duplicitymemes | TDM #37

Entry tags:

«tdm

TDM #37

« « « 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 LIEs 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 LIEs 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.

Submissives are provided with a plain black pleather collar to wear and Dominants are given bracelets made of the same black pleather. The simple design is an immediate visual indicator that they have not yet signed a contract and they will be informed that more elaborate or personalized styles are a privilege reserved for those who do.

Enjoy your free time until Orientation! Participation is mandatory for all new and past arrivals.

Prepare to sweat. It's fucking hot.

» » » ALL ABOARD

After stepping through the door and participating in Orientation, LIERs are assembled together in the Up for a tour of Duplicity in its entirety. 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.

« « « CHEESECAKE

(cw: dubcon, costumes/uniforms, roleplay, modeling/photography)

To fundraise for much needed renovations on the Subway halfway house in the Down, LIEs has decided to put together a pinup calendar featuring LIERs. As a part of Orientation, characters will find themselves forced to dress in different sexy thematic outfits and pose accordingly, depending on what month they are assigned. Not all pinup poses are based on holidays or months. Some characters may instead end up being dressed and posed in sexy, sensual parodies of certain jobs, such as firefighters, nurses, mail carriers, mechanics, etc. Some photos are taken in pairs, so Submissives may find themselves posing as a prop for a Dominant — furniture, pets, something appropriate for their designation…

Uncontracted Dominants and Submissives will be given randomized prompts to pose for, alone or as a pair. Those who are contracted aren't off the hook, however; the only thing their status affords them is a choice of what month or prompt they have to strike a pose for. They may also be allowed a more creative role, with Dominants acting as directors for the shot and posing the Submissives.

No one is allowed to leave until they've been photographed, so say cheese!

» » » THE BIG LICK

(cw: dubcon, food play, exhibitionism, sexual compulsions)

A new dessert shop called The Big Lick has opened in Duplicity and partnered with LIEs for a special promotion for all newcomers to enjoy the tasty treats they have to offer. Each Dominant at Orientation will find they've been given two free vouchers, with the stipulation they can only be redeemed for a treat if they take a Submissive along with them to share. New Submissives will find that even without a Dominant they can still get in on a taste of the action by showing up and agreeing to put on a little show with a popsicle or melty cone to promote what's on the menu.

What does promoting involve? Well, that's fairly obvious when one enters the shop.

A few small elevated circular stages are placed around the establishment where selected Submissives are expected to put on a short show for eager customers. These 'shows' may involve deepthroating a popsicle, licking whipping cream seductively off another's fingers or being hand fed dessert on their hands and knees by eager Dominant customers.

While their menu is still being worked on, the specialty items up for order each have their own unique quirks:

Twin Pop - A fruity popsicle that must be split with another person. Whoever is left with a smaller side must have the other seat themselves on their lap until they both finish their treat. Eating it too quickly may cause brain freeze, so be careful and savor it slowly!

Gelato - A luxurious dessert that makes your partner's lips look and taste irresistible — so irresistible that you can't help but kiss them right there in the middle of the shop. This wouldn't be a problem if the impulse to kiss them again and again would just die down before the gelato melts.

Shaved ice - Syrupy shaved ice served with milk and a variety of tropical fruit, this refreshing dessert will cool you down so much that you'll be desperate to share body heat with someone for an hour.

« « « DRIP DRIP DRENCH

(cw: public nudity, exhibitionism)

As the summer progresses, the temperature climbs to unprecedented levels of heat. It's bad enough in the Up, but the Down is steadily becoming more and more uncomfortably muggy and humid. To beat the heat, the city has installed temporary water misting stations in the Up along the main city streets and also within squares and North Park. Access and use of these misting stations is completely free and brings much needed relief to those who find themselves out and about during the hottest parts of the day. They spray at random and may catch pedestrians just making their way around the city unawares. Due to leaky pipes and runoff from above, some of this water may make its way into the Down as well to splatter on the heads of its inhabitants at random. The leak above South Park is particularly bad.

While addictingly cool and refreshing, this water isn't always your run-of-the-mill H2O. Contact with it may cause individuals to feel like they must strip down to their underwear — or even further. Some may go so far as to partake in exhibitionist acts. This effect will last for a few hours after someone dries off, but will be ongoing while they stay in the spray.

