1735/A Star Is Born

A Star Is Born
Date of Scene:	30 July 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Lois Lane, Star Sapphire

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Lois Lane has posed:
The contest video for The Planet's vblog has been recorded. Several times for posterity sake. Now it's up to the video editors to work their magic and later, when that magic has been worked, both Lois and Star Sapphire will be able to see what they accomplished.

For now, however, the room is now being set up for an actual honest-to-god interview. Two chairs now sit against a simple backdrop. Both chairs sit quite high and are turned just enough to face each other. There's also enough space between the chairs to allow for unencumbered personal space between the two women.

Once both are settled within their respective seats, the sound and light-guys put the finishing touches upon microphones, the lighting and the cameras. Though with Star Sapphire, they'd likely have to ask /her/ for help getting her small microphone attached. Most costumes just aren't made for such things. Especially hers.

For Lois Lane, her gaze is split between Star, the sound guys and the small notepad held within her hands. She's idly flipping through the pages looking at the various things she's written upon them. "How're you feeling?" Asks the reporter, as she transfers her attention from the paper to Star. "Ready to get started?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    After the promos but before the interview, Star Sapphire used her ring to create a rotating fan for herself (one she offered to share with Lois, but only after checking to be sure how worried Lois was about mussing up her hair). "I've been in space battles less stressful than this," she says, but with good humor, eyes sparkling. "Nothing like a good case of stage fright to remind you how hot and unbreathable latex is." A helpful aide brings in a cold bottle of water, which helps a lot, and then: the interview. She lets the fan lapse, and nods at Lois. "I'm feeling good, though. Are you? Do you need anything?" she asks. Maybe it's weird to be so solicitous, but Star hasn't made a secret of the fact that she likes Lois.

Lois Lane has posed:
The fan wouldn't have bothered Lois, nor did she need the cooling air, though that would have brought a quirk of a grin from the woman.

"It's because there's too much time to think." The dark-haired reporter says, "In battle it's all about acting and reacting. Yes, it's stressful, but in a different way. You're relying on instincts and engrained training to help get you through. All very second nature. With this there's too much time to think. To much time to second guess your answers, to ruminate on everything you said. And if you're not used to this type of setting nothing comes second nature."

When the other woman asks if she needs anything, Lois shakes her head. "No, I'm great. Really." And she is too; this is the stuff that Lois lives for. This is her battlefield and it shows as she settles comfortably back in her seat.

"I'll do a short introduction and then we'll get started. If you need a break just let me know and we can take a breather." Lois will wait for ascent from Star Sapphire, before she turns to one of the camera men and gives a quick thumbs up.

With that signal both cameras are focused upon the women and the count-down begins -

"3-2-1 and go -" Says one of the men and that's all the cue Lois Lane needs.

Turning to the camera, the reporter says, "Good evening. I'm here with Star Sapphire in an exclusive interview for The Daily Planet. Tonight we'll be taking a more in-depth look at the woman, the ring and the hero."

And with that transition, Lois Lane neatly pivots her gaze from camera to Star Sapphire. "Thank you so much for agreeing to an interview Star Sapphire. All of us at The Daily Planet appreciates you taking the time to be here tonight."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire signals with a flip of her wrist that she's ready to go, but as she does, she warns, "I'm so not going to forget all that battle talk, though. You're definitely going to tell me that story some day soon!"
    Then it's time to get her game face on. Fortunately, talk about stress and latex-sweats notwithstanding, Star is a pretty relaxed person, even more so in good company. She smiles at Lois and leans forward to shake the other woman's hand. "Absolutely, Lois. I'm just grateful to you for the opportunity. Those of us who aspire to be heroes need to be sure we're in contact with the people we help, and that we're accountable. Without your trust, we're nothing, so this dialogue is important to me."

Lois Lane has posed:
"I'm glad we agree so thoroughly on something so important." States the dark-haired reporter, as Lois brings her hand back to her lap and to that small notebook that's settled there. With the angle of the camera just so, Lois doesn't have to worry too much about her notebook being picked up.

"All of us, heroes or not, are all people and it's good for everyone to be able to see that. To see we're all approachable, even with mask, cape and costume on."

One more smile is offered to Star Sapphire, before Lois Lane's expression turns into something more professional. If Clark or Perry were here, they'd know what that face was. It's the face of a woman lining up her questions and getting ready to deploy them rapid fire.

"Star, can you tell us what brought you into the hero business? Was it simply wanting to help? A personal experience that nudged you into this world? Or something else altogether?"

