Look Up Part 1 (23->36k) (Patreon)

(AN: Since Part 2 has started being released I’m releasing part 1 for everyone. Hope you enjoy)

Starlight led Clark down a long hallway lined with framed posters of past Young Americans events, each one showing different iterations of the team posing in front of crowds or shaking hands with sponsors. Clark followed a step behind her, his eyes taking in every detail of the headquarters that now felt incredibly exciting to him.

"This is the main corridor," Starlight began, gesturing with one hand as they walked. "Most of the day-to-day stuff happens along here. Though I doubt you'll go in them much, the offices are for the managers, conference rooms for meetings, that kind of thing."

Clark nodded eagerly, his head whipped around trying to take it all in he was that excited. "Gosh, it's bigger than I expected. How often do you all get out on patrols from here? I mean, with the team based in the Midwest, there must be a lot of calls for help in the smaller towns, right?"

Starlight hesitated for a moment before she answered. "We do some patrols, but it's not every day. A lot of our schedule is booked with appearances, charity galas, school visits, conventions like the one in Kansas City."

Clark's brow furrowed slightly, though he kept his smile in place. He had pictured long nights flying over cities, stopping crimes in progress, rescuing people from burning buildings, yet the reality sounded different. Still, he pushed the disappointment aside. "What about training? Do you folks spend a lot of time practicing together as a team?" He asked. 

"We have scheduled sessions," she replied, turning a corner toward a set of double doors. "But they're usually filmed for behind-the-scenes content or tied to a sponsor event. Horizon Energy likes footage of us using their sports drinks during workouts."

Clark absorbed her words, his excitement dimming just a fraction more . He had trained alone for months in the fields back home, pushing himself so that he could protect people without hesitation, and he had assumed a hero team would focus on the same thing. Instead things seemed kind of weird, like there was this huge focus on doing things in the spotlight. "When you do get out there and help someone directly, like pulling a person from a car wreck or stopping a robbery, how does that feel? That must be the best part, right?"

Starlight glanced at him, her expression softening. "It feels good when it happens, and we do save people sometimes."

Clark walked in silence for a few steps smiling at her answer. The hallway opened into a wider lounge area with comfortable couches and large windows that overlooked the city. Even if things weren't exactly how he pictured it he still wanted to believe that the real hero work still happened behind the scenes, that the events were just one piece of a larger picture.

They continued on, passing a media room filled with lighting equipment and green screens. Starlight pointed out each area as they went, explaining the purpose of the spaces with patience. Clark listened attentively, asking follow-up questions about the team's past missions, the frequency of actual emergencies, and how decisions were made about where to respond. Each answer she gave leaned toward public relations, sponsorship obligations, and ratings, which left him quietly surprised.

At one point, as they paused near a display case filled with trophies and signed memorabilia, Starlight turned to him with a thoughtful look. "Have we met before? You seem really familiar."

Clark felt a jolt of nervousness shoot through him. His eyes widened for a split second, and he quickly scratched the back of his neck, forcing a casual laugh. "Nope, don't think so. I'm just a normal.. super guy... I mean normal man. We probably haven't crossed paths."

She studied him for another moment, then shrugged lightly and let the subject drop. "Maybe you just have one of those faces."

Relief washed over Clark, and he nodded quickly. "Yeah, that must be it."

They moved on until they reached a set of wide glass doors that led into the gymnasium. Starlight pushed them open, revealing a large, well-equipped space with weight machines, mats, and various training apparatus. Inside, Alex was working out alone. He wore only shorts, his upper body bare and glistening with sweat as he loaded plates onto a barbell for bench presses. He noticed them immediately and sat up, grabbing a towel to wipe his face.

"Hey, Annie," he called out, his voice carrying across the room. "Who's the new guy in the fancy suit?"

Starlight smiled and walked closer, with Clark following politely beside her. "Alex, this is Superman. He just joined the team today. Superman, this is Drummer Boy."

Clark extended his hand right away, while giving him a warm smile. "Pleased to meet you, Drummer Boy. I've seen some of your performances on the news. That shockwave thing you do is really something."

Alex stood and shook the offered hand firmly, sizing Clark up as he did so. His grip lingered a second longer than necessary, his eyes flicked over Clark's broad shoulders and fitted suit. A flash of envy crossed his features before he covered it with a confident grin. "Thanks, man. Yeah, I bring the noise. Literally. You'll see once we're out there together. I pretty much carry the team when things get too bad, one time I managed to knock out six bank robbers with a sonic boom."

Clark chuckled good-naturedly, not rising to the boast. "I'm sure you do a lot for the group. I'm excited to learn from everybody."

Alex draped the towel over his shoulder and gestured toward the bench press he had been using. "Speaking of heavy, you look like you hit the gym. Want to join me? Maybe see who can push more? A little friendly competition to welcome you aboard."

Starlight raised her hands immediately "Alex, come on. He just got here. We're on a tour," she said a little exasperatedly. 

Clark shook his head politely. "That's okay, really. I'm not much for lifting big weights in front of folks. I'm not as strong as I look, and I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself on my first day," he said modestly. 

Alex waved off their protests, already adding more plates to the bar until it totaled one ton. "Nah, it'll be fun. Come on, new guy. Show us what you've got. I'll go first so you know the bar."

Starlight sighed and crossed her arms, clearly used to this behavior, but she stepped back to give them space.

Alex lay down on the bench, gripped the bar, and lowered it to his chest with visible strain. His face reddened, veins stood out on his arms, and he pushed with a loud grunt. The bar rose slowly, shaking slightly, until he managed to lock his elbows and rack it with a heavy clang. He sat up breathing hard, flexing for effect. "One ton. Your turn, Superman."

Clark glanced at Starlight apologetically, then moved to the bench. He lay back, gripped the bar, and lifted it off the rack. He didn't want to embarrass his teammate on his first day so he made an effort to keep his true strength hidden, he pretended to struggle right away. His arms trembled dramatically, and he only managed to lower the bar a few inches before he let it stall, grunting as if it were too much. "Whoa, that's heavier than I thought," he said while straining his voice on purpose.

Alex jumped up quickly and helped guide the bar back onto the rack. Once it was secure, he slapped Clark's shoulder in a comradely way—only to wince subtly and shake out his hand when the impact stung his palm against Clark's frame.

"Not bad, man," Alex said, recovering fast. "Getting it off the rack that high on a ton is impressive for a rookie. Hit the gym more often and you might be hitting 900kg easy."

Clark sat up and smiled appreciatively, rubbing his shoulder as if it were sore. "Thanks a lot, Drummer Boy. I appreciate the help... and the welcome."

Starlight stepped forward. "Is your masculine display finished now, Alex?" She said in a dry tone. 

Alex smirked and flexed one arm toward her. "For now, Annie. Gotta keep the standards high for the new blood." He grabbed his towel and headed toward the locker room doors. "I'm hitting the showers. Catch you two later."

The doors swung shut behind him, and Starlight turned to Clark with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry about that. Alex can get competitive, especially with new people."

