New York—always as bustling and utilitarian as I imagined. I watched the Marvel building from different angles. Once everything important in the Middle East was settled, I'd begin buying up properties—buildings, and of course, skyscrapers. Parcels of land in the surrounding area, too. Setting up a production studio nearby would be a huge help for upcoming projects. Buy and buy land... that was his sole purpose, his only duty for the next three years. Outpacing tycoons like Trump was the only thing that mattered.
Monica walked beside him, as radiant as ever. Now, with the finest brands at her feet, it was just another day where someone took care of making her even more beautiful than she already was. The true symbol of love was starting to settle in people's hearts.
Some people approached, but they were more discreet than in Los Angeles. They snapped photos while his black sunglasses shielded him from the glare of the flashes. They made their way to the entrance of Marvel Comics, a modest building no taller than six stories.
A line of people waited for the opportunity. They were filled with that air of indifference—and of course, a few looked cheerful. Billy saw at least 300 people, letting out a long sigh.
–I'll be here until tonight… have fun in the city. I'll see you at dinner, darling. –said Billy, kissing Monica, a soft and exquisite peck she received with ease. The love and connection they shared were defined in moments like these, like when she ignored deception. She was brilliant, at least when it came to avoiding trouble.
She turned and saw the driver waiting for her. With a confident nod, Billy's security detail went from four rotating guards to a team of six, with a specific driver for every situation.
–Good morning, sir. –said Angela, executive assistant at Marvel Comics, alongside the company's new CEO, Zuma—short for Zullemaic, a failed entrepreneur of Bulgarian parents. Under Anne's sharp gaze, she was spotted as someone capable of managing the threads of the company from the smallest to the largest detail. With a solid group of men—Avi Arad, Isaac Perlmutter, and Stan Lee on the board—she handled everything outside of the creative realm.
How difficult it is to find someone who accepts the way a company is run, especially when you provide the capital for operations. And when that money isn't used properly, that's when you begin to understand the true roots of failure. In Zuma, he saw the fear of failure, the strength to move forward, and a humble heart that needed help.
–Angela, the illustrator's report. –said Billy.
–Everyone showed up. We've paid about 70% of the retroactive royalties, and today we'll sign a few more. They've been happy with the deals. Even though the money has been distributed in a clean but modest way, the royalties helped attract others. Today, we might reduce the remaining percentage to 3%, maybe even 2%. But Ms. Zuma is focused on those who are still hesitant, though Stan has helped speak with each of them. –Angela said, glowing. She always wore that smile effortlessly.
–Then I'll be the one signing those deals today. –said Billy.
–Indeed, you're the boss. –Angela replied, now opening Zuma's door. The office was overflowing with papers, comic books, and countless coffee cups. She was heavyset, with big, flushed cheeks and jet-black hair. In many ways, a mess—but there was always a smile behind it.
–Mr. Carson, I apologize for the delay. I've had some trouble understanding this geek world and have been doing some field research. –said Zuma.
–We have work to do. I need to know the total payments made in these settlements, particularly for the dismissal of legal claims. –Billy said.
–A little over two million. I have the records here. –Zuma replied, holding a black folder listing 500 individuals who had, in some way, been connected to Marvel's artwork in recent years, since its founding. Some settled for $10,000, others for up to $400,000.
–The Kirbys accepted? –Billy asked, surprised.
–Stan Lee was very persuasive in convincing the whole family. –Zuma replied.
–Good, I'm glad she received compensation too... Why is the line so long?
–We've hired—or rather, rehired—through labor contracts. We pay by the hour, with full legal benefits. We now have quality medical insurance, social security, and proper employee benefits. –Zuma explained.
–Corporate health. –Billy said. –Happy employees work better. Rewarding their labor is part of mine.
–Understood... –Zuma whispered.
...
–That's a total of $45,000. –Billy said to an elderly man with gray hair who had contributed some helpful work, though not much within the mainstream. His name didn't appear on records, but many claimed he had been involved. No files—only vague acknowledgments. It was, of course, all a matter of power.
–This is more than I expected. –Neville said.
–You're welcome to return to work. People say you're a great writer and that you've been a ghostwriter in recent years. We'd love to see your talents at Lux Animation. The brand aims to strengthen its focus on full, linear storytelling. –Billy said. –You've got the experience. If you can keep at it, there's a place for you.
Neville opened his eyes wide. They'd been hidden beneath his drooping eyelids—he was 65, but he still felt the urge to write. It was his strength. Not necessarily great, but years and years of writing and giving it his all—that's what happens after a lifetime.
–Under what conditions?
–A proper employment contract. You'll get training and writing workshops with other writers. I want you to compete with me, Neville. –Billy said.
Neville's teary eyes were a sign—a small gesture that pierced his heart.
–I would. –Neville replied.
–Welcome to Marvel. –Billy said, shaking his hand. He repeated this process about a hundred times, o many that he grew weary of how happy people were just to have a job with basic security. They gave their lives to art, but kept it for themselves, always surviving on whatever was in front of them.
...
After catching his breath post-hiring, improving the workspace wasn't difficult either, not after so many opportunities he'd been part of.
–If we maintain an open relationship with Fox, we'll start with the X-Men and with Spider-Man, but I'd like to take it slower. –Avi Arad whispered.
–It's not about going fast. It's about knowing when to go. –Stan Lee said.
–We just have to do what we've always done. We know every page ever written. Let's use everything we have in our favor. –Billy said. –I propose we call it the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and explore all the places we can anchor ourselves to. –
....