Marcus Chen sat in his hidden studio, surrounded by equipment that was older than he was, and prepared to do what he did every night - tell the truth.
"Good evening, listeners," he said into the microphone, his voice calm and steady. "This is Marcus Chen, broadcasting from somewhere in the wasteland. And tonight, I have a story that the corporations don't want you to hear."
He pressed a button, and his voice began to transmit across the city-states, bouncing off relay stations and finding its way into the hidden radios of those brave enough to listen.
"Three days ago, in the city-state of New Pacifica, a worker named Sarah Kim was fired from her job at TechCorp. The official reason was 'insubordination.' But the real reason? She asked a question. She asked why the food rations had been cut again, why the workers were being forced to work longer hours for less pay."
Marcus paused, letting his words sink in. "Sarah Kim is now missing. Her family hasn't heard from her in two days. And TechCorp claims they have no record of her ever working there."
He knew what he was doing was dangerous. Every broadcast put him at risk. The corporations had been hunting him for years, and they were getting closer. But he couldn't stop. Not when people like Sarah Kim were disappearing. Not when the truth was the only weapon he had.
"Stay safe, listeners," he said, signing off. "And remember - you are not alone. There are others who see the truth. Others who are fighting back. And together, we will be heard."
As he shut down the equipment, Marcus heard a sound outside - the sound of engines. The corporations had found him. And this time, he might not be able to escape.