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Mods ([personal profile] modblob) wrote in [community profile] redmarsshit2019-11-21 09:50 pm
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test drive meme: november 2019

Redshift: Welcome to the v͖͕̺̲̘̱̜͎o̴̦̣̠̦̘̹͞i̯̖d̛̪̬͈̱̦̝͍̕.

▶ Click here to read what characters will experience when arriving in Anchor.

▶ All TDM threads can be considered game canon, and current players are welcome to either top-level on the TDM so prospective players can tag them, or use the prompts for logs or network posts on the communities. All threads on the TDM can be used for Activity Check.

a. the truth hurts.

As though everything happening in the past month wasn't enough, there's been a minor explosion in one of the labs. No one hurt, if you don't count the hapless maintenance bot that caused the explosion in the first place.

But there are gases drifting through the laboratories, some of them making their way into the air vents, invisible to the purifiers in the system thanks to the explosion. And those gases are leaking into the air around Anchor, little pockets of danger waiting to be breathed in.

Those who breathe the gasses in might be the unluckiest Anchorites of all.

They're stuck telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth for the next five hours, give or take. Good luck with that!


b. retromedia.

Oblivious to what's going on inside Anchor, the shift rages outside, bringing shadows of things and places from other worlds, those things flickering into existence and out of it again.

The bad news is that the Whole Foods is gone.

The good news is the shift left something behind in its place.

A long, squat building, with cement walls painted over with stucco and punctuated by big windows. A flat roof with slanted sides, painted a deep blue. In bold yellow letters bolted to the roof, a sign:

BLOCKBUSTER

The sliding doors are broken, bouncing open and shut steadily, but the inside is clean and well-stocked with rack upon rack upon row upon row of VHS tapes, all of them neatly packaged in plastic boxes. Some of them have the movie covers on them, but most bear the Blockbuster logo and tiny labels running down the back, declaring the box's contents. There's a giant, somewhat busted up standee of Tim Allen as The Santa Clause, flickering holiday lights strung unevenly from the ceiling, and symbols of various seasonal holidays stuck up along the walls and windows.

Any movie you could possibly want lies within, or at least any movie you could possibly want that was released on Earth during or before 1994. And don’t worry if you can't find a VHS player in Anchor! There are whole shelves of VCRs tucked into one of the closets, apparently part of an aborted plan to rent out VCRs along with movies.

Poor Blockbuster. They were innovators. And now they're lost to the sands of the red shift.


c. sweet sweet self-care.

While sickness persists inside Anchor's walls, those in recovery seem to be getting better every day. And while the health bots have been working overtime, some of their processes have gotten a little borked up from all the work they've been doing.

Along with medical care, they're now administering lectures to their captive audiences about the value of diet and exercise, the importance of personal hygiene, and the healing properties of massage. Some of them are forcing massages on people just to prove their point, which, y'know, could be a lot worse. At least they're good at massages?

The spa bots are getting in on the action, nagging the healthy to come for relaxation and decontamination in one gloriously bubbly swoop. They've converted several of their spa pools into sweet-smelling antibacterial baths, so you can make extra-sure you got those visiting-a-sick-friend cooties off!

No, seriously, go with them. Before they drag you there and make you take a bath like an unruly two-year-old.

Believe them, it's worth it. If you complete a circuit of the spa, including the antibacterial baths and the fresh and zesty decontamination shower, you get a shiny sparkly holographic sticker that says "YOU ARE FREE OF DISEASE" in little cheerful bubble-letters. They designed them all by themselves, totally from scratch. Are you proud?


d. the network.

Need to get hold of someone, call for help, ask the city at large a question? Need to ask a friend which 1980s teen movie classic to watch at movie night? Maybe you need to hold your sat phone up to whatever crazy thing you're seeing and send out a recording to double-check if your eyes are deceiving you and what you're looking at is real?

Whatever the reason, the network is going strong, so feel free to include a post to it in your top-levels.



itsnotaonesie: (42)

[personal profile] itsnotaonesie 2019-11-30 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Peter does not seem too concerned with Starscream looming in closer to him, he's way more interested in trying to solve This Riddle.]

Don't worry about Hadriel. This place is called Anchor, it was an abandoned space station until we all started appearing here.

Teleporter only brings people in, but maybe you'll have better luck fixing it than we have? Assuming you can even fit in the room...

[Hmmmm that might be an issue. Poor giant robot.]
justbeingknife: (lineart)

[personal profile] justbeingknife 2019-11-30 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
No prob.

