TDM #17

[duplicitymods]

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

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It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. Yet, solace is found in the lies we tell each other, comforted by the peace of knowing that we're not alone in our depravity, and once on this path, sin itself becomes the lesser of two evils masked in a cloud of normalcy. This is how Duplicity has functioned since the beginning. The divide of power and social standing is overt in that Dominants influence the decisions made both publicly and privately while Submissives cater to the rules presented to them. It is the way of Duplicity to assign random designations at birth with no leeway in altering what has been given. Climate in the Up is far stricter than that of the Down; violating outlined personas for a Dominant or Submissive while in full view of others is punished by degree of infraction. In the Down, many tend to turn a blind eye to these sorts of offenses. To counteract the discovery of the Deceit Gene – a natural "negative" response to all stimuli – the L.I.E.S. program was founded. The program had been designed to introduce new subjects to the current environment and test for the Deceit Gene through immersion in Duplicity's standing society. Sexual impulses and encounters increase the chances of detecting the gene within these individuals. Participants are typically released from L.I.E.S. after a year; however, results have remained unsatisfactory and testing still continues. ... and you're here! Finally! Welcome to Duplicity. After choosing a door and stepping through to the other side, the first thing that greets you are the enthusiastic faces of people in medical scrubs and pristine lab coats. Their enthusiasm translates to eagerness as they strip you of your clothes to perform a thorough examination—you will be healed, bathed, and given a clear plastic top and pants along with clear plastic boots to wear until your items can be processed and delivered to your residence later in the evening. You are also given a device that accesses the network as well as the time and location of orientation. If you enter Duplicity into the Up, congratulations! You're a Dominant, which means you are immediately picked up by a limo after processing and taken to your high rise. Here, it is two Dominants per floor with separate apartments. If you enter Duplicity into the Down, congratulations! You're a Submissive, which means you are directed towards public transportation with the address of the motel you'll be living in. Here, it is two Submissives per room with a shared common space for all rooms. Enjoy your free time until orientation! Participation is mandatory by all new and old arrivals. The weather is rather wet and rainy. Very, very rainy.

» » » ALL ABOARD

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It's time for the monthly Duplicity train tour. Seats are in pairs and randomly assigned to Dominants and Submissives alike. Traveling from Fiddler's Square, the train journeys through various parts of the Up, showcasing society and examples of lifestyle. Along the way, frequent stops are made; a variety of passengers can be seen exiting and entering the doors. A Dominant with a kneeling Submissive takes a seat near the front of the train at one stop. A small group of Submissives board and sit closer to the LIERS at another, all seemingly content in their roles. As the tour continues through the Up, the train passes close to the Market and White Wall Bridge and zips by North Park before heading into the Down and bypassing Red Wall Bridge and South Park. The train makes a "final" stop at Riddler's Square, where inhabitants of the Down are instructed to return to their temporary housing. Those who live in the Up are permitted to stay on the train and revisit the same locations while returning.

« « « RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

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(cw: aphro, dub-con, violence, marking) Ice and chilly weather have begun to give way to rain instead, with overcast skies and dark clouds a seemingly constant sight. While the overabundance of rain is an annoyance and comes with the usual series of problems, such as leaky ceilings, mold growth, and gutters or storm drains overflowing, this time the rain carries with it another problem altogether. A weather advisory warning is broadcast to every device, as well as on news networks and radio. The rain, at least for a few days, is not ordinary rain. Whether you're in the Up or the Down, when the water hits clothing it eats away at it. The more water it absorbs, the more the material disintegrates until the wearer is left naked. When the rain comes in contact with skin (or is ingested) the effects seem to differ depending on where you are in Duplicity. In the Up, it's relatively harmless and merely has an aphrodisiac effect, leaving individuals feeling hot and bothered, more sociable and touchy feely. Those in the Down, however, are not so lucky. As the rain seeps through the soil from the Up, it ends up laced with toxins, causing a range of less pleasant side effects for anyone unfortunate enough to come into contact with it. Aside from the aphrodisiac, those who get caught in the rain may develop an uncomfortable, itchy rash, leaving them looking rather spotty for a few days. Those who can't resist scratching at themselves will find a newfound pleasure to the relief it brings and start to crave the feeling or sight of similar marks. In worst case scenarios, individuals will become addicted to marking themselves and others, perhaps even to the point of breaking skin. Effects may last for several hours after exposure and will stack with repeated exposures. In all cases, getting off will bring temporary relief but will not alleviate the symptoms entirely. Plastic coverings seem to be unaffected by the rain and, as word spreads, the Natives in Duplicity form a mad rush buying up umbrellas. Unless a character is lucky, they may find themselves unable to purchase - or even borrow - one. Theft of umbrellas becomes widespread in the Down, often escalating to violence, and even the Up isn't safe from thugs trying to steal and resell this suddenly hot commodity. There's another side to all of this, however. Due to the shortage of umbrellas, it isn't uncommon to see Dom/Sub pairs sharing umbrellas together. If anything, it's encouraged as a means to strengthen their bond. Enterprising Subs and Doms alike may even sell their "services" to escort individuals who would otherwise end up soaked.

« « « SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME

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(cw: substance abuse, altered states, coercion, fluids, physical body changes) A new "holistic" pharma company named SQuIRT is opening up in Duplicity and is paying a pretty penny for people to trial run their new line of supplements. These supplements are supposed to increase a person's vitality and energy levels, but the side effects are what the company is really looking out for. Some of the side effects aren't so bad and could include: Prolonged erections Lactation in both men and women Size enlargement of breasts or genitals Copious amounts of ejaculate or sexual fluids Sudden interest in previously unexplored kinks While others might find their own reaction to be a little more severe: Shrinkage of breasts, genitals, or entire being Inability to cum Uncontrollable hair growth or hair loss Temporary loss of one or more senses Spontaneous weeping Subjects must take the supplements for at least a week, otherwise they'll receive no compensation for their troubles. All new arrivals will find themselves automatically enrolled in these trials, whether they want to be or not, and expected to report to the clinic. Of course they don't have to take the supplements, but the payout is certainly enticing, especially for those unfortunate enough to be branded Submissives.

« « « STICKY FINGERS

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(cw: violence) Crime runs rampant in the Down as always but now, with the nastier side effects of the rain creating an ongoing problem, some unsavory types are sneaking their way into the Up where the effects aren't so hazardous. The result is an uptick in crime in places that are usually considered safe. Be careful how you carry yourself - and your valuables. Those who look like easy pickings may find their pockets empty. Cameras in public areas are being vandalized as well, while homes and businesses are seeing a rise in graffiti. Most of the graffiti is merely obscene, but some is outright seditious. Good luck explaining the latter to the authorities if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the smaller gangs that has a presence in the Down is taking particular advantage of the rain's disruption to expand their territory into the Up. Known as the Bulldogs, their members are young men and they have a reputation for violent muggings and assaults - mainly targeting Submissives. They loiter in groups near the train and the elevator between the Up and the Down to ambush the alone and unwary. At night, they also prey on those walking home from bars or clubs who may not fully have their wits about them. In addition to beating up their victims for money, some of the Bulldogs are engaging in an informal competition over who can steal the most umbrellas - with bonus points awarded for whatever else they feel like. LIERs are worth double points by default, so watch out!

« « « MOD & OOC NOTES

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Please read carefully. On each Test Drive Meme, there will be a section noting character roles; these will vary each TDM. On an IC level, characters will still have gone through the doors but assignments OOCly are still randomized. When applying, there is a section of the application that denotes whether the character chooses "left" or "right". When participating on the TDM, there will be a third option. Players may link either a top level or a thread (five or more comments from their character) from the TDM and title the link as "Door Pass". This means that the player is choosing to take the designation that they were randomly assigned on the TDM, rather than taking the designation of a door. If the player decides to select a door rather than use the pass, then they are trying their luck; they may get the same designation they had on the TDM or the opposite. Once the application is submitted, players can't change their choice. To assign roles to characters for this TDM, use the following guide: Players can choose whether to assign their character as a Dominant or Submissive on this TDM for the Door Pass for March Applications only. For May's Application round, threads started here may be used as samples however they will not be eligible for a Door Pass in May. Characters will need to use a thread from May's TDM, using those Door Pass rules, for an application after the March round. To Note: Characters can only swap their designation for one of the following reasons: an event occurs that allows it or there are OOC reasons that make it a necessity. Any swap always requires mod approval and each character can only ever switch once. Characters that are being reapped will keep their previous designation but players can choose to use new TDMs with different designations for fun! THERE WILL BE NO APPLICATION ROUND IN APRIL Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have a good time!!

