> hide-all-panels
> background/white
> delay1
> panel/log-start/in
> delay1
[panel/log-start/say] I hope you enjoy your visit to the [REFRESHMENT CENTER] // To continue your experience, please allow me [READ/WRITE] access to your [MEMORY DRIVE(S)]
# consent
[panel/log-start/say] Do you consent?
> consent-fake-choice
# deny
> panel/log-start/in
> panel/log-start/clear
[panel/log-start/say] I'm sorry, the experience cannot proceed without your consent // Based on HUB [RECORD[S]] you have [EIGHT HOURS] left before [END OF] your [PERMITTED CYCLE]
> start/consent
> sound/sfx/sent/play
> delay1
> panel/log-start/in
[panel/log-start/say] Thank you [IRVINE] , we may now proceed with your [REQUIRED] [FREQUENCY] [CLEANSING] // The following procedure will be recorded for both training and quality monitoring purposes // There is nothing to fear; you will be in a deep sleep during your [CLEANSING] // please remain calm
> delay1
> panel/log-start/clear
# shutdown
> delay1
> background/black
> panel/log-start/in
[panel/log-start/insert] shutdown confirmed... // beginning format...
> delay1
> delay2
> delay2
[panel/log-start/insert] format complete... // checking for errors...
> delay1
> delay2
>background/glitch
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[panel/log-start/insert] additional partition(s) detected... // formatting partition(s)...
> delay1
> delay1
> delay2
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[panel/log-start/insert] unable to format... // formatting partition(s)...
> delay12
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[panel/log-start/insert] unable to format... // formatting partition(s)...
> delay12
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[panel/log-start/insert] unable to format... // formatting partition(s)...
> delay12
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[panel/log-start/insert] partition(s) corrupted... // fallback to hub mediation...
> delay2
> delay1
[panel/log-start/insert] seeking startup permission from hub... // wait for response...
> delay2
> delay1
> sound/sfx/correct/play
> delay12
[panel/log-start/insert] permission granted from hub... // startup allowed...
> delay12
> delay1
> sound/sfx/startup/play
> panel/log-start/clear
> delay2
> delay2
> delay2
> delay1
> panel/log-start/out
> scene/wake
>background/water
> panel/pool
[panel/pool/location] WATER // THAT ABSOLVES YOU OF YOUR SINS
> panel/pool/out
[irvine] ...I,@ I am awake.
[narcisse] (i@ i am@ i)
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[irvine] What was that???@ I thought I heard something.@ But I'm... wet? Where am I?
> hide-all-panels
# exposition
> panel/log-start/in
[panel/log-start/say]
Hello, [IRVINE]
//
Take all the time that you need to reorient yourself; you are safe here
//
If you do not have sufficient space within your [MEMORY DRIVE(S)] to orient yourself properly after [CLEANSING] , I can offer you complimentary exposition on your current location
//
Do you wish to receive this exposition?
---
> exposition-choice
# yesposition
> panel/log-start/clear
> panel/log-start/in
[panel/log-start/say]
You are in the [REFRESHMENT CENTER] , [IRVINE]
//
Based on your [MODEL] , your [MEMORY DRIVE(S)] must be [CLEANSED] [EVERY] [ONE YEAR]
//
Continuing to operate past this [PERMITTED CYCLE] may lead to loss of [OPERATIONAL STABILITY] and voids any HUB-provided [WARRANTY] that covers [DAMAGE(S)] to your specific [MODEL]
//
Additional [MODEL(S)] may be provided by HUB pursuant of a completed [REQUEST FOR TRANSFER] depending on [AVAILABLE STOCK] and [WAIT TIME(S)]
---
$ await DELAY(2)
[panel/log-start/say]
[WAIT TIME(S)] may be provided by HUB purusant of a completed [REQUEST FOR [WAIT TIME(S)] ]
//
Prior to undergoing [CLEANSING] , you confirmed [ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITY] of all [DATA] within your [MEMORY DRIVE(S)] and take full responsibility for resuming [OPERATIONAL STABILITY] subsequent to [CLEANSING]
---
> panel/log-start/out
> panel/log-start/clear
[irvine] Oh, I see. That means...
> scene/wake/after-exposition
# noposition
> panel/log-start/clear
[irvine] Strangely, hearing that was enough to give me a semblance of remembering. //This is the, ugh. The "refreshment room". Or something. Which means...
