Tony Stark fell silent.
He had to admit that although Jessica's words were crude, they made a lot of sense.
"You went to Steve?" Tony suddenly asked.
"Yes. He agreed an hour ago."
"That antique is going too?" Tony raised an eyebrow. "Then if I don't go, won't I look heartless? And you want him teaching those kids? God, he'll turn them into Boy Scouts who only know how to salute."
Tony paused, picked up his glass, and swirled it.
"Fine. I'm in."
"But." Tony held up two fingers. "I want 20% of Vought's reality show advertising revenue as my appearance fee."
"Twenty percent?!" Jessica's eyes widened. "Why don't you just rob them?"
"Hey, I'm Tony Stark." Tony flashed an arrogant smile. "Just standing there guarantees ratings. Besides... I'll use the money for Damage Control, specifically to repair the streets we superheroes smash up."
"...Deal." Jessica gritted her teeth.
Three days later, New York, Vought's newly built studio hall.
The top one hundred contestants of Who Is the Next Superhero? had assembled.
The venue's lights turned night into day, while tens of thousands of fans screamed in the freezing wind, waving light boards.
Though Homelander was absent, Vought's teaser about a "mystery guest" had already whetted everyone's appetite.
Backstage.
Jessica Jones wore the brand-new Jewel costume.
A suit of deep-purple tactical light armor paired with a black leather cape retained her personal style while making her look sharp and imposing.
The emblem on her chest had been changed into a dark-gold gemstone in the shape of a V.
She adjusted her breathing and pressed a hand to her chest. The Aether's agitation had been suppressed for now and was temporarily stable.
"Ready?"
Steve Rogers walked over. He wore his classic red, white, and blue uniform, without the mask, but