The Supes Are Back in Business

The next day, in the Seven's conference room.

It was a rare day when all the remaining members had gathered together.

Because of a series of recent, unavoidable upheavals at Vought International (Homelander), the members hadn't gathered like this in a long time to happily discuss the work they loved.

They vaguely remembered the last time...

It had been when they'd banded together to save their home (after the Compound V scandal at Vought International broke), chased down a cunning criminal (somehow ended up following Homelander into the sewers), and watched the drama unfold...

No!

It was when their beloved and admirable, extraordinarily brave leader, Homelander, had stood up to protect everyone from the evil forces, only to be buried beneath bricks and rubble by the enemy.

After that incident, A-Train had also left the team for unknown reasons.

So, what was it this time?

Starlight asked her good friend Maeve with a glance.

The queen gave her a look that said, "I'm broken. Do not disturb," then continued leaning back in her chair, physically and mentally exhausted.

"Good, everyone's here."

At the head of the long conference table, Homelander rose elegantly, bathed in sunlight.

His bearing was both noble and brazen. Every move brimmed with irresistible star power, and he naturally drew everyone's attention.

"Everyone here is family to me. Maeve, Black Noir, Starlight..."

When he reached Stormfront, his voice suddenly grew vague, with a hint of reluctance: "And 'Stormfront.' You've always known one thing."

"That's right. I never hide anything from you, so yes, I have a son."

"Oh~ oh~ oh!"

Homelander's signature rhythmic laugh rang out as he pointed at everyone in turn. "I have to say, guys, sometimes I'm jealous of you."

?

Jealous of us!

This was bad. All hands on deck!

Apart from Black Noir, who wore his hood and mask around the clock, making his expression impossible to read, everyone else was nearly dizzy from Homelander's words.

They couldn't help getting nervous, too.

What was he going to do now?

But Homelander soon gave them his reason. "My son Ryan has learned about my past as a hero. He's told me many times—

"Dad, you have a great group of friends. I like them!"

At that, Homelander placed both hands on the table. With a delighted expression, a warning look, and words that meant the opposite of what they seemed to say, he continued, "Ryan likes you all. I think you'll like him too, and give him your most honest advice and enough confidence to approve the script for the personal movie the company's made just for him."

"Right, everyone?"

A movie? For your son?

What a relief. That was all?

Maeve nodded without saying a word.

Stormfront knew all about the private calculations behind the movie, but she nodded silently as well.

Black Noir... let's skip him. Ever since Starlight joined the Seven, she'd never heard him say a single word. She suspected he was mute.

"Starlight?"

"Yes, Homelander. I mean... um, no problem. I've met Ryan. He's very sweet, and I'll help him make the right choice."

"Excellent! Ashley..."

Outside the conference room, Ashley answered with a pained expression and came in.

The first thing she did was admit fault and apologize sincerely. "I'm sorry, sir. I—I know this meeting is important. I shouldn't have brought her up here, but..."

Homelander furrowed his brow slightly and tilted his head, waiting for an explanation.

Ashley didn't need to explain, though. Two crows had already flown in through the door.

"Caw! Caw—"

A string of excited, enthusiastic commentary followed them in. "Everyone! Do you see this? A historic moment! I don't think you've ever seen the Seven's..."

"What? Who said A-Train was interviewed here?"

"When did that happen? Never mind, it doesn't matter. At this very moment, I announce that I've stepped into the Seven's private conference room, bringing you an exclusive livestream from up close with the superheroes..."

"Mitchell, they're all looking at you."

Ryan's voice came from behind the Countess of Crows, cutting off her endless, oblivious excitement.

"Ah!"

Mitchell cried out, then immediately realized that everyone in the room had already turned their attention to her.

Her two little darlings, Cameron and Russell, were also trembling on the floor for some reason, not daring to flap their wings or stir even the slightest breeze.

"Uh, uh... I..."

Ryan was very considerate. "It's all right. Dad already agreed to your livestream. I just haven't had a chance to tell him yet."

After explaining that, Ryan left her to it and turned to face the conference table.

His gaze first met his loving father's.

Then he looked bashful and explained, "Dad, when I found out yesterday that we'd be making a movie together, I was so happy that I found Mitchell to share how I felt."

"Then..."

He paused to give Homelander time to take it in.

Then Ryan's face fell. "I—I think I've gotten into trouble again. Everyone already knows about it, and some of them can't wait to confirm the news."

Meanwhile, the Countess of Crows had casually moved the camera toward the supes.

In an instant, the moment she began to move the camera, before she'd even found the right angle, the superheroes behind the long conference table all changed their demeanor as if by unspoken agreement.

Their previously lax, indifferent, stiff postures were adjusted without exception, right away.

Their backs straightened instinctively, and their faces all broke into the same polished, appropriate, welcoming smiles.

Even Black Noir, whose expression was impossible to read, quietly struck a pose.

Homelander, whose desire to perform was even stronger and who cared more about his public image, even gave the audience a thumbs-up.

Only after the camera finally stopped and captured all their heroic poses did he speak. "You did the right thing, son."

First, he offered his approval; then, with practiced ease, he switched into his public persona. "The whole point of making this movie is to inspire everyone, so that when people face sudden hardship, they can be as resilient as you, confront their difficulties, and never back down!"

"Yeah!"

Ryan was inspired. He straightened his chest at once.

He looked back at Homelander, proud and fervent. "I'll remember, Dad. Never back down!"

"Only..."

"What is it?"

"I have some other ideas about the movie's plot. I talked it over a little with 'them,' and now I don't know if it's right... Oh, sorry."

Ryan left it at that, not telling Homelander outright that he wanted to change the script.

Remember, never say NO to Homelander's face!

When faced with resistance, we should know when to change course and use a few little tricks to work around it.

So Ryan decisively stopped there and turned to the other superheroes instead.

"Dad, shouldn't I get to know them first?"