“...and once again the world can breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to the heroics of the Gray Slayer.”

“And for our next question, we come to the Superhero Code. Lacey, Liam, we’ve had the Code with us for some time now and most nations have finished signing it into law. What are your thoughts on its impact so far?”

“I think it’s been great, Brendan. It’s exactly what our society needs to move forward. And it was wonderful to see such a show of unity from the international community. I believe this is proof that heroes can not only work within the law, but can be better for it.”

“Liam, do you agree?”

“I agree that so far so good. I’m glad to see heroes have not been forced to stop saving the day because of this. But I still have some concerns.”

“Oh? And what might those be?”

“At the end of the day, the Code is a restriction. And I just can’t get behind holding our heroes back. I’m afraid of the consequences of what will happen when a hero is forced to choose between following the Code and saving the day.”

“I think that’s the point though, Liam. Now we have a place to discuss those kinds of concerns. Laws can be amended or even repealed. But it’s only right we have some process in place to adjust in the first place.”

“With respect, I disagree. The thing is, in this case, the costs of getting it wrong are too great. The heroes need to win every fight. The villains only need to win once. So if the heroes fail one day because of the Code? We might not be around to discuss the Code at all.”

“That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?”

“Is it? What if Aurora Legion failed to stop the Atomic Herald because they were holding back? Even one missile goes off and that’s a city gone. What if the ILS loses the fight with the Necrosaurus because they try to bring him in alive? We might all be speaking dinosaur right now. Point is, I don’t like heroes having to think about some piece of paper somewhere when they should focus on saving the day. It’s just one more thing a villain could use to get the upper hand on them.”

“Lacey, what are your thoughts on this?”

“I do admit my colleague has a valid concern, but I feel like he’s underestimating heroes. Having a Code, a standard to strive for, is not such a heavy burden, it might even provide a focus for them to grow even better. Even soldiers in war have codes of conduct and standards for engagement. I don’t think this is any different. And the Code itself isn’t just about what heroes can’t do. It also says what they can do. And now the ILS is more empowered to take decisive action in the situations that warrant. And it’s that give and take, that discussion and compromise, which is what society’s all about.”

“Thanks for your insight, you two. And now we head to the last update for our super segment: the hero formerly known as Icy Swallow returns! Now called the Icy Rose, the young dispenser of justice was seen fighting alongside Aurora Legion as they battled the nefarious Captain Macho Fighter. It is her first public appearance since that fateful day down in Mexico. Lacey, Liam, what are your thoughts?”

“It’s absolutely wonderful, Brendan.”

“Agreed, she took a hard knock there, so I have the highest respect for her getting back on her feet so soon.”

“And it’s great to see her getting so much support from the ILS. Just wonderful to see the hero community banding together like that.”

“I think we all are happy to see her come back like this. What are your thoughts on the new name?”

“I love it. It’s just, she’s really coming into her own. Not just as someone’s sidekick or student, but as a fully-fledged hero in her own right. But also that she’s keeping a bit of what came before. That she’s not forgetting the Falcon entirely, even after what he did to her. I feel like that speaks to just amazing internal strength.”

“Liam?”

“I agree, it definitely suits her. And I feel like Aurora Legion is a great place for her. She’s going to do great things there.”

“I think we all are going to watch her career with great interest. Lacey, Liam, as always, it’s been a pleasure.”

“Thank you, Brendan.”

“Anytime, Brendan.”

“That’s it for our super segment folks. On to politics and global affairs! First off, tensions continue to rise between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China. Our analysts say a confrontation is possible if a diplomatic solution is not found soon. Join us later tonight as GNN consults the experts on how this situation might develop.”

Bob rubbed his chin as he sat in front of his television, eyes on the notepad in front of him. Eventually he nodded, and picked up his phone.

“You have reached Sinn Kwaigno, Director of Placements with Midnight Staffing, how may I help you?”

“Hi Sinn”

“Hi there Bob! What can I do for you today?”

“What’s the status on 185099?”

“Staffing was just approved, I’m putting together a team now, will you be joining in?”

“Yes.”

