Chapter 17: Forging Alliances
July 25th, 2000, marked a turning point for Holmes. The attempted assassination and the escalating threats from the Northside Syndicate had made it clear that he couldn't rely solely on bodyguards for protection. He needed a loyal and capable crew to watch his back, defend his family, and stand with him in the coming war.
Holmes sat down with Teddy, his confidant and closest ally, to discuss their options.
"Teddy, we can't keep living like this," Holmes said, "Grimm and his crew are out for blood. We need to build our own force, people we can trust to have our backs."
Teddy nodded in agreement. "I'm with you, Holmes," he said, "We've always looked out for each other. It's time to expand our circle and bring in some more soldiers."
Together, Holmes and Teddy began to strategize, identifying potential recruits and outlining their vision for the new crew. They knew that they needed individuals who were loyal, skilled, and willing to risk their lives for the cause.
Recruitment Process:
Holmes and Teddy approached their recruitment with caution and discretion. They sought out individuals who had proven their loyalty, demonstrated their capabilities, and shared their values.
1. Initial Selection: Holmes and Teddy compiled a list of potential recruits, drawing from their network of friends, acquaintances, and trusted contacts. They looked for individuals who had a reputation for being tough, reliable, and street-smart.
Personal Interviews: Holmes and Teddy conducted personal interviews with each candidate, probing their backgrounds, assessing their motivations, and gauging their level of commitment. They emphasized the importance of loyalty, discretion, and the willingness to put the crew's interests above their own.
3. Trial Period: Promising recruits were invited to participate in a trial period, during which they were given small tasks and assignments to prove their worth. This allowed Holmes and Teddy to assess their skills, test their loyalty, and observe their behavior under pressure .
4. Formal Invitation: Those who successfully completed the trial period were formally invited to join the crew. Holmes and Teddy explained the rules, the expectations, and the risks involved. They emphasized that membership was a lifelong commitment, requiring unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Recruitment Deals and Promises:
To attract and retain top talent, Holmes and Teddy offered a range of incentives and benefits to prospective recruits:
- Financial Compensation: Crew members would receive a regular salary, commensurate with their skills and responsibilities. They would also be entitled to a share of the crew's earnings from various ventures.
- Protection and Security: Holmes and Teddy promised to provide unwavering protection and security for their crew members and their families. They would ensure that they were shielded from harm and that their needs were met.
- Opportunities for Advancement: Crew members would have opportunities to advance within the organization, taking on greater responsibilities and earning higher salaries. Holmes and Teddy emphasized that they valued talent and loyalty, and that they were committed to helping their crew members reach their full potential.
- Sense of Belonging: Holmes and Teddy offered prospective recruits a sense of belonging and camaraderie. They emphasized that the crew was a family, a brotherhood of individuals who were bound together by loyalty, trust, and mutual respect.
"We're building something special here," Holmes told one recruit. "We're building a family, a force to be reckoned with. If you join us, you'll never be alone. We'll always have your back, no matter what."
As the recruitment process progressed, Holmes and Teddy began to assemble a diverse and capable team of individuals, each with their own unique skills and experiences. They had taken the first steps toward building a force that could protect them from the threats that loomed on the horizon.