640/Interview: Star Sapphire

Interview: Star Sapphire
Date of Scene:	25 May 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Lois Lane, Star Sapphire

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Lois Lane has posed:
Interviews. They're something that Lois Lane, reporter for The Daily Planet, will never, ever get tired of.

So, when she was contacted by Star Sapphire for an interview and possibly a partnership of some sort, Lois was all about it. Knowing super heroes as she does, Lois would have given instructions for Star Sapphire to arrive upon the rooftop of The Daily Planet, versus the ground entrance.

And that's where Lois Lane can now be found.

She's standing atop The Daily Planet, near the raised edge of the roof and Lois is currently looking towards the horizon. While her eyes are typically quick enough to catch the speeding bullet super heroes, she's hoping she'll spot Star Sapphire before she arrives. For her dress this day, early evening, Lois wears a suit of light cream, with a slightly darker cream blouse beneath the blazer. Her reporting credentials hang from a lanyard that sits around her neck. Her smartphone, with its recorder, sits in one pocket while a good old fashioned hand-sized notebook and pen sit in the other. Idly her arms are crossed as she waits for the appearance of the Lantern.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Even in the early evening, with the last rays of sun throwing orange and yellow waves off the millions of windows in Metropolis, Star Sapphire isn't hard to spot: she literally glows violet as she descends from the sky feet first in the last half of a parabolic arc that started god knows where but probably passed through outer space at some point. She touches down ten feet away from Lois Lane with a big smile on her face and a cheerful bordering on boisterous, "Ms. Lane! I'm so glad you decided to keep our appointment. Thank you for meeting me!" She takes long, quick, excited steps forward toward Lois, one latex-coated hand extended to shake, boots crunching on the gravel and shreds of tar paper and general detritus that somehow manage to find their way even up to the roof of a skyscraper. "I hope it hasn't been too unpleasant up here for you."

Lois Lane has posed:
While Lois expected that glow, and truly, even the color other than green, she still can't quite help the vague stare as she follows that splash of purple from sky to rooftop.

By the time Star Sapphire has landed, whatever faint surprise that Lois might have felt is completely hidden, as she puts on her most professional reporting mask. Turning away from the sight of the horizon Lois will move to meet Star Sapphire halfway and when that hand of hers is extended, Lois will easily shake it. No crushing grip here, she has nothing to prove, but Lois' handshake is still quite firm and to the point. "I wouldn't dream of missing this interview -" Begins the black-haired woman and once her hand is returned to her, she'll continue with, "- Would you care to come inside? If not, I completely understand." Duties, responsibilities, she knows that heroes are often called away at a moments notice.

As for Star Sapphire's last comment, the reporter offers the faintest smirk, as she offers in a dry voice, "You'd be surprised how often I'm up here. Really, it wasn't a bother." And then, with head tilted slightly to the side, Lois will ask, "Should I call you Star Sapphire, Star? Ms. Sapphire?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star Sapphire laughs at that dry observation. "I'm sure I would be at that," she agrees in good humor. "And please, call me whatever you like. 'Star Sapphire' is a bit of a mouthful, I know, but I have my reasons for sticking with that title. I'll tell you about them during the interview. Or has it begun already?" she inquires as the possibility occurs to her. "I've never quite done anything like this before." Despite her deference, Star Sapphire gives off no signs of nervousness as she follows Lane to the roof access. Her head is high and her back is straight. Well, you'd be confident too if you were wearing her outfit...

Lois Lane has posed:
Yes, wearing an outfit like that, one would have to be confident. And while Lois doesn't necessarily stare at it, she does give it a quick side-eye. While she's seen quite a few costumes Star Sapphire's is definitely a touch more revealing than most.

Not that it's any skin off of Lois' nose. Heroes will be heroes and that's that.

"Star then." Comes Lois' confirmation of what she'll call her during the interview. Once the two women are moving, Lois will move to hold the door open for her. She is her guest, after all, and Lois treats her interviewees like gold. Once inside the small hallway the two will find themselves near an elevator. Stepping forward Lois will push the down button to call the elevator up.

With that finished the reporter will turn back to Star Sapphire and a grin will tug one corner of Lois' mouth upward. "And you're very observant, yes, it's already begun." It only takes the elevator a few minutes to rise up to the rooftop and with a loud ding the doors swish open. Lois will motion for Star to enter first, when the woman is inside she too will enter, pushing a button for a mid-range floor.