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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

James T. Kirk | Star Trek (AOS) | Dominant

[wherenoman]

01. All Aboard

Jim has to admit that this is not exactly the kind of bright world that most people would be excited about. He's not excited about it either, taking in the sight on the train with a certain wide-eyedness in his look that betrays his newness to the city.

And then there's the sub, this one not accompanied by a Dominant that he can see, or that he cares enough to check. He taps the seat next to him as he makes eye contact, smile lifting up the corner of his lips. "You can sit here. I promise I won't bite."

02. Rain Rain Go Away

Jim can admit now that he picked a poor time to check out the Down, to see the other part of the city. Heading underground to get away from the rain had seemed like a good idea. He's now faced with yet another time he acted without thinking about it, and he just saw a person get mugged for their umbrella.

He ducks into a bar, noticing his clothing isn't quite as...there as it had originally been. He sticks a guileless smile on his face and offers it to whoever he sees.

"I'm going to assume this place doesn't have a dress code."

03. Sticky Fingers

In the Bulldog's favor is the fact that Jim is drunk, and alone not just on his walk home but alone on the city. In Jim's favor is the fact that he's been itching for a fight at least since he stepped into the city, and he's coming out swinging.

"That all you got?" He takes a swing at one of the gang members.

[ I'm alright with some light fourth walling if your character would know of Kirk. Hit me up at snowishness if you want to sort out other thread options. ]

All Aboard

[longsight]

Trains existed back in Mey-Rin's world, but this was all so... different. Her first experience on this particular train had been awful; glasses missing thanks to that awful full body examination accompanied by the uncomfortable clear fabric coat and pants against her naked body just made the entire experience even worse than it had a right to be.

Now though, full maid uniform on underneath her provided plastic raincoat she felt a bit more comfortable. She can't see Jim too clearly even with her glasses, but he is more than visible enough. The red-headed maid gives a slight bow before she moves to sit beside him, hands smoothing the crinkly, plastic fabric under her bottom as she settles.

"Thank you, sir... I hope it won't be too much of a bother."

[wherenoman]

Jim can see her well enough, has almost immediately come to the determination that she's cute. He'd probably think that even if she weren't dressed like she is, but it definitely doesn't hurt.

"I'm sure you couldn't be a bother, not to me." He considers the seats for a moment, the view passing out the train window, the things he's supposed to pay attention to. Jim's never been good at following instructions.

"You're more interesting than the rest of this ride anyway. You new to all this," at this he gestures, "too, or am I the only one left gawking?"

[longsight]

The confirmation that he's newer here too certainly helps her relax. The faint line of a Submissive barely visible on her neck thanks to her high collar. While normally she was relatively nervous with new people, she was grateful to have had some etiquette training as well as something in common with this gentleman.

Even if that something is just being equally confused about everything.

"I'm new here too!" Though her enthusiasm is immediately curved as she tucks a strand of maroon hair behind an ear before resting her hands on her lap. "I just got here yesterday... so I thought I'd take up the tour to try and get my bearings."

Though truthfully... the train actually made it difficult for her to see anything. With her glasses on she couldn't see outside, but with them off she couldn't see the people around her. A struggle.

2.

[old_man]

Mold. She'd been thinking about it a few days ago, and low and behold, here comes the mold. It is one of the many downsides to living in the Down, although Jadzia is stubborn enough to remain in her apartment for the time being. She had contracted, even if the whole aspect of it didn't settle the best with her. Thankfully Suzy was easy going and easy to get along with, nor did she have demands, allowing Jadzia 'permission' to do what she would otherwise be unable to.

Said mold is one of the reasons why she had ventured out, as at least a bar offers some distraction. A fair bit, actually, as she's gotten herself a fairly good spot. Her outer layer was a bit spotty as well, drapped over the back of her chair, although thankfully the rest of her clothing had, more or less, remained intact. She does still look a little water-logged, but she's nursing a whiskey, when his voice catches her attention. Jadzia can't say that she recognizes him at the moment, although perhaps in time, it may click in. "Maybe a lack of dress code, which... You seem to be adhering to rather well."

