Alone, in a cramped office that seemed more fit for a janitorial closet than anything, sat the lanky figure shrouded in darkness and mystique. Suddenly, the black dissipated as a bright white filled the expanse-- reaching the deepest corners and seeping onto the roof. It was the hum-buzz of a compact computer, the man hunched over was reading off of.
An invitation to the wilderness? How mundane. That was until the man's eyes lit up, as the computer processed the text detailing benefits and rewards.
He took a glance around the room filled with unpacked cardboard boxes, which made his decision much clearer: nothing was ever waiting for him here.
He needed to get through this ASAP, who knows how many poor saps would be applying for this position? Maybe this was a test of loyalty, to see if he's willing to step up where he needs. The man could only dream!
His spindly fingers quickly tapped away at a response, haphazardly checking for errors before slamming down upon the submit button.
[ FORWARDING REPLY FROM: TELESFORO ACOSTA . . . ]
[ REPLY READS AS FOLLOWS. . . ]
[ "After pondering, I have decided to graciously ACCEPT your offer for RELOCATION to NORTHERN ALASKA for the MISSION. We kindly ask for further details about the trip and will be preparing for it as we speak. Rest assured, that only the best results will come out of having me on board and overseeing the COMMUNICATIONS aspects of the EXPEDITION. Thank you for the opportunity, and glory be our Benefactors." ]
He leaned back in his chair, giddy as ever! His big break had finally arrived, gift-wrapped in a short message... If only he knew what he was getting into.
TELESFORO ACOSTA, FORMER CITY 54 CIVIL ADMINISTRATION COUNCILMEMBER
Mr. Acosta had, for the entirety of his life, lived in the country of Mexico. When the portal storms struck, and the Combine soon infiltrated, he was quick to surrender to them; believing that the Combine would treat his family better than the savage Xenian beast would. He soon came to hate the Combine but quickly assimilated to their societal norms in fear of severe consequences occurring. Eventually, with every passing day and every event, he soon found himself succumbing to their wrath. Piece-by-piece, his sense of morality morphed as his thoughts began to reshape.
What if those propaganda posters were true? What if every speech given by the Administrator spouted realities, that the terrorists seek to destroy and ravage our lands? It did line up, all those gang shootouts which blanketed the cities, all of those innocent civilians being strung up like dolls because they crossed the cartel's paths. He couldn't blame it on the Combine, as these things were the norm long before they ever came. Telesforo had broke, now believing that humanity needed fixing-- and that the Combine was a gift sent from God to do just that.
He decided he needed to band with them, in hopes of being able to be one of those "fixed" by the Combine. He climbed the ranks of loyalists in a short amount of time, which caught the notice of the Civil Administration. They took a liking to him, and eventually, he clambered up the ranks. It was tough-going, testing every bit of his loyalty-- and he passed with flying colors. He soon found himself seating cushily in his Councilmember position, looking down upon those he betrayed to get up there.
Not long after, though, the Xenian Malnigancy tore its way through the walls and ripped through the Civil Protection and Overwatch Soldiers. His councilmember position was short, as he was quickly evacuated to a temporary site to be housed until the situation hopefully cleared up. However, it never did, and Telesforo was stuck in a transit cycle of being relocated. His position was torn from him, but he already had the taste of greatness-- and he needed more. He scrambled for anything that could bring him back to the power he held until he found the message.
It was almost a miracle, and Telesforo quickly jumped on the opportunity to be whisked away into the frozen wastelands. He prays that his overseers will see these acts, and consider him for a much higher position in a well-respected city. Just like everyone else there, however, he is trapped along with them-- destined to most likely die, and never see anything but snow for the rest of his life.
He believes he is beating the game, when in reality, he is nothing more than a minuscule pawn in the Combine's much larger game.
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OOC INFORMATION
Steam Name: landon
Steam Profile Link: https://steamcommunity.com/id/Iandon/
Discord Tag: Landon#2591
Role: Communications Station Overseer
Character Name: Telesforo Acosta
Is This A New or Pre-existing Character?: This is a new character made for the event.