CH163 - Ace of Spades

According to the latest reports obtained by our station, the new release by Destiny Game's founder, Ethan Jones, seems to be facing distribution challenges, as the associated film is mired in controversy. George Lucas, once celebrated for "American Graffiti," has not seen his science fiction film embraced by peers. Our sources indicate that staff from Fox, friends of George Lucas, and North American theater owners have all expressed their pessimism after viewing the movie. While they have not commented on the game, the question remains: How can a film, so poorly regarded by industry insiders, be adapted into a video game? This warrants our deep consideration...

No secret can be kept forever, despite Fox's best efforts to block all news, and unfavorable opinions about the "Star Wars" film have leaked through the media.

Ethan is unclear whether this news was uncovered by the media themselves or gathered by Warner and Philips, but it no longer matters. By declaring "Star Wars" unworthy of game adaptation, these media outlets have positioned themselves against Ethan.

Fox was quick to respond to such claims, denouncing them as false reports. They announced an agreement with North American theaters to premiere the movie on May 25, offering it prime slot treatment as a major film.

As this news broke, commentators on TV stated, "Fox's decision is unusual, as movie release dates typically fall on Fridays, leveraging the weekend for box office gains. The first week of a movie's release usually encompasses Friday through Sunday. Yet, "Star Wars" is set for a Wednesday release, following a public holiday and before a new weekend begins... This seems to indicate a lack of confidence from North American theaters in the movie."

"In this context, the wave of public opinion stirred by Ethan Jones seems to be a desperate attempt to advertise his game and movie..."

Fox is right. Having exposed Warner and Philips' underhanded tactics, they would not let Ethan off easily. Although they instigated the trouble, under the onslaught of paid media, these outlets, blind to truth, have shifted the blame onto Ethan, accusing him of monopolizing public resources for promoting mediocre works.

With relationships now strained and Ethan having publicly criticized both companies, not a single media outlet dared approach his home or company. According to Fox, the media likely took money from Warner and Philips with instructions not to cover Ethan, denying him any chance to speak.

As Ethan faced a situation akin to being banned in his previous life, he couldn't help but laugh.

He never imagined that at twenty-two, he would be deemed so influential. In response to being silenced, Ethan took matters into his own hands, calling the editor at the "Los Angeles Times" with whom he had previously collaborated:

"I've got a story for you. Let's do an interview on the spot."

"Say in your newspaper tomorrow that electronic arcade machines and movies are unlike home consoles; they are art found on the streets. North American people can decide on the game's quality after experiencing it. I'm openly presenting my game to everyone. I'd like to ask, do Warner and Philips dare to do the same with their home console games? Let people review their games before paying?"

"If they don't dare, then back off!"

"As compensation, I'll let you know that North American theaters have already signed a contract with me for eight thousand arcade machines. The arcade machines will debut alongside the movie. Please tell Warner and Philips to stop watching me, because my new game has already made sixteen million!"

Such explosive news was faithfully published by the "Los Angeles Times."

Media, lacking integrity, will publish anything that boosts their sales, as long as it doesn't involve their bosses. If a story can skyrocket their sales, they won't hesitate to print it, regardless of whether it affects their sponsors.

Oh, come on! As long as there's traffic, there will be sponsors! When the "Los Angeles Times" released the news of eight thousand arcade machines sold and invited the public to review them, the smear campaign related to "Star Wars" significantly decreased.

Warner and Philips knew Ethan spoke the truth. When people can assess a project's content before entering a payment phase, no amount of media smear can hinder its success.

However, this did not mean they would stop their harassment. On May 2, Destiny Game's factory gates were blocked.

"We are from the California Labor Department, responding to allegations of your factory violating labor laws, including but not limited to working more than eight hours daily, over forty hours weekly, not providing thirty-minute meal breaks every five hours, and failing to segment daily work properly..."

The uniformed middle-aged man came to investigate with an authoritative air, clearly up to no good.

Upon hearing this, Ethan leapt from his office chair, driving straight to the factory, fearing a physical confrontation between his protective uncles and the Labor Department staff.

Aware that these individuals, having taken lives, fear no government employee after finding a new lease on life, they are ready to defend their workplace by any means necessary, including armed resistance.

Yet, when Ethan arrived, he found Michael Blanco had effectively shut down the Labor Department's accusations, "A complaint? Oh! Can you tell me which idiot filed it?"

"All our payroll records are here! Our bank slips are here!"

"Yes, we do work over twelve hours a day! Yes, we do work seven days a week! But Ethan has paid us weekly wages far exceeding California's triple overtime rate!"

"Our basic weekly wage is three hundred dollars! For every additional arcade machine produced beyond ten, we get an extra fifty dollars!"

"On average, we earn seven hundred dollars a week!"

"In such circumstances, who in their right mind would complain? Ah?"

Yes, Ethan was genuinely generous with payments.

Having been taught by Thomas, Ethan, now well-versed in the workings of American society, understood that industry is the most influential sector in this land. While it may not generate wealth as the financial sector does, the geometrically accumulated power it commands exceeds that of finance.

In this context, Ethan, already operating in a highly profitable industry, spared no expense.

Especially when it comes to paying these uncles and aunts, as their hearts are filled with conviction.

After Michael laid out the wage data to the California Labor Department, the government employees, unable to find fault, left in disgrace. This scene had Ethan giving Michael a thumbs-up, and in return, Michael proudly raised two.

Unfortunately, their relief was short-lived.

On May 5, the California Air Resources Board, California Environmental Protection Agency, San Jose Air Quality Management District, and San Jose Water Quality Control Board came knocking, intending to inspect the factory's pollutant emissions. "This process will take three to five days. Please cease operations and cooperate."

Ethan would not accept such unreasonable demands and outright refused.

The departments, not taking no for an answer, produced state government documents, mandating Destiny Game to halt operations immediately or face enforcement actions.

Tired of such incessant harassment, Ethan had Michael block those nuisances at the door while he called his sister, seeking Stanford's assistance.

Upon learning of the factory's troubles, Evelyn promptly swung into action. Shortly after, a Volkswagen arrived, with its passengers apologizing profusely to Ethan, then turning to the environmental officials...

"Get the hell out of here!"

"Is Destiny Game's factory something you can inspect?"

"President Fred Terman's call went straight to the governor!"

"What's this about?"

"Feeling wronged? Oh, please, I know you've been paid off!"

"Let me tell you, not just you, even if the CEOs of Warner and Philips showed up now, they'd have to leave! We welcome fair competition, but if you play dirty..."

"You can all quit your jobs!"

Yes, Evelyn went straight to Fred Terman for help.

Because in this region, his word is law.

Though the esteemed elder has retired, as long as he lives, the American scientific community owes him respect. He may not influence public opinion, but he can silence major corporations!

Why?

Ever since his mentor founded Thor, and since his collaboration with Lockheed, his veins have coursed with America's most noble blood.

"Is everything settled?" Evelyn inquired upon Ethan's return home that evening.

"Yeah, smoothly," Ethan replied with a smile. "When you brought up President Terman, Warner and Philips didn't dare bother us anymore..."

Just as Ethan said, when Warner and Philips tested Ethan's ultimate card, they vanished like mice before a cat.

In the following days, Destiny Game enjoyed an incredibly relaxed production environment, and the managers of North American theatres arrived as scheduled to collect their orders.

This seamless operation brought genuine ease to Ethan, and as May 25 dawned... he and his sister stepped out early.

For he was determined to witness...

"Star Wars" ascending to its throne!