Chapter 124: Mallory’s Shock
The corner of Mallory’s mouth lifted slightly in a brief, knowing smile.
That was the exact question she had been waiting for.
"As a researcher, you were once highly valued by Edgar. That experience alone makes you useful.
And you understand Vought’s experiments. Compound V, their R&D process, their technical weaknesses.
In someone else’s hands, that knowledge might be worthless. In ours, it could become a weapon."
She took a step forward, lowered her voice, and said, "For example, a weapon that can suppress Supes, maybe even kill them. You’re an expert in that field, aren’t you?
And if I remember right, you know biology pretty damn well too. Could you develop a biological weapon capable of killing Homelander or Soldier Boy? A virus, for instance."
Sameer’s heartbeat sped up.
A weapon that could suppress or kill Supes. Or a virus.
The more Sameer heard, the more alarmed he became.
These people weren’t just talking shit. They were serious.
They had organization, intelligence, resources, equipment, clear targets, and a concrete plan of action.
They weren’t trying to take down some single Supe.
They were going after Vought Corporation itself.
Soldier Boy included. Homelander included. That massive monster controlling the most powerful Supe force in the world included.
These people had balls.
So much that even he, someone who had once worked in Vought’s most central department, felt his scalp prickle.
"After what Vought did to you, after the way Soldier Boy humiliated you," Mallory said, seeing that Sameer was still hesitating. Her voice suddenly turned cold. "You’re telling me you don’t want revenge?"
She gave him no room to breathe and pressed harder.
"And then there’s Neuman. Neuman is on Vought’s side now. She’s clearly chosen Vought’s camp and is meddling in this country’s political affairs on Vought’s behalf.
You used to be part of Vought. You know better than anyone what it means when a Supe corporation sticks its hand into Congress.
That is a terrifying fucking thing. Supes cannot be allowed to rule this country, or everything goes to hell.
Your daughter, Zoe. What kind of world is she going to grow up in?
A world ruled by Supes, or a normal one?
That choice is in your hands now."
Sameer’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
Mallory had brought up Zoe, and that struck exactly where it hurt.
His daughter’s young face flashed through his mind, along with those eyes that looked exactly like Neuman’s.
If Neuman had really thrown herself completely behind Vought, if Soldier Boy and Homelander were truly using Neuman to manipulate Congress, then what would become of Zoe?
Even if they never actually did it, they still had the power to.
Would Neuman eventually become a piece in Vought Corporation’s political game?
Would those lunatics use her as a tool?
He wavered, his expression shifting again and again under the light.
Fear and anger fought inside him, while reason and impulse pulled him in opposite directions.
He wasn’t someone like Butcher. He didn’t have that vicious streak, that willingness to risk everything and damn the consequences.
He was just a researcher.
Seeing that, a flicker of unmistakable disappointment passed through Mallory’s eyes.
She couldn’t help comparing Sameer to Butcher in her mind.
Their situations were too similar.
Butcher’s wife, Becca, had been taken away by Homelander.
And Sameer’s wife, Neuman, had been taken away by Soldier Boy.
The same experience, the same betrayal, the same loss of the thing they cherished most to a Supe.
But how had Butcher reacted?
He would risk his life just to go after Homelander.
And Sameer?
He was standing there, unable to make up his damn mind.
The gap between them was simply too wide.
Mallory sighed inwardly, but she didn’t let that disappointment show on her face.
Disappointment was one thing. Sameer’s professional value was still irreplaceable.
She needed the knowledge inside Sameer’s head. As for his courage, that could be built up over time. Or rather, someone else could make up for what he lacked.
...
Sameer’s final answer did not leave Mallory disappointed for long.
He stayed silent for a full two minutes. Then he raised his bloodshot eyes, looked at Mallory, nodded, and said, "I understand."
Then Sameer added, "But I can’t put myself in danger. I’m just an ordinary researcher.
I’m not a Supe, and I don’t know how to fight. I don’t want to die. My daughter still needs me."
"Relax," Mallory said, a faint, meaningful smile appearing on her face. "I won’t put you in danger. And besides, you won’t be acting alone.
There’s someone you’re going to like. His name is Frenchie. You’re both good at using your heads. Maybe the two of you can give me a few surprises."
Sameer made no comment on that arrangement.
Then he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and said, "You said Neuman is interfering in national politics on Vought’s behalf. You said that was terrifying."
Mallory raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at him, waiting for the rest.
"You’re not wrong," Sameer said, his voice steadier now. "Vought started infiltrating national politics a long time ago. Very, very early. Much earlier than you imagine."
"What do you mean?"
Mallory’s brows drew together, her gaze sharpening in an instant.
She knew Vought had always wanted to get into the military. Back when Edgar and Madelyn controlled Vought, that had already been true.
Sameer lifted his head, looked Mallory straight in the eyes, and said, "Because from beginning to end, Neuman has always been an undercover agent planted by Vought in the National Assembly.
She’s a Supe, and her adoptive father is Stan Edgar."
Mallory’s pupils suddenly contracted.
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