Midday Prerogative [Athena's Investigation]

Suzie Q has been busy as ever as the stages were ever full with the district's daily entertainers still fighting and pining for their audience's attention. Bands, idols, and models filled the streets as they went from one gig to the next. It was just as if the city itself was ignorant of their former overseer's untimely end. But all it did was prove its vibrant nature was one that won't be put down, at least not easily.

As the stages were busy blaring music and showcasing entertainment for the masses, there was a building in the district where people of all stripes could attend. One where an Athena Griva was given an open opportunity, given her career. It was a public gathering of fun, as the invitation said. But one where several figures of the industry could search around for future talent and future business relationships. And of course, where idols and models could meet with their adoring fans.

The beat of the music would hum in Athena's ears as she saw the swaying bodies moving in the tune of the beats. There were some just lingering around listlessly while others actively talked with the other partygoers. But out of the party, there were some people who may be of some interest...

Athena felt truly happy inside the club, not because of the glamour and the luxury but because of the adrenaline she could feel pumping in her veins. She realized that behind the civility and the etiquette this place was as dangerous as the demon infested dungeon she had explored in the past, a single mistake could spiral into social death and despite the friendliness and the cheerful atmosphere she understood that everyone here wouldn't hesitate to tear everyone to shreds if it meant advancement.

However, Athena had no interest in advancing the social ladder tonight, her mission was espionage. The rumors about Invidia had shaken the industry and the palace, after his fall Athena could only imagine how many Byzantine schemes had their strings cut. After a quick survey she picked her first victim, she approached her with a warm smile on her face. "Beautiful party, isn't it?" she asked.

>Approach Friendly Female Manager

"I just hope the kids will at least enjoy themselves while they're here..." The woman was just idling by the table with the drinks as Athena approached. She seemed a little preoccupied in her own thoughts as the music swayed in the air and with the people moving to the beat. She was keeping an eye on several of the other idols in the area, trying to make sure nothing went awry in this public event with so many people locked in here. As much as this was a party, this was also a part of work as well. Entertainment was their trade and so they shall apply it here.

"Hm? Oh, yes. It sure is," the woman quickly agreed as she finally noticed the Cadet's presence. She seemed to size her up with a glance, trying to remember if she saw someone of her kind anywhere in this party. This young lady dressed rather nice for a public event like this. "A party arranged by and for the idols in this industry, and of course for their fans. Yeah, it is beautiful alright... The name's Martha. I take it you're here to see meet with the idols like everyone else? You're in the right place."

"You are here to meet the idols" Who was even that bitch, didn't she realized who she was talking to, if protocol didn't demand her Athena would give this Martha lady the roasting of her life. Alas Athena swallowed her pride and smiled at the woman. "Yes, that's right. I'm actually new to the industry myself. Of course I haven't had a big hit yet but that only makes me try even harder. My name is Athena by the way a pleasure to meet you, miss Martha."

"Though I'm afraid I have a hard time talking to others. I don't know anyone here... well I of course know who they are but I don't know them personally." Athena admitted. "You on the other hand, you look like a real pro. Have you been working in the industry a long time?"

"My pleasure as well, Miss Athena." A newcomer, huh? It wasn't something eyebrow-raising, per se. Though it helped to explain entirely why she was here. It was a necessity to come to these events all the time to build these connections with people, whether it be with other idols, fans, or even managers. But it's always the newcomers who had it the toughest, of course. Was she going to be okay in this industry? "Oh, too long. Very long. I've been at it even before the Divide, for a decade. But it does feel like three... Is there something you'd like to know? I'd be careful of stepping in here blind, or you might get eaten up by all the competition here."

"Woah that's amazing you must have met so many amazing people through your work, I really envy you." Athena said putting her acting talent in use. Still this woman's experience could come useful to her investigation, she couldn't ask her straight away about the recent scandal of course. Athena decided to start slow.

"You must know all these people in here. I wish I could go talk to them as well, contacts are everything in this business after all. What can you tell me about them?" She asked as she tilted her head towards the other idols.

"Not really worth envying once you get deeper into this industry. Basic networking is part of the job, especially with you idols. Sometimes you get sick of it since it's all business and you have to watch yourself. And eventually it becomes... stifling. It's even tougher on you guys too since you're a public face." Martha sighed at Athena while gently shaking her head. The young idol was beginning to remind herself of a memory long past before taking on this work. It was easy to reminisce, but the lull of the beats kept her aware of her surroundings. She began to thoughtfully look around the area upon the Cadet's question before answering. She pointed towards a boy who seemed to be aloof. Though his expression changed to being friendly when approached by prospective fans. "The majority are hopefuls trying to get enough of a fan-gathering. It'll be tough to coast by until they hit up a major hit or two. But there are two around that have some decent traction. The guy in the green jacket that's just hanging around? Alexander Jove, A.J. Not sure why he's here, but he does whatever he wants. Drives his manager mad, but he gets results. At least, so far."

She then gestured towards a girl near the pillar. At first Martha hesitated, but continued to relay the information. "The shy girl you see by the pillar is Marianne, stage name is Mari. She debuted a month ago. But she's not doing too well lately and her manager's not happy... poor kid. The cutesy shy types used to be in vogue for a while, but it died down just recently. Trends come and go... You'll want to keep an eye on her. For the experience and to learn how harsh your line of work can be the more you rise up the ladder. It feels gratifying at first, but the expectations and the reality sinks deeper. It's a matter of whether you can sink or swim once you join the pool to become one of the big fishes around here, especially when your Manager can be... less than savory."

