Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Jem. The rights to Jem and all of its characters are owned by Hasbro / Sunbow / Christy Marx except for my OC Glenn Danson.
Enter Eric Raymond
May 17th 1985
The Misfits were playing a gig at what has now become their second home, The Tinsel Town Club, the place also has sentimental qualities, this is the place where Pizzazz and Glenn meet Roxy, the place where they played their first gig, and on this night, they were really on their game, and had the crowd in the palm of their hands, the audience loved their performance, among them was a young arrogant record executive.
After the show, while Glenn was in the club manager's office collecting the bands pay for the night, and negotiating for their next appearance, the Misfits were hanging backstage waiting.
"We ruled the stage tonight" Pizzazz said.
"Yes I thought it was our best show yet" Stormer said.
"Yeah, but we don't put on great shows for free, where is Glenn with our money?" Roxy said.
"Don't worry Roxy, it is coming. Glenn has never steered us wrong before" Stormer said.
"I know Stormer, but I don't trust nor like the club manager" Roxy responded.
"Money is money, as long as we become stars" Pizzazz responded.
Suddenly an unknown male voice said "Great show ladies. I think you can become big time stars right now."
"Who said that?" Pizzazz asked. The Misfits turned around and saw a dark haired man dressed in a black suit, with an arrogant smile.
"Allow me to introduce myself" the man said. "My name is Eric Raymond, vice president of Starlight Music."
"Vice president of Starlight music?"Stormer asked.
"Actually I practically run the place, since the president is sickly and is closing on death's door." the man continued to speak. "I think you can become big stars right now, you just need the right management."
"Hold it buster, we already have a manager" Pizzazz said. "He basically put the band together, and got us to this point."
"I am sure he has, but is this as far has he can take you? You need someone with an inside track on the music industry to get you to that next level." Eric responded.
"Figures" Shana said.
"It is just like Eric, you do all the work to build that band, than Eric just swoops in and steals it right from under you" Aja said.
"And just like the Misfits, to ditch you after all you done for them, and leave you for a creep like Eric Raymond" Kimber said.
"Wait, let me tell you the rest of the story before you judge anyone, and it wasn't like that." Glenn said. "It really wasn't the Misfits fault, and as much as I hate his guts, it is not really Eric Raymond's fault. The blame for my lose of the Misfits to Eric Raymond is on me."
Just than Glenn appeared, "Okay ladies, here is your pay. Here is your share Roxy. As usual you will not be deducted any pay for any alcoholic beverages you had."
"Thank you, now I am in a good mood" Roxy said.
"Here is your pay Stormer, you earned it."
"Thank you Glenn" Stormer said.
"And last but not least our leading lady, here is you pay Pizzazz."
"Whatever, the audience worship of me, is all the pay I needed" Pizzazz said.
Glenn than noticed the man in the dark suits presence. "Beat it creep, I don't want any rift rafts around my girls."
"Beg your pardon" Eric responded.
"You heard me, I don't know what you are selling but we are not interested in any drugs, a used car or whatever you're selling" Glenn responded.
"No I am not a rift raft, my name is Eric Raymond, and I am vice president of Starlight Music" Eric put out his hand. Glenn shock his hand as he told Eric his name.
"So you must be their manager, the girls have said nothing but good things about you."
"Cut the crap, what do you want?"
"I would like talk to you, I can help you all change your lives for the better. Glenn my man, let's talk business."
"Okay" Glenn said.
Glenn, Eric, and the Misfits went to a popular restaurant, the Misfits were at one table eating and having a good time, while Glenn and Eric were at a separate table talking about Eric's proposal.
"Listen I can take this band of yours to the next level" Eric said. "I can make them international stars."
"So you told me", Glenn responded "I knew the day might come, when I might have to hand over the Misfits to someone with more experience and connection to achieve my dream of making them superstars. But let me be blunt, I don't like you, nor do I trust you. You said you run Starlight music, where is the contract for a record deal?"
"In due time, you just have to wait till I officially get control of Starlight Music. What makes you thing, you can make them big time world famous stars, when you don't have any experience or track record. You seem like a bright person, but under the pressure, you might fail."
"I won't fail them."
"That sounds noble and all, but just desire to achieve something doesn't guarantee anything, what happens if you fail, I can see your eyes that you are unsure of yourself. Can you guide and protect the Misfits just on desire. Have you been perfect in life, in protecting what is most important to you?" Eric questioned.
Glenn froze at that moment,
Flashback
Glenn, his family and friends look on as his sister Karen is slowly buried. Glenn looks emotionless and defeated.
