Sonya Blade in the third Mortal Kombat game Kerri Hoskins.

James Wan as Liu Kang. Nicklas Phillips as Johnny Cage. Brian Ross as Raiden. Kerri Hoskins as Sonya blade. Shawn Banks as Kano. Lee Feng as Sub-Zero. Bai Song as Scorpion. Harrison Hills as Jax Briggs. This were all the chosen actors and were some of the best from the audition.

Alex was going through their files and watching some of the tapes from the audition room they had taken. The rest of his team that were in the room with him were working on the reconfiguring of his Unreal Engine.

Alex wanted each the three teams to have a good grasp of the game engine, which could help them come up with own game engines for future game projects. The Unreal Engine wouldn't be used for all their later games like Grand Theft Auto, which required its own specified game engine.

As well as modifying his own Unreal Engine for different game titles. Licensing his game engine to other game studio and publisher would be a huge source of income.

For Blue Star Interactive, Alex wouldn't be able to keep modifying it all by himself. They would need a dedicated team in the future to keep improving it, as game development becomes more complicated.

As Alex finalized the actor candidate's, he would also walk around their temporary gaming studio office space to see how his team were doing.

Alex would only be working on the soundtrack and directing the actor on camera, with the help of a cameraman and sound engineer. His main goal now was on advising his team skills in game development.

He also planed to make time to visit the other three teams back home in Brooklyn when he goes to visit his family.

As Alex was helping his team a knock came from the entrance of the room. Most of the twelve men team agnored the knocking as they were all extremely focused on their work.

Hearing the knocking coming from the front door, Alex spoke in a loud and clear voice, while still keeping his eyes on Lucas screen.

" You may enter."

After Alex spoke those words Robert opened the room door still standing outside the door way. Not wanting to interrupt the people in the room, he quickly stepped aside to reveal Tom. Blue Star Interactive lawyer who came to visit Alex, for a meeting that they had planned for the day.

Alex noticing Tom arrival gestured with his hand to give him five more minutes, to the two standing outside the door way. Seeing this Tom nodded silently with his head and stepped back before Robert, Alex caretaker who held the door open.

Slowly closed the door after Tom stepped aside, Alex than turned his attention back onto Lucas as he continued instructing him. Lucas was currently working on editing the realistic background details for Mortal Kombat.

The editing processes involved taking the captured images they had taken and using the mouse pad to move the images into place. They would then use their colour editing software to make the images meld into the background of the game.

Alex allowed the team to come up with their own design of the level backgrounds for Mortal Kombat. All he did was tell the team about the game settings and allow them to come up with their own designs for the games background.

After three minutes, Alex informed Fred his second about his departure for the day living him in charge for the time being. Before walking out of the room, exiting the room Alex found Robert and Tom waiting outside. With Tom leaning against the the wall of the building while Robert stood near the door his arms crossed.

" I apologize for keeping the two of you waiting. " Turning toward Robert he gestured for him to take them to their meeting with his eyes.

Alex entered the backseat of the black Mercedes with Tom entering the vehicle from the other side. Robert entered the driver's seat and started the car driving off.

In the backseat Alex and Tom began having a casual conversation with each other. " So where are we having our meeting? " Asked Alex as he sat next to Tom in the backseat.

" It's a diner, I like to eat at before I go to work, the others are already waiting for us their. It's only a couple blocks away from here, I think you'll all the food there." Said Tom with a confident smile.

" So do you live quite close here." Asked Alex

" Not really, I usually pass through here on my drive to work. My uncle actually runs the place so I come here a lot for breakfast and to pick up some food for dinner. On my way back home from work. " Explained Tom.

As they talked in the car the three of them finally arrived after ten minutes. Alex and Tom quickly opened their doors and left the car. When Alex first met with Robert, he would insisted on opening the car door for Alex when entering and exiting the car.

Alex wasn't used to it so he simply instructed Robert not to do that and that he could that by himself. Exiting the vehicle Alex looked at the diner in front of him, the outside of the diner had a metallic appearance.

With blue straps off lines going across the edges of the diner, with a tall sign with the words Jimmie 50s Diner on top of the building.

" Come on everyone's waiting for us inside. " Said Tom getting out of the vehicle before walking next to Alex. Placing his left hand over, Alex right shoulder smiling. The two of them began to walk towards the diner as Robert followed behind them.

Entering into the diner which like name suggested had an old fifties vibe to it. Checkerboard floor, bright red long seating booths with white table tops. Alex looked around and quickly noticed Nathan, Mark and Michael seating together at one of the booth at the left end side of the diner.

" Welcome to Jimmie fifties diner. " Said a waitress greeting three of them who just entered the diner.

" Hey, Rosa this is my client and his caretaker. " Said Tom patting Alex shoulder.

" So this is the kid you've been bragging about, well it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Rosa one of the owners of this diner and I hope you'll all enjoy our services here." Spoke Rosa with a warm smile before leaving to attend to other guest.

" Is she your aunt that you were talking about in the car?" Asked Alex turning to look at Tom who nodded his head in conformation.