Athena made sure to take mental notes about A.J and Marianne, she wondered if any of them had worked with Invidia in the past, Martha did seem the sharing type so the only thing left for Athena was to lead the conversation there.

"Oh thank you, you are so helpful and nice it's good to see that people like you still exist in Suzie Q, especially after the rumors."

Athena made her best shocked impression before she covered her mouth, the blushing came easy on her as she lowered her gaze.

"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to be rude. I'm sure that most of the things that were leaked were false or facts stretched out of proportions, you know how people can be." Athena laid the trap for her prey the question is was she going to fall for it?

A frown began to grow on the woman's face on the moment she heard of the word "rumors". They were always a nasty weapon in this business. True or not, they held damage to any target the gossiper intended to harm. If guns and blades were the weapons for Cadets, then gossip and tall tales were the tools of any model or idol. The woman gave a short pause as if considering something before finally opening her lips. "Can't really say much on that. But it's... suspect. Our late district head has been going through idols remarkably rapidly... But no one wanted to talk about it, since he held all the power. Now that he's absent and we have no idea where he is, it's everyone's game now. And the stakes have never been any higher, nor has the darker underbelly of this business had this much activity either... I'd be careful, if I were you."

It didn't take a genius to understand Martha's thoughts on the subject, if she was half as kind as she was pretending to be she ought to have more thoughts about Invidia's activities, even if she didn't know the details.

"Of course I know not to talk about those things. Still I can't help but worry, many young idols like myself are terrified of mr. Invidia. If he comes back do you have any advice on how I should handle matters, surely you must know more than a few idols who remained in the scene after he was done with mentoring them." Athena made sure to give the woman her best version of puppy eyes that used to solve all her problems when she was younger.

SQ Gain:

The grimace deepened as the manager began to think further about what else to say. It wasn't something she could simply hand out information so easily, especially with someone as new as her. It was getting uncomfortable and it was beginning to sour her mood a bit more in each second and on each new question. There was a kind of disgust and regret on her face. "Unfortunately, I don't. Since every single one of them have been reported to meet an untimely end. Every next idol who caught Invidia's eye just step up in hopes for new opportunities. They'll get them alright. But eventually, they all meet an ill-fated end. It's why people don't talk much about it, because everyone wants a piece of Invidia's pie... So if he does come back, you'd be wise to turn him down. Though with him being gone this long, you might not have to worry about him for a while..."

The very thought of it appeared to anger her. She hastily grasped one of the drinks near her on the table before roughly downing it and set it aside before gently wiping her lips. "Even if Invidia isn't here, that doesn't mean you can let your guard down, Athena. There's still some less than savory characters out there and now with that big fish gone, they'll begin cannibalizing anyone near them to finally rein as king while Invidia's gone. Here, take my card. If anything happens to you, please call me. I don't know exactly why you want to be in this industry, but I hope you think carefully and reconsider."

She gave a small nod of farewell before leaving the Cadet to her own devices...

Martha's information would certainly prove useful to the Cadets, for a moment Athena considered if she should put more heat on her but it would only blow her cover, she doubted the manager knew anything more. After politely saying her goodbyes with her she decided to move on her next target. She chose A.J, if Martha was right then surely a cocksure guy like him would be more eager to share juicy gossips than the shy girl.

She approached him with a smile on her face before taking the empty stool next to him. Athena tilted her head to his direction raising her glass of champagne. "I'm Athena," she said "I don't believe we've met, at least not personally. Are you enjoying the party?" Though Athena's career was still at it's beginning she knew that confidence was key if she wanted other stars to respect her, even if AJ didn't know who she was he might play along with it, after all she was important enough to get invited to the party.

As Athena was approaching the boy, he can be seen browsing through his phone with one hand and taking periodic sips from the celebratory glass of champagne in the other. He seemed almost bored out of his mind with eyes glazing through the LCD screen of his device. He blinked at first at Athena's approach before putting his phone aside in his pocket and flashing a smile towards her. "Enjoying? Heck, I suppose. It's all free food and booze, can't go wrong with any gathering. Champagne could use some work, feels cheap, but I guess it's for the fans."

"The name's A.J. Alexander Jove. And you, Princess? Does this midday libation suit your taste?" He winked at her while moving the rest of his body to face her. Though as affable as he seemed, he placed a curious eye on her for approaching him out of all people.

"It's Athena Griva I'm a model though I recently made my debut in Bleeding Roots I play Mana there." Athena replied as she run her hand through her long hair pushing them aside so he could get a better look at her face. "As for the party I guess it's nice enough. Though I don't think I can enjoy myself with this cheap campaign. Athena said as she put her drink aside while making sure to appear somewhat upset.

"It's a pity everyone here is so stuck up with rules and stuff, what's the point of being famous if we can't do whatever we want, right?" Athena said wondering if the information Martha has given was accurate. "Say you wouldn't happen to be up for something that might slightly bend the current rules, would you?"

"Well, well. What a nice surprise. The lady who's been playing as Tetsu's wife on-set is before me. I thought you looked a little familiar. It was some stellar work you got there. Little wonder that show was doing well." As he was still relatively nonchalant, the young man did seem to have a bigger interest in her. Minor roles weren't really that big of a gig for newcomers, even if they were a good stepping stone, but with that show doing well, it didn't hurt to keep an eye out. But even that's pretty much a pain in the ass. Though, he found himself chuckling, amused. "You and me, both. Shoddy champagne aside though, this whole thing really feels like a cage at this point. The job seems glamorous, but there's little worth in it since everything's so... regimented and regulated. Real pain, honestly... So, what did you have in mind? I'm game, this gig is just boring me out of my skull."