Jerrica ducked into Jem's dressing room unseen and put her hand to her earrings. "Showtime, Synergy." Immediately, the computer her father had built for her responded by creating the hologram of Jem over her. She checked her reflection in the mirror. "Good enough," she said, and started out the door.

"Jem," Video said. The blonde film maker who was about to produce their next video gave a shake of her head. "I didn't even see you go in."

"That's me, quiet as a little mouse."

"Hardly," laughed Danse, coming up beside her. The beautiful dancer was being featured in the video, and had arrived early, getting dressed and ready for the shoot. She looked (as usual) excited and well-prepared. "So are we going to get this done or what?" she asked.

Jem smiled. "Let's go."

The shoot was going to be a long one. Kimber was already up to her usual tricks, complaining about screen time for Jem versus the screen time for the Holograms. Aja and Shana were nobly trying to explain that it was Jem and the Holograms, not the Holograms. Raya was alternately bored and edgy, twirling her drumsticks endlessly between shots. Danse's moves were being changed for Video's concept of the video, and neither of them seemed very happy with one another. Jem sighed, wishing that Jerrica could be here too, wishing that she could just drop the hologram and take care of it all with the business part of herself.

Finally, though, Video managed to guide them all through it, and it was late in the afternoon before she called it a day. Jem felt like she would drop from exhaustion, along with the rest of the group. Kimber was even too tired to argue anymore. Only Danse and athletic Aja seemed to still be on top of things, perfecting a few moves for the shoot tomorrow.

"Excuse me," said a voice from somewhere in the soundstage, "I was wondering, is this where the filming of the new video for Jem and the Holograms is taking place?"

"Yes, it is," said Aja, turning around. She froze when she saw Jareth standing there, leaning on a beautiful, almost gothic cane and looking at them all with interested, arresting eyes.

"Good. You must be Aja Leith," he said, offering his hand. "Pleased to meet you."

"And pleased to meet you," she replied, taking it in her own. He kissed the back of her hand.

Kimber nearly shoved her out of the way. "Hi! I'm Kimber Benton."

He managed to look at her with surprised delight. "The one who writes the songs...your work is exceptional."

She blushed furiously.

"And Shana Elmsford," he said, turning his attention to the third Hologram. "Your clothing designs are inspired. I'd like to see what else you can come up with."

Shana only nodded, shy as always. He seemed to completely understand.

"Is that Raya Allonso over there?" he asked.

Raya waved from behind the drum set. "That's me."

In one corner, Danse and Video were arguing about a move Danse had choreographed for the next day, Video insisting that something else would film better.

"It seems as if it's been a rather nerve-wracking day for all of you," Jareth noted. "But if you'd like, I have something that might take your minds off of it."

"Anything, please," Kimber laughed.

"I'd be delighted if you'd come to my show tonight. There will be an...what is it? After party?"

"That sounds good to me," said Raya.

"Ditto," Kimber enthused.

"Good. Then I shall expect all of you. And..." He glanced up. "Where has your lead singer gotten to?"

"Jem just left," said Jerrica, walking into their midst. "Jareth Trevale, I presume?"

Jareth looked at her for a long moment, then smiled a secret sort of smile she didn't know if she liked. "Of course. And you are Jerrica Benton. The resemblance between you and your sister is quite strong."

Kimber gave a derisive shake of her head. "I don't know whether to thank him or deck him."

Raya shot her a friendly look of dismay. Kimber shrugged.

"I heard you inviting them to your show. I'm afraid Jem won't be able to make it tonight."

"She'd better not," called Video. "And I want all of you fresh for the shoot tomorrow!" She waved to them as she headed out the door.

"That's really too bad," Jareth said, tapping a finger on the head of his cane. "Perhaps you'd like to fill her place?"

"I'd be delighted," Jerrica said immediately.

He nodded over to the place where Danse was still working. "Intense, isn't she?"

"That's Danse," Kimber informed him. "With an S. She's really dedicated. She lives for dancing."

"You can tell."

"We've got to go get changed and ready for tonight," Shana said. "It's been a pleasure meeting you."

The girls dashed off, leaving him alone with Danse, who was still trying to perfect a single step. He walked over to watch.

"I'm Jareth Trevale," he said.

"Am I supposed to be impressed?" Danse smiled, still dancing.

"I'd like it if you were, but it's really up to you."

She paused. "I'm Danse."

"I heard. And it suits you. Will you be joining the Holograms tonight at my show?"

Danse sighed. "I'd like to, but..."

He moved his hand suddenly and a ticket appeared in his fingers. "I'd be most grateful."

She reached out and took it. "Thank you."

"Thank you." He turned to walk away.

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