Homelander's public statement once again swung public opinion toward Vought International.
His rescue efforts after the terrorist attack had been nearly flawless, lifting his popularity to unprecedented heights. Anything he said now carried weight, and the public had no reason to doubt him.
But Homelander had admitted that Vought International injected infants with Compound V. Whatever the reason, Compound V had never been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so the practice had clearly violated Federation law.
Under pressure from public opinion, the Federal Supreme Court decided to hold a public hearing to investigate Vought International's production and use of Compound V. Members of both parties would attend, and the proceedings would be broadcast live to every citizen.
The terrorist attack and the controversy over Compound V had caused an enormous stir across society. The hearing could not wait. The federal government needed to give the public a satisfactory answer about Compound V and how Vought International would be punished.
The hearing was hastily scheduled for the third day after the terrorist attack.
People followed it closely. They wanted the Federal Supreme Court to reach a fair and lawful decision, but they also wanted to know where the federal government stood on Compound V after the attack.
The day soon arrived.
Before the hearing began, reporters from major media outlets arrived early. Cameras and other equipment filled nearly every corner that wasn't occupied by seats or a main aisle.
It was another important day for the press. Vought International's president, Edgar, had arrived with several senior executives, and every current member of The Seven except Starlight was there.
Dozens of prominent figures from both parties attended on the government's side. The Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and National Security Council had all sent senior