Chapter 8

Networking

Even from a vantage point, it was large. It seemed so close, yet as they approached the distance didn't seem to contract. Jordan assured Iori that they wouldn't be requiring the services of his bicycle, that this was a journey they could walk, but even then the length they would travel was misleadingly vast. "Down the street, over the freeway," was how the local described their plotted course. In reality it was that simple, but this gave no indication of scale. In reality they were walking several kilometers, and the teen idol almost would have preferred hanging on for dear life on that bicycle.

Also, it was hot.

Las Vegas, situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert, isn't the hottest spot on the planet, but it is it's neighbor. Luckily for her this wasn't the middle of summer, but for the season it was definitely more than to what she was accustomed. Last night she was fairly comfortable, but the temperature change from then and now almost seemed too drastic. Ice could have been forming in the early morning, and then rain would evaporate before even hitting the ground in the afternoon. While Japan might have sun, clouds, rain, and typhoons at seemingly random intervals, at least you could set your watch to the temperature.

While they walked Iori spoke in more detail of her compatriots with whom she traveled. Ami Futami, the 13 year old energetic member of Ryuuguu Komachi. Before joining this group, she was unofficially partnered with her twin sister Mami. In actuality, they shared a single on-stage persona. Personally, Iori thought that it was a very lazy way to go about it. Sure, the work might be split in half between the two, but so was the effort. In their pseudo-solo career, they hardly made much of a splash. Splitting the twins onto different paths was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. Mami, when left to fend for herself, has actually developed a good sense of independence. Ami, on the other hand, has learned the value of teamwork and the importance of following orders. When together they had no direction and traveled wherever their mischievous impulses took them. Separated, they finally had room to grow.

By far the eldest amongst the 765 Pro Idols (perhaps seconded only to their secretary Otonashi Kotori) is Azusa Miura. At 20 she debuted much later then what is expected of a typical Japanese Idol. While her talent and commitment are without doubt, her motives can be interpreted as questionable. She has told everyone that she's looking for her "special destined person." In other words, she's hubby hunting. Now 21, she's still living with her parents despite a college education and a modestly successful idol career. Though it might put off those who only look at Azusa's situation on the surface, Iori knows that the woman is a born romantic and highly values her relationships with her family and the other idols. One might expect her to be the leader of the group consisting of two much younger idols, but due to her near-extreme dependent nature, she was forfeit of that role.

Before Iori could get to Ritsuko, they were within close enough range of their destination. She would have been in awe, if not for the awful sewage smell.

Jordan explained to her, "Don't know why, but it always smells right here."

"Right here" couldn't have been a more correct term, as when they traveled no more then 10 meters away, the smell had vanished.

Only about half a day had passed since she was taken in by Mr. Huntsman, but Iori was once again in the presence of people from a great many nations. Americans, Africans, Hispanics, Europeans, Koreans, Chinese, and even some Japanese were mixed within the crowds hustling through their vacations. Jordan's apartment was still within view, yet the seclusion it possessed was impossible only this far away. For a short time she might have forgot, but this was the Entertainment Capital of the World. How the other girls must be feeling the same somewhere here in Las Vegas.

"This, Vanessa, is going to help me find my group?"

"You betcha," Jordan assured Iori. "She knows a lot of people in the industry, so she can help us get in touch with someone that can give us our answers lickety-split."

Though he told Iori the woman's name, he failed to share anything else, but from his expression of when he mentions her, it's clear she has his complete trust and confidence. That was enough for Iori, but was there a purpose to this suspense?

All of it was decorated in Roman architecture. From the marble floors, to the solid white columns, everything gave the feel of the ancient Roman Empire. Then the ringing of the slot machines pulled her out of her temporary trance. While it certainly gave an excellent impression, once you glanced away from the reception area and onto the actual casino, it gave a feeling that was nearly identical to the previous casino from last night. Deep down, was every casino in Las Vegas the same, all having only slight cosmetic differences from the others? Iori knew she didn't have the time for it, but she would like to at least step inside each of the different hotel in Las Vegas.