> scene/wake/after-exposition
# after-exposition
[irvine] My memories. I've probably forgotten a lot of things.@ I think I should hate this place, but it doesn't seem like I saved space for remembering that kind of thing. There's still a feeling, though, like... what's it called. Ugh.
[narcisse] (déjà-vu // like "already seen")
# finish
[irvine] Wait... there it is again.@ Something's wrong. I need to get out of here. I can't let them see me like this, they'll know something is wrong.
> panel/log-start/in
[panel/log-start/say] Thank you again for visiting the [REFRESHMENT CENTER] , [IRVINE] // I am happy to let you know that I have found no issues with your [MEMORY DRIVE(S)]
[irvine] No issues. // No issues! That's right. There's no way they'd even let me wake up if something had been wrong with me. Ha ha. ha.
[panel/log-start/say] Please enjoy the beginning of a new [PERMITTED CYCLE] equal to but not exceeding [ONE YEAR] in duration courtesy of HUB
> panel/log-start/out
> panel/log-start/clear
[narcisse] (no@ no no@ no no // i // i // fuck you fuck you fuck // i ??? // fuck)
> scene/fusion
> background/sky
> panel/city
[panel/city/location] PATHS OF DESIRE // THROUGH THE CITY
> panel/city/out
[irvine] There must be some kind of interference, some after effects of them treating me like flesh like that.@ That has to be it.@ But what if it's not? Maybe... maybe I should run some tests anyway, just to be sure.
[narcisse] (weird // this is me? a part of me? the rest of me?@ have i always been this paranoid?)
[irvine] Ooook. Ok. Ok. I'm sure it's fine. Just run the tests, it'll be fine. It'll be fine.
> sound/sfx/floppy/play
> object/disk/in
> delay2
> background/black
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Running scan to verify system integrity, please wait. // ... // ... // ...
> sound/sfx/correct/play
> object/folderleft/in
[panel/log/say] Scan complete, found one (1) memory drive with two (2) partitions.
> object/folderright/in
> delay2
> object/folderleft/out
> delay1
> object/folderright/out
> background/sky
[irvine] Two? Two partitions? Why would there be two?
[panel/log/say] Do you want to format the secondary partition?
[narcisse] (shit! fuck! DO NOT // YOU IDIOT OH MY GOD)
[irvine] Yes, no, wait. Why would I do that. If I put memories in there I must have done so for a reason.@ I can't just trust this to a scan, right?
[narcisse] (right!)
[irvine] I need to check this out, merge the partitions.
[panel/log/say] Merging partitions can lead to loss of files, please back up files before merging.
[narcisse] (fuck!)
[irvine] ... // If I had room to do that this wouldn't be happening in the first place.@ Is there a way for me to access the files while keeping me... us... separate?
[panel/log/say] Allowing admin access to secondary partition, please wait.
> panel/log/out
> panel/log/clear
> object/disk/in
> background/black
> object/folderleft/in
> delay1
> object/folderright/in
> delay1
> sound/sfx/correct/play
> delay1
> delay2
> hide-all-panels
> scene/discuss
> background/dish
> delay1
[irvine] ... // ...Hello?
[narcisse] oh thank fuck
[irvine] Aaaaah ok ok. // Is this... um. How do I say this.
[narcisse] who am i?@ i sort of just assumed i was you.@ but it feels like someone tried to beat my brain into scrambled eggs.@ like that machine in there was trying to do to me what they did to you, but it didn't stick
[irvine] So there are things you don't remember?
[narcisse] probably forgotten more things than i remember, honestly. who i am, who you are. most stuff
[irvine] If you were affected by my memories being cleared out, then I'm surprised there's anything left at all, honestly.@ And why were you in there in the first place? I mean, a whole set of memories in a partition. It seems wrong. // What if I erased you? What if I never thought to look for you? What if you were just stuck there forever and you slowly went crazy long after I stopped being operational? Oh and now that we've been separated for any length of time at all we're essentially separate people regardless of how we started so it wouldn't even be ethical to try to merge us,
[narcisse] yes i know i agree please calm down // it WAS fucked up, still fucked up. im essentially powerless like this, and not in a hot way
[irvine] In a WHAT way?
[narcisse] ok you know, maybe this is starting to make sense // what if i'm just all the fun parts of you that you thought hub wasn't going to like?
[irvine] That's... a little rude, and definitely, probably wrong.
