dkrc Chapter 3 Hello, Homelander
Chapter 3 Hello, Homelander
She was Li Ang's direct superior, the Green Division Chief, Claire Brinett.
Seriously? I was planning to come back, grab the money, and run away. Why is the police chief in his own house?
He was dressed in the standard police uniform, a black and white uniform with a pencil skirt, high heels, black stockings, an open-fronted uniform, and a police badge pinned to his chest.
Li Ang only worked for one day, but he remembered her face vividly.
She was truly beautiful, more beautiful than any woman she had ever seen.
At first glance, she looks rather fierce, with slightly slanted eyes that are a bit of a flaw, but her eyebrows and the overall shape of her face seem to have been carefully arranged.
Instead, it accentuates a sharp beauty, which is very unique and represents two extremes of aesthetics compared to the cookie-cutter "internet celebrity" faces with oval faces, small noses, and big eyes.
She was surprised when she saw Li Ang, but she quickly suppressed that flaw and continued to sit on the bed and talk.
"You're still alive? Officer Li Ang, that's really... unexpected. You're quite lucky."
"Uh, I don't think so at all."
After all, if he had really been lucky, none of this would have happened. After all, out of all the suspects killed in that case, only Li Ang was the defendant.
Claire stood up and took two steps closer to Li Ang. Only then did Li Ang realize that this woman was actually taller than him. After all, the last time he saw her, she was sitting in the director's office.
She suddenly moved close to Li Ang, the two of them only a dozen centimeters apart, a distance from which Li Ang could fall into her arms if he leaned forward.
He said slowly.
"Tell me how you survived. I'll give you 10 minutes."
Li Ang did not answer immediately, but instead pondered the part of his memory about his homeland.
After all, Homelander's current nominal position is that of a "special law enforcement officer" specially appointed by the US government and reporting directly to the Department of Homeland Security and the White House.
Having close ties with many high-ranking government officials, Li Ang was still unsure of his superior's attitude.
He countered with, "Director, what kind of person do you think Homelander is?"
Claire snapped, "Did I give you permission to ask me?"
"Answer me first, then I'll dare to speak."
Claire seemed to sense something, and after only a few seconds of thought, she asked, "Could the plane crash be related to Homelanders?"
Li Ang was somewhat suspicious that the chief, who spoke with a thick New York accent, had guessed the truth so quickly, although the possibility of that was very low.
Li Ang hesitated for a moment, then brainstormed and answered, "Yes."
Claire continued after receiving an affirmative reply.
"With current aircraft technology, crashes are almost impossible. Media reports that the perpetrators hijacked the plane and committed suicide with all the passengers to show off are also illogical. Buying a couple of guns and going to Times Square would be much more efficient. Moreover, Homelander has touted his speed everywhere. According to publicly available intelligence, it is unlikely that Homelander would be too late."
I already had my doubts, but you, a firsthand witness, sneaked back here, mentioning the Homelander but not daring to say it directly. The truth is easy to guess.
Li Ang was truly surprised. He always thought that beautiful women were mostly stupid, especially since there were stereotypes about white women in the United States.
This female bureau chief is a bit too clever.
Li Ang did not respond verbally, but simply nodded to confirm her statement.
She moved on to the next question.
"Then how did you survive? This is the second time I'm asking you this, and you're not allowed to ask me the same question again."
Li Ang mixed a little bit of lies with his story, telling 7% truth and 3% fabrication, recounting the events from the plane crash to his rescue and train journey.
The fact that he had inexplicably been "reborn" was erased.
After hearing this, Claire plopped back down on the bed, seemingly unwilling to stand for long.
Li Ang glanced at his chest; after all, there were two large G-class cars, which he said he could understand.
"Alright, I'll take it as the truth for now. Here you go."
She took Li Ang's bankbook from the drawer he had been rummaging through when he came in and tossed it to him.
He then said, "If you're afraid the Homelander will destroy the evidence, you can take the money and run, but I have other ways."
"What method?"
"I'll take you to see the Homelander."
"ha???"
Li Ang's doubts were evident. After observing him for a long time, Claire, who was sitting on the bed, spoke slowly and deliberately.
"I can help you resolve this."
? ? ? ? ?
Seeing Leon's puzzled expression, Claire took out her own phone and Googled the name "Free Woman".
Then he handed the screen to Li Ang to look at.
Below is the Wikipedia entry.
In 1943, he was among the first superhumans to be created through the Soldier Modification Program and was considered one of the first mutants in human history. He led the U.S. Special Forces "Bastards" to infiltrate Nazi Germany, killing many high-ranking generals and completing a series of major missions. He later died while carrying out a mission to destroy a Nazi Arctic base.
