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

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!test drive

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

[ his smile is rueful. ]

It does seem to have left an impact. Everyone's opinions may not have changed overnight but enough, perhaps, to give us hope for the future.

[ he's glimpsed both. the terrible end and the hopeful one. they exist in tandem and it could tip either way. but charles has to hold on. otherwise, who would be left to fight it? ]

Either way, I'll be prepared. For students and for setbacks.

You will.

[ Erik says, his voice soft. How had his resolve been shaken so quickly? The entire multiverse at his disposal and all he wanted to do was go back to West Chester. Run that school with Charles. And other impossibilities.

You were thinking a lot. Maybe too much. ]

I don't want it to be like this. We want the same things, but it's not possible.

[ He takes Charles' hands in his and holds them, focusing on that because he can't bear to look him in the eye. ]

I carry you with me wherever I go. You changed my life. I would have died in Miami if it weren't for you. Please understand this isn't about what I feel for you.

[ why isn't it possible? why did it always have to be impossible. it should be possible. charles saw it, briefly enough, in the future to know it could be. understanding . . . charles can do that. easily. but it's not enough.

so what does he choose here? to be understanding once more and let people walk away? he's never been good at stopping that. charles lets out a quiet breath before squeezing erik's hands, resolved. ]

Give it a chance. If you can't stay, then you can't. But try, Erik. We've always made the impossible work.

I believe in you. Why not believe in yourself a little more?

[ Erik breathes in and lets it out slowly. He doesn't want to get angry. Charles' optimism is as seductive as it is relentless and it goes against every instinct he has. Instincts that have kept him alive against impossible odds. Instincts that have kept them both alive. ]

I have tried. And we haven't made it work. You can't walk because of it. We agree up to a point, and where we diverge is where all the problems lie. And everybody else agrees with you. I can't. I know when I've lost. And I'm leaving you to it.

[ charles can't help the slight flinch when his injury is mentioned. ]

It's not a competition, Erik.

[ Erik's temper is like a wolf at the door, and he's starting to wonder why he doesn't let it come in already. Make itself comfortable. ]

It was a battle that you won. Don't insult me by pretending it never happened.

[ his own temper flares up briefly. ]

It has never been a battle to me! Do you really think that's how I see it? As a chessboard?

Do you see what happened to me on the beach as a defeat? Because I can assure you, it was not my legs that I mourned.

No. It wasn't a battle, was it? It was a mutiny when I disobeyed your edict to spare Shaw's life.

[ His teeth clench and he looks away. ]

You have everything else you want.

[ a mutiny? charles looks aghast. there is something galling about one of the worst moments of his life being reduced to stakes. victories and defeats. as if that has ever been on charles' mind.

it takes him a long moment to get his emotions under control, even as his voice shakes. ]

It is not a system of checks and minuses. It is not a battlefield. If you need to walk away, Erik, then you're welcome to do so.

But you cannot expect me to chase after you when you know I can't. I've made myself clear. On all counts. My home is your home. Hurting me won't change that.

[ That's what it was, wasn't it? The betrayal when Erik didn't follow orders like the rest of the soldiers. Didn't fall in line when he was expected to, when he proceeded to do exactly what he told Charles he was going to do.

Everything is roiling around in his gut and his throat and his heart. He didn't want this. He didn't want this conversation to be like this. He didn't want to see him at all, but since it happened he wanted to be reasonable. He's gotten better, dammit. He had managed with Mizuki for months. Even when they fought it wasn't like this. Why is it always like this with Charles? Why does he keep beating his head against this wall? ]

It's not my home. It's your home. I was a guest there once. Briefly. We were friends but we weren't partners. I didn't want to follow you. I wanted you by my side but that's...

[ Impossible. Charles wasn't with him anymore. He sighs. ]

Besides. What am I supposed to do, hide in the basement and hope the Feds don't remember how I escaped solitary?

[ he sighs. sometimes he wonders how erik does this to himself. runs himself into circles because he can't fully comprehend happiness. or contentment. perhaps both. charles lets himself relax a little. it still hurt, what erik had said, but he grasps the motivations behind it now. he rubs circles into erik's hands gently. ]

I can't tell you what to do. I won't. I am no longer in the business of telling people what to do. I was only giving you the option, Erik.

