the land of opportunity

Mr. Thomas Carsen couldn't question why he was still engaged in a ridiculous bet with his fourteen-year-old son. But reaching the point where betting $30,000 on the Detroit Pistons seemed like a symbol of madness—it's good that last semester they won as the surprising dark horses of the year with some incredible plays. But two years in a row, only great teams can achieve those results.

-Yes, please. I want to place a $30,000 bet on the Detroit Pistons winning the Eastern Conference and the championship against the Western Conference for the 1989-1990 season, - Thomas Carsen said with some reluctance as he considered it a crazy idea, and he thought that the betting limits would prevent someone from placing such a significant bet.

Unbeknownst to him, a law was being reformed. Still a proposed federal law at the time, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) prohibited sports betting in 1992, making it illegal to engage in sports betting. Even young Billy wasn't aware of this law, as it was later amended to a more lenient form after 2000 and eventually repealed.

For now, Mr. Thomas Carsen, in a stroke of ingenuity, went to a specialized betting house and put $30,000 under his name for the upcoming tournament in early 1989.

-Give me a second, I'll ask the manager about the amount you're betting, - the young man behind the counter said. He walked through a metal door behind him, and Thomas impatiently waited, feeling uncomfortable about engaging in this kind of betting for no reason.

- What's your name? -the young man asked upon returning.

- Thomas Carsen, - he replied.

-Alright, I'll process your request, - the young man said.

-Very well, I'll be waiting, -Thomas said.

- If it's accepted, according to the betting odds, even if the Detroit Pistons win the Eastern Conference but lose the championship, you would lose all your money. The payout ratio is 45 to 1 based on the probability index. Here's your ticket, make sure not to lose it. Once lost, we're not responsible for any bets placed with our organization, - the man behind the counter said.

-I accept, -Thomas Carsen said, handing over the cash to the young man behind the counter. He kept the receipt they gave him in his wallet and quickly left the place, paying no attention to anything but his exit. Indeed, when Billy loses this little bet, he'll study business and become a successful person, contrary to what Thomas initially thought.

He pondered a bit on the road, with the tunes of songs playing on the radio. Nothing like the music of the '70s. These new bands have very harsh styles that tire anyone out. His wife loved jazz, too bad he couldn't find a good jazz radio station on this trip. Maybe he'll buy some cassettes for the next long car journey.

His beautiful Agustina, perhaps with her, he wouldn't force Billy to study business and let him be as free as a bird. But a good future for his son is built through education. If he allows him too much freedom, he might waste the talent he has.

He arrived home and didn't find Billy at the table. Maybe he's sleeping. Lately, he takes a nap after coming home from school. If he recalls correctly, he had a phone meeting. Anne called him this morning to inform him about the meeting with the Warner TV cooperative group. She didn't mention anything as a surprise for the boy. He would be thrilled to know they were interested in a TV series based on "Ghost Report." They're just hoping he can advance the production or at least have the outlines for the TV series ready.

Suddenly, the sound of the phone interrupted his thoughts. Maybe it's Amanda, Thomas thought to himself.

-Hello, good morning, Carsen residence -Thomas said.

-Good morning, I'm looking for Billy, - the man on the other end of the line said.

-What do you need him for? This is his father speaking, - Thomas replied.

-I see Mike Richardson didn't inform him. I'm speaking on behalf of James Cameron's secretary. I'd like to get in touch with Billy. Mr. Cameron is on the line and would like to have a conversation about the Terminator series, - the woman on the phone said, her voice clear and strong, belying her advanced age.

-Please hold on for a moment. -

Thomas went upstairs to Billy's room, where he was immersed in his usual drawing work. Chapter 25 had several important parts in the manga storyline, such as Sakuragi/Wilt'sdesire to become more talented and improve his basketball skills for upcoming matches. It's in the competition that the boy begins to see the sport with eyes beyond impressing a girl.

-Billy, it's for you on the phone. A Mr. Cameron wants to talk to you about your Terminator: Judgment Day comic," his father said.

"Cameron... it can't be him. I mean, I'm just a small artist," Billy thought after hearing his father's words, almost refusing to believe the evident truth before his eyes. People are often classified into different social ranks, and the famous, rich, or well-connected are considered unattainable to ordinary people. It's far from the reality, but the status gap is a reason why that truth holds true.

-Good afternoon, - Billy said.

-Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Bill C. Y.? The creator of the Terminator comic? -asked the strong and clear female voice from the other end.

-That's correct, you're speaking with the creator of the comic, - Billy replied.

-One moment, please...- the voice said.

-James Cameron speaking, - came the voice.

-Pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Cameron. I've been informed that you have some questions, -Billy said.

-Ahhh, I do. Initially, I thought the work you guys did would be nothing more than a simple book narrating some events from the first movie produced in 1984. But upon studying your work, I found a perfect script for the continuation of the Terminator series, -Cameron said.

On the front of his desk, he had two comics—one intact and the other scattered all over the desk with some annotations between pages and notes. The script writing had already begun, and they were expecting to deliver it to the publishers on specific and formal topics by the end of the year.

