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

Albert gives him a look, one that says can you imagine ME as a waiter?. Because Albert knows full well that he would be a very poor waiter. Not only is he likely to forget orders if an interesting bird flies past the window, but there's a distinct... classist distaste in the expression.

"I did have a shop, in Saint Denis." He points out, "Well, part shop, part studio, part dark room. And home, I suppose." He pauses a moment, thinking back to the little corner plot, its little lush reception, and how very bare the living quarters were. But what did it matter, when he spent so little time there? "But I worked for myself. Perhaps that's the difference."

Oh, well, that sure is a look. Arthur raises his eyebrows, and crosses an arm under the one holding the cup of coffee. Did Albert even realise he was making that face? It doesn't look quite right on him, but it's a stark reminder of the fact that they come from two very different lives.

The shop he did have, he probably personally owned. At least, Arthur would assume so.

"I hope you don't give waiters that look."

Albert has no idea that his expression is so appalling, and when Arthur points it out he looks utterly ashamed.

"No! Goodness no! They work very hard, and have skills I do not. I can't imagine having to work in a kitchen or deal with unhappy diners. I think I would go completely to pieces."

He looks away, fingers moving to a damp patch on the counter where a drop of coffee had been spilled.

"I feel an utter cad."

He shakes his head. If this was coming from anyone but Albert, the rather exaggerated reaction would seem disingenuous. Since it is Albert, Arthur has no doubt it's very much genuine, but it's also unnecessary.

"Calm down. You're fine."

He just couldn't not say anything.

As he takes a sip of coffee, he reaches out to give Albert's shoulder a gentle pat.

Albert takes a breath, unsure if he deserves Arthur's reassurance, but it once more proves that Arthur Morgan is a good man. Albert can only learn from him.

"I need to be more mindful. Thank you, for grounding me. But aside from photography... my only other skill is chemistry. And no doubt here their learning is much more advanced in the field."

"Probably," he says with a nod. "You're a chemist too?"

He's only ever known Albert as a photographer, so the idea that he'd be something less artistic seems strange, initially. On second thought, however ... Well, why wouldn't he be? He probably got a proper education. Had a family with enough money to pay for one.

"That was what I studied. At university. That was how I became interested in photography, some of the artistic set would come to use our laboratory to develop their pictures."

He thinks it's strange, that he's never told Arthur this before. "I decided that photography was much nicer than developing poisons or fertilisers or explosives. Even if it does not pay as well."

"You would think that."

And, honestly, he won't disagree. Objectively, it's much nicer than poisons or explosives, at least. And farming has never really appealed to him too much. Even if the idea of farming together with the gang had, at the time, not sounded too bad.

Although he really does wonder if Dutch ever really meant it. Maybe he kept them running because he was actually frightened of settling down.

"You still know how to make that stuff?"

Mostly out of curiosity, but also ... Could be good to know.

"Oh, yes. It's a simple process, really, and like riding a horse, one never really forgets." He says, happily taking another swallow of coffee, "In fact, there's probably the right sort of things in this kitchen to make a small explosive. Not very big, granted, not enough to blow a lock-box..."

He says that so easily, so off-the-cuff, as if it's simply a conversational point, an intellectual exercise. He's already turning and drawing ingredients out of the cupboards, and then ducking down into the cupboard under the sink to pull out bottles and looking at the labels.

"Ah, I was wrong. Hydrogen chloride. That is quite dangerous."

At first, he just thinks Albert is talking about it. Then, it takes a moment for him to realise why Albert is suddenly pulling stuff out of the cupboards, and he abruptly straightens up when he does to watch more intently.

"So that could make a big explosion?"

It's that easy? Really?

"Perhaps not a big one. But mixed with the right chemicals, it lets off a highly toxic gas that can kill people and animals nearby. Hydrogen peroxide, when combined with various salts and heated can form an explosion that produces ether. Which as you know, renders people unconscious."

As he speaks, he sets a contain of household bleach on the counter, and then goes back to the cupboard which held baking soda and other common cooking ingredients.

"Will you pass me a bowl, please? Not a metal one. I believe they are in that cupboard."

Both of those could be very useful under the right circumstances. Wonder if there are other people in the city who might know how to mix all of that together too.

"Sure."

