I'm Jerod, but you can call me Shrimp. An uncle of mine gave me that name when I really was quite small and it's stuck. I've just moved to Twinbrook, it strikes me as a good place to be the big fish in a small town. I ditched the family and all family ties. I don't want to hear from them and I'm sure they do not want to hear from me. You've heard that every family has a black sheep? Well, that would be me. I have plans - rule the world type plans. Well, probably just the town but that should be enough to keep me in the lifestyle I want to be accustomed to.
I've also been thinking, it can't be easy to make those plans work or we'd have an evil emperor already. I need to develop a cover persona, someone that no one suspects of evil. Kind of like those idiot do-gooders and their tendency to have some alternate that is just a normal guy/girl.
So step one of my cover is the new roommate. Meet Tania Kennedy. She's cute, which is a bonus for me, and she is good. Like contribute money to the "Save the llama" foundation good. That makes me more than a bit sick actually. But who will suspect me of doing bad if I'm living with Miss Goody Goody here? As long as she doesn't suspect, it will be the perfect cover.
Miss Goody Goody wants to be a musician. That suits me fine, another part of my cover is being part of a band. Explains late nights, some destructive behaviour, hanging out in the local dives. First I will have to learn to play an instrument, but how hard could it be?
I had to get some contractors in. We just had a lot, no house. Now we have a house but no money. Bummer. I have my side of the house, she has her side. We have to share the kitchen but that seems quite reasonable. Plenty of room for more stuff. When we can afford it.
It's not an evil lair, no excessive amounts of black, spiders, skeletons or anything else. I'd like an evil lair, but that's just going to have to wait till I have control of this town. When everyone does know who I am and what I am but they dare not touch me.
Even an evil emperor has to eat. Since we can't afford to go out, well, cooking is a useful skill.
Yeah, I do like Lord Sponge. If I had the cash, I'd have the complete collection already. Bite me if you don't like it. Be warned, I bite back, hard.
I even made enough for Tania. Can't have Miss Goody thinking I'm selfish or anything. Not yet, it's way too early to show my colours.
"Shrimpy?"
"Shrimp, not Shrimpy."
"Ok, Shrimp. What job did you get?"
"I'm one of the go-fer guys at the local warehouse."
"Go-fer?"
"Go-fer coffee, go-fer lunch, go-fer whatever the bosses need."
"I got a great job at the theatre."
"What, usher?"
"Well, not quite usher but something similar."
Damn, had to pay some bills. Even more money gone. This is going to be bad.
Why the hell didn't I grab more of the family excess stuff before I left? Mum and Dad had more stuff then they knew what to do with anyway.
Oh, right, I wanted to prove to that I don't need anyone's help to get by. That was idiotic and way too proud. Too late now though.
For now, let's put on the show. Lucky for me, the Red Rendezvous has added a place for open mic night upstairs. All the instruments we need for a band. I've decided to try drumming. Laying down the beat just feels right.
After some drum practice, I spent the rest of the evening partying. I had a great time on the dance floor.
And of course I spent what little I could on some drinks. Good thing the drums and dance floor are free because that's about all I can afford.
She came home with the good news that she's been promoted. I'm pleased for both of us.
"It's so exciting. I'll be a roadie for one of the biggest Sim bands ever."
"Tania, speaking of bands, how would you like to form one with me?"
"You? You play?"
"Drums. Not the best by a long shot but hey, you have to start somewhere."
"I think that's a great idea that we form band. We'll be famous in no time."
Looking at Tania, I had just one thought.
All part of my cover story. Plus, she is damned cute.
Sometimes I like to take cover very literally too.
Well, that's one notch for the belt. The first of many, I'm sure.
"Hey, Tania. How about we hit the gym today?"
"Gym?"
"Sure, it will be great. Need to stay in shape for our future fans." And my future career but why ruin the moment?
Working out is good.
Falling over while working out? Not so good. Bruised shins and very bruised pride but I'll live.