"Beyond the actual interview what else did you want to accomplish? I got the feeling it was more than putting your story out to the world."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star bobs her head at the compliment. "Thank you. I like to think I put a little bit of thought into this moment." Her smile is friendly as she waits for the elevator, and as she crosses the threshold she answers, "Getting my own story out is a secondary concern for me. I imagine you'll have some questions about me anyway, and I'll be happy to answer them, but my primary goal is trying to create a partnership with the Daily Planet in order to get out a message to the world. I'm hoping this interview will be profitable enough for your company to see me as an asset worth cultivating."

Lois Lane has posed:
"Yes, I do have questions. Shocking, right?" Lois states again in that dry voice, even as the elevator plummets downward, though not terribly fast, just enough to feel in the pit of a person's stomach.

"Through my research I know you're similar to the Green Lanterns, correct?" And she said similar, not the same, "Can you tell me the differences? I can't say whether the people of Metropolis -" Or the world, "- understands that there might be a difference, or what that could mean." And then, after a moment of thought, Lois adds, "Without divulging secrets. I understand that secrets must be kept." She does too, she's not just saying that line to be polite, she truly understands that there will always be some line that cannot be crossed with super heroes.

About this time the elevator slows and a soft ding announces their arrival upon the news floor of The Daily Planet. The majority of the hustle and bustle of the planet has slowed; and Star and Lois will find very few desks filled at this particular moment.

"I've a meeting room we can use; refreshments too, if you're hungry or thirsty."

And just like that Lois leads the way, only slowing enough to allow Star to keep mostly at her side. "And just so you know, it's not always about profit for The Planet." Well, not for Lois, Perry perhaps, but not Lois.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star nods along with the questions, smiling as if she expected all this. Which she did. "I can tell you some of the differences, but not all of them, for the simple reason I just don't know everything about the Green Lanterns to compare and contrast," she answers honestly. "We're not categorical allies or anything; sometimes our goals align and sometimes they don't. The short version is, while we access very similar abilities, they come from different places. A Green Lantern's power comes from her willpower, from her ability to say no. A Star Sapphire's power comes from her love, from her willingness to be open and vulnerable and self-sacrificing. We're ruled by very different councils with very different goals, as well. While the Green Lanterns answer to the Oan Protectorate and are a large police force claiming the known universe as its patrol, there are many fewer Star Sapphires, and we don't as a group really dictate behavior like the Lanterns do. Each one of us has our own understanding of what love is and how to express and protect it, and we don't really need to police ourselves because a Sapphire who abandons that responsibility will lose her power in the process.
    "Oh, refreshments? If you offered me some water, I'd drink it with thanks, Ms. Lane."

Lois Lane has posed:
The room itself is not large and it holds a gentle cream and beige color scheme; with long table and comfortable chairs dominating the room. Upon the wooden table sits a small tray with a few pastries, a few sandwiches and even a few cookies. Napkins, plasticware, plates, water, soda and even small bottles of juice sit next to the tray, as well. "Please take as much as you want." Comes Lois' quick word in edge wise, before she slips her smart phone out. A quick thumb to the screen will unlock the phone and with a quick touch the recording begins. Lois will set the phone atop the tabletop, even as she waits for Star to take food first as well as sit.

It's only at the mention of what powers the Star Sapphire corps that Lois' expression changes somewhat. There's a note of disbelief in there, or perhaps incredulousness; she obviously wasn't expecting /that/ type of explanation. "Love." She begins, her voice sounding a bit skeptical, "I see. I'll be honest, that surprises me. And please, Lois. I only make people call me Ms. Lane when I don't like them." And here, she flashes the faintest of grins, as she waits near the table.

While she'll give Star several minutes to gather whatever food or drink she wishes, that silence won't last long, as she adds, "So, a group similar to the Green Lanterns. Does that mean you're not alone here? You have teammates? Fellow Corpsmen?" The line of her mouth turns to a faint slash of a smirk, as she amends, "Corpswomen."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star takes a seat at the table and returns Lois's grin as good as she gets. Her ring conjures a little orb of violet light with dragonfly wings; the orb fetches a water bottle (by what method it held the bottle during the flight back to the table is not visibly clear) and takes in a mouthful before musing, "Which question to answer first..." She crosses her legs, and decides, "But yes, our rings are powered by love. Love isn't just an emotion or a biological imperative meant to ensure successful procreation, it's a legitimate psychic force in its own right, the way visible light is a legitimate electromagnetic force. We've only recently become aware of that, so we aren't yet clear on how that manifests, but we're working on developing the language necessary to accurately model it.
    "But as to the other Star Sapphires, yes, there are some of us. Not many; we're relatively new on the scene. And, interestingly at least to me, so far our rings have all chosen women to wear them." She laughs. "I could get into why, but I'd rather not attract all the boys who'll feel the need to call me a feminazi, so maybe we could let that pass?"

