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You watch the coffin slowly being lowered into the muddy grave. The symphony of rain drumming against the ground, various umbrellas, raincoats, and the wooden lid of the coffin drowns out the small crowd of mourning people. Instead of being with relatives and friends, you stand separate, with a few of your fellow crewmates. One of them produces a bottle of some outlandish-sounding drink, as well as a few glasses, pouring all of you one and loudly toasting to your former captain. The liquid burns as it rolls down your throat, leaving behind an oddly earthy, yet sweet taste.
As the congregation slowly disperses with the storm clouds drawing near, you stay behind to share one last moment with your former superior and old friend. Yet, as you stand there, looking at the black wood down there in the small puddle of mud, another person draws near, taking the spot to your side.
The person is shrouded in a long coat with the insignia of one of the many ministries of the crown, but most notably, they wear a black, featureless mask, with dark tinted glass set into the eyes under the hood of their coat. "Another good captain lost, a true shame.", their voice was muffled, yet uncomfortably deep and raspy, inhuman, "But, today, another captain has my attention." You throw them a glance, the masked official had turned towards you, their emblem now fully visible. What could the Crown's Ministry of Curiosities and Exploration want from you, a Captain now in the reserve?
"This could be a great opportunity for Crown, country, <span class="mu-i">and</span> you. I await your visit. Be on time. And prepared for the occasion. " Clasped by a black glove, a letter is handed to you, the crown seal made of blood-red wax weighing heavy on the back. You quickly take the letter and shelter it from the rain by sliding it into your coat's inside pocket. When you look up, questions on your lips, the official has already taken off, making his way through the wet soil of the crowns graveyard - A place for those who died in their Majesty's service, the last effort to recognize a life spent in servitude to something greater than themselves.
You look back onto the grave, as the storm approaching lets out a series of thunder. There was nothing left to be done here. Time to go. [1/3]
As the congregation slowly disperses with the storm clouds drawing near, you stay behind to share one last moment with your former superior and old friend. Yet, as you stand there, looking at the black wood down there in the small puddle of mud, another person draws near, taking the spot to your side.
The person is shrouded in a long coat with the insignia of one of the many ministries of the crown, but most notably, they wear a black, featureless mask, with dark tinted glass set into the eyes under the hood of their coat. "Another good captain lost, a true shame.", their voice was muffled, yet uncomfortably deep and raspy, inhuman, "But, today, another captain has my attention." You throw them a glance, the masked official had turned towards you, their emblem now fully visible. What could the Crown's Ministry of Curiosities and Exploration want from you, a Captain now in the reserve?
"This could be a great opportunity for Crown, country, <span class="mu-i">and</span> you. I await your visit. Be on time. And prepared for the occasion. " Clasped by a black glove, a letter is handed to you, the crown seal made of blood-red wax weighing heavy on the back. You quickly take the letter and shelter it from the rain by sliding it into your coat's inside pocket. When you look up, questions on your lips, the official has already taken off, making his way through the wet soil of the crowns graveyard - A place for those who died in their Majesty's service, the last effort to recognize a life spent in servitude to something greater than themselves.
You look back onto the grave, as the storm approaching lets out a series of thunder. There was nothing left to be done here. Time to go. [1/3]
