You find a paper of a school history report on the tragic end of one of the most influential families in East Falls.

(You may take this document icly)

The United States of America, the land of opportunity. Lady liberty stands above the nation, welcoming all into the shining gates of freedom and democracy. All belong here, from the young children laughing and playing to the old elders walking with their canes. Yet, there is no perfection in this land. Crime and corruption line the darkest parts of every city, not one place is left untainted by the greed and corruption of human nature. 

The Alejo family, once a name that demanded respect now holds a cautionary tale.

They were most famous for growing X-corp in its early days, turning it from just an idea to a powerhouse in  a matter of years. Still,all stories have a beginning and the Alejo family sure has a motivating one. The family began in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. There are no surviving records of who they were or what they did before they immigrated, but we do know they fled from their home during the Mexican revolution in the early 1900’s. They were poor immigrants fleeing with only the clothes on their backs, yet they had such ambitious goals in mind. “The American dream!”  The father, don Alejo, seemed to repeat to his family. “We have the power of not only our ancestors but of our god, we must build a new home for not only our sisters and brothers in the old country, but our future sons and daughters!”

He thought with enough hard work there would be salvation, so they set off. They arrived in Wyoming in 1918, with the family of seven beginning to work. Soon, with the money they got from their labors, they built a business. One business turned into two, then three and then six. This granted the attention of several other powerful families in the region, piquing their interest to the newcomers. They opted for a deal, to amass their fortune and companies to build a new business built on mining, X-corp. 

This move turned out to be the best idea the families could make, as soon they became a mining powerhouse in the Wyoming region. Then the Cristero war began in Mexico, causing many to be persecuted in the country. Many fled, which prompted the Alejo family to offer relief and jobs in the mines to the new immigrants. The family was catholic themselves and had fled from Mexico for similar reasons, so they decided to give a home to those that lost theirs in the war. This benefited the mines greatly, where output nearly doubled. The extra manpower and oversight by the Alejo family turned X-corp into a prospering business. Unfortunately for them, the families that assisted them would soon turn their backs, for the Alejo family was based heavily on religion and morals, and that was not good for business.

What turned into simple disagreements between families soon boiled to rage filled arguments, the other families wanted profit while the Alejos prioritized morals and safety . So the families cut them out of the personal security plan, leaving them without security in their estate. They also took great effort to try and separate the family, revealing the conflict to the public.

Yet, the other families weren’t the only ones that the Alejo’s had upset. 

The Alejo family was quite proud of their accomplishments, being active in the community and overall were seen as figureheads of X-Corp. This particularly enraged an extremist environmentalist organization known as the united west front. There were several reports of the group sending threats directly to the Alejo household, yet there is no further evidence they were involved with what was to come.

The day was March 15th, 1934. A few miles away from East falls lay the Alejo estate. It was solitary, away from most homes and major highways. All was silent until 3:42 AM, where the estate suddenly burst into flames. Various fires were started in the area thirty minutes prior, overwhelming fire services. By the time first responders arrived at the estate, it had mostly been reduced to Ash. Six of the original seven had perished with their families, with only one member surviving. The survivor never received any shares of X-Corp, and was instead left to their own resources. To this day, the surviving Alejo’s are outcasts. 

The following is an excerpt from a discontinued conspiracy magazine.

EAST FALLS TRUTH

The magazine they don’t want you to read!

SHOCKING INCIDENT: WAS THE ALEJO FAMILY ASSASSINATED?

Issue #234 - March 1934

For years, X-Corp and the families backing it have been shrouded in mystery. 

This all changed this last month as some of the families backing X-Corp publicly announced they were distancing themselves from one of the most open families. This follows the disagreements they’ve been having over the new controversial policy on injuries in the mines which the Alejos had denounced. Not only was this the first time we’ve heard a public statement from them, it just gets worse! An insider reports that on top of this public distancing, they cut the Alejos out on their security plan! No protection for the outcast family from what we were hearing. 

This alone is enough to be worried about but then we had the great fire last Thursday, where, you guessed it, the Alejo estate was reduced to ashes. All but one family member was killed in the disaster as Investigations continue. Was this a deliberate assassination? We think so too! 

