ercookies | TDM 003

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TDM 003

TDM 003: #BEACHBUMS

I. BEACH

Welcome arrivals, new and old! The skies on Erku may be perpetually gray, but the weather has taken a sudden turn to summertime heat. Fortunately, soaring temperatures have chased away more of the strange fog that conceals so much of the island, unveiling a charming, sandy cove dotted here and there with rustic love shacks. These shabby little lean-tos are dusty and sparse, but they provide everything one (or two, wink wink) might need for a little relief from the sun. Just don’t wander too far... that fog has memory-loss properties.

II. DRINKS

The 'bots are very apologetic about the whole fog incident, and they are trying to get on the new arrivals' good sides by giving out fancy drinks. Of course, they still haven't mastered the art of making things properly, so each drink has a little something... extra.

Geloso: Has a slightly bitter, yet refreshing herbal taste... and it will make you feel inexplicably envious of virtually anything, to a petty degree! Be it someone else’s shoes or their incredibly muscular physique, you’re jealous enough to tell them about it!
Colpito: Fruity and sweet like candy. If you drink this, you will feel hopelessly infatuated with the very next person who catches your eye!
Vivace: Delightfully tart, with a flavor somewhere between citrus and raspberry. This summery drink will fill you with bubbly energy. Whether you’re feeling flirty or just mischievous and playful, you’ve never felt more alive!
Verace: Creamy, earthy, and a little nutty - the flavor is hard to describe, but delicious. After drinking this, you’ll feel strangely compelled to spill something you’ve been keeping a secret, no matter how incriminating or embarrassing.
Conoscere: The robots are especially excited about this flavor! They’ve heard organic beings enjoy chocolate, and hope you like their first attempt (it’s a little bitter, but it is chocolatey). Those who drink this will feel incredibly confident and sensual. Better yet, if you share it with a partner - which the 'bots encourage you to do - you’ll find that every touch is enhanced, and every sensation is shared between the two of you. A lucky few may even be able to sense one another’s thoughts!

III. SNACKS

Lo! As you ask, the Augur shall provide. Thanks to the efforts of your organic predecessors in restoring the planet’s Eros energy, edible fishes and seaweeds have returned to the ponds and the shores of Erku. If you fancy yourself savvy to basic survival skills, why not fashion up a fishing rod and catch yourself dinner? Just be careful if you happen to hook one of the octopus creatures from the deeper waters - they can be quite forward with their tentacles!

Or, if primitive angling isn’t in your repertoire, you can always trade some credits for a tasty catch from one of the food stalls along the coast. Most stalls are manned by 'bots, but there’s nothing stopping an enterprising arrival from setting up shop. No credits? No problem! The robots have also provided a bit of entertainment, and any volunteers to man the kissing booth, get dunked in the wet t-shirt dunk tank, or grill up some fish - among other opportunities - will find credits automatically loaded onto the payment app of their bracelet devices. The 'bots are recruiting especially hard for participants to work in the gloryhole tent!

IV. SPARKLES

As dusk descends, the white sands of the beach suddenly come alive with glittering lights. It’s as if the darkened waters have carried a thousand shining stars from the depths of the sea to the shores of the cove. In actuality, each little twinkle is a bioluminescent plankton or jellyfish! Feel free to wade among them and admire their shine; even the sting of the jellies won’t hurt you... though they do pack a different punch. The tentacles of the jellyfish elicit a powerful aphrodisiac response, which gets the heart racing and the blood pumping for an intimate touch. The effects come on within a matter of minutes, and last for a few hours. Only time will relieve the symptoms, but a partner will help to make it more bearable.

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N A V I G A T I O N

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Incredible how comfortable he makes himself, not that anyone, including the robots, seem to mind loitering around the booth. Unsurprising as well, considering how readily they let Jeremiah man it outright. Propriety, safety standards, everything here sure is strange.

He's also fairly sure "the customer is always right" shouldn't hold either, and if it does, there's nothing strictly stopping him from simply walking away. He doesn't, beholding the taller man with some reservation up this close, a trickle of curiosity as well when faced with such a blunt, unflinching will. It speaks to more than just carnal wants driving him, ambition like that.]

I would do so with caution. [Jeremiah realizes it isn't a no, but he doesn't correct himself. Would it matter much if he did? McGillis certainly seems intent on being here as Jeremiah goes about his work.] The beverages offered haven't proven to be very trustworthy.

[There's something to be said for such a hard-working individual. Although he doesn't say it, and follows up with something far worse.]

Oh? Were you planning on taking advantage of me...?

[Which was quite the implication, not just for the inappropriate nature of the remark but also because he's built like a linebacker and could probably punch one of said robots into oblivion, let alone a well-mannered cyborg of slighter stature. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to turn any of that strength towards Jeremiah. At least not yet, the night was still young and still hot.

To that end, McGillis slides over his own drink instead. The best way to make friends: alcohol!]

Here. I've been sipping on it, so it's fine.

[...probably. It packs a powerful punch and smells strongly of tequila.]

Hardly. This place wants to orchestrate that enough for us.

[He's already been asked about The Tent to get enough of a sense for all that. His frown hasn't budged, though he hasn't begun ignoring the other man in spite of the trouble it may cause. In reality, if he's someone who's been here for a time then Jeremiah could stand to glean information where he can, even if they see fit to introduce themselves as McGillis has.

Jeremiah notes the glass, glancing up and then back down. There's dubiousness heavy on his face until the tang of agave hits his nose, his brow popping up. It's clearly not one of the same offerings he'd encountered.]

I'd been informed there wasn't any alcohol served here. [He still doesn't pick it up, a little wary of the intimacy of a shared glass with a stranger this forward. Give an inch, et cetera.] Seems I was deceived.

[Sensing some hesitation, McGillis backs off a bit. Retreats to a softer smile and a softer tone, though there's no hiding that deep voice—rolling and rumbling like thunder. No hiding that intimidating disposition, either, with those too sharp eyes and the pristine uniform of a decorated general.]

Talking like that, you must be new. I'm happy to answer your questions.

[Which was true enough. He might be predatory, but he isn't entirely lacking in empathy. Just mostly.]

[Jeremiah's still watching him, but the severity of his expression eases up a bit. It's easy for him to meet one type of aggression with another as he sizes someone up, but he's admittedly on the defensive. There's an awful lot of... influencing on people's behavior, hard to know when it's engineered or not.]

You would be correct. I just arrived this afternoon.

[There's a multitude of things he'd like to have confirmed, mistrusting as he's been of what he's been told by the authorities here, but it's more than he'd care to all delve into now. Jeremiah looks down again, then finally picks up the glass.

It certainly smells strong. That's not necessarily an unpleasant thing in his book, though.] What else is in this?

[He might be predatory, but he's also principled—principled enough not to force himself on others. To that end, McGillis tells the truth.]

In that? Nothing much. As for everything else...

[Well, either he finds out now or finds out later. And while Jeremiah didn't seem like the sort to suffer from a stiff breeze, circumstances didn't always care about your constitution. He had to learn that hard way, long before he ever arrived in Erku. That's why he doesn't lie, not about this; he treats the topic with utmost seriousness.]

Food and drink are often laced with aphrodisiac. All in service to the Augur, who derives power from our sexual proclivities.

[Even as someone who enjoys sex, his brief scowl says it all: how disgusting.]

[How informative. His mouth presses to a line at his answer, but he doesn't set the drink down, either. If he'd been cooking at home, he'd already have poured himself a glass of wine long ago, so the want for something like it is still there.

Jeremiah's expression shifts only somewhat with his conclusion, given he likes it about as much.]

Yes, I... noticed some of the other beverages served had odd effects on people. [Does he look a bit bothered? Maybe. Is it foolish to make that mistake twice? Undoubtedly. Still not setting that glass down.] I still fail to understand how this all could possibly work.

[Don't bother explaining, a being feeding off sexual energy is just as impossible as anything else he's seen today or any other day, which is to say it's all perfectly possible. Jeremiah just doesn't want to accept it as the solution.]

[Actually, he knows the perfect way to explain it. Or at least he's banking on that.]

Are you familiar with the concept of a mobile suit, by chance? Of a giant robot, a great beast of metal?

[Now there's something. Surprise shows a little clearer on his face. McGillis is clearly a military man, one of great position given his dress, the unbending conviction he carries himself with, the calculated moves a leader must take. But the allusion of similar tech by an unfamiliar name to what he knows is unexpected.]

I believe so. They're primarily used as combat vehicles... where I come from. [It's a bit of a lame finish, sounding odd to actually phrase it so. Still, it's the best he can offer.

That, and he's finally venturing a sip of the drink he hasn't relinquished yet, small still, as if he's trying to taste for anything funny. All he can sense, really, is that tequila. Not his typical drink, though he doesn't recoil at the bite to it.]

[McGillis spreads his arms, in a majestic sweep. Raises his voice, as befits a great general and a gifted orator...]

Imagine a hundred of them, a thousand, a million... as many as you dare to dream. Armed to the teeth, with swords, with guns, with cannons, with weapons to destroy an entire world. All with astute pilots, all with incredible specs and amazing tech. A vast army, unprecedented and unrivaled in every regard.

[...and then, after a dramatic pause, he crunches his fist.]

And now, imagine it has been swept away. By a single creature, by a trifling whim. And now, you understand the insurmountable strength of the Augur.

[He watches this and simply raises a brow, only it doesn't register as such given only one of them is currently visible. The scrunch to his face registers roughly the same anyway, slight disbelief in spite of the attention he pays to every word, the consideration he gives as he slowly sets down the glass.

Like the gods he's been told of, from the mouth of an immortal man, one who bestowed him a power to end all powers. It had been so lofty at the time, but Jeremiah's seen and done enough to know these things to exist.]

It's believable enough. [Though he doesn't like the sound of exactly that, whims to bend reality so.] I simply fail to understand its methods. If a being can sustain itself on energy, surely it can find ways to derive it, other than intimacy.

Does it matter?

[Dramatic and dismissive, all in one fell swoop. The distinct territory of a distinctly powerful man.]

Whether you believe it or not, whether you understand it or not, you are as helpless as the rest of us. Reality won't bend to suit your selfish needs and it certainly won't cater to your pointless incredulity. You'll simply have to accept it and make the best of a mediocre situation, I'm afraid.

[And no, he hasn't forgotten why he first dropped by. Melting back into a suggestive smile, he leans over to drag the tip of a gloved finger beneath Jeremiah's chin.]

Still, a man of your stature... surely there's nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

[If there's no reason to worry, Jeremiah isn't sure why he's being made to feel like he's about to be eaten alive. He's not afraid, but this man screams danger from every inch. It should be enough to warrant a step back or a push aside, having his space invaded in such a fashion and letting it continue, but he stands his ground.

Pride only lifts his head higher, but the arch of his neck doesn't pull him away from the touch. He won't give in to intimidation.]

And what would I have to worry about?

[Jeremiah's mouth curls the smallest, but there's no mirth in his eye. He's still looking at McGillis like a challenge, so brazenly as he's laid himself out before him.]

You? I'd like to think not.

[McGillis neither confirms nor denies a damn thing, slipping right past the subject.]

Weren't you going to introduce yourself, then? It's quite rude to carry on a conversation otherwise.

[Not moving that hand? Well then, he's not budging, even if the proximity is starting to get uncomfortable. Now he's committed.]

Wouldn't it befit the person initiating the conversation to offer their name first?

[And no, him talking to the barest glimpse of the next customer in line while busy watching what his hands were doing doesn't count, Jeremiah thinks. He was simply doing his job. He wasn't the one to take it down this path.]

Was that some pitiful attempt at deflection?

[Shots fired. But in the interest of granting Jeremiah some breathing room, he will indeed withdraw that hand. He won't withdraw outright, of course, because that would make things too easy, but he's no longer cradling his face like he means to devour it. Though he'll continue to send any potential customers scurrying, without saying so much as a single word.

Those eyes really were quite deadly.]

But if you're going to insist... formally, I hold the title of Brigadier General. Though you may call me McGillis.

[How noble of him. He certainly sounds like a noble, with the snooty attitude to match.]

[When he was so inappropriately accosted? Absolutely, he'll fall back on manners every time. Nothing clever about it.

Jeremiah's chin lowers to a more natural position once he's freed, still staring down the man before him. It's truly venomous, the particular shade of green of his eyes, cold and captivating. His own gaze hasn't strayed in a while, a strange testament to that power.

And McGillis really is strikingly handsome, too, not hard to get a better look at him up close. He doubts the man's intention was just to sweet-talk a stranger for the fun of it, and whether or not it had been invited, Jeremiah's been watching him in turn, just as closely. Was it truly out of wariness alone?]

It's good to meet you properly, McGillis. [Light emphasis on properly. Jeremiah extends his hand to shake. He may bristle easily, but it would behoove him to familiarize himself where he can and with whom he can, whether or not he'd make an ally.] My name is Jeremiah Gottwald.

[Withholding his surname for secrecy's sake? Yeah right.]

[Definitely not a commoner, then. Not with a name like that. Humbler than most but there's a certain air about him, an air that would suggest that he wasn't an easy target. Which attracts more than it deters; he always relishes a challenge and that much hasn't changed. Considers whether or not to employ a more aggressive approach, but ultimately settles for middle ground.

So he'll take that hand. Though once again his fingers misbehave and snake around Jeremiah's wrist. Subtle in their motions, the very tips that brush bone.]

Are you really so interested in that fish?

[McGillis pulls, just a little. Just enough.]

Or are you more interested in me...?

[Perhaps selectively humble, at least after the path he's been down. A year or so ago, he may have admonished him much more ferociously for speaking to him so, laying a possessive hand upon him uninvited. But his temper now isn't always what it was, even if his principles haven't changed.

Though a year or so ago, had McGillis been a beautiful stranger at a bar on one of his nights off, instead of another prideful beast trapped in the same cage, that too would be another story.]

I'm interested in getting paid. [And by extension, yes, it includes the fish. A robot, perhaps the same one from earlier having returned to the stall, has already stepped back in for him, but it doesn't mean he's off duty yet. Not that he couldn't clock out exactly as he clocked in, return later if need be. He's learned that much. Almost as if they're perfectly fine with him slacking, given the way he's become occupied.

