duplicitymemes | TDM #17

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«tdm

TDM #17

« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »

« « « ALL ON DISPLAY

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

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

(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

(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

(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

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!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Back home? Don't hold it against me, okay?

[ Most people do, and he understands why. ]

I was an undercover cop working enforcement for Seattle's biggest crime lord. I did some time when I was younger and realized the system was broken. The people who really deserved to be put away -- the ones who hurt people -- they weren't who wound up inside. So I joined up. Tried to make a difference.

[ A cop, working undercover. Spent some time in lockup himself, and then wanted to do better. Sharkface tightens his jaw. The shape of the story is familiar even if the details aren't. Wanting to do the right thing.

Breathe. He forces his hands to unclench. ]

Did it? Make a difference?

[ The question is really how much difference he made. Drake shrugs slightly, offering his own opinion. He didn't get Stacey Boss. He didn't solve the problem of world peace. But he did something, maybe did a lot, and that's enough for him to be at peace with himself. ]

I think so. Maybe not in the grander scale, since I didn't take down the guy I was going for, but I did save a lot of lives. It made a difference to them.

[ No grand victory then. Sharkface mulls that over in his mind, watching Drake carefully. But it saved lives. Maybe that's enough in a different world, for someone else. ]

Okay.

[ He tips his head to the side, watching Drake closely. He thins his mouth, then breathes out slow. Fuck, he wants a cigarette. ]

You haven't stabbed me yet. I can work with that.

[ The rain is actually getting heavier, Drake's pretty sure. Or maybe the wind's just blowing harder. He presses himself against the wall and huffs a soft laugh. ]

You need to raise the bar a little, there.

I really don't.

[ Life goes easier when he goes in expecting everyone he meets to betray him. Keeps it simple. ]

But surviving this place will be easier with allies.

Expect the worst and you'll never be off guard, huh?

[ Drake knows he doesn't dare to hope for the best anymore. Allies, then. It's a start. ]

On a scale of one to ten, how much did you hate what they told us in orientation?

[ Sharkface makes a vague sound of agreement. People always turn in the end. Only his family ever stood with him unconditionally. He'll never have that again. Best not to pretend otherwise. ]

It's bullshit.

[ His voice goes tight for a moment; a flash of sharp, brutal anger. He touches the line at his throat, tapping his nails on it. Earlier, he tried messing up the mark. Covering it, trying to get it off somehow. Nothing took. ]

Scale of I will murder someone.

[ So. That's where they're at. ]

That's at least a 14, I'd say.

[ Drake doesn't sound bothered by the not-so-subtle threat. ]

How are you planning to get by, then?

[ And then Drake just takes it in stride. Like this is - not normal, exactly, but something they have to survive. Something that won't be helped by anger.

Sharkface twitches. It reminds him of Hunter, before Hunter lost his mind. It hurts more than he expected. ]

Make a deal with some fucker I can beat the shit out of.

[ An arrangement. A compromise. He's done that before. ]

[ Well that sounds less than ideal... in a way it's smart. Just dangerous, for lots of reasons. ]

Be careful. It sounds like once you contract you're at a disadvantage.

Wouldn't be the first time.

[ He was at a disadvantage with Locus and Felix, too, but they gave him armor and that was enough. All he has to do is pick someone he can beat the shit out of and who won't get any ideas about their arrangement. Draw those lines nice and sharp, define them with violence as needed, and they're golden. It's all about surviving in the end. And he's got shit to do. ]

What about you, huh?

From what I understand, you have to provide for your subs. And spend a lot of time with them outside of the requirements... so it'd be nice if it was somebody I actually liked.

[ He tilts his head. ]

Figure I should get a job first. Make sure I'm in a good position for a contract. Until then, I'm not sure.

[ There's probably a complaint box somewhere. Sharkface curls his lip at the thought. All he needs is a place to sleep, ground he can defend, and a plan to get out of this shithole. He has work to do, a mission to complete, and he can't do that here, now can he? And now he has to get some fucker to sign a contract with him.