Clark waved it off right away. "Ahh, don't worry about it. He seems nice enough. Just enthusiastic, that's all. I'm sure he's a good teammate once you get to know him," he said understandingly. 

Starlight gave a small laugh and started walking toward the gym exit, with Clark falling into step beside her. "He can be nice, yeah. Sometimes he's just... annoying," she said. They left the gymnasium and continued down another hallway, passing staff offices and a small medical bay. Clark glanced around, still taking everything in, while his mind replayed the earlier conversation about schedules and events. He wanted to ask more, but he decided to keep the mood lighy, it was his first day after all, and he could always ask these questions later.

After a few moments of quiet walking, Starlight glanced sideways at him. "You were holding back on that lift, weren't you?" She asked.

Clark froze mid-step for an instant, nervousness flooding him again. He scratched the back of his head and let out a soft laugh that sounded a little too forced. "Holding back? No, ma'am. I tried pretty hard there. Guess I need more practice if I'm gonna keep up with folks like Drummer Boy." he laughed. 

Starlight watched his face, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She giggled gently, covering her mouth for a second. "You're really easy to read when you're not telling the truth."

Clark sighed, his shoulders dropping as a sheepish grin spread across his face. "Yeah, I'm not a very good liar. Never have been."

She smiled warmly at him, her voice sweet and encouraging. "I think that's a nice trait."

Clark looked over at her, his own smile growing genuine again. "Thanks, Starligh," he said with a smile before continuing down the hallway with her. Clark felt a growing sense of comfort in her company. She spoke about the various facilities with a nice attitude that at times matched his own. 

After a few more turns, they arrived at another set of double doors with a sign that read "Recreation Lounge." Starlight pushed them open, revealing a spacious room filled with lots of different games. There were pool tables in one corner, a foosball setup nearby, shelves lined with board games, and several large televisions connected to gaming consoles. Comfortable couches and bean bags were scattered throughout the area, and the lighting was softer here, which made the space feel more relaxed compared to the rest of the headquarters.

"This is the games room," Starlight explained, stepping inside with Clark close behind. "Team members come here to unwind though mostly Alex and Mary, you haven't met her yet but she should be around here somewhere."

Clark's eyes lit up as he took in the room, his excitement evident in the way he scanned the consoles and the other games. "Wow, this is swell! We've got a television at home, but Pa mostly watches the news on it. I've played some games at friends' houses, though. Look at all these options!"

He walked over to one of the consoles, picking up a controller with genuine interest and turning it over in his hands. "Do you ever play in here, Starlight? It'd be fun to try a round or two while we're on the tour."

Starlight hesitated, her arms crossing lightly as she glanced toward the screens. "I don't really play video games. My mom always said they weren't good for me. She thought they'd distract from training or appearances, and that they could make someone less focused."

Clark set the controller down gently and turned to her with a lighthearted smile. "I get that. Parents worry about all sorts of things. But a little fun now and then doesn't hurt anybody. It might even help clear the head after a long day. Come on, just one quick game? I promise it'll be enjoyable," he said lightly heartedly

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other with a reluctant expression as she considered it. Clark picked up two controllers, holding one out to her. "We could pick something simple, like a racing game. No big deal, and if it's not your cup of tea, we'll stop right away."

Starlight looked at the offered controller for a moment, then reached out and took it, a small smile forming on her face. "Okay, fine. One game. But don't expect me to be any good at it," she said. 

Clark beamed, his enthusiasm infectious as he powered on the console and selected a racing game from the menu. "That's the spirit! You'll pick it up quick, I bet."

They settled onto a couch side by side, controllers in hand, as the game loaded onto the large screen. Clark chose a straightforward track, explaining the basic controls while the countdown began. The race started, and their vehicles zoomed forward on the virtual circuit. At first, Starlight drove badly, her car barely dtaying in the middle of the track. Clark kept pace beside her, offering tips in a friendly manner. "Try drifting around that corner, it'll give you a boost. Like this, see?"

As the laps progressed, Starlight began to experiment more, accelerating into turns and using the boost features. Her focus intensified, and she leaned forward slightly attempting to lock in. When she overtook Clark on a straightaway, she let out a surprised laugh. "Hey, I passed you!"

Clark chuckled, steering his car to catch up. "You sure did! But not for long!"

The competition grew playful, with both of them nudging ahead at different points. Starlight started trash-talking. "Superman? More like Superslow!"

Clark laughed along, deliberately letting her win a close section before mounting a comeback. "Starlight? More like Starbites the dust!" He said before knocking her car into a spin. 

"Hey!" Starlight exclaimed as she mashed the buttons to try and get her spin under control. They raced through several laps, shouting encouragements and insults as their cars battled for first place. Starlight's hesitation melted away entirely, replaced by genuine enjoyment as she got better with the controls and celebrated whenever she overtook Clark. Clark matched her energy, getting as easily excited as she was. Both of them leaned into the turns together, laughing when their cars bumped or spun out on tricky sections.

The race reached its final lap, with the two cars neck and neck heading into the finish line. Starlight edged ahead at the last moment, but an unexpected obstacle appeared on the track, causing both vehicles to crash in a comedic pile-up just before the end. The screen displayed a shared loss, with neither car crossing the line first.

Clark burst into laughter, setting his controller down as he caught his breath. "Well, shoot! We both lost that one."

Starlight joined in with a laugh as she covered her mouth for a second. "That was ridiculous! How did we both mess up at the exact same time?" She said. 

They continued laughing together. Clark wiped at his eyes, still grinning. "That was a heap of fun, though. Told you you'd get into it," he said nudging her arm. 

Starlight nodded, her cheeks flushed from the excitement. "Yeah, it really was. I haven't laughed like that in a while," she admitted.  

Their laughter was cut off as they were interrupted by the door opening. Victor, Elena, and Donna entered. Victor carried a tablet under his arm, while Elena held a folder, and Donna eyes landed straight on Starlight.

Starlight's laughter stopped immediately, shock crossing her features as she stood up quickly from the couch. "Mom? What are you doing here?"

Clark rose at a slower pace, setting his controller aside neatly and standing politely, though he felt a twinge of confusion at the sudden shift in mood.

Victor stepped forward first, addressing Clark with a professional smile. "Superman, we're ready for you now. We need to go over your schedule for the next few days, including debut preparations and some initial meetings."

Elena nodded in agreement, gesturing toward the door. "Yes, we have a lot to cover. Follow us, please."

Clark glanced back at Starlight for a moment, offering a small wave. "Thanks for the game, Starlight. That was great." He walked over to Victor and Elena, falling into step as they led him out of the room. Starlight moved toward her mother at the same time, her posture straightening as Donna approached her.

The group exited the games room together initially, but Clark, Victor, and Elena branched off down the hallway while Starlight remained behind with Donna. As Clark walked away, his enhanced hearing picked up the conversation that started between mother and daughter once the doors closed.