The cameras stay pinned upon Lois Lane for the length of her question, but once she finishes the circular lenses shift upon their tripods to focus completely upon Star Sapphire. The red-light atop each camera clearly shows them both recording every nuance and spoken word from both women.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire considers for half a second how she can possibly answer that without sounding totally conceited. "It's about equal parts accident and aptitude," she settles on. She lifts her right hand, showing the back of it to the camera and sending a little pulse of light from her ring in the shape of her trademark starburst to make the point. "The power ring of a Star Sapphire is semi-sentient. It's programmed to find a bearer who not only -can- use it, but -will- use it. I never asked to be selected by an automated ring of power--if only because I didn't know they exist!--but it selected me because I have goals I want the power to be able to achieve, and I make the choice to go after my goals."
    There. A couple of directions Lois could take it from there. Star Sapphire waits, interested to learn where Lois goes with it.

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois Lane listens intently to what Star Sapphire says. Her gaze, even her body language is all focused upon the ring-bearer.

It's only when the other woman falls silent that Lois will straighten slightly within her seat. There's a second of thoughtful silence from the dark-haired reporter, but already her question has been decided upon.

"I hadn't realize the ring picked the person." And Lois looks to Star Sapphire's ring now, a contemplative expression upon her features. And while a question about the ring pops into her mind, for now, Lois goes a slightly different path.

For now.

"Goals." Echoes the reporter, as her blue-eyes return to Star Sapphire's face. "Can you tell us a bit about your goals? What you'd like to accomplish? Beyond what people think of when they see a hero flying about."

And then, just to make it a touch more interesting, Lois adds, "And you've previously mentioned that you aren't the only 'Star Sapphire' around - do you all share the same ideals? The same sort of 'goals' you have?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "Simply put, I just want people to be okay," Star Sapphire says, leaning forward earnestly. "There's a little more to it than that, of course, but I just want everyone to have everything they need to prosper, and to not get hurt. The ring doesn't really solve the first part, but it comes in handy for the second part. Other heroes can go punch villains and send people to jail and all that, and I won't knock it because it's a valuable service, but it's not the kind of hero I want to be. If I can help secure houses in Kansas against an upcoming tornado, or evacuate people from a burning highrise, or pick someone out of a traffic jam to get them to the hospital, then I feel like I'm doing my job."
    Star Sapphire leans back in her chair, earnestness giving way to a smile. "And as for the Star Sapphire Corps... Well, let's start at the start. The Star Sapphires are chosen to be ambassadors of love to the universe. That's literally our power source. I know this sounds like some weird psychedelic scifi short story from the seventies, but love is an actual, measurable psychic energy form that Star Sapphire rings tap into. Each Star Sapphire has a slightly different understand of what love is; I myself define it as a series of choices and behaviors that are meant to support and affirm others. Other Star Sapphires think it's about romance, or passion, or nurturing, and each one has a valid viewpoint! Their rings wouldn't work if they didn't."

Lois Lane has posed:
Again, Lois Lane is an attentive listener. She'll even nod at various points of what Star Sapphire says.

The cameras continue their byplay between the two as both speak, and once Star Sapphire is finished, they turn to Lois Lane.

"I think many of us have been around the block when it comes to powered individuals. So, finding out your ring is powered by love isn't too shocking." Lois Lane says with amusement clear in her voice, "At least, overall. And I think your causes are quite noble, but let's return to that after a minute -"

Because it's that last bit of what Star Sapphire says that Lois will seize upon. Leaning forward slightly Lois asks, "I think your definition of love is a valid one. After all, isn't that what all relationships are there for? Whether friendships, romances or familial, it's all about a give and take. Where everyone supports each other in the way they require during times of need and likewise accepting that support when needed." And here is where Lois' voice turns a tinge wry, "It's just a shame when that cycle breaks down. When the daily grind gets in the way of communication, hatred and resentment build up and a relationship suffers."

With her exposition finished, Lois finally shifts to a question, "Is it hard for you and your colleagues to see that?"

And then, "What happens if a Star Sapphire's viewpoint did eventually change? Would the ring stop working just like that? What if they were in the middle of some sort of confrontation, or battle?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire nods along at Lois in silent but animated agreement. At the first question, she looks confused, but at the second she nods along. "I'm not sure I follow your first question, so let me answer the first and then we can try again. The short answer is yes. The less you love, the less you're able to use the ring. For instance, certain entities exist that can infect a person with other emotions, like greed. If such an entity were to attack me and overwhelm me with the psychic energy of greed, that would cancel out the waveforms that the ring needs to operate. I'd stop being able to use it until I came back to myself, and the ring might even desert me to look for a new bearer. There are ways around it to cheat the system, but they're so big and convoluted it's hardly worth mentioning."

