The Terminal

Author's note: I now have a p-word as you all know, so if you feel like reading 4 advanced chapters at the measly price of $3, then do join. The link is in this book's bio, or you can just search 'Archonstine' followed by p-word on your browser.

Also, join my discord will ya? For movie and tv-show recommendations and character images. And also it's the one place where I ask you all for suggestions. The link is in this book's bio.

P.S, donate some power stones while you're at it. And maybe... write up a review?

P.P.S, sorry for not uploading a chapter yesterday, I was a little busy partying my heart out, celebrating the fact that I had just turned 21 so... Happy Birthday to me, I guess.

30th December 1996 (Monday)

Trenton Campbell (POV)

"So in short, you just need to keep your head clear boy. There's no secret sauce here, to spice up your recipe. Just do you, and believe in yourself. If Ricky boy picked you for the role, that means he saw something in you… you just gotta see it in yourself now. It's as easy as that." Pacino said, all the while balancing a cigar between his lips like a fucking gangsta.

I hastily gather up my nerves enough to frame a response. "Y-Yes Sir! Thank you very much Sir, I'll do my best!" I stammered out.

Come on Trent! What the fuck are you doing? Going up to Al Pacino and ranting about your insecurities… I blame you Ricky.

You're not even here, probably still on your way, but I'm a hundred percent blaming you for this... this being me, making a fool out of myself in front of THE legend.

"*Sigh*. Listen Trent, that's your name right? Yes Trent, you seem like a good kid, so do me a favor would you?"

OH MY GOD! AL PACINO IS ASKING ME FOR A FAVOR!!!

Wait… does this mean… he likes me?

"YES! I mean, anything Sir- your wish is my command!" I spoke fervently, stopping myself from saluting at the last second.

Pacino chuckles lightly, amusement shining in his eyes, "My throat is feeling a little dry, mind getting a bottle of water?"

"YE- I mean, yes definitely let me jus- I'll go now!" I say, as I hastily get up and make my way towards a store.

Wait, am I walking too fast? Or is it too slow? Is he watching my back, trying to gauge my sincerity by judging how fast I get a bottle?

I think rapidly, as I increase my gait slightly, my body going rigid out of sheer fucking self-consciousness.

FUCK YOU RICKY! No homo, but fuck you in your asshole for not telling me Al Pacino is gonna play the therapist! Not to mention Gordon Rydell playing the professor!

'Arrival Stance is one of the greatest tv series of all time, and you got the fucking Colonel to play the professor!? Oh, that's it. I don't care about your 'plausible deniability' you motherfucker, I'm going Robocop on you as soon as we land in Boston!

…

…

30th December 1996 (Monday)

Ricky Stirling (POV)

~If you like Piña Coladas~

~And gettin' caught in the rain~

~If you're not into yoga~

~If you have half a brain~

Ah. Thank you fellow ROB! For letting Rupert Holmes exist in this messed up timeline of all things.

The Pina Colada song is probably 5% of the reason why I did not spiral into manic depression in my childhood.

I hum along to the song, while Benji is busy bobbing his head rhythmically, driving me to the Los Angeles International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the world I think.

No idea though, I just remember reading this article sometime in 2018 back then, listing the busiest airports in the world, and I remember LAX occupying the 2nd spot.

I got no idea whether that random piece of trivia holds up 20 years before, and in another timeline and frankly, I don't really care.

Why? Because ladies and gentlemen, today is the day, I, along with the primary cast, and the key professionals involved in my movie are flying out to Boston, Massachusetts, in my father's private jet no less.

Actually we were supposed to take off an hour ago… pity my dad got held up at the company and I, the pious son that I am… decided to visit him in the domain of his kingdom as a show of solidarity… and partly to flirt with this really hot receptionist.

After 20 minutes of non-stop giggling, and several dozen shy glances thrown both ways, dad gave me the go ahead to depart without him. Apparently, there's this meeting with Japanese toy manufacturers over at Clayton that he just can't miss.

He said he'll fly in tomorrow at the latest, and meet us directly at the set.

Oh, the sets. They are the epitome of elegance, the embodiment of beauty. So intricately crafted, yet so naturalistic… truthfully, all credit goes to our production designer, location manager, and the gaffer, all of whom came through and worked cohesively to do a spectacular job.

My god, sometimes you just find gems in the most unlikely places, like for example., the gaffer.

This woman, Janelle Winston is solely responsible for all the lighting setups, but some of her ideas to use naturalistic lighting to imbue a sense of authenticity were inspired. She said if they were not embellished, then it would contribute to the overall grounded tone of the film.

I said it back then, and I'll say it again, she is a diamond in the rough. If I like her work throughout, then I'm definitely using her in my next production.

