( 003 » ENSEMBLE ) party time.

[reveriemod]

» WHO? Everyone
» WHEN? July 1 to July 8
» WHERE? Entire Station
» WHAT? 168 hours of being forced to listen to cheesy music on repeat…
» WARNINGS? the mundane and slightly ridiculous becoming terrible, cheesy pop music, forced sleep deprivation, anger, loss of control, emotions, potential for stabbing, hallucinations, mania, memory loss, confusion, seizures, depression.

0 0 1 » LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED

It starts in the mess hall and it starts slowly. At first, it can barely be heard over the conversations that are happening but as the volume increases, it becomes apparent that music is playing. Not just any music: characters from Earth will recognise these pop hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. They’re the kind of hits one might find on a Spotify playlist titled “Top 100 Cheesy Hits” or “Songs To Sing To In The Shower”. Power ballads. Boy bands. Girl bands. Woodstock.

Soon, the music can be heard all across the station, blasting from every speaker, audible in every room. Characters who were asleep in their quarters will be woken by the music’s volume, characters under the shower might want to start singing along (but remember, the walls might just be thin enough for the neighbours to hear) and if characters clear some chairs, there’s enough space in the bar for an impromptu dance floor.

Some characters have been working on improving the replicators, too, so while the alcohol supplies at the bar are dwindling and all but gone, the replicators are now capable of making something that’s palatable, even if it’s not quite up to scratch.

What’s the harm in having some fun? It’s just a little music, right?

( ♪ )

0 0 2 » I WANT OFF THIS RIDE

It’s just a little music, right? And it is — but it just won’t seem to stop. The first few hours may have been entertaining, at least for those who did not get woken up by the sound of decades (centuries, even) in the past, but the music keeps going long past the point of entertainment.

After two hours, the songs start repeating. After six hours, they’re still playing. After twelve? Still playing. Twenty-four? Still playing.

Sleep becomes all but impossible as the music keeps playing loudly in every room and every corridor of the station. Attempts to shut it down prove unsuccessful.

Forty-eight hours later, the music is still playing.

Characters will begin to suffer the effects of sleep deprivation, in addition to the general irritation that might come from hearing the same two hours worth of cheesy pop songs on a loop: headaches, exhaustion, tremors, irritability and confusion to begin with, followed by lapses in memory, muscle aches, malaise, violent behaviour, hallucinations or mania as cognitive effects set in, possibly also seizures and depression.

And still, the music keeps playing.

( ♪ )

0 0 3 » THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER

The music and the sleep deprivation it causes are the reason for many of the symptoms people are feeling, but something is happening that goes even beyond the music, beyond the lack of sleep: something has changed about the food replicators.

The food is slowly getting better, for one, thanks to a group of individuals who’ve been working on improving them. Beyond that, however, imperceptible, the composition of the food comes with something extra -- namely heightened emotions. Whatever causes it, it’s in the water, too.

Those who are already angry feel angrier and have a harder time controlling that anger. Those who are already sad feel sadder and have a harder time not bursting into tears. Those who are already apathetic feel more apathetic and have a harder time prompting themselves to so much as move. The effect holds for all emotions, heightening them, making them harder to control or counteract. Impulses become action far more quickly than usual. Irritation at the music may become anger at the person singing along under their breath and that, in turn, may lead to someone getting stabbed with a plastic fork.

It’s nearly impossible to keep a cool head, though some people seem more affected than others.

OOC: This part of the plot is completely opt-in. Whatever characters are feeling will be heightened and strengthened and their impulse control lowered. Make sure to get ooc permission for any stabby action of comparable deeds, and keep in mind that non-con is prohibited in game.

( ♪ )

0 0 4 » AFTERMATH

After 168 hours, the music stops. Whatever was in the water and the food is gone again, meaning characters may never know it was there in the first place. After all, some of the effects of it could have been down to the sleep deprivation as well…

Still, there’s something off about the whole thing. It might seem like someone is watching them. Toying with them. But surely that’s just paranoia, right?

In the aftermath of sleep deprivation and poor impulse control, characters might want to get some sleep or try to mend those relationships that were damaged by careless words or people getting creative with the cutlery.

( ♪ )

Please remember to put warnings in subject lines if so required.

Comments

Adrian "Alucard" Ţepeş | OTA

[reposing]

❧ i. then they're no friends of mine

[It was the most peculiar thing, to have the music suddenly be playing throughout the station's speakers. Some of it reminds him, vaguely, of the music that Minato had shared with him, for better or for worse. He'd almost rather be doing that than listening to whatever's playing, honestly. It felt more personal with Minato.

While it does concern him that music started playing out of no where, it is a little hard to ignore the arrangement in the bar: he isn't sure who started it, but he does watch with a bit of distant fondness how people are dancing with each other, or simply because.

It's silly, and freeing.

Alucard makes no effort to join, but he does watch from a distance.]


❧ iii. monster mash

[It isn't the lack of sleep that claws into him. Oh, no no. He can actually tolerate that now with the help he's received and the healing he's had done on his person.