- It's great to hear, Mr. Cameron. I based it on your work and the continuous linear image that is the format I give to my productions. If you look closely at my other published works, they all follow a coherent storyline. It allows the reader to immerse themselves in the role I want to portray, similar to a novel where each character's transitions are evident, - Billy said.

-I'm not a big comic fan, but I have a few favorites like Batman, Spider-Man, and Punisher. I liked yours, - Cameron said. - It's true that in some cases, there isn't a established timeline that follows the characters' events panel by panel. -

-Well, if you like it, Mr. Cameron, I consider myself well-served, - Billy replied.

-Ah, young man, I initially thought you were an old man, but you turned out to be a kid, - Cameron chuckled.

- I really liked your work and meticulousness, especially regarding the comic's settings. On one hand, it captures the science fiction elements that the author wants to see, and on the other hand, it doesn't lose sight of that dramatic storytelling aspect of a novel that gives it that pleasant feeling. It's perfect for producing a movie. You've saved me a lot of work, - Cameron said.

-That's great to hear, Mr. Cameron. I hope to see Terminator in theaters next summer, - Billy said.

- I still don't understand, why did the mother end up in prison? - Cameron asked.

-Sarah Connor's mission is to train John Connor to become the supreme leader of the resistance. Only someone raised and trained for that purpose can fulfill such an important role –

>>The people around her wouldn't believe that in twenty years, the world would be under total control by machines. Authorities tend to conduct personality inspections, and the belief that a killer machine sent from the future can only be seen as an excuse for committing criminal acts, such as carrying illegal weapons or confining her to a mental hospital to help her with the hallucinations she experiences. – said Billy.

- Would she go to such extremes? - asked Cameron.

- Oh, she would. After all, the fate of the world is in his hands, and Sarah was deeply marked by her first experience of life and death, - Billy said. - That's how I interpreted the outcome. -

- Where did you get the idea of the artificial intelligence hive? - Cameron asked.

- Well, it's a silly thought, but it's said that God made us in His image and likeness. We humans would also make machines in our own image and likeness. A hive mind represents everything it creates and controls—a rather spiritual concept, - Billy explained.

- Quite insightful. How much will it cost me? - Cameron asked, his tone immediately shifting from a casual conversation to that of a Hollywood director.

- I don't quite understand what you mean, sir, - Billy responded, surprise evident in his words.

-I'm referring to the price for the rights to the work, kid. Although I have the copyrights, coincidentally, I don't have power over this original work, - James Cameron explained.

-Ah, sir, I wouldn't know the price. Although Lux Comics is not short on money, - Billy said.

-Could we negotiate in another way and have my lawyer draft the agreement?" he suggested.

-Negotiate in another way, huh? What are you specifically hoping for? - Cameron asked.

-Well, we are a young company, and relationships in the film industry are more beneficial to us than guarantees in terms of money. That's why it would be good to start a mutually supportive relationship between the parties, - Billy proposed.

-Oh, you want a favor. Tell me straight up what you desire, - Cameron replied.

-I want you to help promote my comic company. And, if it's not too much trouble, I can assist you in writing the script. I have some extra ideas on how certain parts could be developed. I know some shots are impossible to achieve, so I can help with that creative spirit, - Billy said.

-Deal. From your phone number, you must be in California. Where in California are you located? - Cameron asked.

-In San Jose, Mr. Cameron. I'll send my assistants to finalize the negotiation, or you can visit me in Los Angeles, - Billy said.

-Bad luck for you, Los Angeles is my current place of residence, - Cameron replied.

-I'll send you the script. I already have a pencil sketch that I did earlier, which is more suitable than the comic, - Billy said.

-I'll receive it. I'll call you if it fits my specifications for the movie. I'm looking to give it a commercial sense without losing that taste of action, - Cameron said.

-Alright, the meeting can take place in North San Jose, - Billy suggested.

-Pleasure meeting you. My assistant handles the agenda; she's responsible for managing most of my calendar, - Cameron said. Slowly, after the evaluative conversation.

Billy looked at his father with an inquisitive gaze and smiled. He took a breath, realizing that another opportunity is sprouting for his comic company. He wouldn't dare ask for a role like John Connor, knowing his lack of preparation and skills that have not yet reached a semi-professional level. He needs time and prior study. However, he can initiate a productive relationship with a man who will produce great successes one after another.

-Anything specific? - his father asked.

-Well, apparently, it's none other than James Cameron himself, and he wants to acquire the rights to the comic to make the Terminator 2 comic, - Billy said.

- Amazing! What did he say? - Thomas asked.

- He said he would come to the factory to resolve some issues regarding the rights to the script. I mentioned that I'm willing to make a deal as long as he allows me to participate in the script creation and helps promote our comic company, - Billy explained.

-Promote the company? You want to make an agreement for Hollywood to help promote your small company, - Thomas remarked.

- That's right. It could be through advertising during the movie, small placements, or assistance behind James Cameron. You know, having a celebrity freely promoting our products would help expand our market in the United States, - Billy said.

- It's not a bad idea. We both come out as winners. Although I'll wait until the movie is released, or at least during its production, to determine the extent of the increase. I'll prepare a document and call Mike to discuss the creation and current status, - Thomas said.

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