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sexyspace2018-11-25 10:05 am
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-11-25 10:05 am
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #7
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," 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 shortly after landing. Due to potential muscular atrophy upon awakening from stasis, I suggest hitting the osbtacle course for a bit of nonconventional exercise!"
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.
Obstacles Ahead
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be on high alert. 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 they grow even more troubled. Just what's going on around here?
They won't say. Maybe one or two might eventually let it slip that the Zenith Corporation isn't especially happy lately with a wanted criminal still at large on Zhautas that seems to be terrorizing the volunteer program. Her name is Hoshiko and she's a pirate that seems to be somehow escaping every attempt Zenith has made to apprehend her. The only picture they have of her is one where she appears to have posed for the camera, flashing as much cleavage as possible and winking. She doesn't look very threatening, really, but they assure volunteers that they need to be on the lookout for this woman once they get to Zhautas. Still, try not to worry about it too much. Oh, and, don't tell their boss that they let you know this. They technically weren't supposed to. - As you draw closer to the obstacle course, some intense music begins to play through the halls. It's supposed to get volunteers pumped for the challenge they're about to face! They can thank the Nevrione Guard for installing the course. They wanted to give people visiting a taste of just a little of what they do to train to join The Guard's ranks.
"Are you ready, volunteers?" asks R.O.S.I.E. as a group gathers at a pair of closed doors. An LED countdown displays above the doors, numbers in blue that read 5...4...3...2...1... Go! A loud chime ding, ding, dings as the screen is replaced with !!! only that's flashing rapidly. The doors swish open quickly, revealing a large park-sized obstacle course to explore. It has artificial sunlight, plenty of trees and nature, and even mossy ponds beneath some of the obstacles that you could very well fall into if you're not careful.
Don't worry, they'll have a change of clothes for you in the case of this happening. It just might take a little bit to deliver them so hope you don't mind hanging out in your underthings for a little bit. You likely won't be the only one, if it helps the shame of failure any.
If the main obstacles prove to be a little too difficult, not to worry! There are easy sections. Originally, they were designed for the children of Nevrione who wanted to feel like they had a chance at joining The Guard from a young age. But they work just as well for volunteers fresh out of stasis with potentially noodly feeling legs! Step across wooden cogs placed closer together or walk up a flight of stairs instead of trying to get tangled up in a net on the way up. There's something to do for just about anyone!
There's even a bench you can sit on, right over there, in case you simply want to watch fellow volunteers eat dirt or get drenched for your amusement. See! Something for everyone.
- After all that exertion, it's important to remember that you were asleep for a while and likely need to help your muscles recuperate proprerly. A cooldown workout is the best option in case you went just a little too hard without meaning to. Stretch those muscles still, just- Gently. For that reason, they have a yoga class that's available anytime. One of the locals from Nevrione has offered to host these sessions, a lovely ison lady who is, uh. Wow. She's impressively bendy.
While you don't have to follow the same moves she's doing exactly (you didn't even know someone could twist their body into that shape!), she does encourage volunteers to try their best. It's likely you're more pliable than even you think! If not, it is something you can work up to. If that lady can fold both of her pairs of legs, then your one pair shouldn't be that difficult to work with!
She is very motivating and does her best to accommodate volunteers at every turn. Just don't get too twisted up now. At some point, she segways into movements where you will need a partner to help you with some of them. It's friend yoga and can be a lot of fun. While some of the poses are more difficult, it's meant to foster trust with the other person you're working with! Since everyone is so new, it seems like a good idea to try and get started with the right foot... by having it be held up by someone else, apparently!
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 R.O.S.I.E.! Do you all remember that voice speaking to you when you first awoke? If so, this digitally projected blond's soothing tone should sound familiar. She smiles wide for the "camera," clearly excited to be interacting with potential volunteers in a new way. The topic of today will be safe, sane, and consensual. Considering the location that volunteers will be arriving at has a heavy emphasis on BDSM, it seems very apt!
When the video starts, she's all professionalism. Okay, so- Mostly professionalism. Compared to most of the other lecturers of the past, this woman manages to touch on the core concepts of the topic while still adding appropriate humor to keep things interesting. Of course, her topic is a very serious one and she doesn't take it lightly despite trying to lighten things up for the code. "Make sure," she emphasizes, "that you always have an enthusiastic 'yes' from your partner and that both your boundaries are clearly set! Communication is key in these types of situations. So long as you talk and are honest, well- Everything should be a kinky good time!"
"Thank you, R.O.S.I.E.," the voice says, charmed themselves even by the entertaining seminar. "Wasn't that fun! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of safe, sane, and consensual? 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.
Welcome to Zhautas
- Volunteers will be dropped off at the outskirts of the city of Heawood. The market is bustling, the streets are full, and most homes have their doors and windows open to peer out at passerbys. For the most part, everything seems fairly busy throughout. Volunteers will be directed by staff to the Nevrione Inn. It has a dining hall and bar, fireplaces to cozy up to, and plenty of places to tuck away if you want to gossip about what's going on with Zenith staff. Though perhaps you just want a moment or two to yourself instead.
Once you're done getting settled in, why not stop and explore a little bit? The locals certainly don't seem to mind the company.
- Suddenly, R.O.S.I.E. turns on one of her newest features to help volunteers blend in a little better. Someone next to you might sprout cat or dog ears. Don’t mind if you get knocked in the face suddenly by someone’s new butterfly wings. It happens! It’s also possible they take on the long whiskers of a Coeurl or plumage of a Chocobo or other animals entirely unfamiliar to some. Either way, everyone just got a lot more animal-like. While it doesn’t look exactly like the natives, it does bring a smile to the faces of the locals and they seem a bit more generally receptive to the people waltzing into their homeland.
This feature is extremely customizable. Volunteers can toggle it off if they don’t want it at all. Additionally, they can have as many or as few animal features as they’d like. They can also change what creature they’d like to take after with just a thought! The only limitation seems to be that they can only appear as one animal at a time.
While all the add-ons seem to be mostly for aesthetic, it is a lot of fun to play around with! 
In Nevrione the current seasons is clearly Autumn. There’s orange, red, and yellows everywhere in varying shades and varieties. There are a lot more leaves missing from the trees than before as the season starts coming to a close. Everything starts to look a little more sparse as Winter creeps ever closer and the temperature grows increasingly colder.
If you head out and about, there's a marketplace to peruse and locals to mingle with. Volunteers shouldn't want for things to occupy their time here. They've landed just after the Harvest Festival and it seems to have been a fun time indeed. Some might ask for assistance in taking down decorations or cleaning up a bit from all the festivities. They've got to start gearing up for Winter now and figuring out their stores for the coming cold. You'll be compensated with a couple of bronze seedlings for your time, of course, and might even get some fun festival stories like-
Oh, uh. This story is really explicit. Did they say there was an orgy? And you missed it? Well, you might be glad that you did... Of course, just because there was an orgy doesn't mean that all the fun has been had. The natural growth enhanced by the Selva are still growing and especially at night, milky wafts of pollen might tickle your nose and cause a stirring in your nethers you don't quite expect. Maybe you're lucky and immune to these plant's effects but if not, don't worry! You'll likely find someone else feeling just as friendly as you are before long. Or maybe a kind soul will help alleviate this (sexually) tense situation you've found yourself in.
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
I have already. Several times, in fact. Exhibitionism is such a fun kink, I think, and really allows for such a unique feeling of freedom.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| 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 the TDM takes place on the 8th when the arrival ship arrives, as shown on the calendar.
- Going into DECEMBER, we are continuing with an APPLICATION CAP of (40).
no subject
Let’s walk. [ And he starts off, lightly touching the inside of Basch’s elbow in passing. His fingers linger only briefly, but he keeps walking. ] I’ve got an excellent whiskey stashed away in my room, and you may well have earned a drink by the time I’m through.
[ He’ll lead the way, speaking in low, careful tones, only falling quiet if they stray too close to the local folk. His posture is straight and carefully relaxed both, not giving anything away. ] At present, we’ve been given a lack of surveillance and a certain freedom of movement, but one can expect to be watched on both the ship and their facilities. The researcher in charge has entirely too much power, and apparently dabbles in dark magicks with necromancy as the least of it. Best to not engage him until we’ve an edge. I am developing another contact in their organization.
[ He is not, however, interested in making this a conversation. This is an update. ]
Day-to-day, concerns are often prosaic and commonplace to the point that some seem to forget the threats are there entirely. Yet, even if you’re watching for them, suddenly— [ His expression darkens before he can master himself again, and his tone turns particularly cavalier. ] It is not just our hosts that will show bursts of unusually enthusiastic hospitality. I fear our association may besmirch your good name in the eyes of the resident... ‘bandit’ hunter.
[ And for a moment, though there’s much more to say, he seems to run out of words entirely. ]
no subject
Then he found out just how much he wasted it. So trying for it seems like a waste, and he can instead be useful, so he can atone for his failures.
Well, anyway.
Right now, he walks with Balthier, listening. ]
I fear my good name perished three years past.
Though what kind of 'bandits' are hunted, present company, obviously, not included.
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This is challenging enough as it is, after all.
He’s not spoken so openly with anyone on certain matters, but he could not afford Basch to be caught unawares. ]
It seems Jack’s preoccupation is present company inclusive. Perhaps exclusively so. [ It’s a lot of clever nonsense, but it helps him tiptoe around the less comfortable aspects of that conversation. ] Even without a bounty on my head, I am ever popular.
