The car crash made the local TV news, but only featured about 10 seconds of Beth in her (literally) flashy outfit directing traffic.  The rest of the 30 second clip is spent on explaining what happened and getting eye-witness reactions to Bet's outfit.

But something else is afoot.  Mits is so super excited about this latest news that she has the secretary use the studio's phone system to make a conference call to all her friends, including Beth and Lev!  Those who answer the phone will hear her going on and on about where she's at.

"...Everything's super high-tech!  State of the art recording stuff!  Buttons, knobs, slider thingies... the works!  They took me on a quick tour of the place.  Didja know that Columbia Studios is where Bob Dylan cut his first album?  Well it is!"

"Slow down, Mits," one of her friends chimes in, "I missed the first part.  What's going on?"

"Some super mysterious rich person's decided to make a worldwide club for 'Different Humans' like myself.  And I've been asked to be part of a commercial for it!  And I can invite along whoever I want for a big group shot!"

(Persons with normal hearing can hear the expected sounds of phones ringing, and other office sounds.  Persons with sharp hearing can make out a catchy synth jingle being composed.)

Lev smiled at the local TV news broadcast, happy to see the escapade did make it, especially with the shiny outfit as the center of attention for the event. At the sound of the phone ringing, there would be an answer from Lev's side of things, the bat-boy making a quick 'Hi-and-hello?" before listening to what was being said over the call.

"You've been invited to be in a commercial?! Coooool! Uhm... sorry, shouldn't be too loud over the phone. Alsoooo! Hello to... everyone else as well!" Lev's voice quieted a bit from the excitement after the realization that there was other people present for the call. He'd wait a moment before asking in a still excited but somewhat quieter voice. "What's the music in the background, I don't think I've heard that one before?"

Bethany is listening in. She gasps "A commercial?"

Raichel and Timothius say in unison, "Hi, Mitts!"

Timothius then asks, "What's a rich person wanna do that for? I've heard of never look a gift horse in the mouth, but I've also heard 'Beware of gifts from rich folk'... so which is it?"

Bethany says, "They are mysterious, so it should be fine. Rich people who remain anonymous while giving things are not seeking glory and kinda can't attach any strings... so you should be fine. Oui?"

"It'll be a miracle if a spaz like Mittens is able to last through the filming process before getting thrown off the set by the director!" a friend teases, "Hello, voices I don't recognize."

"You're just saying that to try and get me to spite you," Mits answers, "It's working.  Thanks!  That's Lev the bug slayer I told you about.  And Beth of the glowing traffic jacket.

"I dunno if being secret means anything.  Lex Luthor: rich guy that doesn't shy away from the camera.  Bruce Wayne: rich guy who doesn't shy away from the camera.  Soooo... me-uh-eh.  I'm guessing they're just shy about being a Mutant.

"The music is some famous artist I've never heard of making up a jingle for the commercial.  I can't remember the name, but I think they said he's the guy who made the jingle for Tab Cola.

"So who wants to be in the commercial?!"

"Are humans even allowed?"

"Of course you are!"

"Wow really?!  I guess I'll ask my parents."

Lev listened intently to the conversation, adjusting a bit to being amidst the conference call, given this wasn't exactly the most common type of call he was in. After a bit of listening, he did pitch in. "Secretive can have many reasons. Some don't want the attention, but want to help... some are shady. Some are dramatic and like big grand reveals! And some don't want any conflict from what they're doing. So maybe they are secretly... different?"

He'd pause for a moment, listening again, before speaking up upon a decent opening being present. "Are bats allowed in the commercial?" There'd be a slight snicker after the question.

Timothius objects slightly, "Mittens may be a spaz, but when it comes to something fun like being on TV, she'll show determination."

In a cheery tone, Beth replies, "Tame bats, sure! Untamed, wild bats, probably not. My name's Bethany, also voice I don't recognize! Pleased to meet you!"

Timothius and Raichel mew in unison. Raichel asks, "Will there be dancing?" Timothius adds, "Or singing?"

Bethany says, "So how soon till the commercial? Think we'll be able to invite some other folk who are in favor of this?"

"Emily," the voice answers Beth.

Mits nods.  Especially sharp-eared persons might make out the sound of her pigtails flopping.  "That's Mittens' guess.  Either they're a Mutant like us, or they've got beloved family who is.  And of course you're invited, Lev.  Thank you for the vote of confidence, Bro.  Singing?  Dancing?  Deadline?  Mittens knows not these details yet.  But is guessing, 'yes, yes, and super fast!'  Invite as many people as you want!  They said 'the bigger the crowd, the better!'  Important to note: this is volunteer work.  Absolutely nobody who appears on camera is to be paid a single cent.  The mysterious rich person was very clear on that point.  And there's a pile of dumb paperwork to sign about not holding the studio liable for random people being stupid about seeing you on TV and various other legal mumbo-jumbo.  Not deal-breakers for Mittens, but figured I'd mention in case you have people you'd invite that have weird expectations."