It’s clear this was a deliberate attempt to silence the family that rejected their way to make more money! Who will keep X-Corp in check now, and are we doomed to live under a watchful corporation? Turn to page 12 for a full breakdown of the situation!

To this day, the reason behind the Alejo estate fire is unknown. Whether it be a corporation gone power hungry or an extremist organization striking back, we may never truly know. The police case has gone cold, and the remaining Alejos are distanced from society. 

You would find this from an old senior project about the

consequences of uranium mining in East Falls county.

(This can be taken icly)

Red Powder

‘I will say of the lord; I will not be afraid of the terror of the night,

nor the evil that walketh in the day, for I have made God my refuge and fortress.’

East Falls uranium mine was built in 1932, just a few miles from the town center. The United States became interested in the relatively large deposit of uranium near the town and commissioned a mining company to begin harnessing the deposit. They gave the job to X-corp, a mining company that had previously established several operations in the region. Within a year, the mine was fully up and running. There was only one issue, they lacked a workforce capable of working the mine. That’s when the East Falls government became interested in the operation, opting to sell land for close to nothing. This investment paid off, with multiple communities being created near the mine. Now they had their workforce, and there was plenty of work to be done. Unfortunately for the population of East Falls, safety was not their biggest concern.

The following are spoken accounts and testimonies about the mine from residents who’ve experienced its issues taken from the federal case, Cortez v. The United States.

A tape would begin to play.

The sound of papers shuffling could be heard.

“Good afternoon Mr.-” A beeping sound could be heard.

“I’d like for you to recount your memories of the East Falls Uranium Mine, please do not leave anything out.”

“The old mine? Shit, that place was a death trap from the beginning, not even mentioning the poison it dug up. Look, I couldn’t even count how many people died from collapses alone in that hell hole. We heard about something like that every month, so much so that they called the entrance The Gates of Hell. I was a kid back then, around twelve when it was most active. Our parents were smart, not letting us get too close to the mine. Still, no one could have guessed the pickaxes they were using could be dangerous. They brought them home with them and then took them back to work the next day. The number of times I played with my friends next to the contaminated equipment. . . well it’s safe to say it’s impossible to tell.

The older people mining got sick often too, usually with all these new diseases and issues. We knew what the reason was but unfortunately for us, the mine was most people’s sole income. Hell, I even was a miner for a summer. It was just after my senior year and I wanted to save up some cash to go to college. I started around early July, saw the fireworks before going down on a shift. You know, most people don't talk about the collapses and the horrid conditions but they’ll talk about the red powder. Outside the mine the dirt had all turned to a dark crimson color, and it stuck to everything it got on. It got in your lungs, and eyes, and just made your time mining worse. I found out later that there was a dangerous level of uranium particles in that dust, and I probably lost around ten years of my life just because I worked a summer in that pit. Anyways, every day after the work shift we came home covered from head to toe in the stuff. When we made our way back into town, it felt as if a crimson haze fell upon the valley; as if the earth itself was exhaling its blood into the air. It got everywhere, onto rooftops of our homes, along the streets where children played, and into the lungs of every resident. I guess it was a way to pay for our sins.”

A silence would continue for a few moments before the interviewer spoke.

“Can you please clarify what you mean? What sins has the town committed?”

“We’re not idiots, we found out what it was used for. Sure they painted a happy picture of power plants and energy for all, but we all learned what weapons were created. It’s ironic, a lot of people went to the churches and prayed for peace among the world yet spent their days mining the thing that will send us all to eternal damnation.”

There was silence again before he spoke once more.

“We also joined hands in prayer for our health and the wellness of the town, when we were the ones poisoning the water and mining up divine punishment. I wonder if the lord himself made the uranium poison, to punish the hands who attempt to play at god. Well, either way, divine punishment or not we’re suffering the consequences. The mine’s been closed for three years, but the water is still poisoned, and that damn red powder is still coating us like we’ve been given the mark of death.”

The sounds of more papers shuffling could be heard.

“Thank you for your cooperation, we will be in contact if you need to testify in court.” 

Next tape.

The sound of a male clearing his throat would be heard. 

“Can you please state your name for the record?”

The response would be censored.

“I want you to tell me what you remember about the mine, please give an honest opinion.”

The voice of a woman spoke up.