"Annie, what on earth were you doing wasting time on video games? You know better than that. We've discussed this, those things are distractions, and you can't afford to slack off now that your ratings are finally climbing."

Clark's steps slowed for a fraction of a second, concern etching his features as he heard Starlight's quieter response which was just a simple apology. He forced himself to focus forward, not wanting to eavesdrop further, though he couldn't help but think how unfair it was for Starlight to get shouted at for something so small. .

Victor noticed nothing amiss and continued speaking as they progressed down the corridor. "Your debut is a priority, Superman. We're planning a press conference in two days to introduce you officially as the newest member of the Young Americans. It'll be held here at the headquarters, with select media outlets invited."

Elena added details while flipping through her folder. "We'll script some talking points for you, keep them positive, emphasize your Midwestern roots and commitment to hope. It plays well with the audience."

Clark nodded along though if he was honest this was all getting a bit much. "That sounds fine. Will I be going on patrol as well?" He asked. 

Victor chuckled lightly, tapping his tablet. "Of course, but first things first. Tomorrow morning, you have a meeting with Silver Sentinel himself. He likes to personally welcome new members and discuss team dynamics. It's a tradition."

Elena continued seamlessly. "After that, costume fittings for the official Young Americans variant of your suit, minor adjustments for branding consistency. Then a photo shoot in the afternoon, followed by media training sessions to prepare for interviews."

"Meeting Silver Sentinel will be something else. I've looked up to him for years," Clark said with a wide smile. The man was a legend and also his favourite hair growing up, meeting him is something that he never thought would ever actually happen. 

Victor smiled approvingly. "He'll be impressed with your potential, I'm sure. Everyone we've talked to so far can see how big of a hero you're going to be."

They turned into a conference room with a long table and several chairs, screens mounted on the walls for presentations. Victor gestured for Clark to take a seat while Elena pulled up a digital calendar on one of the screens. "Let's review the full schedule," Victor said, projecting the details. "Day after tomorrow: debut press conference, followed by a meet-and-greet. Next week includes several sponsored appearances—a school assembly, a charity run, and a product launch with Horizon Energy, you'll have to take part in those as you're now part of the Young Americans."

Clark leaned forward attentively. "Will we get to respond to any real emergencies during that time, or will there be another hero on standby?"

Elena exchanged a quick glance with Victor before answering. "Emergencies are handled as they arise, but Vought coordinates responses to ensure safety and proper coverage. Your focus right now is building your public profile."

Clark wasn't really sure what she meant by that, he didn't really get why he needed a public profile to help people. He was sure someone wouldn't turn down help just because he wasn't famous enough, though some people were pretty weird.

Throughout the meeting, Clark remained engaged and cooperative, and tried to keep positive about the whole thing, but it was getting him down a bit that hardly any of the conversation focused on how they would be fighting crime or helping anyone.

After a while the session wrapped up with assignments for Clark to review materials overnight, and promises of more details in the morning. As they concluded, Victor stood and extended his hand. "Welcome again, Superman. This is the start of something big."

Clark shook it firmly with a sincere smile on his face. "Thank you both. I'm ready to get started."

_____________________________________

Vought Tower the home of the seven, the height headquarters of Vought America. A place that embodies truth, justice and the American way. If the American way involved earning a shit ton of money. 

Inside Vought tower Stan Edgar sat at the head of a long mahogany table, reviewing a stack of printed reports. Madelyn Stillwell occupied the seat to his immediate right, a sigh escaping her as she read various analytics on her tablet. Ashley Barrett, the head of PR, fidgeted slightly across from her, her laptop open to dashboards tracking social sentiment and media hits. The legal counsel, an ugly-featured man named Harlan Reed, flipped through a binder labeled "Crisis Response Playbook." Rounding out the group was Victoria Davis from operations and a finance lead named Marcus Hale, who projected quarterly projections onto a wall screen.

The screen cycled through a series of incidents, each one annotated with risk assessments and containment strategies. First up was footage from a low-tier supe named Crimson Thunder, who had accidentally electrocuted a bystander during a promotional event in Atlanta. The clip showed the civilian convulsing on the ground, followed by lawsuit filings and hospital records.

Ashley cleared her throat and pointed at the trending graph. "This one spiked overnight after a TikTok clip went viral. We've got the narrative ready, we will position it as a 'tragic equipment malfunction' during a heroic demo. Offer the family a seven-figure settlement, full NDA, and a scholarship fund in the victim's name. Sentiment should flatten in forty-eight hours with a counter-push on Crimson Biker's charity work."

Harlan nodded without looking up from his binder. "Liability is contained if we move fast. The NDA draft includes perpetual silence clauses, and we've prepped for any whistleblowers from the event staff. Total exposure under five million if no criminal charges stick."

"Acceptable. Ensure the supe undergoes retraining. We can't afford repeat performers. Next." Stan commented without so much as gazing at them. 

The display shifted to a profile on The Deep. Grainy security footage captured him trashing a yacht during an off-hours party, with property damage estimates scrolling alongside. Owners were threatening a public lawsuit, complete with photos of shattered hulls and submerged valuables.

Madelyn leaned forward. "This plays into his 'wild ocean spirit' brand if we spin it right. Frame it as an enthusiastic celebration gone awry perhaps tie it to a product launch for our new energy drink line. Payoff the owners quietly, get them on board as endorsers. It turns a mess into marketing."

Marcus chimed in from the finance side. "Budget impact is minimal. We've allocated fifteen million this quarter for incident cleanups. ROI on the rebrand could net twenty percent uplift in merchandise sales."

Edgar glanced at Harlan. "Legal hurdles?"

"Standard. Bury the footage under DMCA takedowns, secure affidavits from witnesses. No fatalities, so no homicide risks. Full containment within the week."

Edgar nodded. "Proceed. Remind Deep of his contract terms. One more slip, and we revisit his viability as a member of the seven."

The screen transitioned again, this time to a scandal involving Queen Maeve. Paparazzi shots showed her in a heated argument with a civilian activist at a gala, culminating in a shattered champagne flute and minor injuries. Social media dashboards lit up with hashtags like #MaeveMeltdown and plummeting approval ratings in key demographics.

Ashley jumped in quickly. "Optics are bad, but recoverable. It's possible we could push a redemption arc, have her do a series of PSAs on mental health awareness and anger management. We've got influencers ready to pivot the narrative to 'even heroes have tough days.' Settlement with the activist is drafted at one point five million, plus gag order."

Madelyn added her perspective. "It humanizes her, which boosts relatability scores. Tie it to our wellness sponsorships. The public loves a comeback story."

Edgar's expression didn't change. "Humanize without weakening the asset. Monitor her closely. If patterns emerge, we send her upstate again."

The meeting flowed with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine, each problem dissected like a quarterly report. The people in this room had made managing superheroes an exact science. They moved through two more incidents: a mid-level supe named Shockman who had caused a blackout in Seattle during a "controlled" demonstration, leading to emergency service disruptions and potential class-action suits; and another involving Black Mike, whose takedown of a suspect had been captured on bodycam, revealing excessive force that bordered on lethal.

For Shockman, Ashley proposed a "power for good" campaign, redirecting blame to outdated infrastructure while Vought offered free upgrades to affected areas as a PR win.

Black Mikes case drew more scrutiny.

"Footage is contained for now," Harlan said. "But if it leaks, criminal exposure is high. Recommend enhanced surveillance on the asset to prevent escalations."

Edgar absorbed it all. "Assets require maintenance. Surveillance won't matter unless we address the root causes."

As the routine cleanups wrapped, Madelyn steered the conversation toward a fresh item on the agenda. "That brings us to the Kansas City. The tornado footage is resurfacing."

The screen pulled up viral clips: a blurry figure in civilian clothes lifting cars, shielding crowds, even unraveling the storm itself. Comparisons to Homelander flooded the comments, with sentiment graphs showing public adoration spiking.

Ashley tapped her laptop. "At the time he was unlabeled, unregistered, but we are fairly certain that we know who he was."

Edgar set his pen down. "Show me the profile."

Intelligence feeds populated the screen. Audition records from the Young Americans. The name "Superman" flashed in bold. It was a long but from what they saw it was like watching a younger version of Homelander. Which both terrified and excited them in equal measures.

Madelyn spoke carefully. "He auditioned today and was accepted onto the team. However he refused to give civilian ID claiming it to be for his families protection."

Edgar's gaze sharpened. "There is no doubt about it someone internal facilitated this. Compound V doesn't replicate that power set without extensive gene therapy or dna from Homelander himself. I want access logs from the labs, shipment manifests, research archives. Identify the breach."

Harlan nodded. "We'll trace it. If it's an unauthorized experiment, we have protocols for containment... up to termination if needed."

Ashley interjected. "But sir, the optics—"

Edgar cut her off evenly. "Forget the optics. Find who did this."

The room tensed slightly, but Madelyn leaned in. "Stan, before we escalate, consider the upside. This boy isn't a rogue; he's integrated now with one of our groups. He's a Midwest farm boy, the classic gentleman stereotype. Tests show high relatability. If we shape him right, he can become a flagship asset for us. It also gives us an alternative should certain people... act out."

There was a moment of silence after she said that. It was as if everyone expected Homelander to bust through the door and kill all of them for that simple sentence. 

Eventually someone moved, it was Marcus, he went ahead and pulled up the charts. "Conservative estimates could be, fifty million in first-year licensing. Tie him to education initiatives, wellness brands. Low-risk profile means fewer cleanups. That's just based on records of how Homelander did when he was younger."

Edgar listened, his fingers drumming on the table. "He mirrors our primary asset too closely. It doesn't matter what we do with this Superman, until we find out how and who made him the company is at risk. Having someone else with the power of a god is not a good thing."

Madelyn pressed gently. "We can still use it. Homelander's volatility is a growing concern. But this boy is stable, malleable. Position him as a complement... then if needed, a counterbalance. We control the narrative, mold him into what we need. Done right, he prints money while securing the company against deviant assets."

Silence lingered as Edgar weighed it. The screen flickered with profit projections overlaying Clark's audition footage.

Victoria from operations spoke up. "There is one issue... he's under Young Americans. Silver Sentinel will claim him. He won't release an asset like this without a fight."

Edgar's response came without hesitation. "He'll just have to be dealt with."

_____________________________________

Clark sat in a stiff-backed chair in one of the many conference rooms at the Young Americans headquarters in Des Moines. He rubbed his temples with his thumb and forefinger, trying to ease the dull ache that had settled there over the past forty-eight hours. It was a Sunday afternoon and Clark had done nothing that he was excited for. He had arrived two days ago, ready to dive into hero work, but instead, his time had been consumed by an endless parade of meetings, contract signings, merchandise planning, and scripted meet-and-greets with Vought executives and sponsors. He hadn't lifted a finger to save anyone—not a single patrol, not even a training session with the team. The frustration built inside him, but he did his best to be understanding. Back home in Smallville, he had trained for months, pushing his limits to help people, but here, everything felt like a business transaction.

He glanced up from his hands, his blue eyes landing on the mannequin across the room where the design team had unveiled what they called his "official debut suit." The lead designer, a enthusiastic woman named Carla with a clipboard and a pair of stylish glasses perched on her nose, stood beside it, gesturing animatedly. "See? We've taken your original concept and elevated it for maximum appeal. The S emblem stays prominent on the chest, but we've layered it with a rugged leather jacket for that edgy vibe. Leather pants to match, and these biker goggles? They'll pop on camera, give you that mysterious, brooding look. Teen girls will eat it up; our focus groups showed a thirty percent spike in engagement with this aesthetic. You'll be the heartthrob hero of the Midwest!"

Clark stared at the outfit, his frustration deepening into a quiet dismay. The suit was gaudy, overdesigned, with unnecessary zippers and metallic accents that caught the light in a flashy way. The leather jacket hung open, revealing the S symbol embroidered in shiny thread, and the pants looked tight and impractical for a fight. The goggles, perched on the mannequin's head, seemed more like a costume prop than something a real hero would wear. It didn't feel like him at all. Most importantly it didn't feel like the simple, heartfelt suit his Ma had sewn with love, the one that represented hope.

He shifted in his chair, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. "I appreciate the effort, really, but my Ma made the suit I'm wearing now. She put a lot of heart into it, and it's what I want to stick with. It's simple, comfortable, and it means something to me. I don't need all the extras."

Carla exchanged a quick glance with the two assistants flanking her, their expressions shifting from excitement to polite insistence. "We understand the sentimental value, Superman, and that's sweet really, it fits your Midwest-boy charm perfectly. But as part of the Young Americans, your image has to align with the team brand. The logo needs to incorporate our emblem subtly, and this design ensures you're recognizable as one of us. Vought's research shows that unified aesthetics boost team cohesion in public perception by twenty-five percent. Your original suit is great, but for official appearances, we need something that screams 'Young Americans' while still nodding to your style."

Clark shook his head gently. "I get the branding part, but this feels too much. The leather and goggles... it's not who I am. I'm from a farm; I want to look approachable, like someone folks can trust, not like I'm trying to be a rock star. Can't we modify my Ma's suit instead? Add the team patch or something small?"

One of the assistants chimed in, holding up a tablet with mockups. "We've tried variations, but the data doesn't support it. Plain fabrics test lower with the eighteen-to-twenty-four demographic. This version positions you as a aspirational, strong, cool, relatable teen. Think of it as evolution; your mom's design was the foundation, and we're building on it."

They went back and forth like that for what felt like an eternity to Clark, the designers pulling up charts and focus group quotes while he countered. He emphasized how the original suit allowed for better movement during flight. They pushed back with talk of sponsorship deals; leather from a partnering brand, goggles tied to a tech endorsement. Clark's frustration mounted, his fingers drumming lightly on the table, but he kept himself calm, never raising his voice. Finally, after nearly twenty minutes, he sighed and leaned back. "Alright, I'll try it out. Just for a fitting, though. If it doesn't feel right, we revisit this, okay?"

