CHP 8
Backstage was a charged place to be with the new bad blood boiling between Microbe and the lead singer of Cosmic Blush. The rest of her band seemed to blend in with the older rockers from Microbe until their lead singer nearly pushed them to the stage. Zenon and Protozoa came not too long after her and he went over a few of the newer songs with his band as Cosmic Blush took the stage. Zenon wished them luck on the performance and gave Protozoa a kiss before she left which earned a playful howl from Germ. In response, she kissed each member of the band on the cheek, including Lester, as she walked out from the backstage area.
Zenon found her friends and family at the front of the small crowd enjoying the show. Margie and Bronley danced and bounced to the beat of the songs Cosmic Blush performed. It seemed like Jaime put more of her sex appeal into the performance while the rest of her band performed well, but knowing how to read performers from attending countless concerts thanks to Protozoa and his connections, Zenon caught moments when they looked fed up or even sad.
Nebula pulled at her arm and leaned toward her to make sure she was heard, "She really going for it tonight, isn't she?"
"You have no idea," Zenon said back and bit her tongue. She would tell Nebula about what happened up on the catwalk, but not out in the open. She doesn't air dirty laundry in the open, hers or anyone else's.
"Now, for our last performance, I thought we would ask Protozoa to join us to perform 'Out of This World' for old times' sake," Jaime announced and looked toward the backstage entry to the stage. The crowd clapped and cheered for another collaboration from the two artists, as it looked like it may be their last.
Protozoa looked out at the crowd and looked back at his band.
"It's up to you," Germ shrugged.
"No, it's up to us."
"Come on, PZ, one more go around!" Jaime cheered toward the curtain.
"She's still trying to put a wedge between them," Zenon growled, and looked at Nebula and Cassie.
"She isn't even mentioning the rest of the band," Nebula frowned, "That's inky."
"Vega Omega inky," Cassie agreed.
Protozoa finally walked onto the stage, one of his many performance jackets on instead of the tux jacket from earlier and his guitar strapped on. He waved to the crowd as they cheered louder, and he smiled brightly. He pulled another microphone from the side and set it in front of him with the stand.
"You got me," he said with another bright smile and then whipped his head to Jaime, "But under one condition."
"W- what?" Jaime asked, a bit confused at the sudden request.
"Just thought to myself, we aren't touring together, but if this is one more go around, why don't we do a true mash of Microbe and Cosmic Blush?" he turned back to the crowd and then waved to the backstage curtain where another set of drums and a keyboard came out with the rest of Microbe. He chuckled a bit when the volume of the crowd rose with more guests coming over to the stage. He turned to Jaime with his brows raised, "What do you say?"
Jaime took a moment or two, looked at her band and then at the crowd. She couldn't back out now, "Yeah, let's do it."
"Gents!" Protozoa smiled at his band as they took their places and smiled at the other members of Cosmic Blush. He brought his guitar to his front and strummed a couple of chords, "Let's."
Zenon looked up at the stage just as he found her in the crowd and winked down at her. She put her hands over her heart and nodded up at him with a mouthed, 'I'm proud of you.'
"You're out of this world," Jaime started with the girls.
As the song's lyrics bounced between the two lead singers, so did the music bounce from between the two bands, combining during the chorus. The girls played with and off the boys from Microbe as they returned the favor. The only one who seemed out of the loop was Jaime.
As she sang her parts and tried to play off of Protozoa, he would perform, but only to the audience and in particular to the front row at the right where she found a very familiar blond. Jaime would sing and nearly chased him around the stage while he did what he did best. He dodged and performed to the crowd, who cheered.
The song wound down and after her last call out of 'out of this world', Jaime still saw his eyes were only on the crowd and flicking back to her. His little precious muse. She shook her head and left the stage without a final bow.
Protozoa stood straight at the end of the song and looked back at the stage to see that Jaime had already left, but her band was still there. He shook his head, but then turned to the crowd.
"Ladies and gents! Let's hear it for the talented ladies of Cosmic Blush!"
The crowd roared in applause and the girls waved or blew kisses as they walked off the stage and said their goodbyes to their counterparts in Microbe.
"Now, as much as you are all ready to hear our newest additions to the music world..." Protozoa paused and let the audience laugh a bit and he chuckled along. He was back in his element. He held the stage in a practiced comfort and he picked up the distinct faces in the crowd. He knew some of it was from professional courtesy, but there was an appreciation in the crowd in front of them. Appreciation for him and his band. Something connected. The audience differed greatly from Moon-stock. This was a different gathering of people, a different mix than a group of two hundred teenagers. He had changed, so had his audience. Don't force what doesn't work. He looked at Zenon and he heard her voice.
"Be yourself, your fans will always follow. We know when you're genuine."
He cleared his throat, "... how about a couple of classics to warm us up?"
