New York Streets
A reporter stood in Times Square, a giant screen flashing Superman news. "Viewers, social media's ablaze with Superman! Last night, this hero saved lives across the globe. We've got eyewitnesses."
The camera cut to a young mother, eyes teary. "He saved my daughter… We were trapped on the 23rd floor, smoke everywhere. He broke the glass, standing like a shadow. He carried us down, steady as steel."
"What's Superman like?" the reporter asked.
"A hero," she said. "Without him, Sophia and I would be dead."
In Seoul, a businessman gestured wildly. "The truck was coming—I was done for! Then boom, he stopped it like a wall! The driver was paralyzed, but he just patted the hood, said 'check your brakes' in Korean, and left!"
In a Middle East camp, an elder knelt, quickly helped up. "Shells stopped in the sky! His cape flared like eagle wings, soldiers' guns twisted like pretzels. The kids call him almalak—angel."
At the Eiffel Tower, a backpacker showed his video. "Look! He caught my bag so fast my camera blurred! I asked his name, he smiled and said 'Superman.' No effects—my phone's an old Nokia!"
Virginia, Senator Stern's Villa
Stern stabbed his fork into an egg, yolk splattering a Washington Post photo of James at a fire scene. He tossed the paper, dialing. "Find out if this Superman's the guy with Stark! Now!"
His aide stammered, "Sir, S.H.I.E.L.D. locked down his file, but the armor and sightings match 99%. Stark Industries' stock surged 200% on alien tech rumors."
Stern crushed his coffee mug. "Damn superhumans. The hearing's tomorrow—contact Hammer. Change plans. Pressure Stark now!"
His TV played Tony's interview. "Superman? My buddy. Great guy, just drinks all my wine," Tony said, smirking.
"Fuck!" Stern hurled the remote.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Meeting Room
Fury's eye fixed on satellite footage of James in Antarctica. Coulson reported, "Over 200 crises resolved globally, no casualties. Videos are sparking panic. The Council wants control."
Fury snorted. "Control a guy who stops trucks barehanded?"
He tossed files. "Worry about our own—Pierce met Blue Marvel. Hydra's poaching."
Alarms blared, screens flashing red. An agent shouted, "Sir! Anomalous energy—Superman's approaching New York at Mach 60!"
Fury grabbed his coat. "Good. Let's show the world what 'uncontrollable' really means."
Stark Tower Rooftop
James landed, armor's golden lines glinting in the sunset. Inside, Tony lounged with wine, holograms showing Superman news.
"Enjoy playing messiah?" Tony teased. "Saved 42 countries in one night, fixed an Antarctic generator. They're putting you on the Penguin Protection badge."
James deactivated his armor, grabbing a water glass. "Penguins?"
He chuckled. "Send Stern a crate. Might lower his blood pressure."
Tony laughed, tossing him keys. "Got you a villa on Long Island's North Shore. Three floors, private beach, lead-lined basement per your specs. No clue why you need X-ray proofing—hiding kryptonite?"
"Keeping out nosy one-eyed spies," James said, fingering the "S" keychain. "Thanks."
Tony sipped his wine, serious. "Stern's teamed with Hammer Industries. They're moving."
"Let them try," James's eyes flashed gold.
He faced the window, New York's lights flowing below. "I'll be at the hearing. Dressed sharp."
Tony raised his glass. "Need effects? Like crashing through the Senate roof?"
"No need," James said, stepping onto the balcony, wind tugging his coat. "They'll learn…" His smile turned dangerous. "Regulation's just humans dreaming they can leash a god."
He became a black meteor, streaking into the night.
Long Island Villa
Waves lapped the private dock, moonlight bathing the sleek white villa. James landed in the courtyard, armor shimmering as sensor lights traced his path.
The walnut door opened, smart systems activating. Soft lights spilled from hidden slots, illuminating a six-meter-high living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the Atlantic, waves glittering silver.
"Welcome home, sir," the AI butler said, adjusting the temperature to 22°C. An electronic fireplace flickered orange.
James tapped the "S" on his chest; the armor retracted into a wristwatch. His black combat gear gleamed on marble floors. A bottle of '82 Lafite sat on the kitchen island with Tony's note:
[Better than your frost breath for this view. TS]
James chuckled, grabbing a glass and heading to the window. The minimalist villa—black, white, gray with gold accents—exuded quiet luxury. A floating staircase led to a master bedroom with a king-size bed facing the ocean, curtains parting for the view.
The basement elevator revealed a Stark-level training facility: alloy range, gravity simulator, holographic combat system, and a micro-sun array for his energy needs.
At the edge, he pressed a button. A glass wall lowered, unveiling an infinity pool stretching to the sea, its thermochromic tiles glowing blue under moonlight.
James stripped to swim, water gliding over his chiseled frame. As he turned at the pool's end, the villa's lights shifted to star mode, the ceiling projecting a galaxy blending with the real stars outside.
"Not bad," he said, leaning on the pool's edge, wine's aroma mingling with sea breeze. The AI played soft piano notes.
For the first time, Superman had a home worthy of him.