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sexyspace2018-08-24 07:52 pm
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-08-24 07:52 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #4
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 on helping, or maybe the exact specifications of how you could help were 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,> reads a line of text across a screen that materializes before your eyes. 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 seeming 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 shortly after landing. Due to potential unnatural stress levels upon awakening from stasis, I suggest a nice cup of tea or a light meal to help calm your nerves!>
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.
GRAB A BITE
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be deeply uncomfortable. There's an unmistakable tension in the air. If anyone tries to ask, they reassure volunteers that everything is fine. Still, the moment that anything goes wrong or they can't exactly answer a question it's clear that their anxiety spikes. Just what's got them all so worked up?
They won't say. Maybe one or two might eventually let it slip that Professor Quintalian seems to be especially strict with staff as of late. They're all just trying to do their best, really, so if you could not report them for any mistakes they'd really appreciate it. Here, have access to some extra food, on them. The selection is really great at the food court! They've got dishes from all over the multiverse collected right here on this transport ship. And apparently the new cook is excited to be here and moving his work to Zhautas.
- As you draw closer to the food court, you'll smell it before you see it. An almost overwhelming amount of aromas waft from down the hallway. The chrome of the ship's hallways starts to morph into something a little less sleek. What looks like faded linoleum black and green tiles start to checker the floor. Along the walls, aged posters begin to dot the walls, advertising anything from classic movies to drinks across the multiverse with an interesting but out of place aesthetic. Wow, Kulo was only five quazars over in the galaxy at one point? Wild. Also: did that alien walking by have a pompadour and a leather jacket?
Suddenly, you're stepping into 50s style diner. There's shiny silver everything that's meant to look futuristic but misses the mark somehow. Large glass windows look out to inky black space and a spattering of stars. The ship might even pass a planet or two on its way in. Things are hustling and bustling here in this food court. Looks like a lot of people had the same idea as you. Music plays from the jukebox at the end. Good luck trying to make your own selection though, since a pretty intimidating group of dudes appears to have staked their claim. Maybe you like their music taste or maybe you'll just have to say something to get them to change it.
Despite the rush of just woken volunteers, there are plenty of seats available at the bar. If you don't mind sharing, there's even a handful of booths and tables also. Nothing like striking up a conversation over a cup of coffee or some delicious pie with your fellow volunteers! A lady with large hair and long, thick eyelashes will skate her way up to wherever you are and take your order before long, no matter where you sit. "Don't worry, hon," she'll say. "It's all on Zenith. Just order what'cha want and we'll get that right out for you."
Nevermind that half the things on this menu aren't recognizable. What's a Gilsi? Or a M'Vardi, for that matter? Trying to look at the ingredients just confuses you further. Do you order something and hope for the best? Or are you going to be that person with a million and one questions about the food? - Maybe something a little more secluded is your speed. While it isn't openly advertised, there's a bar tucked away behind the main diner. The light here is dim, the air smoky, and the company not as pleasant as the plucky diner patrons. In fact, several people turn their heads to look at you as you enter but say nothing.
It doesn't actually serve alcohol, unfortunately, but it is a much quieter atmosphere. People here are a bit more reserved and talk in hushed tones.
What it lacks in beverages, it at least makes up for in entertainment. There's pool tables, poker, and an assortment of other card games displayed at tables to play. Though there are no chips to bet with, people seem to barter in information. This might seem promising but don't get too excited. It's only rumors that volunteers have picked up from their time on Zhautas.
If you play your cards right, you might be able to get one of the following rumors out of the group you're with:
✦ Professor Quintalian is already seeing someone new after his messy break-up with a mermaid. It's apparently one of the volunteers. Scandalous.
✦ Word has it that Jeneviere has been seen sneaking into areas with restricted access even for him. No one knows for what but that he's only been going early in the morning before most of the rest of the staff is awake.
✦ The helper bot R.O.S.I.E. has secretly been in contact with the captain of the ship that was shot down a couple of months ago. Some say she deviated long before volunteers arrived and has been playing as a double agent for months.
Orientation
Shortly after 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 hooky, 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 twist and turn.
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 the 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 announces an additional seminar from Liam. He's said to be a healer on the Zenith Research Facility medical team you'll soon be getting familiar with. The topic of today will be self-care. It's something that's, uh, shall we say... lacking on Zhautas.
When the video starts, he looks absolutely exhausted. Oh. Volunteers will likely feel tired just looking at him. Still, he puts on his best face and talks about the importance of taking care of oneself. "Liam," someone says off-screen, not realizing that they're interrupting. "We need another eye." Uhm. Did they just say they needed an eye? What kind of experiments are they running there?
"Thank you, Liam," the voice says, cutting off the feed and with discomfort clear in his tone. "Wasn't that interesting! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of self-care? Discuss amongst yourselves!" - 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.
Hello, Nurse
The reason why Liam and the medical ward was the staff feature this month has something to do with the insane amount of medical equipment also coming off the arrival ship. It's all fancy, state of the art technology. It's also large and cumbersome. The best thing to do is just kind of stay out of the way and watch as they wheel it all off to... Wait a minute, isn't that the east wing? Where the dorms are supposed to be?
