ICON operates covertly, meaning that their operations are deniable and cannot be traced back to their true source. Agents are forbidden to reveal their status as ICON operatives without direct orders from a superior such as a station chief, and a station chief will not give such an order lightly, if at all.

Agents operate under cover identities, and are subject to any laws their cover would suggest. While many agents do carry weapons in areas they may be prohibited by law, for example, they do so at the risk of being detained by authorities if the situation arises.

As a game administrator, this is important to keep in mind, and may lead to unexpected turns to your mission, such as the need to avoid contact with local police, or even escape them, should events come to that. Of course, it is possible to operate under some official cover such as a law enforcement officer, diplomat, or military personnel, so long as no one probes your cover too deeply…