[Equinox]

The Civilized Citizen’s Civil Society"
By Dennis C. Manwell
Book 1 of “The Civilized Citizen” series.
Societal Paradise​

My name is Dennis C. Manwell, administrator of City 13. I have written this series of five books to educate you, the citizen, on how to be an upstanding citizen of the Universal Union. Should you follow the teachings in this book, you will find not only personal prosperity, but achievement amongst your fellow citizens. By the end of this series, you will be given the means to become the “Civilized Citizen” that Our Benefactors truly desire.

This first book will delve into what had come before, and a glimpse into what Our Benefactors promise us should we show that we are truly ready for their gifts. The following books will look into multiple different aspects of your life. Your appearance, dress, mannerisms, speech, habits, consumption, and your proactive lifestyle. Follow this series, and all these aspects will leave you fully content with your life, as well as a shining paragon of the Universal Union.

Once upon a time, not too long ago in fact, we lived in a world where civility was few and far between. Criminals roamed our streets, blood was shed across many battlefields for petty reasons, and horrid tyrants stepped upon the heads of those under their control. Worst of all in this world however, was your average “Citizen”. Unruly, barbaric, and ignorant. They could not see past their own selfish needs to see the grim reality of the world around them. The ugly face of human error was killing them, yet they themselves were too dulled and blinded to see. This world was doomed. On a countdown to utter oblivion, it was the fault of both the tyrants, and the denizens, and it would not be long until they would either go out in fiery death, or trickle away into pitiful extinction.

And so Our Benefactors, ever loving and caring, see to it that we must be saved from ourselves, and made to see the error of our ways. In one day, they put an end to our suffering. One day is all it took to end what had been an entire existence of pain, ignorance, and destruction. There were no more wars, for Our Benefactors were the one true solution. There was no more corruption, for Our Benefactors were immune to such lowly afflictions. There was no more selfishness, for Our Benefactors were ever selfless. The tyrants were slain. With their death, Our Benefactors lifted the horrible fog that the tyrant spewed among us all. The fog of ignorance was no more, and with its dissipation came a new age of enlightenment. One in which all humans, regardless of their past, could finally be given the opportunity to achieve true, pure civilization.

But the world we live in today is not perfect. Not in the slightest. Our Benefactors are far more powerful than humanity ever was, but they are not so foolish as to simply bestow their blessings upon a species that is still rife with barbaric and selfish desires. Give a pile of food to a wild ape, and it will simply use it to make itself the cruel leader of its own kind, all for petty dominance. As we must train the ape first, the Combine, Our Benefactors, must see that we ourselves are fit to be bestowed ascension to a paradise free of all mortal maladies and negatives, lest we use it to destroy ourselves.

What does this paradise look like though? Well, through this series, you will see a glimpse of what this paradise may be, but let me paint for you an image, if I may, to show you what the Combine, Our Benefactors, promise us.

Imagine a clear blue sky, above a perfectly warm outdoors. You walk among a pristine, flawless path of soft stone as green meadows surround you, as a cool breeze flows from a nearby blue ocean, swirling between the rolling hills. You have just stepped out of your home, a magnificent palace of materials you have never seen before, yet just the sight of it leaves you content with what you have. You have just enjoyed an amazing meal, with food you have never tasted, yet is always tasting better than the last, with as much as you want. You say hello to your neighbor and their partner down the lane, their kids walking alongside them as they leave their home, wearing clothing with fabric that feels as though you are bathing in the finest silks Earth ever had to offer.

As you walk, your body is free of pain and maladies. You haven’t been sick in centuries, and you are as youthful as you were back in your early 20s. Music fills your ears, as you listen to literature written by your fellow citizens, who are so well educated that each story is as if they were written by master authors. You walk without a care in the world. There are no weapons in sight. No necessary police. No watching eyes or leering criminals. Earth was ridden of such evil desires and painful necessities long ago, and you can safely leave your door unlocked. Our Benefactors have the means to provide you everything and anything you want in this reality. As you look up in the sky, a magnificent floating ship drifts lazily among the clouds. Hanging from it is the beautiful banner of the Universal Union, in all its glory. We are never starving, and with Our Benefactor’s magnificent technology, we are at our peak performance, if not beyond. We are akin to perfect beings, living in a paradise that we have earned through hard work.