- <Bad news, new volunteers,> reads R.O.S.I.E.'s text, across every phone as everyone drags themselves inside to the main area. It's a little hectic here today. Don't mind the blood, it's fine. Pay no attention to that man freshly missing a finger, he's on his way to the infirmary as we speak. <There have been some last-minute changes to the living arrangements. Due to some unexpected volunteer stress, we've needed to use the east wing to expand the medical bay. We're sorting everyone now but it will take some time. In the meanwhile, please enjoy the common areas we have for your leisure!>
Everything is a little chaotic but, hey, at least there's somewhere you can relax. There's magazines to read. If you're into that sort of thing! If not, there's still malfunctioning vending machines that launch your drinks at super sonic speeds. Some people have even seemed to make a game out of it.
If you're feeling queasy yourself after seeing some of the less fortunate veteran volunteers, one of the staff will let you hang out in the pop-up medical bay temporarily. Only emergencies are allowed to stay overnight. Will you try to fake it until you make it into a comfy bed? Or will you just enjoy the comforts while you can? Either way, at least there's free hard candy!
- After the experiment last month taking a wrong turn, there's been a noticeable increase in medical staff. Of course on Zhautas, this means a plethora of lovely nurses (and murses!) to help with anything that might ail you. Their uniforms can't be standard. Some say it was the professor that finalized the design, which doesn't seem to surprise anyone. Of course, he'd appreciate the aesthetic of those far too short skirts and low-cut gowns. These members of the medical staff might seem to match the aesthetic though and be a little too friendly. Depending on who you ask, that actually isn't a bad thing.
All the nurses are wearing masks. Just standard protocol, they assure you. But if flirtation gets a little bit intense, they'll remove them - just for you! - and reveal... Uh. Wait a minute, that's not a mouth like you know it. Whether it be a small mass of tentacles or multiple rows of jagged teeth, this nurse appears to have a different kind of sucking face in mind than you might have imagined. Will you still pucker up, buttercup? Or will you hurt this poor nurse's feelings and run away screaming?
- Temporary lodging for the new volunteers is situated in the west wing! It's unfortunately on the hard tile floor with only barely cushioned lining available. They needed every mattress they could get for the makeshift beds in the medical bay. At least there's interesting experiments happening to watch. Of them all, the one that's featured for viewing today is how burning different plants can make them act as an aphrodisiac. Apparently, there seems to be a 50/50 chance that it'll also have no effect. Better hope their ventilation system is sound since who knows what might happen if the smoke is unwittingly inhaled.
Despite the back pain you might suffer tomorrow, at least Zenith is trying to accommodate people the best they can. They're also keeping a very watchful eye on volunteers, for there are whispers of some of the established volunteers disappearing briefly as of late. It's only for a few hours, they say, but no one - including the volunteers themselves - can seem to figure out where they go or what happened. However, when they re-emerge, they show strange varying symptoms with no explanation.
Never mind that though! You're here to take your mind off things, not worry more. For the evening, they have a projection of a movie for all volunteers to watch before bedtime. Last month's was a horror, but this month's is a musical that seems to fit the plant motif of the evening. It was selected by R.O.S.I.E., who really enjoys how endearingly strange it all is. It's doubtful you'll be sleeping after that viewing. Not to worry, however, since there are likely several other traumatized souls you can share a space with if you're still a bit uneasy.
Network/Bangr
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
My opinion doesn't matter to me nearly as much as yours. Why don't you come find me and form your own opinion on my kissing abilities?
| ✓ | ✕ |
| YES |
NO |
PLEASE NOTE: This BANGR code is the COMMENT-FRIENDLY version, 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!
Extra Notes
- Remember that all prompts are OTA! It can now be assumed that after the ship lands, current volunteers in-game were able to board and hang-out for a little bit before it leaves again! That means established volunteers can welcome new members, show them around parts of the ship they're familiar with, and explore new areas that weren't open during their own arrival! Only new volunteers will be taking the orientation quiz, but established volunteers are free to peek inside the room or try to help with the quiz!
- A reminder that the TDM can be considered game canon and timeline-wise runs the first week of the month to correlate with applications.
diner
I don't need a recommendation, but you look like a new volunteer. Need help settling in at all?
[He quickly goes from annoyed to smooth, a smile on his face. An attempt to be charming.]
no subject
New? [he repeats back, like it didn't dawn on him before.] Oh, well, I suppose. [He leans a bit in the booth and, as he does, there is the sharp snap of a branch straining against the seat. Ah. What a pain. Not even a nice pain.]
I'd hate to take up too much of your valuable time. You know, with the whole universe saving thing on the line. [he doesn't really talk about that with the level of importance one might.]
no subject
[He looks at that snapping sound...huh, slightly familiar. There's gears turning in his head as he tries to draw a comparison and gives up on it for now. There are more pressing issues than that.]
Looks like a real pain in the ass. [A wink as he takes a seat.] Name's Caster.
no subject
Ha! [his lip curls up a bit, seemingly pleased enough at the pun.] It's hardly anything I notice these days. [a beat] Sadly.
