Illusiveone
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63: Redoing my Life, The Test
🕑 Added 2024-05-16 19:20:19 +0000 UTCI sat in the front seat of my mother's car, doing something technically illegal. Haley, who had recently failed her second driver's test, was in the driver's seat. By law, only adults over 25 were supposed to supervise learner drivers, but here I was, risking it.
"Relax, nobody will pull us over," Haley said, her voice attempting to sound confident.
"Don't jinx it," I replied, my eyes constantly scanning the road for any sign of a police car.
"Now, am I doing this right?" she asked, trying to simulate the test.
"Yeah, yeah," I said absentmindedly, still looking out the window.
"Daniel, help me," she said again, her frustration starting to show.
"I am, by risking everything, letting you drive," I replied, "my mother's car no less."
After a long drive, during which I spent most of his time worried they were going to crash or get caught, Haley finally pulled into her driveway.
Sitting at the wheel, she sighed. "The guy at the test hates me."
"Really, or are you..." I began.
"Am I what, babe?" she asked in a dangerous tone.
"You are... too good that he is jealous," I quickly amended.
Haley shook her head and got out of the car. I followed, telling her that she would do great.
She turned to me, looking stressed but grateful. "You will do fine, Haley," I said. "Call me when you get it. I’ll let you drive the Mustang."
"I'm going to get that license," Haley said, more determined than ever.
I got back into the car and drove back home, my mind already shifting gears to my upcoming meeting with Buddy Hager, the head of Nebula Studio. Hager was a legend, the man behind the superhero boom of the '70s and '80s with iconic movies like Superman and Batman. Yet, he was also the reason for its downfall, having mismanaged the studio into oblivion.
Arriving at my house, I quickly dressed for the meeting. I looked at myself in the mirror, adjusting one of my finest suits.
‘Whatever the reason,’ I thought, ‘I need to convince Hager of my vision for the cinematic universe.’
With renewed determination, I drove to Stardust Studios, where Chris was waiting for me. On the way, my mind was racing with the possibilities of why Hager wanted to meet me. As I pulled up to the studio, Chris was already waiting for me.
"Ready for this?" Chris asked as he slid into the passenger seat.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, pulling back onto the road and heading towards Nebula Studio's headquarters.
The drive was filled with silence as I tried to think of what to say to Hager. What questions would he ask? Was this some kind of weird test?
“Don’t worry, kid,” Chris said.
“I’m not worried,” I lied.
“Look, I told Hager who came up with the cinematic universe idea. Maybe that's why he wants to meet you. Just be yourself,” Chris said.
“Thank you, Chris,” I responded.
Finally, we arrived at Nebula's headquarters. It was a '70s-style building that seemed to have had some minor renovations lately.
"Let's do this," I said, parking the car. We stepped out, straightened our suits, and walked towards the entrance.
Arriving at Nebula Studios, Chris and I were greeted by a woman who introduced herself as Daisy, Mr. Hager's assistant. With a smile, she led us into the building. As we walked through the corridors, I couldn't help but notice the numerous posters adorning the walls—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and other iconic superhero movies from past decades, each one a testament to Nebula Studio's legacy.
Finally, Daisy opened the door to Mr. Hager's office. The room was a shrine to the golden age of superhero cinema, filled with memorabilia and old awards. Framed posters of classic films lined the walls, each one signed by the cast and crew. There were vintage action figures displayed in glass cases, some rare and valuable, alongside movie props like Superman's cape and Batman's cowl.
Awards were everywhere—Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and even a few Oscars—each with a small plaque detailing the film and year it was won. One entire wall was dedicated to comic book covers, each carefully mounted and preserved, showcasing the rich history of DC superheroes.
The desk at the center of the room was large and ornate, made of dark mahogany. Behind the desk sat Buddy Hager, a man in his late seventies with silver hair and sharp eyes. He stood up as we entered, a warm smile on his face.
"Chris, welcome. And this must be Daniel. I've heard a lot about you, my boy," Buddy said, extending his hand.
"Thank you for seeing us, Mr. Hager," I said, shaking his hand firmly. "We appreciate the opportunity."
"Please, call me Buddy," Hager said, motioning for us to sit.
