duplicitymemes | TDM #17

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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

"Oh. No. It's not quite- there is food." Not that it's good, exactly, but they do get food and shelter. It isn't always the best, although she does try to look at the brighter side. It isn't a cell with bars, and it could be a lot worse. On the opposite side, it could also be far better. "It's a little questionable at times."

That's... marginally better? Yes, it is marginally better, not good, but at least they're not starving them to force them into compliance as fast as possible. "Well, I'll give you all the ways you can contact me and if you need anything, I'll do what I can."

It's the least he can do. Aside from help her up as they pull into the station.

Padmé has learned to pick her battles, and so far, this isn't a battle that she's willing to take on. She has been trying to learn the lay of the land, to fully understand the culture, customs and beliefs. Some aspects may be familiar, but the general set-up is vastly different.

"Thank you." Moving towards the door. "Thankfully most of the people here are helpful to each other."

Luke's learned to pick his battles a lot more wisely. Diving headfirst into active and overt rebellion is a really good way of getting killed, betrayed and strung up as an example.

"I'm glad. I think those of us who have the privilege and power owe it to others to help them. Protect them when they need it, provide when they're denied the chance to provide for themselves." He helps to usher her off the train, finding himself making the comparison with Leia and concluding. "You're taller than Leia."

"It is a good sentiment, and we are lucky that many share it." Such events either work to band people together, or work to tear them apart- and have them tear each other apart. It's not that it's all pleasantries, but the overall effect has been one of mutual aide.

There's a soft amused noise as she glances over to him again as she steps off onto the platform. "Hopefully not by too much... Although you look similar in height to Obi-Wan." Which yes, is a little shorter than Anakin.

Luke hesitates and then lifts his hand to indicate just how short his sister is when standing with him. "She's pretty small. And I'm not as tall as Ben. I know that for a fact." Even as he got older and lost some height, he still stood taller than Luke.

"Han's tall as well. It's easy to forget seeing him next to Chewie all the time, but he really is."

Padmé gives a little arch of her eyebrows. While height doesn’t mean anything, she truly does take after Padmé more than Anakin. A part of her assumed that any children would average taller than she.

She hums, contemplative and a little teasing. “It is a benefit sometimes. People tend to overlook you, especially when you are in the company of giants.”

And instead, both of them are definitely shorter than average.

He ducks his head and smiles. "Yeah, I've noticed that. They don't see you as a serious threat when you're smaller than them." They usually didn't get a chance to learn how wrong they were.

"Can I get you anything before we get back? Drink, food?"

"Not usually, and not until it is too late." More than a few had underestimated her. Too young. Too pretty. Too new. They had thought that she might be bought or would be weak, breaking before them, but that wasn't Padmé.

"I wouldn't say no to a light snack, if we pass something."

He gives her to innocent farm boy look that so many people fell for. Big blue eyes, butter wouldn't melt my mouth, how could this young, small man be that dangerous?

He definitely gets it from Padmé.

"If you see something likely, sing out and I'll get some." He's still working out the foods here.

Oh, that earns a good laugh from Padmé. There had, of course, been her age in play, although the make-up had also been used. People tend to just look and see who they expect to see, and if they thought that Sabé was Padmé, it allowed her to move around more freely. "I had some teachers, although much of it does come naturally."

The words. Her intuition. It has helped, as actions can be bold, but words can also move, if one says them at the right time. "I'm not too certain you actually want to hear me sing out... I've a passing voice at that, but I will certainly let you know."

It's hard to say how much Luke got away with because of his big blue eyes and how much was a subconscious use of the Force to smooth things over.

"We'll just agree not to sing in general. Not a family talent." Luke's only experiences singing have also involved a lot of alcohol and a lot of other pilots and soldiers.

"No, but Artoo can make some colourful beeps." Although the astromeh could also say other colourful things, or so Padmé had been told. Threepio had been known to complain now and then, chiding the spunky droid, not that it ever seemed to slow Artoo down.

"He is the most foul mouthed droid I have ever encountered," Luke agrees. "I speak binary and he taught my squadron things they hadn't heard before." Truly, stupendously foul mouthed. "I think it's decades of hanging out with pilots and soldiers, frankly."

She pauses in her step, glancing up at him with a look of surprise. Artoo is a hero on Naboo, as without the astromech's aid, their ship would never have been able to escape. He'd gone with Anakin, as Padmé had known they got along, and that Artoo would protect Anakin. Yet Luke speaks of him with familiarity. "You know the droid?"

"He went with Bail Organa, and stayed with Leia. When she was smuggling plans to the Rebel Alliance, her ship was caught by Vader. She recorded a message for him to go and find General Kenobi and sent him and Threepio in an escape pod which crashed on Tatooine. He's been with me ever since. When I became a pilot, they put me in an X-Wing and I needed an astromech co-pilot." And Artoo had basically been with him since.

As sad as some of the news has been, there is also something that gladdens her heart about that. Artoo had been with her since she was younger, and Anakin had built Threepio from pieces of other droids. Perhaps they hadn't known the history of the two droids, or perhaps they had, but it was a piece of them that would carry through.

"That's what he does for Anakin. Threepio helps me on Coruscant, given that he's a bit... fussy, and that Anakin made him as a protocol droid."

"Threepio has not changed. I am genuinely surprised he survived Father's temper at times." Because there were times Luke understood the urge to shake Threepio until he turned off. "Hang on, Father made Threepio?"

She knew that Anakin may not always be the calmest, but she also knew that Threepio was important to him. "On Tatooine. From various parts. He wanted to make the droid to help his mother out. Ease some of her burden."

"His mother?" Owen had never really talked about Luke's grandmother, just that she died when Anakin was in his twenties. And now he wondered if that was true either. "I'm going to be honest, I don't actually know what was true about what Owen and Beru said about her. About... any of my family history."

It isn't the happiest of stories, although she knew that Anakin had loved his mother deeply. She had been a strong woman, kind and compassionate, making the best of what life had thrown at her. "Shmi. Shmi Skywalker. She was a slave of a Toydarian junk dealer, Watto, when I first met them both. Anakin was nine at the time."

Luke knew they were a slave family. The hint was in the name, like the names of those around them. Skywalker. Darklighter. Starkiller. He also knew he and Leia were the first freeborn. "And... Owen's father bought her and freed her and they ended up getting married?" To a boy, it had seemed sort of romantic. Freeing a house slave to let her make her own choices. As an adult, it seemed a bit less romantic.

“Mm. He met her and fell in love with her, buying her and giving her her freedom.” She hadn’t met Shmi again after leaving Tatooine, despite her efforts to find Anakin’s mother. Padmé would have brought her to Naboo, had she been willing. “According to him, they eventually wed.”

"I never really thought about it growing up, but... mm." He had no doubt there was love and good intentions behind it. But what choice did a newly freed slave with nothing to her name have?

"I tried to find her. It was early in my career as a Senator. Even if I could exchange places with my handmaidens, I couldn't just run off planet when I was queen, or I would have tried earlier. Even then, I ended up sending my most trusted friend, Sabé, to Tatooine to find her. Watto had all but disappeared, something with too many gambling debts, and we wouldn't find a trace of Shmi anywhere. We ended up only being able to help around twenty-five people." Things may have been very different had she been able to find Anakin's mother.

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