(( Can fast-forward to the first day of filming after next 2 posts if no objection.))

Lev gave a bit of a giggle at Bethany's response to the inquiry of are bats invited. "What if it is a bat that is on two bigs, and hunts bugs? Also! Hello Emily, now that the name is known!"

At the mention of singing, the excitement in his tone sparked. While he had kept his voice in room volume for the most part, the next bit was all but short of a happy and loud exclamation.

"Can anyone volunteer for the singing part?! If so, I would like to assist! Happily!"

There was a pause over the phone before he'd give a totally real and not fake at all cough. "Ehm... sorry, did not mean to shout. But are volunteers still being taken for such? If not, I'd like to volunteer."

Raichel says, "Who cares?! We'll be in a freaking COMMERCIAL!"

Bethany says, "Actually, I can see where they are coming from. If it is found out anyone was paid to do the commercial, then people can point to that and say how the mutants were used as an advertisement campaign for the rich person's goals, and the non-mutants in the commercial HAD to be paid to support mutants, so mutants and humans don't actually get along."

Timothius says, "Gosh... why are people so mean?"

Bethany says, "Hopefully, because we're doing this without pay, they won't be! Because if they are, they will be the ones to look like villains in the public eye instead of us!"

Timothius then says, "Lev, right? Um... you like singing too? I'd love to sing with you..."

(Fine with fast forward)

Mits grins.  "Wowzers!  Someone's excited!  But again.  Mittens doesn't know such details like if there'll be singing.  I could pitch the idea to the composer.  Maybe mention Coke's 'perfect harmony' song that became so famous.

"That sounds surprisingly jaded, Beth.  So you're probably right!  Anyhoo, super glad y'all are excited to join!  They know to schedule around school hours, so hope to see y'all here tomorrow!"

Time skip!

The building is a high rise in the middle of Manhatten right across the street from some world famous hotel.  (  https://www.google.com/maps/@4...3D100!7i16384!8i8192  )  It of course features some silly neon art first thing upon entering.  The secretary directs parents and kids to the proper recording studio.  The studio is as Mits described.  Huge control panel with all kinds of knobs and such.  ( https://www.historyofrecording...lumbiastudiosny.html )  The director is currently on the phone, and everyone else looks very busy, so the only one available to take questions is the geeky looking intern guy that was assigned to peon escort duty.

Lev would attempt to find familiar faces in the grouping of kids, a little nervous to be in the part of the 'tide' that didn't have anyone he knew in it.

Lev looked around in sheer awe at the studio once the group got moving, giving a quiet 'wooooow!' at all of it. From the shiny neon art at the front, to the studio itself inside, as well as the hotel itself. He's seen a few, even a good class one from time to time, but never one of this standing. Once they arrived at the studio, it was a feat in and of itself to not hum in excitement.

He'd keep a ear out amongst all the busy-bodies for any exciting news about what was planned for the day, as well as for questions that were directed at the 'Peon Guide'.

Timothius holds Mittens hand and has tails linked with Raichel. He and Rai look waaaay up at the tower. In unison, they say, "Wooooah...."

Upon Lev humming, Timothius lightly sways his hips and tries to hum along. Bethany is smiling brightly and doing a little dance of her own to Lev's hum.

He looks up at the intern and checks for a name tag. "Mr Eon? Cool name." he smiles. "Happen to know what all these people do?" he asks, half-hoping for a small tour of the recording studio.

Raichel is scanning the area like a cat staring at a Christmas tree.

The parents are pretty interested in all this fancy stuff as well, so outside basic introductions, not much conversation has been had.

Mits grins at her lil sibs' reactions.  "Isn't this place the coolest?!"

(Speaking of cool.  Hadn't established time of year.  Um.  Early April sound good?)

"Thanks!" Eon answers with a smile, "Assistant producer's the big boss.  But usually never around 'cause he's working on a million other projects.  The director's the one who's the big boss who's actually here every day.  Mostly talks with the department bosses.  So there's a team leader for the music department, the video recording department, the staging department, and so on."

"Giant Mullet Man's in charge of recording, right?" Mits asks, "The guy who moaned about, 'never work with kids and animals?"

Parents look offended.

Eon snrks.  "Yeah.  Don't take it personal.  He'd find a reason to complain no matter what."

Parents look less offended.

Lev looked towards Timothius and Bethany, giving a bit of a smile before putting a bit more complexity to the hum, making a small tune out of it. He'd stop after a short bit once more verbal conversing began, so as to not be an intrusion on such, but he'd give a thumbs up towards Timothius, semi-whispering. "Thanks for joining the hum! Always sounds cooler with two!"

Lev attempted to keep a general idea of who was who when it came to faces and titles. He'd give a bit of a snicker about the 'animals and kids', but refrained from making any comments. He'd raise a hand just a slight bit over his head before asking his question to Eon. "There are a lot of people today! If it is okay to ask, how... uhm... how much goes into making stuff like commercials?"