Lois Lane has posed:
A faint snort can be heard from Lois Lane now, and she'll turn to the camera for a second, "Edit out that original question and replace with this one." The cameraman gives a thumbs up and then to Star, Lois says, "Let me rephrase my first question for you."

With that completely un-interview notation within the recording, Lois' expression turns back to that professional set, "Is it hard for you and your colleagues to see people tear their relationships with one another apart? You're all about love, you yourself want people to prosper, but surely looking at the world at large it's easier to see the pain that we do to each other versus the love. Is it hard to see that on a day to day basis?"

Which rolls neatly into Star's explanation of the rings and the potential for loss, "How do you stop yourself from becoming so jaded that the ring leaves you?" A dark eyebrow raises upward now, "I imagine even a Star Sapphire can have a bad day; what happens if those days turn into weeks, months, or worse? Everyone goes through tough times, sad times, terrible times. Have you ever lost one of your own from that?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "Oh, we're--that's right, I keep forgetting this isn't live. Twelve takes of the intro and I keep forgetting. Jeez!" Star Sapphire's voice goes from surprise to wry amusement, and she laughs a little. "Okay, okay, I'm good, let's keep going." She clears her throat.
    "The answers to both those questions tie in to one another. I think in American culture, for reasons I could lecture about for hours, we have an idea that love is like the movies or like the songs on the radio; that it's this passionate fluke convergence of events that combine to make a burning fire that's out of anyone's control. You know, you 'fall' in love, like it's gravity and you're helpless against it. Love, real love, isn't like that. It's a choice to stay invested, a choice to continue caring. If you can't make that choice, then it's not love, and maybe it never was. It might have just been infatuation. If it was, then even though it hurts, it's probably for the best that it ends, so both individuals can keep growing.
    "As I said in the intro to the contest, being a Star Sapphire means accepting your own vulnerability. A person who can't do that can't wield the ring. If you lose that ability, if you get closed off, then the ring stops for you... but the fact that you were already predisposed to be vulnerable and to be caring and to make choices that act on those feelings means you're very unlikely to fall out of those habits. They're already part of your nature."

Lois Lane has posed:
Star's first words earn a quick smile from Lois, then it's back to being the professional.

Those first remarks earns a slight pause from Lois Lane, as the woman actually considers those words, versus the reporter. "That's very insightful and I'm going to have to say I agree with what you say. Love is nothing like the movies." She finally manages, even as she rolls those words around in her mind. "And I can't say I've often heard love described in that way either, but it fits." The reporter continues with, even as she shifts away from the topic of relationships and the best ways to keep them going.

The mention of vulnerability causes Lois' expression to twist into something rueful. "Vulnerability. I can tell you that the vast majority of people aren't going to be a fan of that /word/. Our society tries to raise a person up to never show their vulnerability. That it's a 'weakness' to show that sort of thing to others. And while I'm /loathe/ to admit it -" Sardonic humor can be found within Lois' voice as she speaks, "- I'm pretty sure a ring would never accept me based on that explanation of yours."

"And you neatly side-stepped my last question there. Should I take that to mean you've never lost a teammate?" Both of Lois' eyebrows raise upward in disbelief here, "I find that hard to believe."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "Well, there's a story there," Star Sapphire admits. "It goes back to the weird seventies short story stuff, but: this iteration of the Star Sapphire Corps is pretty new. Originally, the corps' existence was twisted by a psychic monster that was twisting the emanations of love into obsession. We defeated the creature and restored the Corps to its original intentions, but that was only very recently. We have a lot to atone for, and it's only luck that the specific kind of obsession we were afflicted with generally made us too small and petty to commit any big-scale, lasting harm to people.
    "So, to answer your question, I haven't lost a Corps member yet. In a lot of ways, we've only just found one another, and that's a beautiful thing. But I could have said all that without telling you that story. I had an ulterior motive in saying it: I want people to know it happened. I want people to know that we, the Star Sapphires, are motivated by good, but corrupting forces do exist, and it's a very bad idea for us to isolate ourselves from the people who might be able to see it coming. It's not your job to police us, but you do deserve to know our history so you can make your own choices about how much trust we deserve."

Lois Lane has posed:
The weird seventies.

That's enough to earn another amused look from Lois Lane, though the camera is mostly on Star Sapphire with her story. Whether that expression will be seen by the public is hard to say.