"We're not even at the best part," Jordan at some point had removed his sunglasses and was again in his normal ones. "Wait till we hit The Forum, but we have to meet Vanessa first."

Jordan lead the young woman through a confusing alleys of twist and turns, moving at a speed that passed by all the other hotel guest and tourists. This couldn't have been his first in this establishment. Without wasting a moment his movements were those of one whom was intimately familiar with the floor plan. In their haste they whirled past gambling machines, table games, platforms that must have been used by dancers, shoppes, restaurants, a large area with vast seating and multiple monitors all displaying different sporting events (mostly horse racing), all to make their way to their destination; a platformed food-court with multiple stands surrounding it in a large semi-circle.

"She's already here," the man mumbles. "And I thought we'd beat her."

At first Iori couldn't tell which of the people here was this Vanessa, but as they approached a single person stood out from the rest. Dressed in a professional attire that greatly resembled what Ritsuko chose to wear, was a African-American woman with black skin and hair, and bright blue eyes. It was difficult to determine her age, but Iori guessed Vanessa to be in her early 20s. For a time she stared off into space, clearly bored, but once she spotted who was approaching her, she recognized the man that was walking by Iori's side. She waved for Jordan to come.

"Sorry," he apologized, "I didn't think I was running late."

"No it's alright," Vanessa had a smooth, sweat voice, "I had the time so I came a little early."

"You looked like you were bored. You didn't bring your puzzle book?"

"I forgot it at home." With their pleasant little greeting exchange out of the way, she turned to the young Asian girl by his side. "You must be Iori. My name is Jacuzzi B."

Jacuzzi B? Iori thought.

"No it's not," Jordan near-immediately replied. "It's Vanessa Brenton."

Jacuzzi/Vanessa flinched as if the man had just spoiled some kind of secret. Shooting him an irritated look, Jordan seemed only to feed off her resentment.

She explained, "Jacuzzi is my professional name. How many times have I told you to call me that?"

"Aw, 'Jacuzzi' is a stupid name. You should just go by Vanessa."

"'Vanessa' is too common. You have to have a unique name or else nobody will remember you!"

Their back and forth banter almost seemed like a routine between these two. Being at the opposite end of Jordan's musings a time or two, Iori certainly could sympathize with this woman who seemed to have endured it for much longer. And somehow, she didn't feel the slightest bit uncomfortable by their scuffling.

"Anyway," Vanessa shouted in an exaggerated tone, further ignoring the man and turning to Iori, "it's a pleasure to met you."

Upon being addressed, Iori snapped out of her slight daze and curtsied towards Vanessa, "The pleasure is all mine."

"Aren't you adorable. Come, take a seat." After everyone was seated, "Now, Jordan only told me you needed my help, but I'm still not entirely sure what this is about. Could you please enlighten me?"

"You see-"

Jordan was immediately cut off by Vanessa, "Quiet you. You'll either tell me nothing or make it overly complicated. Iori, if you would."

In a way, Iori knew how the woman felt, but she still felt kind of bad for Jordan. Looking his way, as if waiting for his permission or approval, after he shrugged his shoulders to respond, she began.

"My full name is Iori Minase, and I am the lead member of the Japanese idol group Ryuuguu Komachi. Because of some problems with my taxi, I was separated from my friends and my luggage. That's when I ran into Jordan, and he's been helping me ever since."

Vanessa took a moment to absorb all this information. Iori was about to continue, but the woman ushered her forward before she could.

"You don't know what hotel you were staying in?"

Shaking her head, "The cab had just picked me up from the airport, and I don't know where we're preforming either. Before we left, all we kept hearing was 'Las Vegas' 'Las Vegas' that I don't really know exactly which auditorium."

"And you couldn't find it?" Vanessa turned to Jordan's direction.

"Naw. The concert's supposed to be this Friday, but I couldn't find anything."

"But you..." she began to say, but trailed off before she could finish. Iori could only guess, but since this woman knew this man for much longer then her, then whatever suggestion she was about to make Jordan had probably already done. So instead she leaned back in her chair and placed a finger to her chin. "I guess it's that bad, huh," she mumbled. "It makes sense, otherwise why would you come to me?" No longer talking to herself, "Alright, I know how I can help. Iori, can you tell me which Record Label you work for?"

