I'm a Homelander

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***

The familiar office that belonged to Stillwell was literally flooded with sunlight, illuminating the already bright interior. There were no major differences from the old office, though the mini fridge was new. The old one had sort of been left in the previous office, which was downstairs. Now it belonged to Ashley, or rather the new Ashley, since her predecessor had been fired. I wonder if she realises that she was chosen just because of her name so she wouldn't waste time memorising it.

- Sorry, I got held up at Mr Edgar's. - With a panting look the woman entered the office, walking to a chair and sitting down in it.

The deception would have worked, of course, if I hadn't seen her calm gait as she headed this way. What was that even about? Did she think I'd resent her if she didn't hurry to meet me? Although, with a Homelander, such behaviour is preferable, especially if he has no leverage.

- It's all right, since Mr Edgar himself kept you late, I'm not offended. - He smiled indulgently at her, glancing at the woman's changed appearance.

Like any executive, Stillwell was careful about her appearance and dressed to match her status. But that same status did not make her a millionaire who could spend money left and right. No, she was not poor, but she did not dress as well as she does now. As far as I know, she got a big pay rise and then a bonus. So she took advantage of it by having her work clothes custom-made. And I know how to tell the difference between plain fabric and the stuff the supers wear.

- Nice outfit, by the way. - I praised her choice, and I couldn't have done otherwise. That's the kind of person she is.

- Did you notice that? - Madeline smiled, realising what I was talking about from the tone of her voice.

With skills like that, she should be in Stan Edgar's shoes, which he himself approves of. Looks like the old man's tired of working with virtually uncontrollable characters. He worked for WoW back when Soldier Boy was the company's mascot, and an active one at that. So he'd had experience working with the world's strongest super before Homelander, and before me.

- One flaw is the head," I commented, once again running a thoughtful eye over the outfit. - It's not even noticeable. It's almost like Stan's.

- You can't protect yourself from everything when it comes to ordinary people. - The woman grinned, seeming inwardly jealous of the capabilities of people like me.

Why "seemingly"? You can tell just by looking at Maeve, who's not much younger than Stillwell, but looks much younger and fresher. Yes, all women would like to look in their forties and early twenties.

- Can we get right down to business? I still have a meeting and personal business to attend to. - I sighed dramatically, watching her reaction.

- Can't the Seven wait for their leader for at least a few extra minutes? - She answered me irritably, but almost immediately put a fake smile on her face when she realised she hadn't kept her emotions in check.

Well, probably she is really being trained hard for the position of general director, since even in such an informal atmosphere she let out her true emotions, even without any effort on my part. It's a tough job for Madeline, but ambition takes its toll, and often money is not even an afterthought.

- Let me guess, you can't see your son because of the workload? - I assumed, seeing the confirmation in the woman's heavy sigh. - I understand, even though I'm not in the role of a father for that long.

- Well, enough about family matters," she said, giving me a sceptical look. - Yesterday, you and Stormfront caught two super-villains, literally nipping an emerging scandal in the bud. Brilliant work.

- Thank you. - Phlegmatically replied, without specifying the fact that all the dirty work took on himself, while his partner was chilling in the wall of a neighbouring building.

- But that doesn't change the fact that the super-villains did get into town and made some noise," Madeline continued glumly, giving me a strange look. - Don't you find that suspicious?

- Suspicious of what?

- The timing of their appearance, just like last time. - It was almost a direct accusation against me, which even angered me.

- What's your point? Do you really think I'm going to bring terrorists into the city because of a minor scandal? - I let my indignation out, standing up abruptly from my chair. I didn't think she had such a bad opinion of me. Who does she think I am?!

- All right, all right, calm down! - Stillwell looked at me with horror, all squeezed up in her chair, which knocked me out of my negative mood.

Which made me notice the red glow that was reflected on the glass of the cabinet where Stillwell's personal awards and other junk were. The fire in my eyes immediately went out, calming the frightened woman slightly.

- Remember, Stillwell. I'm not crazy that I'm ready to sacrifice lives of ordinary people for such a trifle, which will be forgotten after a week. - I turn to her in a calmer voice and silently walk away, not wanting to look at that fool any longer. What would happen if she said that in front of strangers? As if I had time for such idiotic behaviour now, with all my worries.

Only in the lift I managed to calm down my emotions a little, thinking about the consequences of my irritation. And they were harmless enough, if I'm not mistaken. Still, I didn't overreact and calmed down in time. But still, you shouldn't clash with the future head of Wout, especially if you want to retire normally, in a couple of years. And I don't want to be bothered trying to get rid of the threat I am.- It looks like everyone is gathered, so we can start, - I clapped my hands, attracting everyone's attention, entering the hall. - And yes, I forgot about the elephant in the room. Train-A, congratulations on your recovery. How are you feeling?

- 'Ready to run at the speed of light,' Reggie replied cheerfully, smiling, but then calmed down a bit afterwards. - And thank you, sir.

- It's your credit first and foremost, remember that.