What I described may seem like a fairy tale, or an impossible goal. The reality however, is that this is all possible, and could be had in just a few decades. The Combine have the means to give us this paradise, and maybe even more that we cannot even comprehend, but we must first prove to them that we are capable of holding such power without reverting to our lesser selves. It is our duty, as citizens, to show Our Benefactors that we are capable of handling their gifts. We must rise above the uncouth, ragged citizen, and follow that of the civilized citizen. If we all do our part, we will be rewarded ten fold.

And that brings us to the entire purpose of this book series. We must all do our part in proving that we humans are fit to be bestowed Our Benefactor’s blessings. We must get rid of our barbaric, selfish desires. In turn, we must adopt a new way of living. The best part? This new way of life is an improvement, and incredibly easy. This new life is that of the “Civilized Citizen”, and with this series, you too will learn how to be a true citizen, and show Our Benefactors that you are what it means to be a citizen of civilized society.

Remember: It all starts with the citizen.

The Civilized Citizen’s Dress and Appearance
By Dennis C. Manwell
Book 2 of “The Civilized Citizen” series.
Dress and Appearance​

Imagine a world where we are all barbarians. Rags hang from our body in poor attempts to cover our bodies, which reek of uncleaned labor and suffering. In bright, obnoxious colors we paint these rags because we so desperately seek an escape from pointless, doomed lives. Some of us even go further, scribing vulgar profanity and messages among our clothes as to portray some lost message, while really only giving a glimpse into a fragile, broken human. We dress as we maintain however, as we have lost the will to care for our bodies. We are filth. We are dirt. We are savage. Would it shock you, reader, to know that this was the world before Our Benefactor’s arrival? I know, it may seem hard to believe, but it is only a testament to how effortlessly and efficiently the Combine have set the standard. This is because they know that, as part of a civilized society, we must do our part to look the part. We do this through how we clean, how we groom, and how we dress for the appearance of others. It is in our looks that we give our first portrayal as to who we are. In part two of “The Civilized Citizen” series, we will look into how we look our best, as we look into the civilized citizen’s “Dress and Appearance.”

Your look! Who you are to the eye of another. The first thing other citizens see upon meeting you in person. It gives the first impression of what might be a long standing relationship. It is utterly important that you give the most polite first impression, for an impolite first impression will only make it all the more harder to take part in civil, polite conversation. Let’s get you looking less like a savage, and more like a proper, civilized citizen of Our Benefactor’s lovely society.

We’ll start with our appearance, our body and hair. The civilized citizen is clean and groomed. It is our duty to look our part after all. Your face is usually the first thing all Citizens see, so it’s important to keep it looking fresh. It should be clean of any dirt, grime, and filth. Don’t forget sweat. A handkerchief is perfect for keeping your face polished and sweat free. Wash your face every day to keep acne away, and eat food served by collaborator-ran businesses to practice a healthy diet to keep that lovely complexion of yours. Your hair should also be free of filth, and kept properly trimmed. Men should keep their hair rather short, and conservative, as to give a professional atmosphere from your look alone. Females should have their hair properly kept. Up in a bun is all the better for keeping your hair from becoming a nuisance to others! The civilized citizen avoids flashy styles, hair dyes, and unkempt hair. These are the signs of a citizen who doesn’t care to look the part, and at worst- is trying to stand out, as if to satiate selfish desires. Facial hair should be either shaven completely, or well kept. Keep your moustache and beard trimmed, clean, and styled in a manner to keep it conservative and under control. You don’t want to look like an animal on the streets, as it’s what Our Benefactors work so hard to avoid.

