1149/VLog: Star Sapphire

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VLog: Star Sapphire
Date of Scene: 25 June 2017
Location: Unknown
Synopsis: Summary needed
Cast of Characters: Lois Lane, Star Sapphire, Superman




Lois Lane has posed:
While the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of projects, articles and everyday life, Lois Lane has finally gotten things together for Star Sapphire. As such, when the other woman came to collect her messages, she would have found a short and to the point note -

- Star,
I'm ready to go when you are. Let's meet.
Lois Lane

Beneath that brief message Star would have found a date and time, as well.

That day and that time has now come around and Lois Lane, Ace Reporter, is currently settled inside one of the smaller conference rooms The Planet has. It's been converted into a very small, very simple soundstage, by the Media department. Several cameras have been set up, as well as a few lights, and also a backdrop. In front of the generic backdrop is a single plush chair, its mate off to the side and out of range of the camera lenses.

Lois for her part is surveying the room in its entirety and with a vague frown, she'll glance at her watch. "Dammit." Mutters the black-haired woman and with a quick walk to the door, the reporter will pull the door open and stick her head out. Her gaze searches those that are still around and when she spies a familiar figure, Lois will suddenly call out, "Kent! Can you go check the front desk - Star Sapphire should be here soon. When she arrives bring her back to this conference room."

And with those 'orders' given, Lois starts to step back into the room; though there is a pause from the woman, as she calls out again, "Thanks!"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    A Star Sapphire almost never needs to be late, not at the speeds her ring is capable of. Star isn't bothering with invisibility today, just flashing across the sky in a violet comet that touches down lightly on the sidewalk outside the Daily Planet. She pays no mind to the looks she gets as she strolls in confidently from the street, back straight and head high. To the person at the front desk, she flashes her pearlys and greets, "Hello, I'm Star Sapphire. I have an appointment to meet Lois Lane. Is she ready to receive me?"

Superman has posed:
Clark sat hunched at his keyboard, typing away at a something for the editorial column when Lois' voice cuts sharply across his concentration. (What? It takes focus to type this slowly!) A blink and Clark pushes his glasses up with one hand as he gets to his feet.

"Yeah, sure thing-" Thanks, she calls. Clark smiles softly. "Lois." WIth that, he goes to the elevators to make his way down to the lobby.

Star Sapphire.

The name was curious. A curious Clark is a peeking Clark, and so the farm raised kryptonian in disguise tips his chin down, one hand tugging his glasses down to make it easier to focus past the slightly lead infused glass. His ears tune in to the chatter down stairs.

I'm Star Sapphie. i have an apointment.

DING! The doors open and Clark - glasses being put back to rights - steps out to the front desk... and looks at the receptionist as she starts to deal Lois' desk.

"Hi, Kelly. I was wondering if Lois' visitor was here yet?" Because Clark isn't supposed to magically know that this woman in the ...Clark forces himself to double take at the sight of violet latex and faint glow and white starburst... is Star Sapphire.

"Oh, hello Mr. Kent. Yes. She's right here. Ms Sapphire, he'll show you up," Kelly says, smiling warmly in a practiced way of ohmygod it's a superhero.

"Um. Yes, yes of course. Um, Star.. Sapphire? I'm Clark Kent," he says while holding out a hand. "Nice to meet you. I umm.. Lois- Miss Lane asked me to show you up? To the conference room!" Farm boy. Every bit of him, right down to the warmth and firm grip... well, firm in that his hand is unyielding, yet he puts no pressure whatsoever in his fingers.

"Umm. Please, follow me?" he says after the introductions are made and then turns to lead the way to the elevator, catches his toe on the corner of the receptionist stand, stumbles, manages NOT to careen into anyone as he catches his balance, and then is walking to the elevator to push the up button.

The ride up is uneventful and silent since a few others come and go on the way up to the bull pen. Not long later, Clark knocks very gently on the door of the conference room and then opens it to lead their guest in.

"Hey, Lois?" his tone is the uncertain sound of ...I brought you what you asked for?