The boy nodded silently, seemingly unsure of what to say. Homelander didn't spoil his team, no wonder they were such indecisive knuckleheads under his leadership.

- By the way, I'd like you to meet our new recruit, Stormfront. And now let's start the meeting," he continued, reaching his chair and sitting down on it. - On the agenda is the film "Dawn of the Seven", so far only the script. We need to make edits that will satisfy all members of the team. Adam, please.

The fat man with the glasses perked up as I turned to him. Next to Brook was the black screenwriter, Seth Reed. As I recall, the man had had an affair with the Snow Queen a few years back. A chill ran down my spine just imagining what happened to his penis after one night with her. Luckily for Wout, the man didn't blame the heroine at all and didn't go to court, even though he could have. There would have been a real scandal, as he would have won. And this is a precedent, after which Vauth would have been hit with accusations and lawsuits like a bucket.

That's the only reason they gave him the whole film, along with a friend. Now we have to see what he's written based on a modern-day subpoena. And unfortunately, there's no other way. There's already plans for a fucking LGBT park, like Disneyland, where Maeve and Starlight will teach kids about tolerance. Why they were chosen for this role, I have no idea.

Meanwhile, Adam started talking about how the film would start. The standard start with Homelander in the foreground and how he caught some Martinez and handcuffed him. Then turning to the team and suggesting that they get together more often, to fight crime, naturally. It was understood that the backstory of these events would not be shown. And this is the Seven's first time working together. Brilliance...

Luckily, the rest of the team was of the same opinion, contrasted with Adam, who exuded incredible enthusiasm. Too bad it was fake, as could be seen from Reed, who didn't share his friend's opinion, but supported it with a strained smile and nods where necessary. Basically the emphasis of this presentation was on my reaction and judgement, which would have worked with a Homelander. But not with me.

- And the powerful music: Haaaaans Ziiiiiiiimmeeeer! - Sung towards the end by Brooke, under awkward stares. - Blackout! Title: Dawn of the Seven!

- Beautiful. I understand that the Raspy Man will be played by an understudy. - I had to interrupt the silence that followed this epochal presentation.

- Yes! Of course. He wants to be voiced by Lin-Manuel Miranda himself! - The director was excited, realising that no one was going to throw rotten tomatoes at him.

- Well, so this way we can use him in the big episodes. - I continued, arousing Adam's bewilderment and the already keen interest of the crew and Reed.

- What?

- Adam, Reed," I looked at the two woeful creators. - I'm flattered by this emphasis on me, but we're making a film about the Seven, not just one Homelander.

Bewildered and even shocked looks were directed at me from everyone but Maeve. She was just smiling, just watching the show. Yeah, well, Homelander didn't want to be in the foreground. Unheard of! Heh, let them get used to it.

- We should flesh out the beginning and add a scene on the water where.... the whale rams the boat so the villain doesn't swim away. Instead of a tree that Martinez bumps into, you could use a Lantern Man to melt the asphalt. Instead of a single car, a couple of jeeps should be used for spectacle. The guards from these jeeps will be dealt with by Queen Maeve together with Marathon, while in the mansion Noir will clean up the mansion. And of course, the villain will manage to get out of there by car, but it will already be Mrevoy inside.

Silence. Yes, it really came out fresher than what was proposed by those who have been working in this field for more than a year. Although, in justification, one could blame it on the Homelander himself for getting them used to it. Still, he had the right to change the script as he pleased, so they did what they always did. I mean, they did what they had to do to please me.

- And you? - Seth, who had come to his senses first, asked the burning question.

- I'm going to come down from heaven and put Martinez in handcuffs," he shrugged, as if he were talking about something unimportant. - And the script should be tweaked. There's too much focus on me, it's not good enough. It should be rewritten so that the focus is on Starlight, as a newcomer, someone the audience can more easily associate with.

- But why? You didn't like the script? - Adam's a little deflated, losing all his enthusiasm.- Adam, it's much more boring to follow the adventures of an invulnerable rock than a fragile-looking girl trying to fit in with a team of legendary heroes," I grinned at Starlight's surprised look. Yeah, you're already playing a major role in a team project before you've even starred in a solo film. - It should not be forgotten that she will have to live up to her predecessor, against the backdrop of another newcomer who will be characterised by self-confidence.

- Wow, so I'm the villain here? - Stormfront was outraged.

- Rival. Don't confuse the terms, dearie. Rivalry is very good for character development and would fit easily into the story. And the women could use a little more human dialogue. So, is anyone okay with this change?

I look around at the people present. Train-A is silent, showing that he's fine with everything. Depth is looking at me with admiration, and Noir is staring at his notebook, where he's starting to draw something. Maeve sips her juice quietly, and Starlight is still digesting what she's heard. Only Stormfront looks disgruntled, but keeps quiet, realising that nothing about my decision will change. Good.

- So you're changing the scenario. We'll meet in a week, I think that will be enough time, - I make a decision, and wait until the director and the scriptwriter leave. - The meeting is over.

After saying goodbye to everyone, I decide to get down to personal business. It's time to start Ryan's training.

***

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