☆TRACK I: NOTHING LEFT OF YOU

[interdimanagers]

Who: Every single one of you.
What: Interstellar's first log, and an awards ceremony for jerks you don't know!
When: October 2nd.
Where: A fancy ballroom in neutral territory.
Warnings: Could be anything.

“Oh, it's been getting so hard, Living with the things you do to me; My dreams are getting so strange, I'd like to tell you everything I see. I see a man at the back as a matter of fact, His eyes are as red as the sun. And the girl in the corner lets no one ignore her, ‘Cause she thinks she's the passionate one.” ☆NOTHING LEFT OF YOU It’s the seasonal Vista Music Industry Award Gala, and attendance is mandatory. You and your band have been touring non-stop for the last two months, hitting locations all over Americana, performing and doing press appearances. This event is set less than three days after your return home, but it’s been made clear that further rest will have to wait. Though Halloween technically isn’t until the end of the month, the gathering has a formal masquerade theme - masquerade that is, not costume. Dressing up as a mummy or a clown isn’t going to cut it. Themed formal wear is expected, and your image consultants have been pestering you about your choices for the last 48 hours. Whether or not you listen to them, how you dress feels incredibly important. At least if you let the consultants fuss over you, you can be sure it’ll be something press friendly. Various awards are being given out, but none of them are for you. The media in attendance are starting to bubble with enthusiasm for the ‘rising stars’ of the industry, however, so this could be a moment to shine. Labels besides Pride and Virgo are also in attendance, but who cares about those guys? They seem to be a mere footnote in comparison to the buzz around the heavy hitters. There’s food, alcohol, dancing, stage performances by notable musicians of both Pride and Virgo, and then the formal awards ceremony in the evening. Yes, you are expected to sit through them. Do try to look like you’re interested, the media is watching. ☆PRIDE RECORDS Lesedi Santiago doesn’t always make a big deal about introductions - or at least, that’s the impression you get when she just kind of shows up in your group limousine unannounced on your way over to the party. Deep into pre-drinking a bottle of gin, she doesn’t talk with you so much as talk at you, regaling your band with weird stories about the industry while completely ignoring the fact that her presence is more intimidating than comforting. You’re not sure if it’s intentional, but at least she’s a good story teller - her speech doesn’t seem to be at all affected by the quantity of booze she’s already consumed, which is kind of bizarre if you think about it too deeply. You’re not inclined to. You’ve all met her before, here and there, in a series of bombastic encounters. Her interest in pontificating at you and the other new label inductees seems to fade immediately upon entering the ballroom, as she quickly becomes distracted with more high profile guests. Her attention fixates on Edward Blanch from time to time, but she declines to address him specifically. If you want to get some of her one on one attention, now could be your chance - just make sure you go in ready. Handling Miss Santiago can be a bit of an...experience. Veteran Pride members are in attendance as well, but most of them are not very good company. Their reactions vary from ‘frat members greeting a new pledge’ to ‘disinterested shoulder pats’, and ultimately it will seem your attention is better received by the other newbies. Maybe even the Virgo Entertainment stiffs, at that. Because, of course, that crew is here as well. Lesedi suggested you “show them who’s boss,” but you’re not necessarily sure what that’s supposed to mean. ☆VIRGO ENTERTAINMENT Tonight's event is one of considerable speculation: it marks Edward Blanche's first public appearance after a considerable period of isolation. He's a private man, a mystery and an enigma to the public, and that just seems to make him