Lois Lane has posed:
Unlike some, Lois has no super hearing, or super powers, to alert her of the approaching footsteps. Instead, Lois has to wait for that soft knock of Clark's and when it's heard, the black-haired reporter will turn to the door.

When it opens to admit Clark and Star Sapphire, Lois will offer a quick smile of greeting and then, carefully, the reporter navigates the various wires that criss-cross the floor. "Thanks, Clark." Are Lois' first words, even as she motions both to enter the room, "And watch out for the wires." Which is said to both, but really it's all for Clark. All. For. Clark. Just because.

"And I'm glad you could make it, Star. I was worried the notice was too short. How're you this evening?"

Besides Lois, there are three other individuals within the room. Two camera men and a make-up person. All three people are part of The Planet's media department; specifically for the various web vlogs and spots the newspaper uses to entice the younger generations to read.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire did her best to carry on some conversation with Clark in the elevator, but he seemed to prefer silence, and she went along with his wishes, instead spending the short ride doing vocal exercises. Clark is repeatedly assured that there is one smart fellow who felt smart during the trip up.
    In the studio, Star smiles widely at Lois and crosses the room in long, energetic strides--a nice trick, in her boots--to take Lois's hand and shake it. "Not at all! I'm just glad you got in touch with me. I've been looking forward to this for some time!" she says sincerely. "So, is it just us, or am I also going to be interviewed by the man who got so many Intergang scoops?" she asks, with a friendly glance at Clark.

Superman has posed:
Watch out for the wires. Thsoe wires. Right! Don't step on them or trip on them or actually snap them or rip them out of the wall or... Clark eyes all the pitfalls, smiling.

"THanks, Lois," he says easily, letting the two women greet each other. WHen Star Sapphire is past him, Clark does nto let his gaze linger so as to give away how he marveled at hos easy Star Sapphire made that look, before he turns to start bac out the door.

Wait, what? intergang? Clark pauses to look up, then seeming to realize that he was being talked about and in points to himself.

Umm..... I have no quetions prepped!

Lois Lane has posed:
Star Sapphire's handshake is returned by Lois, then once her hand is free, she'll sweep it towards the cameras, the backdrop and the chair. "All of this is for the promo we'd like to start running about the re-designing costume contest. We let that run for a few weeks and I've a good feeling that we'll see an uptick of viewers for your sit-down interview with us." Us being The Daily Planet. Not necessarily Clark Kent or anyone else.

Because this is Lois. Rarely does she share well. Even with those considered close friends or partners.

Perhaps one day that'll change, but that day is not today.

Either way, the make-up artist will edge closer to Lois, as she considers Star Sapphire. Really, it's not going to be that much, probably just a light dust to reduce any shine from the glaring lights. Already, the camera men are prepping their cameras and the lights, even as Lois' gaze turns from Star, to Clark and then back to Star. An idea is forming and while Lois is loathe to admit this idea out loud (because !sharing) Lois will.

"You know, that's not a bad idea." The reporter's gaze turns to Clark now. "Perhaps we should do interviews in a staggered manner. Woman to woman and also man to woman." And then aside to Clark, Lois will add, "Perry has approved The Planet working with Star Sapphire to help encourage young girls and boys, to see women in more positive and prominent roles. To show a strong role-model versus what television and the internet often portrays."

Then it's back to Star, "It likely would be good to show you, Star, interviewing with a man -" Which is Clark, "- and showing that no matter who you interview with you're still the same strong person with each."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "I'd be happy to," Star Sapphire says, offering Kent an easy smile. "I don't know what the shooting schedule looks like tonight, but if you want to get in on it, Mr. Kent, maybe you could use this prep time to look me up on the internet and see if there are any issues you'd like to ask me about? I'm sure there must be some website out there documenting my behavior," she says, a bit wryly; not adding, 'as opposed to documenting my butt.' "But if it's not the right time, then maybe next time, huh?"

Superman has posed:
Did... Lois 'all the stories are belong to me' Lane just... SHARE a story?! Clark looks at Lois as if she's lost her damn mind before smiling and looking over at Star Sapphire.

"Of course. I'll start on that research," he says giving their visitor a smile before stepping out and heading back to his desk.

Will not eavesdrop.... much!

Lois Lane has posed:
Yes, she likely has lost her mind.

But Lois also knows what will look good too and seeing Star crush Clark in an interview would look very good.

Though perhaps crush isn't necessarily the correct word to use there.

Again, either way, Lois will motion Star Sapphire over to a folding chair, that's definitely out of sight of the camera. It's where the make-up artist has her little table set-up and kit. "Let's get you in make-up with Riley, Star, and then we can go for an initial take. Our Media Department has written several scripts for you to review and if none of those appeal, we can always go off the cuff. Sometimes that reads as more 'real' to people. Especially the younger generations."

The make-up artist Riley smiles at Star, even as she says, "Please have a seat. This shouldn't take too long."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire is gracious and conversational with Riley during the makeup process, and she multitasks well, holding up the script at arm's length to stay out of Riley's way to read it and offer frank but respectful notes. She's happy to stick to the script or go off the cuff; after all, Lois and she had such a lovely talk the first time. Once her face has been color-balanced and she's had a word with the lighting team about whether the latex of her costume is too reflective (it is, so she uses her ring to make it more matte), she's ready to go with her thanks to Riley for doing such a good job... and for being so professional about putting makeup on Star Sapphire's cleavage and belly to make it look less fish-white. Riley was a champ about that.
    Finally, Star Sapphire is in the interview chair, legs crossed, smile in place, waiting for the cue to begin.

Lois Lane has posed:
Well, there's one thing Riley can say about her job at The Daily Planet, it's definitely giving her lots of experience for her resume. She'll never deny that. And it's never a dull place to work in, that's for certain.

Once Star's make-up is complete, Riley will pack her kit up and exit the room. The only thing she'll offer before she leaves is a quick, "Give me a call if you need anything else, Ms. Lane, Ms. Sapphire." Lois will turn and smile, "Lois, Riley, it's Lois." And then, "Thanks, Riley. Talk later." And while her words might seem a bit short, it's only because Lois is now in reporter mode. Or perhaps it should more aptly be described as director mode. Most of the staff has seen this side of Lois, so most don't seem to take her shortness to heart.

Or, at the very least, they know this is how Lois gets when she's on the job. The script in her hand will be critically eyed, even as she turns that same observant eye upon Star. "So, feeling good? Feeling relaxed? Ready to start?" A look will be given to the camera man and both straighten from their casual slouch. Two lights will be switched on and the camera men fiddle with lighting Star appropriately, without washing out too much of her complexion, or adding any extra shine to her now matte costume.

Back to Star, Lois says, "Just act like yourself. Pretend you're talking to me when you say you're lines. Or a friend." And once Star gives the a-ok, Lois motions to the cameramen, "Okay, let's do our first take." The man behind the first camera will nod and Lois will say, "And on three - 3, 2, 1 -"

