TDM #18

[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 paper gown 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 quite pleasant for once actually. Sunny and warm. How nice.

» » » 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.

« « « BACK ON TRACK

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With the train system up and running again after the damage that was done to it thanks to the Rubies, Duplicity’s Department of Transportation has decided to partner with LIEs and their Orientation program for the next batch of new arrivals being processed at the facility. Their aim is to raise a bit of money to help cover the cost of repairs and much needed construction, and they’ll be enlisting the help of LIERs — whether they want to volunteer their time or not. There aren’t many vehicles in Duplicity, but those who do own cars or even motorcycles are encouraged to take advantage of the warming weather by coming out to get a free washing, courtesy of the city’s first official charity car wash. Should anyone care to make a donation, all proceeds will be going to benefit continuing restoration efforts at the various stations that were impacted by last month’s events. Of course, new LIERs aren’t the only ones invited to volunteer their time and efforts to soaping up some chrome — and there might be some fun perks involved for anyone who pitches in to help get these cars all squeaky clean.

« « « ZOOM ZOOM

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(cw: aphro, voyeurism, exhibitionism, public humiliation, fluids, coercion, dub-con, transactional sex) Even though Duplicity is a place ripe with debauchery and filth in many regards, that doesn’t mean that those who have the means to own vehicles aren’t inclined to keep them clean. Targeting those who clearly have cash to spare, the car wash in the Up put on by the Department of Transportation is an enticing spectacle to behold, whether one is having their vehicle catered to or not. Volunteers are encouraged to strip down to underwear or a swimsuit and get scrubbing! If they don’t have something skimpy to wear, don’t worry — there are spare hot pants and bikinis to go around. Hoses, buckets, and a variety of colorful liquid soaps have all been provided as well, along with sponges for washing - although using one’s own soaped up body is even better - and towels for drying. Getting all sudsy and wet seems to come with some added effects depending on which soap is used, such as: Lowered inhibitions/increased libido Substantial increase in production of bodily/sexual fluids (saliva/lactation/cum etc.) Wanting to be humiliated Voyeurism Willingness to engage in public sexual displays Some of these cars are going to get dirtier before they get clean. But who doesn’t love a show? In fact, one of the services offered is a bit of backseat action with the volunteers, anything from riding the gear shift to stationary road head. Car owners may request to have volunteers get it on in the back while they watch via a dashcam set up on the rearview mirror. It may seem counterintuitive considering the point of a car wash is to clean the vehicle, but engaging in such an act could earn a pretty penny for the fundraiser. There are other tasks to do at the car wash aside from, well, scrubbing vehicles with your body. Volunteers are also needed to collect donations, greet those who come to the event, hold signs to advertise and entice passerbys, help direct people where to go, etc. These volunteers are encouraged to wear as little as possible or white clothes, especially if they want to enter the wet t-shirt contest held at the end of the day. All those who participate in the contest will receive tickets for admission to a drive-in movie coming to a parking lot in the near future.

« « « STATION MASTER

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(cw: public sex) To celebrate the return of regular train service, for a limited time, special cards with a magnetic stripe are handed out to riders. At first, it might be unclear what they’re for, but printed on one side is a list with every station between the Up and the Down. Inquire further and their purpose will become a little more obvious: “check-ins” at each station, with special prizes handed out to the riders who manage to achieve a minimum of five (the most common of these being a complimentary night for them and a plus one, if desired, at the Stay and Play Hotel). However, checking in won’t be quite as simple as a single swipe of one’s card. Scanning the card at any turnstile will offer up a specific sex act that riders must complete, either on the train itself or, if they’re quick, in the station before hopping on. Some acts might only require one person — solo masturbation to orgasm, for example. Others may demand two or even three participants. Better hope you’ve found a riding buddy, or even a possible friendly stranger, because all acts must be completed by the time the train reaches its final stop in the Down before looping back to the Up.

