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Chapter 38 - Aftermath

Chapter 38 - Aftermath

The New York Times

The Collapse of the World’s Most Powerful Company: A Global Perspective

In a shocking turn of events, the tech giant, NAPPA, has faced a complete operational collapse following a series of targeted missile strikes on their headquarters in Singapore. This military action was authorized by U.S. President Samantha Reynolds, marking a decisive move to eliminate the remaining influence of NAPPA’s NanoChips, which have wreaked havoc on a global scale.

The airstrikes, carried out with pinpoint precision, left NAPPA’s headquarters in ruins, as well as the majority of Singapore downtown (click on the video below to see the current area footage from Singapore). The casualties are counted in the thousands, with rescue efforts continuing on the second day.

The once mighty corporation, known for its pioneering advancements in nanotechnology, now lies in disarray. Emergency services in Singapore are overwhelmed, and the city-state is grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented assault.

“We had to act swiftly and decisively to protect our citizens and ensure global stability,” President Reynolds said in a press conference. “NAPPA’s stranglehold on humanity had to be broken.”

BBC Breaking News

NAPPA Executives Dispersed as Headquarters Destroyed

In the wake of the missile strikes on NAPPA’s headquarters, chaos erupted within the company’s upper echelons. Sources confirm that CEO Ryan Lee ordered the immediate evacuation of all employees shortly before the strike. However, the sudden and erratic behavior of several high-ranking executives has raised eyebrows.

Witnesses describe Jeffrey Thompson, NAPPA’s senior director, acting unusually detached during a critical board meeting. He left the virtual meeting abruptly, citing urgent matters, and has since been unreachable. This has fueled speculation about his role and possible foreknowledge of the impending disaster.

Twitter Post: @GlobalNews

Breaking:

Reports of widespread confusion and disarray among NAPPA employees following the destruction of their Singapore HQ. #NAPPA #NanoChip #TechCollapse

The Daily Mirror

NAPPA Falls! World on Edge as Tech Titan Collapses!

The world is reeling after the dramatic collapse of NAPPA, just three days ago, leaving a power vacuum in the tech industry, and the world. With their headquarters reduced to rubble, it's truly the end of an era, but the question remains: what's next? Governments and corporations are scrambling to pick up the pieces and adjust to the sudden disappearance of the once-mighty giant.

Leading the charge in the United States is none other than Secretary of Defense Amy Carter, who has been thrust into the heart of the crisis. Known for her strategic brilliance, Carter has been given full authority to handle the fallout from NAPPA's downfall. Wasting no time, she’s already rallied international allies and is assessing the ongoing threat posed by rogue NanoChips still active in some areas.

“This is a pivotal moment for global security,” Carter declared. “We must remain vigilant and work together to prevent any resurgence of NAPPA’s influence. The U.S. government has destroyed NAPPA and freed the world from its influence. Now, we will ensure that things do not repeat themselves. The security and well-being of our people in the Western Bloc is our first priority.”

With the world on edge, and Carter steering the ship, will global security hold firm, or is there more chaos to come?

Reuters

Survivors and Speculations: Inside the Chaos of NAPPA’s Final Hours

As more information emerges from the catastrophic collapse of NAPPA’s headquarters, a disturbing picture of the final moments inside the building is beginning to take shape. Sources from within describe a scene of chaos, with CEO Ryan Lee reportedly issuing a last-minute evacuation order amid increasing reports of erratic behavior and tense confrontations with his staff. Lee’s whereabouts remain a mystery, fueling speculation. As he was inside the building during the attack, it is widely presumed he is dead, though his fate remains unconfirmed.

Efforts to clear the wreckage in Singapore’s city center continue as emergency teams work around the clock. So far, over 5,000 bodies have been recovered from the site, with authorities expecting the death toll to climb further. It is believed that thousands more may still be trapped beneath the debris, marking this as one of the deadliest events in recent history.

The collapse of NAPPA, once a global tech titan, has not only created a void in the industry but also raised urgent questions about the chaotic and mysterious events leading up to this unprecedented disaster.

(Click here for our separate story on this topic)

Eyewitnesses recount scenes of confusion and panic as employees scrambled to leave. The missile strike, described by many as an unexpected and decisive blow, has left a lasting impact on the tech industry and beyond.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said one former employee. “One moment, we were working on solutions, and the next, we were being told to leave everything behind and that we were fired. Mr. Lee stayed behind in the conference room, all alone. This was just one of many strange behaviors he had been showing recently.”