End of Flashback
Glenn responds "All right Raymond, I will tell you what. We will ask the Misfits what they want, it is their careers we are talking about."
"Sure let's ask them" Eric responds.
Glenn calls over the Misfits,
"Listen I have talked to Mr. Raymond, and he has something to ask you" Glenn says.
"Mr. Danson has done an outstanding job managing you talented women, and I commend him for a job well done", Glenn looks at Eric with a I think you are a big phony look, "but it is only so far he can take you, I want to be your new manager, sign you to Starlight Music, and make your stars."
Pizzazz's eyes light up "Did you say stars? I would finally show mother, and show the world what a great talent I am."
"Stars get paid lots of money" Roxy said. "I could use a bit of that star money."
"Wait everyone" Stormer said "What about Glenn? How do you feel about this Glenn?"
"You are right Stormer" Pizzazz said. "In all the excitement, we forgot about you. In all this time, you have always been there for us, been there for me. I can't have you not be part of our life Glenn."
"Listen my goal has been to make you superstars, and achieve your dream Pizzazz for being world famous. If this man will help achieve that goal, than I won't stand in your way" Glenn said, with a look of defeat on his face.
"No not without Glenn" Pizzazz said. "Mr. Raymond, if we sign with you, Glenn stays on in some capacity. I want him to have a job and be around the Misfits, or no deal."
Eric paused, he wasn't expecting that. He finally said "Okay, Glenn can be your roadie, and stage manager, if you sign with me. Glenn to show you I am a fair man, I will give you a huge cash payment to compensate you, for transferring the managing responsibilities of the Misfits to me. What do you say Glenn buddy? Do we have a deal?" Eric said with a big smile.
"What do I say?" Glenn responded. " First of all, I am not your buddy, I still don't trust you Eric, but if this is what the girls want, I will agree to it, but I will keep a close eye on you." Glenn grabs Eric by the tie "And if you sink their careers, I will make sure you don't live to sink anymore careers." Glenn lets go of Eric. Glenn and Eric than shack hands, it should be noted, Glenn gave Eric a very hard handshake.
But the deal was done, the Misfits signed a few documents, and Eric Raymond was officially the new manager of the Misfits.
"Eric saw a weakness in me. He saw deep down I had doubts in myself, I didn't know how, but he reached into my soul, and used my insecurities I had since I lost my sister, and used it to take the Misfits away from. They didn't want to sign with him. But I didn't fight for them, it was all my fault." Glenn told the Holograms, as he put his looked down in shame.
Glenn continued, "As I feared, Eric Raymond was a terrible influence on the Misfits. I noticed, as I was still their roadie and stage manager, the Misfits especially Pizzazz started to change. Eric Raymond was teaching a new way for achieving success that differed from mine."
June 1985
The Misfits and a band called The Space Cadets were the two act to play at the Rock A Rama club, Glenn was checking the equipment, he saw Roxy and Stormer talking to the Space Cadets, he than noticed Pizzazz near the Space Cadets, Glenn approached Pizzazz.
"What are you doing?" Glenn asked.
"I am making sure the Misfits come out on top and outshine those losers tonight."
"What? You sabotaging their equipment, First of all I have heard the Space Cadets music, it is awful, so you don't need to sabotage them to be the better band, and second of all, even if that is not the case, you still shouldn't sabotages them. You're talented enough to outshine the rest without sabotaging anybody."
"I know Glenn, but I am not leaving anything to chance, I am going to do whatever it takes to come out on top. That is just the way it is done in this business."
"Let me guess, that is what Eric told you."
"Well he has been in the business longer than us. I will let no one stand in my way, certainly not the Space Cadets" Pizzazz with a long of determination in her eyes.
And it went on like that for next couple of months. I saw Pizzazz become more vindictive in the short time we have signed with Eric Raymond. But a boiling point for me came, the joke that was Eric Raymond's Battle Of The Bands.
July 1985
The Misfits were practicing in the Cornervillle Club for their next gig, Glenn was with them going over the musical arrangement when Eric entered.
"I got big news gang" Eric said with a look of excitement. "You are looking at the new head of Starlight Music" Eric than put on a phony sad face "Unfortunately my mentor Emmett Benton passed away" Eric than went back to his look of excitement "But now Starlight Music is all mine."
"Great for you Eric, but why does that mean for us?" Pizzazz asked.
"It means the Misfits now officially have a record deal." The Misfits rejoiced in hearing that news, Glenn half heartily rejoiced with them, no matter what words he says, Glenn does not trust Eric Raymond.
