sexyspace | TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

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TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

Introduction

The same siren that had sounded a couple weeks prior to signify the arrival of the portals that ripped through the island fills the air again. While Zenith had seemed to have taken care of these strange space-time anomalies, it appears that they didn't quite contain them all.

"Hello again, volunteers," R.Y.U.O. addresses the public again, thoroughly unimpressed. "It seems we have a second breach to be concerned about. Just as before: mind the edges and you should be fine." He doesn't say much more than that but anyone looking out the nearest window will see what he's referring to.

No matter where volunteers are, the giant triangular portal (approximately 1.75 miles tall and 1 mile wide) that suddenly splits reality off in the jungle faces them. No matter where they walk or what other angles they try to see it from, it faces them. That's only slightly unnerving.

It doesn't take long before the multiversal visitors start to pour through. While current volunteers can't leave, it seems that other people are able to come in through this portal that has converged from multiple access points in the multiverse on this tiny island. Say hello, volunteers, there are quite a few new unexpected faces to greet!

WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS

Professor Quintalian - who the newly displaced might have been informed already is the head of the volunteer program here on Zhautas - is quick to turn this potential PR nightmare into a daydream. People may be spilling through the portal and bringing forth any number of issues without the proper clearance but that's not their fault.

And it isn't Zenith's either, they're quick to say. It's actually because of a deranged space pirate named Hoshiko - here, have a picture for reference! - and you can blame her for your displacement in the multiverse. Please do. Of course, if anyone questions how one person is causing all this trouble Zenith representatives will be quick to say they need to go back to whatever task they had at hand and drop the topic.

Basically, it's not your fault and it's not their fault but you're still here now. So, why not be made to feel at home during your temporary stay? The professor is of the mind that showing these newcomers some good old-fashioned Zenith Corporation hospitality would be more beneficial in the long-term than trying to turn them all away immediately. You can't buy publicity like this! He wouldn't be in charge if he didn't know how to turn things to his corporation's advantage.

TEMPORARY LODGING

It's for this reason that the professor makes the call for the west wing, usually utilized primarily for research, to be turned into temporary lodging for their company. While the makeshift cots laid out aren't as private as the pods of the east wing or bungalows out on the beach, that's alright! It's still a nice, comfortable place to sleep until they figure the best way to get you back home.

They even got everyone who shows up a complementary gift basket. It's filled with cliche "aphrodisiac" foods such as chocolate, strawberries, but thankfully no oysters. They do have those if you're interested, of course, but you'd have to go to the food court for that request. The basket also contains lube (of random, assorted flavors and added effects!) as well as a cheap, plastic bullet vibrator that has the Zenith logo printed on it.

Unfortunately, due to the quality, it's a little finicky. Once you turn it on, you might not be able to turn it off. Don't worry! There's plenty of people around to help. Plenty of people to witness you fumbling with this bouncing, buzzing object and certainly plenty of embarrassment to be had by all. What a good bonding opportunity!

SEXATORIUM

Whatever research that was going on before people started arriving has been suspended for now. One wouldn't know though from how quickly the changed everything around from perhaps what veteran volunteers are used to. One minute there's regular, mundane scribbling onto clipboards and contemplative hums and nods. The next, there's sex on display in no shortage of ways.

The lab spaces have instead been converted to serve a different purpose. The lights are dimmed and tinted a hopefully soothing blue, music plays lightly, and there's the strong scent of sweat and salt permeating the place. The west wing has, for now, been converted into a sexatorium to showcase Zenith's finest attempts at curing this disease and enticing fresh faces to join their cause.

Volunteers and newcomers alike are welcome to peruse this section of the facility until everything gets sorted. Whether it be to watch or demonstrate themselves, Zenith staff is encouraging everyone to take part. They might be a little overly encouraging, honestly. It probably isn't surprising they're under quite a bit of pressure these days from HQ. Show all the multiversal visitors a good time the Zenith way, volunteers!

