Instant Fame

Part 1

A New Star is Born

By Nick Maro

"Jetta," Rio's voice boomed over the intercom into the sound room, "the drums sound great, however we've encountered a snag here. Stormer, the keyboards don't quite fit the new style. You're going to have to figure something out if you want this to work."

"I had this planned for. Be back in a sec." Stormer exited the recording room and ran down the hallway.

"Listen, Rio, thanks for coming out," David said handing him a can of cola. "It's not like Clash to be so late. I just hope she's okay." He turned and watched the three other Misfits talking inside the room. "I'm going to try calling her again. Maybe she's back." He walked away slightly annoyed.

Stormer came back into the sound engineer's room carrying a guitar case. "I had a backup plan, Rio. Let's see if Pizzazz and Ken's lessons have paid off," she told him before going back into the sound room and hooking her guitar up to the amp. Once she was done testing the sound and tuning the guitar, she gave Rio thumbs up to let him know she was ready.

Roxy ripped into a soul wrenching bass guitar riff after a few seconds her other band mates joined in for the improvised song. Rio listened carefully to what was being played and smiled. It sounded good, not perfect, but really good. David came up beside Rio and listened with him with a look of surprise on his face. "I hope you're rolling on this. This is exactly who The Misfits were meant be!" he said with a smile.

"I started recording as soon as Stormer gave me a thumbs up. Anything on Clash's whereabouts?" he asked while making a few adjustments on the control board.

David continued watching The Misfits. He didn't want them to stop or be interrupted. "Yeah, she said she thought I said two o'clock, so she went out and ran some errands. She's coming in now. I'm just glad she's okay." He leaned against the far wall. "Honest opinion, what do you think of The Misfits?"

Rio sighed and turned to look at David. "It's hard to forgive them for what they've done. They've hurt me, they've hurt the Holograms, but most of all they've hurt Jerrica and Jem. It's hard to forgive so easily. The few times I've actually spoken with them since they split from Eric have been very pleasant. I just can't bring myself to trust them as fully as Jerrica has. Well, I do get along with Stormer." He sat back and relaxed, feeling good to have been honest about his feelings.

"That's not what I meant. I was talking about the new sound. How does it sound to you?" David asked with a small smile.

"Oh. Sorry. It sounds really good. It's not perfect, but with some practice I feel they'll be great. It's a nice change of pace. It fits them perfectly." Rio decided that being critically honest was the best with him. He knew that David appreciated an honest opinion.

David smiled as he motioned the waiting Misfits into the sound engineer's room. They'd been standing there listening to Rio confess how he felt about them. "Rio, I think I speak for the rest of The Misfits when I say thank you for being honest," Pizzazz said standing next to her brother David.

"How much did you hear?" Rio asked feeling his face heat up slightly.

"Just about all of it, luv," Jetta said walking up to Rio and ruffling his hair. "Each of us has changed in her own way. All we ask is to give us a chance. We're dedicated to our own careers now. No more messin' with The Holograms or tryin' to sabotage them."

"Yeah, The Misfits are looking out for ourselves from now on. No more jealously, no more pranks," Roxy said with a smile. "Okay, maybe a few pranks but nothing that will set them back, though." She added as an afterthought laughing a little.

"We don't want to force you into liking us, Rio," Stormer said from the doorway. "Our actions will prove we mean it."

Rio turned back to the control board and rewound the recording he made of the Misfits playing. "Ever since you publicly split from Eric I've begun to trust you. Just takes longer for me to trust people who have constantly hurt me and have betrayed my trust. But I do think you mean and believe everything you've said. I don't know who or what's changed you but it's a good start."

"Okay! I'm here! Let the party begin," Clash said coming though the doorway. "Sorry I was late. I really did think David said two o'clock."

"Let's playback their performance for Clash and The Misfits," David suggested and Rio began the playback. The impromptu jam session blasted out of the speakers. It sounded better on tape than it did through the glass looking into the studio. David gave The Misfits thumbs up.

When it was over everyone began voicing their opinions at once. "Guys! Hey guys!" Clash yelled getting everyone's attention. She put her fingers in her mouth and let out a shrill pitched whistle. Her friends quieted down after covering their ears. "That was great! I have one question, what happened to the keyboards, Stormer. Aren't you playing anymore?"

