Sprawlvember 11: Cartel

 

Here is my entry for the eleventh day of Sprawlvember with the prompt 'Cartel'. 

The Security Cartel

In most cities there appears to be a myriad of security services and companies to choose from. All of them rather pricey as the demand for protection keeps going up. But what most don’t realize is that you’re actually only choosing between two different corporations and they’re in bed together already.

About fifteen years ago the heads of two of the biggest security firms met in private. At the time prices were all over the place, quality was non-existent and there were so many fly by night companies that things were in a downward spiral. So these two came to an agreement. No competition with each other, eliminate all other companies through either buyout or physical destruction, keep up the appearance of multiple businesses, then fabricate situations and events to keep themselves in demand.

This plan has come to fruit better than they expected. Once all the smaller riffraff security businesses were out of the way they were unstoppable. Creating dozens of shell companies and what appeared to be various choices to choose from. Then after a few assassination attempts that were planned, various kidnappings and violent attacks everyone saw how important it was to have extra security.

Now those at the top just set back in rake in the profits. While those at the bottom work dangerous jobs, are sometimes asked to do illegal covert activities just to keep help another company look better and are paid scraps. Because everywhere they go all the security firms pay the same, expect you to do the same and will dispose of you if you don’t like it.

Also quitting one company and going to another becomes a bit more difficult. As your personal information is shared between all parts of the Security Cartel. So if you rage out and quit at one the next time you apply at another company you will be offered a lower pay grade than usual. If you are exemplary at one then one of the other companies with better clients may offer to "hire you away" from your current job. But they will also store all the dirty laundry they can find on you as well.

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