Bethany listens and nods as she looks around, taking in the sights and the what's-what.

Timothius nods to Lev and says, "Yeah... singing is fun..."

Bethany says, "Hmm. Wonder if he's complained about working with himself before."

Raichel says, "I hope I don't give him too much to complain about..."

(April sounds fine with me)

Bethany looks at Raichel. "Now how could anyone complain about a cute, sweet thing like you?

Raichel says, "I'm a lot pricklier than I look..."

Eon shrugs.  "Depends on the commercial.  This one's gunna be pretty big, so lots goes into it.  Not least of which you all.  And uh... not to scare you or anything?  But do try and not be rude to the bosses.  They get annoyed enough, they'll annoy the director enough to convince him to un-invite you.  So much as I love your nickname for The Perm, don't go using it with him around."

Mittens laughs!  "'The Perm!'  Even better!"

"This is Steve.  Head scriptwriter."

Steve nods to the group.  "You kids are in luck.  The E.P. has given the green light for you all to be allowed to contribute to the script.  For example, I heard about the possibility of singing?"

Mits side-hugs Rai.  "Prickle!  So worth it for Rai hugs."

Lev gave a borderline mischievous giggle at the nickname, 'The Perm', but reeled it in once Steve arrived. He had no intentions of being rude, not when he's the one invited, and not the one inviting. Even on the other way around... just a good idea to avoid it.

At the mention of the possibility though, Lev found his hand raised. Luckily he caught himself before gesturing to Timothius, refraining in the case it was preferred they mention it themselves and not have a finger pointing towards them.

"If allowed?" He'd give a excited smile.

Timothius smiled at Lev. "Yeah... Lev here and I wanted to sing."

Raichel shoulder-shrugs as she is hugged, blushes and says, "...rai... love you too, Mitts."

Bethany says, "So mind our manners and do as told? Sounds simple enough. Though thanks for the warning."

Raichel has a lightbulb moment and says, "Oh! Can I do a martial arts form in the commercial?" she quickly demonstrates a butterfly kick that melts into a sweep kick and then an uppercut, backstep and block, hoping to impress enough that they will think twice before saying no.

Steve nods to Lev.  And then Timothius.  To Rai he and the rest of the staff stare in surprise at her display.  The intern stands protectively between Rai and the expensive control panel.

Steve slowly shakes his head.  "So... think Girl Scouts.  Only... even softer.  The client is trying to sell the public on the idea that you Mutants are super harmless and just wunna be friends."

Parents show annoyance.

"Most of Mittens' school fears her disfavor lest they taste the wrath of her embarrassing impersonations.  Is that too un-harmless?"

Steve nods.  "Let's avoid absolutely anything that might be construed as you being more than a buncha cute plushies, ok?"

Mits blinks.  "Oh wow.  I was kinda kidding.  Didn't even remotely think something that harmless would be too R-rated for this commercial."

Steve nods again.  "Yup.  I'm even to avoid any canine teeth showing up on camera.  So try and smile without too much sharp teeth, ok?  Maybe I should go over what's been brainstormed so far."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:23, Wed 16 Mar 2022.

Lev's smile went down a bit at the mention of not showing teeth. He did have a few pointier teeth, and the idea that such would harm the commercial made him a little nervous. Even if probably not TOO literal.

"Singing is at least -usually- harmless. Woulda been cool to see the cool martial stuff though." He'd give an impressed thumbs up towards Raichel. As well as taking the mental note, do not anger martial cat. Martial cat can probably throw not-martial bat like a football. Though, the notion of angering wasn't ever intended at least.

Raichel looks a little dejected. "Aww..."

Timothius side-hugs Rai. "We can do harmless well enough. Actually, my power in particular is the opposite of harm; I heal wounds..."

Bethany says, "The news recently showed me using myself as a human traffic light. Is that OK?"

Mittens repeatedly flashes her canine teeth just to be contrary.  And she also saw a cool TV show about Africans who do that.

Steve is a bit flustered and echoes, "Human traffic...  Oh no!  Definitely not a good idea to do anything like that on camera."

Mittens gives him a, "whaaat?" but the adults "oooh."

"And healing a wound on camera would mean blood.  So...  Yeah.  Singing is sounding like our best idea so far."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:21, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

Lev tilted his head at the concern, but didn't question it, given the adults present going 'oh'. That usually meant waiting to ask a friend later. "What kind've song is being planned, if anything has been mentioned about it?" He'd look towards Mittens, mimicking the gesture around twice before snickering, not intent to actually do such on camera.

Bethany says with a very confused tone, "What? But why? How is it bad to glow while wearing red or green outfits...?"

Timothius says, "People don't have to bleed to be hurting, but I get the point..."

Raichel holds up two fingers and electricity dances between them. "I'm guessing electricity is too scary..."

