It was a harsh reality, a true dispute in which no one had an answer about what they should do, and it was a shame—a genuine realization that Raimon was beginning to lose his shape, or perhaps become a ghost of himself. How simple the work seemed now that it would not be long before the entire project was tied down to a single, decisive number.
-I think it is enough that we have the support of the entire state. - whispered Raimon.
—But now they will give us money for helping, a reimbursement of forty million in taxes that were paid at the beginning, and I'm afraid that is more than enough for all of us —replied William Domer.
Now Raimon felt uneasy just looking at him; it was a vividly painful truth for anyone who had a minute to think about it. It was a fragment, a typical moment of life in which one realizes who the man beside him truly is, and that realization burned strongly, or perhaps lingered like that faint sigh that was so unusual.
-When two parts are delivered, and one is not, then perhaps none of it is truly what we promised to give. —replied William.
-This will help ease tensions that have been difficult to witness for quite some time. - answered Raimon. The money was the project itself, and for the workers,s it was curious that people were willing to take on that long, demanding work—the kind that could frighten anyone—because they had promises to fulfill that would give life to the economy.
—It is courageous —replied William. —We have a fast job ahead of us. The truth is that the companies have done remarkable work, while the best engineers were bringing to life what had come to be called—and associated with—the great project. -
-You spoke with the mayor, and I believe you used your influence. But why did they accept it? —asked Raimon.
-Money. Money given now, and later I return a portion through contracts or campaign favors. It is an idea that seems to live upon the interests of people, though I fear that for some time now the whole matter has been intriguing for reasons even I cannot fully explain. - replied William Domer with calm composure.
The game of politics and the game of darts were somewhat delicate when interests merged into a single direction. Billy wanted to make full use of his abilities in this work to renew the automotive industry, while using Detroit as a center of land that he would later call a yard of wealth—or an enterprise—once wages became cheap and the unions disappeared, allowing him to instill a labor policy similar to that of South Dakota.
--What villainy… and what brilliance. - replied Raimon, somewhat nervous about the manner in which the plan unfolded, one that had been presented to him in such a utilitarian way.
--Two months, and everything seems to be moving very quickly. It is expected that everything will be finished in at least five months. The shops are already preparing to open; many of them are part of Raimon's work, which is to formalize a shopping center and establish prices that will bear fruit from the labor he has been carrying out for so long. Everything must remain in order now that they will use this as momentum to promote their series in their own way, through operating methods that Billy has quietly pursued for some time—pushing everything toward the limits of conglomerates. And perhaps he is not yet in the oil business, but he will be. He cannot think of anything else, and the thought alone hastens the mind of anyone around him.
--And now all that remains is to wait for the stock journal to come alive. —replied William.
--It gives me peace to think that all the contracts are more or less signed, and Nike will help us with a few things. Believe me, it is not such a small idea that perhaps they will join us in a generous and elegant sponsorship. - replied Raimon.
Nike had signed a sponsorship so that some of the tracks would carry the vivid checkmark that was the company's trademark.
Raimon now had his second option, which was to go to Discovery, a network that had transformed under Billy's first direction. Thousands of series were being created, and each of them proved that beyond singularity there was something more: for some time now, together with science magazines, they had focused on producing documentary series. Many of them were created through dreamers, environmentalists, and protectors of natural sanctuaries—projects that multiplied with Billy's sponsorship. He made sure to produce at least six documentaries each year, often followed by second seasons before moving on to the next one, allowing each subject to be explored in depth. That depth often came from repetitive work, the kind that carried a fervent and exhausting intensity.
—It may take ten to fifteen months —replied Raimon. We will see each other in England, or through your assistant. The castle is in its final stage, a nd, well, they will begin crafting all the wardrobe and the remaining elements. I believe that will take around twelve to fifteen days.
Billy was very skilled, but Raimon was tireless and devoted solely to the economic aspects of the entire film. How painful and indigning the work of cinema could be—making sure that every detail arrived in its rightful place. With the castle nearly finished, all that remained was for the interior to feel real, using the finest woods and replacing the more intimate moments with structures that revealed how time itself had become a formula. Now all that remained was for the end of 1999 to bring the film to life and for it to be enough to make the children's story truly connect.
***
October 11.
Steve Parks had worked for a long time, but now he had it. Dawn Brown was there—an author who had debuted some time ago, but who was about to begin a series of books. This was his newest ticket to publication: Angels and Demons, signed by Tor Books as the leading project, alongside The Last Formula and The Rescue.
—Well, welcome to the family. Now we want to maintain a close relationship, something that will give us both time and space to stand out. —replied Steve Parks.
There was still time ahead, but the key was allowing the work to mature.
-Well, I think that gives me some peace. - sighed Dawn.
His signing had come from the promise of his talent, and the work would give him time to weigh the ideas he carried within him. Whether there were few or many, they created the space needed to publish from time to time, something that was not always easy.
To live a life and fulfill a goal, the money was what he needed.
—It may take longer than I fear, but when that time comes, you will help others fulfill their dreams, in one way or another. —replied Steve Parks.
...
Anne was a worker accustomed to demanding processes and tight schedules.
-Half a year, perhaps a little more time. —replied Rachel over the phone, speaking mostly about the expansion that was moving into Asia, where a simple idea was also beginning to take shape.
-I want you to cut that time in half. It is more important to focus on the work at Apple now that the console is expected to be released in June next year. - replied Anne.
Both companies were beginning to turn profitable, and the surge of talent surrounding Billy was turning that sector into something more than a simple way to cover expenses. It would double the revenue of id Software and also that of the toy company.
—It's complicated. There is, in a way, a new wave of writers here who are aligned with the idea of creating these products. - replied Rachel.
--Then… -
--Just time. Time to unify the companies, evaluate talent, and expand at the same time. If there is enough time, we can work for another two months. - replied Rachel, who, little by little,e was beginning to dedicate herself entirely to the continuous rhythm of work.
Anne nodded. Now she wished she had something different on her side, something that held real value. Japan, as she had expected, was not a profitable company yet—it was merely covering its expenses.
...