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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] sinfucks2025-08-24 07:23 pm
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TEST DRIVE #12

TEST DRIVE MEME #12


CONTENT WARNINGS: body modification (new arrivals); animal trafficking; genetically modified animals.

▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (NEO TOKYO BASE).

It happens in the blink of an eye, a dash of time – you're taken from where you were. What you were doing... it isn't important any more, and slowly, you give up the desire of your normal life. When you awaken, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.

"Yeah, this one will do. Let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.

"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.

Just then, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along with many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.


Welcome to Neo Tokyo. Pods drain their stasis fluid, which wakes each Outsider and they emerge from their pod in only undergarments. Directed to a locker room in the medical bay, they find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here.

It's around this time they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. It might take some getting used to, but over time the sensation will become familiar. In the stasis pods, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download.

A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.

█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
Syndata File:

What’s the weirdest nickname someone has ever given you?



Outsiders will receive a quick debrief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer.

Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.

In the cafeteria area, food is being served. The kitchen can be seen, and a few robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are mostly vegan and vegetarian dishes, with a range of curries, rice and simple noodles. As most robotic staff have been directed to finish rebuilding parts of the base, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own food. Finding your own ingredients might be trickier, however, especially with the dubious nature of the meats.


"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands."


▶ 002. FOLLOW THE RABBIT.

With the arrival of new allies and the return of experienced members from abroad, everyone is allowed some time to relax and settle in. The temperature outside cools down and offers everyone a break from the suffocating heat of summer. There is still some time before the official first day of the autumn season but that isn't going to stop Neo Tokyo from ditching summer. It's time to bring out the sweaters and get some artificially flavored pumpkin spice!

In particular, the city is preparing for the Autumn Equinox at the beginning of the month. Cafes and restaurants begin to launch seasonal items meant to evoke the image of the full moon like sugar cookies, egg sandwiches, dango filled with custard, and more. Meanwhile, department stores sell goods with full moon and rabbit motifs. These are all rare and exclusive treats that citizens look forward to every year.

If you look at the bright neon adverts of the city, you might suddenly see a pixelated white rabbit appear. It jumps from advertisement to advertisement. Sometimes the white rabbit even leaves the advertisements to hop across the holographic graffiti in the city. According to local urban legend, if you can follow the white rabbit long enough, it will take you to the moon and you'll learn a secret about the world. Others say the white rabbit is the AI assistant of an eccentric billionaire and if you follow the white rabbit, you'll win a million KRYPTOS. More jaded commenters on the net think it's just a publicity stunt for hacker artists.

Whatever the truth is, the city is gripped by rabbit mania and everyone is trying to chase the rabbit to learn what it is. News outlets, public officials, and even LILITH begin to issue statements about it. They warn people not to follow the white rabbit into dangerous places and advise against following suspicious bots.

If you decide to follow the white rabbit, it will lead you on a chase until the night of the first full moon. It will eventually lead you to a quiet, scenic place in the city like the top of a building or a park. You will receive a message from MOON_RABBIT.AI with an attachment link. Clicking on it will automatically download an accessory upgrade. All characters will receive a bunny ear headband. The message simply says, "Look at the beautiful moon. 🌕🐇"

No secrets are revealed, no money is found, and no coupons are earned. Maybe the real moon rabbit is the friends you made along the way. Enjoy the view!



▶ 003. CUSTOMS CAN'T STOP ME.

The Outsiders were not the only things to arrive in Neo Tokyo on the return from Mexico City. LILITH has been given some intel from their sources across the city that a significant number of animals were smuggled into the city by various sources, and the black market (which might be familiar to some Outsiders) is rife with the creatures. The mission is simple: infiltrate the market once more and find the source of the smuggling. The exotic pet market is developing, and LILITH wants it stopped.

Things are a little more complicated than they have been in the past, however. Previous adventures into the market had found Outsiders chasing down kaiju and small animals that had been smuggled here and there and attempting to apprehend the criminals, but this time it is a mixture of the smaller kaiju from Mexico and some kind of genetically modified hybrid animals alongside them. Where these strange hybrids came from is unknown, but they look more grotesque and dangerous than their kaiju counterparts.

While the pet market had been filled with animals that were far less dangerous before, this time the creatures are on the more deadly side: wildcats and large birds that are angry at their captivity and prepared to lash out at whoever comes close, no matter who they might be. They don’t understand the difference between captor and savior, so it might be tricky to catch them without gaining yourself a few scars for it.