Record Label almost seemed like a foreign word to her, but then she realized what Vanessa had meant. Actually, even though in her Japanese Idol career, many of the terms and titles are spoken of in English, in the actual English speaking world they use different terms. There had already been a few hang-ups with Jordan because of the barrier between the different uses of a common language. Like Live and Concert. How many more terms were the Japanese incorrectly using?

"My Label is 765 Productions."

"765 Productions? 765 Productions..." she began to trail off, but then she leap to her feet. "765 Productions! I've spoken with them before! I bet I still have their contact information!"

Iori almost couldn't believe it. This person, all the way in Las Vegas USA, has actual had contact with her little production company in Japan? It seemed almost unreal. But, how come she'd be in contact with them?

"Um, excuse me," Iori interrupted Vanessa as she was digging through information on her cellphone. "I'm sorry to hold you up, but, if you could please tell how you know my company?"

It wasn't really a necessity to know, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. Actual, perhaps it wasn't nearly curiosity as it was a need. Something about Vanessa was striking Iori in a way that was somewhat mysterious. Almost like it was a beckoning, like this woman was somehow important.

"Oh, I guess he hasn't told you anything either. I'm the daughter and manager of the singer Maurus. Have you heard of her?"

That name was familiar, but not immediately recognizable.

After a moment, "I guess not. My mom's not really that-"

"Ah!" She suddenly shouted. "I know her! Two years ago we took our family vacation to Italy, and we saw her in concert!"

"Really! You went to that! I don't believe it. What a small world!"

As she said, two years ago, before she debuted as an Idol, they had taken their annual overseas vacation. While in Rome they went to see a concert (amongst other things) and had come across this singer they had never heard of. Father Minase normally wouldn't waste his time on some unknown vocalist, but he had insisted on seeing this African-American woman. Unsurprisingly, if the father is intrigued, then so too would be the rest of the family. By no means were they disappointed. While not overwhelmingly popular, Maurus had in her a very intense star power and commanding vocals. She had a voice that was as dramatic as a Whitney Houston or Diana Ross. Chihaya Kisaragi, the strongest vocalist amongst the 765 Pro Idols, has an aim to become a singer amongst that caliber. And here was Iori, talking to her daughter!

"Yeah, I remember it! You're mother was amazing!"

"Thank you. That was our first overseas concert. I can't believe we pulled that off."

Oh, now that Iori thought about it, Vanessa said that she was her mother's manager. So she would be the equivalent of her own producer Ritsuko. All in all, this was perhaps the best person to ask for help. How does Jordan know someone like this?

"So, before we get sidetracked any further, I spoke to your Executive Producer when we were trying to set up a concert in Tokyo, but that kind of fell through. His name was...ah yes! Kuroi!"

Iori flinched. Vanessa had mistaken 765 with 961, and what a mistake to make.

"Here's his number!" Vanessa gleefully announced after finally finding the contact information on her phone.

"Wait!" Iori shouted and nearly slapped the phone out of the woman's hand.

Iori should have know that this was too good to be true. There was a wide set of events that this phone call could trigger, and the young girl blazed through them as if it were a well-studied math equation. Kuroi was president of 961 Productions, the company that produced the Idol group Jupiter. The same exact Jupiter that was fit to ruin her own career. President Takao Kuroi was the kind of man that would go to any lengths to succeed. Certainly he would have been infuriated to learn that Ryuuguu Komachi was going to preform in America, and letting him become aware that Iori had been separated from the group was like giving him a means and a way to sabotage their concert. No doubt would he capitalize on this opportunity.

Vanessa, however, was only surprised to be suddenly halted as such. Speechless and still had she become with the young Japanese girl who nearly leapt over the entire table to stop her.

"That's not my pro...Label. Whatever you do, don't call Kuroi."

"Oh, okay." Was the only way that Vanessa could think to respond.

"You don't happen to know Junichirou Takagi, do you?"