It's a smirk and an arch of one eyebrow, that bright mirth despite the overcast sky outside. The line down her throat marks her as a Submissive, although the spots that trail down either side of her face have nothing at all to do with this place.

[wherenoman]

Jim can definitely get used to the way that this place treats casual sex, even if pretty much the rest of it leaves a lot to be desired. Like the fact that some of that sex is mandatory, or the designations, or the fact that he's trapped on this planet, no rescue in sight.

He's not annoyed about being naked, shooting the woman a smile that's more personalized to her than his original one.

"What can I say, I look good in a uniform - or out of one." And since he's started this, "Can I buy you a drink?"

[old_man]

"Can you buy me a drink?" Her eyes give a little flicker up and down, as if to ask where exactly is he hiding his proverbial wallet. It's merriment that dances through those daring blue eyes as she turns a little, focus shifting on him, although she's good. Or fairly good. She may steal another glance or two. "But you can."

All Aboard

[unfriendlygreen]

Ragnor is taking the train tour on his own since his Magnus is a graduate and he no longer has to endure this nonsense. He sighs deeply, knowing full well ignoring a Dominant's request would reflect poorly on him.

"Unless invited?"

He asks as he sits down. At least the Dominant is an adult and doesn't seem to be too upset by the situation, nor particularly surprised by seeing a six feet tall green man with horns, so that, at least, bodes well.

[wherenoman]

"And here we've only just met." Jim flirts like he breathes and that's the general tone of the comment, easy teasing that doesn't ask for anything more back. He is paying more attention to his surroundings than the man who joined him, though he makes eye contact while he talks.

"I'd want to at least exchange names first. I'm Jim."

[unfriendlygreen]

"Ragnor, a pleasure."

He holds out a hand, there's an extra joint in each of his fingers, which makes it look claw-like. Ragnor's not self-conscious about it, but he's used to people being a little surprised by it.

"New arrival to hell city, Jim?"

03. Sticky Fingers

[wolfehawke]

Another thing Jim has in his favor is a tall, snowy haired mage with gravity magic who recognizes him and is ready to go to the mat without hesitation, especially considering a submissive acting in defense of a dominant can perfectly legally, say, lift a group of three thugs from the sidewalk and watch them float in midair for a moment before crashing back to the pavement in a heap.

He strides up, completely unfazed and sipping on some kind of smoothie while the Bulldogs try and scramble back to their feet.

"Well well. Can't have been here long and you're already making trouble?" He tsks and shakes his head, then offers a grin. "Care for some backup?"

[wherenoman]

Whatever his offered backup is doing is very impressive, because Jim can follow well enough what is happening, but not how. He'll have to ask about it when they get out of here. Along with how the man knows he wasn't here long.

"I can let you tag along. Especially if you have more moves like that." For his part, Jim is relying on his knuckles but he's not shy with them, hitting one of the Bulldogs who's made it back to his feet.

[wolfehawke]

"How very gracious of you," Hawke says mildly, watching the Bulldog get punched and go sailing several feet back. Another one approaches, swinging wildly, and Hawke puts out a hand, seemingly doing nothing more than that. Yet a moment later there's a change in air pressure and the second Bulldog goes tumbling backwards into his friend, topping over him so neither is able to get back up just yet.

He sucks the last of his drink through the straw noisily, as if none of this really concerns him and he's just here to watch rather than participate. "We can do this all afternoon, if you'd like. You'll run out of steam far before I run out of magic or Jim runs out of fists."

[patientman]

Bashir is mostly in his own, little world as he steps onto the train, but when he hears that voice, his gaze snaps up. A little different, but when you've traveled back in time and heard Captain James T Kirk, it's not a voice you forget.

The submissive in question looks at Jim and politely declines as as Bashir walks over and looks the man over. "...Captain?"

[wherenoman]

"Okay," Jim says, because it's the first thing he can think of, and because he doesn't know the person who's come up to him, and he's just started to adjust to the idea that no one he knows is in the city.

It takes him a moment, and then he realizes his response wasn't very appropriate. He does nod at the seat he'd previously offered. "I mean, yes. Has my reputation caught up to me?"