Carla's face lit up with relief. "Perfect! We'll schedule the fitting for your next visit. And before you head out today, Silver Sentinel wants to meet you personally. He's been tied up with some high-level operations, but he insisted on welcoming you before you go back home."

Clark nodded, a spark of genuine excitement cutting through his weariness at the mention of Silver Sentinel. "That sounds good. I've been looking forward to it. Thanks for everything today."

He stood, shaking hands with the team before excusing himself from the room. The hallway outside felt stuffy, Clark rolled his shoulders, feeling the weight of the past two days pressing down. He needed a break, somewhere to clear his head before meeting his personal hero, then having to fly home for school tomorrow. His thoughts drifted to Smallville, to Ma's cooking and Pa's advice, and he decided the recreation lounge would do. It was quiet there, a place to unwind and maybe hang out with the team some more.

He made his way down the corridor and pushed open the doors to the lounge. To his surprise, Starlight—was already there, lounging on one of the couches with a book in her hands. She looked up as he entered, her face brightening with a warm smile. "Superman! Hey, I didn't expect to see you here. How's everything going?"

Clark managed a tired grin and walked over, sinking into the couch opposite her. "Hey, Starlight. It's been... a lot. Meetings all day, every day. Contracts I barely understand, talks about merchandise lines with my face on them, and a bunch of handshakes with folks from sponsors. I thought I'd be out there helping people by now, you know? Flying around, stopping bad guys, making a difference. But it's all just... paperwork."

Annie set her book aside, her expression turning sympathetic as she leaned forward. "I get it. It was the same for me when I first joined. You come in thinking it's all about the hero stuff, but . It can feel overwhelming at first. But hang in there; once you get through the initial stuff, there are moments where you really help people. And you're doing great so far,from what I've seen, you're a natural fit for the team."

Clark appreciated her words, feeling a bit of the tension ease. "Thanks. It's just frustrating, you know? I want to be out there doing good, not sitting in rooms talking about demographics. How do you handle it?"

Before Annie could respond, the door swung open again, and Holy Mary, or Maria to her friends, strode in, her robes swishing around her ankles. She spotted Clark immediately, her eyes lighting up with a flirtatious glint. Clark had met her yesterday during a brief team orientation, where she had been overly friendly, batting her eyelashes and making comments about his "strong, heroic build" that left him blushing and unsure how to respond. Something Starkight had seemed annoyed by it then, her smiles tightening whenever Maria leaned too close to him.

"Well, well, if it isn't our new star," Maria said, her voice lilting as she sauntered over and plopped down next to Clark on the couch, a little closer than necessary. "Superman... You look even more impressive up close."

Clark shifted slightly, offering a polite smile. "Hey, Holy Mary. Good to see you again."

Maria leaned in. "Call me Maria handsome, you're part of the team now..." she purred. 

Annie cleared her throat, her tone a touch more irritated than before. "Maria, we were just talking about how the onboarding process can be a lot."

Maria waved a hand dismissively, her gaze still on Clark. "Oh, he'll be fine. With powers like his, he'll be the face of the team in no time. Bet the girls are already lining up for autographs, hahaha Alex is going to be so jealous."

Clark chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm just here to help folks. Speaking of which, I was thinking... I really want to go out on patrol at least once before I head home. It's Sunday, and I've got school tomorrow, but sitting around all weekend without doing any real hero work feels wrong."

Annie tilted her head, curious. "Patrol? Like, an unscheduled one? Our team usually coordinates those."

Maria grinned mischievously. "Ooh, breaking the rules already? I like it."

Clark leaned forward, his voice dropping to a cheeky whisper, a playful spark in his eyes. "What if we just... snuck out? Quick loop around the city, see if anyone's in trouble. You two in? It'd be fun, and we'd be doing some good."

Annie's eyes widened, hesitation clear on her face. "I don't know... We could get in trouble. Schedules are there for a reason, and if something goes wrong—"

Maria laughed, nudging Annie's arm. "Come on, Annie, live a little! Don't be such a goody-two-shoes. Superman's got the right idea, let's show him how we do things around here. Besides, with our powers, what could go wrong? It'll be our little secret."

Annie bit her lip, glancing between them, but Maria's teasing and Clark's grin wore her down. "Fine, but just a quick one. And we don't tell anyone."

Clark's face lit up. "Deal! Follow me I think I know a way out without tripping alarms."

They slipped out of the lounge quietly, weaving through the less-trafficked hallways until they reached a staff bathroom near the back of the building. Clark checked to make sure the coast was clear, then motioned them inside. The room was small, with a high window cracked open for ventilation.

"Alright, this might be a bit awkward, but I can carry you both," Clark said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Just hold on tight."

Annie nodded, stepping closer, while Maria wrapped her arms around his neck with a wink. "Don't drop me, big guy."

Clark scooped Annie up in one arm and Maria in the other effortlessly. With a gentle push, he floated up and out through the window, the winter air rushing past them as he ascended. They cleared the building in seconds, and he flew them to the rooftop of a nearby skyscraper, setting them down lightly on the surface. The city sprawled out below, lights twinkling in the early evening dusk. Clark breathed in deeply, feeling alive for the first time in days. "There. Free as birds. Ready to patrol?"

Annie adjusted her costume, a small smile breaking through her worry. "Yeah. Let's do this."

Maria clapped her hands. "Lead the way, Superman. Show us what you've got."

They took off together, Clark flying with the girls, scanning the streets for any sign of trouble. For Clark, it was exactly what he had been craving a chance to be the hero he knew wanted to be, even if it meant bending the rules just a little.

"This is amazing!" Holy Mary exclaimed, her voice carrying over the rush of wind as she tilted her head back to feel the breeze. "Flying like this is incredible. You make it look so easy, Superman. I could do this all night."

Clark chuckled as he adjusted his grip to ensure they were secure. "Glad you're enjoying it, Marie. It's one of my favorite parts too... getting up here. How about you, Starlight? You holding up alright?"

Starlight nodded, her eyes scanning the rooftops below with a small smile. "Yeah, it's pretty incredible. A little scary at first, but you've got a good grip."

Holy Mary leaned in closer to Clark, her breath warm against his ear as she shot a sidelong glance at Starlight. "You're going to have to take me up here again big guy, though I don't think Annie will manage, she's scared of heights."

Starlight's smile tightened just a fraction, but she kept herself composed. "I can manage just fine, Maria. I've flown many times in the teams jet, haven't I?

Clark, oblivious to the subtle tension crackling between them, grinned widely as he banked gently to the left, circling over a bustling downtown area. "I'll always be here if any of you need a lift. Teamwork makes everything better. Let's keep our eyes and ears open for anyone who needs help down there. I figure we can cover a good chunk of the city before heading back."