You should always keep yourself clean, and hygienic. Nose wrinkling odors and filthy smudges on your skin will only work against you. You should shower daily, as well as after work shifts, as to keep yourself odor and grime free. (Remember to conserve water in your showers. The civilized citizen isn’t wasteful.) Follow this, and you will be a delight to be around. Civilized is the nice, clean presence. The civilized citizen also keeps their teeth clean. Remember to brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Trim your nose and ear hairs as to prevent a rough look, while also applying antiperspirant to keep surprise odors and wet underarms away.

Your dress is just as important for being a civilized citizen. What good is being cleaned and groomed if your clothes are filthy, or completely work against your professional, hard working atmosphere?

We’ll start with your clothing upkeep. Sometimes, we just don’t have the means to afford the best, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep what we wear in top shape. The greatest thing you can do for clothing upkeep is to keep your clothes clean. Filthy, odorous clothes are distressing, and uncouth. Wash your clothes after a reasonable amount of use, or after you have sweated in them. There’s nothing against owning multiple clothing articles as to swap out over the week, as to keep your look fresh and clean- just make sure you wash your clothes. Another big bit is always keeping your clothes maintained and intact. Learn how to sew, or hire a tailor to keep your clothes in top shape, and fitting. The civilized citizen never has holes, tears, or stains. Patches are a cheap means of keeping holes away, while sewing and tailorship can keep you looking at your best. Your outfit should be devoid of wrinkles and loose threads. Nothing says well kept like a flawless outfit. Shoes should also be polished when needed, as to prevent scuff marks and more.

Finally is your choice of clothing. Before Our Benefactors, citizens would walk around in lazy, outlandish, and sometimes even offensive clothing. The civilized citizen knows better. The civilized citizen knows that their clothing should be reserved, formal, and polite. Now I know that not all of us can afford the best suits and slacks, but you can go a long way with what you have. Your clothing should be properly fitted and sized, first and foremost. The civilized citizen never wears baggy clothes, or clothes that are obviously too small. Belts are very useful (and sometimes a must for some outfits!) for keeping yourself fit. Make sure to tuck your shirt in if wearing a belt.

Your attire should be reserved, and as professional as possible. Flaring colors and revealing outfits will never help your appearance, as the civilized citizen knows that a formal, well kept outfit gives the air of professionalism. Hats are okay so long as they are also reserved. Ball caps and outlandish hats are not okay, and should be avoided. Your clothes should have a good color theme among them. Try to avoid odd color matches, or colors that draw unwanted attention (such as rainbows and more), as they don’t fit with civilized society.

Your accessories are also important. Reserved jewelry is alright, but the civilized citizen keeps themselves relatively free of it aside from obviously essential pieces. A watch is perfectly fine so long as it is not of odd coloring or uncouth design. Face piercings, hanging jewelry, flashy jewelry, or unimportant jewelry is uncivilized, and points to a time of hedonistic, animalistic desires. The civilized citizen avoids these. Glasses should only be worn if needed, and have a black or silver frame. Makeup, like jewelry, is fine if reserved, but should be avoided if possible. The civilized citizen knows that their own cosmetic “beauty” is not as important as keeping their natural appearance prim and proper. With all this being said, Combine morale pins and badges are fine, and encouraged. Remember, there is nothing wrong with displaying your achievements in civilized society. In fact, your collaborator’s band should always be worn, and in view. The civilized citizen never hides their pride in the Universal Union, and always presents their awards and status as appointed by Our Benefactors.

As always, dress the part. Do not wear a suit jacket and slacks to your work shift. This will only give a bad impression as you appear vain and self-absorbed. Instead, wear a well kept, clean factory uniform. The civilized citizen is never ashamed or self conscious about wearing the attire made for honorable work!

Follow this advice, and you will look your best in no time. Our trusty Civil Protection place their faith in those that look the part. Who would you trust if integrity was at stake- a ragged, filthy, lunatic on the streets with torn clothes and grime everywhere, or a professional citizen in a well tailored suit? Not only this, but you will feel better as well. You will feel clean, in control, and confident. The uncouth, ugly citizen is not confident in themselves. They always doubt themselves, and if they are truly unruly, they do not even care for their appearance in the slightest. The civilized citizen knows that Our Benefactors are supporting them, as they support Our Benefactor’s just by their appearance. With this knowledge, they walk proud, and in good company. Citizens will naturally gravitate towards their presence, and look up to them as a figure to follow.

Thank you for reading, citizen. With this, you will look your part, and truly emulate the civilized citizen in appearance. But looks can only get you so far, as they say. In the next book of “The Civilized Citizen”, we will look into how we communicate with others, so that we may more effectively communicate our intentions. Speak as Our Benefactors do, and move as an elegant leader amongst others. Continue the series with “The Civilized Citizen’s Mannerisms and Speech”.

Remember: Through civil citizenry, comes civil society.

The Civilized Citizen’s Mannerisms and Speech
By Dennis C. Manwell
Book 3 of “The Civilized Citizen” series.
Mannerisms and Speech​

Communication is among the most important facets of civilized society. It is the crux of human evolution and the building of civilization. Without it, we are but raving animals and lunatics who work in absolutes, because we cannot voice our finer intentions otherwise. It is imperative that we as civilized human beings of the Universal Union use a means of communication that shows that we are deserving of Our Benefactor’s blessings, both in our speech, and in our simple motions. These small changes to the way we act and talk are easy, and will leave you feeling all the more accomplished. In part three of “The Civilized Citizen” series, we will go over the civilized citizen’s “Mannerisms and Speech”.

The way you do things. The way you speak. The next thing citizens will notice after your appearance is how you act and talk. The civilized citizen knows that in order to hold a polite, informative discussion, they must be able to communicate properly, both in visuals and in speech. This is both on a conscious, and subconscious level.

Let’s start with your mannerisms. These are the little things you do that add up to the big picture. How you move, how you walk, how you stand, and how you go about your day. A civilized citizen always stands and walks with confidence and purpose. They do not wander about or drag their feet, and walk at a brisk pace, firm pace. Never do they run however, unless in an emergency where their health is at risk or of utmost, Combine approved urgency such as to report a crime or disaster. Running is unruly, and barbaric in a civilized society. The civilized citizen walks with their head up high, back straight, and their arms swinging at a natural gait, as is normal with humans. They walk as they stand, with good posture. Slouching, looking at your feet while walking, hands in pockets, are the signs of either a citizen with no pride in Our Benefactors, or a citizen with something to hide. Both are not of the civilized citizen.

Sitting and resting is also important. The civilized citizen never slumps in their seat, or lays down outside of their bed. They never sit on the floor, and sit with their back straight up, or at a natural rest in a chair. The only acceptable times to slouch when sitting is if there is no back rest, in which case it should be done moderately.

Eating and drinking food should be done neatly. Use cutlery, and avoid eating with your hands. The civilized citizen avoids touching their food with their hands, as it is not hygienic. A cloth should be placed in your lap, and a napkin or cloth should be present and put to use when food lands anywhere upon you except your mouth. Food should only be eaten, and not toyed with. Silverware should be used appropriately, and table manners are a must. Failing to do this gives the appearance of an animal at a table. The civilized citizen is never an animal.

When conversing with others, they may use hand gestures, but never flail or act out wildly about their topics. The civilized citizen knows that the proper use of words and tone will always convey more than flailing arms.

Dancing is a fun pastime for citizens. The civilized citizen knows that there is a proper way to dance, and an improper way to dance. They know that dancing should be proper, and fitting. Dances should never be provocative, offensive, vulgar, or outlandish. Anything else shows a citizen that does not appreciate culture, but instead simply wants to act out their own selfish desires.

In summary, your mannerisms should be confident, yet reserved. Firm, yet natural. They are polite, and proper.

Your speech on the other hand, is always heard. Speech is an important tool in civilized communication, for without it we would simply be as animals, grunting and wildly flailing ourselves around to gesture. It’s important that we get it right, so that we show Our Benefactors that we are not beasts, but sentient, sapient beings who deserve enlightenment.

Clarity always comes first in speech. Without it, we cannot understand each other, no matter how elaborate our intentions are. The civilized citizen speaks with a clear, firm voice that is appropriate in volume to the room. They do not whisper in a speech, and do not yell when talking to one other citizen. They never scream or yell out for no reason however, as barbaric screams and yells are akin to the neanderthal, who we have moved on from. They make sure their speech isn’t “muddied” by spit or slur. Breen’s Water is a perfect drink for refreshing your mouth, and getting rid of saliva that would otherwise obstruct your speech.

Your accent is a big part of your clarity. Many, many citizens have accents. Oftentimes however, our accents become a barrier to proper speech. Gone are the days where we cling to corrupt nations and defunct cultures that only serve to divide us. While the accents of these removed places may be ingrained in us, it is important that we work to rid of them as best we can. For some, it is near impossible, and this is okay. At times, our accents may come out, or may constantly be there, always poking out little by little. It is the effort that counts here. The civilized citizen knows that they should speak with a formal, elegant, clear accent and dialect to best pronunciate their vocabulary and follow proper grammar. With a civilized, uniform accent, we show that we are past the days of division, and united in purpose as one species.

After clarity, comes your grammar. Grammar is a major part of speech. It shows your intelligence, and is absolutely necessary to proper communication. The civilized citizen knows that with excellent grammar comes excellent communication. They know that the grammar they use is consistent with the language they speak, and devoid of ethnic accents and dialects that would otherwise confuse others as they alter grammar and more. It goes a long way to study your City’s official language, as to better understand its grammar and vocabulary.

On that note, vocabulary is next in priority. The words you use are important, and should speak of your intellect and civility. Use words that are descriptive, yet efficient. You should be able to portray yourself. Dulled, simplified words speak of an underdeveloped human mind that cannot properly communicate. Words such as accent-originated words, slang, and purposefully mispronounced words fall into these simplified words. On the other hand, you should know your audience, and avoid using overcomplicated, complex words that few know when speaking to an audience or your average citizen. Purposefully doing so can give the impression of being self-absorbed. The most important piece of advice is to “read the room,” and follow accordingly, but to never lower yourself to the point of stupidity. Slurs and vulgar language is, as always uncouth and against Combine law. It should be avoided at all cost, even in emergencies.

Finally, is when to speak. The civilized citizen knows that they should speak when appropriate, and reserve themselves as needed. It is poor manners to speak constantly, for it is like an animal constantly making noise. You should only speak when required, or when spoken too. The civilized citizen knows that silence is okay, so long as it is not in the face of Civil Protection questioning. It is also important to note what you are speaking about in these cases. Anti-Combine thoughts are anti-civil thoughts, and should be kept silent, except for when confessing such urges to Civil Protection for proper handling of said opinions.

With the movements of an elegant icon of civilization, and the speech of a bold paragon of Our Benefactors, you will feel as if everyone pays attention to you. Like the civilized citizen, you will command the respect of others- not through your demand, but simply by your presence alone. No longer will you be “scraping by” on your speech, as you struggle to convey your point to others. Now you are clearly understood, as Our Benefactors desire among only the most sophisticated of species.

Thank you for reading, citizen. Up next in our journey is to learn about what we do in our daily lives, and what we choose to consume as part of our daily needs. Continue the series with “The Civilized Citizen’s Daily Habits and Consumption.”

Remember: Upon a civil society, true civilization is built.