Timothius looks at Mittens, "Mitts, I know they're not filming, but that doesn't mean you should do exactly what they said not to. Do you wanna be kicked out before they even start filming like your friend predicted?"

Raichel says, "It's not like they said she can't do that right now, Timothius."

Timothius says, "Yeah, but we were warned they are sensitive and that the guy in charge looks for excuses to complain. That means not even looking in the direction of anything they said is off limits."

Bethany shrugs. "I'm not worried. People usually warn and clarify before doing stuff like canceling the project they got paid to do."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

Mits smiles at Lev's joining in and offers him a high five.

"'Human Trafficking' is another word for the slave trade," Mits' Dad explains, "And I'll bet they don't want any incidental connections made."

The chief scriptwriter nods.  "It'll only take one TV person saying something like, 'I thought that human traffic light girl was adorable,' and the next thing you know every other highschooler in the country will be joking about, 'Didja hear they arrested that girl in the commercial for being involved in slave trading?  They say she pled down to lesser charges.  Yeah.  Human Trafficing Light.'"

Mittens facepalms and groans.  Her parents deadpan.

"I've been at this a long time," he continues, "I'll do everything in my power for this to turn out to be the most positive message possible.  We might be able to use the sparks to light a lightbulb or something.  Just no arc lightning like you just showed.  Will make people think 'stun gun,' and those are controversial."

Mittens pretends to flip a gun and quips, "Trust me.  I know what I'm doing.  POW!"
(( Referencing this old show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjwX-zMRxO0 and holy cow even the way he flips the gun and poses is SO 80's! ))

Mits' lips snap tightly shut when Timothius makes his point.  She then whistles innocently.

Lev would take the high five with a quiet enthusiasm, giving a thumbs up to Mittens.

At the hearing of the potential human trafficking joke, Lev brought his palm to his face. Bad joke, and luckily a bad joke avoided. "We could go with the 'Shining Example'? Because of, well. Helping out and guiding traffic, sets an example... and she was... you know." He'd make a small wiggle of the fingers around himself. "Glowie!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

Bethany frowns. "Won't matter what we call it, Lev, the guy's right. Other people will call it something else."

She smiles. "But glowing without doing the traffic light thing is perfectly fine, right? Oh! And I could do stuff like this!" she produces a flower and sniffs it.

She glows a little bit and does a little dance. Then gives Steve a hopeful look.

Timothius smiles at Bethany. "Cute!"

Raichel says, "Curious your opinion... which is more violent? A stun gun? Or a roundhouse kick to the ribs? I present you the irony: People are more disturbed by a weapon designed to make someone stop moving for a few seconds than someone's ribcage bursting open. And then the same people turn around and have no problem with an electric fence being a thing."

Timothius says, "Steve's job isn't to be a philosopher, it's to know how the public will react. So he is every bit on our side... just knows how easily people can get against us over the smallest triggers."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

"Well between the lightbulb and your glowing, I guess we've got a theme going on," scriptwriter answers.

He nods to Timothius.  "Never said it was more violent.  Even told your friends that some zero violence stuff is out of the question.  Remember what I said earlier?  Softer than Girl Scouts?  Things like uniforms are considered too militaristic by our client, and he's not gunna have a uniform for his club.  The whole idea of the club is, 'Everyone is accepted as-is.'  With a big hint wink nudge that means people who don't look human or have some Mutant quirk.  But also means dirt poor kids who can't afford a uniform or club fee."

"This club have a name?" Mits asks, sounding a bit less enthused about it.

"'The Acceptance Club,' is the working name for now.  Client wants the members to name it and plans to have some big contest for that."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:14, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

Lev gave a bit of a smile at the name, as well as the notation that people can come as-is. He was mildly worried that he'd need some manner of making a bat-face look less... in the worst case, 'intimidating', even if he never thought it to be very scary. Then again, people with phobias of bats do exist...

"Lightbulb and glowing... could be a theme for, well... the idea of acceptance. Since, well. Acceptance club for the initial name until a new one is made. Lightbulbs are usually with ideas... and a idea that glows stands out!" Lev smiled, looking between Raichel and Bethany. "A sparking of a new idea of acceptance? If that works for a theme of course...." He'd scratch the back of his head a bit, forgetting that there was a bunch of others around, and the idea sounding a little more corny than it had in his head.

Timothius says, "Do people really see girl scouts as militaristic?"

Bethany says, "Light is a nice enough theme for the commercial... but the name of the group shouldn't be so focused on my power... Oh! Club Variety!"

Raichel says, "Nice! But nothing wrong with Light Club or something, and having our motto be something like 'shining light in the darkness'."

Timothius says, "Hmmm... Share Squad... Universals... Common Club... The People's Group..."

"Isn't it supposed to be your job to figure out how the commercial should go?" Mits' Dad asks, "And yeah.  I heard somewhere that the Soviets think the Boy Scouts are some kinda pre-military training thing like Junior ROTC."

"Oh gimme a break!" Mittens groans before breaking into song, "Gimme a break.  Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar!"