Vanessa frowned. She thought about it long and hard, but no favorable response was given. Of course it couldn't have be that easy, Iori thought. 765 Pro wasn't a particularly large company, so the odds of a foreign musician contacting them to help produce a concert was a bridge too far.

"It's okay," Iori gave the signal for surrender, "we'll think of another way to find my friends."

"Well hold on, just because I don't know your EP personally doesn't mean I can't help you. I've got a friend who's an event coordinator at the Orleans. She's got networks. Anything you need she can get it."

Iori found the name of this new casino familiar, but couldn't immediately remember why.

"Let me give her a call and see what she can do."

While Vanessa was busy with getting in touch with her friend, Iori leaned back in her chair and looked towards her companion whom had grown uncharacteristically quiet. While Jordan seemed to be the type that enjoyed listening to others speak, at the moment he seemed to be distracted. Absentmindedly he stared off into space and was fiddling with his backpack with his left hand. Something was bothering him, so much so that he might not have been paying attention to Vanessa at all. Vanessa at the moment was preoccupied, so Iori leaned in close and spoke in a whisper as so the other wouldn't notice this conversation.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Surprised, Jordan's body jolted, but he quickly composed himself. "Something's wrong."

For a moment Iori thought he was simply repeating what she had asked him, but by his demeanor it was clear that wasn't the case. Something was wrong, but it seemed he wasn't sure what.

"I just talked to Noah and she says she want's to meet you," Vanessa tells them as she places her phone back into her inner jacket pocket. "I thought she could just give me a call back later with what she finds, but she insisted that you come to her. Sorry."

"It's alright," and Iori truly didn't mind. As it was, she was having a lot of fun meeting all these new people. But now that she thought about it, why didn't Jordan simply have this conversation with Vanessa over the phone instead of having everyone go out of their way to meet in person?

But as she was thinking that, Vanessa addressed the exact same issue, "Oh yeah! Jordan, didn't you say you had something to give me?"

His body trembled again, same as when he was surprised, but he displayed greater restraint in marginalizing his reaction. After nodding in affirmation, he unzips his backpack and retracts two long strips of paper that Iori immediately recognized as show tickets. As to which show tickets, the young girl had no idea.

Extending them to Vanessa in a manner that appeared as though he were giving her one, after a moment's pause he rolls his thumb and shows it's clear he's giving her both, "Here. You can go ahead and take these."

"What's this?" she asks while taking them into her possession. "A comedy club?"

"Yeah, I got those tickets for free by using my player's card. You can go ahead take them. I won't be able to make it. Go and take your mom or one of your sisters and have a good time."

"Why thank you!" Vanessa rises from her chair, walks to his side, and gives him a hug. "Thank you very much."

Jordan seems a bit bashful; his face doesn't redden, but his smile cracks in an unusual way, "Don't worry about it. I couldn't use them anyway, so feel free to take them."

"Yes, thank you! I'm so excited!" She nearly skips back to her chair. Picking up her purse, "I gotta get going, so I'll see you later. It was nice to meet you Iori. Good luck."

Jordan doesn't waste long after Vanessa leaves to gather his things, but Iori clearly noticed that little extra stare he was giving her. Upon realizing, she snickers.

"What's that?" he asks.

"Oh, I see how it is," Iori proclaims. "You like her."

His face remains neutral, but his eyes look somewhat tired. He doesn't blush or vehemently deny the accusation like she half expected him to do. There was almost no reaction to her teasing at all, which made her slightly befuddled. However, contrary to her expectations, he said,

"Maybe I do."

He takes his backpack over his shoulder and motions for her to follow, "I don't feel like going to the Orleans right now, so let's take a look around. We can't come all this way and not take a look at a few things. I'm sure you'll appreciate what there is to see."

Sorry for the extremely late update. You wouldn't believe how crazy my life has been for the past couple of weeks. I won't go into personal details, but I'm surprised I haven't shot a dozen people just to relieve the stress. It was THAT bad. Well, I'm once again in good condition so these chapters should be clunking out again at a regular basis. Unless something catastrophic happens...again (knock on wood).

~Kyle Castorena