Translucent's Funeral

Translucent's death was a devastating blow to Vought International.

With Lamplighter's retirement, The Seven had only just welcomed a new member, Starlight. Now Translucent was dead, and the team would have to change its lineup again.

So many changes in such a short time forced Vought International to consider how much the public would tolerate. If the string of disruptions shook people's trust in the company, its credibility would suffer.

The effects would show up everywhere, from the company's stock price to sales of its merchandise.

Of course, that was the worst-case scenario.

Handled properly, Translucent's death could instead become a perfect marketing opportunity. His new film, Invisible Force 2, was about to be released. A well-timed appeal to nostalgia could make it a smash hit, with box-office returns far above expectations.

Turning the situation to their advantage would test Vought International's marketing skills.

After a meeting of its executives, the company decided not only to announce Translucent's death but also to hold an extravagant funeral for him.

They would spare no expense. Every citizen in the country needed to hear about it.

But before the funeral, there was work to do.

During prime-time evening slots on the major broadcast platforms, Vought International announced Translucent's death and said it would hold a funeral and memorial for him that Saturday. The company also promised to give the public a satisfactory explanation for his death at the funeral.

The news caused an uproar.

Saturday soon arrived, and Translucent's funeral went ahead as scheduled.

Millions poured into the streets. Crowds packed San Andreas, and some companies had even given their employees the day off so they could attend the memorial.

People sang praises for Translucent of their own accord. Some raised banners reading "Translucent Lives Forever in Our Hearts" and "Unseen but