To compete with the outsourcing of jobs, the U.S.A., falling in line with Europe and the far East, placed a moratorium on merger and monopoly litigation.
During this twenty-two year span, corporate mergers formed multi-national mega-conglomerates, simply referred to as MegaCons. By the time the world's governments realized what was happening, it was too late. After all the mergers, 16 global corporations existed. The MegaCons rapidly took responsibility for non-traditional services; they spearheaded national security interests, assumed regional administration and local utilities, and issued company-endorsed financial notes until they were responsible for almost every facet of a person's daily life. Eventually, the world and everything in it came under the administration of one of the 16 MegaCons. Everything became a subsidiary of these 16 super corporations.
The first corporate state was realized. The military was folded into the special securities division and given a new handle: MERCS (Military Economic Reconnaissance Counter Security)
More governments began to officially merge their assets with corporations, until autonomous nations ceased to exist. These new corporate nations followed suit and created special securities divisions of their own.
In New York, District 12, a corporate rights litigation notice incited a near riot. MERCS were deployed for the first time. The result was overwhelming.
Thursday, September 30: After an uneven fiscal year, seven Global Systems chose to lay off workers across the board, including their securities divisions. These layoffs weren't taken well, inciting riots and the breakdown of corporate control. MERCS, who were also affected by the cuts, refused to obey corporate memos and action items regarding security direction, resulting in the complete dissolution of five Global Systems.
The remaining employees, technology and weapons form what was termed the "Lost Margin." Travel within these zones becomes extremely dangerous.
With the global market fluctuating due to uncertain risk assessments, MERCS became better equipped, financed, and trained. They began to take on corporate identities and philosophies. The Global Corporate Court (GCC) was formed in April of this year to arbitrate the escalating conflicts and corporate espionage. Major Conflicts: Seattle Seven, Panama Canal Occupation, Baker Square (Jamestown, South Africa), Pu Yong Riots, the Razing of Amsterdam
Guerrilla-style incursions begin by the now organized Free Corporate Control (FCC) from the unoccupied Lost Margin. Major Conflicts: Brussels' Holdings, Paris Initiative, Johnson's March (Sacramento, California), Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Kolkatta Incursions: This ten-month initiative was designed by the the East India Company (EIC) to sweep into the Lost Margin in order to take back certain facilities left vacant. It was a catastrophic failure. The FCC was unexpectedly organized. They were MERCS trained and supplied by various Global Systems who felt it was not in their best interest to allow the facilities to merge with the EIC. To ensure justice and help regulate the Mega Con's global affairs, the GCC was granted new judicial privileges, including an active investigation team and tactical police force.
Well-financed FCC forces attempt a hostile takeover of several Global Systems. This resulted in an enormous loss of resources to the targeted MegaCons, and the dissolution of two more Systems: Royal Holdings and the United Arab Emirates. Nine MegaCons remain
MERCS units are rapidly increased in size and pay. In the public's eye, this is not only acceptable but seen as necessary in order to defend their investments.
Hiring initiatives entice newcomers into the MERCS; service guarantees a management position. MERCS are often loaned to the FCC as Black Ops in order to combat competing MegaCon growth. Major Conflicts: Boston Skirmishes, Kansas City Demarcation, Ankara Policing Action (Turkey), Lagos Conflict, Goryeo Secession.
In February, the USCR attempted a hostile takeover of Keizai Waza using their new heavy armor MERCS. The campaign continued until the CEO of the USCR was assassinated. Despite heavy speculation, no evidence was found to link the killing to Keizai Waza, so the GCC was unable to pursue prosecution.
Major Conflicts: Detroit Conflict, Munich Massacre, Amur Escort (Russia), Panama Project (Reoccupation), Indianapolis Sweeps.