Introduction
When and Where
Style and Tone
Conduct and Themes
FAQs
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They're here for all kinds of reasons, convicted of all kinds of crimes, but these folk have one thing in common: they might be criminals, but at least they're Elysian criminals. And proud of it.
Whether they're true believers, trying to look good to government informants, or just in need of someone to look down on, the True Elysians make no secret of their disdain for anyone they see as working against the interests of Elysium: deserters, political dissidents, traitors, Tel, or just anyone not quick enough to sing the praises of the Government and the war effort.
A good citizen supports the government, of course, but there are always some who are more enthusiastic than others. And public displays of patriotism and loyalty are often a good way to keep out of trouble with the authorities.
None of the inmates of the Redemption facility can precisely be described as 'good citizens', or as having kept out of trouble, but that doesn't mean they aren't patriotic. Jostling shoulders every day with political dissidents and sharing work assignments with Tel prisoners of war might soften the edges of some inmates' disdain, but for others, it serves to polarize them further.
A lot of Elysian war veterans find their spiritual home here, as do a substantial number of those convicted of petty and violent crimes, and members of extremist political groups. As such, they tend to be heavy on muscle, but often light on education, though there are a few white-collar criminals among their number.
They band together largely to make life difficult for dissidents and Tel among the prisoners. While many of the guards don't disapprove of that, per se, the disturbances that clashes between prisoners cause mean that work-group assignments tend to be juggled to avoid too many fights breaking out between patriots and known “traitors” or Tel.
That said, though, outspoken patriots often find themselves with a little more freedom than a lot of other prisoners: no-one wants to be the one to crack down on people praising the government, after all.
“How do you know someone's a lying piece of scum? You can just fucking Tel…”