Stormer smiled at Clash. "I'm dropping the keyboards and playing rhythm guitar. I've been practicing with Ken and Pizzazz."

"Oh, this is what you were telling Techie and I last night during the meeting. Anyway, I think it sounds great. Sounds little like KMFDM and Rob Zombie," Clash said rewinding the clip.

"I think we accomplished what we had intended. Congratulations, Misfits. You have a new sound to go with your new look." David stood with a proud smile. "You're going to need to get used to playing with the new instruments. Stormer, Jetta, I don't want to sound like a hardass but I want you both to keep practicing everyday. One or two hours a day for the next week or so is all I'm asking. Then we'll come back here and see how you sound." He walked over to his backpack and pulled out six envelopes.

He handed them out to each of the young women there. He kept the last one labeled Techrat. "I forgot to hand these out last night. I remembered when Roxy and Jetta talked to me after the meeting. They're just thank yous and little extra cash." David finally handed the last one to Clash. "When you see Techrat next give this to him for me. Well, I guess that's all. Class dismissed." David made a copy of the track The Misfits had just played and turned to Rio. "Need a lift? I'm heading back to Starlight House to pick up Kimber anyway."

"Yeah, Jerrica dropped me off then went to her office at Starlight Music." Rio accepted the offer. He began walking out of the building while David turned off the recording equipment and shut off the lights.

"I need to stop inside real quick. That store surveillance tape should be there by now," Roxy told Jetta as she pulled up to the parking garage of Misfits Music. "I just glad that the tow company fixed my tire too. Just going to have to pay David back, I put it on Misfits Music's bill."

Jetta began chuckling. "You left that out of the story, now didn'cha?" She smiled at Roxy who was now laughing a little herself. "I still can't believe you only took an iced tea and candy bar over a reward. Are you daft?"

"I sometimes wonder that myself. Besides, I was thirsty and hungry. Sorry, but that was more important than money at the time." Roxy pulled into the parking garage and parked by the skywalk entrance. "We should just be a minute in there."

"If we don't take the elevator that is," Jetta mumbled to herself. Roxy gave her a questioning look. "Nothing, luv, just thinkin' out loud again." They crossed the new skyway and entered Misfits Music. Roxy hit the elevator button and the doors opened right away. They rode the elevator to the fourth floor where David's office was located.

Roxy led Jetta to the secretary's desk. The tape was on the desk. It was wrapped in brown paper and had an envelope taped to it with Roxy's name on it. "Got what we came for. Let's go." They rode the elevator back to skywalk level and proceeded back to Roxy's car. Once inside the car she opened the envelope. It was from the clerk of the convenience store she helped stop a robbery at. The note stated that he personally gave the video tape to the security guard to bring up to David's office. Roxy backed out of the space and headed out of the garage. "By the way, I heard what you said before, Miss Smartass. But anyway, I want you to see this first. It's really something."

Jetta turned to Roxy after looking at the tape. "I've been thinkin' about what you said last night, luv. Maybe buyin' a house wouldn't be such a bad idea. I mean, we wouldn't have to leave our home to practice. If we both go in on it we could afford a pretty nice place. More room for each of us and you could get your stuff outta storage. What do you think?" Jetta put on her sunglasses and waited for Roxy's answer.

"Asshole!" Roxy swore as a car swerved in front of her. She blared on the horn for a second and calmed down. She thought about Jetta's idea. It was very tempting. The thought of having a bigger place to live and a place to practice without getting yelled at was a wonderful idea. Roxy turned down their exit ramp and drove to their apartment. She weighed the pros and cons of owning a house in her head the whole way home. She parked in her space, got out and looked at the apartment she shared with Jetta. It was a nice building, the apartment itself was very nice and so were the tenants. Yet something was missing. "Let's go house hunting tomorrow." She smiled at Jetta whose face lit up at her words. They hurried their way up to their apartment to watch the video.

"Thanks again for the lift." Rio said as he got out of the car and began walking to Starlight Mansion front door. "You seem pretty confident that The Misfits have changed their ways."

"I only know what I've seen, Rio. I can't change your mind for you. I can only show you what I know. I've shown you The Misfits as they are now. In order for you to trust them, you have to believe them." David went silent for a moment. "Sorry. I'm just going back over what I was saying on the drive here. I do that when I don't get enough sleep."

Rio laughed as he rang the doorbell. "Its okay, Kimber seemed out of it today, too." The door opened and they were greeted by a pink-haired woman. "Jem! What a delightful surprise! What are you doing here?" Rio hugged her as he walked in.

"Hi Rio. Hi David. I heard Kimber was here and decided to say hello. Come on in, she's out back playing with the puppy." Jem led them through the house to the backyard. "That's one cute puppy, David. It was very nice of Roxy give him to the Starlight Girls. It should teach them some responsibility."

"I'm glad Jerrica agreed to take him. I really didn't want to bring him to the shelter. How have you been?" David followed Jem and Rio out the backdoor where Kimber was chasing the puppy in the yard. He smiled as he watched her laughing while running after it.

"Good afternoon, David and Rio." A deep familiar male voice came from next to each of them.

"Riot," they both growled at the same time.

The tanned, golden-haired man stood before them. He had a deceptively disarming smile on. "Please, is that anyway to greet a man who comes in peace?"

David just glared at him and walked over to Kimber. He tried to calm down a little on his way. "Hi Kimber, I brought a sample of The Misfits new sound. It's really different." Kimber ran up to him and hugged him tightly. "Hate to spoil the moment but what's he doing here?" David hooked his thumb over his shoulder at Riot.

Kimber looked over his shoulder at Riot and sighed. "He just stopped by to see Jem. I honestly don't know how he knows when she's here. Change of subject, Aja and Raya took the Starlight Girls to the park to play some softball. Believe me that they didn't want to leave the puppy. I was invited to go with but stayed behind to watch him." She pulled David down as she sat on the soft grass. She lowered her voice a little so only David could hear her. "Jerrica wants you to see Synergy's computer. Give you more of a formal introduction."

Karma ran up to David and fell asleep in his lap. "Okay, I'd like that actually. I'm not good with technical devices but I'd love to see her. So are you in love with the puppy yet?" He scratched Karma's belly causing his leg to twitch.

"Yeah, so are the Starlight Girls. By the way, I heard about Roxy on the radio earlier. Wasn't that big of a story but she was mentioned as a hero in saving the store." Kimber picked up the puppy out of David's lap and got to her feet. "I'm putting him in his cage and then I want to hear The Misfits new sound."

David stood up from the grass and started brushing himself off. "Okay, I'll wait until Riot is gone before playing it for you." Kimber nodded that she understood and he hurried after her.

David and Kimber relaxed in the living room of Starlight Mansion while Karma slept in his cage. Kimber sat closer to David as the weekend edition of the Lin-Z Show came on. David had narrowly avoided a potentially explosive confrontation with Riot on the way back inside. Rio had already left in a fit of anger. Seemed Riot pushed the right buttons to make him leave. "Hi Jem, sit down and watch Lindsey's show with us." David made the offer without turning around or looking in her direction.

"How did you know I was here? I walked in as quietly as I could," Jem said slightly shocked while Kimber sat there used to David's habits.

David looked to see if Riot was still around but lowered his voice just in case. "I felt the static of the hologram on the back of my neck. I'm no electronics expert but that might mean Synergy needs to be looked at. It could eventually give you away." Jem and Kimber both nodded their agreement.

"Okay quiet now, the featurette on Roxy is on," Kimber told the both of them. Jem sat next to her sister and watched the program with the young couple.

"Welcome back. Earlier this morning that Roxanne Pelligrini, better known as Roxy of The Misfits, helped thwart an early morning robbery at a convenience store near her apartment. There are reports of shots being fired but no fatalities or injuries from the gunshots. V-TV is working on obtaining footage of the robbery attempt. We also hope to get a word from Ms. Pelligrini later in the week.

"Lin-Z-TV went out to a local Diskovery Records store earlier today to conduct an opinion poll on The Misfits. Fourteen percent are awaiting their next album, thirty-six percent thought they had broken up and fifty percent think the next album will be as terrible as their last. Wow, looks like the next album, they're reportedly to be making, better be a smash hit. We'll be back after these commercials."

