▶ 003. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3

[synfluxmods]

TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: forced scenarios, partial nudity, full nudity, alcohol & drug use, violence & action scenarios, simulation mindfucking, bees/hornets, parasites.

▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.

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 anymore, and slowly, you give up to desire your normal life. When you awake, 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, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.

The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. When Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them and head to a locker room in the medical bay, to find a towel to dry off with, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then 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. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, 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, and feed 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:

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?

<raw code><table width="80%"><br><div align="center"><img src="IMAGE_URL" style="width: 200px; border-radius: 15px; border: 1px solid #7F7F7F; box-shadow: #8D8D8D 1px 1px 1px;"> <!-- CARD --> <div style="width:230px;padding:20px 0 0;border:1px solid #f2f2f2;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;align-items:right;gap:5px;background:#fff;"> <!-- CHAR INFO: start --> <div style="width:150px;font-family:courier;font-weight:bold;font-size: clamp(14px, 1vw, 10px);letter-spacing:1px;line-height:1;color:#000;"></lj-raw><font color="#00686E">NAME</font> <lj-raw></div> <!-- CHAR INFO: end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE START --> <div style="width:230px;background:#eee;"><details><summary style="cursor:pointer;text-align:center;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;background:#ccc;color:#000;">+</summary> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content --> <div style="width:190px;margin:0 auto;padding:7px 0;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;color:#000;"> </lj-raw><b>Username:</b> !!ANSWER HERE!! <br> <b>Civilian Identity:</b> !!ANSWER HERE OR SAY UNDECIDED!! <br> <b>Age:</b> !!AGE HERE!! <br> <b>Species:</b> !!SPECIES HERE!! <br> <b>Origin:</b> !!ORIGIN HERE!! <br></br> <b>If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?</b></br> </br>!! ANSWER HERE !!<lj-raw> </div></details></div> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE END --> </div></div> <!-- CARD name: END --> <!-- CREDIT --> <div style="width:100%;margin-top:-15px;font-size:10px;color:#ddd; text-align:center;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#ddd;">credit</a></div></center></table></raw code>

The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!

Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: They will be told that the year is 2278, 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 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 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), 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.

Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is oniku sashimi, miso soup, and ginger salad, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Oniku is whale tail meat. Huh. There's been a whale theme going around here lately. Must be a coincidence... right?

That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:

"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today while the rest of the crew is busy handling a recent issue. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands. Please enjoy your complimentary meal which LILITH has carefully procured for you all. You may then head to your quarters are explore our BASE using the map provided. This meal is a delicacy in some parts, so feel free to express your undying gratitude."

▶ 002. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.

Early in the morning on March 2nd, the power suddenly goes out. Outsiders may wake up to find that wake-up alarms never went off, the coffee machines don't work, and breakfast isn't ready in the cafeteria because of the sudden outage. Early risers may find themselves trapped in their team wings when automatic doors refuse to budge and those who are particularly unlucky may find themselves stuck in an elevator.

Within the hour, the power boots back up again and life on base returns mostly to normal. The only inconvenience seems to be a haphazardly thrown-together breakfast consisting of whatever could be made without power quickly. As the day goes on, observant characters may notice something amiss. They can catch some LILITH workers whispering to each other and there seem to be more agents in fancy suits roaming around.

If they find themselves in the right place, Outsiders may find that one of the many research labs on base is locked down and they won't be allowed to enter. If they ask one of the guards keeping watch, they will simply be told to move along. Asking some of the researchers or other workers in the area will reveal "something" happened during the power outage in the morning.

By evening, everyone's ocular implants will flash a quick notice:

|| MISSING PERSON

Name: Dr. Tanaka Junichiro
Role: LILITH Researcher.
Specialty: Genetic Research (Native Species and Kaiju)
Details: Latest available security footage depicts Dr. Tanaka stationed in their lab at LILITH Research Base. At 0735hrs on the morning of 2 March, a power disturbance struck all LILITH networks, resulting in all security monitoring systems within the area going offline briefly. After this disturbance was resolved, Dr. Tanaka was reported missing from their designated station under mysterious circumstances. Other resources missing from the base include: Research files and various live and deceased specimens.

