Michael Hargrove (2002 - 2038) or also known as “Mike” among his peers, was an officer in the Washington Liberation Front, serving as a respected platoon commander in the midst of the cordyceps outbreak.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Michael "Mike" Hargrove was born in Seattle, Washington, in 2002, growing up in an increasingly unstable world as the Cordyceps outbreak turned society into chaos. As a child, he lived in a quarantined zone (QZ) under FEDRA’s control, watching firsthand as the military enforced brutal measures to maintain order. He saw neighbors dragged from their homes, suspected Fireflies executed in the streets, and food rations withheld for the slightest infractions.
Mike’s resentment toward FEDRA only grew as he reached adulthood. His father, a former mechanic, was executed for hoarding supplies, while his mother died of an untreated infection when FEDRA refused to give her antibiotics. This hardened Mike, fueling his hatred for the regime. He dreamed of escaping the QZ and fighting back, but it wasn't until 2022, when the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) launched its rebellion, that he saw his chance.
Joining the WLF and Rise Through the Ranks[]
Mike was among the early defectors who joined Isaac Dixon's uprising against FEDRA. He fought in the brutal battles that eventually led to the WLF seizing control of Seattle, storming government buildings and executing officers who had tormented the civilians for years. Isaac, seeing Mike’s unwavering dedication and skill in combat, promoted him to squad leader.
Unlike some of his comrades, who initially viewed Isaac as just another warlord in the making, Mike fully supported his leadership. He believed that the only way to maintain control in a post-collapse world was through force and unwavering discipline. When Isaac launched raids against Firefly remnants and civilians unwilling to submit, Mike followed orders without hesitation. He viewed Isaac as a necessary evil—someone who did what had to be done.
By the late 2030s, Mike had risen to the rank of platoon leader, commanding a unit of seasoned WLF soldiers stationed at key locations throughout the city. He was known for his no-nonsense approach, a short temper, and his absolute belief in the WLF’s cause.
Post Apocalypse and Conflict with Ellie’s Group[]
By 2038, Mike’s platoon was stationed at the Serevena Hotel, one of the key WLF outposts in Seattle. He sent one of his soldiers, Davis, to scout nearby abandoned WLF sites for supplies, unaware that Davis had already been killed. Meanwhile, Mike and the rest of his squad focused on securing fuel reserves to keep the hotel operational.
During a supply raid ordered by Isaac Dixon, Mike led a team to retrieve remaining stockpiles from a local elementary school. Before heading out, he was seen playing checkers in the WLF mess hall at Soundbase stadium, losing a game and angrily demanding a rematch when he returned.
While on patrol, Mike’s squad detected an intruder after one of their trap mines was triggered. They discovered Ellie, Dina, and their horse, Shimmer. Mike immediately took control of the situation, ordering his men to secure the area and capture Dina, who had slipped away. Without hesitation, he executed Shimmer with a single gunshot before knocking Ellie unconscious with a rifle strike.
After reporting the capture to Isaac via radio, Mike received direct orders to eliminate the intruders. He returned to the classroom where Ellie was being held and found his second-in-command, Jordan, taunting her. Disapproving angrily of Jordan's hesitation, Mike insisted on carrying out the execution immediately. When Jordan suggested interrogating Ellie for information, Mike dismissed him outright, stating that Isaac had given a direct order.
Death[]
Before Mike could pull the trigger, Dina ambushed the group, shooting him in the back from above the roof glass. The bullet punctured his lung, causing him to collapse, choking on his own blood in agony. His death was immediate, leaving Jordan momentarily stunned, allowing Ellie to seize the opportunity to fight back against her captors.