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sexyspace2019-01-24 08:00 pm
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2019-01-24 08:00 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #8
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, masculine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. "About time you woke up." 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. "Oh, actually- Nevermind, that's probably fine." The sense of dread that follows that misleading phrase is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Good to know." Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, he continues on. "Hopefully, you aren't too sore after sleeping that long. 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. In order to stimulate what little brain activity you have, I suggest visiting the museum for a relaxing bit of artistic appreciation."
If you have any questions, make sure they're worth my time. My name is R.Y.U.O. and on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re glad to have you aboard.
Artistic Endeavours
As always, the color o҉s҉t҉i҉g҉n҉u҉h҉ is- Wait, what do you mean the color o҉s҉t҉i҉g҉n҉u҉h҉ is so bright it's searing your eyes? Huh. That's weird. Maybe the replacement light they made was the wrong kind. 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!
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be defeated. There's an unmistakable melancholy 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 self-conscious. 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 Zenith at every turn. Her name is Hoshiko and she's a pirate that is capable of escaping every attempt Zenith has made so far to apprehend her. Recently, she caused quite a bit of destruction and caused Zenith to lose their good standing in some parts of 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 museum, some soothing music begins to play through the halls. It's supposed to get volunteers really in the mood for the museum, if you know what they mean. That's because it isn't your typical museum, of course. If you were one of the few that didn't really know the details of why you were coming here in the first place, you'll definitely know now when it's all out on display.
"Do make sure not to inappropriately touch anything," says R.Y.U.O. flatly. Metal flooring changes to marble beneath your feet upon stepping into a large museum. The emphasis of these exhibits is sex. That is obvious in the statues and diagrams of alien creatures and their mating rituals. There are also flower bouquets that look oddly phallic (or are made out of condoms). That's one way to get creative! Additionally, there are paintings of nature from Nevrione that look like genitalia both human and not and is meant to be symbolic of sex being intrinsic to a natural way of life. - Don't worry, they'll have places that you can sneak away if it gets to be a little overwhelming. The museum has a lounge of plush, red chairs to sink into if all those racy exhibits prove to be a bit too much. Upon tilting your head back to relax, however, you might just notice the suspension ropes hanging from the ceiling. Or maybe it's the man wearing the zipper mask sitting across the way that catches your eye instead.
Oh, whoops- Looks like you might have gotten turned around at some point. This isn't the lounge at all. This is actually the kink section of the museum. There's a wide range of exhibits here that are all about the harder kinks out there across the multiverse. There are informational pamphlets and explanations of things you might have never heard of or thought of doing. Of course, if you want to keep them for reference for later... you're more than welcome to!
In trying to leave, you might find yourself walking through a mirror maze instead. If you're wondering how this is sexy, well- Just use your imagination! Or read the nearest informational sign that reads about how masturbating or having sex in front of a mirror can be a kink for some people. That works too! - This museum never seems to end. In this next part, there's a gathering of people with fancy pens and sketchbooks. It looks like perhaps an art class is in session. Whether you decide to stay and see what they might be painting or choose not to disturb and attempt to go along your way, you'll be addressed suddenly by a large mustached man with six eyes and three pairs of spectacles. "You there!" he suddenly beams. "Yes, you, the- What species are you again? Oh, it doesn't matter." He clicks his mandibles and smiles (or the closest thing to it) as his fuzzy claws rub together idly.
"I'm glad you could make it," he continues on, despite any protests you might make. "But you're wearing far too much for this modeling session!" Modeling session? What in the world is he going on about? You didn't sign up as a model for anything! Any protests you make die on your lips as he talks over you and tugs you towards a dressing room in the back of the studio. "Hurry now, we only have a set amount of time before orientation and landing! These people are eager to draw a, mm. Whatever you are!" He'll get it eventually. "There's a towel in case you're a little shy but it'll need to be removed once you're on the podium."
With that, he leaves you alone to get undressed. Maybe you decide to roll with it! Why not go bare for all to see and sketch? It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and you'd be helping out some very nice art students. Or maybe not. In that case, it seems you're not the only one that got roped into this impromptu nude modeling session unawares. There are likely other volunteers just as confused and looking for help. Perhaps together you can convince this guy he's got the wrong person... or even find the actual model. Better hurry though! The teacher isn't a patient man and there's no doubt he'll be asking where you are before long.
