Gulp.
Ellis swallowed hard.
President of the galaxy?
The promise was so enormous it took his breath away, and so tempting he couldn't refuse.
He had always trusted Homelander's track record blindly. Add his damned political ambition to that, and...
The fear in Ellis's heart vanished. Fervor took its place.
He sprang to his feet and seized Homelander's hand.
"I'm in!"
"Tell me what you need, Anthony. I'll handle Congress. If the budget falls short, I'll print more money!"
"We'll show those alien bastards that humans aren't lambs waiting for slaughter. We're hunters with guns!"
"We'll deal with that later. Right now, we have a more immediate problem."
Homelander glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Tomorrow morning, hold a press conference at the White House."
"Tell the world about the alien invasion, and order everyone around St. Charles, Missouri, to evacuate."
"Tell them so soon?" Ellis hesitated. "It'll cause a panic. Public order could break down..."
"Panic comes from ignorance and helplessness." Homelander smiled confidently.
"This time will be different. I'll be there."
"When people see me standing there, they won't see a reason to panic. They'll see hope."
"They know Homelander will take care of everything."
"And I need you to announce two new policies with me." Homelander leaned close to the president's ear and spoke softly.
Ellis's eyes widened.
He was a Republican, backed by countless corporations and capitalists. The policies Homelander proposed would upend their rules.
"Anthony... this will make a lot of enemies." Ellis hesitated. "Those mad dogs on Wall Street will blow up my phone..."
"Wall Street?"
Homelander turned, a red gleam flashing in his eyes and a contemptuous smile playing on his lips.
"Matthew, right now, do you really think those Wall Street vampires matter?"
Ellis shuddered. He came to his senses at