Either way, Lois listens and occasionally she'll tap the tip of her pen against her notebook. It's only when she realizes she's giving away one of her 'tells' that she stops that motion.

"Honesty is always better." Is what Lois says at first, "Otherwise when -" Because there's no doubt in Lois' mind that somehow that particular story would have been found out," - it broke it would have made the Star Sapphires look like they were trying to hide something." With those words of hers said, Lois then moves onward, her eyes sharpening slightly. "And who's job is it to police the Corps?" She'll ask, even as she continues with, "There are many upon Earth who'd like to see the superhero community 'policed' in some way. To have them answer to the law just as us mere 'mortals' do."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire nods along with Lois's take on honesty, murmuring, "Exactly." She takes the next question seriously, though, and when it's her turn to speak, she answers, "There's no police force in the way I think you might mean the term. There's no formalized code we obey and no appointed overseers of the Star Sapphires, so it falls on each of us to obey our consciences when we hear about the behavior of our sisters. When our rings can only function if a Star Sapphire is acting lovingly, then that's already a pretty good limiter, but if a line gets crossed, well... it's up to each of us to solve the problem." Star Sapphire laughs suddenly, merrily. "That probably conjures mental images of titanic space battles and whatnot, but that's not our way. We're here to help, not hurt. Think of it more as an intervention, for someone who's made a mistake and needs our help to correct it."

Lois Lane has posed:
"An intervention." Echoes the dark-haired reporter, her eyebrows crimping slightly. There's not necessarily humor in her gaze or expression, but there's understanding. She knows what Star is saying, but her next question might make be at odds with that emotion found within her eyes.

"You make it sound so easy, but as you stated earlier the Corp can cause havoc, whether intentional or not. There are some who would take that to mean you -" And she'll tilts her head slightly at that, "- in the broad sense of the term, shouldn't come here and that Earth should be left alone. That superheroes should be regulated in some type of manner. That we shouldn't need heroes - that we should do it all on our own."

And while she doesn't necessarily believe those last words of hers, Lois Lane keeps her mask in place. She wouldn't be the reporter she is today without asking the hard questions; even ones she doesn't necessarily believe.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "An intervention," Star Sapphire confirms. "I know the American idea of justice is that someone who does wrong has become forever tainted and can never be trusted again, so they must be brutally punished for decades, but I--we--don't hold to that idea. People make mistakes, and those mistakes have to be corrected, but people should also be given the tools they need to do better. Not many people set out to hurt others; they just make bad decisions and need help to do better."
    And then, there it is, the 'get off our planet' question. Star's violet lips quirk wryly. "Well. I personally don't think regulation is a reasonable idea, in a sheer realpolitik way, because regulation implies oversight and the ability to punish. Some individuals are simply too powerful for those kinds of things to be enforceable. Like, if Superman decides he can't trust this new hero-policing bureau, what are they going to do about it? Are they going to fight him regardless of the collateral damage and try to imprison him at who can even guess what expense? For how long? What exactly is the length of imprisonment Superman should serve for saving Hawaii from a volcanic eruption without the approval of the Superhuman Regulatory Force, or whatever you'd want to call it?
    "That probably sounds like I'm making fun, but I mean it. If governmental policies are going to be enacted, then they have to account for things like that. You have to count the cost, and there will be cost because not every hero will submit to that kind of authority. You don't put on a suit and use the powers you get like this if you're not compelled to by a need, and not every hero's compulsion can be contained like that.
    "All in all, I think the hero community does a good job of policing itself by example and by small-scale conflicts among heroes. It's not a perfect system, but I don't think a perfect system exists, and the one we have seems to be doing well. If your viewers have ideas they think are better, I'd appreciate hearing them. I'm interested in anything that improves lives."

Lois Lane has posed:
There's quite a few points to address and Lois will address each one -

For that first point of Star, the reporter starts, "I think that's an oversimplification." States the black-haired woman, even as she leans forward slightly in her chair. "I won't deny that there are some crimes that have too steep a punishment and that we should offer better tools, better avenues for them to be turned around, given a second chance -" And she'll move to meet Star's eyes with those words of hers, "- But I've seen evil, Star. I've seen people who /want/ to hurt people. It's not an accident, or the wrong choice, there are those that like to hurt people. Yes, by and large, most criminals are a byproduct of their circumstances and their decisions, but you can't lump everyone into the 'it's not their fault category'."