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.Y.U.O. tells everyone that, while boring, it is mandatory by law so you best pay attention.
- 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 right R.Y.U.O. was. This is the most boring thing you've ever sat through. 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 The Zenith Corporation! In light of some recent... issues, they're really trying to promote their volunteer program as something beneficial for the multiverse but also for you! Despite what you might hear from established volunteers, they really do have your best interests at heart and want your help to succeed in curing this disease.
It's all very touching, isn't it? How much they care? Maybe you buy into it and think, wow! I'm really helping to save the multiverse. Or maybe it reads like try hard propaganda to get you to see them as the benevolent ones when they're not actually as good as they seem. After all, if established volunteers are having problems that they feel the need to point out- Isn't that just a little bit suspicious, maybe?
"Thank you, Zenith," the voice says, level and not giving anything away. "Wasn't that informative! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of Zenith's operations here on Zhautas? 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.
NEVRIONE (JAN 24th - FEB 17th)
- Volunteers will be dropped off at the outskirts of the city of Heawood. It's unfortunately seen better days. The forest is in shambles compared to what was advertised. It looks like there was a large battle here recently and, well, you wouldn't be wrong! If you ask anyone, they'll talk about the recent troubles they'd had. Something about a space pirate causing a scene and destroying a Zenith outpost, the native gods being summoned to defend the country, and... those gods being killed. It sounds like a lot happened in this country before your arrival and now everyone is left to pick up the pieces.
While volunteers were initially greeted with open arms a couple months ago, the reception that this group gets will be as cold as the snow outside. The locals don't seem too pleased about the idea of more off-worlders coming into their home and potentially making things worse. Of course, not everyone feels this way, but a large majority of the population do. It might make it hard to get directions or learn more about the local culture when they aren't really willing to share. Sorry, volunteers! The Zenith Corporation actually says that you'll be leaving soon so it's likely better that you won't have the chance to get too attached.
- Suddenly, R.Y.U.O. turns on one of the newer features to help volunteers cheer up a little. Don't say he never did anything for you. 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 Winter. All the leaves have been raked up and used for other things. What's left of the trees are barren and without leaves. It really does make everything look a little more bleak. What a shame that volunteers aren't getting to see it at its most beautiful.
Of course, just because there isn't a lot of growth doesn't mean that there isn't any. There's actually a winter plant that seems to be just about everywhere and one that people will know- it's mistletoe! It isn't called that here, of course, but it still has the same tradition as on earth. Two people that are caught underneath it should kiss. This can be as platonic, or not, as you want it to be. Even hugs are acceptable, really! Just as long as you share a little bit of affection or intimacy with the other person, it's said to be good fortune for ringing in the new year. The people of Nevrione sure do love their good fortune, don't they?
Of course, this plant comes with a catch. You'll find yourself stuck in some way if you don't participate in the custom. It's a little trick that the Selva - the resident fairy folk - play for when they hibernate during the winter. These creatures never seem to stop causing mischief. So, if you don't feel the love... then you're going to get stuck until you do! This doesn't have to be physically either. You could be stuck on a decision you're trying to make, on a question that was asked of you, or any number of things. The point is though, you'll be stuck on it until someone kisses or hugs some sense into you again.
MAIN RESEARCH FACILITY (FEB 18th & ON)
- They were supposed to have everyone's rooming assignments ready. Unfortunately, R.O.S.I.E. has only just recently woken up and it slipped through the cracks. Honestly, she thought she had more time! She's had so much to catch up on after spending so long non-operational. While apologetic, it doesn't change the fact that you're out of a room for now.
Due to their error, the Zenith staff do their best to make volunteers feel at home... outside. The weather is nice, they have perfectly good (aphro-laced!) tents for use, and why not? This an adventure, right? What's more adventurous than sleeping out under the stars on a whole new world? It's like something right out of your imagination! However they sell it to you, they sell it very well. Even if you are upset, your complaints seem to fall on deaf ears after a certain point and you might just have to accept defeat.
At least R.O.S.I.E. has the courtesy to project a movie for everyone to watch during the evening before lights out. This one was selected by R.Y.U.O., the other A.I. that you might hear from time to time now that he's been a bit more involved. It's a classic and he's going to be disappointed if you don't appreciate its subtly and charm.
- During the night, you'll realize you're not alone. It's quiet, at first, but then a noise comes from out in the dark. It sounds again louder and very close by. A clear, audible-
Ribbit.
A brightly colored frog is sitting just outside your tent (or by your side, if you chose to make do without!) and blinks once you notice it. It gives a little hop, another croak, and then snatches whatever food you might have leftover from dinner. It undulates violently soon as it eats any scraps lying around then pops apart and suddenly there's two.
If you don't want to end up overrun, you might need to put your food away! Maybe this is why you were told it wasn't good to keep it out. If you try to touch the frog to remove it, however, there's a sudden buzz in your ear and a light chime before R.O.S.I.E. speaks gently, "I wouldn't touch that if I were you. It's toxic to most species! You're going to have to find another way to get this little guy out of your space."
"Are there any sticks around? Maybe you could ask your neighbor!" - "Do you like the stars?" asks R.O.S.I.E. in the dead of night. Don't worry, she won't ask if you're asleep! In fact, it seems like she might be contacting the insomniacs or those that are having trouble specifically. An A.I. doesn't need to sleep, but it does get lonely it seems.
She guides volunteers out to a nice viewing spot, but also warns of the jungle's dangers. If you happen to see any red eyes staring back at you in the dark, steer clear. They don't seem especially aggressive lately but demons are still bad news. But hopefully, the view of a spectacular crescent moon and stars freckling the inky black sky make up for any feelings of uncertainty you might still have, or at the very least provide a distraction from whatever has your mind keeping you from falling asleep.
"You should make a wish," she encourages. Though, of course, you're not the only one she directed this way so your wish might not be as secret as you're hoping it to be if you say it aloud.
Network/Bangr
During all the goings-on, R.Y.U.O. 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.Y.U.O. 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.Y.U.O. is a little bored. 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'd have to say that winter is my favorite, actually. There's just something so nice about cuddling up next to someone who's warm and comfortable during the colder months of the year.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| 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. As always, current players may top level, if they so choose!
- Going into FEBRUARY, we will be continuing our APPLICATION CAP OF FORTY (40).
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[Probably. Not that he had any complaints...
What else is he even supposed to say? Noiz is really being Noiz, and as painful as that is... it also makes it a little easier for Aoba to put some distance between them again.]
... I hope he bit you back.
[Even if Noiz couldn't feel it. It's the principle of the thing!]
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[Which was one of the things he was testing for. Whether Ren could feel pain in that body. Real pain.]
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Give me your hand.
[He's dead serious. Noiz hurt Ren, and even if Noiz can't feel pain, there is rightful payback to be delivered, here. If Ren can't do it anymore, then Aoba will do it for him.]
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There. You had that coming.
[Knowing that Noiz can't feel pain, the move makes even less sense than it would have under other circumstances, but Aoba had to do it. He couldn't let go of what Noiz did to Ren, otherwise.]
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Once Aoba lets go of his hand he allows it to drop slowly.]
Does it look like I care? It's not like it bothered me.
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[And the fact that it doesn't bother Noiz bothers him, too, but that's not something he can do a lot about. Besides, even after getting his sense of touch back, Noiz had seemed to like being bitten, if anything...
... Was that part of why Aoba wanted to bite him, too? He didn't think so at the time, but it may have played a role in the background.]
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...That reminds me.
[Without giving Aoba much time to respond, he grabs the front of the older man's shirt and pulls him close, then presses his lips against his. He ends it with a quick, hard bite on the lip.]
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[Aoba really does try to respond, but then their lips are suddenly pressed together, and... for a moment, he thinks Noiz was kidding him the whole time, that it was just a bad joke and he hasn't forgotten what happened at all.
Then Noiz bites him, and Aoba pulls back in shock, pressing the back of his hand against his lips. When he pulls it back, there's the slightest smudge of blood on it - nothing serious, but enough to make him angrier than the pain did.]
What was that for!?
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He stares impassively at him as he pulls back and slowly rises to his feet.]
Payback. For various things.
[His hands brush over the front of his pants, smoothing out wrinkles and removing invisible specks of dirt.]
If you want anything from me in the future, remember to compensate me this time.
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At least if he knew why Noiz left, he might be able to understand. But this is not the Noiz he remembers, and with that, answers seem unlikelier than ever to come.
Noiz seems intent on leaving, and Aoba has no reason to stop him. They'll see each other again, no doubt, since they're both volunteering. For now, Aoba doesn't even know what to say. Noiz is the one who established that Aoba is not the Aoba he knew before, yet this Aoba is expected to pay for the other Aoba's mistakes, now?!
Well, Aoba can't really blame him for that. It's not like he's been doing a great job letting go of the Noiz he knew, himself.]
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But the time to reveal that isn't now. Examining Aoba's reaction, or lack thereof, with a somewhat crushed expression, Noiz watches him stay silent with a confused curiosity.]
...Nothing to say?
[Also, upon closer look...]
Ah. It seems I drew blood.
[He runs his tongue over his own lips and teeth, searching for any traces of it that got in him.]
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There is nothing to say, is there? No - if Noiz insists, then Aoba will tell him how unfair he's being. Maybe there's no point, with Noiz as he is now, but ask and ye shall receive.]
You can't expect me to let go of what I remember doing with you, if you can't let go of what you remember doing with me.
[Even if Aoba doesn't want to go into details about his history with Noiz, it's just unreasonable to keep him to different standards!]
And you know what it's like for your mouth to hurt! [Admittedly that only applies to his tongue, not his lips, but it's close enough, and Aoba is getting a little worked up. There's just no excuse for Noiz' behavior, and the way it clashes with the progress "his" Noiz made just makes it more painful.] So don't do that to people.
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His gaze slides off to the side, and he frowns sullenly.]
I... didn't know that was hard enough to break the skin. I can't tell that sort of thing.
[It's a bit easier to keep the focus on that.]
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[The biting isn't really what Aoba was upset about anyway. It's just an easy thing to lash out at. Noiz' reaction makes him feel kind of guilty about that, but he likes to think his point stands.
Besides... isn't Noiz opening up a little? Aoba is a lot better at reading Noiz than he used to be, even if he's still no mind-reader. Noiz isn't making excuses, and he's actually admitting to what upset him so much to have Aoba bring up before. That's definitely opening up, isn't it?]
So be more careful next time. Okay?
[... Why is he talking like Noiz biting people (or just him?) like this will become a habit?!]
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Advice on how to bite people properly, is it?
[That is how it sounds, anyway.]
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[Aoba is older; he can totally tell Noiz what to do!
The words are fairly soft, though. They're almost like an inside joke... even if it's one he can't expect this Noiz to get.]
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I wonder...
[Could he do it again? He really can't risk even trying, but somehow the situation seems less hopeless than before. He did manage it once, after all, and he wouldn't have thought even that was possible. So... maybe there is still hope for Noiz.
Aoba is still not going to think about what he could possibly do to help now, though. This has been enough of an Experience already. He'll just let everything he's learned simmer in the back of his brain, and see what comes out of it.
He's surprised to find he can still feel any hope at all, and the fact that he does, sparks a strange sense of joy in him. Taking a deep breath, he reaches out to try patting Noiz' head.]
Be a good boy, now~!
[He's being ridiculous, and he knows it. But being able to act like a total idiot once in a while is a luxury that he desperately needs right now.]
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No.
[He follows up that sole word with a quick bite on Aoba's fingers.]
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[What did he literally just tell you?! He tries to yank his hand back. If he doesn't manage to, there's gonna be some scuffling.]
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Compared to you, nothing about me is little.
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I-I'm a perfectly fine size! Yours just looks bigger because of the piercings!!
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Hmm.... suspicious.
How many and where?
[He's... mostly sure that an Aoba back home wouldn't have dome things with him.]
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T-That's not important!
[... It's kind of important. But thinking about it also makes him kind of sad, now.]
There's no telling if you have the same amount as the Noiz I know, anyway.
(no subject)