Implementing New Surveillance Technology
As a conductor in Beholder: Conductor, you are frequently tasked with implementing new and increasingly intrusive surveillance technology within the apartment building. These technological advancements are crucial for fulfilling the Ministry's directives, but they also present new challenges and moral quandaries, forcing you to learn their mechanics and strategic placement.
The implementation of new surveillance technology typically follows a pattern:
- Ministry Order: You receive a directive from the Ministry requiring the installation of a new type of device or the upgrade of existing systems. This order usually specifies the target apartment or a general area.
- Acquisition: You must acquire the technology. This might involve purchasing it from the Ministry's catalog, finding it through quests, or even crafting it if you have the necessary skills and resources.
- Installation: The installation process varies by device:
- Hidden Cameras: These are often installed in common objects like smoke detectors, books, or wall fixtures. You need to enter the target apartment, often by picking the lock or waiting for the tenant to leave, and then interact with the designated spot.
- Listening Devices (Bugs): Similar to cameras, these require covert entry and placement in inconspicuous locations like lamps, telephones, or under furniture.
- Phone Taps: These are usually installed on the main telephone junction box in the basement or a utility closet, requiring a specific tool and careful timing to avoid detection.
- Biometric Scanners: More advanced technology might require installation at apartment entrances or in common areas, often with a more complex installation mini-game.
- Activation and Monitoring: Once installed, the device needs to be activated, usually through your personal terminal. You then monitor the feed or data collected, looking for infractions or information relevant to Ministry directives.
Key Considerations for Implementation:
- Stealth: Most installations require you to be undetected. Watch tenant schedules, use lock-picking skills, and be quick. If a tenant catches you, it can lead to suspicion, fines, or even a report against you.
- Cost: New technology often comes with a price tag. Balance your budget to afford necessary upgrades.
- Risk vs. Reward: Some installations are riskier than others. Weigh the potential benefits of fulfilling a directive against the chance of being caught.
- Ethical Implications: Each new piece of surveillance technology further invades the privacy of your tenants. Consider how this impacts your moral standing and potential future interactions.