In that moment, countless people like Toomes, struggling at the edge of the abyss, were pulled back by an invisible hand.
Online, talk of Homelander swept across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and every trending list.
Alert! Popularity Points +152223! Alert! Popularity Points +125252! Alert! Popularity Points +148520! Alert! Popularity Points +...
Popularity Points surged in staggering numbers, wave after wave washing over Homelander's senses.
The feeling was more intoxicating than the strongest liquor.
Every cheer, every word of praise, could become real power at a single thought.
Homelander hovered above New York, closed his eyes, and drew a deep breath, as though he could inhale the whole world's adoration.
"A perfect performance."
He murmured the words to himself, then vanished in a blur. As the sonic boom faded, he landed on a platform atop Vought Tower.
Back in Homelander's office.
The scent of sex still lingered in the air, but Jessica was gone.
"Miss Jones has left, sir."
Skynet's voice came from beside the desk. She was tidying the wrecked office herself, still dressed in her black-and-white business attire, though her neckline seemed to have slipped a little lower.
"She also took the Macallan 64 from your liquor cabinet on her way out and left a message."
"If you don't take her along to beat up that damn planet, she'll sell Vought the moment you leave Earth. She hasn't stepped down as Vought's CEO."
"Heh. Let her." Homelander smiled faintly.
"The guest calling himself 'Nick Fury' has been waiting in the reception room for an hour."
"Let him wait."
Homelander walked to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of milk.
"Finish cleaning up the office first."
"As you wish, sir."
Skynet stepped forward and rested a slender hand on Homelander's shoulder. She leaned in until her