บท 34: [33] : A Ruined Reputation
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....
"Now I can rest easy."
Tek Knight handed over some documents to Roger and said, "These are the dirt on the superheroes you wanted. It's just a portion, but I guarantee each one is explosive enough to make every news outlet go wild like it's a holiday!"
Roger didn't take the documents right away. Instead, he asked, "What about Butcher and Mother's Milk? Did you give them any information?"
"Yes, I gave them some, too. But I can tell they're not your subordinates, right? They seem to have some issues with you."
Tek Knight inquired.
The two members of The Boys who had approached Tek Knight, especially Butcher, didn't hide their intentions. He frequently said things like "Homelander sent me."
If Butcher wasn't fiercely loyal to Homelander, he will definitely trying to use him as a scapegoat, thinking that when Vought found out, they'd trace everything back to Homelander and spark a conflict.
Tek Knight saw through Butcher's scheme but didn't expose him. As long as the aim was against Vought, they were allies, despite any personal issues.
However, Tek Knight did mention this to Roger, to prevent him from being set up by The Boys.
Roger nodded and said, "They aren't friends, more like enemies, but for now, we have a common goal, so it's fine."
"What about later?"
"We'll deal with that when it comes..."
Roger was well aware of Butcher's hatred for Homelander. After their last discussion, Roger abandoned the idea of befriending them. It was impossible. As long as Roger remained Homelander, Butcher would never reconcile with him.
The other members of The Boys might be manageable, but not Butcher. He would never forgive Homelander.
Of course, Roger didn't need Butcher's forgiveness. As long as Butcher didn't cause trouble during this period, the rest could be dealt with later. After Vought fell, who knew if Roger would still be in this world? Who would Butcher then take his anger out on?
"It seems you're aware of the situation, so I won't say more. These files should last you a while. When your plan moves to the next phase, I'll give you the rest."
Tek Knight stretched and stood up.
Roger flipped through a few of the files, then asked, "There don't seem to be any Seven members in here?"
"Of course not. The Seven's dirt is the main course. The main course is always served last."
Tek Knight smiled meaningfully.
...
In Vought Tower's vice president's office, Madelyn reclined in her chair, watching TV.
The broadcast was of the charity event "Samaritan's Embrace." It wasn't yet time for Homelander's appearance; currently, the founder of "Samaritan's Embrace," Ezekiel, was speaking. He could stretch his body parts, and he spoke about superheroes being God's creation, their abilities a part of God's power, attributing all superhuman abilities to God's grace.
Ezekiel was a Christian, and the charity event was under the banner of Christianity, so he frequently mentioned God.
Madelyn didn't comment on Ezekiel's approach; he was acting on Vought's orders. "Samaritan's Embrace" was actually a special organization under Vought. They disguised Compound V as infant vaccines and distributed them to hospitals worldwide annually.
That's how superhumans were created.
So much for divine creation, every superhuman was man-made, including the strongest, Homelander.
"Still some time before Homelander's turn..."
Madelyn checked the time. There wasn't much left until Homelander's appearance. She worried if he would follow her speech notes. But since he hadn't come to discuss it, she assumed it was fine.
The psychiatrist's tests showed some changes in Homelander, but he was still essentially the same. If he had any complaints, he'd have told Madelyn or another board member.
So this charity event should proceed without issues...
Madelyn's thoughts were interrupted by an unexpected scene on the television. Behind Ezekiel, during his fervent speech, the screen displayed an explicit video.
It was Ezekiel with some people.
With men.
Madelyn: "WTF...?"
...
"God gave us these powers to save you! We are all God's children!"
On stage, Ezekiel fervently proclaimed, declaring superhuman identity in God's name. The audience cheered as he extended his arms for a hug. Some prayed silently. Everything seemed normal.
But then, Ezekiel heard gasps from the crowd.
"Oh my God..."
"What is that?"
"I can't believe it..."
The audience's shock stunned Ezekiel. He saw their eyes filled with disbelief and disgust. Unease filled him. He turned to see the screen behind him, almost fainting.
The screen showed a video of him with other men, explicit scenes more suited for certain websites. The crucial point wasn't just the video itself but that his partner was a man!
In a country like the US, where freedom is valued, this wasn't taboo. If Ezekiel wasn't a devout Christian, he might be seen as a victim of a privacy breach, which was illegal.
Unfortunately, Ezekiel was a Christian. His partner being a man, violating both premarital abstinence and same-sex prohibition, meant his reputation was utterly ruined.
A true Christian adheres to precepts against premarital sex and same-sex relationships. Ezekiel violated both. What right did he have to proclaim anything in God's name?
"Turn it off!! Get that footage off the screen!!!"
Panicking, Ezekiel demanded the video be removed. Backstage, chaos ensued. Staff tried but failed to stop the video. Finally, someone cut the power, ending the broadcast.
But the damage was done. The footage was unforgettable, broadcast live on TV and online, making Ezekiel a pariah.
Ezekiel trembled, unable to speak as the audience hurled insults and objects at him.
"Get off!! Get off the stage!!!"
"Sinner!! Get off!!!"
They threw things at Ezekiel. He didn't dodge, letting them hit him.
Seeing this, the Christians wanted to storm the stage and punish him for violating God's laws.
As things spiraled out of control, Homelander, clad in blue and a red-white cape, descended, shouting, "Calm down! Everyone, calm down!! Somebody get Ezekiel off the stage!"
Finding their anchor, staff quickly moved Ezekiel backstage before the crowd could reach him.
Seeing Ezekiel's disheveled state, Roger exhaled and shouted to the Christians, "Everyone, calm down!"
Homelander's presence commanded respect. To Christians, he was God's messenger on Earth, the strongest superhuman, closest to God.
Roger's arrival and call for calm quieted the crowd. They looked up at him expectantly.
Using his super vision, Roger ensured Frenchie and Mother's Milk of The Boys had left before addressing the crowd, "I know you're all angry at being deceived by Ezekiel, but we cannot judge solely based on one video. It might have been altered, or someone might be trying to disrupt this event. Until the truth is known, I ask you all to remain rational and calm. We'll provide an explanation before tonight's event ends."
Roger's reassurance, from a position of righteousness, soothed the Christians. They wanted to confront Ezekiel, but Homelander's words made them hold back.
They didn't trust Ezekiel now but believed in Homelander. If he promised the truth, they believed it would come.
...
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