Casting Call

[Atara Themis]

Heels, a pair of dark blue skinny denym pants, and a form fitting beige tank. Probably the last thing you would imagine a model auditioning in, but it was the industry standard. Make up was kept to a bare minimal, only neutral tones selected, and her brown hair had been tied into a bun. It was a very...normal look, but accentuated the figure and allowed for the natural beauty of Atara to surface. She was the canvas for the artist to see his work displayed.

Atara was a bundle of nerves, sitting in wait with a dozen other girls, hoping for the opportunity to represent one the galaxies rising stars in the fashion world. Comp card and portfolio in hand, the Alderaani was thankful she had arrived early. This was Empress Teta afterall, a fashion capital, and the brunette knew just outside the door there where probably a hundred more girls waiting. All dressed similar, all hoping they had the 'look' of the season or some other feature that set them apart.

One leg crossed over the other, blue eyes looked around the room noting all the different races and colors. Each girl coming from different backgrounds. One by one they entered a room when called, and one by one they had all came out rejected. Some had been angry, others in tears. Whatever the reason, it wasn't look in her mind. The line dwindled until finally she was next.

Her stomach turned a bit, nervous. She stood like all the rest had before her, straightened to ensure every curve was in view. One foot in front of the other, Atara was ushered in front of Baros Sal-Soren.

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

It had been a long day. Woman after woman had been paraded in front of him. It felt at times like a cattle auction, but Baros had to remember that each of these women wanted this. This was their chosen career...he had to think that. It made it easier. A little. This was the worst part of the industry, all the people that wanted to be a part of it so desperately that they would pour themselves before individuals with scruples sometimes as low as the organs below their belt.

"Next."

An attractive blonde woman was ushered from their presence. She was attractive, as was the woman before her, and the one before her. The most minuscule of flaws set these hopefuls apart. There was a certain look that he wanted, but he was not defining it so restrictively that someone could not revolutionize his thinking.

One girl had already been short listed, though she did not know that yet. A new girl walked before him. She was slightly above average in height, which was always a plus. Her eyes were definitely attention grabbing.

"Smile for me," Baros said, leaning forward.

It was natural, but also not perfect and he found that more perfect than most smiles. There was a natural quirk to her lips that caused him to look more closely. That was was always something to note. Too many girls came in with everything just perfect and they ended up looking the same. She had character.

"Please go with Marloh...he will find something that works for you," he said indicating to his stylist, "you can come back in when I call for you."

It was on the the next woman in the meantime. "Next."

[member="Atara Themis"]

 

[Atara Themis]

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

"Next."

Atara was comfortable with herself, how she looked. She couldn't afford not to be, not in this business. Every job, every gig, she was literally putting herself out to the galaxy to be judged.
It was those judgements that determined whether or not she continued working or if she was shoveled off back to Alderaan. She had that over most girls in the industry, a guaranteed job, no matter if the fashion world accepted her or not. Still, it didn't mean she didn't want to break out on her own and be successful any less. The brunette knew how competive this line of work was. New girls where being discovered and signed by the hour. She hoped hee previous experience would be enough to gain a leg up on everyone else, and in fashion long legs where the norm.

Through the door she went handing off both her portfolio and comp card, a doubled sided 8x10 printed card. One side had a head shot, the other had four of her best poses. The assistant handed it off to Baros and motioned Atara to the center of the room. Front and center, she placed her hands on her hips and parted plump lips into a smile.

"Hi, I'm Atara Themis."

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

From the moment Atara walked in, Baros saw his day in a completely different light. He had one prospect, but now he seemed to have found a competitor. The regular procedure was followed, with a number of changes of clothes, and numerous comments to his assistants, before the day finally finished and he sent messages to those that had interviewed.

A second round of interviews were set up for the two individuals thought to be what Baros was looking for.

Baros sat in a comfortable arm chair on a balcony overlooking the city. Hearing the footsteps of an approaching...female? Baros stood.

"Greetings again Miss Themis," he said with a smile and hand extended.

Sitting down Baros leaned back in his chair, "I am glad you could make it back here. Let me outline a little better what I am looking for...I am wanting more than a model. I am wanting what amounts to a junior partner that can also model the garments. I am looking for someone that can oversee the promotion and the PR of the business while also being the face of the business...I need a second me, but a me that looks good in a dress."

His brow furrowed. "What do you think you have to offer in this regard?"

[member="Atara Themis"]

 

[Atara Themis]

The call back, as welcomed as it was, was not the most suprising thing. The suddeness of it however, Atara had barely made it out the door for her morning exercise when it came. It both made and ruined her schedule. The work out had been cancelled and the young Alderaani had spent the majority of the day prepping for her second interview. Being that this trip was out of pocket, the hair appointment, the outfit run, on top of lunch put a hole in her wallet. If the second interview didn't pan out, she was sure to have to make a call to mom and pop. Something she hoped wouldn't have to happen.

Fortunately, the fast tracked and full day didn't leave the brunette much time sit and ponder or become overtly anxious about this meeting. The sky had soon turned from blue to violet before she had a proper chance to take it all in. Here she was now, sitting beside none other than Baros Sal-Soren.

Her own freshly plucked brow arched at his explanation. It seemed today had yet to stop with the suprises. She really didn't know what to say. From the business aspect she had little to anything reflecting a proper business acumen. Aside from an idea here and there she was more less read her lines and took her pictures. Except for the one thing.