"But there is more, to announce the Misfits arrival to the musical world, you are going to enter a Battle Of The Band contest."
"Wait, a band contest?" Glenn asked. "How are you certain they will win?"
"Don't worry" Eric said. "It is presented personally by me Eric Raymond. I am sure the Misfits will win, just look at the competition."
Eric handed them a piece of a paper that contained the names of all of the bands in the contest. Glenn read out loud. "Let's see, The Space Cadets, The Leathereds, The Limp Lizard, Eric these bands aren't any good. How in the world did they qualify for this Battle Of The Bands?"
"Glenn my man, you answered your own question. I made sure to find the most awful bands I could find, to guarantee of the Misfits victory."
"In other words, you entered the Misfits with a bunch of jobber bands. I don't know if I like this" Glenn responded.
"Why not, don't you want the Misfits to succeed, the band that you created?" Eric asked.
"Yeah Glenn don't you want us to win?" Pizzazz said.
"Yeah Glenn don't you want us to become stars?" Roxy asked.
"Are you mad at us Glenn?" Stormer asked
"No, of course I want you to succeed. If you are in a competition, I want the Misfits to win. But you are all so talented, the Misfits have become a great band, you don't need to stoop to such tricks."
"The Misfits are great, but you have to make sure you cover all corners to guarantee success" Eric said, "to the Misfits, and there soon to be spectacular debut to the world."
"To the Misfits!" everyone said in unity, even though Glenn had a look of doubt.
A couple of days later
Glenn entered Starlight Music to talk to the Misfits, as he walked in, a blond woman just plowed by him, with a look of anger. Glenn paid her no thought. He spotted the Misfits, and noticed Pizzazz looked as angry as he as ever seen her in a long time.
"Hey everyone, what's up?" Glenn asked, trying to make polite conversation.
"I am not in the mood" Pizzazz said. "Trash, trash, trash, she dare call us trash. Who the hell does she think she is?"
"Pizzazz chill, who are you talking about? Who called you trash?"
"Emmett Benton's snobby daughter, Jerrica Benton that's who. How dare she insult me like that, I'll show her, I'll show mother, I'll show everybody. She is going to pay" Pizzazz said.
"Yeah, she thinks she can insult the Misfits and get away with it?" Roxy said "no way."
"Pizzazz please stop, it pains me to see you like that" Glenn said. "Get a hold of yourself, don't let people like that, get to you, please just calm down."
Pizzazz shoved Glenn to the ground, with all her might. "Don't tell me what to do. I am going to make her curse the day she crossed me, and don't you get in my way." Pizzazz said, as she left the room. She signaled Roxy and Stormer to follow, which they did, but not before Stormer helped Glenn back up to his feet.
"Are you okay?" Stormer asked.
"I'm fine, I guess she owed me one for a few years ago."
"Owed you one?"
"It is not important, you better go follow them Stormer. I am going to have a talk with Eric Raymond" Glenn said.
"That is terrible" Jem said.
"That is when I knew I had no more influence over Phyllis. She had completely gone over the deep end. And it is all because of that comment by Jerrica Benton." Jem looked guilty and embarrassed. "Can't say I blame her, what kind of person just calls someone trash, without even getting to know them?"
"I am sorry Glenn" Jem said. "I am sure if Jerrica was here, she would apology, and say she was just so mad at Eric Raymond."
"You don't have to tell me, I know firsthand Eric can have that effect on people. Anyway I went to Eric Raymond's office to talk to him."
Glenn headed to Eric's office, where he was greeted by his receptionist. "Hi Daisy, how are you doing today? I am here to say Eric."
"I am sorry" she said "Mr. Raymond gave me strict instructions, not to be disturbed."
"But I have to talk to him". Glenn pleaded.
"I am sorry, I can't let you in" Daisy responded.
"Okay I understand. You know, you are doing a bang up job. Eric is lucky to have you. Such a loyal, intelligent, beautiful woman like you working for him, staying loyal to him, when you can become a star yourself" Glenn grabbed her chin, smiled at her and looked right into her eyes. "In this town, you have the look to be become a model or an actress."
"Really, you think so?"
"I know so, anyway sorry I can't talk to Eric, but just being able to see you, was worth it." Glenn said, as he kissed Daisy's hand. "I will see you around." Glenn started to leave.
"Wait don't go" Daisy said. "Mr. Raymond can see you now."
"Really?" Glenn asked. "Thank you Daisy", Glenn kissed her hand again, and entered Eric's office.
"Mr. Raymond may I have a word with you?" Glenn said in a very coy manor.
"How did you get in here?" Eric asked.