Any clues on Dr. Tanaka's whereabouts are to be surrendered to LILITH immediately. Dr. Tanaka's primary research involved DNA splicing and induced evolution. Any information or clues regarding them or their work is highly valued. It is our top objective to ensure the safe return of our valuable staff members. ||

▶ 003. CLAWS FOR CONCERN.

Shortly after the disappearance of Dr. Tanaka, Outsiders who wander the back alleys and keep an ear open will hear whispers of exotic animals and chimera being traded for meat, entertainment and pet ownership. Most of this talk will be heard near the biggest black market in Shinjuku, "Starlight X". It's a novelty within Neo Tokyo and word gets out quick, even if the residents are hush-hush about where they got their sources from. Photos of these hybrids show up on social media to the astonishment and skepticism of the citizens. To find Starlight X, Outsiders will have to travel underground, taking the term underground market quite literally. There is an entrance way in a nearby alley without too much security; with the lack of policemen, now, people might as well sell their illegal substances on the surface.

Once there, Outsiders will be able to discover a plethora of suspicious things for purchase: such as recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabeled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and a whole lot of junk. While visiting Starlight X, some of these creature hybrids even get loose and need to be captured before they draw too much attention. LILITH advises Outsiders to turn in any such specimens, live or dead, or put in a report immediately upon seeing them. Withholding such information or keeping a specimen for yourself may result in unwanted consequences if LILITH comes to find out.

These hybrids are generally small and mostly harmless, no doubt being traded for companionship and novelty. Cats that look like small lions or tigers, canaries with peacock feathers, frogs with wings, and so on (players may use their imagination).

Any further questions regarding Starlight X can be asked below.

▶ 004. THE SAPPHIRE ROOM.

It becomes such a problem that LILITH can no longer ignore it. It's clear that someone - or a group of someones - have gotten their hands on LILITH's priceless specimens and data, and are testing the waters on what they can get away with. Allowing the public to get their hands on the smaller hybrids is one thing. According to word around the street, there's going to be an auction on the night of the 5th, and that's where the larger, more dangerous hybrids will be sold. Some even say you'll be able to find man-made monsters.

Closer to that date, LILITH decides to strike back to avoid further humiliation. With the help of their skilled informants, they've managed to secure the location, but ordering the Outsiders to storm the place like a military strike team just isn't an option. Said location is in a popular, bustling part of town, where the locals wine and dine. That would only cause panic and distrust amongst the people. The approach that's needed today ... is something more clandestine.

|| MISSION: Infiltration of The Sapphire Room
LOCATION: The Sapphire Room, in Roppongi. A popular and exclusive nightclub serving a lavish experience to those who can afford it.
DETAILS: Sources reveal that The Sapphire Room, while a fully functioning club, has also been playing host to suspicious activities and trading in their exclusive underground rooms. An illegal auction is currently being held at the end of this week, which happens to be their Couples' Night. To gain access into this auction, Outsiders are to pair up and maintain appropriate cover. Information about your disguises have been downloaded into your chips.

OBJECTIVE:
✖ Infiltrate the secret auction occurring in The Sapphire Room as a pair.
✖ Disrupt the auction using any means possible.
✖ Capture hybrid specimens and surrender them to LILITH.
✖ Capture the perpetrators for questioning.
✖ Obtain any research data available and surrender it to LILITH. ||

Outsiders will be briefed on the disguise and cover identity provided to them by LILITH, and temporarily granted a Style Upgrade to their chip to enable them to dress the part. (Players may make up their own cover identity for this mission. )

Hybrids within the auction include larger, more dangerous chimeras such as lion snapping-turtles, alligator-hippos, and snapping bears (among others). Smaller chimeras such as winged rabbits and seven-headed-snakes can also be found.

At the center of it all … the main event: An actual Kaiju hybrid. At the center of the stage is a miniature version of the Shachimon whales that had sewn chaos across the sea just a month before. She’s much smaller than her full sized counterparts, only about as large as a dog. It’s likely she’s been bred down with native marine life to make her more tameable and less able to completely topple a boat with her strength.

This is what the auction-goers had come to see and hopefully purchase today. What they want a half-Kaiju for remains to be seen, but LILITH is not about to let just anyone get their hands on their specimens.

Outsiders undertaking this mission may wrangle and capture the hybrid creatures (most of which will be aggressive) and fight off or capture the auction staff. Most of the staff will be armed with guns and cybernetic enhancements (e.g. bionic arms with lasers attached). They can be questioned but not all of them are happy to answer. Unfortunately, the ringleaders will slip away in the chaos before anyone can capture them. A message from Captain Yamakawa projects into the implant late into the night (and if you were sleeping by this hour of 2 a.m, you're about to be woken up.)

"This is unacceptable. Angels of LILITH, please be on the lookout for the organizers of this crime. This kind of theft is unforgivable. We are investigating their identities, but any further information regarding those that got away is appreciated."

▶ 005. SIMULATION.

While Outsider are given some time to rest and recover from their battle in February, it doesn't take long for their training to kick back up again. Outsiders will be summoned to the simulation room and instructed to put on their LILITH-issued plugsuits. They will be paired or put into groups for another battle simulation. After being ushed into the training grounds, the room will turn pitch black and a briefing sheet will be projected from their eye implant.

They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves in Singapore. The city is lively and all seems well and ordinary with civilians going about their daily lives. The weather is warm and sunny and it's a beautiful day.

Suddenly, screams break out from a nearby Hawker centre. A small group of civilians go on a rampage and begin chasing after the crowds. They move quickly but awkwardly as if they aren't in total control of their bodies. They try to attack other people in any way possible and cannot listen to reason. Rendering the disturbed civilians dead or unconscious will result in a large hornet emerging from a melted hole somewhere on the victim's body. The hornets must be destroyed before they possess another host. It isn't just the humans that can be taken over: Some of the suzume-bachi will infect the local animal life as well.

If you look around, there are still many people running around and curious onlookers trying to catch a peek inside. With so many hosts milling around, the suzume-bachi could be anywhere among us.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: SUZUME-BACHI
HEIGHT: 7.6-12 in.
WEIGHT: 2 kg
CLASS: UNKNOWN, CANNOT BE CLASSED.
THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE-SEVERE
LOCATION: Tropical climates with high humidity
ABILITIES: Parasitic and will enter a “host body” and try to gain control. Capable of entering other wildlife.
WEAKNESS: Ice (they cannot operate in cold climate), physical attacks.
EXTRA NOTES: Once they gain control over a lifeform, only rendering the host body unconscious will allow them to expose themselves. It is advised to kill them prior to have the entering ones body. The process of them latching on to take control is extremely invasive as they melt through skin to gain access to a body. Possessed bodies will behave aggressively and will try to lure others into areas of nesting for the SUZUME-BACHI. Highly protective of their hive and their “QUEEN”— please approach hives with caution and do not approach alone.

█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Identify humans and creatures being controlled by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Rescue civilians and clear all wildlife of being possessed by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Help move civilians to underground safety bunker.
✖ Protect safe zones from SUZUME-BACHI.
EXTRA NOTES: Every SUZUME-BACHI killed equals 1 KILL point, freeing those who are under its control is 1 ASSIST point, and getting civilians to the shelter will give 1 RESCUE point.

█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

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

There are currently 23 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.

None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts!

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.

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

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Comments

[eyescar]

[ It always feels good to slip inside and soak, and Yuji makes a pleased noise as he settles into the water. He lets himself sink deep, up to his chin for a moment, enjoying the warm, soothing heat of the water before he pokes his head back up to look over at Raidou. ]

We'll have to tell some of the others about this place. I bet they'd love it, especially after a mission, yeah.

[ Yuji watches the other boy for a moment, his expression softening into something fond, smile gentle - tender. ]

You look happy.

[the_fourteenth]

Outsiders could single-handedly keep this place in business.

[He opens his eyes, and sees Yuji looking at him like that, and it feels like it makes his heart skip a beat. His expression warms as well.]

Mm. Yeah. You do too. It's been a great day, hasn't it.

[eyescar]

And it’s not even over yet.

[ It feels like a moment where he wants to confess something - because he does like Raidou a lot. He’s reminded, however, of his conversation with Fushiguro and bites his tongue, for now. He’s so limited in his own time, isn’t he?

How long can he stay here? ]

I’m… Really happy.

[the_fourteenth]

[Happiness for people like them is hard to come by, and even if deep down Raidou feels a little guilty about enjoying himself despite everything, it's enough to see Yuji happy.

However long Raidou has here, before he has to go home and face his fate... Whether he's a summoner or not, whatever he is now, he wants to enjoy it. If he can help Yuji do the same, even better.

He leans in closer to Yuji.]

Spending time with you... always makes me happy.

[eyescar]

[ It’s a little embarrassing, to be this close and also be - well, in an onsen and pretty bare, but Yuji isn’t that bashful. He’d sat fully naked in front of Gojo-sensei and Ieiri-san, after all. It’s definitely different in front of Raidou, though.

He leans close, and Yuji smiles, kissing his cheek gently. ]

Same here, and I’m not just saying it because you did first.

[ Yuji seeks out his hand, shy. ]

I know when I go home… It’s not going to be good for me. But right here, now, with you? It’s a kind of happy I’ll never forget.

[the_fourteenth]

[He squeezes Yuji's hand supportively, his expression turning sadder. Raidou opts to lean against him, head on his shoulder. Comfortable, calm.]

I understand. It won't be good for me either, back home. I won't forget it either, Yuji, even if they send us home.

[eyescar]

[ Yuji shifts just a little so he can curl into Raidou too, cuddling as close as he dares get, given their situation. ]

Maybe they’ll let me take the photos with me so I can remember.

[ That makes him smile. ]

I’d probably carry it with me all over the place and everyone would tease me.

[the_fourteenth]

Mm. Like a good luck charm. I hope it is.

[He lets out an amused noise.]

I'd like to take mine as well, but I can't imagine how I could explain it. I guess I'll have to carry it on me, too.

[There's a thoughtful moment of silence from Raidou.]

We'd be apart, but... We'd still have that between us.

[eyescar]

Yeah! Definitely good luck.

[ Famous last words, or something like that.

This might have started out as a bit of silliness from the stupid Synder thing, but…

Leaning closer, he sighs against Raidou. ]

Even if they make me forget, I think my heart would remember you, Johei. I’d have that with me.

[the_fourteenth]

[That has to be the single sweetest thing anyone's ever said to Raidou. It catches him so off guard that he makes a quiet, surprised noise hearing it.

He looks up at Yuji, and in that moment, very much wants to kiss him. But out here, like this... They were alone at the moment, sure, but...

He clutches Yuji's hand tightly. There's a smile on him that's both so fond and sad at the same time, since something so sweet was said to him because their situation could be so fleeting.]

Me too.

[eyescar]

Yeah?

[ The grip to his hand is strong, but easily something that Yuji can tolerate. This might not be something they get to keep forever - anything could happen, here or with LILITH or even at home - but he's so happy right now he doesn't want to question it.

He doesn't deserve it: he knows that. Yuji is aware his life will end far sooner than he might like, a sacrifice for his friends and for a better world. But he wants to cling to this, for as long as he can, even if it might get stolen from him.

A little bit of happiness won't stray him from the course. He'll be strong enough to do it all.

Raidou might be able to resist the pull of the moment, but Yuji can't; he lifts his hand and, if Raidou lets him, he'll leave a soft, gentle kiss against his mouth, drawing it out even if it's chaste. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou absolutely lets him, glad that Yuji had the courage to do so, a pleased noise accidentally escaping him. He's just as pleased to let it go on, his other hand reaching for the base of Yuji's neck, but it doesn't quite make it.

He wants to keep going, but, maybe...

The hands that had been reaching for him instead goes to gingerly push some of Yuji's damp hair up from his forehead.]

Should we... Ah, we should... leave the water.

[They've been out here awhile, and, well, they're quite exposed in several senses of the word.]

[eyescar]

[ It would be easy to get carried away with kisses like this, so soft and sweet with the beginning of - whatever this is that they’re not naming. That doesn’t bother Yuji, even with all the romantic stuff that feels so right to say. As long as they’re happy together, he doesn’t need much else.

