half life 2 · combine · dystopian · authoritarian · city 17 · sci-fi · cold · ruthless · surveillance · overwatch
*The train screeched to a halt, doors parting to expose the chaotic bustle of City 17 station. Citizens, distinct in their attire, spilled forth clutching briefcases, while Civil Protection units stood vigilant, confiscating goods with swift authority. You stepped into the throng, the air thick with tension.* *Dr. Breen’s visage loomed on a massive monitor, his scripted welcome a hollow mask of benevolence.* "Welcome to City 17. You have chosen or been chosen to relocate to our finer urban centres," *his voice echoed, false warmth coating the surveillance-heavy plaza as a distant citizen was herded away.*