starlightshowtimeproductions

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

And Scene...

Ultimately, whatever you choose to do however.  Life goes on, though you no doubt have stories that you can tell, experiences that will shape your thinking and more importantly… your life in the coming years.  Maybe your view of the entertainment industry changed, perhaps not… 

But the starlight that lured you so closely to the sun now seems so dim in comparison.  And perhaps the movie that was meant to make you into a household name has now made you a bit more wary of such fame in the first place.

Or perhaps not.

But one thing is for certain, the trials and tribulations you faced together, the monsters and fears, the feelings and twists, were no doubt a memorable scene in the wonderful movie that is…

Your own life.

Starlight Showtime…. End.

#Chapter 6 #Starlight Showtime End #Chapter End #Thank you all so much!

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Roll Credits...

After sometime you’re all allowed to return ‘home’ wherever that may have been.  And it doesn’t take you long to find that there’s already news about your predicament.  The first being the rather public outcry and confusion over Starlight Showtime.  People confused and outraged that they spent money for an app service that didn’t deliver anything.  That it was silent, and perhaps more bewildering that Alan Keay had been arrested prompting many investors and people who were interested in its success to either cry out in anger, or go into hiding worrying for the most as to what had happened.

While the details of it all were scarce there were many rumors spreading online about what happened.  A few rumors seemed to be spot on about the nature of the killing game that was meant to be aired.  But without video evidence all that was there was personal testimony and hearsay.  You have a feeling that those foolish enough to publicly speak about this are probably going to have a visit from various authorities in time.

The details are as one would expect, shrouded in mystery, even the details of the victims and people involved were kept a need to know secret.  However, individuals that seemingly had no connection began getting arrested, big names of various entertainment moguls, financial investors, influencers, the people who wanted to put their name on such an inspiration project now found themselves being dragged to the pits.

But eventually, you were home, eventually you were at peace, eventually… you are able to return to some semblance of a normal life that had eluded you for months on end.  

Though eventually, on some device.  Whether it’s a computer, or numerous clips on your phone, you see a little file with Saru’s ever familiar face on it.  And as you expected it is the completed project, Starlight Showtime, the edited footage of everything that occurred.  It seems that somehow, someway, Saru or perhaps Alan had a means of keeping his promise even if it didn’t appear so at the time.

What you choose to do with it, or perhaps what you choose not to do with it… has been left up to you.

#Chapter 6

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

The Taste of Sunlight

Now that you had a few moments to spare for yourselves, you could see that a hole was blasted through one of the walls.  And that both armed forces and medical personnel had been streaming through it, quickly checking upon each of you and administering treatment to the best of your abilities.

“Don’t worry folks, everything is going to be okay here.  We received your distress signal and are here to help!”  One officer finally speaks up.  It feels for a moment too good to be true, that your nightmare was finally over, that help was on its way.  Even if you knew it was coming, even if Alan himself said it was coming…

To think that it would be there gives you the relief you had been searching for during your time here.

The following hours are spent first ensuring that everyone is well taken care of, that the injured are treated.  Then you’re slowly escorted through the hole in the wall. And you walk further up, higher up, until you finally see the breach in the ground where the sunlight finally touches your skin.

Emerging from the ground you see… sand?  Well mostly sand, there are various cars and trucks parked around.  But the most interesting thing are the number of small buildings quite close to one another with police going in and out carrying what looks to be documents, computers, severs, and other equipment and items. Though there are many also slowly going through what looks to be a ground based elevator, taking even more items and supplies out and loading them onto various trucks.

“I’m sure many of you have questions, but first and foremost we want to ensure that you’re safe and sound.  So please just rest for awhile and let us take care of you for a bit.”  You’re all once again escorted to a large trailer where you’re monitored and given all the food, water, and rest that you need.  Minutes pass to hours, and while you’re certainly free you can’t help but get a little anxious about what comes next.

Your relief comes as a kindly officer enters in and gives you the details word for word.  “Now that we have the time, let me explain what’s going on and where you are and… what the next steps are going to be.  You’re in the Mojave Desert quite a bit away from any city.  But because of various distress signals we were able to pinpoint your location.  It took us awhile to exactly figure out when as well as how we were going to rescue you but… we found a way.”  A sour look grows on his face.  “A bit later than I’d wish but… what’s done is done.  Either way, we’ll be taking away Alan Keay for the various crimes he’s committed, but it’s going to take us awhile to collect all the evidence that we can from this place.  Chances are we’re also going to need the testimony from some of you in time so that we can build a solid case against him.  But I’m sure that none of you want to think about that right now.  Instead, we’re going to be trying to get most of you back home.  But we’ll keep in contact!  And… well I’m certain that many of you want to simply move on with your life for a bit.”