» » » 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 the assignments are OOCly 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 prefer to cool off with ice cream, they are a Submissive. If your character would prefer to cool off with ice cubes, they are 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 tag on 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 fun!!

» » » MAIN NAVIGATION « « «

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[a gentle smile at that]

Allow me my small proprieties? They are about all I have at this moment...!

[especially in absence of his proper clothes.

He watches over the man's arm, trying to take the small lesson in, the various new words and trying not to despair too much at the learning curve he perceives ahead of him. He shall have to learn to operate this device, it's several "apps" that each do something different - Heavens, but how is he to keep them straight?

McCoy helps, though, by nudging him back to their initial goal. He nods as he takes the device back in both hands, still not sure of handling it]

I'm in your hands, of course. Will there be any more, ah...

[the vocabulary escapes him. Gesturing back toward the elevator]

The-- moving closets?

[McCoy gave Linneus a long-suffering look but nodded. And then grinned at him. he was really just teasing with the look.]

Alright, if it makes ya feel better. But I promise I don't need it. An don't worry too much about all the new stuff. I'll help ya with anythin ya like. An the Orientation, as stupid as somea the stuff is, helps show ya some useful things too.

[He wanted to offer his arm to the man; for some reason it felt like Linneus would like it, but he didn't want to get them in trouble. Something like that, between two Doms, was technically a risk. The last thing he wanted to do was cause Linneus problems. So he gestured as he started to walk.]

Elevators. They call 'em elevators. An yeah, probably gonna need one when we get ta housin unless ya wanna take the stairs?

It does. [but he smiles with that look; with the offer of help - perhaps a little more at ease] Thank you for indulging me. I can't imagine there will be much time at this Orientation to allow me to be filled in on the fundamentals. Lest I slow everyone down...!

[fundamentals such as elevators. Falling into step at McCoy's side, just a pace or so behind.]

It may be for the best, then, if all the buildings are quite as tall as those I saw. At least if I must go another bout I am... forewarned and forearmed, as they say? Though I have a feeling that-- elevators are not as unfamiliar to you as they are to me?

[He shook his head with an indulgent look.]

I like helpin people Linneus, an I don't mind questions. Ya awful nice too. S'a pleasure talkin ta ya.

[McCoy chuckled and nodded, wishing again he could offer his arm. It just felt like it would be a nice gesture. He spoke lightly, but there was worry along with the encouragement under his words.]

Anythin in the Up with lotsa floors has 'em. Less common in the Down, but I don't suggest ya go down there if ya don't gotta. For now at least, ya gonna be a lot safer in the Up. An ya not wrong about me an technology. Home for me's a lot more advanced than even this place. What's it like for ya?

[a small smile at that]

Well, I hope you shall continue to think to so once you have got to know me.

[people can go off him, but Linneus hopes that is just a hazard of his work.]

Then if I am to spend time in the Up I shall have to learn quickly.

[though he does not imagine he will have very much choice. A small hum of thought - what is it like?]

To begin with? We do not have many distances in Ivore that we cannot easily walk. Nor do we have buildings in Ivore that we cannot climb...! [realising his double meaning with a chuckle, he amends] That is, we have staircases. And it is most civilised to use them. But I was known as an incorrigible climber in my youth, so I suppose the second possibility is also true.

Don't think there's much ya could do that's make me think different.

[Maybe if the delicate air and pretty features concealed a monster, but he doubted it. McCoy didn't have special powers or talents, but he was usually pretty good at reading people. Linneus didn't seem like he was hiding deep, dark secrets.]

Really? Ya climbed? Trees, I'm assumin? I ain't done that since I was a kid. Well, not for fun anyway . . .

[Technically, he and Spock had done quite a bit of climbing after the ship crashed, but that hadn't been anything like fun.]

Trees, trellises… anything that could take my weight. Perhaps more than a few things that probably couldn’t…!

[but, well. No harm done?]

I was scolded terribly for it, not that it really stopped me, as a child. I had rather a lot of energy and… rather a lot of people who didn’t have the heart to really stay angry with me, truth be told. But I have reined myself in as an adult - it’s a long time since I have climbed very much of anything…!

