Unable to bear the intense pressure, Ashley agonized for ages and finally prepared a flawless explanation, only to see Soldier Boy suddenly smile.
That abrupt smile sent a chill through her, inexplicably reminding her of Homelander and his perpetually smiling menace.
Just as the pressure became unbearable and she instinctively reached to yank her hair, Soldier Boy spoke:
"Just kidding. Don't relax. Stay nervous. You can go to the White House. I'm going to explain this to The Seven now."
Ashley let out a long breath, her taut nerves relaxed, and her thick hair was spared.
Homelander shrugged and left the CEO's office first. Soldier Boy followed at an unhurried pace, stepping through the sunlight spilling across the hallway toward the elevator.
Meanwhile, an argument erupted in The Seven's Meeting Room.
A-Train pointed at Stormfront in a rage. "Bitch, who told you to go into a Black neighborhood? Do you fucking realize they're ordinary people? I'm telling Soldier Boy on you."
"Sure, sure. Before you can tell on me, I'll zap you even blacker, you black toad." Stormfront couldn't be bothered to explain. Arcs of electricity flickered around her fingers.
The other superheroes stepped forward to intervene. Kimiko, who was on better terms with A-Train, nudged her younger brother worriedly.
She signed to him, and after watching her, Kenji hurriedly shouted, "Hey! Stop! There's been a misunderstanding!"
Stormfront glared. "You shut the fuck up too, or I'll zap you along with him."
Just as the standoff reached its breaking point, the meeting room doors suddenly opened.
The chaos froze in an instant. Everyone turned to Homelander and Soldier Boy, standing side by side.
Kimiko's hands hung in midair. A-Train froze in his starting stance. Even Stormfront, who had been so overbearing a moment earlier, didn't dare move a muscle, and