/// Authors Note I noticed that the vision of the three chapters, I've re-edit aren't the vision that have been edited. I spent the day trying to find the issue why this keeps happening. But sorry for noticing it sooner.///
Concluding their informal the five began discussion on the meeting that would be held in three days. Alex and the rest finally concluded the meeting paying the bill for their meals.
They also chatted about unrelated topics before it was nearly time for Alex to leave, as he had to attend another meeting with Harry today at four. However, as Alex was preparing to get up Mark hurriedly spoke up.
" Hey, Alex can you and I speak privately about something." Asked Mark raising his hand to stop, Alex who was ready to get up and leave.
" Alright, than but, make it brief I have another meeting to attend today." Replied Alex before seating back down.
Tom, Nathan and Michael had already gotten up and where prepared to leave, Michael petted Mark on his shoulder before leaving.
After the three all left Alex and Mark were the only two in the both, Alex wait patiently for Mark to talk about what was on his mind. Mark had on a troubled expression on his face, Alex could tell by Mark body language and expression, that what he wanted to discuss was a little touchy.
Mark another side is currently trying to find his words on how to brooch the topic, he was a little embarrassed to ask this of Alex.
"So Alex I was wondering when do you plan to start working on developing our own gaming console?" Asked Mark hesitantly as he rub his thumbs together.
Alex had long talked about creating their own gaming cansole as early back, when they were seting up their headquarters back in Brooklyn.
However, their main focus right now was on developing games as they lacked the manpower, as well as an experts to take the lead in Alex stead.
Alex wanted this gaming console to be able to directly compete with the Playstation and Nintendo consoles. Perhaps Sony hadn't even begun considering entering the gaming console market yet. If Alex was going by the previous timeline of events, that took place around this time.
Nintendo was currently the dominant player in the gaming and console market at this time. With Sega not far behind with, Atari behind the two.
This would continue to be the case for the time being. As Sony is like in the midst of perparing acquiring a movie studio to enter the movie industry. Alex didn't know if they would still aquire Columbia Pictures as they did before in the previous timeline. Which was about 3,4 billion dollars which wasn't a bad deal as they would also acquire their music studio.
Sony only begun working in partnership with Nintendo on a gaming console in 1992 before that partnership collapsed. Sony than releasing the first Playstation in 1994 in Japan before releasing it in the States in 1995. Than to the rest of the world after its success, so they had a good six to seven years. Thought Alex to himself recalling the previous timeline of events.
" You, already now the answer to that question, so what is this exactly about? Don't be nervous you're a founding member of Blue Star Interactive. You and Michael have the right to give your own opinion on where the company direction is to go." Spoke Alex mentally sighing at his two friends and colleagues temperament.
Alex had no plans to force Michael and Mark to go along with whatever he, himself wanted to do with the company. If Michael or Mark's wanted to make their own original games he wouldn't stop them.
And that went for the rest of companies other members, who knew if they would just come up with a similar video game that appeared in the previous timeline. Alex knew the importance of creativity in the video game industry.
They could even create new video games title that could be fairly successful that never appeared in the previous timeline. Alex couldn't rely on his knowledge of the future to cloud his judgment on matters like this.
" Uhmm... Alright then, I'll just come out and say it than. I was hoping we hire my dad for the game console development. I don't know if you already knew this but, my father has a master in hardware and software engineering. " Explained Mark.
" Hmm... well that fine with me, I assume you've already discussed this with Michael about your suggestion." Answered Alex as he rub his chine thoughtfully.
On the other hand Mark surprised, his eyes wided at how easily, Alex excepted his proposal like that. He had thought that he needed to begging Alex to agree to his request.
" Like, really you're serious? " Asked Mark, just to make sure he heard correctly.
Alex wasn't too concerned on getting into the console market this early. Nintendo was currently the leader in the console and handheld market at this time.
They already had several members in Blue Star Interactive, with the necessary skills required to help Alex create a gaming console.
Alex had plans to create a separate tech division under Blue Star Interactive. As games like DOOM and Mortal Kombat needed the creation of new technologies and computer hardware.
Hence, why the need for a skilled members in each team to help with these types of projects. If they were to bring Mark's Dad who had experience in software and hardware engineering.
Alex could load off most of his burdens and focus on other projects. He thought it was best to discuss this with the man himself, and if Mark's Dad didn't have a problem to work with them.
Than Alex had no problem making him the head honcho of a separate tech division. That could get started creating their own console as, well as various other computer hardware that they would be needing.