The glass walls of the research sector have become an exhibitionists' dream. Or perhaps a voyeur's, depending on perspective! Maybe you're taking time to walk through or scurrying to the other side and averting your eyes. If anyone was looking for the head of the program, they can find him here. Of course they can. If you're not into tentacles, that's your loss (according to him), but he's more than happy to talk about the program as well!

They also have plenty of other "experiments" that they'll be running that anyone is free to participate in. They are, but not limited to:

Sex Toy Demonstrations - Ever wondered what state of the art sexual technology is like? Check it out for yourself! If you want it, they likely have it. Not to worry if you don't exactly want to have everything on display, there are rooms that are more private with a black-out option on the glass. It can be toggled on and off or opacity may be changed and filters applied for those who might want the thrill of potentially being seen but not entirely.

Natural Aphrodisiacs - Stepping into one of these rooms will be like taking a step outside. They're full to the brim with plants both familiar and alien as a taste of the larger gardens that Zenith touts. Of note are the coitendrils; 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.
Strip Trivia - How much do you know about sex? Maybe less than you think! Especially when you start throwing xenobiology into the mix. These rooms are staged like a game show (that outsiders can also view, if you so choose!) and with each wrong answer, you'll find yourself losing a piece of clothing. It could be as minor as a sock, your bracelet, or something as obvious as your entire shirt. Don't worry, your clothes are held in a containment unit just outside the room and it's all in good fun!
Cultural Exchange - It's no secret that many of the cultures and species on Zhautas are sex-positive. Most recently, volunteers visited the country of Nevrione whose specialty is leather BDSM gear with amazing hand craftsmanship. While there don't appear to be any natives to that country (which people are free to find suspicious) there is a sampling of what they have to offer for use. Also, just look at those cute feathers decorating some of the gear... What a nice touch!

AROUND THE FACILITY

The Gym
There is now a large gym after frequent volunteer requests for one. They've dedicated a lot more room recently to get a good work-out in. One of the best ways to relieve stress is exercise! Not that volunteers have any particular reason to be stressed. Everything is perfectly fine. It has a plethora of machines now rather than just a handful. In fact, it even features a rock wall, pool, and track now to suit almost every need imaginable.

A couple of the machines have an emphasis on vibrations. Not to worry, however, as there are plenty more options available that they're easily avoidable.

If the gym pool isn't your speed, you're always welcome to go for a nice swim out at the beach. The local mermaids have since returned back to their home waters, so there's no immediate threat to your well-being. At least, not anything obvious. Let them know if you find anything!
The Holo-Deck
The holo-deck is now up and fully operational. It's the size of a small gymnasium and quite sturdy! Don't worry if you do break anything, they'll fix it in a jiffy! They like to see the limits of their technology tested, after all.

The holo-deck can simulate basically anything your mind can come up with... if you have an implant. So, better make friends with someone who does if you want to experience this feature! Its main function is a relaxation mode that projects soothing landscapes and scenery. They look, smell, and sound so real you almost wouldn't believe that you aren't hiking through the mountains. And despite its limited size, the holo-deck does manipulate perception to make the space seem a lot larger than it really is.

Additionally, it has a combat mode to help keep the senses sharp of volunteers who might be more battle-inclined. They don't want you to lose your edge, after all, and especially not with Hoshiko still at large with no idea when she'll strike next. It's better to be prepared and it also gives the more restless volunteers a good way to work out all that excess energy.
Arcade
Attached to the holo-deck, there's another large room. This one is dimly lit and comes with the archaic colors and sounds that belong to a retro arcade. While the holo-deck can simulate games, there's nothing quite like the feeling of pinball beneath your fingers. Or maybe you just want to whack some moles in order to vent your frustration.

While you can win tickets here, they can't be exchanged for anything but minor trinkets. Most of the prizes to be gathered are sexual in nature (because of course, they are) like boxes of condoms or fancy flavored lubes. There's also the standard plush toys and inflatable contraptions.
Food Court & Vending Machines
This is a pristine, updated section of the facility that serves only the finest of meals thanks to the new cyborg chef in charge. He's a friendly older guy who uses his mechanical enhancements to make food faster than you can blink and, of course, it tastes incredible to boot.

Additionally, the vending area has been expanded and the machines have been fixed to no longer shoot out drinks at supersonic speeds. Of course, they still can if you so wish. Some people seemed to have fun making a game out of it so the feature is an option but only if someone selects it from the menu.

The Beach
The bungalows for more permanent residents of Zhautas are lined up along the island's south shore. It's only a short walk from the main facility, no more than five or ten minutes. If you'd rather stay out here instead of using the temporary lodging, that's also an option! They have tents available for use. Don't mind the way you may feel -- no, will feel more inclined to snuggle up - or more - with someone. That's just a standard 'light aphro' feature added to help prompt new volunteers to ease into the atmosphere of the facility.

At night, the beach lights up in beautiful blue luminescence where sand meets sea. Unfamiliar stars and constellations dot the sky as far as the eye can see. It's really rather peaceful. Well, it is if you ignore the giant foreboding portal off in the distance.

The Lounge
This is a begrudingly new addition to the main Zenith research facility, volunteers may have noticed supplies being gathered over the last week or heard whispers of the activity before the building popped up seemingly overnight near the outskirts of the jungle. While approved by the head of the program, it certainly doesn't look like anything that Zenith had a hand in constructing. (They didn't.) It sticks out from the sleek, smooth chrome surfaces by seemingly pulling together more natural elements reminiscent of the buildings in Nevrione, built from mostly wood with a stone foundation. The furniture inside is also crafted from wood, leather, and so on to create a... unique atmosphere full of tables, benches, a bar and stools. In fact, some of the decor seems to be decorated and reinforced with dragon scales.

While alcohol is served here, that's only if someone brings something that can be converted into alcohol via alchemy by resident volunteer Edward Elric. The lounge is advertised as being a place to hang out and get a break from the more modern and high tech setting that the facility has to offer, it is requested that sex does not happen within these walls.

While it touts a calm, unassuming front, with entertainment available such as darts, a pool table, card games and other typical bar games, it's quickly becoming an escape from Zenith's prying eyes and ever alert ears. This might be the place to go if you want to speak a little more freely about your suspicions regarding Zenith.

For volunteers that offer to help with construction or around the lounge once it's built - keeping order among others, cleaning, gathering supplies or various other tasks around the building - drinks will be free (unless another agreement is arranged) as means of payment for their time.

(For any questions about the lounge, please contact Remedy. Thanks for this idea goes to Amy, as it was Garrett's brainchild.)

THE UNDERBELLY

For as much as Zenith is pulling out all the stops, there's no denying that there is a faint sense of unrest teeming beneath the surface. While some veteran volunteers are friendly, there is still an undeniable undercurrent of dissatisfaction that Zenith can't quite completely overshadow. For all the fanfare and attentiveness of the staff, it probably won't be long before you run into at least a few people who aren't exactly shy about their dislike of the corporation.

Things that one might overhear and want to investigate are as follows:

Out in the jungle at night, you might have noticed- No, not the portal, everyone's noticed that. There are red eyes that light up the jungle at night. While they aren't exactly menacing, they are extremely unnerving. Ask anyone and they'll tell you those are demons and they're a product of Professor Quintalian's "personal research" apparently approved by Zenith. While they aren't actively aggressive, trying to infringe on their territory is ill-advised.

Being demon-touched is a terrible thing to experience. They're formless, tarry parasitic creatures that try to consume someone. There's even apparently a chance that you might turn into one. Being demon-touched comes with a host of negative side effects such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a desire to be "complete," fever, and more. And unfortunately for you, the process to expel any demon essence from the body is just as terrible.

Unfortunately, demons aren't the only concern you'll have if you traverse the jungle. This tiny island hosts a range of creatures both docile and deadly. It also seems like with the portal opening, even more are making their way and finding a space here at the Zenith Research Facility.
Despite initially volunteering, people's requests to leave are met with vague excuses as to why it isn't possible immediately. But then the professor will turn around and say Zenith sent someone home overnight without a word to anyone. While this appears to be highly suspicious, none of the staff seem to want to expound upon how Zenith operates with regards to terminating volunteer participation and, of course, Quintalian is nowhere to be found for any real serious discussion. Call him though! He'll be glad to talk to you over dinner and a nice bottle of wine.

Maybe talk to a resident volunteer about this since it should be worrying to someone who might want to sign-up.

Despite the way that the helperbot R.O.S.I.E. is described to watch the facility at all times, she's known to get distracted or glitch out from time to time. And with her trying to entertain all these new guests where she can as well as Zenith re-routing efforts to the sexatorium, there's a distinct lack of physical security present. Huh.

Recently, there's been a lot of thumping and bumping up in the ventilation shafts throughout the main facility. If you're foolhardy enough to find the cause, you'll actually be met with one of the resident defensive AIs that goes by the name R.Y.U.O. He's glad you're here, actually. Things were starting to get boring. If you wander too far through the vents into a restricted area (since the barriers in place won't stop those without an implant!), he'll be quick to throw something else to deter your exploration.

This might electric shocks, extreme heat, of even the classic of a swarm of spiders. It's nothing personal, of course, he just has a job to make sure people trying to snoop don't get too far.

EXTRA NOTES

Welcome to the Zhautas fourth wall event! We've added some extra links down below that might be helpful for newcomers.
As a reminder, the timeline is:

Fourth wall begins on Fromb 24th (March 24th).
The portal will close and the event will end on Fromb 39th (April 8th).
The arrival ship will land as scheduled on Fromb 40th (April 9th).
The intro log including this and theft of the arrival ship will be on Fromb 41st (April 10th).
The next OOC Event Announcement for April's event will be on April 15th.

In the case of an unfortunate run-in with R.Y.U.O.'s defense of the air vents, established volunteers, let us know here!
If you have any extra questions about anything in the game, please direct them to the FAQ!
If you have in character questions, those can be directed to R.O.S.I.E. here!

NAVIGATION ♦ FAQ ♦ TAKEN ♦ RESERVES ♦ APPLICATIONS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Sorry, unless it's American football, I don't really watch it. Or-- well, the last guy I saw was really into basketball." And sometimes you had to sit through things for someone you care about, mindnumbing or not.

But wow, before magic ruins his life-- it sounds like John's teenage years were surprisingly... normal. Not in a good way or anything, but nothing involving demons or being arrested or tortured for trying to do the right thing. No getting wrapped up in a war. Although it sounds like it gets plenty busy later.

"I think I'm pretty much a dropout now. I tried to finish school, but I had to hit the road with my friends, then I wound up here and they don't really have schools." Unless you count that weird orientation, but yeah. He'd rather focus on taming his potentially reality destroying magic anyway.

"That's not football," John insists, but that's all he'll say about it. He's not the Liverpool team's #1 greatest fan who would die for their honour or anything. Although, Billy probably calls it soccer but he's calling it football until the day he dies.

"No point finishing anyway mate. You're wasting your time. You don't need school to stack shelves or drive a forklift." Maybe that's not where the money's at but that's the future John's looking at, rotting away in one of countless production lines in some factory by the docks. And if that's what he has to do instead of touring the world in his own plane screeching out angry expletives to a crowd of thousands, he'll hit that up once he's old enough to get hired for work. Anything that'll get him a paycheque so that he can make it on his own.

"So you're into blokes, huh. How's that working out for you?" John has to ask even though it's clearly none of his business.

"Oh, John, do you really want to get into that debate?" It is football, thank you very much. At least he said American.

He huffs out a laugh as John continues his list of reasons why it's a waste of time. Wow, optimistic for the future, isn't he? Although Billy only sees magic and more magic in his future -- or apparently, lord of hell and that seemed cushy enough, if not for all the torture and damning souls. He shakes that thought out of his head and considers that-- kinda nosy next question.

"Well, not so bad now, I guess. Whole point is to get laid here and no one's that into judging generally. Back when I was in school, a lot of the guys had a game where they flung slurs and insults while seeing how many hits they could get in on me. I wasn't too big of a fan of it, have to say."