« « « ESCORT ESCAPADES

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(cw: coercion) Following the recent conflict that took place in the Down, LIEs has begrudgingly ceded control of the lower portion of the city to the Rubies and other gangs. Although some territory, including the public housing for LIERs, remains neutral, the area on the whole is seedier than ever. Thanks to this development, LIEs has decided to pair new Submissives up at Orientation with a Dominant to escort them safely to their housing in the Down. Whether the Dominant is just as green as the Sub they’re escorting or a longtime Duplicity resident, adhering to the buddy system is necessary in these tumultuous times. There may also be a few instances where Submissives are paired with one another and entrusted to the care of a native Dominant to help them to their new place of residence. Regardless of who goes with who, no one is to end up going home alone! Of course, in the spirit of matchmaking, Dominants are encouraged (if the chemistry is right) to spend the night with their Submissive charge, either in the Down or, if the Dominant is feeling generous, back at their place. If they wind up getting it on, both will receive $50 deposited to their bank accounts the next day. Sure, it may not seem like much, but for Submissives especially, who have nothing, it’s better than being empty-handed.

« « « 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: If your character would rather live in the country or out in nature, they’re a Submissive. If your character is a city slicker or would like to be, they’re a Dominant. 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! Test Drive threads can be used as activity proofs for characters currently in-game. Please remember to mark any necessary content, and have a good time!!

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» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Comments

[millenniumeyed]

[The pull is more apparent this time, and the moment he registers it, his Eye and everything surrounding it warms and suddenly he can't speak the words Jon has yanked out of him. He certainly tries to oblige, but he can't.

It's been a long time since the Eye has done something without his conscious direction. Or something this obvious, at least, and he can't help shuddering a little, his jaw clicking until he manages to recover his voice.]

Impressive trick. What were you saying about 'people who can't respect basic privacy or boundaries'?

[compellingstatement]

Tit for tat. [The Archivist narrows his gaze. He could pull harder, but that's exhausting.] I won't be gentle if you press me, Mr. Crawford.

[He feels the train slowing and anxiety spikes up once more. He needs to get off this train, away from this man, but he doesn't know who might be getting on at the next station. It's a gamble that it won't be a Guard... and one he'll have to deal with. Jon stands from his seat.]

You wanted advice? I would suggest keeping your eyes to yourself. There's far more in this place than might exist in your own reality.

[millenniumeyed]

[He's always quick to recover, so it's not long before the smile returns.]

Oooh, scary. They should send you out on Halloween.

[Getting away from this man might prove difficult, since he'll rise after Jon once Jon starts moving. Not because he needs to get off here, but so he can work at Jon a little more. Without use of the Eye.]

On that subject, something looked back at me when I was digging around in there. [He lightly taps Jon's head with his fingers. Height advantage, so it's really easy.] How about a friendly exchange instead of a tug-of-war? You tell me about yours, I'll tell you about mine. I don't really mind divulging. Whatever you were doing back there was just unpleasant.

[compellingstatement]

[Jon doesn't like strangers touching him on a good day. This sort of condescending tone and tap from someone so much taller has him bristling and snapping. His arm comes up to smack Pegasus away after a second or two of stunned silence, and Jon takes a step back... and nearly trips himself backward over someone's foot. He grabs hold of a seatback for stability. He'd be baring his teeth at Pegasus if he were the sort. As it is, he just pins the man with the most reproachful gaze he's capable of.]

Don't touch me. And how do I know you're not going to just try to read my mind again?

[millenniumeyed]

[Oh dear, that's quite a reaction. An excessive one, if you ask Pegasus, though not entirely unexpected with how on edge the man is. He patiently waits for Jon to finish flailing around before pressing on.]

Apologies. It's been a while since I've socialised with anyone but my servants, and I can touch them to my hearts content. Platonically, that is.

[Read: he's a spoiled rich brat who isn't used to having to respect peoples privacy in any capacity.

And he isn't thrilled that he has to clarify the platonic nature of his relationship with his servants.]

Because you would try to read me back, and it was unpleasant enough the first time.

[compellingstatement]

[An emotionally stunted man who can read people's minds. Nothing could go wrong with this. The explanation isn't exactly a guarantee, and there's a risk to this man if they stray into something like a Statement. There's a part of Jon that wants it to go there, though. How would someone touched by the Eye fare in his nightmare stable? Or would he be spared because of the off-flavor of connection. The Eye doesn't go after its own, after all. It hasn't for Sasha, Tim, and Martin.]

Try anything else, and I'll make it more than unpleasant.

[He looks around at the other passengers pretending not to be listening in.]

I'm not doing this on a train. There's a cafe at the next stop run by someone in the LIEs program. We can talk there.

[Honestea and one of its secluded booths will have to do.]

[millenniumeyed]

[He seems unphased by the threat. They're nothing new, and that's one of the more pleasant ones he's received.]

I won't. Pinky promise, cross my heart and all that.

[Since they'll be on the train for a moment longer, he takes hold of one of the grab handles. Then removes his hand, frowning, because maybe someone weird has touched that, so he sits back down in his seat instead. Which someone weird might have also touched, but at least it's not on his bare skin.]

Sounds perfect. I could go for some tea, and some cake to go with it. [A pause.] Cafes do sell cake, right? Not just drinks?

[He's never really had reason to go into one.]

[compellingstatement]

[Jon doesn't trust this man as far as he could throw him and the look he gives him at the promise says as much. He stays where he is, standing up taller now that Pegasus isn't looming and just glaring down at him as they wait for the next stop.]

I'm not buying you cake.

[Jon is assuming he'll be paying for this with the man being new. He will pay for a cup of tea to be polite, but that's the extent of his good English manners.]

[millenniumeyed]

[Enjoy looking down while it lasts, Jonny boy.]

Mean, but I can afford my own cakes.

[Because mind reading is a great way to earn some quick cash, and he wasted no time in filling his pockets. Not by much, but he'll expand upon his funds later.]

I assume the lack of mention of tea means you would have bought that for me. You still can, if you like.

[Which he definitely won't, but Jon might make a funny face, so he'll make the suggestion anyway.]

[compellingstatement]

[Jon scrunches up his nose. The way this man talks... it's just... It makes Jon bristle like he has something to prove, all the better to wipe that little smile off the bastard's face.]

Buy your own tea.

[The train finally, blessedly, comes to a halt, and Jon turns toward the doors, mentally preparing himself to see a SIN Guard come waltzing in. He gets lucky and there are few people on the platform as he scurries off the train, trying to get out of the exiting crowd quickly. Pegasus will have to keep up, himself. Jon isn't going to bother waiting amongst the throng for him. Too much chance there will be someone he needs to avoid.]

[millenniumeyed]

[Ah, there it is. The funny face.

He vacates his seat as the train slows, following at Jon's heels. Not something he's used to doing, ever the leader, but he can't get to the mans side with so many other people exiting. Eventually the crowd does thin out though, and he steps up.]

Is it far? I'm not very fond of walking places. [In cities, anyway. He usually travels via helicopter or limousine.] This city could do with some trams. [Not his first choice, but it's not like he has the funds for his usual means of transport.]

[compellingstatement]

You could do with the walk... peacock.

[The words are muttered low under Jon's breath as he keeps walking. He doesn't bother to answer given it's only a few blocks. His attention is elsewhere, eyes darting around, searching for the uniform of any nearby SIN Guards.

Honestea is a well-appointed cafe a little ways off from the train station. It has some soothing music drifting out of the windows as they approach. At the very least, the Archivist isn't taking this new person to a shoddy hole-in-the-wall. Mainly because those places tend to have people packed in close for listening. Honestea is more spread out with some booths toward the back that offer some level of privacy.]

[millenniumeyed]

[Well, he's not wrong.

It isn't hard to figure out the darting eyes is Jon searching for SIN guards. Pegasus is taller, has a better vantage point, so he does Jon the favour of having a quick look himself, sweeping his eyes over the street. Less out of kindness, more because Jon probably wouldn't be a very good conversational partner after being shocked. The man did threaten to rip him apart.]

You seem in the clear.

[In the cafe, Pegasus takes a moment to puzzle out if this is one of those 'the server comes to you' or 'you go to the front and order' places. It's something of a novel experience since he's had a home chef for most of his life. Both ways end up being an option, and he decides to go up front, pick out some cake, and bring it to the table with him while his tea is being prepared.]

Unlike certain people, I'm a generous man, so if you would like some cake...

[He gestures to the four he's selected, which probably seems excessive, but he likes to have options if he gets bored of one thing. The strawberry one he's on now is startlingly good. Everything else up until this point has tasted cheap to varying degrees, and he licks his spoon clean of its cream before going in for another bite.]

[compellingstatement]

No, thank you.

[Jon stares down his nose at the cakes as if they've personally offended him. They look... very good, actually, but he refuses to give any ground to this man. He crosses his arms, instead, while he waits for his own tea to be brought to the table.]

What's wrong with your eye?

[They came here for a reason, and it wasn't to socialize, as far as Jon is concerned.]

[millenniumeyed]

[And as far as Pegasus is concerned, socialising is part of the game, so he will be dragging this out.]

There's nothing wrong with it. It functions better than most.

[Another mouthful of cake. He hums appreciatively.]

Though it does tend to draw looks, so I keep it behind my hair. Maybe I'll let you see it some time.

I gather you aren't as fond of your eye as I am mine.

[compellingstatement]

[Jon, at least, has manners enough not to touch strangers without permission. He's tempted to reach across the table and sweep Pegasus' hair aside, but he settles for just staring at the spot for the moment, trying to catch a glimpse behind the silver locks.]

I like my eyes just fine. [He blinks them for effect, knowing full well he's doing nothing to hide how purposefully obtuse he's behaving.] Where did you acquire this eye of yours?

[He seems like the sort of man Salesa would have sold his cursed wares to.]

[millenniumeyed]

[Stare long enough and he might just catch a glint of gold. There's only so much Pegasus' hair can cover it. To the watchful eye, he can't hide it completely.]

Now, now, this is an exchange. You have to give me something.

[He already got plenty of somethings earlier, but Pegasus isn't one to make things easier just because he has the advantage.]

What do you call it?

[One piece of information he hadn't managed to wrench out. It'd be easier to go searching for it in other people with a name.]

[compellingstatement]

It has a lot of names.

[That's not helpful, but it's also not a lie.]

The Eye is one of them.

[Given Pegasus has already been calling it that, it seems easy enough part with that.]

Where did you get your eye?

[millenniumeyed]

Obviously that's one of them.

[Gonna roll his eye, which doesn't work very well with just one.]

It's always been mine.

[It's not a proper answer, but it is true. The Eye chose him; anyone else would have been rejected, died choking on flames like the one rejected by the Ring. Fate dictated that it was his.]

Give me a proper name and I'll give you a better answer.

[compellingstatement]

[It's tempting to compel Pegasus. That would invite the other man to got digging into his head, though. That isn't a fight that's likely to be worth it.]

I've heard it called the Eye and the Beholding most commonly. Those are the names that have generally been settled on. Cultists and other people aware of its existence have a plethora of names for it.

[Jon's not giving this man 'Ceaseless Watcher.' Not the name he uses to invoke it.]

[millenniumeyed]

[But that's the best one, Jon!]

The Beholding. That works better. I can't refer to both of them as the Eye. Just makes things needlessly complicated.

[Before he continues, another mouthful of cake, because it's so damn moreish.]

When you ask me where I got my Eye, are you imagining I purchased it? Dug it out of a garage sale?

cw: mention of self-mutilation/eye removal

[compellingstatement]

I'm asking where it originated from, not how you, specifically, came into possession of it. I would advise you not provide the specifics of your acquisition and first use of it, if you value a good night's sleep. I imagine removing your own eye and replacing it with whatever that is--[He uncrosses his arms just long enough to gesture toward Pegasus. That glint of gold is telling.]--was horrific.

[And that makes it Statement-worthy material.]

cw: mention of mutilation/eye removal

[millenniumeyed]

[Pegasus doesn't correct the assumption that he cut out his own eye, because the implications are a little too unpleasant to let people in on.

And because he gets the feeling that 'value a good nights sleep' comment has nothing to do with the unpleasantness of recounting the story.]

Another one of your tricks? You'll have to tell me more. Sounds like a particularly interesting one. Very generous, this Beholding of yours.

[He leans his chin on a hand, considering Jon for a long moment. He could just deny him. With a name, it would be simple enough to go digging on his own, but then Jon might spurn him every time he tries to engage in conversation, and he can't have that. He's too entertaining.

It's also pretty obvious once one sees the Eye, anyway, and he's sure Jon will eventually.]

Egypt.

[compellingstatement]

[Jon's hands tighten on his arms as Pegasus calls the Beholding 'generous,' but instead of snapping this time, he cocks his head slightly, like a bird considering something its about to pluck up with its beak.]

Are you aware of any connection to the Great Library of Alexandria?

[millenniumeyed]

[Jon really ought to be more grateful for his gifts.]

It's my turn again. You were going to explain why I wouldn't get a good nights sleep.

[Well, he didn't actually say that, but that's what Pegasus wants, so chop chop. He's curious about Jon bringing up the Great Library of Alexandria, but that can always be pursued after.]