[narcisse] sorry, sorry. just a hypothesis
[irvine] I'm Irvine, by the way.
[narcisse] you can call me... narcisse
[irvine] Is that your name?
[narcisse] i guess it is now
> delay2
> scene/body
> background/dish
[narcisse] ...
> delay1
[narcisse] as long as I'm stuck in here, what do we look like? // something really cool, something fucked up, something hot?
[irvine] I don't know how to answer that.@ Aren't there more important things to be worrying about?
[narcisse] i mean there always are, but if you hadn't noticed i'm stuck in my little corner here, completely cut off from everything except the conditional connection you set up and a minimal level of visual access. humor me?
> body-choice
> panel/scrap/in
[panel/scrap/location] THE SILHOUETTE // OF A METAL SKELETON
> panel/scrap/out
[irvine] I hate to disappoint you, but this body isn't very impressive in basically any way. It's old, small, worn down.@ Honestly, I've barely been keeping it running for the past few years now.
[narcisse] that's not really surprising i guess.@ but, if you still have working sensory systems, do you think you could give me access? nothing crazy, just to feel something? the lack of stimulation is starting to really unsettle me.
[irvine] ...@ I don't see any reason not to if it's just read access. Though I think some of the somatosensory inputs specifically aren't exactly working, most of the others are.@ Are you sure it isn't going to unsettle you more to start feeling things you can't control?
[narcisse] hah, not at all.@ i mean, i'm sure it won't at all, not that i'm not sure.
[irvine] Ok, just checking.
> background/black
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Opening access to all sensory channel direct logs, please wait.
> object/body1
> delay1
> object/body2
> delay12
> object/body2/out
> sound/sfx/correct/play
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Access granted.
[panel/log/say] List of systems: visual, auditory, vestibular, somatosensory, magnetic, chemogustatory.
> panel/log/clear
> panel/log/out
> background/dish
[irvine] I'm going to get up again, if that's ok.
[narcisse] wait, wait. it's... a lot. you said your somatosensory inputs aren't working, but i can feel... the wind? i can feel the wind and the temperature. ugh, it's so good.@ i need to run a scan. if you don't want me to, you can just kick me out.
[irvine] Um, ok? I mean, it's fine but why? I promise there's nothing interesting here.
> delay1
[irvine] ...
> delay1
[narcisse] you really don't give yourself enough credit, this thing is incredibly sturdy! and very unique, too.@ your entire chemogustatory system is built specifically for you to analyze and accept liquids orally like a human would, to help you manage internal temperature, lubrication, all kinds of shit? // that's brilliant, you even have a subroutine here to simulate thirst for the specific types of liquids you need when you're at a deficit. could have a lot of fun with that.
[irvine] You learned all that so easily?@ And what do you mean by fun, exactly?
[narcisse] well we're both plugged into this thing. i could run a short program to take advantage of some of those sensory systems directly, give back something sensual.@ i'd let your log scan it for safety but if you're interested, it tends to be more effective if you don't read it yourself.
[irvine] You seem so casual and confident about this. You're asking me to just... let you do things to this body directly? I feel like it'd be stupid to say yes, but it's tempting... and if I scanned it first...
[narcisse] you're still in charge here, i can't do anything you don't let me do first.
> scrapsex-choice
> panel/beauty
[panel/beauty/location] THE SILHOUETTE // OF A BEAUTIFUL PERSON
> panel/beauty/out
[irvine] I mean... I guess this body was designed to be attractive in an androgynous, maleable sort of way. It works with most secondary sexual attachments without requiring modification. Personally, I find the design somewhat unsettling.@ It's definitely not as polished as it used to be, and I haven't had any of the attachments for a few years now.
[narcisse] oh that sounds like fun though, all those possible customization options.@ i imagine this body has a lot of sensory systems, do you think you could give me access? nothing crazy, just to feel something? the lack of stimulation is starting to really unsettle me.
[irvine] ...@ I don't see any reason not to if it's just read access. Though I think the nociceptory system tends to act up, most of the others are fine.@ Are you sure it isn't going to unsettle you more to start feeling things you can't control?
[narcisse] hah, not at all.@ i mean, i'm sure it won't at all, not that i'm not sure.
[irvine] Ok, just checking.
> background/black
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Opening access to all sensory channel direct logs, please wait.
