A few scattered claps sounded through the room. Most came from staff being polite; the reporters were busy adjusting their cameras.
Yongye stepped up to the podium and braced both hands on it. He leaned toward the microphone and blew into it, producing a piercing squeal that made several reporters in the front row wince.
"Hello, everyone."
"I'm Yongye, the new President of the Eye Society."
"Don't applaud, don't applaud." He waved a hand. "I know plenty of you are thinking... Where the hell did this guy come from? What gives him the right to sit in that chair?"
A few awkward laughs came from the audience.
"It's simple." Yongye grinned as if he had just stolen the keys to a Kryptonian mothership. "The people you picked... can't beat the Kryptonians. And they can't beat me."
He stared straight into the lenses, singling out every camera broadcasting live.
"Starting today, I set the boundaries for every Superhero, every superpowered person, and every weirdo flying around the streets in a costume. Cross the line, and I'll fine you. Refuse to listen, and I'll beat you down."
"I'll be the strictest father every Superhero has ever had!"
"Of course, if Aliens attack, I'll be first into the fight. Unlike certain people, I don't spend my time skulking in dark alleys playing cat and mouse with a Joker."
He put heavy emphasis on "dark alleys" and "Joker," a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Quick-witted reporters were already scribbling "possible jab at Batman" in their notebooks.
Yongye raised a hand to quiet them. "All right, enough pleasantries. Let's get to the point... the change in negotiators."
He turned and beckoned to Five-Star General Mark Lonsdale, who stood below the stage. "General Lonsdale, come on up."
General Lonsdale walked onto the stage, ramrod straight