The Phantom of La Joya

Team,

Spread the news to all shifts: If this Yanqui McKay is going to use our labor it'll be on our terms. Even if Antón approved the McKay Global purchase, we know how to run this place best and we know the new quotas are too extreme. Individual complaints magically disappear, so let's assemble and make our conditions known. We've tried to show McKay's people we're reasonable, but now it's time to show them we're resolute.

-Umberto

January 8, 2019

Terrible things are happening. I'm writing it all down so I don't doubt my memories later.

Day before the workers' rally, I was on night watch, Umberto was there late to prep. Suddenly some of Benítez's soldados show up. Our new supervisor, a McKay man, let them into the plant. When they beelined for Umberto, I hid. They talked a little while. Suddenly Umberto started waving his arms and calling them liars. Then, they just dragged him to one of the vats. I bet they wanted to make it look like an accident. I heard them shouting, struggling, then Umberto screaming. I didn't hear any gunshots.

The soldados and the supervisor didn't come back. Still, I waited until the next shift was about to clock in to come out. I found skin and clumps of hair at the vat. His face must be gone. At the morning meeting, the supervisor told us Umberto was gone to Esperanza to look after a sick relative and that we wouldn't see him any more.

I don't know what to do.

Dear Ensigns of La Joya,

It has come to our attention that contradictory rumors are circulating in La Joya. We have come to understand that a masked individual has been sighted trespassing on McKay properties after dark. We are also aware that some soldiers believe this individual is connected with accidents and malfunctions in McKay properties. Furthermore, we learn certain soldiers believe that this individual is one Umberto Salazar, an Outcast who was executed in January of 2019, according to a report signed by some of your rank.

Admiral Benítez desires to know whether her ensigns are liars who falsified a death report to cover an error or merely superstitious idiots who prefer a ghost story to the practical explanation of masked guerrillas targeting industrial locations. A complete report is expected by the end of the week. Remind yourselves that McKay will seize any opportunity to put Admiral Benítez's leadership in doubt.

The Staff Secretary of Admiral Benítez

Reminder: Call military office and report following:

As per our meeting last week, an undercover survey has been conducted of local McKay employees. Troublingly, we found that many workers believe that Umberto Salazar was disfigured or killed by the military. Additionally, 32% believed there is a masked man ("Phantasma") who has been responsible for various issues at McKay facilities; 27% believed "strongly" that this man is Umberto Salazar (context: Umberto Salazar was responsible for worker unrest during the McKay takeover in 2019. After his terms of employment were rejected, he abandoned his work and disappeared). As per your request, we will note the names of anyone spreading these anti-military rumors and enforce a three-strikes-to-Outcast policy. Increased guerrilla activity is the likely cause of any sightings of masked figures.

McKay Global appreciates the continued support of Yara's navy and will do everything to support it in return.

F. Acosta: So I'm walking home after a late shift. I see this guy, the moon all behind him glowing and shit. He had a hunchback, or a giant backpack maybe. The next day? I find out we had somebody tampering with our shit. Phantasma, for sure. (Recommendation: Outcast)

P. Suarez: My cousin saw what they did to Umberto. Pushed him right into a vat. He ran off, shedding skin like a lizard. I think he's out there, looking like raw sausage but still fighting.

R. Mesa: I just feel like a rich company from Canada wouldn't have this many problems for no reason. And Umberto knew everything inside and out...

U. Zayas: Phantasma's bullshit, La Moral probably invented him to make lazy people think they deserve more. I'm sick of it. If the military wants someone dead, they die.(Recommendation: Recruit)

G. Silva: My dad knew Umberto. Said he was the best organizer La Joya ever had. Just wanted a fair shake for workers. And the military executed him for that. I think people just wish he was alive.