Kimber turned off the TV and rubbed her tired eyes. "Sounds like the world has either forgotten The Misfits or think they suck. Now I'm curious as to how this new sound The Misfits have. Kill the suspense, David, and put it on already."

"I'm assuming that Riot has left?" He asked looking at Jem. She nodded as he loaded the CD into the player. "I'm warning you now that it's a whole new style for them." He pressed play and the improvised instrumental piece blasted out of the speakers. David adjusted the volume and waited for the song to end.

After the song ended David hit eject and noticed that Kimber and Jem both wore impressed expressions. "Wow. That was The Misfits?!" was all Jem could say.

"I think they'll be a hit. I've never heard them play that well. Whatever they're doing tell them to keep it up." Kimber thought for a moment. "Maybe you should release that as a teaser single. With Roxy being in the news and that Lin-Z-TV poll it wouldn't be a bad idea."

"I'll talk to The Misfits about it but now I have to get back home. My mother and the rest of Suzaku are heading back to Japan. It's just for a few days and you're invited along, Kimber."

"They offered earlier today to go along and I declined. I loved being in Japan but the last I went wasn't filled with that many happy memories. If you don't mind I'd love to go with to drop them off." She hugged him tightly.

"Roxy, that was so cool!" Pizzazz exclaimed. Roxy and Jetta arrived at the Gabor Estate shortly after the Lin-Z-TV featurette was aired. Stormer and Clash had followed Pizzazz home. "Why don't you send a copy of it to V-TV?"

"I can't. I don't have the legal clearance to do so. Hell, this is an illegal copy as it is. Only reason why I have a copy is because the clerk was grateful I helped save him." Roxy ejected the tape and sat next to her roommate.

"Wh-what are we going to do about our popularity, Pizzazz? It's almost in the gutter. We have to do something to remind people we're still around as a group." The news about the popularity poll had hit Stormer hard. She was nervous that the new sound wouldn't be well received.

"Relax, luv. The album will do fine. Just as long as you and I get better at our new instruments. We'll make a come back to end all come backs." Jetta was very proud about her new role on the drums.

Clash finished reviewing the songs in full that Stormer had given her on her laptop. "Stormer, Pizzazz, these songs are great. They're more primal and aggressive than before. I can't wait to hear them."

The front door shut and David came into the entertainment room. "Just stopping by to pick up my mother and Suzaku but I have an idea I want to run by you. Actually its Kimber's idea, why not release what you did today as a single? It would be a great way to get people to hear the new style. Plus it really kicks ass. Hell, Jem heard it and she liked it."

Kimber poked her head in the doorway and waved at The Misfits. "They're getting in the limo. You ready to go?" David nodded and followed her.

"Think about it, okay? Phyllis, are you joining us?" David asked over his shoulder. Pizzazz finished her drink and quickly joined him. This trip to Japan was very last minute and decided earlier in the day by Evelyn Gabor. David's old band Pulsar, now known as Suzaku, was going back to Japan to visit their respective families. The rest of The Misfits waved good bye to David, Kimber and Pizzazz.

"Where's Techrat today, Clash? You two are usually together," Roxy asked opening a bottle of water.

"He's showing his friend from Germany around. She's staying a few days extra to look at his gadgets. She's very nice young woman. Name's Stevie or something like that." Clash sat down on the couch and started flipping channels with the remote.

Jetta looked at Clash with surprise in her eyes. "Didja just say her name was Stevie?" Clash nodded. Jetta turned to Roxy. "Have your car keys with you, luv?" Roxy held them up, she grabbed them out of her hand and began running for the door. "Come with and meet her, Rox."

"No can do, I promised Stormer I'd help her with the guitar today. Bring Stevie by when you do, I want to meet her." Roxy called after Jetta as she left the room. She looked at the remaining two women. "Ah shit! How am I going to get home now?" She leaned back in the couch somewhat annoyed.

"I'll give you a ride home after the guitar lesson." Stormer told her friend after pouring a glass of lemonade for herself.

Clash put the tape of Roxy at the convenience store on again. "Sorry Roxy, I just get a kick out of this video." Roxy and Stormer both sat on the floor next to Clash where they watched the tape over again in silence.

Stormer parked in front of Roxy's apartment building. "Mind if I come in?" Roxy shrugged and got out of the car as Stormer followed her inside. "So are you and Jetta serious about moving?"

"Yeah, we're going house hunting sometime tomorrow. I'm telling you, it'll be nice to have some space. Hell, it'll be nice to have a backyard!" Roxy opened the apartment door and turned on the lights.

"Surprise!" yelled Roxy's neighbors in unison. Roxy stumbled back into Stormer almost knocking her over.

"Mary, did you know about this?" Stormer shook her head no and looked more surprised than Roxy. "Wow, thank you everyone but what's the occasion?"

The building superintendent, Mr. Ellis, walked forward. "We heard about what happened last night, Roxanne. Well, you've become something of a local hero around here. This is just a way to let you know how much it meant to each of us. So we decided to throw you a surprise party." He looked past Roxy looking for Jetta. "Where's Sheila at?"

"She's showing a friend around town, but thank you everyone. Talk about unexpected surprises." She grabbed the video tape from Stormer's hand. "Which reminds me has anyone seen the surveillance tape yet? I have a copy here." Roxy went over to the VCR and television. She put the tape in and the guests gathered around to watch.

When it ended the guests were alive with excited murmurs. The surprise party went on till after ten in the evening. "Thank you again, Mr. Ellis. It was a wonderful surprise. I'm just sorry that Jetta missed it. Good night." Roxy shut the door and leaned against it. She looked at Stormer who was already beginning to clean up. "What they don't say after yelling surprise is now you have a mess to clean up. Thanks for helping to straighten up, Mary. One of the reasons why I hate having a party at my place is cleaning up other people's shit."

"It's no problem, I don't mind helping out. Just count this as payment for helping me with the guitar. How's that sound?" Stormer put some empty glasses in the sink and started rinsing them out.

Roxy smiled at her and brought some more empty plates to the sink. "You've always been the most courteous and helpful out of all of us. It's one of the things that I really like about you." Stormer hid her face as she started to blush a little. "What do you think is going on between Clash and Techrat?"

Stormer answered without looking up from the plate she was rising off. "They're definitely dating. Last night was their first date. You could see it in Clash's eyes today." Roxy looked at her in amazement. "Just gotta know how to read body language," Stormer said finishing the last plate and stacking it. She fished her car keys out of her pocket. "It's getting late and I'm tired as hell." Roxy walked her to the door after turning off the kitchen lights. Stormer gave her a hug good bye. "See you tomorrow, okay? Call me when you and Jetta get back from house hunting."

"You got it and thanks again." Roxy shut the door after Stormer started down the stairs. She relaxed on the couch and slowly drifted to sleep.

"Roxy! Roxy! You gotta get up and see this, luv!" Jetta exclaimed while shaking her awake. The morning light peeked through the blinds. Roxy had spent the whole night on the couch and her whole body was sore and stiff. She looked up at Jetta who was still in her pajamas.

"Wh-what's goin' on?" Roxy asked trying to wake up and hid a yawn behind the back of her hand.

"Look out the window." Jetta pulled Roxy to her feet and guided her to the window. Roxy rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked out the window. There were a half dozen news vans and reporters out there. All setting up their cameras and checking their microphones.

Roxy looked at Jetta confused. "Are they here for me?!" Jetta nodded and Roxy smiled to herself. "I gotta take a shower and meet my public!" Roxy ran off to the bathroom to change and shower. She emerged a half hour later looking more refreshed. She was smiling wide.

Jetta had changed while she was in the bathroom and was now watching the circus down below. "Go get 'em, luv." Jetta stood up, hugged and kissed Roxy on the cheek. Then whispered, "good luck."

"Thanks. I'll be up as soon as possible." Roxy turned and left the apartment. She made her way down the stairs passing other tenants. She went out the front door and was bombarded by camera flashes and a multitude of questions at once. Roxy held up her hands. "Please, one at a time. I'll only take one question at a time." She gave the press her best smile. She knew this was her time to shine.

TO BE CONTINUED IN "PRICE OF FAME"

PART 2 OF INSTANT FAME