“Well, to begin it was the only thing keeping the town running at the time. Most people’s income came from the mine, if it shut down then the town would shut down with it. Still, I wished it closed its doors earlier.  That mine was a death sentence for most people who entered it. My husband, god rest his soul, was the shift manager. Spent most of his time making sure no one else was sending them all to an early doom. He’d always come home tired, covered in that horrid red powder. He was getting old and started having breathing problems. We took him to the doctor only to receive word he’d contracted something awful. It was called silicosis if I remember. The doctor said it was because of all the dust he was breathing in. He was getting worse and worse, but he still refused to stay home. I knew he was going to pass soon, just didn’t expect him to die the way he did.” 

She stopped speaking, and then the interviewer responded.

“How did he pass, if you are comfortable with sharing.”

There was another long pause before the woman spoke up again.

“He died when the mine collapsed, I think right around January of 1945. He was always trying to be a hero, yet that day no one was there to help him when he needed it. Ten men lost their lives that day, and my husband was one of them. Shortly after the mine closed down, it just wasn't profitable. I guess that damn company had enough trading the blood of our husbands and sons for money.”

End of tape

The court case was eventually brought before the Supreme Court in 1948, seeking compensation for victims and cleanup of the contaminated area. Even with tremendous backing and public support, the case was dismissed.  To this day residents of East Falls suffer from a variety of conditions thought to have been caused by the contamination, with little to no hope of a possible solution. Thus, the red powder of East Falls Uranium Mine will remain to haunt future generations for years to come.

Town Hall Application Format

OOCLY Information:

In-Game (IGN) Name:

Muy_Gordo

Discord:

muy_gordo

Timezone:

CST

Describe your Activity (both Minecraft and Discord):

Somewhat active, depends on work or school. Still in my freetime i’ll always be active or answer any pings!

Links to All/Any Current and Past Faction Applications:

N/A

Do You Have a Working Microphone?

I do, and i’m happy to use it whenever needed!

Are You Able to Join VCs?

I am able to!

Do you Understand That If You Break Any Player or Faction Rules You Are at Risk of Being Punished?

Absolutely, I wouldn't expect anything less.

Do You Understand That You're Expected To Be Dedicated and Active On Your Town Hall Character if Accepted?

Absolutely, this is a privilege being able to be RP for the betterment of all players on the server.

IC Information:

Tell Me Your Full Name, First and Last:

“My name is Javier Alejo.”

Tell Me Your Age, and Date of Birth:

“I’m twenty five, my date of birth is March twenty second, of the year 1959.”

What is Your Gender?:

“I am male.”

What Is a Good Way to Contact You?

“My home phone is xxx-xxxx-xxx and the address is xxxxxx road.”

Tell Me About Your Degrees/School History:

“I studied at the University of Texas, in austin. There I acquired a postgraduate degree in law. I also majored in political science and a minor in criminology.”

Tell Me About Your Work Experience, What Past Jobs Did You Work For?

“It all began at the university, with my luck and a bit of social connections with a few friends I made there I was able to land an internship while I was still studying. This gave me hands-on experience rather than just being stuck in a classroom all day.  I got a 2 year internship at Ando Legal offices. 2023-2024, I was able to secure a one year job at the prosecution office in Austin

With my connections in the Alexi legal office.There I worked with some of the most renowned lawyers in the law firm, and by extension, all of Texas. This got me an extensive insight to the day to day workings of a lawyer. After that I focused on defense , learning how to properly defend my clients within the confines of the law. Although I decided to leave due to some personal issues, I got my license to practice here in East Falls!”

What Position Are You Applying For?:

“For the position of Lawyer.”

Do You Understand the Laws of this City? And do You Understand the Constitutional Rights all Citizens Have?:

“I am well versed in the and have a firm understanding of how the constitution works as a base for the laws of East Falls. Of course I am not perfect and I am more than willing to be taught more! These Amendments were made to be a shield as well as a foundation for the entire legal system. They outline the rights of citizens, ensuring no man or woman be prosecuted unlawfully and ensuring that no one is convicted when innocent. They are the beacon of hope and the true equalizer. I have read the laws, even going as far as to read in between the lines and gain a firm understanding of how they work and what they wish to accomplish. These laws are the highest rules in all of society and being well read in all of these will help me accomplish my goals. These laws are in place to prosecute the guilty, defend the innocent and create a just, and fair society for all. Each and every citizen of East Falls are defended by these laws and are subject to be prosecuted under them as well. They outline the punishments and fines, usually with bail varying on what they are convicted on. It could be 3 days in prison to a life sentence depending on the severity.”