"You mean you want me to organize and run my own campaign?" She hoped not to come off as dimwitted, but felt it better to be clear than assume. "Because I did spearhead the Naked Responsibility ads back home," She spoke as if Baros should have heard of them. It was a popular run. The ads typically being of a naked Atara pouring wine over herself. She was blurred out in them to mimicking a drunken haze. The ads usually had something on the lines of Want to See More, Drink Responsibly printed. It was all in the spirit of staying safe and having fun.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros sat for a moment just looking at Atara. Yes, she had the physical capabilities to be the face of Glitterstim, but he was a little less sure about what happened when she opened her mouth. "I did my research into that project," he said calmly, "delivered on time, within budget...its effect is harder to quantify though."

He leaned forward trying to make himself more clear.

"I will now and forever own and run Glitterstim. What I am asking is whether or not you think you can handle being the person to wear our garments in public events and physically represent our company in person, not just in holos. You would be the pretty face and the voice that people hear when they think of Glitterstim. I would run the business...you would run the marketing. That essentially means look gorgeous and say it is because of Glitterstim...but I would hope you would present it better than that."

He leaned back again.

"Tell me what you know about our product. Sell me on it."

[member="Atara Themis"]

 

[Atara Themis]

Swallowing a lump in her throat, Atara had to remind herself this was part of the business. While everyone's aim was to make fame and fortune, and the end of the day they where all artist. Art was seen differently by different people. Rejection was to be expected. If she couldn't wow Baros with her ideas then she would do it with her fashion acumen and of course, sell his product to him using the very thing he wanted to put his product on.

"Personally, I find your style to be a reimagining of Vanar. His minimal is maximal philosophy is prevalent in the designs, especially those I've seen a few holo-stars wear. They're risky trends to sell to the masses, but in High Society where the taboo is highly prized...Glitterstim is quite the name...."

Atara paused, her plump mouth curling into a flirty grin. Sitting upright, she placed her forearms on the chairs armrest with her elbows slightly behind her. Naturally the position of her arms gave her back an arch to emphasize a swell that artist where better at accentuating. Her bust had never been her selling point though. One over the other Atara crossed a leg. Her skirt rose slightly exposing more flesh of already lengthy legs.

"Like the drug, it hits the eyes first."

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros did not react, but allowed her to go through her spiel and show off her assets as she wished. It was what he was expecting, and asking for, and he was not disappointed. It was the eyes indeed. Baros could see himself getting lost in hers, but this was business and he was in control.

"90% of the men you talk to would be sold already," he said calmly, correcting his posture a little to hide the natural reaction to her posturing, "leave the other 10% to me."

He looked down at her information and scrolled through a few things. "Understand that the women simply want to be you. Some of these women see how their men react to you and either hate you...or want to be you, so that they have their man's attention. Some of the women you meet love control...you need to be able to identify each individuals needs, wants and desires...react to them on the spot."

Looking up he calmly asked.

"What is it that I want?"

[member="Atara Themis"]

 

[Atara Themis]

"Product Recognition."

It was a straightforward answer. She had approached the question as she saw this meeting, from the business perspective. Despite Baros' body language and sudden posture change, they where two professionals. He wasn't the men he spoke of.

"You want people to see me and without thinking already have Glitterstim on the tip of their tongue. You want your product known and you want it done 'your' way. You're an executive Mr. Sal-Soren, control comes natural you."

She wasn't talking him up. It was an honest judgement based off the short time they had spent together. He was blunt, quick to correct and assert his opinion. Not to mention the 'posture correction'. He hid any thing might hint someone had the upper hand over him.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Baros nodded, but it seemed less an agreement and more a silent acceptance that she had spoken. It was hard to read if he was impressed or not. He went back to scrolling on his datapad. "Now, I have one other person in mind for your position..."

Yes, he called it hers. Hers to lose? Or hers to win? Unsure.

"How would you feel about sharing the role?" He said turning a picture of Greta Keo about. He offered the datapad to Atara.

"Greta Keo has some expertise in marketing...well spoken...do you think you can work with someone else?"

[member="Atara Themis"]

 

[Atara Themis]

Naturally Atara's eyes diverted to the low line of Greta's dress in the picture. It was clear where the other model had an advantage. The Alderaan gave off mixed emotions, she had never worked with anyone else save for a few runway gigs. This was entirely different and to be honest she was somewhat threatened by Greta's look. Atara supposed she could be cordial, but knew in her heart at the end of the day...there could only be one.

She shrugged dismissive and handed the datapad back. "She's certainly striking, more suited for swimsuits and lingerie in my opinion..." She trailed attempting to plant the seed.

"But I can work with her." Atara forced a smile hoping she hadn't just lied between her teeth.

[member="Baros Sal-Soren"]

 

[Baros Sal-Soren]

Another long pause, as Baros examined her reaction, ended with him smiling. "That is good to hear," Baros said, now standing to shake Atara's hand.

"Welcome to Glitterstim, Miss Themis."

Taking her elbow he directed her towards the exit, as the door slid open and a Miralukan aide came through. "Tasya will take you to the fitting room and give you your wardrobe. Of course, Glitterstim is all you will wear now...she also has the contract. I am sure there are enough zeroes on your salary."

[member="Atara Themis"]