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sexyspace2018-06-25 07:10 am
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-06-25 07:10 am
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #2
Awakening
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 CreditMy 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.
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!
- 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. - 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. - 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.
- 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! - 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?*
- 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. - 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.
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.
- "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. - 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. - 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:
(*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
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 |
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.
no subject
Most of all, he's thinking: right answer ]
Dangerous how?
no subject
For one, you're literally defenseless from attacks. Then, your intrinsic value is removed from the waking world. Your responsibilities there determine the magnitude of the negative affect your removal would create.
Then there's the fact that there could be at least one someone and/or something in your mind, influencing your decisions and even actions.
In my experience, it's often done for the gain of others.
no subject
In my experience, it is possible to defend yourself. But you've gotta be aware you're dreaming first, which is the biggest hurdle in that case.
What isn't done for personal gain these days?
no subject
Side bar: it's also not a pleasure cruise to have someone else literally in your head and take the wheel when they wish, but that's another discussion. So you can be physically functional and active while your consciousness is imprisoned.
Which takes mental training. Even with that training, sometimes the influence is too strong a force.
You're speaking with someone people often call a 'hero.'
[Which is something she doesn't call herself very often, at least, not with confidence. It's a key distinction.]
no subject
Secondly, he gets the feeling she wouldn't be a huge fan of what he does for work. He might be one of those self-serving assholes who use dreams to get paid. ]
Sounds like you've been around the block on the dream front. I can see why you'd be wary.
So, are you a hero? Do you believe them?
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Not to mention she's dated 'villains,' thieves, and recently made out with a weapon armory for hire. She's not one to judge.]
Dreams, mind control, and even alternate universes created to ensnare a specific group of people... My universe isn't the boring sort.
I find it easier not to argue with their conclusion. Keeps my personal life out of it. Well, as much as possible at this point.
How are you familiar with this sort of dreaming?
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I guess they aren't breaking out the paparazzi then, despite the hero status.
Familiar enough. Can't say I've had a mind control situation. Normally the dreams are much more in my court.
no subject
Bless your heart. I just behave when I'm in front of it more than I used to sugar.
You sound like you know the science behind it pretty well, and I'm curious. Drinks?
[Because she doesn't quite trust this AI.]
no subject
You've got more patience than I do.
[ Cobb ended up with a couple reporters on his back before he fled the country. Arthur doesn't lose his temper easily, but he'd nearly broken a camera and some guy's face. ]
Not an expert, but sure. Let me know where to meet you.
no subject
That'd be quite the achievement.
[If only she could punch reporters, but at this point, everyone's practically a reporter with their cell phones. More importantly, she's trying not to add to the negative perception of mutants.]
I think walking the halls might be our best bet.
See if any of the rooms are open even if the door's malfunctioning.
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Look, I'll be the first to admit I had some anger problems when I was younger. It's in check now, but sometimes people really like to test it.
I can feign getting lost if we get caught. See you in the main lobby?
[ He'll be there, hair coming free of its severe styling, looking nonchalant as possible. ]
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Pot, meet kettle. Believe me, I understand where you're coming from.
Since I suppose since punching employees ain't the best option, you can act the lost damsel.
Ten minutes.
[Because sass is nearly her first language in it of itself.
For most, her uniform would make appearing nonchalant difficult, but she's so used to wearing it out in public that it appears normal for her. The same with her wild curls that have escaped her messy bun.
He receives a wry smile when she turns the corner.] Oh you'd make quite the lost damsel.
no subject
When she turns the corner, he takes note of the uniform immediately. And the white lock of hair at the forefront of her hairline. Oh. Wow??? Is this what he thinks it is?
Of course, he keeps that observation in his pocket for now, instead quirking a smirk at her comment. ]
And you're every inch the hero; gonna defend my honor? [ As if he couldn't do that on his own. ]
no subject
[It may be a different uniform, but she's absolutely who he thinks she is, which may actually come in handy if it ever came time to explain her powers and mutation.]
So they say. [She scoffs, raising an eyebrow at his question.] Your honor is dependent on your actions. Plus, as far as ah know, it ain't my job to control those. [An easy smirk settles onto her lips.] But ah'll save you from certain death.
no subject
[ Normally, he leaves that to people more charismatic than him. Like Dom. Or, perhaps the best example, Eames. The forger was excellent at what he did. And what he excelled at was simple: people. Arthur knows he'll never have the ease with which Eames navigates conversation. He prefers blunt honesty and cutting to the chase. ]
In that case, I'll have to work on a convincing swoon. [ He huffs a laugh at their exchange, dimples appearing briefly. Before they get started though: ]
Arthur. [ Which was on his profile, but this is putting a polite formality behind it. He holds his hand out, a friendly greeting. ]
no subject
The same applies to the swoon.
He receives a firm handshake from a gloved hand as she nods in the direction of the misbehaving rooms. She's antsy just standing around in the open where anyone can easily observe or attempt to be social and join them.]
Still Rogue. [She offers a lopsided grin before she starts strolling towards their destination.] Ah appreciate you meetin' me. Ah don't exactly trust our hosts or their glitchin' AI.
no subject
[ Not that he think she'd let him drop. They barely know each other, but he's got a good feeling on it. Arthur would catch her, at any rate.
After niceties are exchanged, he falls in step beside her, matching stride for stride. It's an easy camaraderie. Or maybe just a holdover from his time in the military. ]
Can't blame you, data is easy to manipulate. [ And while he deals with a ton of it when doing prep work for a job, he prefers this. The tactile, in person honesty. It's easier to read someone when their face and body language is all there to file away. ]
Hey, can I ask you a question?
no subject
Even with heeled boots, her footsteps are near silent as they move down the halls, a trick she learned she could apply when she had the power to fly. Probably thanks to Ororo.]
Ah'm not terribly fond of robots, but ah've met some sentient ones ah consider friends. ROSIE ain't earned my trust yet, and ah sure as hell have my wariness with the selection of people snagged from all corners of the multiverse. [She glances over to him apologetically.] No offense. If ah'm holdin' cards back, then you bet your britches others are too. You included.
[She doesn't seem offended by that or the question, smirking as she turns a corner.]
You mean another one?
no subject
[ That she'd drop him if she was feeling like he deserved it. Arthur can't hold it against her, because he knows he can be an asshole. Just because Eames isn't around to remind him doesn't mean he's unaware. ]
No offense taken. [ As if to illustrate his point, he holds his hands up in a half-hearted surrender. It's just logic– don't go all in with the trust and you can't get burned. Years of working in dreamshare has made him a cynic, but it's also kept him alive. ]
Smartass. [ Should've seen that one coming. ] Are you from the X-Men?
[ He casts her a sidelong glance, attentive. ]
no subject
The mutant can't help but chuckle freely at his gesture, glancing over at him so that he can fully appreciate her amusement. That and her grin was widening at the playful insult. He should have seen that coming.
His question has her eyes searching his as her features knit into something a little more serious. He's the first person who's mentioned the X-Men to her, and it's certainly put her on her guard.]
Quite the poker face you've got. [Which is something she's not going to forget.] You're the first one to mention mutants, let alone the X-Men. [She pauses, jaw setting as she stops walking. They've reached the malfunctioning quarters.] Ah take it you know me then?
no subject
And of course that's going to up her guard. He can't really hold it against her, having something like the upper hand in this conversation so suddenly. For a moment he remains silent, trying to figure out how best to explain this. Saying she's fictional doesn't work, since she's walking right next to him.
Eventually he settles on something. ]
So I'm told. [ He's pretty sure a number of people in dreamshare consider him some kind of automaton because of said poker face. Give nothing away, that was his business mantra. ]
Know of you, at any rate. Mutants aren't really a thing where I'm from. At least, I don't think so? [ They could very well be hiding. ]
You don't have to trust me on this, but I'm not gonna sell your secret out. The X-men are sort of a legend. Definitely heroes.
no subject
You'd likely know. Some of our abilities ain't subtle. [And that's putting it kindly as there have been mutants with near cataclysmic powers lose control even after they've had them for quite some time. She's just lucky hers can be safeguarded against for the most part.
The mutant falls quiet again, her hands instinctively moving together, her left appearing to nervously pick at the fingertips of her gloves. Her younger self wouldn't have thought twice about taking the information from him with an easy touch of his skin against hers, but she's matured and developed stronger morals since then.]
And what secret's that? [That she's a mutant? A member of the X-Men? Or maybe that she's a succubus that could very well kill anyone here with so much as a lengthy touch?]
no subject
[ Because really, the world probably would've noticed if Magneto popped up all of a sudden. He was one to make a statement, loudly, if Arthur remembered anything about the stories. ]
For one, the mutant thing. And being part of the X-Men, I guess. [ Though that seems a bit secondary. The two parts lead into each other don't they? ]
Also, that whole non-touching aspect. That's pretty serious stuff, yeah? [ Isn't that why she wears gloves? To keep from draining whoever she comes into contact with? ]
no subject
He explains and she listens intently, her heart feeling as though it's catching higher and higher into her throat with each admittance. It's the last fact, the knowledge of her mutation, that pulls the proverbial trigger. She exhales the breath she's been holding, her jaw tightening as her gaze shifts away from him and down to her hands as if they had betrayed her.]
You tell me. Would you risk a coma, or worse for somethin' like a kiss? A simple touch? [Her hands grip into fists, that familiar frustration rolling through her as she clenches her fists. Apparently, she's hitting a tipping point of sorts.] Much less anythin' more.
[Rogue's fiery green eyes shift up and back to Arthur's.]
Ah've managed to bring mahself to a personal hell and bring a bomb to a party.
no subject
Touch, that's all it takes. A fingertip, the swipe of a cheek, featherlight. This place is going to be hell for her, just as she says.
He breathes out slow, silence stretching on his end because what is there to say? Platitudes are nothing. But maybe, maybe a little honesty will work. ]
Look, we were brought here under false pretenses. I don't think you'd agree to come if you knew the machinations behind it all. I know that doesn't exactly make it better, but it is something to take into account.
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murder my heart now
yodels
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