Disclaimer: Due to the widespread corruption of the Net and the major loss of stored data during the four Corporate Wars, most of the information in this article should be taken with a grain of salt. The Fourth Corporate War ended the world as we knew it, leading to civil upheaval, the collapse of nations, megacorporations, and the global economy. Be aware that data retrieved from the Old Net might be significantly corrupted and some facts cannot be consistently corroborated from multiple sources. We protect this information in the hope of shedding some light on those events. Have a good time and hail to the Free Net, friends!

a grain of salt：The phrase "a grain of salt" is an idiomatic expression that means to view or consider something with skepticism or a degree of doubt. It suggests that the information being presented may not be entirely reliable or accurate, and it advises the listener or reader to be cautious and not take it too seriously. It implies that one should exercise critical thinking and not fully trust or accept something at face value. The phrase originates from the ancient Roman author Pliny the Elder, who mentioned taking a grain of salt to lessen the effects of a poison. Over time, the expression has evolved to convey the idea of being skeptical or questioning the validity of a statement, claim, or piece of information.

upheaval: a great change, especially causing or involving much difficulty, activity, or trouble

corroborate: to add proof to an account, statement, idea, etc. with new information

shed light on:?The phrase "shed light on" is an idiomatic expression that means to provide clarification, understanding, or new information about a particular subject or topic. When someone or something "sheds light on" a matter, it means they bring forth knowledge or insights that were previously unclear or unknown, thereby illuminating the situation and making it easier to comprehend. It implies that the information or explanation being offered helps to reveal hidden or obscure aspects, contributing to a better understanding or resolution of a problem, concept, or situation. The phrase is often used metaphorically, suggesting that the information being provided serves as a metaphorical light source that dispels darkness and brings clarity.

hail to:?The phrase "hail to" is an idiomatic expression used to express admiration, respect, or praise for someone or something. It is often used as a form of salutation or acknowledgment to show honor or reverence. When someone says "hail to," they are essentially expressing their appreciation or recognition of the person or thing being hailed.

The phrase "hail to" is commonly associated with formal greetings or tributes. For example, "Hail to the king!" is an expression of respect and homage toward a monarch or leader. Similarly, "Hail to the heroes!" acknowledges and celebrates the bravery or achievements of individuals who are regarded as heroes.

In a broader context, "hail to" can also be used metaphorically to express a high level of praise or admiration. For instance, one might say "Hail to the genius!" to commend someone's exceptional intelligence or innovative ideas.

As the companies gained unfettered access to the world's natural resources, environmental collapse and climate change were inevitable.

——THE COLLAPSE

? The collapse of the old USA was one of the major world events of the twenty-first century. Even if the modern United States— or the New United States, as they are called today—were to reunite with the Free States, it'd still be a totally different country than it was fifty years ago.

（were to + would do，表示與將來事實相反的虛擬語氣）

? We could see signs of the collapse years before it occurred. The first three Corporate Wars, fought between the years 1900 and 2016, strengthened the position of the megacorporations, giving them more authority than most world governments— and the USA was no exception. Affiliations between politicians and corporations ceased to be regarded as conflicts of interest. Rather, they were treated as advantageous in the worlds of big business and politics.

? As the companies gained?access to the world's natural resources, environmental collapse and climate change were inevitable. Acid rain and dust storms caused by extreme deforestation soon became the America's biggest problems.

? Those natural disasters were accompanied by political ones. Thermonuclear war in the Middle East turned that part of the world into a radioactive wasteland, causing a global oil crisis. The US government tried to save itself by covertly manipulating European and American stock markets, but this shortsighted strategy backfired when that news was leaked to the public. Worldwide financial meltdown shook the economies of almost every country on the globe, allowing corporations to gain even more power. Meanwhile in the USA, a coup launched by the Gang of Four— a coalition of government agencies—effectively ended federal democracy. Many states seceded, declaring themselves "free states." That time also marked the emergence of Nomads—a new American social class of migrants in search of water, jobs, and safety from political turmoil. Many cities and towns were deserted. Most sociologists agreed that the Collapse was the worst catastrophe of the twenty-first century.

? And then came the Fourth Corporate War.

covertly: secretly, or in a hidden way

backfire:?"backfire" means that the US government's covert manipulation of stock markets had unintended negative consequences for them. It suggests that their plan to save themselves ended up causing problems or setbacks instead.

When something "backfires," it means that an action or plan has an unexpected and adverse effect or outcome, contrary to what was intended. It implies that the initial intention or strategy not only failed to achieve its desired goal but actually caused additional difficulties or complications. In this case, the government's attempt to manipulate stock markets as a means of self-preservation ended up causing problems for them when the information was leaked to the public, potentially leading to negative repercussions.

financial meltdown:?a financial meltdown refers to a major collapse of the financial system, characterized by a sharp decline in asset values, the failure of financial institutions, and a loss of confidence in the economy. It can lead to recessions, unemployment, stock market crashes, and disruptions in global trade. Governments and central banks intervene to stabilize the system.

coup: a sudden illegal, often violent, taking of government power, especially by part of an army

coalition: the joining together of different political parties or groups for a particular purpose, usually for a limited time, or a government that is formed in this way

secede: to become independent of a country or area of government

01: Sandstorms decimated rural settlements acorss the continent, turning many of them into abandoned ghost towns.

decimate: to kill a large number of something, or to reduce something severely