Lucian nodded in satisfaction as he watched Sister Sage take the USB drive and get to work.
That was more like it.
An ability like hers should have been used to advance civilization, not wasted on petty schemes that she still couldn't figure out after all that plotting.
He spent less than forty minutes at the research institute, giving all the instructions he needed to. By the time he turned to leave, the twelve researchers had already taken their stations under Sister Sage's direction.
"Contact me immediately if there's any progress," he left them with that before turning and leaving the institute.
Lucian stepped through the alloy door. Early-morning Detroit was still shrouded in a layer of gray mist. He took out his phone and checked the time.
Seven in the morning.
A new message sat on the screen. It was from Ashley.
[Full meeting of the Seven, ten a.m., 99th Floor. Homelander called it personally. Don't be late!!!]
Lucian put his phone away.
Ten o'clock. Plenty of time.
When he stepped into the Seven's conference room, the atmosphere inside was downright strange.
Only a handful of people sat around the enormous circular conference table, making the room feel particularly empty.
Queen Maeve looked dejected and impatient, with unmistakable dark circles beneath her eyes. Clearly, she hadn't rested well. She was probably fighting with her ex-girlfriend again.
Stormfront and Annie sat at opposite ends of the table, as far apart as possible. Stormfront had her arms folded across her chest, a faint, mocking smile on her lips, and undisguised malice in her eyes as she stared at Annie. Annie's face was taut as she faced her without fear, like a young lion ready to strike back at any moment.
Invisible sparks filled the air.
Meanwhile, the Seven's leader, Homelander, stood