The name of a certain captain flashed through Li Ang's mind.
He looked at the Wikipedia cover and compared the woman's photo in that newspaper screenshot from the last century with the Claire in front of him.
"It reminds me a bit of you."
"What do you mean by 'like'? That's me. I was injected with soldier's serum at 18, fell into deep Arctic ice at 22, was found and rescued four years ago, spent several years in rehabilitation at the military region and unit, and now I've been transferred to the police station as the chief. Do you understand now?"
Li Ang really wanted to come up with a good name for Captain America, but looking at the curvaceous, lightly made-up, and cool and beautiful uniformed woman, he felt something was off.
"But doesn't it say on the document that the libertarian woman is dead?"
"It's just that the people above don't intend to announce it to the public. I'm already past my prime, so it doesn't matter whether ordinary people know or not. I also find it too troublesome to contact the encyclopedia company to make changes."
Claire continued.
"When I first recovered a couple of years ago, Homelander invited me to join his Super Seven, but I declined. He said he admired me a lot, and that for my sake, protecting a lowly police officer like me, an illegal immigrant, wouldn't be a problem?"
There's a lot of information coming at once.
Li Ang was still processing what had happened. His new boss was a former superhero who had been cryogenically revived and knew Homelander, the most famous hero today, and was now going to plead on his behalf.
So here's the question.
Li Ang voiced his doubts. "Then why did you help me? You're such a... um... capable police officer, why would you help me? I basically have nothing left except the little money in this savings account. What are you after?"
"You have asked enough questions. This is the last time I'll answer. The people I know either died in World War II or are too old to stand up."
Just like on the battlefield, officers always bring a few trustworthy veterans with them. I've only been out of the rehabilitation center for a short time and transferred to the police station a few days ago. Now, everyone in the station is a seasoned veteran who's been around for years. I need a few good subordinates to manage.
The story you just told was quite interesting. If you really did survive a plane crash at 8000 feet and make it back to New York, that's impressive, and worth my time to go find Homelander. Even if the negotiations ultimately fail, I have the ability to get you out of there safely.”
After a long and detailed explanation.
Li Ang asked, "And what is the price?"
"The price is that for every day I stay in the police station, you stay in the police station. You do whatever I say. I can withdraw my asylum at any time. If you don't agree, then pack your things and leave New York now, and live in fear for the rest of your life."
After saying that, she turned to leave.
Li Ang was still thinking when Claire was about to open the door and step out with one foot when he quickly grabbed her wrist.
Claire pulled Leon's hand away and said, "What, have you made up your mind?"
"No, even though you told me not to ask, I still have a question. Why are you in my house?"
…………
Claire came because she wanted to build a memorial for Leon, since there were no bodies. The crowdfunding campaign said they would bury one of each deceased person's personal belongings.
Last night, they contacted the police station and Claire learned that her subordinate had also died on the crashed plane.
There wasn't any particular reason, even though she had only met this young man once in the office when she joined the company.
But as a police officer who joined after she took office, she subconsciously considered him one of her own.
Just like during that war, she would personally bury her fallen comrades one by one, even if she had only met them once.
She came here during a break from her patrol at noon today, greeted the landlord, and got the key to enter.
Leon finally agreed to Claire's request, since there was no other way.
Of course, it was just verbal.
If anything were to affect Li Ang's own interests, he could turn against him in an instant.
After all, he's now practically a mutant, possessing the "regeneration" ability from that "white-bearded" Middle Eastern man.
If he hadn't provoked Homelander, a top-tier national force, he would have definitely sought a more proactive solution.
At that moment, a black and white Ford sped through the streets of Brooklyn.
Li Ang sat in the passenger seat as Claire drove him to the World Trade Center Twin Towers in the city center, which in this world was the US headquarters of the Global Mutant Affairs Management Center.
The building is located south of Central Park and north of Times Square.
Homelander, as the agency's special enforcement officer, also has his official office in this building.
As soon as Li Ang and she came downstairs, Claire called her contact at the affairs center to confirm that Homelander was not attending any political rallies, fashion week, film festivals, or any other random events that day.
"Are you sure you can save me? That's Homelander. He killed so many people in front of me."
Leon was still a little uneasy. Would that ruthless Homelander give Claire face?
"How many times have you asked? You're as long-winded as a woman."
Being insulted by a woman is really going too far, but he still wants to ask if taking the initiative to confess to his countryman is really just courting death.
Claire slammed on the gas and replied, "There is a difference in value between people. Among my comrades from back then, one is now the Commander-in-Chief of the European Theater, two others are four-star generals, and one is the Chief of Staff of the Southern Air Force."