There’s also the risk of getting involved in a deal; funnily enough, smugglers don’t take too kindly to being found out, and the people buying aren’t interested in being caught. It can be hard to track down where the deals are being made and to intercept them, but LILITH will be glad to hear of anyone who is prevented from taking part in this shady business. LILITH will be doubly pleased with Outsiders who are able to find the source of the smuggling ring and report back to the with their findings.

As before, Outsiders can find a range of different services in the markets: recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabelled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and terrifying amount of junk.


▶ 004. SIMULATION: KAIJUMANJI.

It's an ordinary day when the Outsiders are called in for regular training. Those who choose to arrive early will get to head into the room and mingle with each other. Once everyone has arrived, the room will light up and everyone will find themselves wearing the LILITH plugsuits and have options to download their personal inventory or borrow weapons from LILITH's weapons database. They will also be sorted into teams of various sizes.

"Who is ready for something different? Can I get a HELL YEAH? Trust me, you guys are just gonna love this, but I also gotta ask.. WANNA PLAY A GAME?"


The room begins to whirr as the system boots up. Usually, this would be the part where the entire room takes on the appearance and sounds of a new environment. Instead, the room maintains the same appearance. One might almost think the simulation hasn't started but the sound of music from the speakers hints that something is going on.

Each team will suddenly receive a virtual "map" and a die. The virtual "map" will have markers with their names at the starting point. Given how the "map" looks and the die, it's obvious this is some sort of board game they are all expected to play. Each player must take turns rolling the die and moving ahead on the board. Most of the spaces have an effect of some sort. Upon landing on an effect tile, an event will happen. While each team has a map, some teams may have alternate versions with different kaiju and events.

The game starts in the simulation room and everyone will be free to move around throughout the virtual base and Neo Tokyo as they play. If the game becomes too much, they can try to log out of the simulation but it won't work. Instead, they'll receive an error message and an ominous explanation. The game will continue until someone reaches the end and yells, "Kaijumanji"!

After someone reaches the end, the simulation (and music) will end and they will find themselves in the simulation room.


▶ 005. TOUCH GRASS.

As with all simulations, the effects feel real so everyone can feel like they are being hurt or subjected to whatever elements occur. However, all effects should end with the simulation. It appears that the new software is a little too realistic and many Outsiders are left feeling a phantom pain called "simulated pain." Though they are physically unharmed, they still feel as though they were injured and experience pain, poison effects, or difficulty using their powers or equipment.

They will be taken to the Medical Bay to receive care. Since there is nothing physically wrong with them, the staff and Nurse Robots focus on treating the symptoms the best they can. Depending on the situation, some people may receive real medication while others receive placebos to help trick the mind into recovering. While they are being treated, they will run system diagnostics and try to debug their brain implants. It is a slow process given the sensitive nature of the issue. Unfortunately, debugging will only do so much while they are cooped up in the med bay.

The best way to cure simulated pain is to get out and experience the real world. So while it may be difficult, Outsiders will be asked to mingle around the base and go out into the city to eat a real meal and touch real grass. Holding hands also seems to produce effects similar to healing touch even if the other person does not have the upgrade. By feeling something real, the mind can recalibrate and debug itself.

Everyone recovers at different rates but over time, the simulated pain will pass and they will feel normal again. Finally, they will be advised to avoid going into the simulation room and anything related to virtual reality for about a week after recovery or else they might trigger another bout of simulated pain.


▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our 12th TDM! All TDM threads are game canon and characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As the TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. Please use this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER.

There are currently ~13 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they open.

Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a Syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.

Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards September AC.




EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (TOKYO BASE): Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. They will arrive in Neo Tokyo.

2. FOLLOW THE RABBIT: During the Autumn Equinox, a white rabbit can be found that Outsiders are able to chase. According to legend, you can learn a secret or money. Successfully finding the rabbit does not result in a reward beyond friendship.

3. CUSTOMS CAN'T STOP ME: The animal/kaiju trafficking has resurfaced after returning from Mexico and Outsiders are tasked with finding the creatures and the smugglers. There are various black market services Outsiders can "indulge" in if they wish.

4. SIMULATION: KAIJUMANJI: A new simulation has been set up in the SimRoom; a training program set up as a virtual map with dice rolls and events based on where they move. Escaping the room requires getting to the end and shouting the name of the game.

5. TOUCH GRASS: Consequences of the Simulation Room can be dire; phantom pain and poison effects. The best cure is to go out into nature and see the real world, eat real food and enjoy living. Eventually, the pain passes.


photosympathies: (cl.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-04 11:58 am (UTC)(link)
I think you're meant to be a bunny girl.