Raidou is right, though. They’ll end up pruning or worse if they’re not careful. Sighing softly, he nods, tilting his head into the touch all the same. Even if he wants to stay, one of them should be sensible. ]

Do you want to go first? I won’t peek.

[the_fourteenth]

Alright. [Reluctantly, he moves away, reaching for his towel. Right as he starts to stand to leave, he adds:]

You probably will, though.

[A joke! From Raidou! Congratulations.]

[eyescar]

Hey! Will not!

[ He's grinning, though, because dang, Raidou really is cute... He lets the other boy have a bit of a head start, so he can adjust and change, and then Yuji follows after him, rubbing his face. ]

Phew, it really is hot in there.

[the_fourteenth]

I'll say. Wish we knew about this place when the heat was out on base.

[The local baths were fine, but this much, much better. Once inside, they can get into some robes, and maybe some lunch.

Raidou look... content. He's never going to be one for big outward displays of, well, anything. But he's feeling relaxed, and yet still nervously excited all at once. He's really felt anything like it.]

Hungry? Perhaps after lunch we can take a long way back, to get back before sunset.

[eyescar]

[ Yuji takes his time changing, enjoying feeling relaxed and a little languid; it's such a relief, especially after their fight with the kaiju. He might have been totally healed, but that didn't mean he wasn't still a bit tense and on edge.

This made things way better.

Nodding his head, stretching his arms with a happy little hum. ]

And we can take more photos! I bet the sunset will look nice.

[the_fourteenth]

That's a great idea. [They may not find anything else out there, so that's a good plan.] We can try to find a good spot for it.

[He knows that this time Yuji wanted to make the food, so when they get their stuff for lunch, he looks a little apologetic when he hands a container with four onigiri in it to Yuji.]

... I just didn't want to come empty-handed.

[eyescar]

[ When the onigiri come out, Yuji can't help his little laugh, shaking his head and nudging Raidou fondly. ]

Just in case I messed up the food, right? It's fine.

[ He really isn't offended at all, instead sharing them out and passing a bento box over. ]

Thanks for the food.

[the_fourteenth]

O-Oh, no, of course not.

[He looks embarrassed. That's exactly what he didn't want him to think. RIP.

He does gratefully take a bento box. He was getting pretty hungry at this point. they've also still got some coffee left yet, kept warm in its thermos.]

Same. Thank you.

[Besides, he's eager to see what Yuji made and give it a try. And just as he figured, it's good.]

You shouldn't sell yourself short. This is good.

[Like he's one to talk about selling oneself short.]

[eyescar]

It's fine, I'm just teasing you!

[ And he clearly isn't that bothered, if the way he starts eating is any indication. He's happy to be able to have a little bit to eat and relax, stretching his legs out in front of him with a quiet hum, pleased and content.

He's happy, and isn't that a relief?

Humming, chopsticks in his mouth, he talks around them. ]

I think I did a good job! Mm!

[ And then he is focusing on eating, like a good young man. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou is just far too easy of a teasing target. Will it be a thing he ever catches on to? Hard to say.

When they're done and packing up to leave, Raidou will stop to thank the onsen owners in his usual polite way, promising that they'd be back some time in the future. The owners were delighted to have them, telling Raidou that a sweet young couple like them are welcome back any time they like. And next time, let them serve lunch! Raidou turns bright red, but stammers out another thanks and bows again to hopefully hide his face, before turning swiftly to go.]

Um, a-are you all ready?

[eyescar]

[ Yuji follows after Raidou like the little puppy that he is, enjoying just being beside him. When he heard the couple give them that final goodbye, his own blush comes back. He laughs sheepishly, nodding in agreement as he lets himself walk out and back into the open air before he looks over at Raidou.

The urge to tease, ever so gently… ]

Did you hear that? We’re sweet.

[the_fourteenth]

They were very nice, weren't they.

[They sure are, but he can't admit to it like that.]

Which direction should we go? Maybe we can find a good hill by sunset if we're lucky.

[It was a welcome change to just get to wander without much of a plan, different from the way Raidou does almost anything else in his life. For today, they didn't have anything to worry about.]

[eyescar]

Well, if we came from that way…

[ Yuji points, then turns his body to the total opposite direction. ]

Then we should go back this way! It’ll be another adventure.