I am still here for you, regardless of how our paths diverge. That's all I want you to remember.

[ Erik takes a shuddering breath, his fingers tightening around Charles'. He understands things like happiness or contentment as a theory. People say they experience them, maybe they're telling the truth. If he has felt it, it's been so long he doesn't remember when it was. Or he didn't recognize it when it happened.

There was a morning he remembers. Waking up in the mansion after sleeping through the night with no dreams, no nightmares. Feeling rested but relaxed. Watching the dawn sunshine creep across the blanket, listening as the others got up and started going about their day before finally rousing himself and joining them. Maybe that's what it felt like. ]

You're still with me, no matter where I go.

[ He lifts Charles' hands and presses his lips to his knuckles. ]

[ his smile is slow but no less brilliant. ]

And you with me.

You'll be all right, Erik. Just . . . come back when you can.

[ Oh for fuck's sake. ]

I'm not. Ever. Coming back.

[ There were so many things he wanted to say to Mizuki and now he never will. Whatever they had is over, as easily and unexpectedly as it began. The bracelet on his wrist the only thing he has to reassure himself that it was real, and not some comforting fantasy he invented after finally breaking under the torture of solitary confinement.

He has so many things he wants to say to Charles. But what's the use? He can't get past the first point. Nothing else will mean anything, if he even hears it. He lets go of Charles' hands. ]

This is a waste of time.

[ Although, in a strange way, something of a comfort. Whatever final conversation he could have had with Mizuki would probably have been just as meaningless. ]

[ charles doesn't doubt erik's capacity to run. but he doubts erik's belief that he can keep running. at any rate, he takes no offense to it, folding his hands back on his lap peaceably. ]

Not at all. At least, for me, it was a much needed conversation.

[ he meant what he said. he can't chase after erik. ]

[ Maybe not. But he can stay somewhere. Settle someplace where he can build a life. Leave the ashes of his old life on Earth, let them mix with the others until even his memory is no longer a burden to those he once knew. ]

It's good you feel that way.

[ Erik will get over it. The only real closure is death, anyway. ]

[ it is very hard not to roll his eyes. he doesn't need to know the timbre of erik's thoughts to guess why they had this conversation to begin with. instead he neatly maneuvers away from that. ]

Do you know where you want to go?

No.

[ His heart is aching with things he wants to express but can't. Doesn't know what they are or how to start. He tries to answer the question with more than one word but it takes a moment to put it together. ]

Not here, and not Earth. There's many places, I don't know all of them. Somewhere I can just... live.

[ Not have to fight for his right to exist, not have to worry about being imprisoned or killed because of his faith, his sexuality, his powers. Just live. ]

There has to be somewhere it's possible.

Edited 2019-04-17 08:00 (UTC)

[ charles nods. it is difficult to know which place is safe, which one is kind. it's why he can't give up on their own just yet, even if a utopia may exist elsewhere. ]

Of course it is. And you'll find it.

[ It's a sad state when simply being left to live like anybody else without the threat of incarceration or summary execution counts as "utopia". But such is the fate of iconoclasts.

And it wouldn't be a real utopia without Charles, anyway. ]

I wonder if there's a world of only mutants. There's many with only humans. Surely the inverse has to exist.

I wouldn't know. That kind of science is more Hank's specialty than mine.

[ charles glances out the window, pensive. ]

I did see two futures. The one we had to avoid at all costs and . . . the school. If we can change the future, then I have no doubt that a world of mutants exist somewhere.

Yes, well. He left.

[ There is something that's been weighing on Erik ever since their latest misadventure. Something besides the obvious (Sorry, Raven.) ]

Do you think it worked? I don't expect Logan was able to tell you anything.

[ Because he's dead whoops. Not sorry, Logan. ]

[ charles rubs his chin. ]

I think it worked for now. It's always possible to backslide into that future.

[ He tries to resist the comment, but he's like a dog with a bone. ]

It'll be easier when I'm not there.

[ charles closes his eyes briefly at that because he doesn't want to react and say something foolish. ]

We don't know that, Erik.

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