Star's wry expression is met by a mirror of that upon Lois' features. She knows where that question will lead and Star takes it and runs with it. "I agree with what you're saying. I don't think it should be regulated in any type of manner, not in the typical way the government regulates itself. We've all seen the corruption there, even with the best intentions. I can't see that changing suddenly when super-powered individuals are brought into the mix. In fact, it might make it worse, or speed up the process honestly. And I agree, the majority of the community does police itself fairly well. LIke anything there are things that slip through, but no one is perfect. Nor any group."

"And just for the record I think the world needs heroes like you, like Superman and the every day people that try to make their and others lives better."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "I agree evil exists," Star replies quietly. "I just think America's penal system is interested in punishment rather than rehabilitation, and that approach doesn't interest me, or suit my goals. But then, I think I already said I'm not a battling kind of hero, so it probably doesn't surprise anyone."

Lois Lane has posed:
"It does." Lois Lane says, though that agreement isn't likely needed. The two women hold similar views in that regard it seems.

"Let me take this moment to express my thanks for you and your fellow Star Sapphires, Star. I and the world appreciates all you do for us." Lois' gaze switches to the camera for a minute, "Really all of the heroes that help in every manner."

Then it's back to Star and Lois' expression is slightly less intense than a moment before, "I know we've covered much tonight, but is there anything you'd like to speak upon or let the people know?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire smiles at Lois, touched, but doesn't let it show. Well, not much. There's a tiny sliver glimmering on the lip of her lower eyelid before she blinks twice, rapidly.
    "Just... that I want to help, if I can. The Daily Planet isn't the way to reach me in an emergency, obviously, but if you have a problem you think I can help with, I want to be there. Please, don't ever be afraid to contact me."

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois will raise a hand upward to the camera men, even as she says, "Cut. I think that's a perfect place to end." The two camera men dutifully turn the recording off and once the red lights blink out, Lois turns back to Star. "You did great." She states, a crooked smile twitching a corner of her mouth upward, "I could tell you some horror stories of others, but I suppose that'd be rude." While she doesn't necessarily slide out of her seat, she does shift slightly intending to stand up shortly.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire takes the hint and rises. Her ring flashes, and her uniform lightens several shades now that it's no longer compensating for the studio lighting (she leaves the latex gloss off for now; she doesn't need the editorial that would follow if she burned out Lois Lane's corneas with the glare), then she's reaching out to shake hands. Her smile is wide and there's a slump to her shoulders that could indicate defeat but looks more like relief. Gratitude, even. "Lois... this has been such an experience. Thank you. I don't... that is, I don't know if we can be friends just because it's probably bad journalism ethics, but I want you to know I admire you and I won't forget what I owe you for making this happen."

Lois Lane has posed:
At the shoulder slump Lois will give the other woman a critical once over. To make sure it isn't defeat. Seeing it's not Lois Lane nods a less crooked and more natural smile upon her lips. "I'm glad it was a positive one for you." States the reporter, that smile turning more towards a grin, "Most typically don't say that." And when Star offers that hand of hers, Lois will shake it.

"Perhaps ethics would come into play if I were investigating you for some sort of crime, or underhanded deal, but since I'm not I think we'll be okay." There's wry humor there in the other woman's voice, even as she too finally slips from her chair. "And please, you owe me nothing." Lois continues with, "This is what I do, who I am and what I love. Especially when it brings a positive light to the heroes around Metropolis and beyond. So many people are trying to tear down what you and really all heroes are doing that I'm happy to do these types of interviews. To show the world that this matters, you matter, we all matter."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire's gloved hand creaks, and her shake is firm. "I'll decide what I owe to whom, thank you very much," she informs Lois mock-primly, chin high. "But seriously, even if it wasn't an effort for you, it was a big deal to me. I appreciate it and you. And all of you on set," Star adds, raising her voice. "Thank you all. This is important to me and I'm grateful to all of you for your work."
    Her eyes are misting up again, a fact Lois pretty much has to notice when Star touches her lower eyelids to push the tears away. "Ugh, look at me, I'm getting so emotional! I must be tired. Or stressed, maybe. I'm sure public speaking provokes performance anxiety."

Lois Lane has posed:
The camera men offer goofy grins and waves to Star; even as they begin the tearing down of the 'set'.
For Lois, yes, she does see the tears within Star's eyes. It's enough that Lois Lane will say, "Or you need a drink. And something that isn't tea, coffee or water." Her head tilts towards the door, "Come on, I know where Perry hides the good stuff for when we've all had a tough day. My treat." And Lois Lane will step towards the door, her hand reaching for the doorknob. "And we always have black coffee too. Caffeine can help settle the nerves too."