The crowd cheered again and clapped along as the beat for "Supernova Girl" began. Nebula automatically grabbed Zenon's hand, Margie took her other as Cassie hooked onto her cousin's arm. They all looked at one another and then looked back at the stage and together yelled out a very loud:
"WE LOVE YOU, PROTOZOA!"
He flashed a smile and blew a kiss to the group of them.
It felt like they were back to being teenagers as they sat at his concerts or watched them on the vid chips. This time, he would always make passes over to them to perform directly at the small group in the front. After a few of his well loved songs, he slowed it down and turned to his band as they nodded and he turned back to the crowd.
"My mates and I wanted to let you all know how much we have appreciated you coming out tonight and how much it means to me personally for the help for the space station," he started and caught his breath from his performance. He let out a long breath and ran a hand through his hair before he did another announcement, "No one knew this before tonight, but this is the last performance of Microbe."
There was a large rush of murmuring in the crowd and Protozoa put out his hands as if to calm the hushed whispers and questions.
"The gents and I have made this decision together," he looked back as the other three men nodded in agreement and waved out to the crowd, "We've all found some things are a little more important than fame or partying like the glamorous rock stars we are. Even if some of our bones are arguing we aren't as glamorous as we think we still are."
There were a few chuckles in the crowd as Germ tried to crack his neck and Lichen stretched out his back.
"I respect their decision, even though I don't completely agree with it," Protozoa turned from his bandmates and then to the crowd again, "I'm starting a journey on my own. Despite what you all may want, I'm not stopping anytime soon."
More chuckles and well-meaning laughter came from the crowd with a few claps.
"So, if you don't mind humoring me for the moment," he turned completely from the crowd to his band mates where the lights came up to give them the limelight, "Give my mates the round of applause they deserve."
The crowd instantly erupted in applause and cheers from behind Protozoa. He also clapped with the audience and smiled at his bandmates. These men have been with him since the beginning. Since he was nobody with a pleasant voice. Since he felt he was the best in the universe and his ego grew. Since he met someone who taught him though he was still the most fabulo rock star in the galaxy, he still wasn't the only one in the galaxy. They stuck with him and even if they weren't Microbe all together; they were still his mates. They all stood where they were and gave a grateful bow to the crowd and clapped to offer thanks to their lead singer.
"Alrigh', now to get what you really want," Protozoa instantly turned forward as his band settled back into their places with smiles, "Let's hear some new music, ay?"
He started with a more upbeat song with energetic lyrics and told of a day in the sun and ugly patterned shirts. His second song was slower, but held some good riffs he shared with Lichen on guitar. Then the last one his band mates got up and waved to him as he stole one stool and sat in front of the microphone.
"This last one is a bit more exceptional. It's a collaboration with someone very special to me," he looked down directly at Zenon. A soft spotlight popped on and lit up Zenon and her family still placed in the front row, "Every note, every word she inspired in me. With thanks, I dedicate this song to my supernova girl, my muse: Zenon. I give you 'Bright'."
He strummed a few first cords with a slow and gentle beat. Then his voice took over, the guitar a low accompaniment.
"Recklessly dimming and drifting to places unknown...
Scattered doubts take root in the darkness- my new home...
Forgotten and anonymous, completely outdone...
Feeling lost at dusk, searching for the sun...
Then you're here, new sun shining bright...
New center of gravity, a universe lights the night...
There you are, chasing the dark afar...
Standing in your light, my guiding star...
You're shining bright...
Our love is beyond stellar, it owns the sky...
Everything comes together with you and I...
Can't believe you're still here, utterly perfect...
I'm incomplete, nearly obsolete, I'm the one you picked...
Then you're here, new sun shining bright...
New center of gravity, a universe lights the night...
There you are, chasing the dark afar...
Standing in your light, my guiding star...
You're shining bright...
Like a supernova, you're brighter than the sun...
Burn right through, see me through...
Never fade, I'll be your one!
Then you're here, new sun shining bright...
New center of gravity, a universe lights the night...
There you are, chasing the dark afar...
Standing in your light, my guiding star...
You're shining bright..."
The guitar takes over to wrap up the last notes and the last chord faded. The spot light on Zenon faded, and the ballroom was nearly silent.
The crowd stands quiet for a moment before they clap and cheer once more as Protozoa stood up and waved out to them. He put his hand over his heart and nodded toward Zenon, who did the same back to him. He waved to the crowd and saw Commander Plank walk up to the stage.
"Thank you for the performance, Protozoa," Plank smiled and patted him on the back before he turned to the crowd, "Everyone, give it up for Protozoa and Microbe!"
The crowd cheered again and applauded until Protozoa disappeared behind the backstage curtain.
Nebula leaned against Zenon's side and whispered, "I tell you, girl- and I mean this as your best friend- marry him."
"I just might," she laughed and pushed Nebula back.
