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Zhautas ([personal profile] zhautasmods) wrote in [community profile] sexyspace2018-06-25 07:10 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #2

Awakening
Artificial lights assault your eyes. It takes a few blinks for them to adjust properly. Quiet mechanical whirs and clicks sound in the small, sparse space that you had likely been corralled into before being put to sleep for the long journey. As grogginess fades away and lucidity starts to take hold, you begin to remember where you are and why you’re here on this spaceship thousands of light years away from home and perhaps everything and everyone you’ve ever known.

The multiverse is sick. It’s dying. And it’s up to you to save it. Or, at least, that’s what the Zenith Corporation had told you when they announced their search for a cure across the multiverse. They hand-picked individuals to be "volunteers" for the next stage of experimentation. Maybe they made it sound dire, maybe you already had your mind set to help, or maybe the specifics of how you could help was vague. Considering the alternative was wasting away on your home planet with no promise of when this cure might actually come to fruition, it ultimately wasn’t much of a choice either way.

Everything comes to life the more awake that you start to feel. "Good morning, volunteer," sounds a synthetic, feminine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. A projected HUD above your torso displays and scrolls through several readings about the state of your being. "A scan of your vital signs show that everything is functioning as normal." There’s a small pause. "Wait-" The spike of alarm that should follow that single, distressed-sounding word is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Thank you for your cooperation!" Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, she continues on. "I hope you enjoyed your nap! We’ll be descending to planet #05031941 - common name designated as Zhautas - in approximately three hours. There will be a brief orientation for all volunteers exactly one hour before landing. Due to potential unnatural stress levels upon awakening from stasis, I suggest a relaxing trip to the garden beforehand."

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
My name is R.O.S.I.E. and, on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re happy to have you aboard.
Code Credit

Say Aloe (Prospective Players Only)


Red lights lead the way to the gym, green will be your path to the gardens, ostignuh is- Wait, what do you mean the color ostignuh is burning your eyes? Huh. They must have over-corrected for your species. Oh, well. They’ll fix that for the next trip. For now, don’t worry about it. It probably didn’t lead to anything important anyway!

  1. The staff is much more attentive this time than they were with the first wave of volunteers. Poor feedback and the threat of losing their jobs if they don't improve their standing will do that! Unfortunately, it isn't just the colors that have been over-corrected. Despite how many times you tell the very helpful staff member that you're fine, they won't leave you alone. Are you sure? They can walk with you if you'd like. They can even hold your hand if you're overwhelmed! If there's anything you need, they're here for you.

    Maybe if you find a buddy to walk you to your destination they might divert their attention to a different volunteer. The buddy system is pretty fool-proof, after all.

  2. As you draw closer to the gardens, the lights in the hallway begin to dim. In fact, the only available source of illumination for a small distance is the thin green line across the floor guiding your way. Careful not to trip! There's handy railing to hold onto or maybe you accidentally grab the arm of that (hopefully) cute person nearby. It's kind of hard to tell and green isn't really a flattering color anyway.

    Suddenly, you're stepping into a wide open space of twilight. Iridescent flowers dot the landscape for as far as the eye can see. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and glow softly in this simulated night-scape. Trees of shining magenta leaves and blue bark wind up to the stars. Or, at least, the viewing panels that allow the stars to be seen from inside the ship. Not to worry, it's entirely safe and beautiful!

    The featured flower of this month is the Nykt Blossom. Be warned, however, that inhaling its pollen causes increased levels of oxytocin. This will cause you to feel compelled to bond socially with others. That is, you might find yourself a lot more friendly than usual! Maybe a little too friendly, even, if you're especially susceptible to its effects.

  3. It's very easy to miss the warning signs in this dark as you step into the section of the garden that houses the more alien plant-life.

    They'll fix that for the future, of course, but for now many volunteers are likely finding themselves subject to the same unfortunate circumstances. Coitendrils are in abundance here; they're a pretty touchy feely species. It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.

    Before you know it, long green tendrils are suddenly growing around your arms or legs in speedy spirals. They get everywhere in a matter of mere seconds. Their growth is aggressive, finding ways beneath the fabric of whatever clothes you happen to be wearing and to the skin below. The only way to reverse their growing hold is to cool yourself off and fast. Maybe someone can grab you some ice?
Orientation (Prospective Players Only)

Around an hour before landing, an announcement is made to everyone aboard the ship. It’s time to find your way to the amphitheater for orientation. If anyone gripes, they are reminded that it has mandatory safety information that the Zenith Corporation is legally required to cover. In fact, there's even a quiz at the end to make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs! The Zenith Corporation only has your best interests at heart. They also can’t afford another lawsuit or PR nightmare but who can, really? It’s only a half an hour long and R.O.S.I.E. reassures everyone that it will go by faster than they think.
  1. Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hookey, the crew members of the spaceship are already on guard. You're not the first one to try this and they doubt you'll be the last. Try as you might to super sleuth your way around, there’ll be someone at apparently every single turn and twist you try.