[McCoy chuckled and shook his head a little. It was way too cute to imagine a tiny Linneus climbing like a monkey.]

Ya know, if ya still feel the urge, pretty sure there's at least one place in the city that has a climbin wall or somethin. It's a big old buildin with a wall that looks like rock on the inside, with a buncha colored handholds ya use ta scale the wall. People consider it fun. if ya really wanted ta try it, I'd go with ya.

[raising his hands, staying-]

Oh, I have not... 'felt the urge' in quite some time - I'm not even sure I shall be able to...! And-- well, there is rather more of me now than when I was a child...!

[But...]

...but it might be fun.

[and it might be good for him to pursue some new things for recreation, even without having to be skilled at them.]

[McCoy laughed and held the door for Linneus, gesturing the man in the building first. It was his apartment building and he pointed as he spoke.]

We can work on gettin ya up a wall. This is ya buildin, see? An here's the sign that says what floor's what. Now, we're gonna use the elevator. It's over this way.

[He headed for the elevator and held the doors for Linneus to get in. McCoy pointed to the panel.]

This's where the floors are. Ya push the button that goes ta ya floor, and it let's ya out near ya front door. Think ya ready for another try at elevators?

So long as the walls are not as large as the buildings...!

[heavens, he hopes not - or the climbs would be interminable!

Grateful for McCoy's guidance, he carefully catalogues the information - following him through and briefly hesitating at the elevator doors]

I am... a little more prepared this time, yes. Now I have a better idea of what to expect.

[Oh, there is a handrail, that is somewhat reassuring. Linneus will just hold onto that and try not to be too enthralled by the array of buttons and lights, the swirl of questions. How does it know?!]

Is it common for everyone's dwellings to be one on top of the other like this? I'm more used to smaller buildings spaced out...

It's probably a couple stories at least. Gotta have a good distance ta climb, but ya wouldn't hafta go ta the top if ya didn't wanna. An they got safety equipment too. Ya wouldn't get hurt if ya fell.

[He smiled at Linneus and took his place at the man's side, leaning back against the wall. McCoy watched Linneus looking at the buttons.]

We all get stuck in these towers when we start out, but back where I'm from, yeah. In the city space's at a premium, so buildin up's the norm. Once ya getcha feet in the city though, ya can buy a house someplace else. Mosta them don't have elevators.

I... am not sure at the prospect of settling down here. If I am honest, it all still feels like I might wake up at some point. It may take some time for me to arrange myself with being here at all.

[there are ways to start, though. Getting used to the place. Getting into his own clothes. He can start both by making the elevator move - just pressing the button, is it? He startles just slightly as the doors slide close and quickly grabs for the rail again]

Though I will certainly prefer not having to put myself into a box every time I wish to return...!

[how is this normal?!]

[He sighed and moved so that his shoulder would brush Linneus' as he breathed, about the most he dared in a "public" space. Once they were in the man's apartment, if he wanted a hug, it ought to be safe enough. The last thing he wanted to do was get Linneus in trouble his first day in the city!]

People do leave here alla time, but it ain't from wishin. Dunno how they get chosen ta leave, an some of 'em end up right back here again anyway. But I know whatcha mean. Somehow . . . makin a life here, even just a little bit, kinda feels like lettin goa home.

[There was understanding and resignation in his tone. McCoy covered Linneus' hand on the rail, giving it a gentle squeeze.]

S'ok. Ya get used ta it. An ya can always take the stairs instead.

[glancing to his side, as McCoy leans next to him. There are so many rules in this place - that much is clear even without Linneus having much chance to get his head around them - but the presence is welcome.]

It doesn't help, in my case, that I have barely lived anywhere else. I'm not sure what making a life here would mean, but then... I'm not sure what doing so anywhere else would mean, either.

[a soft chuckle - that would be a lot of stairs indeed!]

I shall consider it. But the elevators are not so bad, with company.

Yeah? Ya still lived in the house ya grew up in?

[McCoy had done that, more or less. Most Southerners ended up doing exactly that, surrounded by family. He smiled at Linneus, hand still over the man's on the rail.]

I'd offer ta always escort ya, but I'm afraid I don't live here. Haven't for years actually. I still kinda miss the caterin.

