Chapter 135: The People Have No Voice

[Chapter 135: The People Have No Voice]

If the CBS board had previously been worried about whether Ian Carr could keep delivering big news stories, they now felt completely confident in him.

After all, there were hardly any individuals in the world as audacious as Ian Carr. He truly had no regard for his own safety!

Not only that, but Ian's latest performance alone brought enough glory to the network. It wouldn't be long before CBS announced their collaboration with Ian Carr; although they offered stock at a low cost, it would significantly boost the stock price.

In an effort to keep Ian deeply tied to CBS, everyone had pulled out all the stops. And this was also good news for Ian. It meant he would hold up to 17% of CBS stock, with 42.5% voting power. He had also acquired another 8% of CBS shares on the open market, though that part was ultimately going to be sold.

Ian Carr leaped to become the largest shareholder of CBS. While he hadn't reached complete control, he had certainly gained significant influence. As long as it wasn't a fundamental issue, James Perry and the board wouldn't dare go against him.

For this, Ian would pay $2.576 billion. The 12% of internal stock was financed by Etna Insurance, but the rates were relatively high, amounting to $1.44 billion against a standard of $12 billion, through a loan of $1.5 billion. The market shares were a bit cheaper, with the 8% totaling $896 million, and Lyno Bank providing a $900 million loan.

Additionally, 3% of warrants needed to wait until Ian paid the first amount before they could be purchased, priced according to a market value of $11.2 billion.

CBS had experienced a tough year; in the third quarter, their profits only reached $200 million, and they projected around $800 million for the full year. With a 25% dividend, that accounted for only about $200 million; Ian would only receive the fourth quarter dividend, though it would likely be the highest, expected to be around $60 million.

...

On the day the agreement was signed, a video of Ian bravely confronting criminals was released. CBS shamefully edited it into segments, interspersing a lot of other content, creating a series format out of it.

The same was done with Leyso's footage, which CBS had woven together to construct a story that the public wanted to hear.

---

"I'm Philip Leyso, and I'm the first Butterfly of the Los Angeles Herald, but definitely not the last."

"I'm currently on American Airlines Flight 11, and the man next to me is named Muhammad Atta, who is leading this hijacking. Atta, say a few words to everyone."

A dark, sinister face appeared on the screen, and the young man harshly criticized the actions of Americans.

"Americans are creating wars worldwide, killing innocent people."

"Terrorists? No, we are not! We are sacrificing ourselves for our faith to wage a holy war!"

"All of this is the consequence that you Americans deserve!"

The young man boldly declared as he stepped into the cockpit of the plane, shutting the cabin door behind him, leaving even Leyso outside.

...

Leyso didn't care; he merely sat with his camera, gazing at the passengers on the plane.

His expression was painful because he was the only one who knew there was no chance anyone would survive this hijacking. But he couldn't speak up; failing this mission wasn't an option.

This brought anxiety to him, and he whispered to the camera, "I have AIDS and am about to die. I won't fear or resent whatever happens next, I can embrace it."

"But I still want to say that the people on the plane are innocent; if possible, I hope you won't hurt them."

A few terrorists in the cabin simply chuckled.

As long as he didn't resist, they could say whatever they wanted. In some sense, the more passive his spirit became, the happier they felt.

Leyso continued, "Before I die, I want to say something to a friend."

He looked directly at the camera and said sincerely, "I know you are watching; thank you for the support you've given me during this time. You've given me a new life. But now I suddenly feel I should give you a piece of advice."

"We always chase... chasing fame and fortune, trying to manipulate our own fates and those of others."

"But regardless of where we end up, we will ultimately all die."

"I suddenly realize that death is actually the best gift humanity receives, as it is so fair and does not change based on anyone's identity."

"Because of death, human greed has a limit."

"Because of death, human evil has an end."

"Because of death, human life has meaning."

"Because of death, human existence shines."

As he said this, Leyso chuckled softly, "I hope one day you also understand this. All those achievements are illusions; some of life's beauties lie above that."

"I don't expect you to understand this immediately, but as you walk the path of chasing money, I hope you can remember my words."

"I am the Butterfly."

"I am your friend."

"Today could perhaps be my last day but will also be the most radiant and brilliant of my life."

"With you along the way, with me."

"Leyso will leave, but the Butterfly will never fade!"

After delivering those words, he turned the camera towards the window, where the plane was descending slowly... approaching the city below and the distant buildings.

Then, the screen went dark.

...

Watching this unfold, Ian closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh, "Philip... my friend."

Beside him, James Perry was exuberant, "He did brilliantly! What such stirring words... He will bring countless tears from so many, and they will watch this report over and over again. Ian, you handled the thrilling fight scenes while he provided the emotional punch; you two truly are a perfect golden duo."

Hearing such a morally bankrupt remark, Ian smirked, "Has anyone ever told you that you're a real piece of work, James Perry?"

James froze for a moment and then burst out laughing, "Your conscience just appreciated, huh? But it's alright, I know it'll fall again. As for what you said, no one has ever remarked that about me... The people have no voice; the voice is in our hands, so we say what it is!"

He embraced Ian warmly, "I'm a bastard, and so are you, Ian Carr!"

Ian nodded slightly, "You're right; we're both bastards, the bastards with a voice!"

In this dark world, only bastards could thrive better.

They were all bastards, all fallen, all scum.

They were the most disgusting maggots in this world, the greatest scourge of it.

So... they would eventually leave a legacy of harm for millennia!

Looking at that dark screen, Ian murmured, "Sorry, Philip, my good buddy... the storm never stops, and the Butterfly never dies!

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.