Now it's all on Star, as a red-light appears on both cameras, denoting that both are currently recording.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "Oh, so I start, and then the interview? Okay, give me just a..." Star Sapphire trails off, eyes closed, violet lips moving as she rehearses. Then she's flashing her best smile at the camera (and it's a very good smile), in full publicity mode now.
    "Hi. My name's Star Sapphire. I'm a superhero, and if you're a woman watching this video, then I need your help. Let me tell you why."
    Star holds up her right hand, fingers up, knuckles facing the camera. Her ring is on prominent display. "This ring is one of the most powerful tools in the universe. It comes from a far-away planet where they developed tools to utilize emotional energy to do wonderous things. We'll probably edit in a clip here of me showing off." She grins wryly at the camera, like she's letting the audience in on a secret. Like they're buddies. "This ring is powered by love, and I know how that sounds, like a bunch of hippie garbage, but it truly is. Understanding love and keeping it in your heart is how this ring works. Without that, it's useless.
    "I'm not the only Star Sapphire. I'm one of a corps of remarkable people who have a proud history and an intergalactic mission of promoting love as best we can. This uniform I'm wearing is a connection to that history and a commitment to our message..."
    As she speaks, Star Sapphire stands up, and the camera pans back to take in her appearance, then zooms in and slides down her body with more than a little male gaze. The skintight latex, the thigh-high boots, the cleavage that goes down past the belly button: the camera takes it all in as Star Sapphire continues without pausing, "...and I'm proud to wear it. This design symbolizes something. It leaves my core exposed, my heart exposed, the vital arteries in my thighs exposed. It does this to say, 'I am vulnerable. I will take risks. I will put myself out there and let you see me as I am, because I want to be open with you.'"
    Here Star Sapphire pauses, waiting for the camera to pan back up to her face, before she says with wry ruefulness, "And the women out there, you've probably noticed that this message doesn't really fly on Earth. That no one is going to take that message away, because the world we live in is one where a woman's body is a subject of entertainment and amusement first, and a vessel for an important and unique person second. Where our clothes are decorations to sell us to an audience for their pleasure. I love my costume, but it's not getting the job done. It's not saying what it needs to say.
    "And that's why I came to you for help. That's why I told you about myself and my mission. I want you to be involved in helping me better represent you. The Daily Planet, curtesy of Lois Lane, have agreed to help me reach out to you, and to help you reach out to me. I want you to help me redesign my costume in a way that sends the message of openness and vulnerability but that takes into account the sexualized context of the society we live in. Will you help me, please?"

Lois Lane has posed:
When Star Sapphire speaks everyone's attention turns to her.

The cameramen to do their jobs, the interns just out of curiosity and of course, Lois Lane's.

For Lois, it's an experienced eye upon what Star Sapphire is saying, how she's saying it and how she's presenting herself. It's a careful balance one has to strike to appear open and honest, but also polished and intelligent. It's doubly so when you're a woman and especially dressed in a costume such as Star's.

Occasionally Lois will glance at the script, but the reporter has the majority of it memorized, and so Lois' gaze is mostly upon Star. The bit about editing in some footage of Star using her ring earns a rueful grin from Lois; because, yes, they are going to definitely do that. It'll likely be titled something flashy to bring in more clicks -

Yes, Lois isn't one to like titles that are more click-bait than anything else, but sometimes you have to use what works.

When Star comes to the end of her script and the cameras pause in their recording, Lois immediately steps forward, saying, "That was excellent." Which is high praise from Lois Lane, "A great balance of openness and friendliness, combined with seriousness and asking for their help. I think you struck a great balance there."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire lets her arms hang loose and gives them long shakes from the shoulders; they wobble like jelly. The movement contains a weird combination of excitement and nerves, one perfectly suited to the trembling grin on her face as she replies, "You think so? It felt good. I don't think I nailed it, I apologized too much for the ring, but that take felt pretty good. I'm rambling. Sorry, I'll calm back down." Carol takes a deep breath, holds it, releases. Her following smile is much more natural. She's the kind of person who gets stage fright after the fact rather than before or during.

Lois Lane has posed:
"I do think so." Says Lois and then there's an understanding laugh from the reporter, as she says, "I get that. My first on camera stints I felt the same way. Hell, my first couple of under cover assignments I felt like that." Offers the reporter, as she steps back out of the camera's line of sight. A hand will be waved, however, as she focuses back upon Star and this initial take. "Let's do a few more takes and then once we're in the editing room we can splice it all together."

Planting herself near the cameramen again, Lois continues to speak, "And I don't think you apologized too much -" Begins the dark-haired woman, as she considers all of what Star said again. "- I saw it as more context to what you, the Corps and your ring can do." Her head tilts slightly to the side now, still obviously parsing all of what Star said. "And giving some background to what your mission really is and why your costume is so open." There's a twitch of Lois' mouth, a corner rising upward in sardonic humor, "Because we both know, especially you, if we don't give context to your costume people will misconstrue it." A somewhat subtle hint to what they spoke of in their first meeting, about another hero doing just that thing.

"Either way, yes, let's do a few more takes, then we can call that particular part done for the day. Sound good?"