" I think we've kept the others waiting for long enough. Let's go meet up and have our meeting as we eat." Reminded Tom as he began to lead the way, Alex following behind him.

Many people in the diner especially young ladies quickly noticed Alex, and began whispering about his stunning looks. " Hey, look at that guy isn't he even more handsome than the blonde setting at the end of the diner with his two friends." Said a teenage girl to her friends.

" I know right, and don't forget about the the guy with the dark brown hair seating right next to him. He not that bad for a looker. " Said another girl.

Alex didn't pay attention to what others around him where saying. He had long gotten used to it and wasn't border by it. Due too his high of 5 foot 8 he was now the average height of an average adult.

Finally they arrived where the others were seated however, upon seeing Michael and Mark, Alex suddenly felt a little under dressed for the occasion.

Both Mark and Michael stared at Alex casual appearance, wearing a short white shirt with black shorts and white Air Force Ones.

Alex stared back to the both of them Michael was wearing a long sleeve white button t-shirt with a blue tie with black and gold stripes. Finally silm fitting black pants with a brown belt and brown leather shoes.

Mark was no slouch either wearing a dark brown long sleeve button shirt that was unbuttoned at the top collar. Ending it of with light grey long pants with a black belt. Obviously both Nathan and Tom where dressed in black suit with black and brown pants respectively.

Tom just continued to smile at this scenario amused by Alex unpreparedness for this meeting, noticing Tom smiling expression, Alex frowning a little before moving to take his seat.

Alex Seat on the side facing the entrance of the diner which was right next to where Nathan was seated. The seat where long enough to accommodate four persons on either end.

As they were split into two long sofas on both that ends. Mark and Michael shared one right next to the window, while Tom moved to sit alongside the two of them. Robert quickly moved to sit at the counter where he began make his order.

" Alright, than I would first like to thank you all for coming here today for our informal meeting." Spoke Alex emphasizing the informal part. Michael and Mark smiled at Alex words.

" Hey, shouldn't we eat first before we begin the meeting? " Asked Mark who was a little hungry at the moment.

" It's an informal meeting so we can eat as talk hence why we're having it in a diner." Explained Tom to the two seated on his right. Both Mark and Michael realized why Alex had previously emphasized the informal in his words.

Alex just shook his head lightly at the clueless two however, it was good to see that the both of them were taking this seriously. Raising his hand Tom called for one of the waitress ready to make his order. Nathan, Mark and Michael who had already been here for quite some time now had already picked what they would order.

Alex on the other hand grabbed the manue and quickly picked what he would be having. " Yes, are all you young men all ready to order now. " Asked a waitress.

Tom Ordered a number 3 with extra bacon with a large Coke. Mark ordered number 4 with extra cheese on his burger with a large Coke. Michael order a number 4 with a side of fires with a Sprite.

Nathan ordered a number 6 with three more extra slices of pancakes on top with a cup of coffee. Finally Alex ordered a number ten a California Burger with a glass of water.

" Alright, who wants to start of with there reports." Asked Alex as he crossed his arms together leaning back in his seat.

" I would like to start off. " Said Tom taking out a file from his bag, a document which he headed it over to Alex, who stretched out his hand to take it. Opening it and looking through the contents, it was the contract document for the Mortal Kombat actors.

" I hope it's too your liking, and made sure to stick to what we discussed last time. Regarding the actors contract for your next up coming game. Alex read through it quickly before handing to Mark seating opposite to Nathan, so that he can go through the contract with Michael.

Using real actors and stunt doubles would become a normal occurrence in just a the next couple of years in nearly every video games.

And it could be done in different ways in the video game industry. Actors could be split into three groups, the voice actors who would create the voices for the characters. Than their where the face or body model whose appearance would be used as the game character, in game appearance.

Which would require a face model to have a certain level of acting skills to capture all the characters different facial expressions. And would also provide other things such as how the character in game would move and react in the game.

The voice and face model could be one in the same person at times. Like if the voice actors facial appearance matches what they were looking for, to base the characters appearance off. Hence why the need for a face model actor.

Second was the stunt double who would be mainly responsible for doing, all the difficult stunts done by the character in game.

Right now Mortal Kombat would become the first game to use facial model of real people and not pixels. Alex had also tested and informed the actors already during the audition that they would also be looking for voice actors.

To provide the voices for the characters which were basically just the sounds the made when fighting. There was very little need to hire new people to provide voices beside the announcer and Scorpion iconic 'Get Over Here.' Which could basically done by anyone.

Alex just wanted to let the actor know that voice acting is an option for most of them, as they all likely wanted to become big Hollywood movie stars. Mark and Michael read through the contract as Tom began explaining the details as while.

" The basic outline of the contract is simple really and isn't complicated, Blue Star Interactive, will after the contract is signed. Own the images rights to the to the characters in the game and have the rights to use the actors likeness in other media such as toys. As long as their depicted as their in game characters, they will also receive royalties from the game." Explained Tom

" I can honestly say that I'm very pleased with the contract. " Alex remarked with a smile, this was just the beginning of Blue Star Interactive raise, in the video games industry.

Pioneering the evolution of the video game industry as they would eventually dominate the whole gaming market.


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