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

Entry tags:

!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

People leave.

[It was, by far, the hardest truth Steve knew. He settled against the far wall, arms crossed over his chest and face serious. Talking about the island was going to be hard, very hard.]

You're likely to find people you think you know, but so far I haven't found that to be terribly accurate. I haven't seen anyone from my world who was also from my time. In fact, everyone's been from times farther along than mine. Peggy and Howard are from a couple of years after the crash, and everyone else was from farther along after I woke up. Especially you. Or the other you anyway. When you were most recently on Earth Thor, what year was it? Do you know?

[The other Thor had spoken of defeat and loss, but never any details! Would this one be the same, hedging his words and just dropping portentous hints like some infuriating during narrator in a book?]

[He doesn't want to get into his own loss... to the death that awaits Steve in his future and their own failures. His expression twists at the question.]

2017. [He doesn't have to give any more details than that, does he? He hopes, at least.]

And you, Steve? What year was it before you arrived here?

[Thor's expression said it all. He wasn't quite as far ahead as others had been, but apparently it was enough. What happened in those three missing years? How did the world fall apart? How did so many of their people die? Yes, Steve sometimes lamented the fact he didn't have a great many "normal" friends, but that flew in the face of something like the tragedies the other Thor had hinted at. They were the best of the best, and they were taken down like amatures? How? How was something like that possible?

Steve looked away, the stark statement from that sunny day coming back to the fore. Apparently his search would have been successful. He would have found Bucky in his world, and the man would have recovered enough to know him again, only to be cut down by a foe Steve had never heard of. Yet again his friend, his brother, would be stolen from him.]

Guess you're far enough then. It was 2014 or so. After . . . after the helicarriers crashed and I started to look for Bucky. You're like him, aren't you? The other Thor? You know something. Whatever it is that happens has already passed for you, hasn't it?

[He slid to the floor, knees pulled close to his chest, head tipped back toward the ceiling and eyes closed. Steve lifted a hand wearily, silently stopping any explanations.]

Please, don't tell me, not tonight. I can't . . . Not tonight. Let's both pretend our cobbled-together family is still fine. What . . . What else do you wanna know?

It has.

[He watches Steve settle on the floor before he moves to sit at his side, legs stretched out in front of him, propping himself up on a hand.]

We won't talk about it. [He doesn't want to. He doesn't want to share that grief, that rage... it keeps him going, maybe, but he'd rather Steve not have to suffer it yet.]

... I'm not certain. What do you think I should know, Captain?

[He hadn't expected Thor to settle next to him, but Steve took advantage of it anyway. He let himself slump against Thor's side, head resting on the man's shoulder. It wasn't often there was someone big enough to handle even a fraction of his weight, but Thor could handle it all. Steve heaved a sigh, closing his eyes as he let the heat of another body offer a little comfort.]

It hurts, living here. Unless you can turn off your emotions, you get attached. Sometimes people just vanish, people who didn't seem to want to. Sometimes people get punished for things that they didn't do. Sometimes gods die. And sometimes people you don't expect end up in bed together. That probably covers a lot.

[He couldn't leave a friend like this. He doesn't mind the contact anyway, someone close that he trusts. He shifts subtly, lifting an arm to slide around his shoulders.]

It sounds like you've seen a lot... I've heard of some of the horrors of this place. [He's curious about the gods dying bit, but for now--]

Is there anything you want to talk about?

[Steve snuggled in when Thor's arm came around his shoulders, taking the comfort offered without question. He sighed and reached up, curling his fingers around Thor's wrist where it rested against him, making the connection complete.]

I saw more back home, but it's still the same. It gets to you, after a while. And . . . and losing people is always hard. But this is about you Thor. I can bitch and moan any day. What do you need? What can I help you with? Really, this is nice, sitting here, but it's not helping the rage and the pain I can feel in you. What do you need Thor? I'll help if I can. It's . . . it's good to have you here.

[This isn't quite a position he expected to be in... possibly ever. The way Steve curls into him, holds on to him. He turns his head to rest it against Steve's with a sigh.]

I'm not certain anything can help that, not at the moment. [He lost his home, his family, his people-- and then he had to watch Thanos win in the end. He can't-- won't share that burden.]

We can find ways to comfort each other, I'm certain of it. You're hurting, Captain, and if I can help... I would like to.

[Steve gave a faint, humorless chuckle but leaned a little more of his weight against Thor anyway. Of course the man wouldn't want to talk about his problems, and if that wasn't innuendo, Steve had definitely been on the island roo long. But he understood Thor's reluctance to rehash whatever tragedies he was hiding. He didn't talk about his own pain easily or willingly as a rule. Most soldiers didn't, even among themselves.