"That is none of your concern Mr. Raymond. What is my concern is ever since they have been associated with you, the Misfits attitude has changed, and I believe you are responsible."
"Oh really?" Eric asked.
"I just saw Pizzazz, and she has lost it. After your little business meeting, she is in the most destructive mood, that I have seen her in all the years I have known her. I think you're the only one that can snap back into reality. So I ask you to talk to her now." Glenn demanded.
"Why would I do that?" Eric responded, "She is in the perfect state of mind, and she and rest of the Misfits are focused, and with the desire I have planted in their minds, I will crush and humiliate Jerrica Benton, fully control Starlight Music, and have my ultimate revenge."
"I knew it" Glenn said. "You don't care at all about the Misfits, you don't care about their dreams and desires. You have your own agenda. I don't know much about this Jerrica person, and I don't care, that is none of my business, nor should it be the Misfits business. I have always put the Misfits first, I have always cared about them, and made sure they were taking care of. Can't say the same about you, all you care about is you childless revenge. You want your revenge, so be it, but please keep the Misfits out of this, stop corrupting their minds, and stop Pizzazz from going into current state of rage and madness. She has had a rough childhood, and I don't want you to take advantage of her, and advantage of the other Misfits. Please Mr. Raymond, just stop it."
"Who do you think you are?" Eric responded. "I own the Misfits now, you work for me, you do what I say. I compensate you greatly for the Misfits contract. So you are paid for, keep your opinions to yourself, and get out of my office."
"That is it" Glenn said. "I will no longer take part in this, I quit."
"Fine by me" Eric said.
Glenn took out some money. "This is some of the money you paid me for the Misfits. This is what I think of it, and what I think of you." Glenn put the money on Eric's desk, took out a match, and thrown it on the money on Eric's desk, lighting the money and Eric's desk on fire, Glenn than casually exited Eric's office, as Eric franticly looked for something to put out the fire.
Glenn was leaving the building, when he saw the Misfits in the lobby. He went into tell them the news about his ouster.
"Hey Glenn" Pizzazz said. "Listen I am sorry about early, I was just so mad. I have cooled off now."
"It is okay Pizzazz, I don't blame you" Glenn said "besides I seem to remember a few years ago, I did something similar."
"Yeah, but you didn't shove me." Pizzazz said and started to laugh trying to lighten up the conversation.
"I blame Eric Raymond for all of this madness. I can't take him anymore, so I quit."
"You quit?" Pizzazz said. "Is it because I shoved and yelled at you before, I said I was sorry."
"No it is not that, but it is part of it. Even since Eric Raymond entered our lives, he is dragged you down an emotional sewer. I don't like the influence he has had on you, and I can't watch him do this to you."
"Wait I see what it is going on" Pizzazz said. "It is your pride, we are on the verge of the big time, thanks to Eric, and you can't take that. You can't take the fact that he is the reason we are on the verge of success."
"You call this success?" Glenn asked. "Well I don't see it as success, but whatever. But enjoy it, just enjoy it without me. It is your life, you can do what you want with it. Just as it is my life, and I choose to have it without Eric Raymond apart of it. Goodbye everyone, I hope you come to senses eventually." Glenn started to walk away.
"So you're just going to leave?" Pizzazz asked. "You are abandoning me, don't you remember that promise you made? Fine leave, you are just like mother."
Glenn stopped in this track. "I am not abandoning you, I am not quitting you as a friend, I am just quitting as your roadie, stage manager, and music arranger. That is all, if you want to fire me as your friend that is your call. You have anything else to say?' Glenn asked angrily. Pizzazz just stood there, looking like she was about to cry. "Good, than I will see you around."
As soon as Glenn exited the area, Pizzazz took a nearby chair and threw it across the room, and started to cry.
Glenn was about to get into his car, when he heard a female voice yell out his name, trying to get to him before he left. It was Stormer.
"Glenn please don't go." she pleaded. "I don't know what is going on, but we need you. Pizzazz especially needs you. Please reconsider."
Glenn put his hand on Stormer, who was starting to tear up. "Mary listen, I don't want to leave your girls, anymore than you don't want me to go. I love you all, and I care deeply about all of you, and that is why I can't stay and watch this. As long as Eric Raymond is in the picture, I see dark clouds. And Eric is going to try to take away all of the concepts of right and wrong that you girls have, he has almost done it to Pizzazz."
Glenn thought to himself, I am glad Karen wasn't around to see what has become of Pizzazz. It would break her heart.
"Mary you have something special. You have a good heart, and a inner kindness that few have." Glenn looked at Stormer, when he did he saw his sister Karen. After all this time, he finally realised why Stormer was so familar to him, when they first meet. Undonted, he continued, "promise me, no matter what happens, you will never lose your inner kindness. Please promise me that Mary, you have a special inner kindness that Pizzazz and Roxy will need. Don't do it for me, do it for them, please promise you will never lose your inner kindness. Please promise me Mary."
"Okay I promise you, I won't lose that" Stormer said, as she hugged Glenn tightly, who in return hugged her tightly. Glenn kissed Stormer on the forehead, got in his car, and drove off.
"And that concludes my association with the Misfits." Glenn said. "After that I took off for Japan to get my mind off everything, and lived there for 6 months, while there I managed some bands, and produced some records over there. Then I moved back here, used my savings, and the money I made managing the Misfits and from Eric Raymond, as well as the money I made in Japan to buy this house, and buy the Tinsel Town Club, which is where my life is today. As for the Misfits, you know the rest, and probably better than I do."
"Wow what a story" Jem said.
"Glenn may I ask, why did you buy the Tinsel Town Club?" Kimber asked. It has so many memories of you guys, I thought you would want to forget about the Misfits."
"I guess I am a sucker of punishment" Glenn said. "But I try to think of the good times, not the horrible end. It was a fun couple of years with the Misfits. Eric Raymond can never take that away from me" Glenn said. "Speaking of Eric, you girls better be careful of him, I am sure he will try again."
"We will" Jem said. "Come on Holograms, it is time we head home. Thank you Glenn for your hospitality, it was most informative.
"Yeah thanks Glenn" Kimber said.
"Bye" Raya said.
"Take care" Shana said.
"Take care" Aja said.
"Same to you girls, and be careful" Glenn responded.
Jem who had since turned back into her alto ego Jerrica Benton, and the Holograms returned to Starlight Mansion.
"Hi we're home" Jerrica said. As soon as they entered, they were mobbed by the Starlight girls.
"You are all alright" Ashley said. "We saw the news, we were all so worried."
Behind all of the Starlight Girls stood Rio, he did not look to happy.
"Jerrica, where is Jem?" Rio asked.
"She went home" Jerrica responded.
"I see" Rio said "Can I talk to you alone for a moment Jerrica?"
"Sure Rio" Jerrica said, she and Rio entered the study.
"Today was a crazy day, for Jem and the Holograms" the reporter said.
"Of course, another day, another day of publicity for pink haired and the pinketts" Pizzazz said sarcastically.
"Yeah how does Jem do it?" Roxy asked.
"The bloody yank gets all the attention" Jetta said.
"Jem and the Holograms were victims of an attempted terrorist attack" the reporter said.
Upon hearing this, the Misfits stood there in shock. Sure they didn't like Jem and the Holograms that much, but why would anyone try to kill them? Even they wouldn't stoop to that level.
"But lucky for them, a mysterious man rescued them before their float exploded" the reporter said, as a video clip of the incident was shown, the man that rescued them flew by the screen very quickly. But Pizzazz knew who he was.
"No way, it can't be." Pizzazz said. "What is he doing with them? How did he know about this bombing, and how does he know the Holograms?"
All of the Misfits looked puzzled, except for Stormer, who looked like she was guilty of something. Fortunately for her, none of the other Misfits were paying attention to her.
The reporter continued to say "Who is this mysterious man? Is he Jem and the Holograms new bodyguard, is he Jem's new boyfriend." As soon as the reporter said those words, Pizzazz turned off the TV.
"Hey what gives?" Roxy said.
"I need to get some rest" Pizzazz said. "Girls show yourselfs out?" Pizzazz asked.
"I am sure, it is nothing Pizzazz." Stormer said. "Glenn and Jem? What does the media know?"
"I said get out!" Pizzazz yelled.
"Thank goodness for this man," the reporter said "If it wasn't for him Jem and the Holograms would have been killed" the televsion was turned off.
"I see those fools failed to get the job done" Eric Raymond said as he was watching the news in his office. "And I see Glenn Danson, an old torn of mine, got involved." Eric than smiled sinisterly.
"Danson you fool, you were one torn of my side, Jerrica, Jem and the Holograms, Starlight Music were the other torn in my other side. Now you have involved yourself with them. Now I can destroy you all at once. Glenn Danson, you just made everything for me, so much easier, you are a idiot, that has sealed his doom." Eric than laughed maniacally.
End of chapter
This concludes my flashback arc. Now we move on to the present day story. We finished the Creation part, now we are onto the Evolution.