"The Sensation" Danny Starr


	Off the Ball (Part 2)
	SPACEIt was near noon when I showed up in front of the club to meet Eric. Just as promised, he was awaiting my arrival, dressed in a gray Armani suite. As I pull up to the front of the entrance, I see Eric has spotted me and begins to slowly approach. I park it and throw my keys to the valet standing by the sidewalk. Danny Starr: Keep it in one piece, Jacob. Jacob the Valet: Yes, Mr. Starr. Eric Rayne offers his hand… Eric Rayne: Quite the celebrity, are we, Danny? SPACEWe both chuckle as I shake his hand before entering through the Country Club doors. As we walked to my own personalized booth, I saw none other than Kevin Conner was occupying it. To my surprise, he was sitting there by himself, as if waiting for us. I could see his head blocking where the DS embedded symbol was placed on the cushioning of the seat. My eyes widened as I looked at Eric to see his reaction, which was a normal facial expression. Danny Starr: Kevin Conner? Eric Rayne: Yes, I wanted him to meet here... I also invited Michael Diamond, but he refused to join us. Danny Starr: Well I guess it is the three of us then. Shall we? SPACEI crouched down to fit my leg between the table and seat and slid towards Conner's side. I then opened out my hand looking Conner in the eyes. Danny Starr: Good day, Kevin. How are you today? Kevin Conner: I'm good, so why exactly was I called here, this isn't really my place to hang out. I wasn't sure enough to answer him. I imagined it was for the same reason I was here: my best guess was to discuss a match strategy for the 6-Man at Rebirth. Before I could even attempt to reply to his question, Eric Rayne, who has now slid into his side of the table, answers... Eric Rayne: The importance of a place to meet is not relevant. However, the meeting of two legends for the first time... is quite remarkable, wouldn't you say, Danny? Danny Starr: Well, we have met under other circumstances; however, they were not quite the thrill. SPACEConner looking directly at me and without fear says… Kevin Conner: They weren’t exactly nice as this, but I think there is only one legend here. Legends don't run off to Peru for 3 years. SPACEEric's eyes light up seeing the tension being caused by a weary Kevin Conner. Eric looks at them both, staring at each other, hoping something does not break out right here and now in the middle of a country club. Danny Starr: Would you have rather had me stay and remain the way I was in those days? Eric Rayne invites you to MY V.I.P. booth after I made the choice to defend you on Survival against four men... and you have the nerve to disrespect me by demoting me from a legend worthy title? SPACEThe booth with all three men becomes silent... Danny Starr: You do not have to buy in to my new ways... but do not disrespect me like these other tyrants. Kevin Conner: Don't get me wrong Starr, I respect what you can do in that ring, but that doesn't make a legend, what they do outside the ring also counts! You are very low in that category. But instead of bull-shitting around about this, lets get to the point! Why was I called here, Eric? SPACEI decide to take my eyes off Conner and forget the previous topic of conversation to feast my eyes on my superior... the High Society's leader: Eric Rayne. Eric Rayne: This Sunday... you both have a great opportunity to take control of Jackson's HWA. You both have the power needed to single-handedly run these imbeciles out of town... but together.. You make an unstoppable duo. To tell you the truth, you two alone, minus Michael Diamond, would obliterate any competition that HWA puts in your way. Look at each other... SPACEKevin and I slowly turn to each other looking dead in one another's eyes. Eric Rayne: What you both are looking at... is not just a colleague... think about the ladders of success you will climb as a unit... Danny Starr: Whoa... Whoa... Whoa... hold on, Eric. This isn't a team deal... this is just a mutual agreement, right Conner? Kevin Conner: Well, wait Danny, I mean you've always wanted to take control of the HWA and well so have I? We've both been on top, but you're boy is right, if we're on top together, then we would be unstoppable... think about it. Running the very own company that made us into what we are today. SPACEI look at him taking in every word he says… Kevin Conner: We are the Foundation of the HWA.... SPACEMy heart jumped… I thought he was going to say something else… Eric Rayne: Yes, that's the kind of attitude we need to be having! Danny Starr: Isn't it somewhat hypocritical to praise me, when a minute ago, you were demoting my status as a legend? Kevin Conner: Don't get me wrong, I’m not praising you what so ever, I've said it before, I have a great respect for you. But you have to think outside the small picture to the big picture. Sunday is where it starts, it doesn't have to end there too. Daniel! Let me call you Daniel, you want power! I know you do, don't deny it! You can gain that ultimate power along with me, but you can't do it alone. I can't do it alone either, quite frankly what I'm saying is we need each other to get what we both want. Danny Starr: I'm not sure what you think of me Conner, but if you think power is what I want... you have sadly mistaken... if you'll please excuse me, I have to use the rest room. SPACEI needed a break from this meeting. I liked Kevin Conner, but the stereotyping of my name is becoming an annoyance. I slide out from my chair and make my way to the rest room leaving Eric Rayne and Kevin Conner at the booth to talk amongst themselves. Kevin Conner: Eric, I don't believe this man! If he didn't want the power, why is he in this match? Why did he come to my aid? We both have mutual goals and mutual respect, but I know why he's hesitant. He doesn't trust me. Which should go the other way around. Eric Rayne: Now that's ridiculous, of course he trusts you. I think Danny has more on his mind than what's happening at Rebirth... don't worry, Kevin, I’ll talk to him about it. Look, why don't you head out of here, and we'll discuss this once Danny has come to his senses. My apologies for the inconvenience. Kevin Conner: You think I don't have my intentions at Rebirth? Midnight is dead! Once that time comes, look! Don't call me for a meeting unless you are sure he's willing to talk to be about the future of our already lustrous HWA careers. SPACEWhen I came out of the bathroom, I saw Kevin Conner’s back to me… which indicated he was leaving the booth as well. As I walked back, I saw a furious Eric Rayne still seated by himself. As I approached with caution, I glared at him trying to make eye contact, but he was looking downward constantly. When I sat against the cushioned bench, I looked to Eric for some clarification about Conner and why I saw him leaving the Club. Eric Rayne: Well, that boy has quite the attitude, doesn’t he? Danny Starr: Oh, I wouldn’t be too worried about it… nobody I know takes his barking seriously. Eric Rayne: Indubitably not… but what did catch my attention was his concern for your view point going into this match… Danny Starr: What ever do you mean, Eric? Eric Rayne: Well, let’s order some drinks, shall we? SPACEEric puts two fingers in the air calling over a server while I look at him pondering on why we are still here after Kevin Conner has left. The server approaches almost as quick as he puts his hand down. It’s a young man dressed in proper attire. Server: Hello sirs, may I get you a drink? Eric Rayne: We’ll have a bottle of Montrachet 1978… SPACEIn unison, the server and my eyes lit up in complete shock as Eric Rayne looks away from the server to read the time on his Jacob Diamond watch. Server: Montrachet 1978… then? Eric Rayne: Yes, that’s correct. SPACEIt may look like just another bottle of wine to the untrained eye… but I knew what Montrachet 1978 was… it was a 27,000 dollar bottle of wine that Eric Rayne ordered like it was of no value. The server leaves our sight to grab the bottle and I remain in shock. Danny Starr: Montrachet 1978… good choice. What’s the special occasion, I must ask. Eric Rayne: No occasion. I just feel quite generous lately… I feel as if it’s a new era for me, Danny… and you’re my savior. SPACE SPACEI look at him as he checks on the whereabouts of the server, and notices him approaching with the bottle inside a bucket of ice along with 2 wine glasses to accompany it. Eric Rayne: Ah, yes… the elegance of a fine wine. SPACEI continue to look at him as the server places the glasses on the table and pours the ridiculously expensive wine into each of our glasses. It was a dark colored wine to Eric… but to me, it was pure gold. Eric holds up his glass and looks me dead in the eyes. Eric Rayne: To a new era! Toast… SPACEHesitant at first, I lifted my glass… just looking at the wine’s smooth surface. I then smiled and gave a light clash to the glasses. Danny Starr: Toast. SPACEWe both sip slowly… it tasted like heaven… it must’ve been a win to be consuming such a precious tasting juice stomped right out of God’s fruit. I was going to hell for this one. Eric Rayne: This is no good… Danny Starr: What? Eric Rayne: This wine is stale. Oh well… only 30,000... Give or take. SPACEI would love to say I’m surprised, but Eric Rayne’s entire persona is built upon the fact he is a wealthy man. Money is no object to him; no matter how much he wastes… he will always have enough of it. It’s just how some people are, and he’s one of them. Eric Rayne: There’s a reason I requested your presence, Danny. Danny Starr: I assumed as much… Eric Rayne: I was peeved by our luck at Survival this past Saturday night. Second match in and you had the opportunity to gain International Championship status… and you failed. Danny Starr: Eric-- Eric Rayne: No. SPACEEric Rayne puts his hand up to cease my response, and takes a sip of his stale wine. He then puts his hand down and looks back at me. Eric Rayne: Rebirth 2005... Do you really think Ryan Maxem, Blue Thunder, and Dexil Midnight have any chance against “The Sensation” Danny Starr? Let alone Kevin Conner… Danny Starr: No, I don’t believe they have a chance… Eric Rayne: I would love to share that confidence you seem to be hogging all to yourself. I’m sorry, Danny… but after Survival’s performance, I’m not quite certain I’m 100% positive this match is already over. I would like to believe that… but certain things I’ve witnessed are holding my optimism back. Danny Starr: I’m sorry you feel that way, Eric… however, I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Ryan Maxem for longer than just 3 years… Blue Thunder was carried by Jackson… and Dexil Midnight is a joke. I’m surprised Blue Thunder and Maxem are even agreeing to participate in a match alongside Dexil. Eric Rayne: Oh, but what happened to that positive Danny… that Danny who respects everyone and their step mother. Danny Starr: What are you talking about, Eric? Eric Rayne: You think I don’t have eyes… You had no reason to be involved in the match between Ryan Maxem and Sett… but what did you do? Went and made another enemy… on top of that, you decided to help Kevin Conner when his quarrel had nothing to do with you to begin with. Danny Starr: Then why are you so happy about us teaming up? Eric Rayne: I have to pick up your pieces, Danny… I don’t want to make this a weekly thing. Do you understand? Danny Starr: Yes, sir. Eric Rayne: Now what is this buzz I hear about Syren. Danny Starr: It depends on what buzz you are hearing, Eric. What is it? Eric Rayne: Through the grapevine, I heard you have been quite friendly with each other as of late. This wouldn’t be accurate, would it, Danny? Danny Starr: She understands me… Eric Rayne: It seems you aren’t focused on what is really important, Danny. Danny Starr: I noticed she was having trouble with a security guard, I just cleared it up since I happened to be there. I helped her… Eric Rayne: I don’t know why Kevin Conner doesn’t believe you are a changed man… just looking in your eyes I can see the desire has perished… your intensity is now miniscule compared to your now colorful heart. There was a time when you knew how to get what you wanted… you only help those in need of assistance, can you not see the path you are creating for yourself, Danny? Danny Starr: I was screwed out of the match, there was nothing I could do. Eric Rayne: As your superior, Danny… I’m offering you advice… I suggest you take it in the highest demand. Danny Starr: Yes, sir. Eric Rayne: Keep your mind on what’s important; you’re success as a professional wrestler as the only High Society member left. They are in The Circle now, Danny… do I have to bring up that little fluke? Danny Starr: No.. Eric. I was in a dark place… Eric Rayne: It was avoidable. You could have easily had different results, but you chose to acquire one Michael Diamond. Danny Starr: Pardon me? Eric Rayne: He held you down the entire time… notice when you were without him, you were a title holder… a champion… whenever he was around, he kept you out of the main events. Danny Starr: Michael is my friend… Eric Rayne: If he’s such a friend… Why is he not sitting beside you? Why did he let your sister leave with your nephew? Put 2 and 2 together, Danny… when you went to the EWF Return… you and Tony Gold ran that company. You were both High Society members… but why did you run it with an iron fist? Simply because Michael Diamond wasn’t on your side. That’s why. Danny Starr: I grew up with him… why would he… Eric Rayne: Like you said, Danny… Danny Starr… Eric Rayne: People change. SPACECould he be right? Could Michael Diamond, my long time best friend, have turned his back on me? Eric Rayne: You’ve been off the ball as of late… I recommend you get back on, Danny. Otherwise, there can never be a High Society… SPACEWe looked at each other… and I had nothing left to say. Just sipping on our wine, we sat quiet until we both left the Country Club. We talked on the phone later on that day, trying to figure out a strategy to use come Sunday night. SPACEMaybe he was right… maybe Jenn was right. No… I cannot let them ruin my chance of proving myself… proving my reputation can be saved. I had a long road ahead of me, but to me… it was worth it. The nightmares would continue…. The criticism would continue… the constant badgering of my guilty conscience against my good heart would continue battling until one was either dead or submits. With the thought of Syren in my head, racing with the thoughts of Eric’s words in my head… it was hard to focus on any kind of preparing for Rebirth. I have faced two out of the three men… and the third man was someone I hardly considered a threat… but for what purpose was I in the match? How awkward would I feel going into a match on the same sides with a person who doesn’t trust me… and a new kind of enemy that I have never dealt with before… my best friend… my thoughts are now interrupted by my phone ringing, startling me in my deepest pondering… I look on the screen and read a number I am not familiar with. I answer it in curiosity… Danny Starr: Hello?…. SPACESPACESPACESPACESPACESPACETHE END