Donald of Mars: Chapter 78, A New Show is Born

The man Donald contacts to help him want to expand to full time series.

“I’m glad you contacted me about this show,” Fredrick Holzman said, looking across the table at him at Fong’s. Fred was not one of those that was going fat, even though he was only here for a single tour with his production company, then back to earth. His company learned their lesson well with Honey and Candy. Donald had heard from Miray that they had changed the contracts for this new crew. The more overweight you get, the less bonus you received on your return.

Fred went on, “I did a rough scan. There are maybe eighty companies right here on Mars that will be potential partial sponsors alone. Some just to get listed in the end credit, others to have you mention buying the stuff from them.”

Fred picked up his cup of pre-brewed stevia sweetened peppermint tea. Fong had just added it to the menu here. Both the peppermint and the stevia came from his own aquaponics set up downstairs, and he brewed the tea and mixed in the stevia himself to give you a great cup of sweet tea, with little waste.

It dawned on him; Peppermint was a plant that he was moderately sure the ducklings would leave alone and would benefit his ecology. Donald stuck to his unsweetened tea. It had taken him a long time to get over his sweet tooth, and he didn’t want to start craving them again, but having his own supply of peppermint had pluses.

“I am not just talking about only doing your dojo and your girlfriend’s condo, either. But us doing a regular show, putting out regular weekly episodes of remodeling and maintenance as done on Mars. That kind of show will be popular here, and even more so back on Earth. This would be a full limited liability incorporated production company. You get 15%, I get 15%. I see eight people in the production team, each getting 5%.”

“And the remaining 30%?” Donald asked.

Fang set down the two plates of roasted Guinea pig set on stir-fried vegetables Donald had order for them.

“Startup cash,” Fred said, picking up his fork and knife. “We sell 30% to someone earth side that can see to it we get good distribution contracts in the different markets and use that for startup funds.” Cutting off some of the Guinea pig, he took a bite, then held up his empty fork. “Thanks for dinner. I never thought I’d like Guinea pig or rabbit before coming here. Still not in the class of pork chops or steaks, but a step above fish and chicken.”