It's something else. There just must be something else. Logically, he can see that, the lack of impulses he has, but his mind is clouded, irrational, and the thought is gone as quickly as it has come.

So whether it be in any particular room, any particular place, Alucard notices you, and he snarls, baring his fangs.]

What.

[It is an aggressive approach. How is your impulse control?]


❧ iv. take me to church

[Seven days of this madness.

A terrible thing, wasn't it? It seemed to start out so innocently, odd music playing with people dancing. It is a rarity to see people enjoy themselves, and it warmed something within him. Yet, it turned all so quickly, it seemed.

And Alucard is far too ashamed to accept what he'd done.

Like many, there is exhaustion in his eyes as he moves through the halls, looking close like a ghost of himself. Should he encounter you in the hallway, he makes no effort to initiate conversation.

No, he looks lock himself into his room for now.]


❧ v. wildcard;

[Please let me know if you want a custom starter, or feel free to do your own!]

hall om mig | closed to connor

[reposing]

[It's only been a few days since Connor's been here, but already he's been an incredible help. It has changed everything for Alucard in the best of ways knowing he can have a safe way to drink consistently without putting himself or anyone else in danger.

But he hasn't forgotten. That.

Somehow now, more than ever, he can't block the imagery in his mind. Connor testing the blood, then offering his fingers. It was practical, practical, nothing more, and yet didn't Alucard relish sucking them clean? And wouldn't he do so much more--

He has no business thinking of it. Any of it. No one owes him anything. Alucard has resisted everything, every temptation, every shred of desire in his body because his duty needs him more than anything he could ever hope or want. He can't afford it, he can't do that to anyone, can't can't can't...

So he does his best to drive the memory out of his mind. Why is it so much harder to do for the past few days?

Think practically. Clearly. This is a scientific test for a meal. Nothing more.

So he has called Connor up to the clinic, to test the next batch of blood for him. The door is open for the android, a silent invitation.]

I appreciate you coming by.

[Civil. Polite. Nothing else.]

If you don't mind testing this for me?

cw: drugs!

[rk800connor]

[A chorus of barking was in full swing as Connor entered the clinic. This was the twenty-second time 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' had played in the last forty-four hours. Even so, Connor looked pleased to see Alucard and looked around the clinic with subdued curiosity, cataloging all the supplies they had on hand as he did.

His gaze came to a stop on the the glass of blood before looking back at Alucard with a small smile.] Of course.

Music like this isn't common, is it? [He hadn't seen any previous mentions of this sort of thing, but that didn't mean it hadn't happened before.

Like before, he dipped two fingers into the thick blood and brought them to his mouth to lick.] It's clear of any pathogens or disease.

But... [His LED flickered blue and then yellow as he was able to match a few odd chemicals to those in his internal database and unable to match a few.] The sample contains... benzodiasepine, gabapentin, amphetamine, and two unknown chemical substances. Each is present in small quantities, but I'm unsure what the affect of all of these taken together would be.

This may not be suitable for consumption, Alucard.

[reposing]

[Despite the music, Alucard does smile faintly to Connor, appreciating him arriving.]

No. This is a completely new experience. I suppose it's relatively safer than the gravity breaking.

[Alucard doesn't even consider the idea that he's already been compromised, his eyes watching carefully as Connor dips his fingers into the blood. Most might be disgusted by how he tests the liquid, tongue to crimson, but it sends a thrill into him instead.

He watches the blood trickle down the android's hand, then gazes back to him.

Instead of answering, Alucard follows his compulsion. He wants so much, and how cruel had it been that he's shoved all of that away in his mind before? He doesn't think about the consequences, he's heard Connor but he doesn't let it stop him.

Instead, he's approaching closely, reaching out to drag his knuckles down Connor's cheekbone before gripping his chin.]

It won't kill me.

[A feeble excuse.

The ridiculous barking from the speakers rings in his ears, and Alucard leans in to kiss Connor, to taste for the blood that was just on his tongue.]

[rk800connor]

I'm surprised the station has so many speakers.

[Opening his mouth to confirm or deny the statement, he hesitated, at first, genuinely uncertain about the answer and then a little confused as to what Alucard was doing. He didn't react, remaining still and waiting with subdued curiosity.]

I'm uncer-

[He goes silent as Alucard closes the distance between them. As his programming worked overtime to catch up to what was happening, his immediate thoughts were still focused on the blood, so he parted his lips for the dhampir. Like a switch, his programming suddenly started responding to the kiss, returning it and leaning into Alucard's touch, but always seeming to follow his lead. Pliable and agreeable.]

i

[neuralnet]

[ Haruto isn't dancing either. He's never danced before in his short life, and he wouldn't know how to begin. Instead, he meanders around the outskirts, eventually ending up standing next to the tall man with long blond hair. He smiles up at him politely, nodding his head towards the throng of dancing people. ]

Are you not going to join them either?

[reposing]

[Alucard glances over to Haruto. No recognition displays on his face, not that there would be any reason to.

In return, he bows his head politely.]

I've no real intention. Anything I would know how to dance is not terribly appropriate for this brand of music.

But I am content to watch them.

You have no wish to join the others?

[neuralnet]

[ It's only when Alucard speaks that Haruto recognizes his voice from their online conversations. He smiles at the recognition; their talks weren't unpleasant. ]

I can't dance, no matter what the music. But... watching is nice.

[ After a brief pause, he bows slightly. ] I should introduce myself. We've actually spoken before. My name is Hideki; I go by "tokumei" online.

[reposing]

Then I suppose we are both at an impasse, and left to watch the others.

[Ah. He does know that name. Alucard pauses, then says gently:] I was short with you before, Hideki. I have had a troubled time, but it does not excuse how I treated you.

I appreciate you remaining civil with me, regardless of that.

iii

[counterfeitheart]

[Kira just lifts a hand in a wave. He's tired. He's tired but honestly feeling about nothing else. A dull, empty roar. He gives Alucard a smile, even as he is snarled at, those fangs bared. As if he would be concerned.]

Nothin'.

[That's it. That is 'what'. Maybe he was just tired but god he had not felt this empty in some years. It was like... what he was before Alexiel, really. An angel, going through the motions of 'living' and achieving for no reason other than that he didn't feel like sitting still and doing absolutely nothing.]

You're lookin' like a big bad wolf there, Goldilocks, and I think I'm mixing up my fairy tales.

[reposing]

[Kira. Lucifer. Within Alucard, there are complex feelings. For what Kira has forced to expressed, Alucard has smothered most of his emotions away for what he claims to be for the sake of duty and preparing himself for what waits in Wallachia.

But there is little to no restraint here.

Alucard quickly approaches, like an impending storm.]

Do not toy with me.

[It's said, like an accusation.]

[counterfeitheart]

[Kira, as he had before when Alucard once threatened to kill him, does not flinch. Why was he so mad? Kira just couldn't wrap his head around it.]

I'm not toying with you. Not yet, anyway. I think you could use a little 'toying with', though.

[It's like the kind of thing that he would usually say, but it didn't have quite as much of the joy that he usually took in playing with Alucard.]

[reposing]

No, but you have. Is it not your nature? To play with people. That is what you did with 9S, isn't it?

[With more of his strength back, Alucard is reaching for Kira's shoulder, to try to shove him up against the closest wall.

Alucard tilts his head, revealing the mark left on him by Lucifer's kiss.]

You did this. Tell me what it is.

i

[possidetur]

( vanessa joins him where he's sat, steps light as she approaches. she'd never heard this music before, confused at first that this was music with how strange it sounded. at first it had been almost amusing, listening, learning it. now it was repetitive and vanessa had found that she'd heard many of the songs already.

it hadn't stopped others from enjoying it, even from dancing. there's a fond sort of smile as she watches, leaning in to whisper )

You're not joining them?

[reposing]

[When Vanessa approaches, he is not apprehensive. Instead, he smiles faintly to her and bows his head respectfully.]

The dances I know would not match such a music style, I do not think.

I could not imagine a waltz to... whatever this is.

[It's Beat It, for the record.]

[possidetur]

Neither could I.

( it's actually surprisingly comforting talking to someone who also finds this strange. whilst vanessa doesn't usually let it make her feel out of sorts there are certainly far more people who seem familiar with the music than those that don't )

I'm curious as to how many are unfamiliar with this music.

[reposing]

Not enough, I daresay. Most of the people here seem to know the music.

However... if say, perhaps, the station is willing to form a piano, I would play for us.

iii

[thefaulty]

[Alucard will see no visual reaction from the figure he’s snarling at in the hallways—likely because she has no face. He’ll only get the blank stare of an empty faceplate and the sound of a monotone female voice in response.]

I did not say anything.

[reposing]

[Another android.

It doesn't bother him, but he's already in a foul mood. Alucard takes in a deep breath, then exhales through his nose.]

You stare.

What is it you want?

[thefaulty]

[Arid is no longer bound by rules stating she must accurately represent reality. She does not have to answer honestly. However, she has also never been bound by rules that require tact.]

You bared your canines at me in an organic signal of aggression. I was waiting to see if you would follow through with the threat.

[reposing]

Only if you provide me reason to.

i. because i can't quit u

[foolishjourney]

[Speak of the devil and he shall appear, or so they say. Minato quietly slides up next to Alucard, hands stuck in his pockets and headphones hanging around his neck so he could properly listen to the music that was playing from the speakers. What a surprise!]

Catchy.

[It's Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.]

Do you dance?

never let me go

[reposing]

[Upon Minato's presence, Alucard smiles and bows his head in a quiet greeting.

The question earns an amused snort.]

I dance at balls and galas. This, I am afraid, I am far less familiar with. It reminds me of folk dances. Those, I do not know.

[foolishjourney]

[He removes a hand to gesture at the people dancing.]

Most people don't know how to dance to songs like this. They just make it up as they go along.

[reposing]

Then perhaps I am the one lacking creativity.

[Alucard stands up and smiles a bit crookedly.]

Show me, then. How you would dance.