NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Read this post for some back story (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=559860)


OOC: At some point, there'll be a link to an auto file, you'll need to play during the RP. Just click the link and press play on the player, then continue reading….





Joel Johnson, Sonoma's most popular radio personality had been allowed to continue his radio career after PAXCO took over, but the thing that made his show so special, it's freedom of speech, it's humor, and it's soul had been gutted from it. It had been 3 years since Miller had taken over control of The Former Republic, and turned it into a Corporate Dictatorship. Miller had promised changes on his first day in office, and he wasn't lying about that. Along with the clear change in economic ideology came a new set of laws about the press, freedom to protest, and for Joel, the one thing that hurt him the most, a total change in what could be broadcasted.

Miller had turned all of TV and Radio into a giant advertisement for PAXCO. Every second of everyday was completely full of jingles, and sale announcements for Sonoma's only brand. Miller had made it impossible to use the old radios and televisions, and you could only buy the new ones at PAXCO. Comedies and Dramas were replaced by reality shows, and game shows that were heavy with product placement for PAXCO. Music was outlawed, unless it was music having to do with the Products for sale that week, at PAXCO.

Radio was Joel Johnson's only true love, besides his wife Sara, and his mother Mary, who was suffering from senility in her old age. Joel's father who had died before Miller took control was also a famous radio man, who would play big band music. Joel often wondered if his father would have took the job with PAXCO, just to be able to stay on the air. He wondered if he had let his father down, because he allowed his ego to become more important to him than the show he used to do, and couldn't do now.

It was 9:30 AM, and Joel stepped off the subway platform, onto the train that would take him to work, just like every other day, but today would be different. The smell of humanity filled the train car, and it was overpowering to Joel, who was almost gagging from it. People used to ride their bikes to work, but that was also outlawed. The train car was packed to triple capacity. Joel could barely breathe, and he was pressed up against a man who either, fell asleep, passed out standing up or died and couldn't fall to the floor, due to the over crowding. Joel didn't care if the man was asleep or dead, he just wanted to get away from him. The car stopped, and as the doors opened the dead man woke up as Joel and half the people on the car made a mad rush for the doors.

Joel made his way to the street, and as he took hid first steps toward the PAXCO Broadcast center, someone grabbed his shoulder and swung him around. The man was old, and frail.

Old Man: You're Jack Johnson's Son, the radio show host, aren't you.

Joel: Yes.

Old Man: I used to listen to his show every night. The music was so beautiful.

Joel: I'm sorry, I have to go to work.

Old Man: How is your father, these days?

Joel: He died five years ago.

Old Man: Oh, I am sorry.

Joel: He was old.

Old Man: Aren't we all?

Joel: I guess, look, I have to go, I'm going to be late.

Old Man: I want to give you something, but you have to keep it a secret.

Joel: I don't like secrets.

Old Man: I carry this around to remind me of how things used to be.


The Old Man reached in his pocket and handed a small flash drive to Joel.


Old Man: (Whispering) It was your father's favorite song.

Joel: You're giving me music!?

Old Man: SHHHHHH!

Joel: (Whispering) Are you testing me, do you work for PAXCO?

Old Man: I worked with your father Joel. And he would rather die than do what you have done. It was about the music for him. It was about your thoughts for you, but you sold your fucking soul, to keep your job. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Joel: Who the fuck are you, how can you judge me, what do you want with me?

Old Man: Listen to the song, and you'll know.


The old man walks away as fast as he can, down the stairs to the subway platform. Joel looks in his hand, and studies the flash drive. He pulls a small card reader out of his pocket with the other hand, and inserts the card into the reader. Unplugs the earbuds from his PAXCO Portable FM radio, and Plugs them into the card reader, and presses the power button. Joel stands in the middle of the walkway, stone faced, as a single tear faces down his cheek. Only He can hear the sounds from the card, and whatever they are, they rock Joel's foundations to earth, as the once proud man stands in the midst of a throng of people in motion, he sobs like a baby. After about five minutes, he removes the earbuds, hides the card reader deep in his jacket pocket, and dries his eyes. Joel continues to The Broadcast Center.


Joel enters the Center and makes his way to security. He removed the contents of his pockets, which include the card reader, as he pulls it out of his pocket, he notices the earbuds still plugged in, and quickly and covertly separates them from the reader. Joel removes his pistol from his secret holster on his lower back.


Security Guard: You have your permit, Mr. Johnson?

Joel: Yes, of course.


Joel removes his wallet, and hands the gun permit to the guard.


Security Guard: Looks like this expires next month, don't forget to renew it.

Joel: Thanks for the reminder.


Joel walks through the metal detector, and collects his belongings on the other side of the security station. Placing the card reader in his pocket first, then placing the pistol back in its holster. Joel then makes his way to the elevator.