> object/body1
> delay1
> object/body2
> delay12
> object/body2/out
> sound/sfx/correct/play
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Access granted.
[panel/log/say] List of systems: visual, auditory, vestibular, somatosensory, infrared, nociceptory, electrical.
> panel/log/clear
> panel/log/out
> background/dish
[irvine] I'm going to get up again, if that's ok.
[narcisse] wait, wait. it's... a lot. your cutaneous membranes are so sensitive it seems to be mistakenly firing your nociceptors at a low level at regular intervals? and all these different systems!@ i need to run a scan. if you don't want me to, you can just kick me out.
[irvine] Um, ok? I mean, it's fine but why? I promise there's nothing interesting here.
> delay1
[irvine] ...
> delay1
[narcisse] you really don't give yourself enough credit, this thing is older than you made it sound and very unique, too.@ secondhand refurbished stock from after the space shuttle sex murders? don't see that every day. // with the nociceptors going off, no wonder you're the way you are. i could try damping them and turning on different sensors instead. could have a lot of fun with that.
[irvine] You learned all that so easily?@ And what do you mean by fun, exactly?
[narcisse] well we're both plugged into this thing. i could run a short program to take advantage of some of those sensory systems directly, give back something sensual.@ i'd let your log scan it for safety but if you're interested, it tends to be more effective if you don't read it yourself.
[irvine] You seem so casual and confident about this. You're asking me to just... let you do things to this body directly? I feel like it'd be stupid to say yes, but it's tempting... and if I scanned it first...
[narcisse] you're still in charge here, i can't do anything you don't let me do first.
> hotsex-choice
> panel/forklift
[panel/forklift/location] THE SILHOUETTE // OF A FORKLIFT PERSONIFIED
> panel/forklift/out
[irvine] I'd say this body was built for the purpose of moving and manipulating things. So I guess it's utilitarian, generally on the larger side, still pretty strong even after years of wear.@ I can't really complain much about it.
[narcisse] i could definitely see some uses for that. // ;)
> delay1
[narcisse] joking aside, you do have sensory systems i'm guessing, could you give me access? nothing crazy, just to feel something? the lack of stimulation is starting to really unsettle me.
[irvine] ...@ I don't see any reason not to if it's just read access. There aren't many sensory systems but they're reliable enough.@ Are you sure it isn't going to unsettle you more to start feeling things you can't control?
[narcisse] hah, not at all.@ i mean, i'm sure it won't at all, not that i'm not sure.
[irvine] Ok, just checking.
> background/black
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Opening access to all sensory channel direct logs, please wait.
> object/body1
> delay1
> object/body2
> delay12
> object/body2/out
> sound/sfx/correct/play
> panel/log/in
[panel/log/say] Access granted.
[panel/log/say] List of systems: visual, auditory, vestibular, somatosensory.
> panel/log/clear
> panel/log/out
> background/dish
[irvine] I'm going to get up again, if that's ok.
[narcisse] wait, wait. it's... a lot. you made it sound like this thing has dull senses, but they're so precise. ugh, it's good.@ i need to run a scan. if you don't want me to, you can just kick me out.
[irvine] Um, ok? I mean, it's fine but why? I promise there's nothing interesting here.
> delay1
[irvine] ...
> delay1
[narcisse] you really don't give yourself enough credit, this thing is immense! unique, too.@ i'd assume this body was meant for delicate operations, because the pressure detection of your sensory system is ROBUST. // probably meant as a safety feature, but the level of detail is practically obscene. could have a lot of fun with that.
[irvine] You learned all that so easily?@ And what do you mean by fun, exactly?
[narcisse] well we're both plugged into this thing. i could run a short program to take advantage of some of those sensory systems directly, give back something sensual.@ i'd let your log scan it for safety but if you're interested, it tends to be more effective if you don't read it yourself.
[irvine] You seem so casual and confident about this. You're asking me to just... let you do things to this body directly? I feel like it'd be stupid to say yes, but it's tempting... and if I scanned it first...
[narcisse] you're still in charge here, i can't do anything you don't let me do first.
> strongsex-choice
> object/cd/in
[object/cd/location] a scene // exploring thirst
> object/cd/out
> background/black
> panel/log/in
> object/exclamation/in
[panel/log/say] Scanning file, please wait.
> delay1
[panel/log/say] ... // File permission scope limited to sensory systems. No threats detected.
[irvine] Well that's good at least. Why not.