Jeremiah's eye flicks to the hand upon his wrist, then back up. His drink wasn't drugged after all, he knows that by now. It's a mark in his favor.]

What can you offer me?

[Watching the robot, his lips crease tight.]

A helpful demonstration.

[Which wasn't false. It just wasn't entirely honest, because McGillis Fareed was a liar, through and through. With almost eerie fascination, McGillis threads their fingers together, turns their hands, traces the delicate paths of joints. This was a man who knew other men, intimately so, and so shows off that expertise. Still prim and still proper as if nothing had changed at all.]

Credits are all but worthless. Another currency exists and it means so much more.

[And the fateful words that follow:]

Just trust me. Just for a moment.

[It's strange to be the one barehanded, the tight-woven fabric of McGillis's glove smoothing over his skin with lessened friction. Every reach, every intimate touch speaks volumes, a natural ease every step of the way. Either that's just his gift or it's been carefully cultivated.

No. Jeremiah knows which it is. It's in his eyes, in the drag of his fingertips. He's seen it before.]

Hmph. Just like that? [His tone is discerning yet humored, intensity still fixed in his stare. Down to brass tacks, he's kept entertaining the conversation this whole time and not by some mistake. Thoughts still running their course, a stubborn set to his jaw. Not as if Jeremiah Gottwald is so easily seduced, yet he suspects the other man not to be exaggerating.

And if he's to survive here, he can't stay above it all, forever.]

I'll listen to your terms, first.

One kiss. If you dislike it, then I shall walk away.

[That's it, those were the terms. But if he happened to accept, be it out of curiosity or something else, then he'd cement himself as trustworthy—even if that wasn't the case. He would be able to see it, in a tangible way, how the world would react to intimacy. His choices from there were just that, his own. Although he's cocky enough to assume that he wouldn't just run off.

...no, he was the stubborn sort. The sort to rise to a challenge. And to that end, he also stands his ground, testing that resolve and daring him to move.]

[It's more chaste than what he expects to hear, given what he thought would need to occur for a "demonstration" to take place. Really, he doesn't know, he's still fresh off the teleporter, and he'd be a fool to assume anything considering how many times he's already been proven wrong. He'd equally be a fool to entrust himself entirely to a stranger, but McGillis hasn't gone against his word yet, and the boundaries are clear.

Through his glove, Jeremiah can feel the heat of his body seeping through to his own. It's been a while since someone cradled his hand in this way, so sensuous, so careful. He either couldn't or wouldn't make space in recent months to seek this, committed as he'd been to something greater. Not as if he didn't miss it to a reasonable degree, he won't lie to himself about that.]

... That sounds reasonable. [He smirks, though it doesn't reach his eye, still level with guarded curiosity.] I accept.

[Oh, McGillis was also committed to something greater. Something much, much greater, the violent revolution and the eventual reformation of the entire world. So he understands. Really, he gets it, that quiet need to hold onto pride and to dig in heels against fate. He doesn't judge the man for it, knows he must have his reasons. And because he's a reasonable man, he also knows that he would cut a reasonable deal—or one presumed as such. Either way, McGillis smiles at his eagerness, and releases his hand in good faith. The calm before the coming storm.]

Watch our friends with care.

[Enigmatic words but there's no time to dwell. McGillis swoops in like a hawk and claims the other man's mouth, domineering and deliberate. Swift as an arrow and yet he doesn't push any farther, any faster. Just a simple act of lips on lips, while his eyes twinkle as if to say I told you so. His hands otherwise behave and he doesn't draw closer. Mindful of manners and of space.

Meanwhile, the nearest robot beep-beeps with interest at Jeremiah. Several of its comrades start to notice, as well, and maybe that was what McGillis meant.]

[Impulsive as ever. It's done him in, sure, but it's also been a tool of his successes too. The smile he earns only feels like a confirmation in the right direction, as strange as it seems. The reference, however, to who he means is lost on him, yet he has no time to ask before McGillis's lips are on his own, firm and leaving no space for hesitance.

He's staring unfocused into that dangerous field of green for a brief moment, his lids falling shut quickly enough. Jeremiah just sinks into the feeling of it, a heavy, pleasant pressure and warmth against him. Simple, yet prompting him to angle so slightly closer. He won't let something nice go unappreciated, chaste or not never truly a factor in luring him in and keeping him there.

Then the beeping starts, and his eyes pop right back open, looking to the right out his better field of vision for the nearest source of noise. A tiny hum of bewilderment sounds through his nose, but he doesn't break away just yet. The feeling of being watched doesn't exactly inspire him, though McGillis's words suddenly fall into place. He holds as he is, trusting him a while longer even if his alarm hasn't abated.]

Edited 2020-07-24 06:55 (UTC)

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