[patientman]

"Not exactly. It's a time travel issue." Bashir shrugs and looks almost sheepish about it. The whole thing is more than a little surreal, so he supposes that he might as well be up front about it. "I'm with Starfleet Medical, but from further along. I've been in some previous temporal nonsense and that's how I recognized you."

All Aboard

[defrosted]

[Snow White was, well. red hot. bad enough that they put that line down her throat, marking her as submissive of all things but they hadn't even given her her clothes. or any real answers about what she was doing here, how they'd brought her here from the Farm, or, oh, one more little thing.

where were her cubs?!

but all of that had been brushed aside by a particularly annoying official (even worse than Beauty) with a particularly bright smile.

so when Jim meets her eyes with a smile and an offer to sit, she stands stock-still for a moment, not knowing what to make of kindness. but she finally finds her voice (and her manners), smiling as graciously as she can]

Neither will I. I will gladly take that seat. [she sits down neatly crossing her legs at the ankle and after a moment, turns towards him and offers her hand for a shake] I'm Snow White. Who might you be?

[wherenoman]

[ He gives her his best smile, all shallow appreciation, but he's noticed a few things at least. He takes her hand, shakes it briefly. ]

James T. Kirk. But you can definitely just call me Jim, if you want.

[ He'd like her to want that, and he's got soft sympathy in his eyes, easily enough ignored if she's not interested in it. ]

You want to trade seats, get further back?

[defrosted]

[well, no one can say he isn't charming. but she knows a thing or two about particularly charming men, being ex-wife number one of a certain Prince. and when he takes her hand, hers is stronger than one would think, more practiced, as though she'd spent hundreds of years doing so]

All right, Jim, then feel free to just call me Snow.

[she's still a little wary, but his eyes seem kind. she's nowhere near accustomed to kind]

I think I'd like that. In this [she gestures to the paper robe] I feel, well. Underdressed would be putting it mildly.

03. Sticky Fingers

[permanentlyexhaustedbird]

Tim pulls the hood of his poncho further down as he ducks into the alley after the group of Bulldogs that hopes to accost a newcomer but stops when he sees the man take a swing at one of the men.

He's at least a fighter but his moves are sloppy so Tim moves forward to join the fight, his bo-staff snapping out to its full length.

"What they've got is the number advantage but perhaps I can help you in that regard," Tim announces himself before one of the gang members takes the staff across the nose.

[wherenoman]

"Numbers are far from everything," Jim says, and he's smiling as the other man joins the fight. He's smiling, enjoying himself. This is something he understands. "It's about spirit."

Maybe the gang has taken account more of Tim's moves than what Jim is doing, but they're not immediately backing off either. Jim is still throwing punches, getting some back but he's not slowing down any.

o2.

[toplieutenant]

[ it's still an hour before they open but the door is open, so when the door opens, qi'ra turns to look.

crimson is empty except for the one security guard that is constantly there and he lifts an eyebrow at qi'ra while she in turn lifts one at the new arrival. there's no mark down his throat, which means that he's not a submissive and qi'ra can't help but give him a strong look up and down.

his question, however, draws more amusement than she'd normally admit to. ]

A code? Not normally, but clothes are usually a plus. [ there's another look, this time more admiring. ] I'd be willing to make an exception in your case.

[wherenoman]

I seem to have misplaced mine.

[ He meets her look with a smile, a brash confidence that's thoroughly intact. He could hardly avoid noticing her back, or from flirting even if he has heard a passing warning that dominants aren't supposed to associate like that. ]

Local customs always take a bit to adjust to. I'll remember that for next time.

All Aboard

[kungfuwitch]

Phoebe's fingers gently touch her new mark as she looks around the train with a slight frown. She doesn't like this one bit. She's supposed to be a submissive, but she certainly doesn't feel like it.

Still debating where to sit, she meets the stranger's gaze and he smiles. Oh... Well... Maybe it's not all bad. She returns that smile and moves to sit. "Thank you. I'm sorry, I'm still a little overwhelmed by all of this."

[wherenoman]

"I've traveled the galaxy and I'd still call this pretty overwhelming." Traveled the galaxy is a bit of an exaggeration, but it's also not a lie. Jim figures that if he can get her to focus on something other than the power disparity, that might be a little easier.

He sticks out his hand. "Jim. I'm new too, so we're both settling in."