[ And so off Majima started again, towards the barracks. ]

Where're ya from, if ya don't mind me asking?
queenofthegirlscouts: (we're just talking)

[personal profile] queenofthegirlscouts 2019-11-30 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm busy." Still that dry, dry voice. "I've got shit to do. But sometimes, it's better to just go along with something. It beats blowing it up."

There's enough stuff around here for her to blow up the bots if she really wanted. Chemicals. Electrics. Her own biotics and omnitool. Her creativity and training. There are always ways.

But they aren't a threat, as such. Just... Kind of annoying when they pull this shit.

And maybe she secretly wanted a break. Stranger things have happened.

"I think, they wanna take care of us. Just can't tell if it's VI or AI."
fishermansweater: (Katniss - Are you impressed yet?)

cw: victim blaming

[personal profile] fishermansweater 2019-11-30 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't need to be taken care of."

It's directed at Shepard, but he's speaking loudly enough that both the machines ought to be able to hear as well.

He understands the sentiment well, though. He'd had to learn a long time ago when to fight and when to just let things happen. He never stopped hating it, though, never really stopped fighting with himself over giving in. But he doesn't want to fight here, either, really; there's little they could do to him that hasn't already been done, and for all that's gone wrong here they don't seem to have much malice.

"What do you mean, VI or AI?" he asks, eyeing the machines as the one following him bustles forward and starts shooing him towards one of the spa areas.
enumerator: (a challenger approaches)

[personal profile] enumerator 2019-11-30 06:08 am (UTC)(link)
That's...a better answer than Arya was expecting, honestly. She usually assumes that boys who are roughly her age are complete idiots, but this one doesn't seem all that bad. She nods, and turns slightly towards the stack of books.

"Are you looking for something to read?"
arcadedragon: (Harmony)

[personal profile] arcadedragon 2019-11-30 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
Not all stories have happy endings. But it is nice when it happens that way.

[The snazzy synthesizer music isn't really his jam either. But it fits with the ridiculous scenes they're watching.]

I am. Hm. Knights. They were used to fight battles, but police officers uphold laws. It is more about catching criminals and less about war. Less swords as well.

[Though in his time there's little difference since the whole world is practically at war.]
queenofthegirlscouts: (I'm listening)

[personal profile] queenofthegirlscouts 2019-11-30 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
Shepard's gaze has been drifting over to the little bot annoying Finnick, but at the change of tone she looks back at him. It's not a dramatic change, just his voice is a bit louder. And that's- interesting.

Not that she's gonna ask about it, or even query it. Not yet. Not until it's relevant. No point in aggravating the guy.

"VI stands for Virtual Intelligence. It's a pretty sophisticated computer program that makes it easier to access information, or just use, a particular system. Not self-aware, so it's not a true intelligence. I'd say the bots show this. AI, Artificial Intelligence, is self-aware, like you or me. There's personality, thought, not just programming."
fishermansweater: (Katniss - Are you impressed yet?)

[personal profile] fishermansweater 2019-11-30 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
Finnick knows that a lot of sophisticated things can be done with machines and computers; that's apparent to everyone from the districts even before they first see that technology in action, even if they never travel to the Capitol. Finnick's known Beetee for long enough to be able to understand a little technical talk, but he usually pretends to understand more than he actually understands.

He's careful not to frown as he listens to what Shepard says, but he does give the ... bots, she calls them, a suspicious glance for a moment before he turns back to her.

"They don't seem very aware." He says it tentatively, almost as though he's seeking her agreement or approval, though he really needs neither.

He does want to understand more about the bots though.
queenofthegirlscouts: (amused)

[personal profile] queenofthegirlscouts 2019-11-30 10:55 am (UTC)(link)
She smiles at him, the kind of smile that's the result of a shared amusement rather than anything mocking. It's habit. Trying to put him at his ease, calm him down a little about the whole situation. It's not that the situation with the bots isn't alarming, but panic is more infectious than a virus. Besides, calm people are easier to deal with and educate.

"Yeah, they don't, do they? It's why I think if anything, they are VI. They're glitchy, but there doesn't seem to be an actual intelligence behind it. Programmed responses and responsibilities? Yeah.

So, I let myself be herded. Going to the spa isn't dangerous."

Unspoken: if it was dangerous, I wouldn't be here - and neither would the bots.
circumitus: I've downloaded some messenger lesbians like to use because some girl wanted to flirt. (finally done it...)

[personal profile] circumitus 2019-11-30 11:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Her eyes widen when Reynir responds, making what she just said even more real by his acknowledging it. She runs a hand down her mouth, focusing her attention on Tripod now blinking up at her with his one eye, his skinny body curled around her ankle.

[Is he actually shy, or does he know that that comment was just as strange as she finds it? Maybe he knows something. Animals are supposed to be more intuitive, aren't they?]


Er, well. [She pauses, speaking through her fingers now as her hand clamps even tighter over her mouth. That doesn't stop her from talking, though.] Don't know anyone here. Been recognized by people, but don't know them, either.

[That much was also said in the message Reynir first responded to. That's just context, though. Not a reason.]

Never stayed in one place for very long. Was always moving. Getting attached is... a problem. [So is depriving herself of attachments, really.]
itsnotaonesie: (80)

[personal profile] itsnotaonesie 2019-11-30 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
One of these days, Peter's going to have to take time to see if the elevators work yet. He just never thinks about it, y'know?

"No problem, man. So, X-Men, what is that? What do you guys do, exactly?"
itsnotaonesie: (42)

[personal profile] itsnotaonesie 2019-11-30 06:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think it makes you a bad friend. And it's fine, I don't like it when people constantly worry about me.

[But yeah the reminder that he is pretty much constantly hurting is Not Great, but thankfully Ben says something that almost completely distracts Peter from feeling bad for himself.]

...Now that you mention it, this is actually really weird.

[He stares down at his plate, like maybe there's something in the food? He leans down to sniff it, but no, it smells okay. Huh.]

Does that taste weird to you? Or does something smell off?
quarianmarine: (Default)

Kal'Reegar | Mass Effect

[personal profile] quarianmarine 2019-12-01 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
a. retromedia.
Uh.

[He'd noticed the large building outside the glass, sitting in the desert half-covered in sand, almost immediately after first getting here. The sudden change, then, is of course equally noticeable. Kal'Reegar stalls mid-step as he glances outside and he stops, tilts his head to one side and lets out a clear sound of confusion.]

Huh. [The quarian says. He folds his arms loosely and rubs at the thick mesh of between two armoured pieces of his suit with one gloved fingertip. This place is never going to settle into any kind of normal, and he has a feeling he's really going to regret asking, but you know what..? Here goes.

He turns his attention towards the next person passing by.
]

Feel like maybe I don't wanna know this, but what is 'Blockbuster'? And where'd that other building go?

b. sweet sweet self-care.
Hey-- Whoa, no, that doesn't come off.

[Kal'Reegar has been trying to shake the same eager, insistent robot for the last forty-five minutes. Just when he thinks he's got rid of it, it shows up again and is entirely too keen on removing the metallic pieces of his suit, plucking at the thickened, armoured fabric and generally setting off every alarm bell that a species with a drastically weakened immune system can have when in a strange environment.

And he's doing his best, really, to be polite about this, but his hand is itching towards the gun on his belt and he's starting to weigh up the potential fallout of just shooting the damn thing.
]

Keelah, no, look-- I get the idea, but I'm not taking off the suit, you bosh'tet machine.

[Please help.]

c. the network.
doesn't take a genius to see this place needs some work.
don't doubt everyone here's doing the best they can to fix everything that's going wrong.
but i'm looking for something to make myself useful with.
can patch a starship engine with tape and a screwdriver in a pinch, so i reckon there's something i can turn my hand to here.
any priorities?
vosseeker: (twenty-seven.)

D.

[personal profile] vosseeker 2019-12-01 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
It this the kind of thing you people consider pressing around here? No wonder this place is a scrapheap.
vosseeker: (thirty-eight.)

C.

[personal profile] vosseeker 2019-12-01 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
Finally, someone with appreciable priorities. I think you're giving the rest of this bunch too much credit to assume they're all doing their best, however.
littledeetails: (011)

[personal profile] littledeetails 2019-12-01 02:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Deet cocks her head to the side as she listens to Reynir, her large ears tilting as if trying to catch every single word. There are some concepts that, although novel to her, she's able to understand based on context clues, but there are still some things that need clarification.]

[That said, she's grateful for the explanation so far, and she's all smiles when she responds.]


I'm not a spirit, I'm a Gelfling! From Thra!

[Normally, she'd never have to answer a question like that, since Gelfling are so common around Thra. It's kind of exciting to meet someone who's never seen a Gelfling before, though! She has to do her best to make a good first impression... oh, and maybe this strange being doesn't know anything about Thra! How much should she tell them now? Are they a spirit, themselves? Is that why they asked?]

[Oh no! She didn't even ask them their name!]


Are you a spirit? What's your name? Is Earth your home? What's it like?
littledeetails: (006)

[personal profile] littledeetails 2019-12-01 02:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Deet keeps on wriggling while Peter gets all that webbing off, eventually wiggling free and climbing to her feet. She doesn't seem to be bothered by any excess web hanging from her person, only taking the time to get rid of the larger, more prominent strands.]

I-It's all right! No harm done!

[She turns around so she can face Peter... and look up at him with her giant, inquisitive eyes. He's so tall! Then again, nearly everyone is tall when compared to a two foot Gelfling. She'd been startled before by that weird web-slinging, especially since this creature doesn't look anything like the spider-like Arathim, but that initial fear is quickly replaced by curiosity.]

What's your name? I'm Deet!

[She's not sure if he heard her the first time she introduced herself. Because. You know. Getting shot out of the air and all that.]
itsnotaonesie: (127)

[personal profile] itsnotaonesie 2019-12-01 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh thank God, she's not hurt or annoyed, but she is very tiny. Peter crouches down so they can chat without her having to look waaaay the honk up at him.]

Um, I'm uh, Peter. Peter Parker.

[Out of habit he offers his hand to her to shake, but she's like an alien with tiny hands and oh no what if she doesn't know shake does he look like a weirdo right now? I mean when doesn't he look like a weirdo, let's be real.]
littledeetails: (003)

[personal profile] littledeetails 2019-12-01 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Peter Parker! It's very nice to meet you.

[When Peter extends his hand, Deet just kind of... looks... at it, tilting her head as if she's not sure what to do. Because she's not.]

[So she takes a guess and reaches out to take Peter's hand in two of her own and just kind of examines it. Then, she places her palm against his. He has too many appendages compared to her own (sort of dirty) four-fingered hands, and it's clear that her palm is much smaller than his.]


Your hands are incredible, Peter Parker! I've never seen anything like them before!
itsnotaonesie: (110)

[personal profile] itsnotaonesie 2019-12-01 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh nooooo she's so adorable but also now this shit is awkward]

Oh, um. Well, thanks, but uh, this is how people greet each other where I'm from. You just put your hand in mine like this, [He's just gonna maneuver her hand into the Shaking Position here,] Then we close our hands like this, and shake.

[He gives her hand a gentle shake. There, now they're friends. That's how friends works.]
littledeetails: (011)

[personal profile] littledeetails 2019-12-01 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[As far as she’s concerned, this is totally how friends work. Deet is delighted at the gesture and puts all of her energy into shaking Peter’s hand.]

Great!

Are we friends now? I hope we are!

[She lets go of Peter’s hand and beams at him.]
redwinekindofgirl: (071)

[personal profile] redwinekindofgirl 2019-12-01 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not." There's enough batter in the bowl to make enough for at least three people, he'd really be doing her a favour if he'd sit down and eat some of them for her.

She grins at him again, but sees the way his hand is raised and the expression fades.

"What's up? They don't smell weird or something, do they?"
vosseeker: (thirty-five.)

[personal profile] vosseeker 2019-12-02 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ The sneer curling across Starscream's faceplates at the picture Kabal is painting shows pretty clearly what he thinks of the "common good" approach. So at least they have that in common? But Kabal's questions have the Seeker's wings flaring out in offense, like a bird puffing feathers. ]

Why you--! Of course I didn't!

[ yes he did ]

In fact if I hadn't been waylaid by those bestial fiends at Darkmount, I would already have reclaimed the Nemesis!

[ he definitely would not have ]
vosseeker: (twenty-eight.)

[personal profile] vosseeker 2019-12-02 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hrm. Starscream definitely intends to pursue Hadriel at a later time, but for now, it seems like the most prudent course of action is to continue pressing this human for answers. At least Peter's description confirmed that others had appeared here in the way he had -- or somewhat the same, since he inferred from Peter's surprise at him coming in from outside that most didn't do that. ]

Anchor, then. Who built this station and why was it abandoned? How many others have appeared here?
itsnotaonesie: (70)

[personal profile] itsnotaonesie 2019-12-02 02:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Where did this wonderful little alien child person even come from, oh my god.]

Oh yeah, absolutely. Sorry again for the web thing.

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