hello! what if we wanted our muse to be involved in some not so legal things? would they still be accepted into the resonance program/at totem?
Spicy! What a great question!
Ultimately, TOTEM’s goal is to unite the whole cluster, regardless of their background. Their motives are to study the cluster as a whole and find the limits of the sensate connection both within the cluster and in regards to parallel clusters so it wouldn’t make sense to reject entrance/lodging to someone just because they were involved in some “not so legal” things or had a criminal record. Keep in mind that TOTEM isn’t necessarily squeaky clean either.
In fact, I could even imagine if someone was currently in prison, on parole, or on probation, etc., TOTEM would attempt to negotiate them out of their current situation. Remember, to the public - TOTEM is the epitome of philanthropic excellence and research genius.
In regards to society - think of an alternate world where one organization has a significant presence in the global environment, and also a sparkling outward reputation - most places/government would bend over backwards for this organization! It’s almost a bit dystopian in a way…an organization with just that much influence with barely any checks and balances above them? Sounds dangerous to me. History tends to repeat itself.