"Good morning everyone. Glad everybody could make it today. I want to start by welcoming back Teacup from maternity leave!" a crowd of applause broke out as Wacky headed up the usual meeting. "Alright guys. We have a lot to go over today." with a stern expression, the yellow monkey rubbed his forehead. "This morning we received a letter from cog nation. We have looked over this letter and determined its source to be accurate."
Confusion replaced the regular excitement among the Toons, theorizing what the letter could be. Had the cogs declared war again? Bessie stood up with her arms crossed. "Sorry Mayor, if I may. We received a letter from the cogs that said that there have been attacks by Toontown residents in Cog Nation."
"That's ridiculous!" a mixed color deer stood up and shook her head. "Why would Toons want to do something like that? How do we know that this isn't some sort of elaborate trap again? After all, the cogs are clearly outnumbered. This would be a perfect opportunity to lure us into a false sense of security! It's happened before!"
"Pinata, please calm yourself." Wacky interrupted. "I'm sure all of us are already aware of the cogs past history. Believe me, we are not ruling out the possibility. However, why now? Besides, this letter states that if the attacks don't stop, they will retaliate. Why would they give their hand away like this? If they needed Toontown as a scapegoat, they would be handing this letter to their own kind. No, I think that somebody has been authorizing attacks on Cog Nation." Wacky turned and looked at Devin who was reading over a photocopied version of the letter.
Crumpling the paper into a ball, Devin tossed it behind him and snorted. "What are you looking at me for?"
"You're the one who proposed invading Cog Nation! It does seem a bit fishy that shortly after that, Cog Nation suddenly has a rash of attacks by Toons." Sid responded snarkily.
"Here we go again. Ganging up on me because it's convenient. For the record, I stand by my decision to overthrow Cog Nation. If Toons are fighting the good fight, I say good for them. They're braver than the pack of cowards in this room. However, I did not authorize any such use of force. If I was going to, I'd be much less hit and run. Those cogs would know we were there. I have never broken protocol or any guideline in my time as a Counciltoon. Regardless of how everybody else here feels, this accusation is ridiculous and based in bias against me."Devin pounded his fist on the table and scowled at the group.
Wacky nodded and spoke in a soothing voice. "Now everybody, let's be careful before we go throwing around accusations. We don't know that this letter is true or not, or what Toons would be involved. Odds are against us that we could make such a discovery without a lot of cooperation from Cog Nation, which at this time I am not considering. If these attacks continue, and risk inflaming tensions between the Cogs and Toons, well I will have no choice but to try and mediate and bring the full force of the law down. For everybody in the room, please remember that breaking a treaty is considered Anti-Toon behavior. Due to the fragile nature of our relationship with the cogs, leniency will not be granted. Whether that is a single individual or an entire group. Nobody is above the law. We will be holding a television campaign ad to remind Toons that attacking Cogs unprovoked is considered a crime."
"Mayor, before we continue I had another question on the subject." Teacup raised her hand. The red mouse had been gone for several weeks and hardly had time to catch up on previous proceedings. "You mentioned mediation between the cogs. What exactly would that entail?"
"Great question, Cup. Well, it seems that if this continues I would need to call a meeting with the leaders of Cog Nation. Maybe send some investigators to look more into this behavior. Is this Anti-Toons stirring the pot? Is this an overly patriotic Toon with a disillusioned sense of self-worth? Is this a strictly organized affair? I'm hoping this is not something that needs to be answered."
Bessie spoke up. "Mayor Banana, you mentioned Anti-Toons? Has there been any indication that the In-Sells or FEDORA have resumed operation? Should we be concerned?"
"No. At the moment none of our reports have shown any risk of organized Anti-Toon behavior. I will keep you informed as more information becomes available." Banana continued to orchestrate the meeting with few hiccups. Several hours passed before the group was dismissed early. Watching as the Counciltoons left, Wacky called out to the senior yellow rabbit. "Hey, Devin. Do you have a moment?"
"I guess." Devin stopped at the door, stepping aside and allowing for the remaining members to take their leave.
