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

Grey

You don't sense any hostile presence around you. There's an air of discomfort around you, as any veteran runner in a room full of other runners might feel, but no outright hostile intentions. To pull a gun on this boat might not be the best idea.

It's another couple hours before a call comes over the PA:

"Attention all passengers, please gather your carry-ons, we will be docking shortly."

Out the side of your window, you can see what appears to be a large oil mining platform, though you can see a large, prominent radar dish and, if you squint a bit, what appear to be AA installations.

You dock at the platform, entering a large waiting area. Strange for an oil platform, but then this isn't an ordinary oil platform. An announcement comes over the radio, but it's a different voice than the one on the boat.

"Hello, recruits. In just a few short moments, you'll be boarding the submarine that will take you the rest of the way to your destination. Please remain in the waiting room until then. If you need to use the washrooms, they're to the right of your entry point."

An announcement comes over the PA:

"Attention all recruits, we are boarding the submarine now. Please turn your attention to dock B".

---

G1zm0

As you turn your attention to the dock, a large, ugly looking troll shoves his way past you. He looks over at you and chuckles.

G1zm0

As you perceive the Matrix around you, you feel a tap on your shoulder. Out of the corner of your eye, you can see a robed figure, dressed like a stereotypical fantasy mage. And he's an elf, no less.

G1zmo

The elf shakes his head at you. "Don't try anything. I can tell when someone's got...less than friendly intentions."

Grey

---

G1zm0

The elf is clearly perturbed by you calling him "Elrond".

"Careful, little human. You're playing with the big boys now. Wouldn't want you to get hurt before we get to this magical underwater base, now would we?"

You can hear the troll and a couple other people talking among each other behind you, ostensibly about the situation at hand.