As they glided onward, Clark focused his super-hearing, extending it like an invisible net over the streets below. The sounds flooded in; horns blaring from traffic jams, laughter spilling out from restaurants, the sound of holiday shoppers rushing through stores. But beneath the everyday noise, darker echoes emerged... a muffled scream from an alley, the crash of breaking glass in a distant warehouse, frantic whispers in a parked car suggesting a robbery in progress. His brow furrowed as the incidents piled up—one after another, far more than he had expected in a city that had an active super team defending it.

"Gosh, there's a lot going on down there," Clark said, his voice laced with concern as he slowed their flight to hover above a cluster of buildings. "I just picked up at least five spots where folks might be in trouble. Is Des Moines always this busy with crime?"

Starlight peered down, her expression puzzled as she absorbed his words. "I don't know... We don't usually patrol without a schedule, so I haven't noticed. Vought picks our routes. Maybe it's just a bad night?"

Holy Mary shrugged, her arms still draped casually around Clark's shoulders. "Who cares? More action for us?"

Starlight shot her a Quick Look. "She's right, we're here now, so let's make the most of it. Superman, which one sounds the most urgent?"

Clark nodded appreciatively at her positivity. "That alley down there; I hear a group of guys cornering some women. Sounds bad. Hold on tight we're going in."

He descended swiftly his cape billowing as they dropped toward the alley between two brick buildings in a rundown industrial district. Down below five rough-looking men, armed with bats and knives, had backed three young women against a chain-link fence. One woman clutched her purse tightly, another shielded her friend, and the third raised her hands in plea. The gang leader, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, raised his bat menacingly, poised to strike the nearest woman as he snarled demands for their valuables... and more.

Clark landed with a thud that cracked the pavement, setting Starlight and Holy Mary down gently before stepping forward. "That's enough! Step away from them now."

The gang spun around, startled, but their surprise turned to aggression. "Who the hell are you? Some wannabe Supes? Get lost kids before we make you."

Holy Mary cracked her knuckles as she released a subtle wave of pheromones. "Oh, boys, you really don't want to do this. Why don't you just drop your weapons and walk away? It'll feel so much better."

Two of the thugs blinked, confusion crossing their faces as the pheromones took hold, but the leader shook it off, charging at Clark with his bat swinging. "Shut up, bitch!"

Clark moved in a blur, catching the bat mid-swing with one hand, the wood splintering harmlessly against his palm. He twisted it free and tossed it aside like a twig, then delivered a soft punch to the man's gut, enough to wind him without breaking bones. The leader doubled over, gasping, as Clark turned to the next attacker.

Starlight drew in nearby streetlight electricity, her hands glowing with absorbed energy as she unleashed a focused blast of light, blinding two thugs who lunged at her. "Stay back!" she shouted to the women behind them. The blinded men stumbled, clutching their eyes, and she followed up with a beam that knocked them off their feet, their knives clattering to the ground.

Holy Mary leaped into the fray and easily avoided a slash with a knife. She grabbed the attacker's arm, twisting it behind his back while whispering in his ear, her suggestion power amplified by close proximity. "You feel so tired now, don't you? Just lie down and sleep it off." The man slumped to the pavement, his eyes glazing over as he complied.

The remaining thug, seeing his comrades fall, pulled a gun from his waistband and fired wildly at Clark. The bullets ricocheted off his chest harmlessly, flattening against his suit. Clark advanced calmly, heat vision flickering in his eyes as he melted the gun's barrel with a red beam. "That's not going to work. Give it up." He grabbed the man's neck, lifting him off the ground with one hand and pinning him against the wall until he dropped unconscious from the pressure.

The women, wide-eyed and trembling, huddled together as the danger passed. "Thank you," one whispered, tears streaming down her face. "They were going to... we thought..."

Clark knelt beside them. "You're safe now. It's over." He pulled out his phone and dialed the police, relaying the location and details. "Officers are on their way. They'll take care of these guys."

Starlight moved to the women offering comforting words. "Hey, it's okay. You're strong, you got through this. Do you need water or anything? The police will help with statements, and we'll make sure you're protected."

Holy Mary sidled up to Clark, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she placed a hand on his arm. "That was impressive... Superman. The way you just shrugged off those bullets? Raw power like that... it's attractive. You could take on the whole city if you wanted."

Clark chuckled uneasily, stepping back a pace while keeping his smile up. "Gee... thanks, but it's not about that. Just glad we could help these folks. Team effort, right?"

As the women caught their breath, footsteps echoed from the alley's entrance. Passersby, drawn by the commotion began to gather. First a few curious pedestrians, then more as word spread. Phones came out and people started to video.

"Is that Starlight?" someone called. "And Holy Mary? Oh my God, the Young Americans!"

The crowd swelled, people pushing forward for photos and autographs. "You saved them! That's so awesome!"

Starlight waved modestly, while Holy Mary posed in her saint pose. But eyes soon turned to Clark, the unfamiliar figure in the blue suit with the red cape. "Who's the new guy? He looks so handsome!"

Clark straightened, addressing the growing group with a confident voice. "I'm Superman I'm Just here to help, same as my teammates."

Sirens wailed in the distance, signaling the police's approach. Clark glanced at the thickening crowd, then at his companions. "We should probably get going before this turns into a full event."

Without waiting for protests, he scooped up Starlight in one arm and Holy Mary in the other, the women letting out surprised yelps. "Hold on!"

He launched skyward, the alley shrinking below as the crowd gasped and cheered. Starlight clutched his shoulder tighter. "Whoa! A little warning next time?"

Holy Mary laughed, her earlier flirtation forgotten in the thrill. "That was bold! I love it."

Clark touched down lightly on the rooftop of the skyscraper, the gravel crunching under his boots as he set Starlight and Holy Mary back on solid ground.. He released them gently before he turned to face the two with a wide grin. "We did it! Those women are safe, the bad guys are down, and nobody got hurt. That felt incredible."

Starlight balanced herself, her cheeks flushed from the flight and the fight, a genuine smile breaking across her face as she smoothed her costume. "Yeah, it really did. I haven't felt that rush in... well, forever. You were incredible out there, Superman. The way you just stepped in and handled everything... it was amazing."

Holy Mary flipped her veil back, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she punched the air lightly. "That was epic! I mean, did you see how I dropped that one guy?We're unstoppable! We should celebrate. Come on, let's grab some food. There's this killer burger joint downtown."

Starlight's smile faltered almost immediately, her hand instinctively going to her stomach as she shook her head. "I don't know, Maria... I'm not really hungry. My mom's got me on this strict diet. Maybe another time?"

Holy Mary rolled her eyes playfully, crossing her arms. "Oh, come on, Annie. Live a little! One burger won't kill your figure. Besides, with all that light-zapping you did, you burned like a million calories. Don't be such a buzzkill."

Clark, who had been listening with his head tilted slightly as if tuning into a distant radio, chimed in with a sorry expression. "Actually, I'm not too keen on eating right now either. That was great, but... I can still hear a bunch more trouble down there. There's another mugging starting up a few blocks over, what sounds like a break-in at a store, even a car speeding. We could help more people tonight. What do you say?"