The scriptwriter nods.  "Already done.  And the result was rather dry.  More likely to appeal to the target audience if I get target audience input.  Most commercials go through several re-writes before filming even starts, and often even after."

Mits shrugs.  "If the club winds up named after light it won't be just 'cause of your power, Beth.  It'll be 'cause light has always been associated with the goodguys."

"Till lately, you mean," her Mom grumbles, "Like with what they're doing to Batman's image."

"You needn't worry about any of that winding up in this commercial, m'am."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:20, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

Lev gave a bit of a 'hmmm' at that. "It's not though, right? Never got to join 'em, but I heard it was usually fun... not... military for kids?"

Lev sort of absent-mindedly started humming the kit-kat tune as Mittens sang the first bit, before stopping himself, snickering a bit. He'd note to himself, bring kit-kats for the cats! Might be a bit too pun-based, but it is a chocolate bar at the least.

Lev thought for a moment. "Is it okay to ask what the original idea was? And why the result was dry?"

Bethany smiles at Mitts' reassurance and says, "Thanks, Mittens." she then looks at Mittens' parents and says, "Dark heroes is nothing new. Just look at The Shadow, who predates Batman! Or Paladin from Have Gun will Travel, who wore all black."

Timothius and Raichel have a "huh?" look on their faces, but then look curiously at Steven after Lev's question.

Mits' Dad nods to Lev's question.  "Yeah the Scouts is mainly about camping and learning to be mature."

"That's different," Mits' Mom answers, "I was talking about, 'Dark' in the sense of the protagonist being morally dark.  Like fighting against the police."

The scriptwriter takes out a spiral notebook and begins reading.  "Fade in.  Bored looking boy with obvious mutation watching human children play baseball.  Narrator asks, 'Tired of being left out?'  Boy looks at camera and nods.  'They won't let me on the team because I'm different.'  Narrator answers, 'There's a new club where everyone's welcome!  The Acceptance Club!  Write down this number and have your folks sign you up!  1-800 fun for u!  That's 1 (800) 386-3678!  Boy writes down the number and runs off.  Scene switches to boy having fun with other obviously mutant children and some humans.  Boy gives a big thumbs-up to the camera and says, 'Thanks, 800 fun for u!'"

Mits shruuugs.  "Like.  It's not terrible.  But yeah.  Kinda dry."

Lev did not want to be rude. He truly didn't. But the expression on his face was at the border of a deadpan, as he nodded in agreement. "It is not horrible. But I have to agree, it is dry. Bright side, a commercial with input from the general audience it may involve might kick off a lot better! Also-wait. Is that... the actual number?" Lev tilted his head just a bit towards Steven, raising a brow.

Timothius says to Lev, "I heard people can purchase specified phone numbers like that..."

Bethany ohs at Mitts' mom. "Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... you win THIS round, Mrs Thunderstone!" she grins at the mom teasingly.

Raichel mutters quietly, "Still say martial arts would be cool..."

Timothius looks up at Steven. "What if the opening is in black and white, faded and somewhat dark, and then when the boy is seen playing with others, it is in color, bright, and even some of the people from the baseball game come over and get accepted even though they didn't initially accept the boy?"

The scriptwriter nods to Lev.  "Yup.  That's the number.  Right now it's just a recording, but they'll have a staff answering phones long before the commercial's published."

Mits' mom shrugs at Beth.  "Something I'd rather be wrong about."

Daddy snugs Rai.  "Of course it'd be cool.  Maybe you can convince him with something that was meant to look more like standard dance or gymnastics.  Wu Shu, was it?"

The scriptwriter starts writing down Timo's ideas.  "Good ideas!  Keep 'em comin!"

Mits hmms, "The jingle needs to follow the rhythm of the phone number.  So you can sing the number and it'll be impossible to forget."

The scriptwriter nods to her, "Musician's already on that one.  Industry standard, so a very good idea.  Tried and true."

"Mittens is unsure if she wants to take coming up with anything 'standard' as a compliment."

Lev kept the number in mind, humming a few different rhythms to sort of practice and sort of experiment with what'd go with the number. He'd stop after a bit, realizing he still needed to pay attention to what was going on around him, and not to the rhythm of a number that might already have one, given what the script-writer has said. "If the question is okay, what is Wu Shu? Sort of... not had the chance to look into lots of things martial arts, even if it looks really cool."

Raichel says, "SO glad you asked, Lev... watch!"

Raichel begins moving slowly and gracefully. Not the swift, sudden, harsh moves from earlier, but rather pretty delicate moves.

https://youtu.be/D2W605JFCTU?t=21
(stopping at about 1:06)

Raichel says, "People might mistake it for Tai Chi, which can be just as relaxing and pretty too."

She glances at Steve hopefully.

Timothius claps for Rai, showing his support to his twin.

Bethany joins in clapping. "Gosh that's so pretty! How is that martial arts?"

Raichel says, "Long story short, it was a way of disguising martial arts in the form of dance when martial arts was outlawed, but has since become more of a sport than an actual self defense thing? But there is still self defense there if you look..."

She moves her arms up. "Someone reaching for me? I throw my arms upward to smack their arms up. Then in the same motion, move my arms to push them away..."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

Steve ohs.  "Well it may serve that purpose again.  So long as the client and most viewers don't recognize it as a way to fight, it looks like it could fit in."

Mits pumps her fist!  "Radical!  Then maybe Mittens can do some skating stunts after all!"

Steve shrugs.  "Never said you couldn't.  Just don't do stuff that would have parents thinking that the club is too dangerous for their grade-schoolers."

Mits' dad looks surpised.  "Really?  They're going to lump the teens together with the young kids?  That doesn't sound like it'll work out."

Steve headshakes.  "Nah there's separate age groups.  But we need to cram a lot into a short commercial, so having some young kids in the 'having fun together' shot will probably happen."

Mits lightbulbs.  "Oh hey!  Me, Beth, and Lev all have a buncha arcade credit for combining our superpowers to get rid of a really noisy insect.  Maybe we could work something out to make the 'having fun together' shot happen at the arcade?"

Steve shrugs again.  "Maybe?  Would that give a false impression that every club has an arcade?"

Lev gave a small hand clap at the Wu Shu demonstration. "Doesn't look too scary, but it does look cool! I imagine that helps in this case, and yeah... if trying to keep it hidden you know how to fight, it looks like it does the job!" He'd look towards Steven. "Could include multiple places where kids usually go? Arcade's one, but there is also parks! And choosing the right spot for doing cool... and safer... skate tricks also help if you're going to include multiple spots."

Raichel grins at Lev and gives a bow.

Bethany says, "Come to think of it, a park is a perfect idea, Lev. Because it's public and wouldn't insinuate anything besides hanging out." she taps her cheek in thought. "Local park should be just fine for that..."

Timothius says, "And a park would be roomy for whatever dance and song we wind up doing." he glances at Mittens. "Including roller skating!"

Beth then looks at Mitts and says, "We can save the arcade credits for treating the first few who join."

Steve keeps writing notes into his notebook.  "Multiple locations.  Park.  Good ideas.  Keep 'em comin'."

Mits shrugs to Lev and Timothius.  "Mittens can't figure on any safer skating place than a skating rink.  And now I'm imagining bored kid slumped in a swing getting a magical invitation from a rainbow butterfly and they turn into a cartoon to hurry off to the club."

Steve chuckles.  "Copyright issues with the rainbow butterfly, but you make a point.  Reading Rainbow's got a very memorable jingle and opening sequence that appeals to kids.  I'll take another look at it.  Including cartoons may open the door to some of the ideas we otherwise couldn't get away with.  Such as the healing power."

Mits smiles at Beth.  "Generous idea!  Mittens likes!"

Lev gave a bit of an excited grin at the notion of cartoons being involved. If anything's going to draw the attention of kids and keep the notion that things are kid-friendly, and everyone-friendly, it's probably going to be cartoons. "So we have a few running ideas now! Much much better improvements to the previous idea. Hm. And given all the arcade credits... very good use of them! Kind of hard to imagine using all of the store credit by one's self." He'd look towards Mittens. "There is a small random question to ask... how do you not fall over in skating shoes?"

Raichel looks at Lev and says, "Practice, of course. Like with riding a bike, you don't just explain how to do it in a conversation - you have to try it yourself while the one teaching you guides you. Tim and I are still learning, so if you wanna join us some time, we could all learn together."

Bethany taps her cheek in thought. "Well... I do like the idea of using a rainbow. Maybe we could each wear a different color to symbolize we're from different walks of life, and then the camera pans to show we form a rainbow, showing that differences can make something beautiful?"

Timothius sits down with his clipboard, licking his upper lip and pulls out a sheet of paper to start drawing. Apparently, all this talk has him wanting to draw some of the ideas. It's no storyboard, but it sure shows a neat perspective on how these things might wind up visually...

Mits does a quick pirouette followed by tada pose in Rai's general direction to indicate her answer is Mittens approved.

To Beth's idea she adds, "And then we all line up in a way to spell out 1-800-fun-4-u like bands sometimes do on football fields."

Scriptwriter really likes that idea and scribbles furiously in his notebook.  "Perfect!  Could also include the teaching each other thing as an activity we want to highlight."

Mits stumbles.  "Once again Mittens is flustered when her blurting out random things is taken seriously."

Lev giggled just a bit before catching himself, looking towards Mittens. "Blurting out random things that sound like good ideas will mean smart or wise people take the advice and run with it. You said good ideas." He'd look towards Raichel and Mittens. "If going with teaching, maybe you two can teach others how to use skating shoes, and Tim and I can teach those interested in how to sing? Others with skills they'd like to teach can also join in!" He'd look to the others present, curious as to what things might be offered up into the pool of knowledge to teach!