Then again, first I'll need to get through my current production without any major or even minor mishap.

I want the next 2-3 months to go flawlessly, and I have worked hard to ensure that happens, even going above and beyond to create storyboards and sketches to communicate my vision to my team.

And honestly, I shouldn't have. I realize it now, because hindsight is a bitch, but I was so focused on making sure everything went perfectly, that I neglected myself in the process, barely making any progress in leveling up my acting skill.

Acting Lvl 64

3 measly level ups, and now I haven't even reached 70. I think I can squeeze in some last minute grinding once we reach the hotel today and bring it up to 65, but going any further is out of the question.

Luckily, since I'm the director, and I have complete control over the set, I can use trial and error to initiate multiple takes, until I get the perfect shot… which in a way will facilitate my skill leveling up I guess, so… win-win?

…

(An hour and a half later)

By the time the plane took off, a few people had already started moving around trying to explore the plane in wonder, breaking a number of safety regulations in the process but who cares? It's a private plan for god's sake, there are no safety regulations.

Trent is sitting 3 seats behind me on the aisle side, with the same look he had, when he wanted to really, really punch me in the face and the nuts, while Pacino is already pouring some sour whiskey in a glass…

So I decided it was time for a mildly motivational speech and handing out last-minute tasks and schedules.

With that in my mind, I undid my seatbelt and made my way towards the cockpit, stopping right before the narrow hallway and turned, finding myself at a vantage point where everyone could see me, and I in turn could see everyone else.

I cleared my throat before tapping the champagne glass in my hand with a metal spoon.

The sound carried itself through the aircraft, as conversations became more subdued, and everyone soon had their focus on me.

I set aside the spoon, and with one sip downed the liquid in the glass, before setting it down on an empty seat beside me.

And then I spoke, "Guys and girls, do not mistake this for a toast, I just wanted to get your collective attention without screaming my lungs out in fact, this champagne glass that I just downed was full of highly concentrated rum, so I have about 10 minutes max before I start slurring my words. So hear me, hear me now."

After pausing for a second to gauge everyone's reactions, and seeing them paying attention to me, I continued. "I'm sure most of you here know that I am no stranger to writing stories. I did after all start out as a best-selling author in the sci-fi genre, before venturing out into film-making. But what you might not know is that this story, the script of the movie we're about to shoot, is the most personal story I've ever penned, why? Because I see myself in 'Will's' place. Will is who I would have turned out to be, if things had been ever so slightly different in my life. This film is more than a project for me… it is the culmination of the life I have lived till now, and I don't want us filming it, simply to tell a story."

"I want us to capture moments that will resonate with audiences worldwide, moments that will stay with them long after the credits roll…"

"And to embark on that path, the first step we need to take is to double down on the commitment that we share. I know the road ahead won't always be smooth. Filmmaking is an art of perseverance, of overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities. But remember, every hurdle we face is a chance to grow, to learn, and to make this film richer and more profound."

"And with that, I conclude the motivational drivel, if I had continued, I'm confident most of you would've started snoring halfway through."

A cacophony of laughs play out, as I chuckle slightly. As my head starts feeling heavier, and my sense of balance is slowly slipping out of my grasp, I realize it's about time I end this.

"Now, it's time to hand out individual assignments! Alfredo!" I say, pointing towards the man, still busy sipping whiskey, "Once we land in Boston, I've scheduled an appointment for you with Dr. Caviezel, a leading therapist in the state of Massachusetts. He has your character profile, and will help you gain a deeper understanding of the role you're playing."

"Trent! You, Timothy, Harold and Austin are gonna receive a tour of Dorchester, a working class suburb, and will be coached in their unique accents. I have arranged an SUV and a tour guide, who'll pick you up around 4 at the hotel."

"Gordon, for you I have scheduled a few sessions with Professor Lunceford, who is a professor of Mathematics. He has graciously agreed to guide you on your journey, and to also proofread the technical aspects of the script ."

"The rest of you meet up with the people in your respective teams, while I will go to the Boston Conservatory at Berkeley, to get a status update on our score."

"All right, that's it folks! And now, please enjoy the flight, food and drinks will be served momentarily… I hope. Honestly I have no idea, nor do I care, mostly because I'll be out cold for the duration of this flight due to the amount of alcohol I have ingested in a single gulp. Good night folks!"

"It's 11 am!" Someone shouted, but that was the least of my worries, as I supported myself with my hands while making my way to my seat.

Man, I have really picked up some bad habits from daddy dearest, chief of which is the art of day drinking.

I gotta cut back some day, lest my CON stat actually starts decreasing soon enough.