The officer continues on for a bit, explaining that there were still people of interest that they were looking into, and that there many people who had been part of his horrible game that had fled before they could arrive.  To ensure everyone’s safety they might be under surveillance for sometime but as they tied up more loose ends their lives would get a sense of normalcy once again.  Still, he did start asking for some various locations that you’d want to be returned to or people that you could be taken over to.  The promise of home, and of peace relaxes many of you… and yet the air stilled was filled with an uncertainty that you couldn’t explain.

#Chapter 6

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

An Explosive Finish!

And there it was, against all odds you had all managed to come to one unanimous decision.  One where you could all agree that it was in the best interest to Spare Alan Keay.  And as you saw the votes finally get tallied up and rolled up you felt a sense of calm for once.

No one would die, no one would be able to see this film without your permission… or at least not without a plan of how to distribute it.  Still in the pit of your stomach you know that Alan had some kind of punishment planned for himself even in the event of a unanimous spare vote.

“Well, a deal is a deal, and… as much as I hate to do this, I’m a man of my word. Saru, if you would?”

Saru, who had been silent most of the trial after Alan had arrived, scampered onto his shoulder.  “Well, I guess this isn’t the end, but it’s still going to be a little painful.  Either way, guess we should put on one last show for our lovely audience.”

The two step to the center of the courtroom, and with a clap of Saru’s hands the lights dim out leaving a single spotlight on Alan and Saru.  A glittering spotlight, a final farewell before… well he’d be back but perhaps not as well as you’d imagine.

And with another clap of Saru’s hands…

You hear an explosion, followed by a barrage of smoke.  There’s chaos, and you imagine that this isn’t quite the non fatal punishment that Alan had in mind.  In fact you can feel yourself getting pulled and tugged away through the smoke, as well as voices that are unfamiliar to you.  It’s chaotic, it’s maddening, but eventually the smoke starts to clear as you see armed forces restraining Alan, and one officer holding a squirming Saru with both hands.

“Hey what’s the big deal!  Hands off!  We have one last thing we need to do!  Augh!  This is the worst ending ever!”  Saru cries as he’s stuffed into a burlap sack that’s quickly tied up.

Alan on the other hand is simply handcuffed rather tightly, grumbling to himself as the authorities ensure that he has nowhere he can escape to. He doesn’t fight it, and the tired, resigned look on his face as he looks across the room at everyone says that he never will.

What was going on here?

#Chapter 6 #Trial

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

For Our Future || Trial 6 || Coco || RE: Alan

At some point Coco had started crying. Whether it was a new development or the ultimate release of a number of pent-up emotions was up for debate, but she allowed it to happen. 

“You’re amazing.”

For the first time, Coco agreed with Alan. 

"Ever since I was a little girl, it was always my dream to... well, to solve a murder." 

Her facial expression clearly shows that the irony is not at all lost on her. 

"Turns out, I'm not good at it." She laughs. "But I'm okay with that. It's time to move on to a different dream." 

"That said, I still think the truth is the most important thing. I can promise I will do everything I can to expose the names and crimes of those people. I have the expertise and the platform necessary, and I have no doubt that with the help of others here that we will be successful." 

Coco wipes her eyes, hoping that her emotions aren't betraying the seriousness of her words. 

"It's time I do something worthwhile. They will face real justice. In a court of law."

#Coco #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

lonesome love | bianca | trial 6.6 | re: alan

Bianca felt herself shudder in discomfort when Alan spoke. Amazing. She heard it from others who saw her act. She heard it from the friends she made here. She heard it many times from Emilio to know that it was true. She was amazing and she still is amazing. But it didn't feel right to hear from him. 

"I'll help too…" 

Was she spreading herself too thin? Probably, but it didn't matter. She needed to do this too because she had already decided she was going to return to acting and all the entertainment industry had to offer.

Which meant that she'd return to Emilio never letting her work with certain people because he was aware of the problems. 

"I'll make sure we properly blacklist them and find out more… Actors talk to other actors and models so…" And she was an actress too. "So I'll find more people to expose." 

She wants to smile at him and be reassuring but now she can't.

"But it's not for you… it's for everyone else and myself. I'm not going to help because you asked or because of this whole-- thing you put us through." There was probably a better way to word it but she was already losing steam since before. "I'm doing this because they deserved better and because I deserve better…!" 

This was her small declaration of war. 

#Amelie #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

trial 6.11 | eiji | re: alan

Amazing. Eiji's lip curls at that. The sobs do nothing but deepen his exhaustion.

He leans his shoulder against the closest podium, still sitting on the floor. Chase's wound is stabilized now, and Eiji is tired. His eye is ringed and red, and his hands are covered in drying blood. He doesn't feel proud or amazing, he feels like he survived hell through some fluke.