Holy Mary turned to him, her flirtatious grin returning as she stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Aw, Superman, you're all work and no play. Food first, heroics second! It'll recharge us for round two. Don't tell me a big strong guy like you doesn't get hungry after tossing thugs around."

Clark met her gaze with his bright, earnest smile, the kind that lit up his eyes and made his whole face seem open and sincere. He placed his hand over hers gently. "I appreciate that, really, but think about it those people down there, they need help right now. We could make a real difference tonight, show the city what Young Americans can do. Come on, Holy Mary, with your powers, we'd be amazing together. What do you say? One more patrol?"

She hesitated, caught in the sincerity of his expression, then laughed softly, pulling her hand back with a dramatic sigh. "Fine, you win. That smile of yours is dangerous. Let's go play heroes some more."

Starlight's relief was palpable as she nodded eagerly. "I'm in too."

With that, Clark scooped them up again, launching into the night sky with a whoosh that stirred the rooftop air. They patrolled in a wide arc over the city, Clark's super-hearing guiding them like a compass. The first stop was a convenience store robbery in a quiet suburban strip mall. Two masked men had burst in, waving guns and demanding cash from the terrified clerk. Clark descended like a shadow, bursting through the door with Starlight and Holy Mary right behind. He disarmed the first robber with a swift grab, crumpling the gun in his fist, while Starlight absorbed the fluorescent lights overhead and unleashed a dazzling burst that disoriented the second. Holy Mary stepped in, her pheromones filling the air as she suggested, "You boys are feeling so guilty why don't you just sit down and wait for the cops?" The robbers complied meekly, slumping to the floor. The clerk, wide-eyed, stammered thanks as Clark gave a two finger salute. "That was smooth," Starlight said, high-fiving Clark.

The second robbery unfolded at a jewelry store downtown, where a group of three thieves smashed were smash and grabbing. This one ramped up the excitement as the thieves fired shots as the heroes entered, but Clark shielded the girls with his body, the bullets pinging off harmlessly, though both girls were durable enough to handle small calibur bullets. Holy Mary whispered commands that made one thief turn on his partner, while Starlight shot a beam that hit the third.

The car chase came next, a high-speed pursuit through streets after a hit-and-run. Clark heard the screeching tires and police sirens from miles away. He flew ahead, overtaking the fleeing vehicle. Landing in front of it, he planted his feet and stopped the car cold with his hands, the metal crumpling under his grip like foil. 

"You just... stopped a car with your bare hands," Starlight breathed, her voice full of awe as the police arrived. "That was amazing!"

The final stop was an assault in a dimly lit park, where a man harassed a jogger, escalating to violence. This one hit hardest. Clark dove in first, pulling the assailant off with ease and restraining him. 

Starlight comforted the jogger immediately. "You're safe now," she said softly. As they wrapped up, calling in authorities, the girls exchanged looks of happiness. For Starlight, especially, this string of rescues felt like the true purpose she had dreamed of. Meaningful actions that saved lives without scripts or cameras. It was the most hero work either had done in a single day since joining the Young Americans.

But as they lifted off from the park, heading back toward the headquarters, the celebration was cut short. Starlight's phone buzzed in her pocket, followed by Holy Mary's chiming in unison. They exchanged alarmed glances mid-flight.

"Oh no," Starlight muttered, pulling hers out as Clark slowed to hover above a nearby office building rooftop. He set them down gently.

Holy Mary checked her screen, her face paling. "Missed calls from Victor, Elena... and Alex... This isn't good."

Clark landed beside them, concern etching his features as he peered at their phones. "Shoot, I didn't think it'd blow up this fast. How many?"

Starlight scrolled through, her voice trembling slightly. "Eight calls from my manager, texts from my mom too. I'm in so much trouble."

Holy Mary bit her lip, pacing a small circle. "Same here, Victor's furious. What if this messes up my spot on the team? I can't afford a demotion."

Clark stepped forward, his expression resolute as he placed a reassuring hand on Holy Mary's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry. This is my fault I dragged you two into it. I'll take the blame. Tell them I convinced you, that it was my idea from the start."

Starlight shook her head firmly, pocketing her phone. "No way. I agreed to come. It's my responsibility too. We all chose this."

Holy Mary nodded slowly, though worry lingered in her eyes. "Yeah..."

Clark gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before pulling out his own phone, which had started ringing too. "Here, let me handle this. I'll talk to them."

He answered on speakwr. "This is Superman."

Elena's voice crackled through. "Superman? Where are you? We've got reports of unsanctioned activity, what's going on? Are Starlight and Holy Mary with you? This is a breach!"

"We're all here," Clark replied. "We're on a rooftop downtown, just wrapping up. We went out to help some folks, stopped a few crimes. Nobody's hurt."

Victor's voice joined. "This isn't how we operate. Get back here now. All of you."

"Understood," Clark said. "We're on our way."

He hung up, pocketing the phone with a sigh. "Alright, let's head in."

They nodded, and Clark gathered them up once more, flying back to the headquarters under the darkening sky. Upon landing at a side entrance to avoid attention, they were met by a stern-faced staffer who ushered them inside without a word. In a conference room, Elena, Victor, and a few operations leads waited.

"What were you thinking?" Victor started. "Unscheduled patrols? No oversight, no cameras? We could have turned those into gold! Viral hero moments. Instead, it's all off-book, no footage at all."

Elena nodded. "The exposure risk is huge. What if something went wrong?"

Clark noticed how their anger centered not on the risks to people or the team, but on the missed opportunities for content and branding. It struck him as odd. They were heroes right? This was their job, this was part of what bring a hero was. Who cares if the cameras weee on them or not. 

Holy Mary shifted uncomfortably, while Starlight stood straight, her mouth moved to speak but Clark stepped forward. "This was my idea. I convinced them to come."

Victor shook his head. "Silver Sentinel wants to see all of you. Now."

Clark met his gaze firmly. "No. I'll go alone. They were just following my lead. If anyone is going ti be punished it's me."

Elena tried to interject. "Protocol says—"

"I'm sorry but no," Clark interrupted politely. "Let me handle it."

They exchanged glances, unable to push back against him. Victor sighed. "Fine. His office, down the hall."

Clark nodded thanks and exited, walking the short distance to the door marked "Silver Sentinel." He knocked, then entered, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and resolve.

Inside, Silver Sentinel stood by a large window, his massive frame silhouetted against the city lights. The hero turned. He looked at Mark with a neutral expression, one that even with his supervision Clark couldn't see past. "Superman," he said in a deep voice. "Come in. We have much to discuss."

Clark swallowed as he walked in through the door, despite being able to lift a school bus with one hand, Clark felt weak and a little nauseous around the man that had been his hero since he was little. Sweat started pouring down his face and he felt his breath leave his body. 'I can't be this nervous can I?' he thought to himself as he took a seat at the table. 