Walking over and closing the door, Wacky waited a few moments until it was quiet outside. Once comfortable, the monkey put on an unusual glare. "Devin. I've warned you numerous times about your behavior. I've been tolerant as you are an elected official and I do not wish to overthrow the will of Prank City, but I'm about this close to dismissing you from your position. Attacks on Cog Nation? Are you kidding me? I'm in awe that somebody with your experience would do something so stupid! We cannot risk a war! If I find out that you were involved with this, not only will you never serve another day on this council, I assure you that you will be seeing your grandchildren in the Toontown Jail visitation room!" clearing his throat, the yellow monkey nodded to his co-council. "Thank you for your time. You head on home." opening the door, Wacky watched the stunned rabbit clench his fists and walk out of the room, cursing in a hushed tone.
Boxer slid the key card into the door and pushed open the entrance to his room. The purple dog didn't bother turning on the lights, instead trudging through the darkness and plopping down on the bed. There was a small burst of light coming from a streetlamp outside which managed to phase through the thin, lavender curtains that blocked his window. Turning away, Boxer kept his eyes closed. The entire walk back, he had re-ran through his routine a thousand times. How could he go back to work the next day after crashing and burning that hard? He was just glad he didn't invite his parents as he originally planned to. No, they deserved more than the absolute failure of a son that they had worked so hard to see succeed. Slapping his key card onto the bedside table, he fondled through his pocket and looked for his whisper device. The absolute barren wasteland of laughter he had sat through reminded him how utterly alone he had felt here. He had come to Toontown on a whim, without a single friend or family member to help him. While he had acquaintances at work, none of them were people he would consider a friend. Some even seemed hostile towards him. Like Boxer, many of the employees at House of The Rising Pun were also actors or entertainers looking for their big break. It was a blood-thirsty business and the more competition meant less opportunities. It wasn't about hating the Toon, just what they represented. Finally getting a hand on his device, he pulled open his messages and sighed. Not a single thing.
Pulling himself up, Boxer turned on the lamp. Crawling over the bed, he stood up and walked over to a small "work desk" that each room had come fitted with. As this was his temporary home until he could find a more permanent residence, something that was becoming more and more impossible, he did his best to make do. Reaching into the small mini-fridge, he sighed. He was completely out of food. Feeling his grumbling stomach, he shook his head. Opening his laptop, the tenacious dog pulled up his virtual bank account. "Forty-eight beans." the Toon slammed his head down. A night here cost fifty jellybeans and he was only paid through tomorrow night. He didn't get paid again until next week. Suddenly the decision became overwhelming. Ultimately he was going to have to choose between eating and having somewhere to stay. It was made for him as the sharp stabbing in his sides continued to prod him as he searched through potential roles with little luck. "Guess I can't work on an empty stomach." Closing his laptop, the dog grabbed his key card off the desk and made his way out of the inn. Stepping out into the brisk, cool, evening air, he took in a deep breath.
Minnie's Melodyland was a breathtaking view at night. Most of the keys that made up the sidewalks were lit up in a rainbow of beautiful colors, illuminating a musical pathway for all pedestrians. Doing his best to ignore his aching stomach, Boxer walked down the street, looking for somewhere cheap to eat, and also for a potential place to sleep. The street was mostly abandoned of other Toons this late at night. The occasional shopkeeper would step out and lock their doors, and every once in a while a Toon would run by not even stopping to look at him. "Here we go. Berger's Burgundy Burgers" the cheap, fast-food place was likely the best bet Boxer had to stretch out a very thin budget. As he crossed the cobblestone street towards a cheap meal, the purple dog's eye was caught by a flashing neon sign. "Dream On Talent Agency?" the famous agency had been started by Harry Hammock in Donald's Dreamland many years before Boxer was born. He wasn't aware they had a location in Minnie's Melodyland. The lights were on inside. Peering over at the restaurant one last time, Boxer shrugged. Maybe he could just check it out really quick. Walking over, he yanked open the extravagant glass door and walked inside. The interior of the building was just as Boxer imagined it would be. Colorful walls were covered with autographed portraits of famous Toons; Moe Zart, Ava Maxtoon, Adam Lamb-Brrrgh among just a few.
"Good evening. Welcome to Dream On, where your dreams are our reality. My name is Steven, how can I help you today?" a brown monkey with the biggest lips Boxer had ever seen stuck out a hand.
"Oh, good evening, Steven. My name is Boxer. I'm really sorry to stop in so late." the purple dog shook the monkey's hand, smiling.
Standing up, the monkey chuckled. "Nonsense. After all, most dreams happen at night. We are open twenty-four seven. Taking a look, I'd say you are a brilliant act who has yet to be discovered, is that right?"
Boxer, surprised by the monkey's intuition grinned even wider. "Yeah! I'm an actor! Well I also dabble in music and comedy. But mostly an actor! You guys are impressive. How did you know that?"
"Son, here at Dream On we believe everybody has the potential to be a star, and we do everything we can to help Toons meet their incredible heights. Do you already have representation?" Steven inquired, pulling out a clipboard.
"Representation? You mean like a lawyer?" Boxer asked, confused.
Giggling mirthfully, Steven shook his head. "I'm going to take that as a no. I mean a talent agent! Somebody who can find you roles, get you opportunities. Here at Dream On, we have a myriad of talented agents who have ins to the vast world of entertainment throughout Toontown. Is this something you would be interested in?"
"Um. Yeah!" Boxer shouted with glee. Maybe this was finally his big break he needed all along. Clenching his shorts excitedly, he watched as the monkey slid the clipboard over to him.
"Alright! We'll just need some basic information. Name, contact information, skills, the basics. From there we will pair you with one of our talented agents who will then meet with you and go into more detail what you're looking for. Now I cannot stress enough that an agent will not guarantee that you get what you are looking for. Unfortunately even we have our limits of what we can do. You may need to be patient, or settle for something a bit different. But I assure you that with time you will be rolling in offers." Steven smiled pleasantly as the purple dog in front of him filled out the forms. Once Boxer finished, he slid the paperwork back over and bounced in his seat. "Fantastic. Thank you Mr. Garfunkel. Now, we must discuss payment structure."
Unable to focus on anything, Boxer daydreamed of himself as the star of a blockbuster movie. "Oh yeah. I'm familiar with commissions. I get a gig, agent takes a cut, right?"
"Well, yes. That is generally true. However as our agency does all of the work in searching out these gigs, we take on a substantial amount of risk. Due to this, we do charge an up-front fee to cover agent's costs. This is a fixed payment and is paid regardless of how long it takes for your agent to find an opportunity. Now, we do start payments at five-hundred jellybeans. Will you be paying with cash or card today?" Steven put on a pair of thick-rimmed black glasses and continued to read over the paperwork, checking for errors."
"Five - Five-hundred? Five-hundred jellybeans?" stuttering in shock, Boxer deflated into his seat.
Steven took off his glasses and tilted his head as he stared at the purple dog. "Yes, sir. I will personally assure you that we have price-checked other talent agencies and our fees are among the absolute lowest. Unlike other agencies, we guarantee results though. We do not rest until you have been given a chance to succeed. Will that be a problem, Mr. Garfunkel?"
"It's just that. Well, I'm not doing too well money wise. I do get paid next week, but right now I have less than fifty jellybeans to my name. Even then, most of what I have is going to scare by living in a motel. I just don't think I could afford something like this..." Boxer sighed, standing up he began to walk out of the lobby.
"Hold on there son." Steven stood up and made his away around the counter. "Boxer, we here at Dream On are here to help you succeed." closing his eyes Steven looked to the ceiling. "We do have one agent who is available that is willing to start for free. Well, he doesn't technically work for us, but he is an acquaintance of mine. He is a great guy, Tyler. Well he's my brother, if we're being honest. He's a talent agent, just got out of school. Unfortunately our standards dictate he must have a certain amount of experience before we could bring him on board. I don't want to pressure you, but he is a great guy, hard worker. Would you be interested in his card?"
Pondering, Boxer bit his lip. He would be leaving his hands in the fate of a brand-new agent. Somebody who likely had no clout in the entertainment industry. But something intrigued him. Something that reminded Boxer of himself. He knew what it was like to start from the bottom and try to claw your way to the top. If this guy was working for free, he was likely desperate for clients. There was nothing more disheartening than not even being given a chance. "Yeah. Yeah I would, please."