บท 23: Transition
V News Segment: Breaking Report
(The camera fades in on a somber newsroom. The anchor, a woman in her mid-40s, is sitting behind a sleek desk, her expression composed but carrying the weight of the story she's about to share. Her voice is steady and filled with gravity.)
"Good evening. We begin tonight's broadcast with tragic and shocking news. Penélope Vought, the beloved CEO of Vought International, has been found dead in what authorities are calling a suspected assassination."
"The world mourns the loss of a visionary leader, known for her tireless efforts in revolutionizing the medical industry—not through cutting-edge advancements, but by providing affordable healthcare to millions of people around the globe."
(The screen transitions to footage of Penélope Vought at various events, opening clinics in low-income communities, shaking hands with healthcare workers, and attending charity fundraisers. The anchor continues.)
"Penélope Vought dedicated her life to making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of wealth or status."
"Under her leadership, Vought International became a leader in providing affordable medicine and medical care, offering hope to those who had been previously left behind by the system. Her passing leaves a deep void, not only in the business world but in the hearts of millions who benefited from her work."
(The camera cuts back to the anchor, her face reflecting the gravity of the situation as she listens to her earpiece. She looks slightly startled as new information comes in.)
"We're receiving breaking news at this very moment. Vought International is set to hold a debriefing in just a few minutes, addressing the public on what comes next for the company in the wake of Penélope Vought's tragic death. We will take you there live."
(The screen switches to a live feed from Vought International's headquarters. A podium stands in front of a large Vought International logo. Reporters and cameras are focused on the stage as tension fills the air.)
( After a few moments, a red-haired woman steps forward—Ashley Vogelbaum, a name unfamiliar to many, but now thrust into the spotlight.)
[IMAGE]
(Ashley Vogelbaum stands tall, exuding a calm confidence. She takes a moment to scan the room before speaking clearly into the microphone.)
"Ladies and gentlemen, employees, and partners of Vought International.
Today, we mourn the loss of Penélope Vought, a woman who dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Her work in making healthcare affordable to all will never be forgotten. But as much as we grieve, we must also look to the future."
(Her voice grows stronger, resonating with determination.)
"Vought International will not falter. We will honor Penélope's legacy by continuing to fight for the ideals she held so dearly. We will ensure that her vision of accessible and affordable healthcare remains at the heart of this company. Penélope may be gone, but her dreams live on through us."
(The screen shifts to a split shot showing Ashley speaking at the podium on one side and an image of Ashley standing alongside a young, blonde Niklaus Vought near the wreckage of what appears to be a private plane—the very one that had carried Penélope Vought)
"As Ashley Vogelbaum steps into the leadership role at Vought International, many questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Penélope Vought's death. Authorities have yet to release any concrete details regarding the suspected assassination, though sources indicate that a full investigation is underway."
(The anchor's tone shifts to one of cautious optimism as she addresses the camera again.)
"With the torch now passed to Ashley Vogelbaum, Vought International is in a state of transition. Her name may not be widely known yet, but in the coming days, the world will no doubt become more familiar with the woman set to carry on the Vought legacy."
(The screen transitions to a new image: a woman with striking red hair, standing tall and confident beside a blonde boy , Niklaus Vought who looks no older than 15. They are near the charred wreckage of the private jet)
(The camera fades out as the broadcast moves on to the next segment.)
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"We need to expand, and we need to do it fast,at a rate never seen before" Niklaus said, his tone firm as he sat behind his desk.
"The public is still processing Penélope's death, and that makes it the perfect time to move. I want you to start setting up schools across the country under her name. Frame it as a tribute—affordable education, helping the underprivileged. You know the kind of narrative that works."
Ashley nodded, her expression focused. Niklaus's gaze sharpened as he continued.
"But behind all of that, we'll be identifying kids with good compatibility for Compound V. We need ones with potential to develop useful abilities. That's the future of this company."
Ashley remained silent for a moment, absorbing his words. Niklaus leaned back in his chair, his voice slightly softer but no less commanding.
"And, Ashley, I want you to make your public debut as a superhero. The public needs to start getting used to seeing more heroes, not just Homelander. We're going to be sponsoring entire teams soon, and they need to get comfortable with that idea."
Ashley's eyes showed a flicker of hesitation, but she nodded again. Niklaus could see her reluctance and added, "Your real work will stay in the shadows, as usual. We've got certain organizations to eliminate, threats that could hinder our plans. That's still your focus. The public debut? It's just another part of the strategy."
Ashley's face hardened with determination as Niklaus stood up and moved toward the large window overlooking the city. He stared at the skyline for a moment, his hands clasped behind his back.
"For now," he said quietly, almost to himself, "I'll be looking into myself."
He paused before adding, his voice carrying a hint of finality, "Homelander can rest for a few days."
Ashley stood there, taking it all in as Niklaus remained facing the city, lost in thought.
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