Singh
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As a rule, the secret societies in which Abbas moves are relatively benign. As a rule, the societies are secret out of general public disinterest or out of comfort for the members. As a rule, there are no such things as secret criminal organizations.
There are exceptions to every rule.
The Singh started in the heyday of piracy, with a ship called the Gryphon, captained by Kabai Singh. As with most pirates of the era, there was a contract in place; Kabai Singh was elected to be captain
and another man to be the Quartermaster, and the contract was drawn up; "articles", as such were known at the time. The articles spelled out plainly the codes of conduct expected from all members of the ship, how much of claimed treasure would be allotted and to whom.
The Gryphon flew a black flag like most pirates, hers containing six small, white circles surrounding a large, white circle. That flag became as feared as any. The Gryphon and her crew terrorized the West Indies, and became second only to Bartholomew "Black Bart" Roberts in number of ships captured and looted.
Nothing lasts forever, and the "golden age of piracy" was swiftly closing. Anyone could see it, and many a pirate lamented it. Kabai Singh refused to simply watch everything he and his crew had built simply end. He realized quickly that for all the kings and pardons, it was the New West India Company truly responsible. Disorganized pirates being replaced by a company of them. He could appreciate it, as he would have done the same thing--so why not do the same thing?
Through bribery and violence, Singh started worming his way into the New West India Company, taking much of his crew with him. They became employed by the Company, and learned much about the new form of piracy--monopolies and trade contracts. As the world turned toward bureaucracy, Singh's crew became simply "the Singh", a mark of unification. The Singh learned the value of politicking and paperwork-shuffling, of words doing more than a sword ever could.
Their symbol eventually reflected this, changing from six circles haphazardly surrounding a seventh to eight equidistant from each other surrounding a ninth.
In this revised symbol, it showed the Singh's continued unity and loyalty, order having evolved from chaos. They were amongst the earlier examples of "organized crime" in the Western hemisphere, though are content to stand back and let the Italians, Asians, and Russians have the spotlight. Few people who aren't members know the Singh exist, and that's how they want to keep it.
Members are identified with a brand of the revised symbol; a throwback, of sorts, using archaic techniques for proof of modern sensibilities. Still, it works. Members can get their brand anywhere they like, and Abbas has his on his right upper arm. That brand lets him walk where few could dream. A police officer could make a career from what he's seen; an enemy criminal organization could lay waste to others.