"I'll fight you for naming rights if it comes down to it," John retorts. He always seems ready for a fight (maybe he's always looking for a fight, even). He thinks he could probably take Billy on, just as they are. He might be built like a beanpole but he's got some experience throwing punches out on the streets.

"None of their fucking business. They probably haven't gotten any." John sips on his drink noisily. "You let that kinda shite bother you?"

"You know that's not saying much, right? You nearly fought me over games at the arcade, John." Although Billy still thinks it'd be a kind of unfair fight. John might be involved in street fights, but Billy's gone toe-to-toe with actual super villains before. Even without magic, he has some combat training under his belt... plus, John's kind of scrawny.

He huffs out a laugh, a little surprised John's not taking a shot of some kind, whether he means it or not. "Probably. Or maybe they're just angry closet cases."

He considers that next question for a bit, bringing his own drink up to his lips. "Not really. It's better if you learn to not care what other people think of you in the end."

But this is kind of dreary talk, isn't it? And maybe it's impossible for him, but Billy figures John could use some time to actually relax a bit. "Hey, want to take our drinks and go get comfortable somewhere? There's TV, maybe we can find a movie... or whatever you want."

... Hopefully he won't suggest anything too crazy.

"I'm not a pushover." And he needs to prove it in as many ways as possible like it's intrinsically linked to his self-validation or something.

He shoots Billy a wary look at the proposal but doesn't say anything until he drains his glass. This sounds like Netflix and chill, not that he'd understand that reference until many years later. He licks his lips and averts his gaze for a few seconds before giving Billy a one-shoulder shrug.

"Yeah." John gets up and swipes his empty glass of the table, bringing it over to the couch. He probably won't be able to focus on anything too complicated but he can probably vegetate in front of a big screen and let his mind wind down a bit.

It's. So flat though. The screen. And enormous. John finds himself stopping and pinching the corner of the TV, tilting his head to look behind it. Isn't there supposed to be a box that holds the tube thing? Where's the rest of it?

"You're definitely not..." If not being a pushover meant you were willing to have a fist fight over literally everything.

And he actually meant to just watch a movie and hang out like normal teenagers -- even if they're a bit mismatched. He grabs his own glass and the bottle and goes to join him. Besides, John said no to weirdos trying to get their hands down his pants and Billy's pretty sure a guy you met at an arcade sort of fits that.

There's a bit of a smile as John inspects the TV, settling on the couch. "Future's pretty cool, huh? Anyway, what sort of movies do you even like? Horror, action?"

A more teasing look. "Or are you some sort of romantic comedy kinda guy?"

Future. Yeah right. This is some kinda alien shit. John leaves the telly alone and goes to plop down on the vacant side of the couch, breathing out a sigh as he stretches his legs out. This is nice. This is... really nice. For once he's not walking on eggshells, completely hyperfocused on the sound of the front door opening and closing, trying to take beers out of the fridge to hide them. He smells like proper shower gel and shampoo. These clothes are clean and newer than any threads he's got in his bag.

He could live like this.

"Fuck off." He throws a cushion at Billy, careful to avoid the bottle and glass. No romcoms and no documentaries. No fucking Shakespeare shit. Nothing with subtitles either.

"Something like Goodfellas, or Total Recall." Those are really recent for John. They may very well be the last 'good movies' he's seen. His life is about to change once the band starts playing in Newcastle, once he meets a girl who'll show him the first of many, many tomes about magic, and he won't have time for movies anymore.

"Or Alien. Are there aliens here?"

Hr brings up an arm to block that cushion, snorting in amusement. "Okay, guess you're not the romantic type. But c'mon, watch the bottle... it wasn't that easy to get."

He looks at John from the corner of his eye.

"I'm surprised you actually have decent taste in movies." Because the John he knows, he can't even get him to sit down and watch anything.

"I mean, don't we kind of qualify as the aliens, being on their planet?" But, okay, okay. He knows what he means and shrugs his shoulders.

"Yeah, there are some around here, I guess. We visited another place a while back that had these people with animal features. Sure some have come here to volunteer too. There was this droid who was here when I first arrived... like the Star Wars type."