“Got it, I’ll let Stacey know she’s off the hook for that one then.”

“Does the applicant have any personal staff of her own?”

“Doesn’t look like it, she requested the full package. Any special arrangements we should make?”

“No, a standard complement will do.”

“Got it, should be ready by the end of the week. Anything else I can do for you, Bob?”

“No thank you, that’s plenty. Thanks Sinn.”

“Anytime, Bob!”

Bob walked into the empty auditorium, grabbing one of the smooth, featureless masks by the door. There was a bucket of the things with a sign indicating that they were absolutely mandatory, no exceptions. Normally he wasn’t sure as to why villains were found seeing faces so distasteful, but this time Miss Gabriel Le Blank’s dossier made it fairly apparent.

He walked into the auditorium rented for today, the sound of dozens of conversations slamming his ears. The floor was empty of all furniture or obstructions. Other masked minions stood organized into several squares and rectangles, each with a single minion standing before them. All of them faced a stage with a large projector screen.

All the conversations died down as someone stepped onto the stage.

Bob admitted it, she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen.

She had flowing, golden hair. Large, bright eyes that seemed to light up the room. A face more like a work of art than a real person. A gorgeous figure standing straight and tall, highlighted by her high class white dress that seemed to shimmer as she walked and the coat of fine white fur upon her shoulders.

She strode to the center of the room and cleared her breath.

“Rejoice, you foul peons. For today you join in the most noble and important task of your miserable little lives.”

Miss Le Blank stuck out her chest and pointed to herself.

“You will take your rightful place in serving me, the most beautiful and noble person in this world.”

“You see, I have come to a realization. This world and everything else in it is ugly. Ugly beyond belief. I cannot comprehend how a world such as this is home to one such as I.”

She turned to the screen.

“This is a travesty, so we shall correct it. We shall tear down every foul and ugly thing that dares to share the world with myself, and rebuild it in my image. And it shall be…”

She pressed a button on her remote. An image popped up on the screen. A magnificent castle, towers of pristine white stone piercing to the sky. Highlights of gold and silver that shimmered in the sun yet never felt opulent or excessive. Gleaming walls that were more work of art than military construction.

“...beautiful.”

The castle also floated in the air, resting upon an upside down mountain. In the center of the tallest tower was a crystal sphere, not a single blemish upon its smooth surface.

She wiped a tear from her eye and turned back to the crowd. The image of the castle transitioned to a technical schematic, detailing the inner layout and various systems hidden within.

“So get to work.”

As the minions turned and mumbled to one another, Bob walked to the edge of the stage, meeting Miss Le Blank as she walked down the stairs towards the exit.

“Ma’am.”

“...why have you approached me, minion?”

“Just a question, Ma’am. Do you have any specific duties or allocation of work in mind for us to get started on this project?”

“What? No, obviously not! I should expect an agency as reputable as yours to have basic competence, minion. Do not tell me that you all are so incompetent that I must micromanage every last detail. I would have words with your agency were you to demonstrate such a disappointing showing.”

Bob bowed his head.

“Of course, Ma’am. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

She turned her head up.

“Do not bother me with such trifles again, minion. Now get to work.”

And with that she left the room.

Bob let out a sigh as he turned around. The crowd was milling about, glancing around and conversing with one another. Bob motioned for the lead minions, who came up to him.

“What’s the word from the boss?”

“Handle it.”

“Ah, so the same as usual?”

“Looks like it.”

“In that case, what’s the word, Boss?”

Bob sighed once more.

“Tina will handle finances, start drawing up our budget. Sergei, get the engineers going over Miss Le Blank’s schematics. Get us a list of materials ASAP. George, you’re on HR duty, start setting up the shift schedule. Minh, you’re on acquisitions. As soon as Sergei gets you the list, start looking up sellers. Work with Tina to figure out reasonable figures. Cikizwa, start scouting out alternative methods for anything not reasonable or not on the market. Yuhan will handle security. Chris will take construction, start drawing up a list of suitable locations for now.”

The group gave him a salute.

“Got it, boss!”

Bob nodded.

“All right, let’s get to work.”