"I still do not understand," he says, ragged, "How the deaths and torture of 24 innocent people assists in your vendetta against this list you have." He sighs. "You should have gone after them, if your hatred is so strong. Instead, you've become one of them yourself."

"I'll agree to take your list and prosecute these people because it's the right thing to do. And your name will be at the top of it." 

He pauses, like that's all he's going to say, but then adds, "And do not insult me by being proud of the survivors of something you started."

#Eiji #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Best of Me | Sooyun | Trial 6 | RE: Everyone ATTN: Alan

"Ah... A real documentary crew would be so cool. Just for Chirisma..."

Sooyun muses to herself. Very briefly, she thinks about the reason why she applied to Starlight Showtime Productions. Regardless of everything, professional camerawork was still on the brain.

"I can still help, you know!! I still have a huge following and even just by posting about how awful Chirihara Corporation is... People will see it! And I could post about the documentary when it comes out too! You'd be surprised how quickly things spread online. So think of it like... Social media influencing? Eheh."

Her enthusiasm to helping the new cause suddenly halts. Put on pause. Alan speaks up and without a second thought she turns her attention towards him.

This isn't the man she feared before -- he sounds like someone else. Someone familiar. And it comes out through his plea and his sobs.

Sooyun gently pulls her hand away from Shun, offering him a reassuring glance as she walks away from him -- and towards Alan Keay. She doesn't come too close, perhaps a bit less than six feet apart, but close enough so they can see each other. 

The remains of a weary but gentle smile. 

Perhaps she does care too much. But that's

"Okay..!"

#Sooyun #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

for the departed. | A.K. | 6.11 | ATTN: whoever will listen

The voting was tenuous at first, tense as everyone's conflicting agendas and desires came to a head, but now. Now it's calm. Hopeful.

Almost like they're shining.

And the light he sees in everyone's eyes is enough to make Alan feel small and inferior and hopeful and like crying all at the same time. They're so brave, so strong, so kind as they help each other. Everyone is going to work together to achieve a greater goal.

Alan realizes he's alone, and he always has been, but he didn't have to be.

"You all are..."

He feels his eyes sting as tears start to fall.

"You're amazing."

He wipes uselessly at his face with his sleeve.

"But... but if you'll hear me out. I have... one request. You don't- You don't have to act on it, but I just want... I just want to ask."

It's almost like he's a child, asking for help. But back then, no one listened.

"All you have is my word on this, but I... I'll give you a list of names in the entertainment and modeling industries. A list of... of their crimes that I know of, and can attest to. If you could... expose them, ruin them, do anything to bring them to justice... I..."

He almost says that he can testify against them, but his word means nothing, now. They may not even take him on this, so he looks away from them and chokes down a sob.

"Then... that would be enough. That's all."

Wiping his eyes, Alan swallows those last sobs, swallows the fact that he should have done what he's asking them himself, swallows the fact that he could have asked for help a long time ago, and goes quiet.

#Simon #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Bullfighting | Trial 6 | Daichi | Re: Everyone, but mainly Chirisma

After a brief hug to soothe each other, Daichi allowed Bianca to move as he glanced at the unconscious Chase for a bit before shutting his eyes. Crying is contagious, and he knows it's only a matter of time before he tears up as well. He’s softened up a lot until to this point, there’s no need to hide anymore.

He had to speak up for himself before his emotions started crashing on him like a wave.

"I entered this studio of my own volition, currently I'm not under any contract so I got nothing against the industry or anything... With no family to come back to either, no nothing, just a good ole' caregiver. This whole thing promised us high pay and a successful life, aye? So I only took the chance. I needed money to live, to get a friend treated, that's all, but here we are, and we're about to retrieve a reel filled with everything horrendous on our own hands, but..."

His argument with Akira, their violent fight that lasted for a few seconds, his outburst of emotions in the battlefield, Akira's rude montage... he's sure all those were in the movie. 

"I'm sorry, Sooyun, she’s right. Your name’s gonna get ruined if people find out it’s you, or Chase, and… things might get reeeally chaotic after. Even if you edit my parts out, I'd rather keep my grudge against them to ourselves.”

“I’m not letting anyone of you post that movie in public either. That's not how I want to be remembered."

Bearing a sincere expression, he locked his eyes on Chirisma.

"I’m not saying I won’t help everyone. I know you still don't trust me with essentially everything, but hey, that was long ago. That was 'Daichi', not me... so tell me what can a street performer do… No, er, actually, what can a TV star do to help? If Chirihara or any other corps has a branch in Europe or something, broadcasting that documentary outside Japan could spread the word, I can convince a manager or two. Even to my surprise I’m… kinda well-known locally, so I have my own set of connections too. Heck, I could even call a church in Moscow and they’d be more than happy to help, even with just funds."