In a manner of speaking. I was in service there since I was a small child, so essentially I was raised there - I haven't really known another place.

[now he thinks on it, there is a lot ahead of him that he hasn't really known. More than he can unpack right now, surely.]

...you have been here for years?

[an inopportune time for a question, as the elevator sounds a small chime and the doors slide open.

Alas. More doors.]

Ya were in service? Like a servant? As a kid?

[Well that didn't sound right at all! He frowned at the thought of a child being forced to work. Weren't there laws against that in Linneus' world? Weren't there moral objections? How was that an ok thing? What year did the guy come from?

Before he could ask, or answer, more questions, the elevator stopped. He stepped out first, holding the doors open so Linneus could step out in his own time.]

Let's talk more once we get inside ya apartment.

Yes?

[Ah.]

I have said something strange.

[McCoy is right, though, they can probably talk about it further when they are less in the open. Clearing his throat lightly as he steps into the lobby]

...am I to choose a door again?

[McCoy smiled at Linneus and shook his head a little.]

Different worlds. I forget that sometimes.

[He chuckled and took a gentle hold of the man's hand, heading for the right door.]

It's this one. Each door goes to a different apartment. Probably best if ya go in first. Hate ta steal the honor from ya.

Different worlds.

[it's easy enough to say, but Linneus is still somewhat getting his head around that one. There are a lot of differences here - he is still not quite over this need to live all stacked on top of each other.

McCoy guides him easily enough to the door - a brief moment of confused searching before a soft, audible click; the door unlocking with Linneus' presence, or the proximity of his device - or magic? Who could say. He still opens the door carefully, as if unsure he's intruding. He must be intruding. But McCoy is still right behind him; he cannot back up into the other man, so he carefully ventures forward into the... lounge? Kitchen? All one wide space, and it just goes on...]

This... this cannot be mine, can it?

[He didn’t mean to crowd Linneus or push him forward, but if they were going to talk, they needed privacy. He followed the man into the apartment and shut the door, giving a soft sigh of relief. Then McCoy went to work looking for any spying devices. He was by no means an expert, but three years in the city and paranoid friends had taught him plenty of suspicion. He spoke as he hunted.]

Yeah, it’s yours. Alla it. An ya get room service too. All day an all night. Still miss that. Clothes’re probably in the bedroom. The main one I mean. Ya probably got at least two.

[a disbelieving chuckle - almost a guffaw, quite indelicate under these circumstances, even as he moves through the apartment. Surely... surely not. It cannot be only for him. This must be a shared space for several people to come and go between.

He doesn't really react to McCoy's hunting - or, it registers, but he doesn't pay much mind to it.]

I, ah. I shall try to seek out my clothes, then.

[his voice feels a bit distant, or perhaps it's just the echo of the place as he moves through it. He feels like an interloper, uncivilised even just knocking on doors and trying them. And it takes a few tries before he finds the "main one" - or he supposes it must be, through the door at the far end of the hall. It's the one that has his things laid out for him at least - his clothes folded, and his jewellery neatly arrayed on the dresser.

Everything is there, but there was only one thing he worried about missing - a gold bangle that is returned to his person before he discards the paper robe and puts on the rest of his clothes. The remaining jewellery... it is nice to have, but barely matters.

The door is closed carefully as he rejoins McCoy in the living area. Lingering on the edge of the space]

...I'm not sure it has sunk in very much further.

[even with proper clothes on, it doesn't feel much realer for it. Surely there is some mistake...?]

[McCoy had finished his looking while Linneus dressed. There hadn’t been anything he could spot that didn’t belong. He’d settled on the couch. All the apartments can furnished with basic furniture and he was sprawled in the corner. He patted the cushion next to him with a smile when Linneus reappeared.]

Seems like this ain’t whatcha expected at all. C’mon. Come sit. We’ll talk.

No - no, to say the very least...!

[it's all so... grand. Linneus was raised in the Teahouse, he knows about grand but this is such a different kind of grand.

He sits beside McCoy, but perches on the edge of the couch, like he isn't sure he belongs. His hand comes to his wrist - to rub over where his bangle should be, but the pleather bracelet is. Switches hands.]

I suppose-- I am rather overwhelmed. Everything is-- is so-- so different.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject