[ WP ] `` And that 's why I was forced to create this world . ''

`` It does n't make sense!'' Jack pointed at the report. 
 
 `` What does n't make sense about it?'' Frank eyed him carefully. Jack seemed too interested. 
 
 `` Look, Frank,'' Jack said. `` The numbers on this report show a sharp increase in the stock price precisely 3 days after a hacking incident.'' 
 
 Frank looked from Jack to the report. Somehow, Jack had collected data on all the major hacking incidents for 2012 and 2013. He had overlapped that with stock price data for the company. 
 
 Jack shook his head, and continued. `` Something strange is happening. See?'' He pointed again. `` Each time an incident is reported in the news, our stock price rises almost ten fold. Then it plateaus. This pattern spans both years.'' 
 
 `` So what,'' Frank said. He was getting annoyed. 
 
 `` So,'' Jack said. `` Somehow, I think these two things are linked. Why would the stock price of a mid-level gold acquisitions company skyrocket because of some hacktivism? Especially considering our key demographic is over 60.'' 
 
 Frank frowned. `` Jack, you're obviously stringing together things that do n't exist.'' 
 
 Jack shook his head. `` No I checked with IT and Accounts Payable. It looks like we provisioned some of the hardware used in each attack. Look --'' 
 
 Frank cut him off. `` *Enough*,'' he whispered. He looked at the door. People milled around outside. He walked over and shut the door. 
 
 He turned to Jack. `` Alright, I do n't know what you *think* you know, but I would can that shit right now. Whatever this is,'' he takes the pages from Jack, `` toss it in the garbage. It's wrong. Flatout wrong.'' 
 
 Jack looked at Frank. He knew. His jaw set, he spoke. 
 
 `` Frank, tell me what you did.'' 
 
 Frank sighed. He glared at Jack. `` Son, you're walking a fine line, and if you want to continue working here --'' 
 
 Jack interrupted him. `` Frank, cut the bullshit. Whatever you're doing is most likely illegal. I have a family to feed, and I wo n't be caught up --'' 
 
 Frank yelled at him. `` Do n't talk to me about feeding your family! What the hell do you think we're doing here? You think Gold is worth anything anymore? Absolutely not! We cater to senior citizens because it's what they were raised on. They were raised thinking precious metals was a solid investment. 
 
 Things took a turn Jack, and we were hemorrhaging money. The only thing that motivates people more than money is fear of losing it. So I did what any one would do: I created the demand. Did you happen to check what newspapers run those hacktivism stories? How each time those stories appear, they are initially bare-bones and without technical acuity? They're geared *toward* seniors, to drive up the fear. Which in turn motivates them to buy shares in Gold.'' 
 
 Frank slammed his fist on the table. `` This game has been rigged the entire time! It's not about anything more than putting food on the table. I hired out a bunch of college kids to run small penetration tests on our partners, and in turn our partners get kickbacks! 
 
 I ca n't lose this company, Jack. It's been far too long in the making. I saw us losing money and I had to do something. Fear motivates people to give me money. 
 
 And that's why I was forced to create this world.'' 
 
 Jack reached in his pocket and pulled out a tape recorder. He pressed stop. 
 
 `` That's what I needed to hear.'' He said.
