[Chapter 79: Ambiguous Attitude]
Even though he been a singer and a boss for quite some time now, this was Orlando's first conference call.
It was a way to bring together important people from afar for a meeting via group phone call.
Frank took a moment, connecting Seymour, Melvin, and Kurt -- who were in New York -- with Charles Stuart, the head of a newly founded investment firm based in Orlando.
They all joined the conference call.
It was 9:30 in the morning.
"...Orlando, do you know what the USO is?"
"USO? I don't know, but I do know UFO..."
"USO, abbreviated for United Service Organizations, is a special organization founded in 1941, about the same age as the 1st Marine Division," Seymour's voice came over the line. Because of the technical setup, everyone on the call could hear him clearly, though nobody could see one another.
"During World War II, our great-grandfathers, grandfathers, or fathers probably caught USO shows amid the ruins of London, in the trenches of Europe, or at send-off events in the States -- when Marilyn Monroe performed for the troops in the trenches, and Bob Hope crossed the Pacific with comedians to entertain soldiers!
The USO has long organized celebrities to visit military bases and front lines to boost morale. They work directly with the Pentagon. Their live shows include music, comedy, and interaction -- usually giving soldiers a big morale boost!"
Hearing this, Orlando understood. It was entertainment for the troops. He also knew about it from before his transmigration.
"When the war actually breaks out, as a singer -- and a very popular one at that --"
After Seymour's voice faded, Frank, who was in the same small conference room as Orlando, spoke up.
"Then Orlando, you'll definitely be called up by the USO. Shania will likely be called too, and refusing would be nearly impossible!"
"That's why I called this meeting -- to prepare for a possible USO call-up!"
The discussion centered heavily on the potential upcoming war.
In fact, from newspapers, TV, and conversations with mid- and upper-level elites Orlando had met,
he knew this war was likely.
It was almost the collective will of the United States!
The Soviet Union seemed like it was fading. The U.S. economy was weak, inflation rampant. America had to lean on a war to rally national spirit.
At the same time, send a global warning.
Even if Saddam Hussein wasn't the cause, there would always be another leader -- someone to target!
Current tensions suggested Saddam might provoke trouble. And America would certainly want to punish him.
Once that was clear, everything else became easier.
The first step: Adjust Orlando and Shania's schedules.
Get ready for possible USO call-ups.
---
Because of the potential war, Orlando's mini-album, or EP, originally planned for October, was moved up.
They decided to move forward with the release anyway.
The songs were already recorded. There were four tracks total -- Counting Stars, Peter Pan Was Right, See You Again, and a rock song called You Could Be Mine.
Speaking of You Could Be Mine, Orlando actually got this song just a few days ago. It was while filming Terminator 2, playing the villainous T-1000 robot. Of course, along with this song, the entire Terminator 2 soundtrack was also in the Awakening.
Orlando had been quite relieved back then.
Not long after, James Cameron signed a soundtrack contract.
At the same time, he also thought about what would happen if he continued to act in other movies in the future. "Could easily handle scoring using the Awakening," he mused.
In two years, he'd work with Cameron again on Titanic. That would definitely earn him another crown: Master of Music.
Hollywood composers were well-paid. Though the range varied widely -- from $2,000 to $500,000 per project, top composers mainly earned from:
scoring high-budget films (earning millions from a single movie),
soundtrack album sales,
concert tours,
commercial endorsements, and brand partnerships.
Of course, Orlando wasn't a top composer yet. He hadn't made a major mark in film scoring. But he wasn't just any new composer either.
His singles sold well, and songs he wrote for others sold extremely well.
The film's investors didn't want to share profits. In the end, they agreed on a price of one million dollars. Not too high, not too low.
And You Could Be Mine was the finale among several soundtracks.
He wrote and sang it on the spot.
Everyone loved it.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 2's lead, immediately took to it. He said enthusiastically that it was the perfect music for the Terminator.