So, that's a problem. He drags his nails along the line on his throat, hating it. More than anything, he wants his armor back. His guns would be great too, but he'd settle for his goddamn armor. At least then, he'd have some semblance of control. ]

Smart to play along, for now.

[ Drake hums softly, watching Sharkface touch the line on his throat. ]

Might be harder for me. I've mostly met other doms so far.

[ That doesn't even touch on the rest, the part where he has to actually go off and fuck people because apparently that's how this shit works around here. Goddamn quotas. Sharkface twitches at the thought. He'll probably be giving out a lot of hand jobs and hoping those count. Fuck his life.

He eyes Drake up and down. The man's built strong, carries himself well. And, distantly, Sharkface knows Drake's handsome. Got one of those faces. The sincerity bleeds true.

He clicks his teeth. ]

You can't find anybody, then.

[ He twitches again, hating himself for offering. ]

Then, we can talk.

[ The corner of Drake's mouth twitches up, not quite a full smile but definitely a pleased expression. He wasn't going to suggest it, mostly out of self-preservation... both physical and emotional. He doesn't know how having an arrangement with the person who's supposed to be closest to him across multiple worlds would play out. But the offer is promising. And it's an option. ]

I do meet your requirement.

[ Sharkface eyes Drake. They were friends in that other world, supposedly. Drake knows things he shouldn't, thinks no one else knows or at least that Sharkface doesn't remember telling anyone. And that doesn't equal trust - not by a long shot - but it's something. It could edge onto familiarity, in time, and that's worth something.

It's best to think of this as a prison. They're trapped here. There's no way out just yet.

Sharkface takes a sharp breath, then lets it out. ]

Fuck with me and I'll mess you up. Stay on the level, and we'll be just fine.

[ It's said flatly. He doesn't do idle threats. ]

[ Drake meets Sharkface's good eye, his expression easing back to neutral-serious. ]

I'm not going to fuck with you. I know saying that doesn't mean much right now, but you'll see. It's not my style, anyway.

[ The wind changes again and Drake shivers, damp and cold. He looks up at the sky, full of dark angry clouds, and sighs. ]

I don't think it's going to let up. Maybe we should make a run for it.

[ Sharkface just thins his mouth. Whether it's true or not - or if Drake believes it's true or not - really doesn't matter. This is where they find themselves now. ]

Might as well.

[ He eyes Drake. ]

You got somewhere to go?

No, I'd have to make it back to the train station.

[ He's just got to figure out where it is, from here. Or find somewhere to get an umbrella but they seem to be in short supply. ]

[ That leaves them both in a similar position. Sharkface thins his mouth, scanning the area. Be easier if they had an umbrella. He doesn't trust these plastic clothes to hold out against whatever the fuck's in the rainwater.

He huffs out a sharp breath, then pulls out the map he got in orientation. That, at least, was useful. He holds it out to Drake. ]

Think we're here.

[ He points. ]

Need to get....here.

[ He's not pointing to the train station, but Drake finds it on the map easily enough. It's farther than the spot being indicated. Is Sharkface inviting him over?

Well, he's not going to complain about that. ]

Looks like... if we go down this street to Elm and hang a left it's almost a straight shot.

[ Sharkface nods slowly. Be better if they had armor or, really, any sort of protection other than flimsy plastic, but this is where they find themselves. This is the reality. They'll survive it or they won't. ]

Whatever's in the rain probably won't kill us.

[ Probably being the operative word there. ]

Move fast.

I'll keep up.

[ Without further discussion he bolts, darting between the people in the streets towards their destination. The rain seems to bounce harmlessly off the clear plastic top but he can feel it wearing away at the front of his jeans... oh well. They'll be "distressed" after this. Or "weathered." Hah.

He makes it to the corner Sharkface indicated without completely losing his pants, anyway, and ducks under a building awning waiting for him to indicate exactly where they're going. He's wet but not completely soaked, and rakes his hair back from his face. Right now he's not assuming that his flush is from the effects of the rain -- they did just run a ways. ]

This it?

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