( Not helping whatsoever. )

But I forgot it did that. ( Oops. ) Um. Mine lasted forty-eight hours. Just ... so you know.
mace_pray_love: (uncertain)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-04 10:23 pm (UTC)(link)
I. Know. That. [She growls through gritted teeth. There's a famous tavern in her hometown where the servers all dress like bunny girls and get shamelessly ogled by the patrons. She hates this.

She balls up the coat and throws it at the back of Vash's head.]


Two days? UGH. I can't just waste two whole days hiding away in my room!

[She wraps her arms around herself and lets out a long sigh.] I know basically none of the guys here like girls, but that still doesn't mean I can go running around dressed like a bunny floozy. What am I supposed to do?
photosympathies: (xvii.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-05 09:09 am (UTC)(link)
( ...

He doesn't know much about the sexual preferences of their teammates so he's just going to take her word for it. But he doesn't make a little noise, still staring at the wall.
)

I don't think you look like a floozy! I think you look very nice. And it's only the outward appearance, right? So at least you're not cold? You're not, are you? Because maybe we can talk to LILITH.
mace_pray_love: (stare)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-05 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's the concern about Jessica being cold that finally extinguishes her fiery temper. It’s so… dumb yet sweet. She can’t keep being mad at a guy who’s basically a golden retriever in a coat and sunglasses.]

…no, if anything, I need to take some layers off. Before I figured out it would keep changing them, I kept putting more clothes on.

[She sighs, and finally turns to examine herself in the mirror more calmly. Turning this way and that, she finally concludes:]

I guess I am pulling it off pretty well. Why should I care what other people think?
photosympathies: (cviii.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-06 11:50 am (UTC)(link)
That's right! If you've got it, flaunt it!

( That's appropriate, right? Though Vash does sound like he's just repeating something he's heard from someone else, so maybe he doesn't exactly know what it is. )

I don't think anyone's going to judge you anyway. And if they do I can deal with them for you. ( He'll threaten them. Nicely. Maybe. ) But they shouldn't. We've all been there. I cried when it was me and Tsurumaru gave me a candy, so I think people should be nice to you too.
mace_pray_love: (stare)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-06 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jessica squints her eyes at the back of Vash's head. He's not even looking at her when he says it, so he's probably not flirting.

...he's just kind of an airhead, huh?]


Having a bodyguard is pretty useful... although candy sounds better. If I find Tsurumaru, think he'll give me some? I could pretend to cry if I have to.
photosympathies: (cxi.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-07 10:46 am (UTC)(link)
... I think Tsurumaru's just the type to give a person something regardless of if they're crying or not. He's always been really nice to me. ( Maybe because to him Vash is just a big, sad baby. He's not used to people looking at him like that. )

I can give you candy. ( Patting himself down, he amends -. ) I can go buy you candy. Or we can go together. You said you're not going to be bothered by the costume, right? So we should do something nice. My treat!
mace_pray_love: (pleased)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-07 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jessica raises an eyebrow. Her experience of Tsurumaru so far has been him sneakily feeding a merchant his own pollen-laced ice cream to test its effects. So the benevolence Vash is talking about doesn't seem like a universal experience.]

...you don't have to treat me. [She already doesn't pay him for being a bodyguard, she doesn't need to cost him money too.] But we can go together. And if anyone stares, you can shoo them off!
photosympathies: (cxliii.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-08 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
( Tsurumaru would NEVER, what. )

I'l do just that. I'll be real stern. ( He can, and will, if a lady wants him to. If she's uncomfortable he'll make sure to fix it. He doesn't even mind getting a little hands-on, if other people don't take his friendly advice at face value. Pacifism is well and fine, but sometimes -. )

I think we'll be okay. There was a time a while back with maids outfits. I had a skirt on. Everyone avoided eye contact.

( That might have been the scarring though. )

One thing though? Can I turn around now?
mace_pray_love: (nervous)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-08 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Wait, you got a maid outfit AND a wedding dress? How many times have you gotten stuck in a glitch?

[Once is an accident, twice is starting to form a pattern.

Jessica tries in vain to adjust her clothes one last time, then sighs.]


Yes, you can turn around. If it's gonna be like this for two days, I better start getting used to it.

photosympathies: (cl.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-10 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
Only the two times! But I think it happened to people before I got here too. Guess it's something we have to run the risk of, huh? You'd think with putting stuff in our brains they'd be a little more sure, but --.

( He turns, keeps his gaze respectfully on her face, smile soft and encouraging. )

You look great, anyway. Not like me. You do not want to see my legs in a skirt.
mace_pray_love: (oh no)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-12 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Is it always feminine clothes? [Does some pervert in LILITH's research and development department have a weird fetish they're pushing on everyone? WHY NOT TUXEDOS, LILITH?

She looks away, trying not to feel embarrassed. She isn't ashamed of her body, but it's weird to be in this outfit all the same.]


You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure you looked fine.

[Yes, she'll focus on uplifting Vash, not thinking about her stupid clothes.]

photosympathies: (cvii.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-13 01:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, no. The maid time there were butler ones too. Astarion got trousers.

( It is just Vash who suffered because there is an abundance of Vash maid fanart )

Haha, no. I'm fine. I just have skinny legs. Look. ( Lifting his foot so she gets the full combo of massive boot and tiny ankle. There was also the scarring, but that's neither here nor there. Jessica doesn't know about his roadkill ways. ) I just looked like a weird stick in a skirt.

( A pause. )

Hey, do you want me to get the implant to change my outfit? So you don't feel so obvious?
mace_pray_love: (sad)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-14 03:30 am (UTC)(link)
[That makes her feel a little bit better, at least. Equal opportunity glitches.]

You just have to find the style that suits you. You're cute, so it shouldn't be hard.

[She frowns at the scars a little. Scars can be an attractive feature, but it's also worrying if someone has so many. Take better care of yourself, Vash.]

You don't have to. You can probably scare off creeps easier if you're dressed normal, right?

[Unless he wants to wear a costume?]
photosympathies: (cvii.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-14 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm cute?

( Listen to how pleased he sounds. It even puffs him up a little. Like a dog being offered a treat. )

But you're right, I need to look menacing. So I'll stick to my usual. ( His usual being the red coat, which probably doesn't look all that menacing at all. Oh well. ) I actually don't do dress up a lot. I have to carry all my clothes on me back home, so I'm not used to having like ... a wardrobe. It's why I just make the style upgrade keep me in the same look. I don't want to look goofy looking if I branch out.
mace_pray_love: (Default)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-14 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah. [Duh. Mirrors exist, Vash, how do you not know this?]

You have nice hair and a friendly smile. [It's no wonder he got so many would-be takers when he advertised as a rent boy.]

Well, if you ever want to try something new, I could help you design something. [If you want to dress like a 90s JRPG character.]

photosympathies: (cv.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-15 11:14 am (UTC)(link)
( He runs a hand through his hair, pleased. )

Oh. ( Laughter, vaguely sheepish. ) That's good. I'm glad. Not that I was worried! But it's fun to hear.

( Does he want to try something new? His outfit is a weird nostalgia thing. Bits of Rem, bits of Luida. Tactical while still being a call-back. He hums. )

I'll think about it. Maybe I can try something.
mace_pray_love: (hands on hips)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-15 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Only if you want to.

[Jessica gets it. Wearing styles from home is a way of keeping homesickness at bay. She won't force it.]

And if you don't, that's ok. Red suits you.

photosympathies: (cl.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-16 11:59 am (UTC)(link)
( That tickles him more than cute did. )

You think so? It was my mom's favourite colour. She had a red geranium that she kept on our ship, I used to look at it all the time. And then someone else made my coat in the same colour, so it started to feel like fate, you know? Like she was with me.
mace_pray_love: (eyes closed)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-16 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[She nods, not trusting herself to speak for a moment. That feeling of keeping a lost love one close by wearing something that reminds you of them is one she's well familiar with. Jessica's mom left her a necklace that she treasures, though it's worlds away from her now.]

It's fate for sure. She must be watching over you.
photosympathies: (cl.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-18 11:45 am (UTC)(link)
I like to think so.

( Fondness swells in his voice, his smile turning a shade more genuine. )

And she definitely would have liked all the people I've met here. I bet she'd have thought your outfit was swell.
mace_pray_love: (oh no)

[personal profile] mace_pray_love 2025-09-18 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Vash, you were having such a heartfelt conversation, and now Jessica low-key thinks your mom is a pervert.]

Eh? Uh, I'm glad you've made so many friends here.

[And she's still keeping a look-out for kind-eyed singles for you.]
photosympathies: (cl.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-09-19 12:37 pm (UTC)(link)
( What? No.

... Actually, he never got to know her well enough so maybe she was a pervert.
)

We have to make the most of things, right? And what better use than making friends.