    It’s also very likely that in scrambling to find a place to hide you’ll run into someone else breaking the rules! Perhaps great minds think alike and you decide to try to defy the system together. Or maybe they’re totally just getting in your way and you decide instead to throw them to the wolves to give yourself a better chance at escaping certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer!

  2. Whether you come to the orientation willingly or are dragged in by one of the staff, you’ll quickly realize just how bad R.O.S.I.E. lied. A half an hour feels almost like ten hours instead. The last time you checked your watch, it was somehow later than when you check it now. Is time going backward? It sure seems like it the longer you listen to the monotone voice read over colored flavor text clearly meant to engage but missing its mark stupendously. Even the motivation of a quiz at the end that needs to be passed in order to disembark seems to do little to nothing for your dwindling attention span.

    Finally, there’s a break in the bureaucratic monotony. The faceless, droning voice introduces one of the staff currently on Zhautas, Jeneviere. He's assistant to the head scientist, Professor Quintalian, and freshly assigned overseer of new volunteers. He also looks like he absolutely doesn't want to be the one doing this seminar.

    "Come now, Jenny," says a masculine voice off screen. "You promised."
    "I know what I said," he snaps, glaring off camera and not seeming to care much for the fact this is a live feed nor that these new volunteers are expecting something a bit more professional.
    "Then what's the problem?" the voice asks again. As it does, a tentacle wiggles into view and gives a reassuring pat on the deerman's shoulder. "I know for a fact that you like being filmed, Jenny, so really this shouldn't be so daunting-"

    As he speaks, Jeneviere's cheeks suddenly burn red hot. He stands forcefully out of his chair and uses one of those hoofs to kick harshly at the source of the tentacles. There's a very undignified squawk at the attack before the video feed cuts out and a technical difficulties sign is displayed.

    "... Right," the narrator from before says to break the undeniably awkward silence. "Just give us a moment, volunteers, and we'll get a pre-recorded seminar ready for you instead. In the meantime, let's open up communications with the facility and allow you to discuss with those already on the planet about what they've enjoyed most about their time on Zhautas so far?*

  3. Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.

    It isn't too hard. Or maybe it is. Perhaps it's just the pressure that you only have fifteen minutes to complete it. What was the professor's first name again? How many research facilities are there on the planet? Staff are scrutinizing your every move now, it feels like. Do you take the risk and try to whisper for help to the person next to you? Pass notes? Do what you must to succeed! ...Or you can just shamefully take the quiz again and again and again until they're legally obligated to let you off board.
Welcome to Zhautas! (All Players)

Finally, it's time to disembark at the research facility. This time they have the right coordinates so it's as easy as stepping off the ship and to your new home away from home. Or, at least, it should have been that easy...

There's an awful lot of construction going on around here. Several beings with hard hats, power tools, and ridiculous amounts of glue are rushing about. They're shouting orders and saying "excuse me" where they remember to. Still, it can be hard to get a word in edgewise about the fact that you're new volunteers here to check-in. In addition to the construction, there's also an awful lot of important-seeming people walking throughout the facility as well that staff are far more attentive to than you.

In short, it's borderline chaos as you try to get your bearings.

  1. "Bad news, new volunteers," says R.O.S.I.E. in the midst of all the commotion. "We have your housing assignments but there have been some... technical difficulties in preparing the new rooms." There's actually been a lot of technical difficulties, period. Maybe you've already noticed with the lights randomly changing color or dimness, the vending machine that launched your drink at you, or R.O.S.I.E. herself glitching out periodically when responding. The problem with the rooms is that the doors won't open. Or they won't stay closed. Or that they open and close constantly and forcefully so it's a safety hazard. As if everything else going on with all the construction isn't.

    "We're working on it as fast as we can, but for now, we've set up a temporary sleeping situation until its resolved." Everyone will be directed to one of the larger common rooms in the east wing of the facility while the rest of the volunteers are still awaiting their new housing as promised. Mattresses are laid out in rows on the floor. There's plenty of blankets, pillows, and even some LED lights strung around the room to provide some nice ambience.