Lois Lane has posed:
The little 'dragonfly' orb is watched with avid curiosity by Lois; she may rub elbows with the super heroes of the world, but she's quite powerless. Seeing those powers used still brings a touch of wonder to her eyes; as it does now.

Once Star is settled within a seat, Lois finds her own and it's near enough to the other woman to be close, but not inside the other woman's personal space. Her phone will be picked up and lightly placed down near the two, as she listens to all of what Star has to say. "Hmm." Lois begins, as the reporter pulls out her small notepad and pen. The faint sound of a click from the pen might be heard, as Lois jots a few personal notes down.

It's all in a shorthand of Lois' so even if Star looks at it, it might not make sense. So many abbreviations. Some not even 'spelled' right, not that Lois notices.

"I'm fine with that." The reporter says in agreement to that last question of Star's, "But we will publish it eventually." A look will be turned toward Star then, as Lois makes sure the other woman understands.

"Let's return to the subject of how your rings have only been selecting females in a moment. Tell me about your mission? I'm going to hazard a guess here and say it's going to be about everyone loving one another, yes?" The humor that's held within her voice is more self-deprecating versus sarcastic, only because Lois is struggling with the concept of 'love' powering super powers.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star spreads her hands, still smiling. "As you like, Lois. It's just third wave radical feminism stuff, which, well, you know how violently unpopular that can be in certain circles. My fault for bringing it up, I suppose." She taps her fingers on the table, not so much drumming with impatience as she is indicating tension and nervousness (Star would be bad at poker) as she somewhat tersely says, "A Star Sapphire needs to act on her love. If you don't act on it, then it's not real. But one thing we don't abide is trying to spread love to all people. The precursors to the Star Sapphires are an alien race called the Zamarons whose philosophy was, 'Love for all, whether they want it or not.'" For the first time, she's not looking at Lois but off into space as she continues softly, "The things a person can do under that philosophy are...scarring." She shudders, then shakes her head hard to clear it (it's a good job she slicks her hair back like she does or it would be all over the place after that). "So, getting others to love each other is not something we do. We share our own love with the universe and try to serve as exemplars rather than... than anything else," she finishes a bit lamely.

Lois Lane has posed:
Yes, the boys club. Lois knows all about that. Which is why she still wants to publish that fact, eventually.

The drumming of the other woman's fingers is noted and Lois will offer a faint smile. She's dealt with many a nervous people, so it doesn't surprise her when the other woman offers that telltale sign of her anxiety. That anxiety is forgotten for a moment, as Star speaks once again. Zamarons. That's jotted down (two m's, not one) upon her little notepad and with a glance towards Star, Lois will nod. "I believe I can imagine. Any philosophy, even one based upon love, can't do harm when pushed forward with the zeal of a zealot." Comments Lois quietly, having seen other zealots within this very world. "It can be very scary. Very dangerous."

Those last words of the Lantern earns another amused quirk of an eyebrow, as the reporter offers a gentle barb, "Rather than 'Love Conquers All'?" And knowing how she is, Lois will raise a hand and wave that aside, "Ignore that. I have an odd sense of humor." Then, "Tell me what you would like to do with The Planet?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star clears her throat and visibly focuses back on the task at hand. "Yes, that. First, let me tell you a quick story. I had arranged a meeting with another costumed professional a few weeks ago; for discretion's sake I won't say who. It was a hero who's helped many people, and we'd been discussing initiatives to do more on Earth than just punching villains. We were talking about big, important things like ending world hunger and increasing the standard of living for children in the worst, most desolate parts of the world. And at one point I leaned forward in my chair, and they became outraged. They abandoned all the talk we'd done, because I assumed a posture that let them see my cleavage a little closer than usual. Accused me of manipulating and seducing them, a complete stranger I had no basis to want anything other than a professional relationship with." She sighs. "All that potential good undone. It still breaks my heart."
    Star pauses for another sip of water. "This uniform isn't me showing off. It's sacred. We leave our chests and bellies exposed to symbolize the openness and vulnerability love demands, to show that our armor won't keep us from being open. But too many people can't see that. Too many people see cleavage and think I'm...well, something you probably can't print."