all the more intoxicating. The Managers and security staff are out in full force, and if you know what's good for you, you'll be dressed to the nines. Your image consultant will be almost desperate to do the work for you, like they're afraid of what might happen to their careers if you embarass the label on their watch. Personal style is important, but everything in your gut tells you that your nose has got to be clean this time, or trouble is sure to follow. For many of you, this will be the first time you'll ever have seen your CEO in person, and as such, the first time he'll encounter you one on one. If you're going to brown nose, now's the time - but make sure you choose your words carefully, and don't waste his time. Blanche has little patience for it. There are veteran musicians of the Virgo label in attendance, ones with dozens of awards to their names, but they seem to have little interest in speaking with you. Some are politely avoidant while others and just rudely dismissive, but none of them really give an answer for why they just aren't interested. It's not totally surprising - Virgo's interior politics are harsh. Other notable guests include Lesedi Santiago and the rest of the Pride Records entourage. Though you may have acquaintances, or even friends, who have been snatched up by the other side, it's even more likely that you have enemies. Everything about your Virgo upbringing makes you feel like you should hold a certain contempt for their ilk - people in this label think of them as classless at best and crass maniacs at worst. Did you hear about that disgusting stunt one of their front runners pulled on stage last week? Revolting. ☆THE TWIST Some of you may remember strange events from the past few weeks. Misplaced objects, malfunctioning technology, nostalgic phantom music - it feels a lot like the last portion of your tour was haunted. Now that you're back home, all of that seems to be flaring up again. You can practically feel the otherworldly presences passing through the room, even if nobody besides your tour group seems to notice. Even though they aren't knocking glasses off tables and flickering lights like last time, their presence is somehow even more apparent. Your programming makes one thing clear: don't make a public fuss about this. Ignore it, everything's fine. The second part only goes so far. Especially when, at some point or another, you'll be shaken by the feeling that one of these ghosts has walked straight through you. For that moment, you feel like a totally different person. At this point, one of four memory regain effects will occur: ► REMEMBER LOVE: You remember a scene, image, or concept related to one of the greatest loves of your past life. Can be either romantic, platonic, or familial. It must be about a person and not a place or activity, though. ► REMEMBER DUTY: You remember a scene, image, or concept related to something you held a great sense of duty or loyalty to in your past life. It could be a person, a cause, a country, or anything in between. ► REMEMBER PASSION: You remember a scene, image, or concept related to something you were passionate about to the point of anger or determination in your past life. Not enjoyment of, but something that drove you, or one of the things most likely to make you throw a punch. ► REMEMBER HOPE: You remember a scene, image, or concept related to something you dreamed about making come true, or an important hope you had for the future in your past life. This covers any kind of positive goal or ambition for you or the world around you. The feeling will quickly fade, leaving you as the person you've been made into once again. Only now you have something new: the first fragment of a life you can't remember having lived. The CEOs and managers will react to this eventually, and you're probably going to get sent home early. This, however, will be covered with a top level further into the log. “I'm reaching out for something, Touching nothing's all I ever do. Oh, I softly call you over; When you appear there's nothing left of you.”