Timothius smiles up from his drawing at Lev mentioning teaching singing. "I'm still learning m'self, Lev. I only know a few things about singing. Standing is better, keep your knees unlocked, and breathe between lines..."

(IRL, that's about all I knew about singing at that age. But you'd be surprised how much I needed to hear "breathe between lines"... I used to sing nonstop and even sing while inhaling. XD)

Raichel says, "Cool! I get to be in a commercial AND teach martial arts?! AND learn skating on top? Who pushed the "win" button for us?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:30, Tue 29 Mar 2022.

Bethany says, "I know computers really well! Also, I speak French, vous les gens mignons. So would it be cool to have a computer in the commercial?"

She uses her power to summon a computer monitor plush (the screen has a smiley face), and hugs it. Then offers to pass the plush around for people to hold and admire.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Tue 29 Mar 2022.

Mits smiles.  "Thanks, Lev!  And sure!  Happy to teach skating!"

She nods to Timothius.  "Yeah... not breathing can be problematic."

Mittens squees over the cute plush and gives it a crushing hug before passing it on to Timothius.

Steve chuckles.  "Computer.  Sure?  Should be able to figure out something fun to do with that.  Handy that you know French.  You can translate for the French audience and save us having to hire a separate translator for that."

Mits huhs.  "Wait.  French Aud... oh right.  GLOBAL organization.  They even opening in Russia?"

Steve shrugs.  "Dunno.  But I doubt the Russian government has any interest in allowing some foreign capitalist make their mutant citizens happy with a fun club.  Just sayin."

Mittens' Dad nods jadedly.  "Yeeeah."

Lev's ear perked at the prospect of helping translate, before sort of frowning a bit at realizing that... Russian probably isn't going to be a translation needed, given that most of the Russian-speaking lands are currently in a state of existence that may not accept the type of club they're seeking to advertise for. Still, he'd put the offer out there, since one may never know when it's handy. "If you ever need it translated for Russian at least, I know a bit, and if that doesn't work... I know someone who could definitely translate!" He'd give a bit of a nervous smile at that. Glancing towards the computer plush did ease the nerves a bit, the thing was cool! "That is one of the coolest tricks I've ever seen! Lot of cool things here today actually."

Bethany griiiins. "So... people who dislike carebears usually use the excuse of it being for kids or something. And only little kids can get away with saying 'ewe' about carebears, right? I think it'll be the same for a russian translation of the commercial. Any grownup or government trying to ban or nay-say a happy friendship message is going to look bad even to their own people. So I am ALL in favor of a russian translation circulating."

Timothius mews at Mittens, "I mean... breathing between lines instead of breathing while singing the lines. Like I used to do."

Raichel just absent-mindedly says in a Russian accent, "What does that have to do with the trucks?"

"I'd rather my kids not be involved in the Cold War," kitty Momma asserts.

"They're involved already whether we like it or not," Daddy reminds.

"You know what I mean!" Momma retorts.

Mits blinks in surprise at Lev.  "You know Russian?!  COOL!  Say something cool in Russian!"

To try and explain Rai's comment she adds, "You know DARE and all those anti-drug commercials?  Rai's quoting a 'watch out for Commie spies,' commercial we saw."

Steve shrugs and says, "Paying for a Russian translation would be up to the client.  And because of previous mentioned reasons would only be seen by Russian-speaking kids in allied nations.  So sure.  I'll take down the number of that person you know in case the client wants to bother."

Lev looked towards Mittens, blinking for a moment. He didn't expect to be asked to say something -cool- on the spot, but there was a lightbulb moment that flashed in his head! "Заботливые мишки крутые! Останься... в школе?" Lev paused for a moment, before bringing his palm to his face. He was sincerely hoping nobody understood part of that. Improvised cool phrase did not work in his favor.

"I....- Uhm, if it helps, I don't think they'd have any issue with making a big price... I can talk to them if preferred. And for the number... any paper?" He'd try to play off that he didn't just say something that belonged on a potentially very goofy cartoony 'stay in school' advertisement.

[OOC Context for what was said, or at least meant to be said, I don't personally know Russian, so apologies if google translate messes it up. 'Care bears are cool! Stay... in school?']

Raichel tries to copy the Russian phrase Lev just said and does such a horrible job it might not translate into anything anymore.

Timothius says, "You already know how to count in four languages, Raichel."

Raichel huhs? Then ooohs. And smiles.

Bethany says teasingly to Mittens, "Oh sure. I say I speak a foreign language and you don't even notice. Lev says he can and all the sudden it's cool!"

She smiles at Lev. "Though it IS cool." she boops his snoot.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:45, Sat 09 Apr 2022.

Mittens busts out laughing at the exchange.  To Lev she answers, "Sorry, can't answer your question if I don't understand the language.  Translation, please!"

