Atlas

Early Life

Atlas was born on the 27th of June 2028, along with his twin sister Alice, to Joel Isaac and Lyra Atlas. Raised primarily by his mother, Atlas grew up witnessing Joel’s physical and psychological abuse towards his family. Despite his young age, Atlas often attempted to protect Lyra from Joel, forming an early understanding that violence was sometimes necessary to defend those he loved.

At the age of six, Atlas ran away from home and was taken in by Ryan “Stoggy” Horden, a known drug dealer. Initially, Stoggy saw Atlas as an opportunity; due to his age, Atlas was largely immune from prosecution, making him useful for low-level criminal activity such as drug running. Although Atlas was caught several times, his age prevented any significant legal consequences.

Over time, however, their relationship evolved. What began as a mutually beneficial arrangement slowly became a genuine bond, with Stoggy viewing Atlas less as an asset and more as a younger brother, despite their fifteen-year age difference.

Three years later, while waiting in a car with Stoggy during a delivery to one of his suppliers, Atlas witnessed Joel physically assaulting his mother in public. Against Stoggy’s wishes, Atlas left the vehicle and confronted his father. During the confrontation, Stoggy’s supplier, Matthew “Robbo” Ronson, arrived and recognised Atlas. Mistaking Joel for an undercover police officer, Robbo attacked him, stabbing him in the abdomen.

Upon seeing what had happened, Stoggy angrily intervened, ordering Atlas and Lyra to leave immediately. However, rather than abandoning Robbo, Stoggy chose to leave with him, demonstrating his loyalty to his criminal associates despite the danger it placed him in. Before leaving, Stoggy warned Atlas that Joel’s death had put them all at risk and that they needed to disappear.

Years later, Atlas formed a strong relationship with his mother’s new partner, Oscar Altman. Although Atlas refused to consider him a stepfather, Oscar became the father figure he had never experienced growing up. Following Lyra Atlas’ death, Atlas once again reunited with Stoggy, while Alice remained with Oscar.

Atlas returned to drug running until his incarceration at the age of sixteen. During his four-year sentence, he developed a reputation among inmates and officers alike, often being described as a “silent weapon”. Despite forming numerous acquaintances, Atlas focused primarily on rehabilitation, determined to avoid returning to the life that had led him there.

Upon his release, Atlas reconnected with Alice, with the two siblings rebuilding their relationship through a shared understanding of their lost childhood. When Atlas discovered Alice was trapped in an abusive relationship, his protective instincts resurfaced. He assaulted her boyfriend, leaving him hospitalised. Although horrified by Atlas’ actions, Alice understood the motivation behind them, recognising that his desire to protect her had always been at the centre of who he was.

In the years leading up to the Blackouts, Atlas worked as a mechanic under Oscar’s guidance. Over time, he came to view Oscar as the father figure he had never had, finally finding stability after years of violence and uncertainty.