Thanks to Arnold's strong backing, the music contract reached $1 million.
Otherwise, it would have been around $600,000 to $800,000.
---
So next up on the music side,
Orlando Records' main focus, after the Shania's hit single, was preparation and promotion for Orlando's first mini-album, It's Orlando.
"So, I'll start my promotional tour again?"
"That's right," Frank answered plainly.
Orlando sighed.
He knew he'd be busy again. Maybe it wouldn't be as wild as the first single's release, but it wouldn't be easy either.
After all, it was his first album, mini or not.
---
The conference call lasted over two hours.
Most of the time was spent discussing Orlando's music and the label's affairs. The main focus was on negotiating various subsidies with New York City officials and Brooklyn district leaders.
The rest covered investments in New York.
The last ten minutes were a conversation between Orlando and Charles Stuart, the investment firm head.
"...Buy oil, buy defense stocks!"
"What? They're already slowly rising? Then leverage it and just buy!"
---
Finally, around eleven o'clock, the conference call ended.
Orlando exhaled deeply, wondering whether to go back to Madonna's bed, cuddle the pop queen to sleep, or play a few more games with her.
Unexpectedly, as he stepped out of the meeting room, he found Madonna already waiting for him in the living room.
"Mrs. Clinton is coming to Los Angeles?"
"Yeah, I just got a call!"
"What's she doing in Los Angeles?"
"Her secretary said with the possibility of war, she plans to come to LA for related events!"
"Isn't she just the governor's wife? Not the First Lady. Even if there's a war, what does she have to do with it?"
"Tsk tsk, she's got a lot of connections!"
Madonna was basically just in a silk nightgown, her sexy features shining as she moved and spoke.
There were only the two of them, so no one else saw.
But knowing Madonna, she'd act the same even with others around.
"The war won't happen on American soil, and it's not a world war!"
Madonna shook her head. "Even I know this is a golden opportunity for all politicians to rack up points. Of course, she's campaigning for her husband. But..."
"But what?"
"It's just that Mrs. Clinton mostly worked the East Coast. She's been to California, but rarely. This time, she's coming here first... Tsk tsk, and she contacted me first... Tsk tsk tsk!"
As Madonna clicked her tongue, Orlando's face darkened.
Even if Madonna hadn't said it, he could read her thoughts.
She suspected that Hillary came to California this time specifically because of him.
Mainly since the last political event, he and Hillary stayed in frequent contact. Though not daily calls, they talked every couple of days.
Others might just see them as friends. But Madonna knew about Orlando's "secret weapon," and it was Hillary who had first asked Madonna for Orlando's number.
She suspected their relationship wasn't simple.
Orlando didn't explain.
He just thought about clinging to that couple's favor!
Even though he knew their tricks...
If he didn't keep them happy, he wouldn't get close.
Other political heavyweights -- never mind the Elephant Party, which was nearly impossible to penetrate--
even the Donkeys…
Take the New York faction, for instance -- Daisy served as a bridge there, linking him to their moderate wing.
He might have found a path to becoming part of the team. But only as an outsider on the fringe.
There was almost no chance to become an important member.
Unless he quit music and went into politics, and established some early success. At the same time, marry Daisy to build a close family tie.
So after meeting Hillary and seeing this striking middle-aged woman had feelings for him,
Orlando gritted his teeth.
He decided to go for it!
The risks were real.
But the rewards weren't that bad either.
He really wanted to be Rasputin.
This couple held massive, enduring influence and power in the politics in the parallel universe.
Not to mention ensuring he survived in the entertainment industry, even joining the real masters of this country -- the consortia -- wasn't impossible.
The returns were so high.
Plus, the 40-year-old Hillary was not bad looking.
Maybe they could still have kids.
His own attitude was ambiguous. And one couldn't really blame Madonna for seeing through it to some extent.
That's why the pop queen said what she did just now.
*****
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