" Yes, if he agrees we, can have him create a dedicated technology divison for the studio. And not just help us, but not us alone. " Said Alex, hinting at something more. Well that if he had the required mindset and skills needed for what Alex wanted.
Mark nodded his head happily as he was able to do something for his dad, after this private discussion they all separated. Mark, Nathan, Michael and Tom left heading back to Brooklyn in Toms car.
Alex on the other hand was driven back to Fire Foxx Television station. Upon arriving Alex released he only had ten minutes before his meeting started with Harry. Alex quickly exited the car heading towards the meeting room.
This was a meeting between Alex and Harry to discuss the topic about the television side of Fire Foxx. Thanks to the business deal between his uncle Daniel and father had signed.
Alex could freely attend meetings like these with Harry and could also give his opinion as well. This also was thanks to his uncle and cousin puting trust in him and giving him a chance. Alex was also a successful author by now thanks to Jurassic Park.
And news about him had begun to spread in the writers community especially due too his young age. The fact that Alex had also sold the right movie rights to Jurassic Park to Universal Studios.
And that Steven Spielberg was currently set to direct it spread in Hollywood. This all help his case at these moment, as well as now running a successful gaming studio he started himself with Mark and Michael. Showed a lot of maturity on Alex part.
Many news outlets also wanted to interview him but, Alex didn't have the time and wasn't interested. However, Alex was required to attend some interviews to promote his book and do some book signing.
Alex didn't want to be in the post light right now but, he would need to do some premonition for his book.
Entering the meeting room, Alex saw his cousin already seated behind his desk in the room. Due too Harry taking control of Fire Foxx Television, he decided that he would use some of the scripthis younger cousin came up with.
There was also the fact that Alex had used apart of his own income from the book sales of Jurassic Park, to help fund other television show.
Saw would only take a month to finish shooting if nothing went wrong. Than there would another couple of weeks to finish post production and editing. Before they look for major movie studios corporate with. To sell the distribution rights of the film along with earning a share of the box office.
" Alex.. good your finally here. I hope you're meeting went well with you're friends. " Greeted Harry as he suggested for Alex to take a seat.
Alex and Harry would be discussing about Alex two tv series for the UK and US television station. Alex quickly present his new series which was a British reality series that would be made in the United Kingdom.
He had already had grantees from his cousin and uncle about developing a show, after discussing the concept during their meals together. The project that would be partly funded by himself 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'.
A British television quiz show, that had been created by David Briggs, Steven Knight and Mike Whitehill for the ITV network in 1998. The programme's format has contestants taking on multiple-choice questions based upon general knowledge, winning a cash prize for each question they answer correctly, with the amount offered increasing as they take on more difficult questions.
If an incorrect answer is given, the contestant will leave with whatever cash prize is guaranteed by the last safety net they have passed, unless they opt to walk away before answering the next question with the money they had managed to reach. To assist in the quiz, contestants are given a series of "lifelines" to help answer questions.
And Alex wanted to use this show to revitalize the British cable channel. If they properly promote both his series and they gain great success. Alex would have a much better chance of convincing not just his uncle and cousin to take on more of his ideas.
Alex had previously wanted to make the Grand Tour instead. The Grand Tour a montor show that was created by Amazen.
Which was basically a modified copy to BBC Top Gear that became a global success in the early two thousands. With it's entertaining three host that was the main reason for its success.
Hence, Alex needed those three idiots to get together to make The Grand Tour a global success. They were the main reason why BBC Top Gear became so popular in the first place was directly because of those threeidiots.
Jeremy Clarkson had already made his debut on Top Gear and was currently one of the host. If Alex wanted to develop Fire Foxx UK television station into a big enough cable channel, that it could directly compete with other British cable channels stations.
Alex would use Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to get started on that, he is certain it would become a hit in no time. Alex explained this to Harry who listen attentively to Alex suggestions, for his new show that would be set in England.
Alex had written the basic outline of the show, all they need was a good charismatic host for the program. All Fire Foxx UK production had to do was produce the show which shouldn't too difficult.
Alex would be more hands off with this project, Harry should be able too handle the rest. Harry agreed to his idea very quick, as beside the price money offered, it was very simple and easy concept. As long as they get the right people for the production the rest is up to the audience to click with it.
Harry and Alex talk about the other two projects, as well as Saw which would begin shooting by next week. Alex and Harry mainly discussed Alex two new series that they planned to develop.
" Are you sure you want to hire these two people to run the show? We meant not be that big of a television station but, I think we can hire people with more experience each for the project. "
Said Harry cautiously worried that, Alex didn't understand the importance of hiring people with talent and especially with experience.
