A Bigger Shadow IC

You're on a boat.


Specifically, you're on a medium transport cruiser. Nothing fancy, enough room for you and the dozen or so other people aboard, plus the small crew. You may not know all of the people around you, but you do know one thing. You're going to Paradise. Dead Paradise. You'd heard the name before you got the call; supposedly a large, far-reaching private military corporation that doesn't answer to any of the megacorps, calling themselves men without nations, men who fight for no reason other than the perpetuation of their society. Most people who know about them just shrug their shoulders and go about their day; PMCs are nothing new, and these days they're a dime a dozen.

But then you saw how much money they make, and the kind of amenities you could expect as a member of the team. And suddenly, it wasn't so shrug-worthy any more. Suddenly, you were interested. And you wanted a piece. And they were offering one to you, no strings attached.

You'll have to see this Paradise to believe it, but if it's half as grand as the invitation said, it'd be a huge step up from running around in dark alleys pilfering bank data from blue collar workers for an anonymous Johnson of dubious trustworthiness. But you'll just have to wait and see. Might as well see what the competition's like, no?

Grey: with your astral sense, you can identify a young male Troll sitting in the corner as being magically attuned. He doesn't seem to be socializing with anyone else.

Grey

The troll looks up at Grey.

"UCAS, and I know how you feel. I'm not much for guns, but being surrounded by people who're black belts? Ex military? Gives me the willies. How about you? Where are you from?"

---

G1zm0

Grey

The Troll shrugs. "From the sound of the invitation, it was a recruitment drive. But if they're bringing this many people on board, they must be starting something big."

He points over to a tall human in a trench coat.

"That there looks like "X" Castle. I heard he was on Ares' black ops team, but if he's here, he's either spying for Ares or he quit. Either way, if those are the kind of people we're working with, I'm actually kinda scared."

---

Ronan

Some of the other people catch your eye, including a trio of punkish elves in sleeveless tops and cargo pants, who chuckle at you making your motions and sounds.

---

G1zm0

Grey

He has no physical presence in the astral plane, but you can see Castle's aura, a dark greenish colour, like leaves on a tree. He seems to be doing hand gestures to nobody in particular, but you're not sure what exactly it is he's doing.

---

Ronan

Grey