Gladly. It seems Albert intends to demonstrate something, and that's ... exciting. He grabs a plastic bowl and puts it on the counter next to Albert.

Albert nods his thanks, and then moves the bowl into the sink. At least then the sides will protect them from any outward blast if he does get the measurements a little... off.

"We need two parts of this-" He says, pouring the bleach in, and then moving it far away from the bowl, before picking up a little cardboard packet of something, "To one part this." He sets that out of the way too, and reaches for the third container, tapping in just a small amount of the contents. "And a little of this."

And then he pauses, pulling out the matches from his waistcoat pocket, and striking one, and drops it into the mixture.

Which doesn't explode immediately as one might expect, there's not enough of it for that, but instead, it hisses for a moment. Then goes woosh as it catches fire, and a second later: BANG!, producing no small amount of white smoke.

Even if Albert said it wouldn't be a big explosion, Arthur knows better than to lean in too close. So he stays at about the same distance that Albert is, but with very obvious, almost childish, curiosity.

And when it goes off, he grins with delight and claps Albert on the back.

"Well, I'll be. I had no idea it was that easy!"

Albert grins, pleased with the reaction not only of the chemicals, but also of Arthur, who seems to have gotten a great deal of delight from the little demonstration. The clap to his back is a reward all in itself.

"It is easy. But it's also very easy to get these things wrong, and do no small amount of damage."

He moves, to open the window and let out some of the smoke and fumes.

"A little too much of one thing or another? Can be deadly. I would advise not mixing the chemicals in your cupboards willy-nilly."

"Oh, don't worry. I know not to mess with explosives."

Seen enough of what it does to a human body. He doesn't want that to happen to him.

"I am very very glad to hear that." Albert smiles, and then carefully begins to tip the chemicals into the drain, running cold water at the same time. "No doubt there are chemicals here that I don't know about, but I am not about to test them in my kitchen."

He pauses, "I wonder if there are laboratories here."

"I'm sure there is. Probably used to figure out every way you can get people to want to sleep with each other."

Because that seems to be the only thing this city is interested in. Freaks.

"Ah yes, the aphrodisiacs. You know all of the ones people suggest, strawberries, oysters and the like? There is no scientific proof that they have any connection at all to. To... well you know what I mean."

He focuses for a moment on the plastic dish, which has warped somewhat with the heat of the reaction, and after washing if out, puts it carefully away from any of the cups and plates that are drying near by.

"Clearly this place has done a lot more research. I wonder if they would talk to me about other advancements."

"Might just get 'em talking about the aphrodisiacs."

And he'll take a guess that Albert isn't interested in hearing about that. It would probably scandalise him. Which would probably be very amusing to see. Maybe he should ask to come along.

Albert glances away at that, not really wanting to dwell on the aphrodisiacs. "Well, perhaps. That seems to be the focus of their work. They appear to be at a testing stage."

He fidgets slightly now, trying to put things in order on the kitchen sides, not able to look at Arthur now, not with the memory of those after-effects so fresh still, the hot flushes that consumed him that no amount of cold water seemed to ease, the sensitivity all over, the unspeakable desire that ran through him like a fever. He has no desire at all to mention any of that to anyone, and certainly not Arthur.

The sudden restlessness is a little strange, and Arthur itches to ask if something is wrong, but he's not sure about asking. If it has anything to do with aphrodisiacs, then ... Probably not his place.

Instead, he briefly touches Albert's shoulder, then falls silent.

Albert appreciates the touch, the gentle and silent reassurance. But he doesn't voice his thoughts or experiences when he first arrived and was put onto the SQuIRT program. Truth, it gave him funds in order to get together what he needed, and he has saved a good amount of it for a rainy day, but it does not mean he would choose to ever do it again.

"Yes, well." He says, trying to move away from that topic. "Perhaps I will just have to find fellow scientists from within the ranks of our fellow aliens?"

"Perhaps. You should ask around."

It would probably be good for Albert to have people around to talk about things like that with. It's all beyond what Arthur can understand, at least without too much effort.

Albert nods. "Yes, yes I suppose I will have to. I don't imagine they have some sort of society here, after all. That would be too much to hope for."

But even as he says it, there is a note of hope in his voice.

"Have you made any friends as yet? Acquitances?"

TDM #17

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