[He can hardly match a wink with a wink. That would just be tacky. Instead he'll lean in a little, resting his elbows on the table between them. It's open body language, he's comfortable already.]
Caster, then. [Which, well, Castor was a perfectly acceptable name and even if he thought there was any weirdness to it he wouldn't flinch.] I go by Oscar, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
no subject
[He grins, before going back to a normal conversation.]
I've been here about two months now, seen a lot of shit. Don't put too much trust in anything is probably my best advice.
[He doesn't seem to want to elaborate on that point too much, instead focusing his energies on Oscar. It's a nice distraction after the last month.]
What brought you here -- gonna guess it's not really saving the world, huh?
no subject
[It's only when he questions Oscar's impeccably pure motives that he seems drawn fully back to the conversation, laughing into his palm.]
My! [he'll drag that hand down to over his heart,]
I can't believe, my good sir, that you would question me so! I am a pious man, after all. I've devoted so much of my life to the service of others. [is that a small lick of his lips at the word service? maybe.] So much of my body, as well.
I hardly see a difference between what I did there and what I'll do here. [Except it was so wonderfully different. He was free. It had been fun dancing around his restrictions but he was ready for a new game with new rules.]
no subject
[His look says "I've got a bed and the rest of the night free" as he tries to focus on the conversation. It's getting increasingly harder. After the last month, he could really use some the distraction....]
You don't have to be defensive.[A little laugh.] Everyone's got their own motivations. I came to continue my role as a temporary druid.
no subject
Is that so? [Things don't quite add up. Still, he gathered enough in that moment of pause to switch back to a more fluid reply.]
I hardly think of that as a temporary thing. I will agree it sticks with you, though. [he traces a pattern idly on the table, glancing down. Upon closer examination, even his eyelashes are that vibrant red.]
It grows on you, really.
no subject
[He couldn't say being a druid grew on him -- he'd give up his prowess as a Caster to have his spear back any day. He resents that it's sealed away from him in this form.
The Servant cocks his head to the side like a curious dog.]
Are you a druid, too? [...Does he know Silas?]
no subject
[Caster asks him a question and- well, he could lie. There's nothing stopping him from lying. Still, lying about being a druid would be like turning his back on the thing he stubbornly set out to do. Like it or not, the fact he was a druid was now probably the thing about himself he was most certain about.]
That's correct. [his lip quirks up in a wry smile] I'm afraid I don't see you proudly displaying any gifts.
The one I was given, well... [those lips pull back for a toothy smile]
It's a real pain in the ass.
no subject
[Wicker Man, his Noble Phantasm, is a gift from the druids, given to Ireland's Child of Light in this form. Using it without due cause is a very, very bad idea.]
... Do you know someone named Silas? [No sense in holding back, really.]
no subject
[There's clear recognition in his eyes when Silas' name comes up. While most of his smiles have been leisurely or predatory, this one suddenly seems a little more innocent. For a hot second.]
So, that's where my little piggy ran off to! Leave it to him to get caught up in some sort of situation like this.
I'm sure the elders would be so proud of him. [he emphasizes the word so it practically drips with sarcasm]
no subject
[Oh. Caster's expression turns to one of annoyance. Silas is a friend of his, one he likes even for all of his neuroses.]
He's doing fine...Stressed himself out about that shit already, so I'm pretty sure he won't need it from you, too.
[A pointed look.]
Anyway...
no subject
Oh, do you like him? [he just immediately goes for the jugular, metaphorically]
If you're serious, I must tell you, he wouldn't stand for being defended so. If you're truly serious, I must tell you to give up. [There's no trace of anger to his voice, so it doesn't appear to be motivated by spite or jealousy. It can be hard to tell, though, especially when they've just met.]
Anyway, [he mimics Caster's tone] it wouldn't be the first time I've spent an evening with someone who thought Silas was cute.
no subject
[The Servant won't say how much, of course. He narrows his eyes at Oscar and leans back in his seat. Producing a cigarette from somewhere on his person, he lights it with a flame that appears in the palm of his hand. He takes a moment to inhale, then slowly blows the smoke upward.]
Trust me, better people than you have tried to get me to give up on things. If you tell me to give up, it makes me want to work harder.
[Caster shrugs and lets it go for now. With a smirk, he goes back to flirting.]
Oh, so you've made up your mind, huh?
no subject
Then, like I said, he wouldn't stand being defended so. He takes his hits about as well as I do. [In different ways, of course. Oscar was reckless with his body but he relentlessly defended his self. He was worth more than all the gold in the world to himself. Silas, on the other hand, seemed to sometimes value himself as little as a mothball clinging to an old robe. So, nothing Oscar said in jest would ever really hurt him. Still, he'd already gotten people to want to jump to his defense, hm?...]
I hope you weren't doing some cute little test, Caster. [he reaches his gloves hand across the table, setting it gently in reach of the other's.] I certainly wouldn't. I'd already made up my mind when the conversation began.
[... that he wouldn't mind either way. Still, though, people did love to feel important, like they were desired from the very first moment they connected. Although if this one got attached to Silas he'd need to watch his step.]