duplicitymemes | TDM #18

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«tdm

TDM #18

« « « 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 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:

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

(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!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We are, but only so much so and I think it's only until we graduate from LIEs. Plus, we're expected to look after those we're contracted to in every way possible. So having some extra money doesn't hurt.

[ In fact, finding a job (or three) was the first thing she did upon arrival so that she could look after anyone she contracted with. ]

I take care of the gardens at both Haven and the Arcane Sanctum. And I work at the Clocktower a bar in Insincerity, that's another city. Though it has a four-hour time limit on visits so it's really more of a part-time job. [ All of her jobs are part-time, really. ]

[ The city names around here are just... Ach. Very dramatic, and not of the flavor he’s typically taken with.

It’s good to hear that people find ways to busy themselves beyond Duplicity’s seemingly quite focused agenda. Kurt hums in acknowledgement and doesn’t have much else to add, as he’s not familiar with these places.

The mention of gardens and the flowers in her hair, though. Abilities beyond human capability, perhaps, and when combined with her (radiant, really) appearance... He realizes he’s automatically assumed mutant, which may not be the case here.

Either way... ] I’m Kurt, by the way. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner.

[ The city names are certainly a choice that speaks volumes for the nature of this world.

Honestly, if Persephone didn't have her jobs she's not sure she would have been able to remain sane. She needs something to do beyond what the city expects of them. She needs the distractions, even if she's become more comfortable with the nature of this place. ]

It's nice to meet you, Kurt. I'm Persephone. [ She doesn't bother to explain further about being the Goddess of Spring back home because she's not sure if he's even from another Earth or not. She'd really hate to assume. ]

Anyway, Haven is the hospital here in the Down. It also has a kitchen where you can get food if you'd rather not eat whatever they hand out in the Submissive housing. You can also find clothing that's been donated there. That is if you don't have a Dominant to buy things for you or vouch for you.

[ Ah. Persephone. So she’s either a goddess or named for one, which he’s also content to leave unexplained. It explains the interest in and care for plant life.

The rest is good information to know. ] I don’t suppose I do, so... Thank you for the tip.

I’m not too fussy about food, but a change of clothes may be good to have. I’ll have to go and look tomorrow.

[ He’d arrived in his uniform, which is a little goofy outside of certain contexts, not to mention the potential for the outfit to give the wrong impression as to intention. ]

Are jobs limited to the Dominant?

I've heard the food at the housing isn't that great. So, I thought I'd mention it. [ But if he's not picky then maybe he won't mind what's served there. ]

Yes and no. As long as you have a Dominant to vouch for you you can get a job somewhere. Outside of LIER-owned businesses you'll be looking at low-paid labor, however, that doesn't mean you can't start your own business if desired. You just need a Dominant to have everything in their name. [ She's pretty sure that was gone over in orientation, but she knows how overwhelming that can be. How much goes in one ear and out the other. ]

Even with the gangs taking over in the Down, they're still adhering to those rules with some of their own thrown in.

So this is all an engrained belief system by now, hm? [ Or is it an experiment they’re all adhering to...? He really should’ve picked up some sort of brochure while he was going through the introduction process. Did they even have such a thing?

Either way, what a pain. He sighs, a little theatrical and not too pathetic as a result. ]

I suppose I’ll have to see about that as I get on, then. Maybe when my head stops swimming.

From what I've gathered it's been a way of life across the entirety of this world for some time. Some places seem more strict than others. This place has apparently become more lax in some way since they started bringing us in, though.

[ She thinks about it for a moment before she decides to add a warning. ] Though, they're very serious about quota. They recently tightened things on that so that now you could receive a citation for missing it on top of being drugged and all of that. Even those that have graduated have to keep up with quota when they didn't before.

[ She wonders about the reason for that but knows they won't get answers. It'd been the one thing she'd been looking forward to after a year in this place...if she wasn't lucky enough to return home. ]

Understandable. It's a lot to take in and adjust to. Though I would suggest thinking about looking for someone to contract with sooner rather than later. Three months isn't as long as it seems.

[ More helpful knowledge. They should post dear Persephone at an Information Desk somewhere. ]

I’ll keep it in mind, thank you. [ He’s already gotten a glimpse of the ways in which this place will toss people together, the ways in which they’ll make people malleable. What’s the purpose?

He’s on that train of thought for a moment, brows furrowed in solemn thought, but then he seems to remember he’s in the middle of light conversation. ]

I’d better remember how to be charming, I suppose. Ach, what a trouble...

[ Persephone just wants to be helpful as she can. She might have picked up a lot of information about the place since arriving over half a year ago, but she still doesn't know everything and might get some details wrong. Though she tries not to talk too much about what she isn't certain of.

Talk of citations and drugging isn't particularly light, though she does let out a little chuckle when he tries to move things back to the lighter side of things. ]

I'm sure you won't have much of a problem with quota. Especially now that it's required of all those that have been brought here from elsewhere.

I’ll take that as a compliment, if you don’t mind.

[ Since he’d just mentioned attempting to be charming, he might as well roll with the banter. In truth, he’s not sure how much trouble he might have with it. Sometimes, these things are easy. Sometimes, they’re difficult. He’s certainly not fickle, but he thinks too much. He self-sabotages. He won’t allow himself comfort.

And, here... Well, comfort is already lost to the storm. Not that he’ll bother anyone else with that idea. ]

You know, I’ve just thought of something. Where will you go after this?

[ Persephone understands that. It took her months to finally reach a place in which she wasn't worrying as much about quota at the end of the month. It didn't help that she had no idea what she was doing when she first arrived. Though she tries to remind herself not to get too comfortable with her chosen partners should something happen.

Her cheeks flush and a few new flowers bloom in her hair. She realizes that that might have sounded a bit insulting. ] Wh-what I mean is you're attractive. And if you're, um, not picky about the sex of your partner...

[ She trails off and decides maybe it's best to let that drop before she puts her foot in her mouth. ]

I'll probably head back to the Up, to my apartment. Why do you ask?

[ He'll let it drop, too, but it earns a raised eyebrow. He hadn't been insulted, truly, but now he's a little curious about the follow-up statement. Proportion issues amongst the populous, perhaps? Or is she stating that being open automatically boosts one's chances.

At least he's handsome.

To the problem at hand, though... ]

If you're meant to escort me due to the danger of the area, it seems foolish that you should have to return alone. [ He's realizing as he says it that this may be precisely the expected, engineered situation, but it is one that he's able to bypass if necessary. ] I can return you to the checkpoint, if you'd like, and return on my own. Since you've technically done as instructed, it shouldn't be an issue.

[ You know, hypothetically. ]

[ She's not sure there's an issue with population, just that it seems not as many men are as interested in her as she is them. And she certainly has a heavily leaning biased attraction to the opposite sex.

She lets out a soft amused sound and shakes her head. ] You don't have to worry me.

[ She begins to float up into the air by way of explanation. ] I'm not so easily caught by troublemakers. Thank you for your concern, however. [ With the last bit she floats closer to him, smiling. ]

Oh.

[ Well. Being able to fly certainly is useful in a potential pursuit situation, yes. She's definitely got him there.

Floating always looks so lovely and ethereal. He's sure that his smile-in-kind must border on dopey, but it's well deserved. Kurt is eternally and gladly a sucker for beautiful women. ]

So much for any tricks up my sleeves, then. You've got me beat.

[ She's found it very useful since discovering she could do it. Those taller than her no longer tower over her if she doesn't want it. And it makes getting around easier. Though she's still trying to master escaping from situations she gets into if she's on the ground.

She drifts closer to him, giving him a curious look. ] And what tricks might you have?

[ His smile this time is a quick flash of fangs, and then he's gone, vanished is a puff of smoke and the noise of air rushing to fill the space he'd been occupying. Bamf.

A second noise follows immediately from a fire escape above, and Kurt's there for a moment before he teleports again, landing on Persephone's other side He gives her a couple of feet's distance to avoid the sulphuric atmosphere he carries alongside him.

He spreads his arms like he's just stuck a gymnastics landing. ] Ta-dah!

I'd have happily ferried you to the checkpoint, at least. I still can, if you wish.

[ For a moment, Persephone is left stunned, blinking at the space where Kurt once was. The sound above her prompts her to look up but then he's gone again. When he appears to her other side she quickly turns, eyes wide.

That was the kind of showmanship she'd expected when she's summoned Hades to her room that night she couldn't sleep. ]

Wow! [ She claps her hands together, her expression of surprise turning to one of amazement. ] You really didn't need an escort, huh? How far can you teleport?

[ He's happily to have given a satisfying performance, lit up at look of astonishment. ]

Quite a distance, if I push myself, though I seem to be rather limited here. [ He's already experimented, in this regard. He can feel the increased strain on his movements even if they aren't out-and-out inhibited, especially when teleporting vertically. He supposes this is intentional, a design to keep him from free movement or from attempting to leave the city.

He hasn't yet tried to cross that boundary yet, but he assumes there will be consequences. He just has to determine whether he's ready to meet them. ]

I typically stick to a couple of miles, at most. It adds up quickly enough without being tiring.

[ Persephone taps a finger against her chin. So it's not quite like many of the god's ability to teleport. Not that she has much first-hand experience with that particular ability. She's only been a passenger. ]

I wonder what is about this place that limits some people? [ After a moment she shrugs and shakes her head. ]

That is pretty useful. Do you need to have been somewhere in order to go there?

It certainly helps. Not fully required, but I wouldn't want to appear in a wall of a table or some such.

[ Now that he's done it before, more than once, he's gotta say... ] It hurts a lot, so I prefer to know where I'm going. That's why I've been taking the train rides and the walks offered.

[ She hums thoughtfully as she nods slowly. ] That makes sense.

Well, if you wish to make my trip back to the Up a little faster I'll take you up on the offer.

My dear lady... [ He bows then steps closer, offering his hand. ] All I have left is curtesy. It would be my pleasure to extend it to you.

[ She smiles and takes his head, doing a little of a curtsy as she does. ] Thank you.

[ The experience of teleporting the way he does it may be a bit jarring for the unfamiliar. The distance isn't too great, though, which should minimize any discomfort.

They vanish and reappear again in a rush of air, and now they're outside of the checkpoint. ]

All right?

[ It's different from teleporting at Hades' side. It's still jarring, but with Kurt, it gives her the same sensation she gets when she first rises into the air. That sensation of her stomach dropping for just a moment. With Hades, it's a bit more a woosh and then you're somewhere else.

Still no less disorientating, however. She blinks a couple of times before letting out a laugh. ]

Yeah. Wow, that's so fast.

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