When asked if Ryan Lee possibly knew of the attack, the employee seemed doubtful, “I don’t think so. He didn’t strike me as someone who would risk his own life without a good reason. There’s no way he knew what was coming. Honestly, we were just lucky to get out when we did.”

Al Jazeera

The World After NAPPA: Navigating a New Reality

The international community is now confronting a new reality in the wake of NAPPA’s collapse. Countries impacted by the NanoChip crisis are struggling to manage the aftermath and restore stability. In East Asia, regions still under NanoChip control pose particularly complex challenges, demanding coordinated global efforts to address. While the fall of NAPPA marks a critical turning point, it also raises profound questions about the future of technology, global security, and governance. How the world navigates this uncertain landscape will shape the next chapter in the evolving relationship between tech and power.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The Guardian

Jeffrey Thompson to Serve as Key Witness in NAPPA Trials

Following the fall of NAPPA almost two weeks ago, Jeffrey Thompson, one of the company’s senior directors, is now under intense scrutiny. Mr. Thompson, who played a key role in the NanoChip program as head of investor relations, will serve as the main witness in the upcoming NAPPA trials. His testimony is expected to shed light on the inner workings of the company and the decisions that led to the widespread implementation of the NanoChips. Over 100 individuals are slated to testify, including most of NAPPA’s board of directors, as the trial seeks to unravel the events that precipitated one of the most significant corporate crises in recent history.

“As most of my NAPPA colleagues, I was under the control of our CEO, Mr. Ryan Lee,” Thompson stated in a preliminary interview. “I am fully committed to providing complete transparency in order to help rectify this situation, and I believe my colleagues share the same commitment. The reach of NAPPA was far more insidious and dangerous than any of us realized at the time. This is personal for me as well—my own granddaughter is currently recovering from the devastating effects of NanoChip abuse.”

Twitter Post: @TechInsider

Breaking:

Jeffrey Thompson’s testimony could be a game-changer in the NAPPA trials and the first of many testimonies of NAPPA’s leadership. What will he reveal? #NAPPA #TechScandal

The Independent

Worldwide Chaos: The Struggle Continues

Despite the fall of NAPPA, chaos continues to reign globally as people struggle with the lingering side effects of the NanoChips. Reports of headaches, disorientation, and other symptoms persist, creating a sense of ongoing uncertainty. Medical professionals are working around the clock to address these issues, but the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges. Governments around the world are putting tight regulations in place that would hinder future companies from trying to take over the NanoChip network. But it is clear, the danger is not over yet.

The US Takes Credit: The Hero of the Story?

Amidst the global turmoil, the US government has taken full credit for dismantling NAPPA’s control. President Reynolds and Secretary Carter have been lauded as heroes, their decisive actions seen as pivotal in breaking the tech giant’s stranglehold on humanity.

“We have shown the world that we will not stand by and let any entity, no matter how powerful, threaten our freedom and security,” President Reynolds declared. “The United States will always lead the charge in defending liberty.”

According to an undisclosed source reported by The Washington Post, a group of former NAPPA employees may have played a role in bringing down their former employer. Allegedly led by a mysterious figure known only as “The Friend,” this group had been covertly resisting the influence of nanobots for years. When asked about these reports, U.S. government officials quickly dismissed them, stating they had received minimal outside assistance. Officials warned the public to ignore what they called “fake news,” emphasizing that many would attempt to claim credit for the U.S. government’s actions.

In a curious turn of events, some voices on social media are now calling for the NanoChips to be reintroduced to the public. Supporters argue that many people still suffer from diseases that nanobots could alleviate, and some have experienced relapses since the devices were decommissioned. Despite these calls, any renewed approval of NanoChips seems highly unlikely at this time.

As the world continues to watch the unfolding saga of NAPPA’s rise and fall, its impact on technology, governance, and humanity’s future remains profound. The rebuilding of Singapore has begun, but whether the world can regain trust in technology is a question that remains unanswered.

This story was brought to you by our Editor-in-Chief, Mark Davies

The sun was beginning its descent over the tranquil waters of the Singapore Strait, casting a golden glow across the exclusive Indonesian beach resort. The gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore blended with the rustling of palm trees and the distant calls of tropical birds from the nearby treetops. For a brief moment, the world felt at peace.

Only a strange slurping sound broke the peaceful atmosphere. He looked at the others. Priya, Anatoly, and Klara sat under a large beach umbrella and watched the sun dip closer to the horizon, while Kuryakov noisily tried to extract the very last drop from his Piña Colada.

Niko put his phone down. He couldn't stomach any more of the media frenzy. A sense of disappointment washed over him—the world would never learn the truth about what had happened. Priya had reassured him it was for the best, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept. The past weeks had been a whirlwind of chaos, danger, and uncertainty, so this serene setting was a much-needed balm for their frayed nerves.

Niko took a slow sip of his Aperol Spritz, enjoying the bittersweet flavor a little longer than necessary before exhaling a contented sigh. “You know, I never thought I’d say this, but I think I could get used to this.”

Priya, lounging on a beach chair next to him, chuckled. “I think we all needed a bit of a break.”

Klara, sitting cross-legged on the sand, looked over at Kuryakov and asked, “Any news on Sayeed?”

Anatoly shook his head. “He’s still in recovery. The doctors say his condition is stable, but there’s no telling how things will evolve with all the internal injuries he has suffered. Amy told me that they are taking good care of him.”

“Amy, huh?” Niko teased him with a grin.

Kuryakov threw him an innocent look, his face getting redder by the second. “What? You have something to say? We’ve kept in touch, that’s all. And for the record, I’m not that much older than you, Niko.”

Niko chuckled. “I guess you aren’t. But anyway, Sayeed is as tough as nails,” he said with a smile. “I’m sure he will recover. From what I’ve seen in the media, he’s already giving interviews, so he must have some fight left in him.”

Kuryakov, eager to shift the subject, leaned forward. “So, how did he track you down in the end? You never told us that part.”

“I found a small tracking device on my backpack afterward,” Klara replied, shaking her head. “That sneaky bastard knows I never go anywhere without it. He must’ve planted it when we hugged goodbye at the warehouse in Singapore—and then listened in on everything we said.”

“Classic Sayeed, all right,” Priya smirked.

A silence fell over the group, their concern for Sayeed hanging heavy in the air.

Breaking the quiet, Klara looked at Niko with curiosity.“Since we’re exchanging stories… Niko, tell us why you keep your past such a secret,” Klara inquired. “What exactly did you do?”

“Honestly… I’d rather not get into it right now…” Niko said cautiously, casting a glance at Priya.

“So, what should we do tomorrow?” Priya interrupted, trying to lighten the mood. “Surfing? Swimming? Or maybe just lounging around? Any takers?”

Niko leaned back in his chair. “Well, one thing’s for sure… I’m not getting on any boats anytime soon. And I’m not eating any fish, either.”

The others laughed, the tension easing slightly. Their journey to this point had involved more than a few harrowing escapes on boats and fishing ships.

As the laughter died down, Priya turned to Niko, her tone more serious. “Do you think things will change? I mean, in the world of politics and power?”

Niko leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the horizon. “Honestly, I doubt it. The big powers mistrust each other even more now. The fall of NAPPA didn’t change the game, it just shifted the balance a bit. Everyone’s still on edge, looking for the next threat. It’s just how the world works.”

Kuryakov nodded in agreement. “Power always finds a way to perpetuate itself. The faces might change, but the rules remain the same.”

Klara sighed. “It’s a bit disheartening, isn’t it? After everything we’ve been through, you’d hope for a bit more change.”

Niko turned to her with a warm smile. “Change takes time, Klara. And we’ve planted the seeds. For now, let’s focus on the positives. We’re here, we’re safe, and we’ve accomplished something incredible.”

The sun had nearly disappeared, the sky now awash with hues of pink and orange.

Niko took another sip of his drink, savoring the moment. “You know, I’ve been thinking. Once we’ve had our fill of relaxation, I’d like to visit my family. It’s been way too long. Would you all come with me?”

Priya, Kuryakov, and Klara exchanged glances, their smiles widening. They all nodded in agreement.

Kuryakov raised his glass. “To family—old and new.”

Klara clinked her glass against his. “To family.”

As Niko looked around at his friends, a swell of gratitude filled him. Throughout his life, he had faced many losses, both friends and family, but now he felt he had gained people who would stand by him forever.