Of Rats and Mice

The man said to his son, "Well son, you've only got one choice here really, and that is to squeal on your friends"

"But, won't they hate me for it?", asked the son sheepishly, "Won't they call me a rat?"

"They may son, they may. But, have you ever heard that rats will survive an atomic blast? They are survivours my son. They are lean and hungry, but cunning. Your friends, mice mostly, will fall into traps and get caught by predators, while you survive."

"I don't understand,", said the son, "What traps? What predators? What do you mean?"

"The trappings of society of course, and the predators with authority. Your friends may think it strong or brave to band together against the world, but it is foolish. You cannot fight the system from without. Your best bet is to try and outlast the system, as it collapses around you. The laws and lawmen will seem increasingly frightening and hostile, but you must learn to respect them, at least publicly. In time, the old will die, and make way for the new. If you are in the right position when that happens, you can help to shape the new world that emerges from the ashes of this one."

"As a rat, I am supposed to maneuver myself to be close to those that will take power then?"

"Almost. You must be observant. You may want to hide, in a place that will likely remain untouched by the hands of revolution. Like a rat's nest; hidden from sight, but always close enough to access if necessary."

"What does this have to do with my friends? Why then, should I rat them out? Wouldn't it stand to reason that more rats would have more of a chance of...."

"No,", his father interrupted, "You will have more chance to be betrayed. If it comes to a choice of them or you, your friends will choose themselves every time. The more you are known, the more you can be exposed."

"So, I must betray them first then?"

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer"