"Found him."
It only took a short while for Homelander to lock onto the rooftop of a building in Times Square.
Up there, a device similar to a signal transmission tower had been installed.
On the rooftop were not only two silver-white "Raptor" armors, but also a pitch-black suit of armor with a heavy presence, a classical design, and a cape hanging down its back.
Inside that suit of armor, Homelander saw Jeff.
Although he had found the target, Homelander did not rush to act. After all, the event did not specify a time limit.
Besides, he had another purpose in doing this.
"Based on what I know about the politicians in this country, once they hear that Mr. Z wants 'Zero,' there's no way they won't be interested."
The corner of Homelander's mouth lifted slightly, "If they also want the 'Zero' armor technology, then what comes next should be quite a show."
"In that case, why should I charge in for those politicians?"
"Let them fight it out first. I'll clean up afterward."
"If the Federation can't handle Mr. Z, maybe I can even get something out of it."
"If that's how it goes, then for now, I should be cheering Mr. Z on."
As he spoke, Homelander's eyes shifted slightly, a smile lingering at his lips, "Here they come."
Below him, Homelander saw several drones flying in from the distance. Using the clouds beneath them as cover, they sneakily headed toward Manhattan.
They did not look like combat drones, but they carried the insignia of the Federal Air Force.
Clearly, Manhattan had already alerted the Federation. The military had been stirred.
Moreover, even if they were not combat drones, the mere appearance of the Federal Air Force showed that the Federation was interested in the "Zero" in Arnold's hands.
From the looks of it, the Federation was very likely to clash with Mr. Z for Arnold's sake.
"So the 'Zero' armor technology is that important?"
"Important enough for the Federation to go all out, even without caring whether Manhattan might sink, just to pull Arnold out?"
Homelander clicked his tongue, "Too bad I've already accepted the event. Otherwise, I'd at least help Mr. Z a little and see what kind of technology that 'Zero' really is."
After thinking for a moment, Homelander shook his head again, "Forget it. I'm not interested in science or technology anyway. I'm not Tony Stark."
At this time, those drones had already reached the airspace above the East River. They split up, planning to enter Manhattan from different directions.
Just then, from within Manhattan, a silver streak shot out at incredible speed.
In an instant, it slammed into one of the drones, smashing it to pieces. It was a "Raptor" armor.
The armor raised both hands and fired a miniature missile from each wrist guard.
They clearly locked onto the drones. No matter what evasive maneuvers the drones attempted, they could not shake them off.
Without flares equipped, they were ultimately shot down.
The remaining two drones did not escape destruction either. The "Raptor" armor was too fast and highly maneuverable.
After a few exchanges, the remaining drones fell into the East River and sank beneath the surface.
———
Inside the New York Police Department headquarters, after the feeds in several windows on the large screen went dark, a wave of sighs filled the office.
Police Chief Rowe, who had had his command authority taken away, sipped coffee and ate a doughnut. Watching the grim faces of the Department of Defense personnel, the chief's lips curved upward instead.
After all, it was not every day that you got to see these "elites" looking so troubled.
At that moment, Jersey, Director of the Office of the Department of Defense, walked over. He was a man in his forties, with a receding hairline and thinning hair that did not inspire confidence.
It was clear that this director's position was not an easy one.
Jersey approached and said in a low voice, "Chief Rowe, I want you to call everyone in."
"Then pull up the cameras from all streets, alleys, and every public place in Manhattan."
"I need to know what kind of arrangements Mr. Z has made on Manhattan Island!"
"Also, how many police officers are currently on Manhattan Island?"
———
At the same time—
[Manhattan, Fifteenth Street]
A car was driving along the road.
Inside the car, Edgar glanced out the window, then said to Maeve beside him, "We'll take a helicopter out later, but we need to be careful about interception."
Maeve nodded, "Don't worry, Mr. Edgar. We'll protect you."
Edgar smiled. Just then, his phone rang. He looked at the number, and the CEO's expression shifted slightly.
He then answered the call.
"Good evening, Mr. Secretary."
On the other end of the phone, a man sighed, ["Clearly, this is far from a pleasant evening for me."]
["Edgar, I need you to do me a favor."]
Edgar showed his white teeth in a smile, "The Federation wants 'Zero'?"
["And you?"]
["Even though your Vought has superheroes, I doubt you'd want to miss a chance to take things to the next level, right?"]
Edgar smiled, "You know me well, Mr. Secretary."
"But you also know, I'm a businessman."
"Although 'Zero' sounds mysterious and very tempting, I don't make investments without returns."
The Secretary of Defense chuckled on the other end, ["You're still the same."]
["Don't worry. You won't be working for nothing."]
["We've already persuaded Arnold. He's willing to share the 'Zero' armor technology with the Federation and with your Vought."]
["Of course, that requires your superheroes to get him out of the Empire State Building."]
Edgar looked out the window and said, "It sounds like you've already taken action, but the process hasn't been smooth."
The Secretary of Defense did not answer that directly. Instead he said, ["If you need time to think, I can give you one minute."]
Edgar smiled, "Sharing the technology alone isn't enough. And to be honest, I'm not that interested in armor technology."
"Even if Olga Company is willing to share, we won't be able to surpass them in that field."
The Secretary of Defense laughed lightly, ["How about this. You get Arnold out of Manhattan for me."]
["Besides sharing the technology, I'll consider your proposal to let your superhumans enter the military. How about that?"]
"Then we have a deal," Edgar said with a smile. [T/N: How dumb one can be?]
The Secretary of Defense added, ["Very good. So now we send Homelander to rescue Arnold?"]
Edgar's expression immediately turned a little awkward. Then he said, "For something like this, the other members of the Seven can handle it."
"There's no need to deploy Homelander."
The Secretary of Defense fell silent for a moment, then said, ["So that means Vought really can't control Homelander anymore?"]
["Edgar, after tonight, we need to find time to talk about this."]
Then the call ended.
Edgar lowered the phone, slowly let out a breath, then looked at Maeve, "I need you to go back to the Empire State Building and do something for me."
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