Comments

Doctor | Virgo | Flowers Over Bones

[trustme]

[Doctor decided to keep it simple and go with a classic look. A black suit with tails, hair slicked back, and a simple white mask. With the red rose tucked into his lapel he looks classy in a funny sort of Phantom of the Opera way. He stands near his band most of the night but when the dancing begins he rushes to the middle of the dance floor.]

A) Dancing

[During the ballroom dancing, Doctor is quick to offer his hand to any lonely looking ladies, and of course to his friends. He moves confidently around the dance floor, smiling and laughing all the way.

When the music changes to something faster though out comes the enthusiastic hopping, wiggly, arguably ridiculous dancer within him. He continues to invite others to dance with him. Less people dare to join him than before.]

B) For Bandmates and Virgo

[Halfway through a drink, Doctor pauses to flick the glass in hand with a finger and run a finger around the rim to listen to the glass hum. He takes another sip and repeats this, looking very amused. His bandmates have witnessed this sort of behavior countless times on the road; Doctor banging on things and listening to the sound. He always claims it's for the music.]

C) Remember Love

[Doctor stops short in the middle of walking to rub his face. What an odd sensation...]

E-Excuse me. [He says aloud, regardless of whether anyone noticed.] Funny. Just thought I-

[Doctor! He turns his head at the sound of someone calling to him. There in the hallway leading out of the ballroom he sees a blue police box. As if hypnotized, he turns to start walking towards it. The door opens on its own like it's inviting him inside. Light streams out into the hallway from inside the box. The silhouette of a woman approaches the doorway to the box. Grandfather? she asks.

Then he blinks and it's gone. Doctor grabs at his forehead, looking dazed.]

B

[panspermia]

That the next sound for FoB? Glass symphony?

[You might think he's teasing but he is not. He is listening with complete rapture. Music is everywhere man that's so beautiful.]

[trustme]

Maybe! That would be fun. It might be a pain to transport for live performances though. The set up would be demanding if liquid is involved. I'm not sure the fans would be as impressed by arranged recordings. Still, it's a thought!

[Doctor raises his eyebrows and grins.]

Hello Greg. How has your evening been?

[panspermia]

Might be good for a viral music video. Internet loves musical gimmicks.

[His grin's a bit tired, but it's real enough.]

It's been an evening. Definitely never thought I'd end up in a place like this. A little closer to your taste, I figure.

[trustme]

I do have a soft spot for ballroom dancing! If the crowd wasn't so stuffy I'd say this party is right up my alley. One too many fake smiles in this building though. I'd rather be in the studio playing a set of glasses than watching so many people look down their noses. [He sips from his drink. This was going to be a long night.] You'd think they would go cross-eyed doing that so much.

Have you run into anyone from Pride Records yet? I've chatted with a few. Mixed reactions- some of them are into the company rivalry gimmick. [He snorts.] Company politics. Really!

C

[faithfulflame]

[Rei blinks in confusion when her bandmate suddenly stops mid-stride and sentence, and immediately puts her hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Her brow furrows and she peers at him, ignoring the looks that they might be getting from other people.]

Hey, Doctor? Are you alright?

[Slowly, she starts to pull on his shoulder, tugging him towards a seat.]

[trustme]

Hm? [He turns to her, giving his best poker faced smile. He blinks a few times as she guides him towards a seat and his posture straightens out again as he sits.]

Oh! Sorry Rei! I think I just... got a little too caught up in my daydreams again. Silly. Telephone boxes and people inside them- something like that. Maybe it's a strike of inspiration!

[faithfulflame]

[She takes a seat beside him, grabbing a water cup and pulling a Tylenol packet out of the beaded bag, passing both over to the Doctor. Still concerned, she affects a smile, though it's a little bit strained. She's too perceptive to think it's just...nothing. Not after her own experience with that word. Silver Millennium....]

It's alright. Just sit, take this, and drink water, okay? I know how you can get, with your daydreams. [A beat, and her smile brightens just a bit.] And aren't people supposed to be in telephone boxes? Isn't that sort of the point?

[trustme]

[He chuckles and accepts the medicine she offers.]

Yes yes of course! Though they're disappearing these days though aren't they? Everyone has a cell phone now. Some boxes have had their phones taken out of them. Have you ever seen them? [He pauses to swallow the pill with a large swig of water.] Empty red boxes standing around London, only there because of nostalgia and for tourists. What was the last time anyone used a landline around here? But the one I saw it was a distinct blue. I'm not really sure if it was a telephone box.

[Doctor rambling was usually a good sign. His brain was back to full speed or near it at least.]

Now I'll have to write about it in a song won't I? What do you think? Any suggestions? Other colors or subjects that come to mind?

C

[sponsorigami]

[ Ivan thinks, though won't necessarily voice, that Flowers Over Bones should have been allowed to rest more before attending the gala. They are not in the best shape. It's showing throughout the night as each member seems to loose their footing at some point.

It could be having too much alcohol to drink, but Ivan thinks the tour is the true culprit. ]

Please take this.

[ It's a glass of water. Hydrate, Band Dad ]

[trustme]

Thanks. [He murmurs and studies the glass of water being shoved in his hand as if he momentarily forgot what it was there for. Doctor reaches up to his neck and grabs at his tie like he's trying to wiggle it into place, the way a bow tie would work, but the subconscious action only messes up the long black tie that's really around his neck.

