Crackles

Crackles is the 1st atomie Beatles meets when Beatles wakes up in the T:3 for the 1st time. Crackles is a very charismatic Atomie who seems to know a lot about the facility. Crackles has been in the facility longer than most atomies currently living in the Encampment and is also one that has never been taken for treatment. Luck, he calls it. Crackles spends his time playing a lot of games that he rigs to gain certain goods and access to percs around the encampment. Most atomies don’t see through it, but those who do, generally don’t stick around long enough to deal with it before being sent off for treatments. He treats Beatles with special accommodations and spends a lot of time with him. Some say he fancies Beatles. Whatever the reason, Crackles tries to not let Beatles out of his sight and lends a hand to him whenever he can.

Crackles is very well known in the facility, both by faculty and the Atomie residence. Despite acting as the local con man, most don't find too much of an issue with it as it does provide a certain level of entertainment for the other Atomies and the consequences aren't ever severe enough for them to never want to play again. Crackles also known to help out many of those in need in the facility. Almost looked up to as a leader when things go awry as he's the most composed out of them all and providing a sense of security and verbal comfort for everyone. Crackles comes to settle any problems that occur between the Atomies or soothe those who worry about themselves or others being taken by the faculty. 

He fancies many of his fellow Atomies and has no problem taking advantage of the fact, but he never commits to any of them, the reasoning being that "it's not fair for everyone else." The rule to the exception later on is Beatles, but Crackles claims they're just quickly close friends. Beatles doesn't know how to respond or act upon the rumors. 

Crackles relationship to the faculty is a tricky one as most usually ignore him when they browse through his files. Given that the faculty never communicate to the Atomies personally beyond walking up to an Atomie stating their number and then taking them away, it's hard to understand why Crackles has never been seen taken away or called upon. Crackles has seen many Atomies come and go via the 'abductions' but he always tells Atomies he counts his blessing they never taken him to the backrooms. 

Crackles is one of the very few Atomies who have never been called for. Any others who haven't are newcomers, such as Beatles. He's had a turn taking most of them under his wing, showing them around, warning them about their inevitable demise and then letting them go. 

Crackles has set up his specialized hut with 2 others. Shneedles and Veins. He doesn't mind their company as they're usually quiet at night. Only with Veins does he have trouble but over time he's learned how to manage her, and it's usually with Shneedles ability to have such a tight cuddle grip. It's strange he chose to have 2 non-vocal Atomies as roomies as he loves to talk but perhaps he wants an audience that can't talk back. Beatles later joins in but his place was arranged by Crackles.