The Boys: The Meta-Human

Chapter 9: The Self-Preservation Society

Edited: 5/15/2024

(Annie's POV BEFORE The Boys were burnt)

I walked into the meeting room to see that the others were there. Everything seemed tense, and it scared me.

Annie: "What's going on?"

Homelander turns to me with a fake ass smile on his face. He seems...pissed off about something. I wonder what happened.

Homelander: "I missed you guys. Just wanted to see your smiling faces. Take a seat, buddy."

I took a seat, feeling even more nervous. I felt my heart racing.

Homelander: "And, the truth be known, I felt like we were overdue a little heart-to-heart. A rap session may be a little tough love."

I looked at him confused.

Annie: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Homelander: "It means that lately, some of you have been, eh, a little out of sorts. Erratic. Unreliable. Downright sloppy. Not you, Noir. You've been great."

He points at Black Noir, who just nods his head. He doesn't speak, that's what I've seen.

Homelander: "It is fair to say that I am disappointed. Got to keep your eye on the ball, guys. The enemies are storming the gates. I mean, we're not even The Seven anymore, we're down to five."

I looked at him confused. Five? What does he mean? I know The Deep was kicked out of The Seven, but Translucent was sent on a secret mission. Did they kick him out of The Seven as well? Also, who was the third person to get kicked out?

Homelander: "We're dropping like fucking flies, but at least now I know why."

We looked at him confused before he pulled photos from the computers on the wall. My eyes widened as I saw Hughie and Alex on two of the screens. Why the hell are they up there? Wait...that's Hughie's friend. What are they doing up there?

Annie: "Why...Is this a joke? Why is Hughie and his daughter up there?"

The others looked at me confused, but Homelander looks pissed off.

A-Train: "I don't understand. Who is this guy?"

Homelander: "This guy is Hughie Campbell, we were invited to his wedding a few years back. That is his adoptive daughter, Alex Campbell. Hughie and Starlight are going steady. He's also one of the guys who killed Translucent."

My eyes widened. Wait...killed? I-I thought they sent him on a secret mission!

Annie: "Wait, what?"

Homelander: "As well as blackmailing Mesmer, Ezekiel, Popclaw...and God knows who else."

A-Train: "Popclaw?"

Annie: "No. No, no, no. You...That...that is insane."

Homelaner: "Starlight, sticks, and stones won't break my bones, but words."

He glared at me, and I freaked out. I know NOT to mess with Homelander, and I fear for my job. I can't believe it! They lied to me! Well...actually...Alex and I never really talked to each other, only three times. That one time in the park, then at A-Train's race, then at the church thing. Was she lying about her time in Foster Care?

Annie: "No sir. I'm sorry. I wasn't...it's just, he's not...I mean, why would he do that?"

Homelander: "Good question. A-Train, over to you."

We looked over at A-Train, who looked as confused as the rest of us.

A-Train: "What?"

Homelander: "Oh, boy. That little egg of yours is still scrambled, huh? How about now?"