The Civilized Citizen’s Daily Habits and Consumption
By Dennis C. Manwell
Book 4 of “The Civilized Citizen” series.
Daily Habits and Consumption​

What a citizen does in their day to day lives is incredibly important in Our Benefactor’s society. More important than you may realize even. This is why it is important that we all go about our lives in the manner that Our Benefactors intend. Think about the citizens who fail to do this. They corrode, insult, and tarnish our society, and make it all the more difficult to achieve a perfect society. Of course you may ask yourself “But why should we care for this one citizens. What impact could I possibly make in Our Benefactor’s society if I simply live out my own desires?” To which I answer, everything! You yourself make up a big picture. Imagine a reserved painting with a streak of neon green in the middle. A statue with a missing hand. A factory with a broken furnace. Sure, the end result may go on, but it is crippled, and must carry and make up for the dead weight. This is why you matter so much. It is important that we all go about our lives in a civil manner, so that we can all carry our own weight, and rise above the filth of mortality to become truly ascended in our ways of civilization. In part four of “The Civilized Citizen” series, we will learn about the civilized citizen’s day to day life, and how they go about fulfilling their own necessities in life in “Daily Habits and Consumption”.

The civilized citizen’s day starts bright and early at least three hours before the first work cycle. They never sleep in, as it is lazy and wasteful, as you are not contributing to society. They do a set of basic aerobic exercises to get their limbs nice and limber for the day ahead, followed by properly cleaning and grooming themselves, before getting dressed for the day, as detailed in “The Civilized Citizen’s Dress and Appearance”. If they have the time remaining, they may join their fellow citizen in watching the television, which broadcasts wonderful, informative Universal Union television. The civilized citizen is always up to date with news and popular media, as to remain relevant in an ever changing, civil society. With that, they make their way to their local produce store, and purchase the fine food so thoughtfully provided by Our Benefactors. The civilized citizen always denies any request to buy pointless purchases, such as cheap cigarettes and heavy liquor. The productive, civilized citizen doesn’t need such imperative toxins in him. They only need a hearty breakfast to start the day, and a can of refreshing Breen’s Water.

Eventually, the first work cycle is announced. The citizen makes their way to their designated work cycle location, but the civilized citizen is already there at the front of the line. They are proud to work, because in going to work, they obey the law and do their duty as a citizen of the Universal Union. Work gives them purpose. Work gives them substance. Work gives them belonging, and work gives them acceptance. In a clean, maintained factory suit, they make Our Benefactors proud. They work hard, have a smile on their face, and are always cooperative with the foreman and Civil Protection. At the end of the first work cycle, the civilized citizen is rewarded for their exceptional effort and amazing attitude, and given two ration tokens instead of one. It is only natural for Our Benefactor’s to reward those who show that they belong in their society.

Lunch time! The civilized citizen makes their way to the store once again. On the way, they pass by the trusty Civil Protection, who ever valiantly defend us from the terrors of the anti-citizen. The civilized citizen walks past with respect. They know that the Civil Protection are always watching for corruption, and should not be bothered for petty matters, lest they hinder them from doing their duty. They always follow the law, no matter what. Obeying the authority is imperative to establish civilized society, for without the law, we are but savages, as we were before the Combine.

The civilized citizen acquires their lunch, a bowl of cooked beans with a can of Smooth Breen’s Water and buttered toast. Hearty and nutritious! They eat their meal while conversing with their fellow citizens in the diner. The civilized citizen knows that it is polite and civil to talk about topics such as how the Universal Union has helped us, and how wonderful a day it is in your city. The second work cycle is called. Socializing is fun, but work always comes first.

On the way back to work, the civilized citizen picks up any trash they see and throws it away, and makes sure to let the local conscripted biotics know of any messes they themselves can’t handle. The civilized citizen knows that the city is a reflection of themselves, and that a clean city speaks of a citizen populace that is proud of their society. As the work cycle begins, they work as hard as ever. Unfortunately, it seems the foreman is unable to disperse ration tokens due to a shortage. But it’s okay. The civilized citizen understands that the Universal Union is doing their best to accommodate an imperfect society. They politely offer to work overtime, because they know that through work, comes a better society, and that work in itself is reward enough.