Good, Now Tell Me 3 Constitutional Laws From Our Constitution:

“The first, and most important in my opinion is Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition. This law outlines the basic human rights we deserve to have in society. Next if the protection of unreasonable searches and seizure. This protects citizens so they are fairly treated in the eyes of the law. Then the law of self defence. This one is interesting, as we both know crime is at an all time high and citizens can and must defend themselves against unsavory individuals. 

Tell Us About Yourself, What Makes You Good for Our Government?:

“I want to clean up East Falls, this place reeks of crime. I see it in the streets, where petty arguments turn into fights. The young have a false sense of pride from fighting or breaking the law. I don’t want our young to just be seen as a statistic or a product of their environment.  I see it in our homes, where there’s a division growing between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. Where the younger generations grow more and more rebellious while the older refuse to try and fix it. I also see it in our courts, where the threat of crime has taken hold of even our judicial system, making us make unfair judgement upon citizens and criminals alike. 

Why Should We Accept YOU Compared To Other Applicants?:

“I pride myself on how unbiased I am. I speak with clients, knowing that even if they are guilty they have the right to a fair trial. On top of that I am experienced, I do not wish to sit idly by and watch the innocent get thrown in jail while the wicked run rampant.”

In Your Own Words, Describe What The Job You Are Applying for DOES For The Community:

A lawyer is meant to be an advisor and representative for the people, or the city. Their entire job is to give legal counsel to their clients or help prosecute someone on behalf of the city. They give legal advice, participate in court and help uphold the standards of the government. The main thing they will do is give advice to people, as the laws are complex and expansive. They are used to ensure that people are properly represented, creating a more just and fair legal system as it requires a whole degree just to understand.

Let's Say You Become a City-Council Member. Tell Me ONE Thing You Would Like to See Added To This City.:

“Simply put, I think a library will do very well to help keep the public educated.”

Are You Aware That Any Display of Biasism Towards ANYONE on the Job Will Result in Punishment?:

“Absolutely, this job is one I hold dear to me and any form of bias just ruins the justice system our founding fathers worked so hard to employ.”

Preferred Name: 

Call me whatever, gordo or diego are more than acceptable

IGN (In-game name):

Muy_Gordo

Age (optional):

 N/A

Why do you want to be a writer for Echoes?:

I absolutely love everything to do with creative writing and world building. It’s a hobby that I've kept ever since I was young. On top of that I saw the date the server was set in, 1984. This just adds loads of opportunity for not only great world building since it’s placed smack dab in the middle of the cold war but just a perfect opportunity to be able create some great lore. Furthermore, after a quick view of the server I think it’s absolutely great. I love the direction and I personally think it has the chance to do really well, all the more opportunity for me to further my work and improve right?

How do you think lore could be improved on echoes?:

As I haven’t seen much lore I don’t know the real ways it can be improved. What I do  know is that for good lore to be made there has to be a good foundation for it. Things like the state of the town, its history and situation in the greater picture of the world. Just having information about the town is boring, sometimes you need to delve much deeper into the world it’s set in. Things like the cold war would be VERY present in a small american town such as this. If there is something just as important over the lore of the town, it’s the world it’s set in and I think I really can help write that part. To conclude, I just see practically a bottomless pit of opportunity for writing, specifically about the world around the town(Where it fits into the bigger picture of the US), and I want to help to see it to fruition.

Give us a few examples or portfolio of your past works:

There are two past works that I have worked on, one is actually working as a lore member for a different server, although that one was cut short due to some circumstances, thus the document is incomplete as this incident came up during the middle of my work.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F7S9cN8q3HnJB5xYwczCGD7hW2V1OF3k13C61ysOJ5s/edit?usp=sharing

The next one was created as an infraction protocol for a group on a separate RP server, which I had cross referenced The federal criminal code and the Colorado Criminal Code as that’s where it took place. This one was completed, although I felt it could use some more additions.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gmP1U2dM50atL2AeypB6Gh221soV5LhrHH2pAd5nFn0/edit?usp=sharing