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[ Flatly. And, very certainly, a name that Basch will remember.
And then, even flatter. ]
Exclusively.
[ That would give that person far too much time to stalk Balthier's every step at times. Not a situation that Basch likes to consider, especially since the Pirate's usual evasive tactics are unlikely to work, from what he's said this far.
Not to mention the... rest of the implications. ]
Has he targeted anyone else, to get to you?
[ When the tactic has been used against Basch... well. He learns, so he can adapt. Besides, it is better to get the parameters early. Basch's first thought is about Fran, though Balthier did mention lovers, and that can turn people into targets. ]
no subject
He’d been so damn careful, and yet— ]
I don’t think it’s occurred to him, but we’ve upped the ante of late. Best to mind our step. [ In truth, Fran has never been much of a concern. Jack would pull back a stump were he to try to lay a hand upon her, after all, but not everyone he knew managed to be so dangerous and canny as a viera. ] Ah— and we’re coming upon our temporary residence now. Let’s talk more when we’re to my room, mm? Too many sharp ears.
[ There’s a distinct shift to the way he carries himself, warier now as he leads the way into the inn to head up to his room. It’s subtle, enough so that the inn staff he idly offers a lazy wave here or there to as they pass don’t seem to notice the chance in his demeanor. It’s always best to maintain the best face one can for the locals, after all. ]
no subject
But he also follows Balthier's lead as though he belongs there, the tension in his shoulders not nearly enough to make him look around as though he's never been there. Even though he hasn't. And his eyes do take in everything that he can. This has become all hostile territory, and all the intelligence is going to be necessary.
He only speaks up again once Balthier's door is closed, voice quiet and relatively even. ]
Are the rooms proof of overhearing - aside from the surveillance you mentioned, that is?
no subject
He locks the door behind him, offering a somewhat lopsided smirk to the man before he crosses the room over to his bed to sit and fetch up the whiskey bottle. ] There’s privacy enough, but, if we’re too immoderate in volume, we may drive the neighbors to jealousy.
[ He’s stalling with such clever little remarks, just a bit, though there’s real content there. They can speak freely enough as long as they don’t get too loud. ]
no subject
[ Stalling only works so far. Basch eyes him for a moment, wondering if the whiskey is to alleviate pain, or a growing habit, then carefully settles beside hin on the bed. Pacing might happen, later, but he's pretty sure not making Balthier crane his neck up to look at him might be better. ]
Why think you that being here will do naught like what we were told, Balthier? Or, if that is not a topic you wish to address yet, who is Jack exactly, and how did his focus on you begin?
[ Giving him a choice which direction to tackle is good, right? At least it's better than charging into one direction with all that he's got, trying to batter down any resistance. That one's unlikely to work well with Balthier under the best of circumstances, anyway. ]
no subject
The latter may well be more pressing, I suppose. [ He does not sound terribly pleased at the prospect. ] I can hardly say I know much, save his self-proclaimed profession and the fact that, of all things, he’s got a man working for him as a body double. I had to whip him like a cur my first day, and we’ve been circling each other since.
[ He’s rather carefully not looking at Basch now. ]
I slipped recently. Even then, I gained no insight when he’d the better of me.
no subject
Had to?
[ He's trying to make heads or tails out of the story, all right? His own personal ghosts aren't helping. ]
no subject
He acted around in a manner common for thugs and the like, to establish order among them. My reputation did not carry, and so he knew no better when he pressed his attentions upon me—
[ He lifts his chin in a slight, proud movement. Challenging. He’s still a sky pirate, for all that they had once had worked together for a greater goal. He respects Basch greatly, but he can’t be apologetic for being a professional criminal. ] I pressed back, and forced his surrender with his own knife to his throat. Order established, I’d thought.
no subject
As it is...
Balthier must know that it's not always that simple - it will always depend on what Jack takes as enough, as well as what his overall goals are so Basch doesn't point that. Instead, he narrows his eyes. ]
Except neither you nor him have the option to move to... different territory.
[ So, since Balthier won't back down, for so many reasons, would mean they clash into one another, over and over again. Unless he's missing more salient points in the story. ]
no subject
Just so. [ He takes another drink, and it’s not nearly as bracing as it ought to be. He hands the bottle back to Basch, fussing with his cuffs in a decidedly finicky manner. There’s a flash of tender, pinkish skin, recently healed, around his wrists as he does. ] Would that I could sue for peace? I might just, but I know I could not abide his terms.
no subject
Are there no others who object to what his... terms would mean?
[ Gently. Basch understands well enough Balthier's reluctance to let anyone lord force and cruelty over him, the need to choose who to surrender to, and choose wisely. But are there no allies to be found? Surely even in this place, there must be some who would make possible the... negotiation of better terms. ]
no subject
Somehow, far more than what he’d intended to say had just spilled out with Basch there, and he’s not really sure what to make of that. ]
What objection could matter? Death holds no sting here, not with Zenith’s necromancies in play.
no subject
Circumstances are different. Balthier and Fran are pinned down, held for all to reach if they wish, and that situation, 'alone' is not a solution - not unless you have enough power to back you up to not be bothered by the politicking of others. Which... is not the case. However many talents Balthier might posses, however brilliant a tactic he might employ, the situation - the city - is just too large for it to be enough. To be sustainable, unless others are assisting in the sustaining.
Basch's shoulders slump a little, even as he frowns at the last statement. ]
There are fates worse than death. [ In fact, at times not being able to die may be one of those. ] There may be objections not yet voiced which may yet be found.
Which... we might yet find.
[ Basch fon Ronsenburg had reached the position of a Captain of the Knights of Dalmasca. He was very, very familiar with the kind of people who would attempt to assert dominance in the way Balthier is describing. Well. Outlining. Young men, too much testosterone, too much fear, and showing their worst sides. Basch knows how dangerous that can be, for all involved.
And he is offering what he has, in terms of experience as well as sheer presence, to assist in finding a solution to this situation.
And, unless Bathier's plans get... unpalatable, any other situation. ]
no subject
But he can’t, and that simple assertion hits harder than it ought.
And just as quickly as it shows, he flees from it without a hint of shame. He forces it down, finding it far safer to drop into character than examine his feelings too closely. He arches one brow, lips curving as he leans into Basch’s space, a hand settling high on a muscular thigh. He knows how transparent this is, but he leans into it in hopes that audacity will see him through. ] We, is it? How quickly a man of such upstanding character throws his lot in with sky pirates.
no subject
Ever so slowly, he lowers his eyelids. Not all the way, but just a little. His own mind is churning, churning with questions, but he is far too aware how firmly Balthier's masks stay in place, and so how deeply they have dug, for him to allow that much to slip through. So if this is what Balthier wants to do, to recover from the pressure, Basch could...
Welcome it.
But only if Balthier is sure. ]
It would hardly be the first time.
[ Quietly. A reassurance and a question both. Besides, it really has been a long time since anyone has considered his character upstanding, as Basch or Gabranth. But that's. Not the point. ]
no subject
Hardly. [ Balthier huffs with feigned amusement. This is better for all that he’s certain he knows it for what it is. Basch may be humoring him now, but it’s just good sense to take any port in a storm. His voice drops, low and drawling, ] If you’re not careful, I may take full advantage.
[ It’s nonsense, but it’s a conveniently distancing line to throw out there. He reaches for the liquor, plucking it from Basch’s grasp to set aside, and that’s probably for the best because he’s about to have a lapful of sky pirate to contend with. Straddling his lap lets Balthier sit taller as he moves to kiss him with clear purpose, an edge of assertiveness there that hadn’t been present before. ]
no subject
No mind. This is here and now, and by the time the kiss trails off, his other hand is at Balthier's waist, heavy and solid. The blue eyes are dark - Balthier has never been just any port in a storm, though storms have raged around them - but they still twinkle slightly. ]
Oh, whatever shall I do, if that comes to pass...
no subject
I certainly have a few ideas. [ His breath is coming just a little shorter already, and their lips meet again for a moment more. Draping himself against him, loose-limbed and seeming more relaxed than he really is, he hums thoughtfully as he taps Basch’s chin. ] I have gone to such lengths to get you in my bed, after all.
no subject
[ Basch is, at best, moderate when it comes to acting. To pretending. So, when things are important - he doesn't. He keeps his silence... or he means it.
This is definitely the latter.
Another kiss - though initiated by him, he still lets Balthier set the pace of it, then he shifts his head a little so he can trail his lips along the line of Balthier's jaw, the opposite side of where his hand is, until he can reach out his tongue and run it along Balthier's earrings - and rumble, right at his ear, ] tell me.
cw: nsfw
I would have you undressed for me, I think— [ It’s practically conversational how he manages to pace this. Palming Basch through fabric, there’s a distinctly wicked turn to his tone of voice. ] —with your cock between my lips, and the weight of it heavy upon my tongue.
[ Well, he’d asked. ]
... oh yeah, anything further down probably will be nsfw
I think [ still... rumbly. If a tad rougher ] I think that can be arranged. And then? Shall I reciprocate?
[ This is Balthier. That his fantasies - whether pre-existing or ones he's coming up with in the moment - would end there is unlikely. ]
no subject
Though he stalls in slipping off his lap as he originally thought to, murmuring before he kisses him again, ] I should think I’d have no protest. You are more versed in strategy than I.
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