After the work cycle has finished, they head to the plaza where their City Administrator is giving a speech. The civilized citizen knows that Universal Union speeches are always worth listening too, because with each speech comes a greater understanding of our society, and how we can better it. They pay close attention, and share the experience with their fellow citizen. After the speech is over, they applaud if fitting, and go about their day.

It looks like our civilized citizen has been invited to a Collaborator’s Party rally! As a member, they are always willing to be active in the Collaborator’s Party, because they know that good citizens take pride in their loyalty. Making sure their collaborator band is present and neat as always, they head to the rally, where they politely greet their fellow collaborators. Food and drink are provided, and a well versed speech is given, detailing the sacrifices we have made, and why they were necessary. Afterwards, the socializing begins.

A non-party citizen approaches the civilized citizen. They are curious about joining the Collaborator’s Party, and the civilized citizen is glad to help. They know that it is expected of them to enlighten others of the glories of Our Benefactors. The non-party citizen smiles, feeling content and hopeful, and is offered food and drink. The civilized citizen also takes part in some alcoholic beverage. They do so in great moderation however, for they know that the civilized citizen never loses their rational state of mind. The music they listen to is of good taste, and not wreckless noise, or filled with vulgar, disruptive lyrics.

After the rally, the civilized citizen goes home after a day of hard work and festivities. They do another round of aerobic exercises to really stretch those muscles and settle down for the night. He showers and brushes (and flosses) his teeth, but is sure to conserve water if possible, as conservation is a task shared by all citizens. Many citizens keep journals and books of ill repute. The civilized citizen knows that such books are designed to mislead, or originate from a time where tyrants always brainwashed their people into believing falsehoods. They know that journals are a waste of time, and a distraction from the present. The civilized citizen needs not worry about their past, for they are guilt free, and need only look towards the future. With that, the civilized citizen gets a full night's sleep, as to promote an energized, healthy body and mind. Tomorrow is yet another wonderful day in the Universal Union’s peaceful society.

When you do as the civilized citizen does, you will find yourself feeling on top of the world. You will have purpose, and energy. Meanwhile, the uncouth Citizen is trudging to the work cycle on an empty stomach, tired and late to their duty. With a clean conscience, you will find yourself rising into the position of being the citizen that Our Benefactors look for.

Thank you for reading, citizen. If you have been reading this series up to this point, you are almost fully versed on how to be a good, upstanding Citizen. But to simply be good will only get you so far, as we must now delve into those who do, and those who do not for Our Benefactors. Be sure to pick up the fifth and final book in the series, “The Civilized Citizen’s Universal Union”.

Remember: A true civilization is what Our Benefactor’s desire.

The Civilized Citizen’s Universal Union
By Dennis C. Manwell
Book 5 of “The Civilized Citizen” series.
Activism in the Universal Union​

Our Benefactors, the Combine, are the greatest blessing humanity has ever seen. It is through them that the evil tyrants of the old world were removed, and the average human finally given the opportunity to prosper and enlighten themselves to what a true, unified species could be. Through Our Benefactors, we were shown the Universal Union, and through them, nearly all external maladies to human kind have been cured. War, division, famine, violence, and corruption are a thing of the past for the global scale. Truly, we should be forever grateful to the Our Benefactors. We are indebted to them, and any sane, knowledgeable citizen would agree that we should support them fully. But there are those who are still stuck in the past, blinded by the misleading nostalgia they have for the old world that so desperately needed to be corrected. These citizens are lost, and cling to hedonistic desires, selfish animalistic instincts, and at worst, false delusions that the Universal Union is somehow “evil”. Surely, these people are misguided, some even driven to the point of trying to dismantle all we have built. In the final book of the “Civilized Citizen” series, we will go over how you as a citizen must do their part in showing others the light of Our Benefactors, whether it be through educating them, or saving them from themselves.

