Imagine if instead of building individual bunkers and survival shelters, the ultra-rich came together and built a domed city in the middle of the Mojave desert.
One of the most poignant elements of the story centers around the hard question about how to maintain the loyalty of the security forces.
Finally, the CEO of a brokerage house explained that he had nearly completed building his own underground bunker system, and asked: “How do I maintain authority over my security force after the event?”
...
This single question occupied us for the rest of the hour. They knew armed guards would be required to protect their compounds from raiders as well as angry mobs. One had already secured a dozen Navy Seals to make their way to his compound if he gave them the right cue. But how would he pay the guards once even his crypto was worthless? What would stop the guards from eventually choosing their own leader?
This is a core element of Sindome's theme for me. The ultra-rich have built Withmore. How have they structured society to "stop the guards from choosing their own leader"?
I ask the question not to open the floor to discussion about that subject. I strongly believe that exploration of that theme should be 100% IC.
I bring it up here as a reminder that it is a core thematic element in any dystopian society. It is that imbalance of power. It is that ever present anxiety.
If you're on top, how do you stay there given that you're only there because you're exploiting everyone else?
If you're not on top, how do you get there given that those who are on top are perched there so precariously?