"Why wouldn't I?" John scoffs. Just because he's presenting like he doesn't even have £1 in his pocket doesn't mean he hasn't found his own ways to get access to movies and entertain himself.

"Star Wars? Like it beeped at you? They still around?" How fucking weird? But also kind of cool. He wouldn't mind meeting a droid. Some kind of human-looking robot thing.

"I mean that's the last resort you know." He's circling back to Goodfellas, having trouble keeping one distinct line of conversation going. "If the band doesn't work out. I'll join the Whitney gang and run some smack for them while I'm still under 18. Get some money and get out after a few years. My mate's doing it, they pay you a big cut. Look after you." John swallows and scratches the edge of his nail idly. It's clearly not a career path he's given a lot of thought to but you know, it's good to have a backup in case the pipe dream of a global punk rock phenomenon doesn't work out.

"Hey, for all I know, you'd like dull movies." Or no movies at all.

"Less RD-D2, more C-3PO. She could talk... but nah, she went home a bit a while ago." But it was pretty cool to get to know her while she was here at least...

Although the next topic has him shooting John a curious look. "Your second option is gangster?"

Those are some career choices, honest. Punk rock star or living the Goodfellas dream. "Do you think that's really something you can just get out of if you ever get into it? Some lifestyles-- try trap you in."

"Okay." Of course she has. John would have liked to have met her, but he gets the feeling he doesn't belong here and it wouldn't really matter either way since he's not sticking around.

"I don't have a lot of options." He shoots Billy a dirty look, softened only by the fact that Billy isn't coming off as completely judgmental, or like he thinks he should know better. He doesn't have a car. He could probably figure out how to steal one, but then he'd have to learn how to drive. And he doesn't have the money for petrol. He doesn't have any qualifications, he can barely read. And everyone else has got support, resources for how to apply for jobs or schools or other things. John's just got his bag and whatever street cred he can muster up without getting his arse handed to him, or getting in trouble with the cops.

"You don't get it," John mutters, shutting down that avenue of conversation with his arms crossed, head tilted back looking up at the ceiling. He has a nice place to live. Nice clothes. Fridge full of food and nobody's threatening to put his head through the wall. What would he know about real life, anyway?

"I know about getting locked into something and not being able to get out, John." He lets out a sigh, shifting his eyes back to the TV, starting up the movie. He's not going to be the one to tell John about magic if he's not into it yet. He'd probably think he's insane anyway-- most people do until they're in it.

But it doesn't mean he can't give an edited version at least.

"Or did you think I went on the run with my friends for the hell of it? Or came here because I had so many options left?" Or because he'd heard that he could save the world without using magic and he'd been desperate for some sort of win. But sketchy as this place is, he's not sure how much he believes it now.

"I'm not saying-- don't do whatever you feel like you have to do. I know about wanting to get away from family or that helping siblings out of a bad situation happens to be a special case. I've gone to hell and back for my idiot brother." ... literally, but John doesn't need to know that.

"I'm just saying to really consider it and don't rush into decisions like I did if you can help it... it's not just you who's gonna pay if it goes south."

John goes quiet and watches the screen - it's enormous, it's hard to focus on the whole thing and his eyes dart from one corner of the screen to the other to try and take it all in. He is thinking about what Billy's saying but he's not used to being given life advice, he doesn't know what to do with it other than to take some of it in and glaze over the rest, reduce it to nagging or Billy being overinvested or whatever.

"I've already thought about it," is all John says to that, and he's not interested in having any further discussions about his idea of an easy way out. All he's ever known is to smack people if he doesn't get what he wants, if people don't yield to him. And if it doesn't work he has to hit harder until they break. He doesn't need papers or a fuckton of planning in order to do that.

"Alright, John..." There's not much more to discuss really. Besides, if John's like him or any of his friends back home, the more he hears not to do something, the more he'll do it just to prove some kind of point.

For now, he settles his attention back on the movie as he shifts a bit, sliding down on his side of the couch to get a bit more comfortable, dropping the bottle and his glass on the table for now.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

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