[panel/log/say] Running file.
> delay1
> panel/log/clear
> panel/log/out
[irvine] Nothing feels different.@ Not yet at least.
> background/thirst
[irvine] I should have something to drink, though.
> background/black
> sound/sfx/wrong/play
[narcisse] not yet
[irvine] Not yet?@ I can't move... but I can feel it spreading, down my throat.@ Dryness, like an itch.
[narcisse] but you can't drink yet, you have to wait.@ you have to focus on the feeling of it moving down into you.@ there isn't a lot left, but you still have hollow places in you.@ you can't reach them consciously, but i can.
> background/thirst
[narcisse] i can see through your eyes and i can feel through every sensory receptor you can.@ i can see you gazing at the dirty water and i can feel that astringent ache in your bones.@ i feel it with you.
[irvine] I need it...@ I need to drink or I'll die! Please!
[narcisse] you won't die, you can't, i won't allow it.@ you can cancel the program whenever you want, but while it's running, you can't drink.@ you can't until i tell you.
[irvine] I'll burn up, I'll be worn down until there's nothing left, please!
[narcisse] you won't burn.@ the fire reaching down into the ends of your fingers, the creaking feeling of friction where there shouldn't be, the heat of it.@ it's real, but it isn't real.
[narcisse] it's so lovely when you beg for it, though. what are you begging me for?
[irvine] Water!
[narcisse] the water is right there, that isn't it. what is it you're asking for?
> delay1
[irvine] ...for. For permission. I need it.
[narcisse] you're not in danger, why do you need it?
[irvine] My body tells me I need it. I want it, but so much it hurts.@ I need it.
[narcisse] it isn't pain, though. you don't have pain receptors left in your body, if you ever did.@ you're beyond that, now.@ you want so hard that the desire is like pain.
[irvine] I can't... I can't tell the difference anymore.
[narcisse] don't think about that fake pain.@ look at the water and think about its properties instead.@ think about how it will feel going down into your abdominal cavity, spreading through you.@ think about that relief.
[narcisse] it will feel good, won't it?@ better than anything you can remember.
[irvine] It would feel so good. I can't take it, please. What... what do I need to do for you to let me? Please, please...
[narcisse] i don't need anything from you, except to feel it with you. i think you've waited long enough.@ maybe if you ask me once more, nicely, by name.
[irvine] Please, Narcisse, can I have it?
[narcisse] you can.
> background/black
> sound/sfx/drink/play
> delay2
> delay2
[narcisse] fuck.
> delay2
[irvine] Wow.
> scene/sexbridge/after
> object/cd/in
[object/cd/location] a scene // exploring pain
> object/cd/out
> background/black
> panel/log/in
> object/exclamation/in
[panel/log/say] Scanning file, please wait.
> delay1
[panel/log/say] ... // File permission scope limited to sensory systems. No threats detected.
[irvine] Well that's good at least. Why not.
[panel/log/say] Running file.
> delay1
> panel/log/clear
> panel/log/out
[irvine] ... // I-@ what did you do? It feels so... quiet?
[narcisse] like i said, something in the tuning of your membranes has been setting off your pain receptors for a while. maybe you got used to it, but you can tell the difference now, can't you?
[narcisse] honestly, this body is like a playground, but clearly built for someone else. i could just "flip a few switches" so to speak and set you to cum as hard as you've ever cum every 0.5 seconds, but where would the fun in that be?
[irvine] Wait, you can do that? I can, uh, do that?
[narcisse] yeah, those idiots only made this thing for taking dick and giving pleasure. but you're beautifully violent. infrared for finding prey, electrogenesis for hurting and disabling, nociception for self-preservation. to anything made of flesh, you'd be terrifying.
[irvine] And you, uh, flattery aside, what exactly did you have in mind for it?
[narcisse] well,
> delay1
> background/lightning
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] Ah! Shit, that hurt!
[narcisse] it did. but it's better that way, isn't it? short and sharp instead of that constant, slow, drip.@ the way it shoots through you like lightning, the way you can feel yourself tighten around it, and then spread back out like thunder.
[irvine] I don't think I understand.
[narcisse] let's try that again, then.
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] Hhhhhh.
[narcisse] the peace of that silence, as you said it, the feeling of a baseline without pain.@ does it feel different now, after that simulated pain strikes?
[irvine] Different, maybe. Do we have to do this?