"Everyone, thank you again for attending this gala. Thank you to the ones who have preformed tonight to help raise the funds to buy our station and give her the help she needs," Plank looked over the crowd and bowed his head slightly in gratitude and humility, "As many of you know, despite the scientific advancements of the station, it is also a home to many, many people. A haven and a place of thousands of memories. Thank you again for helping us keep her and heal her. With no delay, I will let the music continue from our wonderful DJ and we will watch closely until the end of the night to see goal reached. Thank you again for your generosity and your attendance. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
The music began again, led by a DJ on the other side of the stage, and the large screen behind the stage had a current count of the funds donated. They were so close and it would be less than an hour to reach at the rate the number was growing.
Zenon talked with her parents and friends until a hand landed protectively at her back, a thumb skimming her spine. She turned her head and saw Protozoa beside her.
"Fantastic set," she gave him a kiss, and he pulled her in closer.
"Thank you, love. I hoped you liked the finished product," he smirked and looked at the small group, "I hope you are all still enjoying yourselves."
"It's been fantastic, Zoa. Thank you," Astrid complimented and nodded at the stage, "And the song was beautiful."
"Thank you. It's hard to write your daughter into a song. Words just aren't enough."
"Damn it, Zoa," Nebula sniffed and fanned her face.
"What's wrong, darling?" he asked her, a little concerned.
"Even outside of songs, you know just what to say," Nebula shook her head in wonder and holding back tears.
"Oh, Neb," Zenon sighed and laughed at her friend's emotional reaction. She reached over and helped her clear her tears without missing up her makeup.
"How are we doing?" Protozoa asked and looked over at the screen with the large number going even higher.
"We've almost bought her," Plank reported and watched a smaller screen in his hand on a zap pad, "It looks like there were other bidders for the station for scrap, but none of them have the lead like we do."
"They don't stand a chance," Mark rolled his eyes and took his wife's hand, "Care to join me in a pre-winning dance?"
Without a verbal answer, Astrid put her hand in his and they spun out to the dance floor portion of the ballroom by the stage.
"I think I'm going to find a dance partner for myself and Cassie. Come on," Nebula grabbed her cousin's hand and pulled her in the same direction.
Margie and Bronley were already dancing off to the side of the stage with one another.
Protozoa looked at the screen again and then back at Zenon, "Well..."
Plank laughed and shook the zap-pad in his hand, "I'll man the screen. Judy has called it a night and is resting in the lounge. Go on and enjoy yourself."
Zenon smiled in thanks to her uncle and turned immediately into Protozoa's arms, "I once won a dance from you I never took."
"You gave it to your best friend."
"True..." she nodded and took a second before she looked back up at him with an enormous grin, "Ask me again."
He chuckled and ran a soft finger over her ear as if carefully putting a piece of her hair back into place, "Dance with me?"
With a single nod, he walked her out to the floor and wrapped his arms around her as a slower song came over the speakers and they waltzed together on the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and neck, her fingertips dancing along the back of his neck as they danced along the floor. They both turned to their side to see Cassie trying very hard not to squash the toes of a boy from the station and beyond her, Nebula was trying even harder not to embarrass herself by dancing with one of her favorite tv vid personalities. Protozoa and Zenon both tried to keep their light laughter to themselves as they passed both parties.
"So, how does it feel?" he asked her in a whisper against her ear.
"How does what feel?" she asked, and leaned back to look up into his eyes.
"To save the day yet again?"
"I haven't saved the day, Zoa."
"The people around us would beg to differ, love. You are the only one who did something and pulled it off. Again. Doing the impossible daily."
"I couldn't have done any of this without you," she ran her hand along his shoulder and straightened his tie now he was back in his tux jacket, "How are you still the one to believe in me?"
"You believed in me first," he answered simply, and leaned forward for another kiss.
As she leaned up, the large screen instantly went blank and then popped back up with a large 'Bought' across the screen.
Zenon turned them both to look at the screen and thought at first it was showing they had reached their goal and they had done it. They bought the station. Then she read another word underneath the first.
"Bought out?" Protozoa asked as he read both words.
Zenon ran back toward the stage and Plank, who was pushing a few different buttons on the zap pad in hand.
"What happened?" she asked as soon as they were close enough.
"Someone just bought the station. Fully," Plank reported and kept pushing the buttons on the pad, "They out bid everything we have raised for the night. And bought it outright."
"Who?"
"It's not listing the info yet," he groaned and shook the zap pad as if it would help. When he brought the information back up, he looked even more confused, "Private buyer. They're asking for it... to be scrapped."
"What?" Zenon stared at the small screen with Plank and then looked up at the large screen as it flashed again and a picture of the winner and their name came up on screen.
"Jaime?" Protozoa asked, totally perplexed and put his hand on Zenon's back in support.
There was a bit of microphone feedback and then Jaime showed back up on the stage with a microphone in one hand and a drink in the other.
"I think the party has gone on for long enough, don't you?" she asked, the crowd forming back around the stage.
"Jaime, what the Hell are you doing?" Chester hissed from just offstage with her other band mates behind him.
"Chester, it's fine. I'm just pulling the last play here," she waved at her manager carefully with her drink hand and turned back to the growing audience, "This is going to be pretty cut and dry. An ultimatum."
"What is she doing?" Protozoa asked, and Lester came up with the rest of Microbe next to him.
"You've had your turn on stage, get off!" someone from the crowd yelled out.
"Not until I have my say here," she shook her head and took another sip of her drink and then tossed it toward her still hissing manager and band mates, "I have a dedication to Miss Zenon as well."
"That's awful nice of you, Jaime, but that's not why we're here tonight," Zenon called out and drew her attention to her.
"Believe me, it's not something you want to miss. You want your precious station?" she grinned wide and pointed at the screen still showing her as the new owner, "All you got to do is stay away from Protozoa. Drop him or I drop the station into deep space."
The audience grew shocked and muttering and whispers flowed over the crowd. This was not what the night was about. This gala was to save the station, not use it as a bargaining chip for some pop star. Chester grew nervous and tried harder to pull Jaime from the stage.
"Get over here!"
"No, I need an answer. It's simple if she loves her station as much as she said she does."
"You can't tell me who to stay away from."
"What? I can't pry you from your new squeeze? Wake up, kid. I know you're in love with him. That's why this decision needs to be made. Before it goes too far."
"Jaime!" Protozoa yelled up at her and tried to push Zenon back, "This is between you and me. It has nothing to do with the station or the people this will affect. Leave them out of it. Leave her out of it."
"I'm not touching her, but she's put herself here. She's stopped you from going on tour. She's stopped you from living your life to the fullest. How much more is she going to stop you from? I'm making it a simple decision. She gives you up, and she gets her station. She doesn't, it gets scrapped as scheduled. Easy."
By now, Zenon's parents and friends were with her and she looked at the floor and then looked at Protozoa just in front of her, "Is it true? Did I keep you from going?"
"No," he instantly turned to her, "I chose not to tour because of what she purposed. I will not throw in the towel until I say so. I end my career on my terms. The tour would still not have happened, with or without you."
"You tell her, romeo."
"Jaime, I swear-" he growled.
"You would risk destroying everything you set out to save just because of one guy?" Jaime was nearly laughing now as she stared at Zenon, "Destroy hope and disappoint everyone in this room, everyone who matters to you... for one man?"
Zenon felt the sting of tears in her eyes, and she looked at the stage and then at her parents.
"Love, listen," Protozoa whispered to her and looked at her parents and their friends around them, "Get the station from her."
"What?"
"I haven't agreed to anything. We'll figure this out. You need to get the station out of her hands. It's too important."
"Zoa, no. That's not the answer to this," Astrid leaned toward him.
"I will not let you lose your home. None of you," he said in a tone like he promised them.
Astrid knew he meant it, but it wasn't his choice on the line. It was Zenon's. She turned to her daughter, "You don't have to do this."
"She wants an answer."
"Then give her what she wants," Protozoa said again.
"I'm not going to publicly denounce you because someone is trying to blackmail me," Zenon grit her teeth and seethed as she looked over his shoulder at Jaime.
"This is the station. Your home. Everything you've worked for. I can't let you just give it up for me."
Zenon looked back at him, a flash of fire in her eyes.
"I'm not worth it and you still need to shine," he pled with her and cupped her face in his hands, "I'll find a way back to you. We always find a way back to each other. So I know we will, but you can't give up the station."
Zenon closed her eyes and tears trailed down her cheeks to land on his fingers, "I know what to do."
She took a deep breath, looked him deep in the eyes before she tore herself from him and strode toward the stairs.
"Zee, don't-" Nebula tried to stop her, but she pulled her arm from her grip.
Protozoa squeezed his eyes shut and felt a hand at his shoulder. He looked up to see Mark and Astrid Kar at his side and Lester at his other.
"You would give her up?" Astrid asked.
"No, I could never give up on her. I would have her give up on me if it meant you get your home back," he explained with a hard smile, "It means she stays happy. I would do anything to keep her happy. I'm making her decision easier letting her know I don't blame her."
"Here comes the hero," Jaime sang into the microphone as Zenon got on stage and stared her down as she got closer, "So, what's it going to be?"
Zenon turned to the crowd and looked over at the sea of faces. Faces of people she had only met that night, other faces she has known all her life. All of them held their breath as she stood on stage with a nearly impossible choice.
Jaime shoved another microphone into her hands and nodded at her to talk.
Zenon's eyes then focused on her family and on Protozoa as she started with a very soft, "I'm sorry..."
