"Welcome, citizen, to City 16. You have chosen, or been chosen, to undertake in our Residential Evolution Plan. Your main priority will be to upgrade the standard of industrial labour in City 16. The Combine has graced us with fine industrial factories which you will used to their maximum potential, by you.

The high Civil Protection involvement is for your own protection. They are here to keep control and will prevent any kind of disorder. They will be dedicating most of their time, to making sure you are working to your maximum ability. If there are any quarrels between citizens, they will act.

This City is a great working environment for us all, let us not ruin it with such childish, animalistic behavior like this. You are, of course, expected to set the standard of the working environment. Why I, myself, chose to pick this area as a representation of how productive and how much can be achieved through your combined efforts.

You will set a good example of the human race, to our benefactors. I intend to set the best example, make no doubt about it. Always remember. Act like children and you will be... disciplined. Let us not go back to the days where we relied on a single flame to guide us through the darkness, let us be able to use a burning, bright torch. Thank you, and enjoy your stay at City 16."

The BreenCast confirmed everyone's concerns; Civil Protection, our benefactors and the industrial power house: City 16. Rumors had made their way around various cities, from City 14 to City 17, everyone feared City 16. Civil Protection have stamped their mark on the City, executions, apartment raids and arrests are all commonplace for the citizens.

The ration hall. The murky light fights to illuminate the hall, the darkness winning the battle. Citizens were herded into a simple line, where they would wait for their rations. The Civil Protection watched the queue like a pack of wolves, waiting for the right moment to strike. The citizens monotonous and robotic way of life was occasionally interrupted, when news reached their ears that their best friend had been executed with two others.

The everlasting fear that their apartment was going to be raided next, the citizens were able to set up a clever 'watch' system. The windows and corridors were watched by eagle eyes, waiting for the heavy stomps from the Combine soldiers and Civil Protection, which sealed their fate. Death. Even then, the tightening grip of the Combine's hold on City 16, slowly choked the life out of society. Those who were not working, were digging their own graves.

The Plaza, bristling with citizens and Civil Protection alike, was the unofficial meeting place for citizens. Under the watchful eye of the Combine, citizens had the rare chance to commune with each other. They had to keep their voices silent. The apartments were lined with cameras and sound recording pieces. Everything you did and said was recorded. And anything out of line, would be used against you.

The apartments. A place where your opinion was listened to and a place where you were respected. The only true Haven in City 16, was the apartments. And that Haven was slowly becoming corrupt and poisoned. Citizens turned to the Combine, supplying them with information on uprisings within. These branded traitors were quickly found out and thrown out of the apartments. Even the standard citizen could have brutality buzzing around their hearts.

But this is your home now. You have to live with the way of life in the City. The City which believes hard, manual labor is the answer to the growing problem: Rebellion.

2/11/2011 #1 Report