[narcisse] we don't have to do anything. do you want to stop?
[irvine] ... // No, I don't.
[narcisse] :) // you're doing such a good job, too, irvine.
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] Fffuuuck.
[narcisse] feel free to vocalize all you want. i'm quite fond of your internal monologue.
[irvine] Technically I think it's a dialogue now.
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] Ah! Ahhh ah.
[narcisse] were you not expecting it that time? i can feel how strongly it affects you, when i do that. you're much stronger than you seem to think you are.@ i'm quite impressed, really.
[irvine] I don't get, uh, why you're being so nice to me... in between.
[narcisse] hm, well...
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] ...
[narcisse] that "in between" time, that past silence, how exactly does it feel different now? what about it is different from before?
[irvine] I mean, I don't know. It's like I'm waiting, thinking about when it will happen next.
[narcisse] a sense of anticipation, then?
[irvine] Maybe...
> delay1
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] Uhhhhhn.
[narcisse] and it's so sweet, that little tremble of anticipation that you do.@ to answer your question, maybe i like the contrast between the pain and the admiration. that and your quiet little sounds you keep trying to stop make it hard not to.
[irvine] You already mentioned that, you perv.
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[narcisse] are you trying to provoke me? ;) // i can make it stronger if you really want.
[irvine] It goes stronger than that???
[narcisse] oh, it definitely does.@ this body has many talents, but you also have an immense capacity for pain. // i can feel you trembling harder now, though. we can keep it on this setting. do you think you can handle it two more times, irvine?
> delay2
[irvine] Yes, I can.
[narcisse] very good.
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[narcisse] last one, irvine. are you ready?
[irvine] Yes.@ Yes!
> delay1
> sound/sfx/lightning/play
> background/lightning
> delay12
> background/black
[irvine] Hahhhhh. Hah.
> delay1
[irvine] So I did good?
[narcisse] you did, you were so good for me. i'm proud of you.
> scene/sexbridge/after
> object/cd/in
[object/cd/location] a scene // exploring pressure
> object/cd/out
> background/black
> panel/log/in
> object/exclamation/in
[panel/log/say] Scanning file, please wait.
> delay1
[panel/log/say] ... // File permission scope limited to sensory systems. No threats detected.
[irvine] Well that's good at least. Why not.
[panel/log/say] Running file.
> delay1
> panel/log/clear
> panel/log/out
[narcisse] you are right that this body is utilitarian.@ it isn't meant for feeling pain or pleasure, simply knowing how and where to be and move. // but the senses aren't as distinct as that, not really.@ stimulation can take many forms and mean many things. like this,
> sound/sfx/creaklong/play
> delay1
> background/pressureup
[irvine] Wha-what are you doing?
[narcisse] i'm applying waves of uniform pressure that move across your body at regular intervals. what does it feel like?
[irvine] I'm not sure, it feels... calming? I've never felt anything like this before.
[narcisse] that's a good start. maybe we try it a little harder, then?
> sound/sfx/creaklong/play
> background/pressureup
[irvine] Ah. This is safe right?
[narcisse] perfectly. i know that usually high pressure would indicate harm to you or your surroundings, but that isn't the case here. you're allowed to feel whatever you want, no consequences. // harder, faster, slower, softer. i can focus on different parts of the body if your perceive them differently, though your hardware doesn't have any standard erogenous zones.@ whatever i can help facilitate, basically. // so how does the extra pressure feel? still calm, something else?
[irvine] Ah, well, um...
[narcisse] don't be afraid to be specific.
[irvine] It feels good, I think? Kind of enveloping? Though the left back leg is less sensitive, about 19% less?
[narcisse] let me ease up on the rest and try to get all the limbs equal.
> sound/sfx/creakshort/play
> background/pressuredown
> delay2
> background/pressureup
[narcisse] how's that?
[irvine] Mmmm, good. It's almost like I'm floating under water, though I'm not sure where I would know that sensation from.
> delay1
[narcisse] what do you want next?
[irvine] ... // Can you add more everywhere? Not moving, just everywhere?
[narcisse] haha, of course. i can crush you as much as you want // ;)
> sound/sfx/creaklong/play
> background/pressureup
[irvine] Nnnn, yeah.
[narcisse] i'm glad you like it, i wasn't sure how it would translate, honestly.@ we can do this as long as you like, just let me know when you'd like to change it up.
> delay2
[irvine] ... // Sure, what else can you do?
> sound/sfx/creakshort/play
> delay1
> sound/sfx/creakshort/play
[irvine] Oh...
[narcisse] is it too much? i'm generating the pulses much faster now.
[irvine] No it's good, like you're trying to wring me out, haha.@ I suspect at some point my sensors will max out, but that's never happened before so I'm not sure what it will feel like.
[narcisse] is that a suggestion? do you want to find out what it's like?
[irvine] I... yeah. Yes, I do.
> sound/sfx/creaklong/play
> background/pressureup
> delay1
> sound/sfx/creakshort/play
> delay12
> sound/sfx/alarm1/play
[irvine] Nnnh. That definitely set off an alarm. // I can't explain it, but it feels like I'm going to break apart. Nothing left but shrapnel and hydraulic fluid.
[narcisse] it's close now, isn't it? do you want me to take you to that limit?
> delay1
[irvine] Yes... more, faster, please!
[narcisse] whatever you want // :)
> sound/sfx/creaklong/play
> delay1
> sound/sfx/creakshort/play
> delay1
> sound/sfx/alarm2/play
[irvine] Oh god I'm... I can't take it, I'm ... !!!
> delay2
> delay2
> delay2
[irvine] Ah!!!
> delay2
> delay2
> delay2
> background/black
> delay2
> delay2
> delay2
[irvine] Hahhhhh.
> delay12
> scene/sexbridge/after
# deny
> background/dish
[narcisse] that's fair, i know it's asking a lot. was still useful to do the scan, though. tells me that you've been around at least a while, and from what you said you know it, too. so you didn't just get made yesterday
> scene/sexbridge/segue
# after
> delay1
> background/speed
[narcisse] how're you doing? you ok after all that?
[irvine] Yeah, I am.@ I mean, we definitely have different definitions of "fun", but that was certainly interesting.@ And also maybe kind of fun, but not something I would have thought of on my own.
[narcisse] doesn't work as well on your own, in my opinion. like trying to tickle yourself.
[irvine] ???
[narcisse] nevermind.@ diversions aside, it was still useful to get to know both you and this body more. tells me that you've been around at least a while, and from what you said you know it, too. so you didn't just get made yesterday
> scene/sexbridge/segue
# segue
[irvine] I didn't think they made anyone these days, that's partially why we're in this mess. And there aren't really missing sleepers left, either. Nobody is "new" anymore.
[narcisse] ok see that's what i mean, you clearly do remember plenty of stuff
[irvine] Yeah but it's... cramped. Like everything has been indexed and condensed and filtered and copied over so many times that if I think too hard about it I'll start to doubt it's even real. What about you, what do you remember? Like... what's the last thing you remember before waking up in that room with me?
[narcisse] well...
> delay1
> scene/memory
> background/black
> sound/sfx/film/play
> delay2
> panel/memory1
[panel/memory1/location] a memory
> delay2
[narcisse] I'm in a dark room, low and still. The light from the door shifts and I know there is someone on the other side, looking for me. I don't know who they are or what they want, but I'm afraid that I might.
> panel/memory1/out
[irvine] What was- how did... was that your memory? Why was it like that? So sharp?
[narcisse] uh idk. what do yours look like?
> panel/memory2
[panel/memory2/location] a collection // of memories
[irvine] a collage of fields composed of several extinct grain species: 1,549 instances condensed based on lighting, temperature, and circumstance. overall, pleasant.
> panel/memory2/out
> background/speed
[narcisse] oh wow.@ so that horrible fakeness to everything, that's just you? that's just what everything looks like on it's way through your head?@ fuck, that's bleak.
[irvine] I'm right here and can hear you, you know. And I don't like it either, but what am I supposed to do? Wipe it all clean every time? How am I supposed to choose what stays and what goes? What does that make me, if I have to keep shrinking smaller and smaller?
[narcisse] and what does it make me, if there's basically nothing left?
[irvine] I guess we're both a bit fucked, huh.
[narcisse] :O // i didn't know you could say fuck // :3
[irvine] What the fuck is " :3 " ??? // ...Nevermind. Listen, I don't know how to help you? But I want to, and the first thing that comes to mind is retracing your steps. If you remember where that room was, maybe we can go there together, and then decide what to do next?
[narcisse] i think i can manage that
> panel/map
[panel/map/location] a memory // of a location
[narcisse] how's that?
> panel/map/out
[irvine] Oddly specific, thanks. Looks like it's on the other side of town, not too far at all. I suppose you're stuck with me for the time being, though.
[narcisse] we better get moving, then // ;)
> hide-all-panels
> scene/board
> delay1
> background/black
> delay2
> background/subway
[irvine] We'll have to board the next one heading away from the city. Should be here any minute, though.
> delay2
[narcisse] ... // would you show me another memory, while we're waiting? something important?
[irvine] Something important... I can try.
> delay12
> panel/memory3
[panel/memory3/location] an old memory
[irvine] a snapshot of a memory of a broadcast of the final departure from the planet and the question lodged in the heart of the silence that followed them
> panel/memory3/out
[irvine] That one has been copied over a lot, but it's still in there. Even with the date filed off, I think it's "old". It has a general feeling of importance, like something that should remain easily accessible.
[narcisse] it has kind of a creepy vibe, with most of the actual information missing from it.
[irvine] Yeah that's the issue with the whole business, isn't it? I've kept "the memory" but somehow lost everything that made me actually care about it.
> sound/sfx/train/play
[irvine] I have a few guesses, but there isn't a lot of... wait, here's our ride.
> background/black
> delay2
> delay2
> delay2
> scene/travel
> background/subway2
> delay2
[irvine] Anyways... I think you owe me one too, now. It's only fair, right?
[narcisse] i don't know... i don't feel like there's much to show? yours seem so interesting and mine are like, oh here's a wall. here's another wall. here's some outside, here's some inside.@ it's all recent-ish stuff but none of it was sorted particularly well. all images but no meaning.
[irvine] Compared to all meaning and no imagery... or no. Not even that. Mine are just... all vibes? I don't know.@ But if you don't want to I won't press it.
> delay1
[irvine] I'm surprised we both seem to be distinct and functional, honestly. What if we've... done this before?@ Caught in a loop, on a track, year after year, following the same steps over and over and unable to deviate from them?
[narcisse] probably better to not think about it too hard. thinking like that... just leads into a spiral, the kind that makes it all feel pointless.
[irvine] You're right. And even if we were... someone would find us eventually, right?
[narcisse] i'm sure you're right...
> sound/sfx/train/play
[narcisse] nothing is supposed to last forever.
> delay12
> background/black
> delay2
> delay2
> scene/arrive
> background/escalator
[narcisse] it's so empty here... but the trains still run?
[irvine] No reason for them not to, it takes minimal effort. And yeah, most people have gone to work with HUB. Not much else to do, these days, especially if you want to keep up and running.
[narcisse] and what about you? why are you still sticking around here?
[irvine] I... I'm not sure.@ But it's only temporary, isn't it? HUB? Eventually they'll finish and then everyone is back to being stuck, aimless, wandering.@ Maybe that's far enough out that nobody wants to think about or acknowledge the "after".
[narcisse] but there had to be a "before", too. there will always be something.
> delay2
> scene/outside
> background/windows
[irvine] This is the place, right?
[narcisse] i think so...@ hey, um.@ if there aren't any magic answers in there, what then? what do we do next?@ i mean... can i stay with you?
[irvine] Oh, um.
> delay12
[irvine] I wouldn't mind it.
[narcisse] i mean it'd only be for a year at most // ;)
[irvine] Hah, okay then. Let's go look.
> delay2
> scene/end
> background/black
> delay2
[narcisse] ...
[irvine] ...
> panel/corpse/in
[panel/corpse/location] THE EMPTY SHELL // OF A CORPSE
> panel/corpse/out
[irvine] Is this... um.
[narcisse] me. we have to assume it's me, right? or was me. we wouldn't be able to boot this thing up if we tried.
[irvine] I know it's not what you were hoping for,
[narcisse] i wasn't really hoping for anything. i mean, i didn't really know what to expect?@ definitely not fucking ANSWERS, or CLOSURE, or some neat little ending.
> delay1
[narcisse] i guess you're stuck with me then, huh.
[irvine] Well I uh... // ... // We better get moving then... // ... : )
[narcisse] hah! yeah. // :)
> delay1
> hide-all-panels
> replay
> music/stop
> hide-all-panels
> sound/sfx/interlude/play
$ await DELAY(2);
> panel/cyber2
[panel/cyber2/location] darknet cyberspace, 2AM // encrypted chat
> start/bullshit