So, a new face in the troubleshooter ranks. Well, you were smart to come see me. My name's Already-G-ONE. I've been around here for a while and I learned early on that unless you start THINKIN like a traitor you're gonna get fingered as a traitor and recycled.

What do you mean, "think like a traitor"?

Look, you're a traitor, you know it, I know it, and any other smart clone knows it. So is everyone else. So get used to it. Now, the trick is to PROVE that others are traitors, and shoot them for it. That way you expose someone who could've potenitally exposed you, plus you show the Computer that you are a loyal citizen, actively pursuing traitors and commies that threaten Alpha Complex. Get it?

Got it, so I keep my eyes open and look for signs?

That's a start, but sometimes traitors need a little "help"...

You mean trick them?

Sort of. Trick them or frame them. No, don't start whining. Look, everyone is a traitor and most of them are out to expose you. If you don't cover your own butt, someone's gonna shoot you in it. Plant propoganda, traitorous items, or whatever on them. Put them in traitorous situations. Shoot them and put something in their pocket. Whatever. Just make sure they're dead and you have proof of their treason. One of the best ways is to find a witness.

What do you mean, a witness?

Watch. See that red citizen over there near the food dispenser?

Yeah.. what about him?

** ZAP ** ZAP ** ZAP **

Holy cow! You Shot Him!!!!!

SHHHHH, just follow my cue when that guard gets over here...

What's going on here, who shoot that citizen and why?

He did, officer, I saw him. That citizen was talking to that food dispenser, saying someting about wanting it to give him food for free and I'm sure he said something like "comrad" or "kumrad" or something. We were sure he was a communist and exerting some mutant power. I'm afraid we were a bit hasty to use our weapons, and hope that we did not damage any of our friend the Computer's valuable property. However, we felt that the safety and security of Alpha Complex was at stake and we acted promptly. If you need us to turn ourselves in or fill out a report, we will do so quickly, isn't that right, friend?

UH? OH, um... yeah.. right. Absolutely. We'd be happy to, all for our friend the Computer...

Sector command says that won't be necessary, and that you've been promoted to orange, loyal citizen, for your rapid and well thought out effort to protect the citizens of Alpha Complex from this commie threat. Have a nice daycycle.

I've been promoted!

Don't get too excited. Remember the lesson here. Proof is paramount. If you can't prove the corpse was a traitor and that you are a hero, it just might get reversed on you. Two liars means two heroes and one dead traitor. A dead body with communist propoganda in his hand equals a dead commie and a living hero. Remember: proof, proof, proof.

Got it. Anything else?

Yes, make sure you know what is considered treasonous and what isn't. Just because someone is telling rumours doesn't mean you can shoot them outright. It's hard to prove that. Here's a list of "highly treasonous activities" which constitutes a quick death at the business end of your laser:


Now, there are a lot of other things that are mildly treasonous, such as not being happy or clean, doubting the computer, and so on, but these are not punnishable by death unless the computer feels it is necessary. Do not hesitate to report these, however, as they can help you.

Hey, what's an "unregistered mutant"? I thought all mutant powers were treasonous...

They are, but if you have a mutant power and choose to report it to the Computer immediately, you can "register" yourself. It's slightly treasonous, but you won't be shot for using it. You might see some registered mutants around, they wear yellow stripes on their sleeves, unless they are yellow clearance, and then they wear black stripes. You can't shoot them for using their power, since they've already turned themselves in.

COOL! So I can turn myself in and use my mutant power whenever I want? That's great. What a load off my shoulders.. I'm going to head..

HOLD IT... Don't rush off to turn yourself in yet, buddy... It's a little more complicated than that. Turning yourself in as a mutant does have some benefits, but there's a down side. First, there are only certain mutant powers that can be registered, if you have anything else, you'll be killed straight off for revealing it. I don't know what the list is, and asking is treasonous in and of itself. Second, you'll be shunned by everyone as a traitor. Yes, you registered, but you're still a traitor. Finally, you'll get blamed for everything and treated like dirt. No one likes you and if something unexpected happens, well, it's obviously the mutant's fault. You also get some treason points for it.

What are treason points?

Anytime you do something, or are accused of doing something, that's slightly treasonous, you can be issued "treason points". Small things like destroying R&D equiptment, not filling out forms correctly, making offhand remarks about the Computer, and so on will get you these points. Supposedly, there's some number of points that will get you killed, but no one knows what it is. Oh, and before you ask, yes you can get them to go down, for turning in mutants and traitors and so forth. I don't think you can get negative points, or positive if you look at it the other way, but who knows...

Ok, so know what's treason, have proof, and shoot first. Is there anything else I should know?

Watch your back. Remember, you're not the only one who knows these things. If you don't watch your back, someone will shoot you while your planting the evidence and then they've shot a commie who shot a loyal citizen and was trying to frame them. It's not a pretty system, but it's reality. Keep your friends close and then frame them. Keep your enemies dead. The best things you can have to say when you go to a debriefing are:

(1): I speak without fear of contradiction...
Because everyone who would contradict me is dead
and
(2): I know that citizen whoever will be happy to support what it is I saw.
Because I'm bribing/blackmailing him to do so / Because he's in on it.

Good thing I have 5 more clones... How does anyone survive for very long?

Some don't. The smart ones learn really quick that it's you against everyone else. They are all out to get you, and if you don't get them first, you'll be waking up in the clone tubes one clone short. Sometimes it isn't pretty what you've got to do to keep alive, but at least you'll be smiling at the debriefing, citizen.

So should I trust anyone?

No. Not much, at least, and not for very long. You never know when your secret society will want them dead. Or theirs will want you dead. There are some very short-lived friendships out there, usually because one buddy shot the other for being a mutant commie traitor. Never, and I mean NEVER, put your life in the hands of another, because mark my words, you'll be fragged so fast your next clone will wake up dizzy. Now look, you think about all of this. I've got things to do and you're cramping my style. If you're still a bit confused, go over there and ask that guy. He'll try to sum it all up for you.