Chris Cornell, his mother Karen Cornell, Joseph Kennedy Sr., and the lawyer signed two copies of the contract. One was given to Chris as his copy, and the other was retained by Joseph Kennedy Sr. for Sub Pop Inc.'s records.
Afterward, Joseph Kennedy Sr. reviewed Chris Cornell's development plan with Karen. He explained that Chris would be trained closely, with Sundays as his rest day, on which he could return home for visits. From Monday to Saturday, however, Chris would be required to stay at the training site, which was located at James's residence.
Joseph assured Karen of their full commitment to Chris's health and well-being.
Karen nodded and told him that Chris would be ready to be picked up on Thursday morning.
Joseph smiled warmly, shook both Karen and Chris's hands, and waved them goodbye.
—--------------------------------------NEXT SCENE--------------------------------------------------------
Far away from the contract signing location, James, who was just practicing in his studio room, received a message from his very silent system.
[CONGRATULATIONS ON SIGNING YOUR VERY FIRST ARTIST!]
[YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED A 5-STAR GUARDIAN CARD!]
'Oh is it a guardian type card now?'
James looked at the floating gold card in front of him.
'Well, since this is a guardian card, means someone to protect me, how overpowered this guardian card could be?'
He grabbed the card from the air and then mentally said the word "Activate".
The gold card faded into existence, just like what happened to the other cards before, then, the system showed the hologram of his new guardian's information in front of him.
[NAME: SIDNEY REILLY]
[AGE: 25]
[POSITION: SPY MASTER/GUARDIAN]
[RANK: 5 STARS]
[HISTORY]
[A LEGENDARY BRITISH INTELLIGENCE OPERATIVE, OFTEN CREDITED AS THE INSPIRATION FOR JAMES BOND. KNOWN FOR HIS MASTERY OF DISGUISE, INFILTRATION, AND ESPIONAGE ACROSS EUROPE AND RUSSIA.]
[SKILLS]
[HE COULD SECRETLY MONITOR RIVALS, RECORD CONTRACT MEETINGS, MANIPULATE INDUSTRY INSIDERS, OR PROTECT YOU AND SUB POP INC. FROM SABOTAGE.]
[HE COULD POSE AS A MUSIC CRITIC, LABEL SCOUT, OR EVEN A RIVAL PRODUCER TO PLANT OR EXTRACT INFORMATION UNDER YOUR COMMAND.]
[OFFERS CONTRAST TO YOUR YOUTHFUL IDEALISM — HE'S THE QUIET, LETHAL OPERATOR ENSURING NO THREAT GOES UNSEEN.]
[NATIONAL IDENTITY STATUS: REGISTERED (NEW)]
And then, a man in the shadowy part of his room appeared. The man walked a bit closer to James and kneeled. James smiled after seeing the new servant the system gave him.
'This is getting better and better!'
—--------------------------------------NEXT SCENE--------------------------------------------------------
July 17, 1980.
Chris Cornell stood outside their residence as the driver parked the car in front of the house and helped load his luggage.
Before getting into the car, Chris waved goodbye to his mother and younger siblings. He then stepped inside, and the car pulled away from the curb.
—--------------------------------------NEXT SCENE--------------------------------------------------------
Upon arriving in Westport City, Chris Cornell was driven straight to James's home. Once there, the driver carried his luggage to his assigned room.
James explained that the room was one of many in the house that had gone unused, and that Chris Cornell would be living there until his debut.
He and Joseph Kennedy Sr. then laid out the upcoming schedule that would begin the following day.
For the 1st month, July 17 to August 16, 1980, it would be all about foundation and diagnostics. Meaning, it would be vocal development, physical and mental health check ups, his music and identity crafting, and persona building.
He would do the following altogether:
1. Vocal health evaluation by ENT specialist
2. Begin bi-weekly training with a classical and rock vocal coach.
3. Focus: breath control, projection, range stabilization, pitch accuracy.
4. Physical fitness baseline set by a professional trainer.
5. Initiate a 3 times a week personalized fitness plan.
6. Start mandatory monthly mental health counseling (first session).
7. Nutrition planning: Clean diet provided by a consulted nutritionist.
8. Music taste profiling: Explore Chris's natural vocal influences.
9. Jam sessions with James on the guitar and a session drummer to test compatibility.
10. James and Joseph Kennedy Sr's team from Sub Pop Inc gathers feedback on voice tone, emotional delivery, and presence.
For the second month, August 17 to September 16, 1980, it would be all about immersion and skill building. Meaning, vocal training, music education, stagecraft and media prep, and studio familiarity.
Then, he would do the these:
1. Increase vocal sessions to 3 times a week.
2. Begin recording demos of vocal takes (using the "Flower" song's instrumental version).
3. Focus on emotional delivery, scream dynamics, falsetto control.
4. Study Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Who – vocal analysis and emulation.
5. Weekly stage movement sessions with a hired performance coach.
6. Begin mock interview sessions for media training.
7. He will begin shadowing James in production sessions to observe techniques.
8. Record short vocal covers of classic tracks for internal review.
The third month, September 17 to October 16, 1980, it would be for demo recording and image lock-in. Meaning, official recording begins, finalizing image and branding, update on his fitness and mental check-in, and team syncing.
These are the:
1. Chris Cornell would start recording rough takes of 3–5 debut songs.
2. James, Joseph Kennedy Sr. and vocal coach present during all sessions.
3. Finalize wardrobe aesthetic with stylist (as planned, grunge-y fashion).
4. Begin planning album artwork concepts, logo, and band visuals.
5. Monthly psychological evaluation.
6. Track physical progress (flexibility, stamina, energy levels).
7. Bi-weekly team meetings: Chris Cornell, James, Joseph Kennedy Sr., vocal coach, fitness coach, stylist, and PR assistant.
As for the fourth and final month, October 17 to November 17, 1980, it will be for recording finalization, live band formation, media materials, and demo showcase.
These are:
1. Finalize vocals for all the tracks.
2. Backing vocals and harmonies polished.
3. Begin assembling the drummer and guitarists for the band.
4. 3 times a week rehearsals of tracks as live performances.
5. Photo and press kit finalized.
6. First radio interview mockup sessions.
7. Prepare early media coverage such as magazines, fanzines, and underground press.
8. Do a live band performance in one of the taverns in Westport City or Aberdeen for a showcase.
First week of December 1980, the team planned to launch the first live tour promotion and officially promote Ultramega OK via cassette release.
Chris Cornell, sitting on the sofa and listening intently to James and Joseph's detailed roadmap, felt a wave of nervousness. It was all unfamiliar terrain.
Sensing his unease, James reassured him, "Chris, do not worry. Just like learning a song, we take it one step at a time. Music and business are no different."
"I agree," added Joseph Kennedy Sr. "We are here to support you every step of the way. You won't be doing this alone."
Chris nodded silently, grateful for their confidence.