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

"It depends." He folds his arms over his chest. "Ben comes to talk, usually. Sometimes to offer advice. Sometimes? I've even asked for that advice." Only sometimes. "Yoda usually only shows himself when I'm doing something he doesn't like. He never wanted to train me. And even though he said I had passed my training, that I could say I was a Jedi, it always felt-"

Begrudging? Not quite. Maybe, Yoda looked at him and saw his father and it was only when he came back that he accepted Luke wasn't just following his father's path. "Yoda has some pretty strong opinions about being a Jedi and what it entails. I don't share his opinions and I don't really meet his standards."

She has known Obi-Wan for a fair number of years, since he and his Master had come to Naboo to aid in the talks, which had been far less about talking and more about trying to invade her planet. He'd earned his nickname, and rightly so, as the Negotiator, and Padmé could attest to that. She smiles at that, although it turns into a surprised laugh at Yoda's interaction.

"Most people don't really understand Yoda. He's wise, but also slightly confusing." And tends to say things, whether you wish to hear them or not. She's been there as well. Yet her expression softens again. He would have gone to the Temple to learn, even if that makes her heart still a bit thinking of it. Yet he hadn't had that at all. "He does, but I have met others who... followed their own path, I suppose, who were patient and understanding, never asking for more than I could give."

For Luke, the relationship with Yoda is much more convoluted and nuanced. Yoda dictated large parts of how he was brought us. Separating the twins, taking Luke to Tatooine and giving him to Owen and Beru, never telling him the truth of Vader's identity and instead saying Vader killed his father, it had all been Yoda's decisions. Ben hadn't wanted to admit it, but during a sleep deprived and emotional talk, it had sort of all come out.

"I think the Order had become so fearful of the Dark side that they let themselves be ruled by that fear. Banning attachments? That doesn't protect people from the darker side of themselves. It just means they can't share when they do feel things that could lead them there. The Dark side is selfish and isolationist. It can't thrive when you know you have people who love you and support you."

Just slight differences of opinion with Yoda.

"I'll never give up on anyone who wants to learn, to belong, to be someone more than they were yesterday. No matter how hard it might be."

Her brow furrows slightly in contemplation. Long ago, on Naboo, Padmé had had a conversation with Anakin about such things. Are you allowed to love? Passion, attachment, compassion... It echoes through her mind. But Anakin had never been the typical Jedi, found far older than they usually were, already having attachments to his mother. Attachment to her, even if she had pushed it aside and denied it until Geonosis.

"I don't really have an answer for that... I've never seen it as a weakness myself." In a way, perhaps it was because that was how things had been done. She doesn't have enough information about the Jedi and their teachings, their innermost secrets and their history. They'd been impartial, keepers of the peace, someone to call upon to arbitrate when necessary. "Although I have seen some of what a Sith may do."

By some standards, Luke is a truly terrible Jedi. He loves without reserve, he throws himself into things without thought for 'neutral' but only for what is right, he cares too much, he's impatient, he's got a temper...

Yoda told him there was too much of his father in him. But he's still here.

His hand goes to his wrist, rubbing it absently. It's a more singular spot than the damage left by the Emperor, something that he can soothe (it's a placebo effect, he doesn't care) with touch. "I lost my hand to a Sith. And my lightsaber. Father's lightsaber."

The gesture itself is familiar enough. She's seen Anakin do similar things in the past with his own hand. It's that soft touch again, lightly upon his upper arm, a small squeeze, before releasing again. "Find your own place in the galaxy, Luke. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just be true to yourself."

He looks to her with a smile, letting go of his hand. "I don't really have much of a choice. I don't think Skywalkers have ever been any good at doing what they're told."

And most people are a little too awed to try and tell him what to do now. What he should be. He's the last Jedi (maybe?) and all of that.

"Hey now... Once in a blue moon." But Luke is correct in that regard. Strong willed and stubborn, neither of them had been good at doing what they were told, and Padmé had become quite skilled in bending the rules without breaking them.

"Oh. Here." She points to a small bakery cart from which several pleasant smells are coming from.

"Leia's way worse than me," he admits. "Oh, yeah, that smells good." He heads over, looking through the goods and following his nose as much as anything. "Order anything you want, I've got it."

"The I rue anyone who goes against the both of you." It sounds like both of her children are capable, which does ease some of the sorrow. She's only ever viewed herself as an aunt, never a mother, but she knows that she would have done anything in her power for the two girls.

"A chai tea and a raspberry turnover, please." It's a flavour combination that she's grown to enjoy. "Some items are familiar, although they have items from all across the known universe."

Anytime anyone goes against Leia, they're going against the two of them. Luke's a good boy who knows better than to disagree with his sister.

And, in true Tatooine fashion, Luke goes straight for water and the tart with the most fruit piled onto it, because fruit will never not be a luxury and delight. He pays without comment, thanks for vendor and hands Padmé her order.