Lois Lane has posed:
While some might be annoyed at being the more passive, listener of the group, Lois isn't. That's part of being a good reporter, or interviewer, knowing when to speak and when to shut up. And when Star begins her story, Lois immediately knows to shut up and just listen.

The only reaction she offers is a slight widening of eyes; both in surprise and outrage. Outrage for what Star Sapphire had to experience. "Are you serious?" She'll hold up a hand, "Wait, that was rhetorical. I know you're serious." She finally manages, even as she stabs the point of her pen into her tablet. Her eyes are quite calculating as she considers Star Sapphire and she almost, almost, asks for the heroes name; but something within Star's mien forestalls that question. It'll get her nowhere, she can tell. That doesn't stop her from considering how else she might find out this information, but that's, for another day. Not this particular moment.

"You'd be surprised what we can and can't print, Star." Comes Lois' voice, amusement tinging away some of the outrage she feels, but not all of it. Not all of it. Her gaze will stray to the side for a few seconds, as Lois internally rails against the world. Sighing, the reporter will finally return her gaze to Star. "I wouldn't have guessed that's what your costume symbolized." She begins, "Let's put that in the article. I think it'll help you and hopefully help those who interact with you."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star laughs a little bit. "I'm sorry, I forgot to answer your question while I was telling that story, didn't I? Let me be direct, then. That story isn't the first time I've grappled with my uniform. I've also thought about the message I send to little girls out there who want someone to look up to, and to little boys who are learning what makes a woman valuable in our culture. I decided at first I meant to stick with this uniform because it really is cherished among the Star Sapphires and I cherish it too; I said to myself, 'Well, if the message I send isn't the one they hear, then they need to clean out their ears.' But communication doesn't work like that, does it? You have to take the other person's knowledge and feelings into account or else you're not getting the point across."
    Star leans forward in her seat. Yes, it does put her cleavage closer to you, but if you're looking in her eyes when she does it you see animation, excitement, earnestness, a desire to emphasize her point by getting closer. "So here's what I propose. I'd like your paper, preferably on your website to reach the children, to run a contest offering to redesign my uniform. I'll pick the best one and make the change, and offer to meet with the winner (and probably the runners-up) to speak with them privately or at their school. And if that drives up your traffic or your sales, then we can talk about a recurring feature in which I respond to girls' questions and offer outreach to them. Do you think that's a sales pitch you'd be interested in, Lois?"

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois is looking to Star's face; yes, after all, Lois is a woman, it's not like she doesn't know what cleavage is. It doesn't offend or even distract.

As Star tells of her idea, she'll find Lois nodding at various points. That pen of hers will be brought to her lips a moment, to be tapped there, as the dark-haired reporter considers it all. "I like it." She'll say, once she's had a moment to consider it and mull over all the various pros and cons. "The column though, I want you to answer questions from both boys and girl." Her eyes are back upon Star's face again, "Otherwise how else will we teach them how they should see women, treat women?" A few notes will be scribbled down; costume, re-design, winners, "I'll convince Perry to run this in both paper format and online. I've a feeling it'll bring in far more people than you expect." And then a vaguely troubling thought occurs, "And some you might not like. Are you prepared for backlash? Similar to what you received from that hero -"

"- And what did you say his name was?" She asks, an innocent tone held within her eyes, and her voice. She knows it's a long shot, but Lois will still take it.

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "I didn't say it was a man," Star says wryly, but kindly. She reaches out to pat Lois's knee with a latex-clad hand. "I'm sorry, Lois, under a lot of circumstances I'd tell you, but not under these." She straightens back up, and leans back in her chair. "Full marks for the effort, though. That trick you did with your voice is very good."

Lois Lane has posed:
Dammit.