Sharing the things you have learned in this book series, and maybe even lending a book to your fellow citizen is a good way to share the means to be a civilized citizen. Beyond this however, is your speech. The way you act and talk, as practiced in “Mannerisms and Speech” is capable of influencing those who have lost their way. Never be afraid to talk to other citizens who have found themselves in need of answers. They will be glad you shared your knowledge of the Union with them. With time, you will find yourself amassing a following both among citizens, and among other civilized citizens. Soon, you could even hold speeches. Our Benefactors smile upon those who preach the word of a civilized society, and see them duly compensated.

The art of the old world is rife with the stains of the tyrant’s influence. In this new world, we find ourselves rather lacking in art, a sacrifice that had to be made in order to continue on into a more peaceful world. But you, the civilized citizen, are capable of wonderful things. You are the artist of the new world. Poetry is wonderful in portraying the Union’s grace. Composition of music, paintings upon a canvas of our promised society, literature that inspires and educates others, and more. It is up to us, the civilized citizens, to form the culture we live in, and what our next of kin will live in. Designing posters to portray our glorious Universal Union is also welcome, and your city administration will be pleased to see such upstanding, civilized citizens assisting them.

The uncouth citizen is always present in these times. These citizens are lost, just as they all are, but sometimes they do not seek help. Unfortunately, it is no longer our responsibility to help these individuals by teaching them, but up to the Civil Protection to keep them safe and civil so they do not accidentally destroy what they have worked to create. These uncouth citizens may run businesses, try to promote anti-combine sentiment, and more. It is your duty to reject and report these individuals. Failing to do so means that you allow them to corrupt you with words that prey upon your inner instinctual animal, and drag you down with them into destruction. The uncouth citizen should be treated as a frightened animal. They do not understand what they do. At worst however, these uncouth, unenlightened individuals may try to persist in carrying out their misdeeds. The anti-citizen, as commonly referred to, should be kept in sight at all cost, and rooted out.

The civilized citizen keeps all of this into account, and keeps their presence where their presence is wanted. They do not take part in non-party businesses, as they do not promote the profits of an organization that does not align with Our Benefactors. While the uncouth citizen may be spoken to if they seek help, they should not be casually conversed with, as they have a tendency to pull others into their pitiful dilemmas. Those who speak against the Union should be reported for hate speech, and promptly avoided. There is no room for those who would speak against all that Our Benefactors have done for us. The civilized citizen also tends to avoid places of rough nature, such as slums, and seedy bars.

The civilized citizen knows to also look into their fellow party members. Some citizens may give the air of civilization, but deep down they still cling to their greed and lust. They are dangerous to those around them, and to the society they falsely claim to support. You should keep an eye out for Collaborator’s Party members that seem to find displeasure in normal party events, or seem more keen on acting uncouth and savage. In doing so, you prove where your loyalties reside.

Finally, the civilized citizen is always on the lookout for the anti-citizen. The anti-citizen can be anywhere, and is always looking to dismantle this society we have built. Your request device is very helpful, and all contraband and wrongdoings should be reported as to ensure that the Civil Protection, who are ever so valorous, may properly handle the situation, and keep societal cohesion intact.

And with that, civilized society is established. Many claim that they don’t know where to start, but as you may see, it’s much easier than it looks! If you have read this series up to here, you have now been educated in how to be a civilized citizen. If you read the first book in this series, you now understand all it takes to be part of the Universal Union, and to reach paradise. All it takes is to emulate the civilized citizen. If everyone followed this book, we would be in a better place.

Thank you for reading, citizen. You have finished “The Civilized Citizen” series. I wish you well in your life, and hope that you too aspire to great things within your city, just as I have in City 13. Be sure to recommend this series to your fellow citizens, or perhaps even pass these books along so that everyone may understand where you came from.

Remember: Through Our Benefactor’s desires, rises the Universal Union.

 

[Equinox]

The following is meant to be both a regular suggestion (as in, making this into five different book scripts) as well as a lore suggestion as an official book, though I might consider deleting this when the schema comes out so people don't metagame the book itself.

 

[Atle]

Will add as a book in-game