Buddy leaned back in his chair, glancing at the stack of papers on his desk. "I've taken a look at your offer, and I have to say, I'm interested. Especially after reading your new comic, Daniel. I was impressed. We need a fresh perspective in the studio, and I feel you can bring that."
"Thank you, Buddy. That means a lot coming from you," I said.
Buddy nodded, then leaned forward. "I have to ask, though—what are your plans for the characters from DC? They're very dear to my heart."
I nodded, understanding the weight of the question. "I love them too, Buddy. I grew up with these characters, and I know how important they are to so many people. I will handle them with the respect and love they deserve."
Buddy seemed satisfied with the answer. "So, tell me about your plans for this cinematic universe."
I took a deep breath and began explaining my vision. "We want to start with standalone films that introduce the characters and their worlds. Each film will build towards a larger, interconnected story. We'll have origin stories, ensemble films, and crossovers that lead to an epic culmination."
I tried to explain as best I could, and Buddy listened intently, nodding occasionally. After finishing, Buddy remained silent for a while.
"It's risky and ambitious," he said finally.
"I've always bet on myself," I replied with a smile, "and it's always worked out."
Buddy chuckled. "Fair enough. Chris, could you give us a moment? I'd like to talk to Daniel alone."
Chris nodded and left the room, leaving me and Buddy alone. Buddy leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment. "What do you think of Superman?" he asked.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "I think a lot of people don’t understand him, especially now. The powers, the villains, all that stuff doesn’t matter. Superman exists because we need to imagine someone who can do anything, has the power to do anything in the entire world, but never abandons the principle that that strength should be used to help those that don’t have it. You say you’re not worried that Superman will fail to stop the crashing meteor or whatnot? Good, that’s how you should feel. Superman is here and now everything will be alright because he will find a way to do the right thing."
Buddy smiled, a look of approval in his eyes. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You understand what makes Superman special. If you bring that kind of passion and understanding to all the characters, I think we're going to do great things together."
I felt a wave of relief and excitement. "I promise, Buddy, I won't let you down."
Buddy nodded. "I believe you, Daniel. Let's make some magic."
.
.
.
Chris and I left Nebula HQ, and I couldn't stop grinning. I had done it—the merger was going to happen.
Chris glanced at me, grinning as well. "I think you might have sealed the deal back there."
"Yeah, I might have," I replied, my excitement barely contained.
As we drove, we started discussing the casting for 12 Angry Men.
"I’ve been thinking about Juror 6," I said.
"Yeah? Who do you have in mind?" Chris asked, curious.
"Pedro Pascal," I replied confidently.
"Who?" Chris asked, looking puzzled.
"He hasn’t been in big stuff yet," I explained. "But trust me, he’s got something special. Check on him, will you?"
Chris nodded. "Alright. How do you know about this guy, anyway?"
I smiled. "Saw him on a TV show. He really stood out."
After dropping off Chris, I drove to see Haley again. As I got out of the car, Haley was outside waiting for me.
"Alright, I’m going to drive," she announced, holding up her brand-new driver's license with a proud smile.
"Congrats on the license, Haley," I said, pulling her into a quick kiss.
“Now come on, let me drive. You promised.”
I hesitated for a moment before handing over the car keys. "Just... be careful, alright?"
"Don’t worry, I’ve got this," Haley said confidently, taking the keys and getting into the driver’s seat.
I took the passenger seat and held on for dear life. "Alright, let’s do this."
Haley started the car, her hands steady on the wheel. "Relax, Daniel. I know what I’m doing."
"Easy for you to say," I muttered, my grip tightening on the door handle.
Haley navigated through the streets with surprising ease and, to my relief, at a cruising speed.
Suddenly, Haley’s grin widened mischievously. "Hold on," she said, and before I could react, she floored the accelerator.
"Oh yeaaaaah!" she yelled, the car surging forward.
"Haley, slow down!" I screamed, gripping the door handle for dear life. The world outside blurred as we sped through the streets, Haley laughing and enjoying the thrill.
Thankfully, she slowed down right then, and I decided to never let her drive my car again. I mean, I was getting started on some big things now—it would be a shame if I died in a car accident of all things.