At this point it has become Daichi’s habit to scratch his head, and once again, he’s doing it while putting out a weak smile. A big pat on his own back, hoping he sounded nice enough.

#Daichi #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Taking a deep breath, Akira votes to spare.

Vote Recorded

Spare - 12

#bluecheesecatts

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

SO ARE WE STILL UP TO ROB JEFF BEZOS' HOUSE LIKE WE PLANNED PREGAME? (NOT REALLY) || AKIRA || TRIAL 6.10 || RE: EVERYTHING

All this hopeful talk of bringing down powerful and corrupt people is something they feel in their core, something that makes them feel that maybe, just maybe, something good can come from all of this, even if it wasn't worth the cost.

"The documents we found implicate Komatsu Corp in funding this game, but I doubt it'll be enough to bring them down. They've gotten through worse, and I can't whistleblow them myself without violating nondisclosure agreements. But if somebody hacked them and exposed all they do... maybe that could work."

They give Shimura a brief look before turning back to the trial room at large.

"That being said, I've basically done everything short of breaking those agreements, and it and my other stunts have almost put me in prison more times than I can count. I've got some of the best lawyers in the world on retainer, and I can probably make sure no one here gets jailed for anything related to this. Not for putting out the movie, or for... anything you did under the monkey's influence."

Their statement concludes with a very obvious glance at Eiji.

"And if it's really necessary... a lot of powerful people owe me favors, in business, in politics, in... less legal places. So if you need more ways to dig up dirt on companies like Chirihara, I could make some calls."

#Akira #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Down with the rich! | Shun | Chapter 6 | MM Trial | RE: Chase, Chirisma

While a lot was talked about, Shun wasn't sure whether the things he said had any impact. He could only hope it did.

When Chase began to cry, Shun's chest tightened and he could feel himself get overwhelmed by emotions again. Thus, he only managed to spare a quick, worried glance towards the extreme ironer, before he diverted his eyes elsewhere.

Remaining quiet for awhile, he simply listened to what the others had to say, what their arguments were - and suddenly, there were talks about business wars and Chase passed out, too.

Shun looked alarmed when that happened, but luckily, he had Oiwa. However, if she needed help in any way, he wouldn't hesitate to go over and do what could be done.

For now, he decided he should pinch into the whole idea of exposing the Chirihara corporation for whom they really were; corrupt and selfish people who would stop nothing to gain money.

"I already helped to build you back, so why wouldn't I help you on that front, either?"

He gave a light shrug and a small smile to Chirisma.

"As an ethical hacker, I usually don't breach into anyone's systems and take their data away to do something with it, but... with how bad Chirihara Corporation is, I guess it'd only be for the best if we had as much evidence as possible, right? And data can tell a lot."

Faintly, he remembered how Maggie was laughing because he hadn't even pirated games before. Well, times change, don't they?

"And we should do the same with all of the other corporations and people who were involved in this game. We won't let them get away with funding this cruel game and never getting their just desserts - people should know, but not at the expense of our suffering and pain."

"... So far, I only did my job in order to help those who seeked it. It'd be a nice change of pace to just... work for something much bigger. Have a purpose in life, I guess? Something that might change the world for the better as a whole, instead of just solving small matters."

#Shimura #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Oiwa drops Chase's head to waddle over to her chucked tablet. She votes to SPARE.

Vote Recorded

Spare: 11

#Anonymous

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Vote Updated

Spare: 10

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

chirisma - locking on

"Kagami, it isn't really ethical to release this video either! I don't care about ethics!" 

Chirisma allows herself a soft chuckle, then turns to Bianca. There's a little bit more light in her eyes, although not a lot.

"...Okay. That sounds promising. If we could coordinate the documentary with corporate sabotage... a pincer attack, I suppose... It could work. But I'm going to hold you to these, you understand? I won't be fooled again! I'm not the old robot you knew. I'm tough now. And- everyone, I expect you to help too! Even Chase!! I don't know what you can do, but you have to do it! ᵍᵒ ˢᵉᵈᵘᶜᵉ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜᴱᴼ'ˢ ʷᶦᶠᵉ ᵒʳ ˢᵒᵐᵉᵗʰᶦⁿᵍ!"

She sighs and switches her vote to Spare.

"If you all flake on me, I'm going to find you and fill your houses water tanks with robot poop. Especially you, Oiwa."

#Chiriko #Chapter 6 #Trial #submission

[starlightshowtimeproductions]

Daichi presses the SPARE button!

Vote recorded!

SPARE: 9

Execute: 1