The speech

Starlight gazed up at the sky, where moonlight spilled down.

She took a deep breath, then pressed a hand against her shapely chest. This was how she calmed her nerves.

Unfortunately, it did not work. Still nervous, Starlight stepped onto the podium with trepidation.

Holding the speech Ashley had just thrust into her hands, she first glanced over it.

Formulaic platitudes filled most of the text, and the rest praised the greatness of Vought International.

That was not what Starlight wanted to say. She tossed the speech aside.

She picked up the microphone.

Below the podium, people went about their own business, either chatting up the men and women beside them or lingering over the champagne and pies carried by the servers.

Few looked up to wait for Starlight's address. She was a newcomer who had yet to build a following, so their lack of interest was only natural.

Starlight noticed this too. She moved the microphone close to a nearby speaker.

A piercing screech burst from the microphone.

People called this screech feedback, caused by an electrical feedback loop between the microphone and the speaker.

It was common in conference rooms and during stage sound checks. Now Starlight used it to her advantage, and people covered their ears and stared at the stage in surprise.

Starlight cleared her throat, breathing against the microphone.

"I'm Starlight."

She looked around, feeling everyone's eyes on her. This speaking event in a New York park was actually a faith expo.

A gathering led by Ezekiel that deified Supes.

Besides the guests and drinks, Starlight could see white doves swooping down from the sky.

Before joining Seven Tower, she had revered gatherings like this, believing that was simply how the world worked.

But now, Starlight continued speaking.

"Your faith isn't sacred. Supes are only