He shakes his head, trying to shake off the strange feeling.]

Yes. Right. I was about to...?

[sponsorigami]

You were about to drink some water and take a seat for a little while.

[ Ivan says that quietly and evenly. A musician drinking too much is a common sight, and it's nothing that will draw headlines unless something spectacular is done while drunk. Ivan places a hand on the Doctor's arm to encourage him to move towards the seats.

Let's start there, and if there is more going on, Ivan will try to help. ]

[trustme]

Yes. Of course! [He shuffles to the nearest empty seat and plops down, nearly spilling the water in hand on his lap. He laughs at himself and gives Ivan his best reassuring smile.]

There I go getting lost in my thoughts again!

Thank you. [He thanks Ivan again and starts to sip from the glass.]

A

[sailorlaughter]

[DID YOU SAY HOPPING?

LET'S HOP MAN]

[trustme]

[Doctor hops in Pinkie's direction and starts to match his jumps to hers. He laughs and shouts to her over the music. They immediately start to get some disapproving looks from across the room but he doesn't notice.]

We met on the dance floor before at another party haven't we? I'd recognize that pink hair anywhere!

[sailorlaughter]

Totally! You're the crazy instruments guy, right?

[trustme]

You know what? I am the crazy instruments guy!

They call me Doctor. What can I call you Miss Pink?

B

[i_am_not_cute]

[Pao-Lin sits in the chair next to Doctor's, swinging her dangling feet idly as she works her way through yet another slice of cake. At the sound of the crystal tone floating over to her, she cocks her head.]

How do you do that, anyway? I tried it and couldn't get it to work.

[trustme]

Moisture is key. [He dips his finger into the drink without hesitation and runs it over the lip of the glass.] Once the lip is wet it's just a matter of moving your finger around it at the right pace.

[He plays the glass again.] What do you think? Glasses as an instrument in one of our next songs?

[i_am_not_cute]

[Nodnod.]

Definitely! It sounds so pretty! Maybe we could use it for that one song you were stuck on, what was it called again? [Did it even have a title? A lot of times they'd complete a song and still have no idea what to call it.]

[trustme]

Are you talking about the one I like to call Lights? And every time I bring up the title everyone else says it's too general of a title? Really, I'm aware of how many songs talk about lights.

[warrior_princess]

[Lora was Aragorning* against a pillar when Doctor offered his hand. She raises her eyebrows - the mask hides most of that, but the skin around her eyes is tugged upwards - as if unimpressed, but the corner of her mouth twitches.

*hanging back and watching with her arms folded. She would be a mystery woman if her height and build weren't so distinctive.]

You're not afraid I'd break you in half?

[trustme]

You probably could if you wanted to. [He's fully aware of how thin and gawky he is.]

Just a friendly invitation to a lady who looks like she could do with a distraction to pass the time. From what I've witnessed off the dance floor, the seniors at this ball make it feel more like a funeral than an awards ceremony.

[warrior_princess]

It's always like this. Talking amongst themselves and freezing out anyone straying from their categories.

[She's been here for major awards ceremonies... she doesn't know how many times. Since the year after she made her wide-eyed childstar debut, there've only been a handful of times skipped on the way. Lora's an old hand.

She snorts and takes his hand, hers covered by long gloves that are too flared at the arm to be the ballroom type.]

All right, then. But I can't promise much more than not stepping on your feet, doc.

[trustme]

Well by luck I happen to be a decent teacher. Or so I've been told. Come! [He leads her by the hand onto the dance floor and helps to guide her to the correct position facing him.]

This is a waltz. Not that complicated. And you've got music in your veins. You'll catch on in no time! Just mirror my steps. [He moves slowly at first to be sure their feet don't bump or crush each other. It's a basic box step to start off with.]