He tightened his fingers on Thor's wrist briefly, a silent show of understanding.]

Yeah, we could probably comfort each other, or at least distract one another, but you really gotta call me Steve, Thor. I keep the Captain stuff quiet when I can. Most people here don't know that guy and I sorta like being just a nobody for a change. Tell you what. You can bunk with me tonight, I'll take the floor, and tomorrow we'll take a trek through some of the outer jungle. I can point out hazards easier in the daylight, then if you still insist on night hunting, you'll have a chance of coming back alive. Fair?

[There was no way in hell Steve was going to turn what they were currently sharing into something sexual, not unless Thor made it clear that was what he wanted. Not when he'd recently slept with Loki, and not when they still barely knew each other. It was weird as hell to think about sleeping with people from back home, and he didn't think Thor was the type who slept with many men anyway, or let himself be taken. The idea of Thor bending him over just wasn't that appealing; they'd end up fighting over that for sure. Hands and mouths though . . . well. It was a possibility.

If.]

Steve. [He repeats softly. There's a bit of a smile at the offer though. It was a kind one -- one that he'd have expected from him. He shifts back to meet Steve's eyes after a moment.][It seems improper to put him on the floor in his own room, and Thor is fine with sharing with the other.]

Unless you worry about the implications. [There's no use in pretending they're not in this world for a reason at this point. Thor has no qualms about indulging in it either, to do his part and for the pleasure of it.

But he has no idea who Steve prefers, or what he might want. He wouldn't push.]

Better.

[He looked up and met Thor's eyes with a slight smile, his thumb moving absently over the inside of the man's wrist. Steve had learned a lot from Lucas, and other people but mostly Lucas, and most of it was all about sex. Things like flirting.]

Implications about what? Sharing a bed? I doubt it'll tarnish my reputation to have you leaving the room in the morning, though I dunno if other people would think less of you for it. But I'm not gonna assume that you wanna share my bed Thor. That's unkind to say the least. I will admit someone here's had a very bad influence on me and that I'm a lot more . . . relaxed about who I sleep with these days. If that's what you were trying to get at. Was it Thor? Are you angling to share my bed, not just borrow it?

[It didn't seem like the close contact had bothered the man, but Steve was prepared for Thor to pull away at the flirting all the same. Some people didn't mind it, some did. Some thoroughly enjoyed it and flirted back. Steve was willing enough to do whatever Thor felt comfortable with, it was just nice to find out as soon as possible if it would be an issue.]

Why would anyone think less of me? [Steve seems to be reluctant to give himself much credit at all... He's a strong man. A brave and kind one. He's a fine bed partner, even if Thor has always tended to follow the company of women more often.

He lets out a sigh at the brush of a thumb over his wrist, tipping his head in a bit further, lips curling up in amusement.]

I would never say no to sharing your bed in any sense of the word, Steve. I can't think of many who would... They would have to be mad.

[Steve chuckled and leaned in a bit more, making their faces barely an inch apart.]

It's called flirting Thor. And just because I have a pretty face doesn't mean I'm a good bedmate, trust me. I was terrible when I got here, still a virgin actually. Can you imagine? A virgin in a place like this? God bless the people who took pity on me.

[He had plenty of reasons not to like the reflection in his mirror, but at the moment, Steve wasn't thinking about any of them. He was just teasing. He wanted to put Thor at ease, make the man feel safe and not so alone. If that also included some sexual playing, it was hardly a chore. He'd come a long way, no doubt, and he leaned in a little closer, tipping his head. Just right for a kiss if Thor happened to be so inclined.]

Can't say that about myself anymore though. Had some really wonderful people help me out with that. Kind souls who didn't mind teaching a hesitant student.

And was I not being flirtatious enough back? [He teases, tipping his head in to press their foreheads together.]

It must have been overwhelming, however. [And it's a bit unbelievable that Steve had never been with another -- though he may be a bit too used to Asgardian ways than mortal.

As it is, he tips his head in at that invitation to press a kiss to Steve's lips properly. It isn't forceful or demanding. He wouldn't force that, not when Steve has told him he doesn't have that much experience.]

Well-- I would hardly be opposed to helping you gain more experience.

Maybe. It just sounded like truth to me.

[His eyes sparkled with the teasing and he kissed the man back, matching the gentle pressure. He snorted and turned his lips to investigating that beard of Thor's, something he really wasn't used to. It was scratchy as hell, but sort of fun too.]

Not sure what new experiences you could give me, aside from the fact that everything with you personally would be new, but since you're here . . . I don't mind being a distraction Thor, not for a friend. I think we can make the night pass quickly enough, hmm?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject