On Conglomerate Citizenship
Exploring the Trade-Offs Between Security and Freedom
Have you ever questioned the true cost of social stability? What are you prepared to sacrifice for the feeling of security?
In CALLED our heroine, Clementine Jones, believes herself to be an ordinary young woman living in an ordinary country. She grew up in a rural community with her family, earned a scholarship to attend a prestigious school, and has begun down the path towards a career, earning her place in Conglomerate society. On the surface, that sounds like the makings of a great life; however, she soon begins to learn there is much more happening below the water line.
Even though Clementine's job is in the highly selective Processing division, she might have pursued any number of industries. All citizens of the Conglomerate Government of Souvern Novarica, Incorporated are guaranteed the basic benefits of shelter, sustenance, and the essentials of everyday life; however, to qualify for anything beyond the bare minimum, you must serve your nation. When a citizen opts into Conglomerate service, they are placed in a position that best suits their individual aptitude as assessed by a genetic profile and brain scan.
In exchange for their labor, citizens earn a salary, from which the cost of their room and board is deducted. Whatever is leftover is considered “discretionary.” These surplus credits can be exchanged for access to premium benefits including better residential units, personable wearable technology, a wide array of flavored nutritional options, more immediate access to healthcare, and wider-ranging entertainment packages.
After a cryptic message from her long-lost father surfaces, Clementine starts to see through the glossy packaging of the world around her. All too quickly, the comforts she knew are newly frightening: tethers to keep everyone under the Conglomerate thumb. Yes, the benefits of citizenship are numerous and some even essential; however, Clementine is forced to examine what she has sacrificed in exchange for the lure of premium options. As the story unfolds, she begins to realize that she has ceded a great deal more than a few discretionary credits…and the cost to win back her freedom may be higher than she ever imagined!
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