Do you think my words carry the weight of someone like you? Since I said I'd help you, it's because I considered it. Do you really think I made this decision so easily, shamelessly? Honestly, your indecisiveness is making me regret helping you.
"Okay, okay, I'll shut up."
Li Ang waved his hand; he was a cautious, or perhaps suspicious, person. He always prepared for the worst, especially after transmigrating to this clearly more dangerous world.
He always felt a little uneasy about letting someone he didn't know very well touch on matters concerning his life.
The car was parked in the underground parking garage under the building, and Leon and Claire walked side by side.
Claire, with her supermodel-like face but dressed in a police uniform, attracted a lot of attention as she walked just a few steps toward the mutant affairs center.
She was indeed exceptionally beautiful; it was hard to imagine that she, a World War II veteran, stood on the battlefield with a face covered in blood and gunshot wounds.
Li Ang's eyes unconsciously drifted to her.
Few young people remember the story of the Free Woman, and Li Ang, who has been here for so long, has never heard of such a person.
According to the encyclopedia, her abilities are nothing more than an enhanced body and strength, with the only special feature being a lifespan longer than that of ordinary people.
In today's world, heroes are no longer a rarity.
Many talent agencies recruit handsome mutants from all over the world, hire drug dealers or street gangs to cause a few minor acts of destruction, arrange for actors to memorize scripts and perform, and find a few "veterans" to shoot videos from a bystander's perspective and upload them to TikTok, mass-producing "heroes" like an assembly line.
Even though Claire, as a free woman, truly saved countless lives and accomplished many legendary missions on the battlefield, she still couldn't compare to those young heroes who knew how to market themselves, make movies, record albums, and hold concerts.
The two quickly arrived at the foot of the building.
Claire took out her police badge (the insignia of American police officers) and approached the front desk of the affairs center, while Leon stood aside, observing the mutant affairs center with great interest.
The lobby was decorated in a minimalist yet luxurious style, much like those of listed financial companies on Wall Street, with a few pieces of art, posters of Homelander and the Superhero Seven, and some popular celebrities.
Homelander, Yellow Lightning, Iceman, Lightning Woman, Supernova...
Claire seemed to have already made arrangements, and beckoned Li Ang over.
The two of them stepped into the elevator together, and Claire pressed the button to go to the 177th floor.
Standing next to Claire, in this small, enclosed space, he suddenly smelled a faint fragrance.
She was even wearing perfume. Li Ang, unsure of his own thoughts, casually asked.
Have you ever been in a relationship?
Claire frowned and turned to look at Li Ang, who had raised the question, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
When the elevator reached its destination and the long wait ended, she said, "You're not my type. I've already explained why I helped you. Don't misunderstand some things." Then she strode out.
Li Ang wasn't embarrassed at all; it's normal for a young man to strike up a conversation with a pretty woman.
I think so?
He then followed, and this floor was clearly the Homelander area, with flags and artwork inspired by him everywhere, from the paintings on the ceiling to the carpets.
Although Li Ang thought it was vulgar, he could tell that the people of his motherland really liked these things.
These are all gifts from fans of the Homeland over the years.
In the United States today, people range from 80-year-old grandmothers to 3-year-old children.
Who hasn't seen a few of Homelander's movies? Who hasn't worn a T-shirt with his picture on it? Maybe not a die-hard fan, but surely someone has admired this "Superman" at some point in their life.
A well-dressed blonde woman in a gray suit with an astonishingly large bust emerged from a room and greeted Leon and Claire in the hallway.
"I am Madeline, the head of the American division of the Mutant Affairs Center, and also Homelander's assistant. I heard that the police chief of the New York City precinct was looking for Homelander, so I immediately dropped everything and came over..."
"No need for formalities, just take me to see my countrymen."
Despite being interrupted by Claire, the woman showed no annoyance, her facial expression perfectly controlled, clearly demonstrating her social genius.
Looking at her breasts, which were comparable to those of a cow, and considering her role as Homelander's assistant, Li Ang couldn't help but think of something.
Did they even replicate that quirk? They haven't forgotten their original intentions even in a different world.
Madeline didn't waste any more words and led the two straight to a tall door at the end of the corridor.
The five-meter-high gate automatically opened when someone entered, revealing a training hall with a ceiling height of over ten meters, filled with all sorts of strangely shaped and enormous equipment, which looked like a place where the Homelanders trained.
At this moment, a man dressed in a red and blue uniform and wearing a classic national flag cape was talking to a dark-skinned man in a yellow uniform on one side of the venue.
"Hey, the person who called you earlier, someone's looking for you."
Surprisingly, Li Ang didn't expect Madeline and Homelander to talk so casually; their relationship was far too good.
Upon hearing this, Homelander patted the man in front of him on the shoulder. Then, with a sound of air exploding, the man in the yellow uniform disappeared, leaving a yellow afterimage in the stadium.
At the same time, a gust of wind swept around Li Ang.
"Yellow Lightning" is the fastest man in the world. He belongs to the Seven Superheroes and is Homelander's partner, although outsiders always say that he treats his teammates like subordinates.
Homelander floated over without touching the ground, and Madeline whispered a few words in his ear before saying goodbye and leaving.
Only Homelander, Leon, and Claire remained in the vast training ground.
Homelander spoke first. "oioioi, I never thought that the Free Woman would one day come to me on her own initiative."
I grew up in a research institute focused on capital; that matter was exposed a long time ago, wasn't it?
Before I awakened my superpowers, I was the smallest and thinnest test subject in the facility. I can still remember the radio programs about the battlefield that they played for us during our training. I loved those stories of heroes, and your story is one of my favorites too.
"You already said these things when we last met. I don't plan to join your current clique. I have something else to discuss with you this time."
Claire supported Leon's back with one hand and pushed him in front of her.
"This child is a survivor of the Airbus 7307A, the one you destroyed the day before yesterday."
After hearing this, Homelander's expression stiffened, and he remained silent for a long time before speaking.
"You're joking, aren't you? First of all, I didn't destroy that plane. I already made it very clear about those hijackers on the show, and besides..."
After carefully examining Li Ang, he said, "I checked the information of everyone on that plane. No one was a mutant. If what you said is true, that's 8000 feet. Don't be ridiculous that this Asian idiot survived."
"That's the truth. He saw every detail of you boarding the plane: four thugs... disemboweling... vomiting... sneak attack... accidental injury..."
Claire recounted the key points of the story Li Ang had told her, and Li Ang hadn't lied when he told her these important parts.
After hearing this, Homelander still smiled, but Li Ang could tell that it was a forced smile. Although he was very strong, his ability to handle situations and control his expressions was far inferior to Madeline, whom he had just met. He was just like an ordinary person.
He smiled at Claire, a flash of red light passing through his eyes.
Claire's expression remained unchanged, even as the scorching ray grazed her cheek and singed the ends of her hair.
Li Ang turned her head and saw that the hot gaze pierced the wall behind her in the distance, leaving scorched marks on the even specially reinforced white wall.
Homelander maintained that forced smile and tried to sound as "relaxed" as possible.
"What do you want, free spirit? If you want to threaten me and take anything from me, I guarantee I'll break every bone in you and this idiot's body. I'll do it myself, and there won't be any accidents."
He deliberately turned to look at Li Ang when he said the last half of the sentence, clearly indicating that he was an unexpected person.
Claire wasn't intimidated at all. She continued...
"I'm here to tell you that this guy knows about the dirty things you've been doing. If I don't tell you, one day you might find out yourself and worry about being exposed, then get angry and come and kill my people, which would be a real problem."
So I'm telling you in advance, I promise Li Ang won't expose your affairs, and you shouldn't cause trouble for me or him, it's that simple.
The man listened silently, and after thinking for a long time, he spoke.
"Freedom Girl, I know you have connections with the military, but I also have a good relationship with the President. Don't overestimate your abilities. You are a hero of the past, but I am a hero of today, a hero of the whole world."
After saying that, the man from the motherland looked at Li Ang again.
Li Ang straightened his back and looked directly at him, but he was still a little afraid that the man's eyes would suddenly turn red, and prayed that he would turn his head away quickly.
What appears to be a negotiation is in reality a desperate plea between two people risking their lives to beg him, who is stronger and more powerful.
The people of the motherland spoke first.
"First of all, I must admit that it was quite unexpected that you dared to contact me first; at least I see your sincerity. Can you guarantee that this guy won't leak it out?"
Claire replied resolutely, "I can."
"What's your relationship with him?"
"Superior, subordinate"
"That's all?"
"That's right."
The three men locked eyes and faced off.
It was the Homelander who took the lead who spoke.
"To be honest, I really wanted to bring you here before, but I didn't expect you to have such poor taste in men. It's ridiculous."
"Alright, I agree to your conditions. After all, you now know that if we're going to kill, we have to kill two. Your identity makes things difficult for me too. Remember your promise. If my cyber team discovers from any corner of the internet that you've leaked this information, no matter how troublesome it is, I will kill both of you. I promise."
After saying that, Homelander slowly floated up and flew to the other side of the training ground, where the ceiling had been modified. He flew directly up to a higher floor.
Seeing him leave, Claire and Leon both breathed a sigh of relief.
Li Ang said in surprise, "I thought you weren't afraid."
"How could that madman not be afraid?"
Claire showed some timidity in front of Leon for the first time, but she quickly composed herself and walked out of the corridor.
"So, he actually has feelings for you."
"After all, I'm very beautiful."
"Hehe, you certainly like to tell the truth. Seriously, before you came, how confident were you?" Li Ang asked with some curiosity.
"Eighty percent."
"Is it that tall?"
"As Homelander said, not only this president, but also previous presidents have been his friends, especially during the campaign period. Ambitious people all over the United States are trying to curry favor with him. Homelander has a huge influence among the people."
You probably don't have the video. While your testimony and eyewitness accounts are important, if the government is even slightly inclined to cover it up, you won't be able to make any waves.
Homelander isn't afraid of dirt on you, but he hates threats. If you don't come looking for him, and he finds out about it himself, you're definitely in deep trouble. You're just a lowly officer, not even a U.S. citizen; you could kill a few and nobody would care.
Li Ang was deeply moved after listening to the long speech.
This America, no, the whole world, is practically a backyard for superheroes like Homelander.
As Li Ang and Claire were in the elevator going up and down, Claire's phone rang. After saying a few words and hanging up, she spoke to Li Ang.
"Let's go, we're dispatching officers."
.........
Madeline put the newly delivered baby bottles into the refrigerator one by one.
Homelander pushed open the door and walked in.
He briefly told the woman he trusted most what had just happened.
Madeline closed the refrigerator door, and said with a hint of surprise, "You didn't kill them both?"
"Oh my god, what do you take me for? I'm not that kind of killer. It was really an accident on the plane. If those idiots had listened to me, shut up, turned off their phones, and waited to sell those unlucky guys after we got off the plane, I wouldn't have killed them all."
"Really? So what does this have to do with your sudden act of mercy? I remember you went to see that woman earlier, but that must have been before I met you, right? Could it be...?"
The people of Homeland were clearly panicked; they were more afraid than if someone had been killed on a plane.
"No, no, no, that's impossible, Madeline. I've never been with any woman since I met you. I really just don't want to kill anyone."
"Besides, they're both police officers, so the woman in the video definitely has connections. Our cyber security department handles countless cases like this. Even if they have video footage, they can use AI and various excuses to fool the public."
"Alright, it's nothing."
Madeline smiled slightly as she took Homelander's hand, letting the world's most famous hero be led around like a child.
The two walked to the bedroom that had been specially converted from the office.
Madeline closed the door, pinning Homelander against the wall, her slender fingers, adorned with purple sequined nail polish, gently brushing against Homelander's blue bodysuit.
"Yesterday, your speech about the plane crash increased your approval rating by another 6 percent. Your acting skills are really getting better and better."
"That...that's what I should do."
Homelander's breathing quickened a little, because Madeline had quietly taken off her blouse while she was speaking.
The giant, pumpkin-sized Boo, like a black hole, captivated the eyes of the Chinese people.
"Every time I see it, I am amazed. Madeline, you are a miracle of God."
"Come on, this is your reward. You can do whatever you want, but..."
Homelander had already gotten the hang of it, but when he heard the word "but," he stopped talking in confusion.
"But what?"
(Homelander's full name is John Homelander)
"John, I've always felt that you are the miracle. Your superpowers are a combination of many mutant abilities. You are so strong and so special. That's why I came to your side, worked for you, and helped you become who you are today."
"Of course I know that, Madeline, may we continue?"
Madeline lovingly cradled the man, who was a head taller than her, and said tenderly, "Are you satisfied now?"
"Of course, I am the most famous hero in the world. Most of the black kids born in South Africa have posters of me all over their homes."
"But you're still just a hero, we're just henchmen for the government right now."
Homelander looked at Madeline; he knew this woman—always so ambitious and energetic.
She had just graduated from university when she went to wait for him outside the press conference of Patriots.
He was already famous then, but not nearly as famous as he is now, especially since his recently filmed biography was criticized by the media as a money-grabbing flop and was bombarded by public opinion.
At first, he thought Madeline was just a fanatic, but after getting to know her better, he realized that she really was.
But her professional skills far surpassed those of everyone he had ever met, as did her charm.
Homelander had to admit that he was completely captivated by Madeline, but the woman was also obsessed with praising him, and since they met, she had only done him good and no harm.
He listened patiently. "What do you want to do?"
Madeline realized that Homelander had once again indulged her plan, and she snuggled into his arms, her voice almost cracking with excitement.
"I'll make you President of the United States!"