" I understand what you're saying. And I'm willing to consider your suggestion but, that's exactly the reason why I want this two people."
Alex became firm with his words even more as he continued speaking.
" You and I are too busy to keep an close eye on the show development. At least if we hire unknown showrunners they are less likely to go too far off script. That even when we're not, their also more likely to ask before making any changes to the script. " Explained Alex.
Harry was busy running and handling the day to day operations of both Fire Foxx US and UK stations, which had brought its own problems currently. His also focused now on entering into the movie making business, having to leave some of his work load on others.
Alex on the other hand had his own business to run and managed. He barely had time to keep up with the production of Saw as he needed to focus on Mortal Kombat.
As well as the progress of Blue Star Interactive three other projects and he was still working on Aladdin which he was yet to finish.
He also needed to keep in contact with Duke's progress on the search engine Blue Space. Hence, Alex needed to make sure that his vision of Friends didn't veer too far off course from the original.
Obviously the original Friends wasn't prefect and made certain mistakes here and there. He had already made minor changes to the script as most of the original cast he wanted, were in there early twenties of late teens at this time.
Alex would be more reassured having the original creator's and showrunners to steer the ship, when he wasn't looking for now.
" Alright then, if that what you want but, I'll choose the writers who will be going through your script for the series. Anyway there's something else I wanted to discuss with you today." Said Harry before taking out three stacks of scripts X Files, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Law and Order.
"I've personally gone through all three of these scripts myself and I am personally confident with the right director, showrunners and with you're helping with writing. These three scripts can be fairly successful. " Said Harry as he layed all three scripts on the table.
" I thought you and uncle said you would only turn one of my scripts into a television series?" Asked Alex a little puzzled at the current change.
" Ah... well that was the plan however, I been really focused on getting the station back in running order. A long with getting myself a accustomed to my new position. I'm also personally involved in our movie project Saw that I hadn't paid much attention to the television side." Explained Harry with a sigh.
"Right, now I to have to deal with our UK division just yesterday, we lost our tennis sports deal to another station, and there also the of a lack of manpower and programing on the channel. " Said Harry as a frown crept on his face.
" We need new television series to revitalize our cable channel, its only recently that I and my team decided to look for new scripts to invest in." Explained Harry.
Alex looked at Harry trying to see if he was really serious about this decision, implementing one of his script was risky enough. But four this was a little unbelievable for Alex.
" I recently hired a group of experienced people to go through your scripts and they were pretty impressed by the equality, of the writing. With the current lack of television shows in the works, we need to immediately start getting things out the pipeline." Said Harry gesturing to the script in front of him.
" Hence, why I decided to start with this three series obviously you'll also have some saying power on the project. However, the final say will mostly lay with me and I hope you'll help on the three projects as well. I'v a lot spent resources in acquiring some real talent behind the scenes." Said Harry in solemn tone.
Basically Harry didn't want, Alex to be too involved in these three other projects behind when it came to the director and showrunners. Alex was only thirteen and had no experience in this industry.
It was only natural for him to take a back seat, when it came to those they put behind the camera. Harry is trying to tell Alex, not to get too ahead of himself in this matter. They had already gave Alex more than enough creative power over these show as a consultant of sorts.
Even if Alex wrote the story for the series, actually creating and producing the series to screen. Is an entirely different story all together at the, at least the people he wanted to on 'Friends' have some level of experience.
Hence, if Harry or anyone else thought Alex decision would be detrimental to the work they could basically veto his decision.
" I see what you're saying cousin. And like I said before I don't plan to get too involved in the television or movie department yet. So don't worry I don't plan on causing unnecessary problems." Alex explained as he looked into his cousin eyes.
"However I'm sure you no how important it is to choose those working behind the camera. I just want to make sure they don't clash with my ideas for the scripts. If they plan on making drastic changes to my scripts themselves."
Hearing this Harry smiled happily at Alex words, Harry wanted to choose the people behind the scenes. Alex had already forced his hand when it came to Friends.
Him giving Alex a little leeway when it came to Friends was more than enough, now he just needed to make sure things succeed. When he read the script of Saw and it's climatic ending, as well as Alex book Jurassic Park.
He knew Alex had a talent for storytelling. His was just worried that, Alex inexperience would lead to a bad outcome. He had already tried desperately to talk him out of hiring two those showrunners with little experience for his series of Friends.
After reading his other works, he knew that he needed to make sure that they hired experience people behind them. Thought Harry as he looked at his cousin expression which seemed a little gloomy.
Alex's sighed internally at this situation, as he now had to step back a little at this point with regard to his other three television scripts.