Silver Sentinel could see his discomfort and turned away from the window and walked over to the table. "Is everything okay Superman?" he asked in a kind voice. "You look a little pale," he said as he moved a little closer. 

Clark wiped the sweat of his brow with his hand while nodding rapidly. "Uhh, sorry... umm, yes I'm fine sir, I think I'm just a little nervous." he said with a sheepish smile. He felt himself get a little more a nauseous as the man came closer. 'Don't throw up. Don't throw up. Don't throw up,' he thought to himself constantly as the hero gave him her once over. 

Eventually, he moved away and Clark felt a little better.  Silver Sentinel then walked over to a table and poured himself a drink he then turned around and gestured to Clark with one of the glasses. "Drink?" He offered. "I'm pretty sure you're under 21, but with no civilian ID on record, you can't be sure," he said with a grin. 

Clark returned the smile though his was a tad more uneasy. "I don't drink sir, but thank you for the offer," he replied. 

Silver Sentinel smiled. "Come on Superman, we are on a team now you don't need to call me sir, call me Silver," he said as he walked over to the table and took a seat. 

Clark smiled wider and nodded. "Okay... thank you Silver," he said a little hesitantly. 

"That's better," Silver said as he took a sip from his drink. He then leaned back in his chair and cross his arms. "Now as much as I'd like to get to know one of my new team members, there are important matters we need to discuss especially in regards to what happened tonight."

Clark sat straighter in the chair, his hands clasped on the table in front of him, trying to steady the slight tremble that still lingered from the nausea. He met Silver Sentinel's gaze as directly as he could, swallowing once before speaking. "About tonight... it was my idea. I talked Starlight and Holy Mary into coming with me. They didn't want to break any rules at first, but I pushed for it. If there's any punishment or consequence, it should fall on me. Please don't let it affect them. They're great teammates, and they only came because I asked."

Silver Sentinel leaned back further in his chair, the silver of his armor catching the light as he regarded Clark with a calm, almost paternal expression. He took another sip from his glass before setting it down with a soft clink. "Relax, Superman. Nobody's in trouble tonight. Not you, not Starlight, not Holy Mary. You think I'd come down hard on new blood for wanting to help people? That's not how I run this team."

Clark blinked, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction. "Really? I mean... thank you. I figured we'd broken some big rule."

Silver Sentinel gave a small, understanding smile. "You did bend a few, but I get it. I really do. There are nights I stand right here at this window and wish I could just fly out and handle whatever comes up. Back when I started, that's how it was. You'd hear a scream, you'd go. Simple. Easy. Sometimes I miss that more than anything."

He paused, his gaze drifting briefly to the city lights beyond the glass. "But things have changed. The world's bigger now. If we go out unscheduled and something goes wrong, if a civilian gets hurt in the crossfire, if property damage spikes, if the wrong clip hits social media, public opinion can turn on a dime. One bad night, and support plummets. Sponsors pull out. Funding dries up. And when funding dries up, we can't keep the lights on, can't keep the team equipped, can't respond to the crises that really matter."

Clark nodded slowly, absorbing the words. "I didn't think about it like that."

"Most new heroes don't, at first," Silver Sentinel continued. "Ratings aren't just numbers on a screen. They're what keep us in the game. If our collective approval drops low enough, Vought starts asking questions about viability and it's possible our team is disbanded. Even one member's dip drags the whole team down."

Clark nodded slowly. "I just don't understand why the cameras matter, we could help so many more people if we didn't have to worry about them."

"I understand what you mean Superman, but broadcasting it is important, perhaps the most important thing. People need to have hope. Knowing heroes exist isn't enough anymore. They need to watch us save the day, feel it in their living rooms. It reminds them the world's not completely broken. We give them something to believe in."

Clark's cheeks warmed with guilt. "I... I didn't realize it affected everyone else that way."

Silver Sentinel leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table. "Exactly but what concerns me more is the team. Tonight you took Starlight and Holy Mary out but Drummer Boy stayed behind. By morning, clips will circulate: 'Where was Drummer Boy when Superman and the girls saved the city?' People talk. They compare him to you and his numbers take a hit because it looks like he doesn't care as much, or isn't pulling his weight. That's not fair to him, and it ripples through the whole team."

Clark's shoulders slumped, genuine remorse filling his voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about Drummer Boy, or how it would look to everyone else. I just wanted to help people right then. I shouldn't have dragged the others into it without considering the team."

Silver Sentinel's expression softened further. "We have hero work down to a careful balance... an exact science, really. Scheduled patrols, coordinated responses, media integration. It maximizes lives saved while minimizing fallout. We can't afford to have a new hero come in and mess that up," he said his eyes turning serious for a moment. "I see real potential in you, Superman. Raw power, sure, but more than that... a good heart. The kind this team needs. But potential only goes so far if it's not channeled with the team in mind."

Clark felt his breath catch, starstruck all over again. Silver Sentinel, the hero he'd idolized since childhood saw potential in him. "I... thank you. That means a lot coming from you. I'll do better. I'll be a team player. I promise. And I'm sorry again for tonight."

Silver Sentinel extended a hand across the table, his grip hard but not crushing when Clark shook it. "Apology accepted. No hard feelings. And between us? You did good work out there tonight. Real good. Lives were saved because you three acted. Just remember to do it properly next time."

Clark managed a grateful smile, the praise warming him despite everything. "I will. Promise." Though shaking his hand made him feel nauseous and sick all over again. 

Silver Sentinel stood, signaling the end of the conversation. "You should probably head home for tonight. You've got school tomorrow, right? And starting this week, it's going to be busy so rest up."

Clark rose as well, nodding. "Yes, sir...I mean, Silver. Thank you for understanding."

They shook hands once more at the door. The moment Silver Sentinel's gauntleted hand closed around his, that strange wave of weakness and nausea washed over Clark again, his knees buckling slightly and his stomach churning. He hid it behind a polite smile, steadying himself until the sensation passed as the hero released his grip.

"Good night, Superman," Silver Sentinel said with a nod.

"Good night," Clark replied, stepping into the hallway and closing the door softly behind him.

Inside the office, alone once more, Silver Sentinel returned to the large window overlooking the city. The lights glittered like distant stars. He pulled a sleek phone from a compartment in his armor, thumbing through contacts until he found the one he wanted. The call connected after two rings.

"It's me," he said quietly, his deep voice stripped of the warmth it had held moments ago. "The crystal ineed more of it."

A pause as he listened to the response on the other end.

"How much for a larger shipment? Enough to last me a year."

Another pause. His jaw tightened.

"That's outrageous. I know it's rare but you can't expect me to pay that much."

Silver Sentinel stared out at the city for a long moment, the reflection of his silver helm superimposed over the skyline. Finally, he exhaled through his nose. "Fine. I'll transfer the payment tonight. Make sure it's discreet."

He ended the call, slipping the phone away. For a long minute he stood in silence, arms crossed, gazing down at the world he had sworn to protect. Then, with a faint, almost imperceptible tightening of his expression, he turned from the window and walked back toward his desk.