[center][hr][hr][img]https://s17.postimg.org/fuugr4v3j/rsz_rsz_darkmon_symbol.jpg[/img][color=FF8C00][h1]Damascus Robotics Research Corporation[/h1][/color][h2][sup][sup][color=FF8C00][i]"Seeking new solutions."[/i][/color][/sup][/sup][/h2][hr][hr][/center]

Somewhere in the vast snowy Canadian Rockies, a massive domed facility of glass and stone sat hanging over the mountainside, looking out towards the horizon of acres of pine trees and mountain ranges, the warm sun reflecting off the light blue lake down below. Conected to the dome were several helipads for helicopters and VTOL-capable aircraft to land, and at the back was a large runway, also hanging over the side of the mountain. Several flags fluttered at its entrance, a large road leading into what appeared to be the mountain itself, an enormous heavy-duty blast door set to the side and ready to be closed when needed. While the building looked rather impressive outside, it was even more so in the mountain itself. Built into the millions-year-old rock lay a vast network of tunnels that stretched dozens of kilometres long, ensuring that each and every room was connected. 

This complex was, of course, the corporate headquarters of the Damascus Robotics Research Corporation, better known as the Damascus Corp., Damascus Robotics, the DRRC, or rather simply and embarrassingly, the Big D. It was a massive corporation that practically ruled all of Canada after the Great Collapse of 2031, when the global economy imploded and descended into chaos. Entire corporations closed down, banks went bankrupt, governments fell. 

But from the ashes of the fires following the Collapse, the Damascus Corporation stood firm and defiant, refusing to bow down to the force that had abandoned the world: money. It ensured that Canada, the country it called home, remained vigilant even during the storm. Its advanced drone systems helped starving and angry citizens in every way they could. The drones gave out food, patrolled the streets and kept anarchy under control, provided homes for the homeless in the form of massive mobile shelters, and began funding the development of more advanced nuclear weapons. 

Within a decade, Canada had been returned to its former glory, overseen by its new government: the Damascus Corporation. The Canadian citizens looked up to the company, ever loyal and grateful for the fact that it have salvaged the country and economy from the burning ruins of the rest of the world. After the Damascus Corporation had taken over, Toronto had officially become the new capital of Canada, the city where the corporation began.

Inside the building, in a large room with slanted windows all around, sat an ageing man in a fine suit at his desk opposite the largest set of windows. He was Joseph Adams, the founder and current CEO of the Damascus Corporation, the one who built and shaped the corporation to what it is today, the one who ran Canada. He sat on his comfortable office chair in his lavish but modern office, scrolling through the news projected on three holographic screens.

In truth, his office looked more like a living room than an actual office, with sofas and armchairs and coffee tables placed strategically around the room, and a large table surrounded by several chairs lay in front of Adams’ desk. The room was well lit, by the sun during the day and automatic mood lighting, and electric lights during the night and overcast days. 

Each of the three holoscreens in front of Adams showed different things, the left one alerts, the right one charts and diagrams, and the central one news. Adams took in the data as he scrolled down. 

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[center][b]Canadian News Daily
June 11, 2049[/b][/center]
[center][u][b][h1]Attack on EEC Headquarters, leaders killed, more than 900 dead[/h1][/b][/u]
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[b]Chris Lovasv[/b]
[b]Head Reporter[/b]
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[quote]VATICAN CITY, ITALY — The European Economic Commission Headquarters was attacked earlier today in what may be the most daring terrorist act in recent times. According to officials, at precisely 8:34 AM local time, a bomb was set off in the upper levels of the building, before several more went off all around the city, destroying the building and killing almost everyone inside. Given the radius and placement of the explosive, it is almost guaranteed that everyone above the first two floors have been killed.

“I’ve seen blasts like these before in conflicts and uprisings that happened during the fall of the EU, except they were always by a single ordnance, not dozens.” Says the local Security and Defence Force (SDF) commander who wished to remain anonymous. "Whoever did this clearly had experience in planning; we vow to hunt them down with the help of the international community. Whoever did this, we will pay them back in blood.”

Multiple terror groups around the world such as the Red Orchestra in China and Europe Rising have claimed responsibility. A statement released by the former claims:

“We will cut out the cancer that you have forced people to submit to. The will of the people decries the corruption and taint you have spread upon the world with your wicked sins of greed and capitalism for opulence is sinful and we all pay for it. We, the glorious heralds of the Revolution, the Red Orchestra, are the voice and will of the oppressed made manifested! We will liberate Earth and eradicate any trace of your vile taint!”

It is of yet unknown if this group is truly responsible for the attack, only that millions have taken to the streets in Europe in a display of public outrage as security tightens.

With the remains of the European government now crippled and its economy in shambles, the world wonders how the region will react in the wake of this tragedy. The stock market having crashed once again, citizens fear that this is a repeat of the Great Collapse of 2031. The people would have to cope with the aftermath of the attack, even with relief programs underway. Local companies are asking citizens to donate to the victims of the attack. 

Meanwhile, investors say that it is now a time to make use of this tragedy and invest in security and construction to assist in the rebuilding process. Experts say that stocks will become more valuable with vehicles, foodstuffs, and other products expected to see a small increase in the coming weeks. For those who specialise in these industries, it is now your time to shine.

[b]Up next[/b]: Poutine sales reach a record high
HOME, Page A5 >>>>
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Just after he had read the final sentence, the double doors of the entrance folded open, and a younger man in a sharp black business suit walked in. His name tag identified him as Lucas Graham, Adams’ trusted assistant.

“Hit Squad Charlie Nine has reported in, sir. They have successfully taken out the leaders of the suspected insurgent group.” He reported in a voice as sharp as his suit. "The remnants of the group should be in shambles by tomorrow morning.” 

“Excellent. Any casualties?”

“None, sir.”

“Witnesses?”

“Negligible.”

“Good. Tell them that they’ve just added some extra zeroes to their paychecks. Anything else?"

Lucas was silent for a minute. “Poutine, sir?” 

“Not now. Just coffee would be nice.”

“Tim Hortons, I take it?” Tim Hortons was another company that had survived the Collapse, but just barely. The once powerful international fast food chain had been reduced to less than a dozen outlets around its headquarters in Oakville, Ontario. It was functioning at minimum capacity when the Damascus Corporation offered to purchase the business for a few billion dollars. The desperate heads of the food company, seeing no other choice, accepted the offer. Now, the company, just like the country itself, had been returned to its former glory, reopening international branches and dominating the fast food industry once again.

Adams gave a smile at that. “You know me too well, Lucas.” 

As the assistant turned to leave, Adams spoke and called him back. “Oh, and Lucas?”

“Yes, sir?” 

“Tell the DSS to ready up. We may have a new job opportunity.”

“Of course, sir.”

With that, Lucas calmly and politely turned around and walked out the doors, closing them behind him. Lucas gone, Adams went back to reading the news. “Now, let’s see about those poutine sales…”