Look at comment section for characters appearances. If you have any complaints of certain character please feel free to comment. I'll go back to the chapter and do my best to make it easy to read as possible.
Three days later, Oliver and his team of three arrived at the meeting place at Noir Trending office. Oliver, Duke and Johnathan Franklin the second accounted working for Oliver firm.
Nathan, Mark and Michael had left earlier to meet up with with, Alex in the morning before coming to attend the meeting.
Johnathan and Nathan are actually close childhood friends. Both of them came from poor family backgrounds as they struggled, and helped each other out, as they grew up together.
Nathan is actually the reason, why Johnathan was able to get a job working under Oliver accounting firm. Their pay hadn't been great at the the being, leaving the two of them to share a rented apartment together.
However, thanks to the recent success of Star Horizon and Blue Star Interactive, along with the partnership with Noir Trending. There pay had increased dramatically and now both of them are making nine thousand dollars each, from their previous two thousand five hundred.
The accounting firm activities had started to move more and more to the back end of things. Oliver was currently trying to figure out what to do with his firm. Which was one of the discussion the three had, discussed about with together.
Previously they managed the account of small business and people which didn't pay that much for their services.But, as of recently Nathan and Johnathan had begun managing the account of Blue Star Interactive along with Star Horizon.
Both business had been seeing good growth as of recently. Both businesses had made also made few small investments in different businesses, that had been paying off through Noir Trending Investment.
Alex had understood that currently both businesses needed working funds more than anything else. So Alex had made investments in some companies stock that were raising quickly in value. But, would later have big drop off in commercial value, which they could sell off or bet against.
Alex hadn't told his uncle about the companies that would raise in value for a certain period before dropping off. Daniel wasn't a greenhorn and had made sure to keep a very close eye on Alex investments.
Having his team investigate throughly before putting in any investments. After which they would continue to observe very carefully.
Alex basically used his age and inexperience to his advantage. Except for a few losses here and there, Noir Trending Investments was able to handle the situation. Selling off useless stocks before they were noticed by other trading firms and individuals.
Thanks to this Blue Star Interactive and Star Horizon were in a very good situation at the moment. Not needing external investment for the moment as both companies now had several million in liquid cash.
This is one of the reason why Nathan wanted to have a meeting with his boss and colleague. Managing business accounts of millions of dollars wasn't a simple task that couldn't be taken lightly.
After Nathan brought up this issue to his boss, the three men with the bosses wife had a serious discussions three days ago. That had been going on for two days, as they needed to quickly make a decision on how to better use the funds.
The first thing they discussed was hiring more people to help manage the books and accounts ledger of their customers. Both Nathan and Johnathan were starting to be spread a little too thin and Oliver had his hands full with managing Star Horizon.
Second thing discussed was on how, to manage the current liquid cash they currently have in the bank. As they couldn't just leave all of it laying around in the bank, they needed to find a good use for it.
The smart thing to do is to reinvest the money they earned as they would be more beneficial. While, leaving enough for them to maintain their current standard of life they now enjoyed.
The most talk about was potentially moving Star Horizon main base to somewhere in New York for a time. The same was thing was suggested for Blue Star Interactive, that is at this time more profitable than Star Horizon. Due too how both businesses currently operated.
However, Star Horizon isn't far behind either in generating revenue as more and more people, became aware of them. And begun buying into the whole online store idea they were offering and trying it out for themselves. Star Horizon is slowly growing thanks to this reason it was on track to surpass Blue Star Interactive in sales figures.
However, most of the companies income went back into the business itself. Basically, they were only taking away enough to maintain a stable lifestyle, as well as paying off their business expenses including employees salaries.
Star Horizon business isn't heavily focused on making profit but, on growth and development. Hence, why compared to Blue Star Interactive they weren't making that much profit for themselves personally.
A large portion of Blue Star Interactive profits also went back into the business itself but, compared to Star Horizon the two couldn't be compared.
This is how the original Amazen was ran in the previous timeline. Even up to twenty sixteen Amazen continued this type of business model. Being driven on customer service and satisfaction, with affordable goods and services for the average household.
Oliver estimated that it would be only a matter of time before other parties begin noticing this growth. And competition would soon arrive at some point in time, however most people and companies were hesitant about the internet.
Not yet willing to go all in as he was informed by his younger brother. But, Oliver knew that someone would eventually try to copy and compete the them. Being the first didn't ultimately mean being the final victor.
Hence, Oliver didn't have any plans of changing how he and his family ran this company anytime soon. It was ultimately decided that both businesses bases of operations would remain in Brooklyn for the time being.
Oliver thought it best to invest in real-estate such as homes and apartment buildings with the money they earned for the stock market. They could buy old and abandoned buildings renovating them before selling them off at a higher price.
They could even rent some of these places in good location and use the money they received from tenants. To basically pay off all of their own housing expenses, this was suggested by Nathan who had some friends in real-estate.
If they play their cards right they could potentially buy land or housing in good developing areas. Than rent those places out or sell them when the time was right. It was the safest option if you knew which places to buy and sell at the right time.
The only thing Oliver and Martha were worried about was having not just move Star Horizon main base but, also Alex own Blue Star Interactive this early. They didn't want to move out of the place they had become accustomed to.
They ultimately decided on three things firstly, was investing in real-estate with the help of professional real-estate agencies.
By renting this places out would provide them with another source of income. They could basically use this estate to pay of their daily life expenses, like water and electricity where they currently lived.
Second was finding a suitable location for the two Williams run company. This was if both companies maintain this steady rate of growth if everything went smoothly. Before thinking of moving somewhere more business friendly by the end of the year, or the beginning of the next year.
Both Martha and Oliver had also discussed leaving to move somewhere safer after Alex accident. However, moving wasn't the easiest thing to do at that time. They now had the money to spend on buying a nice house somewhere more safer.
But, they would be leaving many of their friends and family here. Oliver and Martha had already known that they wanted to move their family somewhere safer.
Oliver and Martha along with the rest of the family have been in some rough situations in the past. The worst being Alex accident, hence the thought of moving had always been on both their minds.
However, little did they know that there friends had similar thoughts off their own. Robbery is common occurrence but, not as serious as in other areas in Brooklyn.
Now Oliver standing outside of the Noir Trending building, it was now 2 o'clock in the afternoon. " Hey, how long exactly is this meeting going to last Oliver? " Asked Damien walking towards them as he got out of his own car which was a blue BMW.
" Two hours and thirty-five minutes is the agreed upon duration. It might end earlier as well, depending on how things go." Explained Oliver as he watched Damien walk toward them.
After Damien had asked about needing a job. Oliver had called Mark in for a discussion about the matter. Oliver had seen and learned that video games required the need for a certain level of skill and knowledge on hardware and software programming, as well as engineering.
Star Horizon was now mainly focused on online shopping and delivery service for customers. While Alex had talked to him about needing money to invest in creating new hardware for one of their games.
When Alex needed money he would need to request it from either himself and his mother. Who would then first listen to Alex request and than decide on whether to give him the money or not.
Ultimately it was still Alex money but, both Martha and himself wanted to make sure that all this money wasn't used up by Alex in the short-term.
An from what he learned, after Alex had heard from Mark about, Damiens line of expertise in software engineering. They arranged a discussion about the matter of employment with Damien.
And it seemed to have gone well as now Damien had a job working under Blue Star Interactive. And was given the ability to work on some small projects, along with a task of creating a team of people to work under him.
As Alex wanted to create a dedicated tech department in the company itself. Oliver had already known about Alex long term plans for Blue Star Interactive. Hence, why he had a talk with Mark about, convincing Damien to take the job.
Damien would be joining the main meeting with everyone. As Alex would be explaining Damiens role with everyone in the meeting today. Especially since he would be leading his own department under the company.
As Oliver was talking with his old friend as they were entering the building. A black BMW pulled up and out came Alex and Harry. Alex this time is more formally dressed up for the occasion even spotting a new hire style.
Which was basically him without a his ponytail, Alex hadn't cut his hair in a few weeks so it was a little longer than usual.
Oliver smiled at seeing his son getting out of the car. Revealing true emotions his face, as he truly had missed seeing his son's face regularly. Duke also had a smile on his face at seeing his little brother face.
As Alex got out of vehicle he quickly saw his brother and father standing at the front door enters to the building. Alex smiled back at them, quickly heading over as he gave his father a big hug.
It had been two weeks since he had seen his father and older brother. Obviously they kept in touch and the distance wasn't far apart, but they still missed seeing each other.
Oliver embraced Alex tightly...Damien and Johnathan give the two some space. Oliver whispered something into Alex ear, which he simply just nodded his head. After separate Alex and Duke grabbed each other's hands, before bumping shoulder while patting each other's backs.
A few seconds later another vehicle arrived which was driven by Nathan with Michael and Mark inside. After everyone arrived they all headed into the building together, Harry greeting the others as they all entered the building.
As Mark and Michael were still legally miners they needed an adult to be here. David would also be attending but, hadn't arrived yet however, there was still ten minutes before the meeting officially started.
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