She starts punching at the air, "Hana, dul, set, net, dah suht, yuh suht, eel gob, yuh duhl, ah hob, yuhl."

Mits gives an apologetic grin to Beth.  "Short attention span kitty was distracted with adorable plush.  Also, Russian is way more taboo."

Steve hands over his tablet and pen to Lev.  His handwriting isn't quite as bad as the stereotypical doctor?  But it's bad.  Only one or two words readable at a glance.  "I'm thinking maybe include all this multi-language stuff in the English commercial too.  To emphasize y'all's multiculturalism."

Lev wiggled his nose a bit at the boop before giving a nervous chuckle. "Translation... I should probably never try writing commercial slogans, da? It was about Care Bears and staying in school. Catchphrases that are bad aside, French is just as cool as Russian! A little less taboo... no big global 'bleh' about that one, but anything said with confidence can sound cool! And anything said without confidence.... well, it wouldn't sound confident!" He'd clear his throat a bit before giving an example...

For the first one, he'd speak in a rather reserved and inoffensive tone. "Я Лев... и я возьму на себя управление тремя штатами?" (Translation: He is 'threatening' to take over the tri-state.)

For the second one, he'd clear his throat, take the most official posture he could, even adjusting his tone a bit before speaking in a stern and commanding tone, with as much of a sinister over-tone as he could project. "Вы все крутые и сделаете замечательный рекламный ролик!" [Translation: He is essentially calling everyone cool, and that the commercial is going to be great.]

Lev grinned after the second example. "See! Oh... and nothing bad was said in either one. First one was a joke of 'I will own a tri-state'.... second was calling you all cool."

Raichel giggles and says, "Mittens just spoke Korean. Now for Japanese..." she punches, "Ichi, ni, san, yon, go, roku, nana, hachi, kyuu, juu... and Mandarin... Yī, èr, sān, sì, wŭ, liù, qī, bā, jiŭ, shí..."

Beth smiles at Mittens, drilling a fist into Mitts' shoulder and says, "Was just teasing, Mittens."

To Lev, Raichel says, "Wouldn't that technically be the case for any language? Say something confidently and people think you are confident. Say the exact same thing timidly and people think you're a pushover."

Bethany says, "I dunno. I've had people laugh at my dad when he gets mad and shouts things in French. I'm guessing French doesn't sound intimidating no matter what."

Mits huhs.  "Anyone ever hear of a bi-state?  Or Quad State?  Why's it only ever tri-state?"

"Geography," her dad answers, "Look at a map of the USA and you'll see that there's far more places where 3 states come together in close proximity than four.  But ask the people who live in the southwest corner of Colorado, and I'll bet they call it the quad-state area.  And as for 'bi-state area,' people just refer to the region as the border."

Mits deliberately falls over from Beth's fist-drilling, but springs back to her feet with a grin for Beth.

"Mittens is made of 70% flubber!" she announces with supreme confidence.

Lev giggled a good bit at the mention of flubber, a small half-restrained snort, before he'd very rapidly stop and clear his throat. "So you are 70% flubber, 30% cat, and 100% cool cat?" Lev looked to the rest, now contemplating what percentiles to use. "Further study is needed for determining how much percents you all are made of." He'd smile a bit. "You are 100% bright!" He'd point to Beth. "And cool too! You all are, but the ingredients that make said coolness must be studied!"

Bethany smiles brightly at Lev calling her 100% bright. So she responds with lighting up! Bethany glows brightly with a beaming smile!

The twins giggle at the sight of Mitts falling, bouncing back up and making a flubber reference. Raichel says, "Well you're also made of velcro!"

As if psychically knowing what Rai was going to do, Timothius hugs Mittens right when Rai does and says, "Stick!" at the same time Rai says it!

Bethany says, "Now how does one calculate you, Lev? I don't think my brain can handle calculating your coolness. A bat with shaaaades!" she summons a pair of scifi sunglasses and hands them to Lev!

https://i.pinimg.com/originals...76d582b1b8f89b28.jpg

Mittens blushes from the cuddles and returns her sibs hugs.  In response to Lev, she puts on a pair of cheap sunglasses and wiggles her eyebrows.

"Rai's made of various styles of martial arts.  Timothius made of music and art and cuddles.  But yeah.  Beth's right.  You're way cool too, Lev!"

The parents smile endearingly at the adorable snuggles and side-hug each other.

Steve smiles.  "Well you've given me a lot to work with.  I'll be brainstorming a new script to try and include as much as possible.  Feel free to familiarize yourselves with the rest of the crew.  Just try to not get underfoot, OK?  The smoother things go, the happier everyone'll be."

Lev blushed just a smidge at the compliment of 'incalculable coolness', but did indeed put on the shades, trying to strike a fitting cool pose with the glasses. "And with our coolness' combined, we shall all make the coolest group yet! Incalculable, but cool nonetheless." Lev gave a quick nod to Steve. "Hm, how big do you think the crew is?" Lev would ask, looking towards -friends-!