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duplicitymemes2021-05-08 02:08 am
duplicitymods) wrote in duplicitymemes2021-05-08 02:08 am
Entry tags:
TDM #18
« « « TEST DRIVE MEME » » »
« « « ALL ON DISPLAY
» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «
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
 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
 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
 (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:
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
 (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
 (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
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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[Though he isn't entirely wrong. Pegasus is aware the Eye influences him, and he considers that trivial to what gifts it provides. There's no sacrifice too great for his dearest wish.]
Of course. Though there isn't a great prevalence of supernatural in my world. It's somewhat centralised around people like me. ['Somewhat' says the man who brought shadow games and literal Gods back into the world.] Sounds like you aren't so lucky.
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[... Provided he hadn't dug that out of Jon's head. He's sort of hoping the other man hasn't.]
We don't have a particularly extensive supernatural presence in my world, either. [Didn't used to.] The nature of my work means I actively sought encounters and information on it. The majority of people have no idea it exists and think it's complete rubbish. They're likely safer thinking that. A small number of people might have brushes with paranormal activity without realizing it, an even smaller percentage of that would have what I might consider Statement-worthy experiences. We have tens of thousands of Statements in my archive at home. I would be surprised if even 5% of them were genuine experiences and not the work of drugs, alcohol, stress, pettiness, or mental illness.
I'm sure you must have people in your world who believe in the paranormal and have not a shred of connection to anything genuinely strange. Charlatans, conspiracy theorists, and the like.
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[Just gonna let that one sit.]
Comparatively, then. Even two percent of... lets low-ball it at twenty thousand. That would be four hundred, which is a considerable number of genuine statements for one archive, by my standards. And I can't imagine there's only one archive where people collect paranormal experiences, so there's that as well. Your Archives are compelled by the Beholding, aren't they? As two of its places of power? If it had you start one when you arrived here, it stands to reason it would have multiple.
[He's getting bored of his second cake, so onto the third.]
It's interesting, how much of your life and interests seem dictated by the Beholding. Has it always been that way?
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Maybe they'll burn one another out, as well. Except that Elias has far more information about Jon than he wants this man getting hold of. The gears and anxiety whirl away in his head, and it takes him a second or two to realize that he's breathing faster. He takes a sip of tea and holds the cup up to try to cover that.]
The Beholding doesn't compel me to do anything. [No more than any addict with their vice of choice. There's just a more... metaphysical component to things. Probably. It's hard to pick apart at times.] I was in paranormal research long before I had any knowledge of its existence. I would likely have continued with that had it not been a part of things.
Does your eye compel you to do things, Mr. Crawford?
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Not knowing of its existence doesn't mean it hasn't influenced your life long before then.
And I'm sure it does. I'm not in the habit of lying to myself. [Just, you know, other people.] You might want to consider trying the same.
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[That would be unfortunate, though not surprising after everything he's heard. And seen and felt, if only briefly.]
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[The terror that that's exactly what's happened and his life is one big manipulation by the Web by way of Elias isn't lost on Jon. It's just a thought that makes him viscerally uncomfortable.]
Yes. They feed on fear. What does your eye feed on? Or where does it draw its power from?
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You have my sympathies. Well, more of a general 'you'. You threatened to rip me apart, so it's lower on an individual basis.
As for the Eye's power, the short version is that it's its own source.
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You said it came from Egypt. Do you know how it originated?
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And somewhat seriously? Jon, aim higher.]
I do. But I have to save something for future conversations, don't I?
[Read: you aren't getting rid of this man.]
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You don't. The less we see of one another, the better, as far as I'm concerned.
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That's not how this place works. I'm not the only person you'd like to avoid-
[That's an assumption, but he's sure it's true.]
But LIERs tend to get thrown together. We'll be forced to share company sooner or later, and I'll consider that question again then.
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[Because that's what being 'thrown together' tends to entail, doesn't it?]
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You aren't my type.
[His fiancée is his type. Though, with the quota, he will have to put aside his reservations eventually.]
Too old, for one thing. What are you- forty? [He's being mean on purpose because how dare you surprise him.]
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Forty-seven.
[What's fifteen years between not-friends?]
You'll find that appearance can mean very little here when it comes to a person's age, though. There are immortals who have lived for centuries who look like they're barely twenty.
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I was being generous and shaving off a few years, but that does look about right.
[Just going to politely wait out Jon telling him something he already knows.]
I'm aware, and obviously it doesn't apply to you, who looks nowhere near his twenties. The age gap isn't an invitation to impart your wisdom, grandpa.
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[This? This is amusing for Jon. He places his tea down and leans on the table, resting his chin on his scarred palm.]
A number of my scars and gray hair have come from Duplicity. I just haven't gone through any of the treatments to get them fixed. I'll be interested to see what you look like in a few years.
[There's some measure of truth to this and while Jon isn't much of a liar, he can be decent at trolling when he decides to set his mind to it.]
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[He doesn't look too troubled by the prospect of Duplicity ageing him. The scars, on the other hand...
There's an awful lot of scars on Jon. His gaze drifts over them.]
I know you're trying to bother me, but I'd welcome looking a little older. I'd be a nice change of pace.
[He's been a CEO since he was seventeen, and boy has that come with a lot of 'uppity brat' sentiments.]
And I'm going to assume you mentioning the scars means I can ask about them, so what happened to your hand and throat?
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[So, that's a no.]
Tit-for-tat. You know what I want to know.
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[And telling Jon the dangerous, devastating ancient power of his world was trapped in the item he's wearing might not go over well. He'll wait and see if Jon is going to dob on him about what knowledge he currently has before delving any deeper.]
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So ask something else.
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[But that's a threat without teeth at this point. He could, but it would come at a cost. The Eye isn't in the habit of protecting its Archivist from the poor life choices he makes, either... it will just heal his body, if needed.]
I don't find you particularly interesting beyond that thing in your head. I'm not sure what else we have to talk about.
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[The Beholding does seem immensely powerful, but he isn't going to acknowledge any possibility Jon could overwhelm his Eye.]
Not very socially gifted, are you? You can take your leave, if you prefer. I have what I want.
[Enough information on the Beholding to seek answers about it elsewhere. He'll worry about the potential for scars later, with minds he can freely explore.]
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