The Viewing Area

On the wall opposite the door was a large projection screen. "Here we can keep an eye on what Fred is up to." Toby flipped off the lights and the screen lit up with the image of Fred in battle. Fred was valiantly dueling with a small man wearing a large hat. "As you can see, Sir Fred is currently engaged in combat with a man who believes he is Napolean."

"Hold it," said Hank. "Napolean lived hundreds of years after Fred's time. How could this guy believe he was someone he's never heard of?"

"Don't let it bother you," Toby commented. "Anachronisms are common in Fred's story. In his lifetime Fred has dealt with all sorts of objects and weapons that were not invented until centuries later, and has also come across items that became obsolete before he ever lived. He's bumped into characters from every century you can imagine, and even a few from other online games." He switched the screen to display another image, this one showing a rather confused Fred in conference with Dr. Who and the Twins of Doom. "We used to try to keep a lid on this sort of thing, but the story cops can only do so much. Nowadays we tend to let it go. Fred seems to take it in stride, and it does make for interesting stories."

"Why are you telling me all this?" asked Hank.

"Well, you're an interesting character, to tell you the truth," Toby replied, shutting off the screen and turning to face him. "Right off the bat I knew you had potential, the way you stopped Fred's Pokemassacre and took charge of the situation. I give you credit for coming to me and making your case, even though my hands are tied on the copyright violation thing. You've got a good eye for Fred's sort of action. I'd like you to direct a storyline."

"Wow, that would be an honor," Hank said. "Any storyline in particular, or is it up to me?"

"I'll give you total artistic control," Toby answered. "As long as you keep it in good taste, I won't interfere."

"Fantastic! When do I start?" asked Hank.

"As soon as someone clicks on one of these..."

1. Hank directs an action-packed battle sequence.
2. Hank directs a romantic subplot.
3. Hank directs a tear-jerking character development line.

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