"I wonder if you can get blue milk in this place, then."

"Thank you," to Luke, of course, not that she actually holds any malice towards the vendor, but they all do seem to fall into line with the rules of this place. Padmé hasn't made any headway trying to find those that may not like the system that their people have set up for them.

"... possibly, although it may come from another source. I haven't seen a Bantha here."

Luke hums a mild disappointment. There's little he truly misses about Tatooine and the food is one of those things. He doesn't start eating or drinking yet, they're close enough to the apartment block that he doesn't want to have to draw attention using the Force to manhandle goods and keys.

"Is there a food you miss here? Something you just can't get?"

"Anything my mom cooks?" She offers a lopsided smile. It is the truth though, as home cooking was always the best. "We used to joke that mom would never be happy unless every guest had to be rolled out of the door. She always made too much food."

"Is she, I mean when you're from, is your mother still alive?" His grandmother. It's a strange thought, one he never considered too hard. He went from focusing on getting off world to focusing on his father in a myriad of ways. "Your father? You said you had a sister?"

He has an aunt he never knew about.

"They are. My parents both live in the same house that they've lived in for years now." Not that they had always been there, as they had come there when Padmé was older. "Sola. My older sister. She's married with two children. Ryoo and Pooja. They actually adore Artoo as well."

It's possible his grandparents are still alive. An aunt. Cousins. Frankly, he's still adjusting to the idea of having a sister (that Leia's his sister, the first girl he ever fell in love with).

"Sola, Ryoo, Pooja." He hopes he'll remember. He hopes they survived the war. Even if he has nothing in common with them, he wants to hear about them and their lives. "Wow. I thought it was pretty amazing to find out I had a sister, but even more family..."

Possibly more cousins... Although Padmé wouldn't think that Sola would have tried for more, knowing that her sister was happy with her two daughters. Depending, Ryoo and Pooja may have even had their own families now... It is a bitter-sweet thought, knowing that her mother and the rest of her family would have loved to have known him, and his sister. "I hope you can meet them one day... Although they may not let you leave."

They'd be old enough to have children of their own. Technically, Luke and Leia are old enough to be parents to babies, but Leia isn't looking at that yet (and spoke a lot about adoption) and Luke...

Kind of knows he'll never have his own. There's thousands of orphans and at least some of them will be Force sensitive and need someone to guide them. He wants to find them and give them what his father never got.

"I've been told I'm pretty hard to pin down," he murmurs softly.

There is a soft chuckle from Padmé as she regards him. Her mother would be older, surely, than from the woman that Padmé has in her mind, but she doesn't think for even one moment that she would have changed overly. "You haven't met my other yet. She is a force all unto herself."

"... I want her and Leia to meet." He wants to see that. At a distance. Or possibly by using Han as a distraction.

He take Padmé into the Dominant apartment block and over to the elevator, giving a polite nod to the security as they pass. He presses the call button with a thought. "It sounds like Leia takes after her."

"Trust me. You'd be rolling Leia out the door..." She loves her mother to Coruscant and back, but she can get her way. Even Padmé, who had taken on the Trade Federation, still ended up doing as her mom bidded.

"Although... the both of you may have the grandchild card in your pocket." But that could also mean that she would ply all manner of treats upon them. "It does though. There's little doubt that mom runs the house."

Leia would give food to Han. Han would feed Chewie. Wookies could put away an astonishing amount. "It's okay, I could take the hit for both of us. Leia swears I'm a bottomless pit for food." Having such a high energy life style helped.

The elevator took them up a couple of floors and then to Luke's front door, which he unlocked with another thought to do it. "Come in, make yourself comfortable."

The place is basically not lived in. Luke's uncomfortable with the opulence of having a whole apartment to himself and has taken to more or less just living in one room, like he's used to. For an only child, he's finding it rather lonely.

"Ah, then you may be her favourite of all time." There would always be, literally, leftovers for days after they had company, and they did always tease her mom, but she took it in good graces, and never changed. One never went hungry in the Naberrie household.

Padmé pauses at the door, before glancing around. It does always surprise her at the different between the Up and the Down, at how they make it black and white here, instead of making the playing ground even. Moving to take a seat on the couch, she sets her cup down gently. "It's rather hard to think about settling in, isn't it?"

"I haven't."

He hasn't thought about settling in, about anything beyond the next day. It's just not how he functions. He moves from emergency to emergency, day to day, and while there's long term goals, there's no long term plans.

"This place is just way too big. In the alliance, I was usually sharing with other pilots and gunners. And Yoda's place... was built for Yoda and I had a bed roll." And now he has a large bed and bedroom and a second bedroom, and living space and... the simple fact is, he'd probably be more comfortable in public Submissive housing.

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