The Broadcast can be heard through out the building, as well as on every radio in Sonoma. It's a really catchy jingle for the new PAXCO Lawn Master 3000. The mower that starts on the very first pull, with the basket that is never full. The mower was very popular, as it not only cut the grass, but also mulched in into a powder that kept the lawn growing ever during the hot, dry summer months. As the jingle ends the host comes back on the air, to talk about his own Lawn Master.


Jeffery: That was the New Lawn Master Jingle, it's #1 on the sales charts, and not only that, but it's the #1 Mower in the entire Region. From Rockyville to Polandthria, and of course here in Sonoma, The PAXCO Lawn Master 3000 is the world's best Mower. I use it myself, it's wonderful. If it says PAXCO, you know it works. Folks, I hope you enjoyed our time together, I'll be back tomorrow, same time, same place. Next, we have the one, the only The King of Radio himself, Mr. Joel Johnson. But first, The News, Brought to you, by PAXCO, The Name Sonomans trust.


Joel exits the Elevator and walks towards the studio. Jeffery Kline walks towards Joel.


Jeffery: Hey Joel, just a warning, they're really pushing this Lawn Master bullshit really heavy today. I guess some company in New Alberta is making mowers that are out selling PAXCO, but that's just the rumor. Someone from the head quarters has been requesting we play it all morning.

Joel: Lawn Master, ok.

Jeffery: Are you ok? You seem distant.

Joel: It's early.

Jeffery: You're telling me? I've been here since four AM.

Joel: Yeah, four AM. I guess early is relative.

Jeffery: Everything is relative, Joel. By the way, you're on in about 2 minutes, I hope you're ready.

Joel: Yeah, I'm ready.


Joel walks to the studio, and sits at the console. He places the headphones on his head, and listens to the news report.


News Reporter: And finally, the Trial of disgraced former President Sheldon Hightower is expected to wrap up today. Hightower is on trial for crimes against Humanity, for his role in the Aftermath of the great fire. If convicted, he faces the death penalty. Which was brought back after Hightower stepped down from his role as the former leader of Sonoma. Stay tuned, next is the Joel Johnson Program, You're listening to Radio Sonoma, brought to you by PAXCO, the name Sonoman's trust.


The On The Air light, turns bright red, as Joel begins his broadcast.


Jingle Voice: Joel Johnson in the Morning!

Joel: Hey folks, It's your friend, Joel. I'm here to tell you what to buy, and when to buy it.


Jeffery whips he head around in shock to look at Joel.


Joel: I have to do something really quick, then we can begin selling this stuff!

Joel removes his headphones, and runs to the studio door, looking it with his master key. Making it impossible to open from the outside. Joel runs back to the Console, and places the headphones back on. He takes a deep breath and exhales loudly. Jeffery slowly walks toward the glass.


Joel: Ok, now that we're locked in, we can truly begin the show. How about that Hightower trial, why didn't they just shoot him when they took over, it would've saved PAXCO a bunch of money, since they're going to kill him anyway, if he's not already dead, I mean we can't see the trial, and no one's seen the man in years.


Jeffery Pounds on the glass, and screams, but we can't hear it, because it's soundproof glass. The Program director runs to where Jeffery is, and he is visibly upset.

Joel: Hey, it's my boss, that piece of shit, no talent fuck who used to bring me coffee, before his dad got him his new job. I guess it's good to have a Dad of the PAXCO board, huh?


The Program director tries to open the door but it's locked.


Joel: Nope, sorry, I locked it with my special key.


The Program Director and Jeffery look at Joel from the other side of the glass.


Program Director: (yelling at a secretary) Call security, get a fucking locksmith up here, I want that door open, now!

Jeffery: What's he doing?

Program Director: He's killing his career, he'll never broadcast again! Jeff, get him off the air!

Jeffery: I can't, he's bypassed the override with a patch cable, You'd have to take the whole station off the air, cut power and start up in the other studio, it'd take an hour to do.


Back in the Studio, Joel watches the men talk, but continues to rant.


Joel: Another thing, they're putting him on trial for this fire, but everyone I talk to, secretly knows PAXCO started the fire when their fuel plant in Tonopah went into melt down.


Miles away in the office of Bryan Miller, the CEO of PAX Sonoma, miller is overlooking several proposals, as a knock is heard on the door. Before Miller can respond, and the director of Media rushes in the room.

Davis: Chairman Miller, we have an emergency situation!

Miller:(mockingly) What, did one of your jingle singers call in sick? I'm very busy, Mr. Davis. I trust you will handle it.

Davis: Chairman, I don't think you understand, you need to listen to the Radio Broadcast.


Miller uses a remote control to turn on the radio, in his office.


Joel: (Over the radio) He's taken away every right we had, we can't even vote! He said it would be for a short while, but that was three years ago. Everything is a commercial for that fucking company.


Miller: Get that off the air now!

Davis: We need your authorization, to take him out.

Miller: What are you waiting for? Take him out!

Joel: (Over the radio) The part that really kills me, is the fact that he outlawed music, and turned every trusted news and entertainment broadcaster into a fucking salesman for the crap they sell at that fucking store.


On the streets cars have all stopped, and the busy city streets have turned into a makeshift parking lot, as people sit in stunned silence as they listen to Joel's screed.


Joel: (Over the radio) And the worst part is, I used to be a radio man, like my father before me, but If he were alive now, he'd fucking disown me, for what I have become, and what my generation allowed to happen to our country. He'd be sick to his stomach, with shame. Really, Shame on us, for not stopping it.


Across town at Sonoma City Secondary School number thirty-eight. Sara Johnson is teaching Sonoman literature to her students. She writes a famous quote on the white board, as she hears the sound of several cell phones getting text messages all at the same time, she turns around, to scold the students for not turning off the phones. Suddenly, before she can say anything, her own phone makes a beep, as she also gets a message. She runs out of the classroom, and to the teacher's lounge. The lounge is full of teachers listening to the radio, clapping and cheering as Joel rants his dissatisfactions. As Sara walks in, She can hear her husband's voice.


Joel: (Over the radio) I may never have another chance to say this. But I miss having a choice, I miss being able to do what I want, and say what I want. But we did it to ourselves, didn't we?


Sara crumples to the ground as she realizes what is happening. Her friends rush to her, and help her into a chair.


Liz: Oh Sara, I'm so sorry.

Sara: Oh God, what's he doing?


Tears roll down her cheek as she grasps the gravity of the situation.


Joel: (Over the radio) Sara, I don't know if you can hear me, but you need to pack everything up and get my mother, take her to Tonopah or Carson, just get to the burn zone, they don't follow people there.

Sara: Oh my god!


Back in the Studio, Joel has now attracted a crowd outside the studio, all looking at him through the glass.


Joel: Sara, I want you to know I tried, I really tried. I just can't sit here and pretend that things are alright anymore. I'm a broadcaster, not a pitchman. So just get out of the western region and into the east. Take my mother, and make sure she's safe. Don't tell her I'm gone.


Joel Pulls the Card Reader out of his pocket, and removes the flash drive from it. He inserts the card into a reader built into the console.


Joel: They're on their way here, I imagine. I have one more thing to do. I have to make things right with my father, before I go to see him. I won't be back after this. Remember this, make my sacrifice worth it, please. Take this country back!


Joel presses the play button on the consoles card reader.


OOC: CLICK THIS, THEN PRESS PLAY ON THE PLAYER WINDOW, THEN COME BACK AND CONTINUE READING Audio File on Joel's Flash Drive (http://www.soundupload.com/pop_audio.php?key=t4pm6083mjpiob73)


The audio plays as Joel removes his headphones. He presses another button that allows him to talk to the people outside the studio. The only people that can hear this are outside the studio, as the people all over Sonoma just hear the audio from the card reader.


Joel: Jeff?

Jeffery: Joel, what are you doing?

Joel: I'm sorry, I'm going to make a mess in here.

Jeffery: Unlock the door, Joel, we can fix this, it's not too late.

Joel: I'm afraid it is too late.

Jeffery: Please just turn off the music and unlock the door, I can fix this.

Joel: I'm fixing it, as we speak.

Jeffery: They're in the building, they're going to kill you, turn it off!


Joel pushes the button again, and can only hear the sound from his headphones, which are sitting on the console. He puts them back on.

Joel's mother, Mary is sitting on her sofa, listening to her radio, while sitting across from her care taker, Susan.


Mary: That's my husband's show. He plays music.

Susan: That's your son, Mrs. Johnson.

Mary: My son is there with him, yes, he always tags along.

Susan: Mrs. Johnson, Your son is breaking the law, he's going to be in a lot of trouble.


Mary has a moment of clarity, but only for a moment. A tear falls down her cheek. Then she resumes talking.

Mary: Jack loves Glenn Miller.


The PAXCO Media Division's security force makes there's way up the flights of stairs, to the Broadcast Studio on the 14th floor. They are armed with rifles and they are ready to take Joel Johnson off the air. As they reach the 14th floor, the bust through the door into the fishbowl area where Joel can be seen listening to his last song request, with his eyes closed. The team takes aim at the glass window.


Security Chief: Ready, Aim, Fire!!


The Smoke from the guns fills the entire floor, as people stand around in total shock, not fully understanding what just happened.

Joel Johnson lays dead on the floor of his studio, his blood all over the wall and equipment. Just then, the music stops, and Joel's voice can be heard.

An engineer runs in the room, and removes the Patch Cables that Joel used to stop the override button.

Jeffery is in the adjacent studio, clearly in shock. His On The Air Light turns bright red. He's been handed an official statement to read. He reads it like a professional.


Jeffery: Hey folks, I hope you enjoyed our little radio play. Joel is a master of broadcasting, and he comes up with such great ideas. Joel was using satire to comment on the political situation in our neighboring nation of Tycondria. Joel will be back on the air tomorrow with his regular how, lets listen to a sports update right now.