That's the thought that's echoed through Lois' head, but, she knew it was a long shot. A wry grin tips Lois' lips upward as she allows the pat to her knee. "Well, I had to try. Thanks for humoring me." States the Reporter, even as she leans back in her own chair again. "And you wouldn't believe how many times that tone would get me out of trouble. I'm surprised anyone buys it from me anymore." And with that more personal statement said, Lois will turn the conversation back at hand. "When would you like your column to run? Once the contest is over, that is. Weekly, bi-weekly, daily?" Her head will tilt slightly to the side, "I wouldn't recommend daily, that's a hard timeline to hold and with you're other daily job responsbilities I'd imagine you can be quite busy at times."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star shakes her head in negation and leans forward again earnestly. "I wasn't humoring you, Lois. It was very good. I'm kind of a diplomat in my job, and I know a lot of little tricks to try to calm people down and make them more receptive. I could not have pulled off what you just did half as well."
    A woman with an all-powerful alien ring on her finger is worried about Lois Lane being appropriately complimented for her skills as a reporter. It's a weird life.
    "But the column. I think I could commit to a weekly appearance, maybe with the understanding that we should stock up on episodes when we can, against me being lost in space or hospitalized after a battle or who knows what. That sound reasonable to you?"

Lois Lane has posed:
"I appreciate the compliment." Lois is quick to say, when Star leans forward again, showing that earnest to be understood, to make sure Lois understands just what she meant. It's enough to cause Lois now to reach out a hand to offer the woman a light touch; and Lois' isn't necessarily a touchy-feely sort of person. Just ask Clark.

And yes, it's an odd life at times.

"Completely reasonable. I would recommend you coming into The Planet and have any episodes recorded, for the web portion. We have the tech set-up to do it quite seamlessly -" Though that turns her expression thoughtful for a moment, "- Of course, you might have better tech than us, but the offer stands. It'd also be good for people to see you coming and going, getting used to seeing you and chatting. It'll humanize you more to those around and for the column."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "That makes too much sense to ignore. Thank you, Lois, I'll take you up on that." There may be a wry quirk to her violet lips as Star considers that she's just agreed to become a branded superhero, but hey, if it's good enough for Superman! "I would like to ask a favor, though. I'm a bit of a diplomat, but I'm not a teacher, an entertainer, or a reporter. I think the show would benefit from having a host with at least some of those skills. Someone like you, for instance."

Lois Lane has posed:
"Good." Is Lois' immediate response when Star agrees to come to The Planet. "I'll get you set up with a permanent visitors badge - that'll give you access to the floor and meeting rooms."

It's those next words of Star's that actually cause Lois to lean back into her chair; surprise etched across her features. "Me?" She says, without any annoying squeaks of her voice, she's too good a reporter to allow surprise to change her voice. "I - I'll have to think about that." Perhaps for the first time in a long time Lois' words hold a note of hesitancy now, as she considers what the other woman is asking of her. "I'm a face behind the paper, a name, really, not someone in front of a camera. Perhaps a person from the Media department -"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star holds up her hands, not to ask for silence, but in supplication. "Of course, whatever you feel comfortable with," she soothes. "I just thought of you because I'm starting to like you, and a person wants coworkers whose company she enjoys." She smiles. "But I'm sure whoever you think is right for the job will do just fine."

Lois Lane has posed:
"Let me think on it." Lois says, her expression back to her more professional mask, as that initial surprise lessens. "The idea does have merit." She'll also concede, even as she offers a quirk of a smile to Star. "And I do understand working with people you like. Or at the very lease you like the majority of them."

There's always that one person, be it either jerk, bossy type .. wait. Let's just go with jerk. A certain reporter might fall into the bossy type.

"Where can I contact you?" She'll ask, even as she adds, "It'll probably take me a day or two to pitch the whole thing to Perry; though I have a feeling he'll be onboard pretty quickly."

Star Sapphire has posed:
    "I'm afraid I haven't yet figured out how to be all clandestine about contacting me while keeping my identity secret," Star admits. "Would you like to just leave a message at the front desk, and I'll come in for it...what, next business week? Is that enough time to make those kinds of decisions?"

Lois Lane has posed:
"Burner phones." Lois says quickly, helpfully, "We each buy a set and then exchange them out after each call. Untraceable with only one use."

And then the dark-haired reporter is nodding, "But for now, yes, we can exchange message via the front desk. When you come next week -" Which is her acknowledgement that next week is okay, "- I'll have a phone prepared for you with my number preprogrammed in. Fair?"

Star Sapphire has posed:
    Star leans forward over her crossed knee, smiling brilliantly at Lois, reaching out to squeeze the reporter's knee (she'd have gone for a hand if hands weren't full of pencil and paper and such). "Thank you, Lois. I'm so glad you're receptive to this. It's a passion of mine, and I'm grateful to you."