Soldier Boy gave an "Oh," took one last drag to finish what little remained of his cigarette, then tossed it to the ground and stamped it out, working out what to say to the reporters.
The officer left standing to one side felt a little awkward, but still asked politely, "May I ask if you've discovered anything here?"
Homelander finally came over. First, he gave the distant cameras a gracious wave, then said, "The phenomenon you mentioned was caused by me."
The military and police officials leading the group were visibly taken aback. Then one exclaimed, "You? How is that possible? They say that thing could even be seen in Canada."
Homelander shrugged and explained, "The facts won't change because you question them."
As he spoke, he beckoned for the reporters to look at him. The gesture instantly drew the cameras away from Soldier Boy and A-Train.
Scarlet light welled up in his eyes, and he fired his Heat Vision into the sky once more.
The rapidly rising temperature around them, the dazzling light that almost seemed solid, and the heart-stopping roar finally convinced them.
The phenomenon seen across the entire Northern Hemisphere really had been Homelander's handiwork.
Everyone stared at Homelander as though he were a monster.
By now, there had been countless analyses of Homelander's various abilities, so Heat Vision was nothing unfamiliar.
But the scale he displayed now once again redefined their understanding.
Soldier Boy stepped in front of the reporters at just the right moment, his face unusually serious.
Maine.
Inside a café, several men and women sat together, watching a television screen.
Soothing music flowed from a vintage speaker in the corner, drifted around the café, and floated out the window.
Outside, a few sparrows perched on a branch, tilting their heads as they