    Additionally, there's a screen covering one of the walls for a movie to be projected on before bed. R.O.S.I.E. has chosen a thematically appropriate film that was approved by Professor Quintalian himself. Snacks are provided too! It's an old-fashioned sleepover, volunteers. Make a blanket fort, enjoy what's on for your viewing pleasure, and have - most of all - have fun.

  2. What's a sleepover without scary stories? Flashlights have been provided and it's time to get spooky. Here's your chance to share that real thriller that you know from back home. Maybe another world has a similar tale! Either way, there's nothing like bonding over a little healthy fear. Right?

    Or maybe terrifying strangers isn't your idea of a good time and you'd rather make shadow puppets instead. That's also an option! In fact, some people are trying to start a contest out of it to see who can cast the most creative shadows around.

  3. The night staff comes around for one last security sweep. Get some sleep, they say. It's been a long day. Tomorrow might be even longer if they still can't figure out the rooms or where to put all these new volunteers for the time being.

    As nice as that sounds, it's a little easier said than done. Whether it's the construction noise, the person next to you snoring, or late night existential thoughts it's difficult for sleep to find you. Maybe talking to someone might help? Or maybe you just need to go to the bathroom. Good luck crossing the swath of bodies, in the case of the latter, and who knows! You might find someone else having as much trouble sleeping as you that you can commiserate with.

    Or maybe you're the one snoring. Do you happen to kick in your sleep? How unfortunate for the person assigned to the mat next to you. They might be courteous or they might tell you just how obnoxious it is. Whatever the case might actually be, you're likely in for a long first night here at the research facility.
Network/Bangr (All Players)

During all the goings-on, R.O.S.I.E. will prompt you to set up your presence on the network. Pick a username, a profile picture, and commence to shitposting immediately if you so desire! Additionally, if you want to get a headstart on your contribution to the volunteer program, why not set up your Bangr? R.O.S.I.E. even has an icebreaker question ready for you! They change every month. This month's question is:

Do you like wake-up sex or staying up all night?*
(*Despite what you might actually put, know that R.O.S.I.E. is a little glitchy. What you wrote might not actually be what's displayed! I.E., you can totally use this as a misfire type deal in case your character wouldn't answer this question.)


bangr
Professor Quintalian | 35
Do you like wake-up sex or staying up all night?
Wake-up sex is the best, in my opinion. Hormones are more haywire first thing in the morning; it's just scientific sense to get your bang in during wake-up time.

YES
NO


BANGR CODE
Please copy this pastebin for now!

Extra Notes

  • The BANGR code only works in comments, there is a separate code for entries!
    If you're testing this code before posting it here please do so in a comment to an entry for accuracy!

  • TDM top levels are allowed for current characters and/or new characters!
    However, current characters can ONLY interact with the following prompts:
    WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS where new characters are on the planet AND/OR the network options available if they want the thread to be considered game canon.


vashoth: (pic#8997805)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-29 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
Those sound like crappy standards. Not everyone's going to look the same.

[And it would be disappointing if they did, in Bull's opinion. Anyway, does milk even remove freckles? He's never heard of that.

With her hair down in that tumbling pile of red, Rosalind is remarkably attractive. He would say as much, but he's careful of signals - better not to come on too strongly. She knows he likes it, that's a decent start.]


Why? I don't know exactly what this "cure" is supposed to be, but if I can help, it's not a bad deal. Just wish I could've brought my men with me.

[Though he's not certain whether that would have been good for them or not. Still, without the Chargers, Bull feels a bit... unmoored, somehow. Not that he hasn't done this before, the whole being alone thing, it's just been a while.]

Besides, sex isn't a big deal. I do that part already.
originallutece: (talk; gotta commit to this eyeroll)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-06-29 08:37 am (UTC)(link)
Not for a price, you don't. Or at least, I assume not.

[She reaches behind her, starting a loose, low braid. Informal, but easy to take care of. She isn't smiling, but there's a lightness to her gaze. She likes talking to this man.]

Sex with a variety of people is all well and good, if that's what you like. But being pushed into it after having agreed to save the muliverse? Not entirely the same thing.
vashoth: (pic#8997804)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-29 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
Not for a price, no.

[Her comment draws a thoughtful frown to his lips, considering the criticism.]

I can see why it's sort of a bait-and-switch. And I bet there's a lot of people not too happy about that. But personally, at least, I can handle it fine. What about you?
originallutece: that's really original (talk; oh another sexist remark)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-06-29 07:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Well. There's the practical answer, which is that I hardly have a choice now, regardless of my comfort level.

[She ties her hair off, nodding in satisfaction. It's more comfortable this way, truthfully, but there's a practical aspect as well. Rosalind has always fought to toe the line: to fit in, and yet to be herself despite that. To dress fashionably enough that she drew no criticism, and yet practically enough to work in a lab. Applying cosmetics and wearing her hair in the latest fashions, and yes, there was an aspect of vanity to it, but it was also very much a method of blending in.

No woman Rosalind has seen has worn her hair in that Edwardian updo. Instead, they tend to wear their hair down low, loose or in easy braids. And now so is she, and so she blends in just a little more.

She likes standing out. But only when she wants to, for the things she wants to stand out for.]


And the more intimate one, which is what I assume you're insinuating . . . I can't say as I'm happy about the price. But I can handle a few casual fucks, yes. Not ideal, but not something I can't handle.

Besides.

[She smiles. It isn't a very nice smile, but that isn't because of Bull.]

I do so love getting my hands on new technology.
vashoth: (pic#8997793)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-30 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Comparatively, Bull is used to standing out. Even in a world filled with those of his race, he was still bright as a beacon, though perhaps less for his horns and skin color and more the culture and philosophy he stood behind. Now, though, it seems more for his looks.

While he hasn't known Rosalind for longer than the space of this first conversation, he likes her hair this way, softer and looser. Then again, he likes red hair no matter the fashion - braided, tied back in a tail (easier to pull on that way), bundled up, curled, short-cropped...]


Oh yeah? That's been the weird part for me. Like those bright lights in the ceiling? That's definitely not fire. And those machines that make the clicking noises? And that glowy thing over my chest? I could see right through it.

[Those are computers and HUD projections, Bull. Please help him science. There's an edge of discomfort in his voice, however, noticeable as well in the narrowing of his eye.

It feels like a really fucked up dream. He doesn't enjoy being so out of his element, and the garden is miles better than those narrow corridors, colored lights, and enclosed space.]
Edited 2018-06-30 04:24 (UTC)
originallutece: i'll move the fucking world (science; a piece of chalk and a board)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-06-30 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
Electricity.

[She'll science at him all day long if he lets her.]

The thing that was on your chest was reading your vital signs-- taking in things like your pulse, your blood pressure, your eye's response time, so on and so forth, and drawing conclusions based on the readings it made. At least, I assume so. It's how I would have designed it.

But those bright lights . . . that's electricity. Nothing supernatural or strange. Simply a form of charged energy. Much like . . . ah. Have you ever shocked someone before? A small spark between the two of you, it stings just a bit?
vashoth: (Default)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-30 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
[Coming from a place that has just barely invented gunpowder and eye glasses, What The Fuck.]

Oh. We've got electricity, but that's elemental magic, not... however it's used here.
originallutece: even in the bath okay sometimes you get good ideas in the bath!! (talk; science at any cost)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-06-30 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
A difference in theory, then. But you're at least familiar with the concept.

[She shrugs.]

It comes down to the same things, even if the paths getting there are different. And frankly, The Iron Bull, you'll adapt quickly. The mind is built for it.
vashoth: (pic#8997788)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-30 04:50 am (UTC)(link)
[He's thinking about it. Imagining what would happen - if you put raw electricity inside of something, like a glass ball. Could that stay lit for a while and be used efficiently as a light source? But it would likely be too taxing for a mage to maintain.

Rosalind is right about his adaptibility. He grins.]


Hey, I'm glad you remember to use 'the' in my name. Most people don't.
originallutece: (talk; come along now)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-06-30 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
Mm. I can't say as I've ever heard that in a name, but titles and names are . . . important.

Most people tend to take a while before they use Madam. I would be nothing short of hypocritical if I did not use yours.

Though I have to ask-- is all of it a title, or is The Iron Bull your full name?
vashoth: (pic#8997795)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-30 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
It's more of a name than a title, I guess. But the difference doesn't matter. Under the Qun, we don't have names. So I got to pick.

Sounds badass, doesn't it? Like I'm not even a person, just this dangerous weapon. A thing. Especially when you say it the right way with the article in front.
originallutece: my alignment and also the name of my band (neutral; true neutral)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-06-30 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
You don't want to be considered a person?
vashoth: (pic#8997793)

[personal profile] vashoth 2018-06-30 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
That's not it. It's more for the impression it leaves, you know? It sounds intimidating.

[And then, for a better explanation - ]

I'm a mercenary, got a company of men who work under me. The Bull's Chargers.