Патриот

He was blackmailing you.

I am the last person you need to save.

Yeah, but I did it for you.

I didn't really see anything down there, as a matter of fact.

I trust we never have to have this conversation again.

No. Of course not. Just this once.

I'm just saying, a missing team member is more important than A-Train's insipid race. Mr. Edgar wants us both at the race to roll out his new talking points.

They're just people. But they snap their fingers and we jump. Why? Why do we do that?

'Cause they sign our checks. Can we just cut to the part where you show up to the race anyway?

See, that's why I love you. You're the only one who tells me the truth.

I'm the world's greatest superhero.

You're my greatest failure.

Homelander, that's enough.

You got something to add, Maeve?

She didn't know.

Well, she stinks of adrenaline and her heart's beating like a little rabbit.

The only thing she's guilty of is being fucking stupid. She obviously fell for this Hughie Campbell guy. He's pumping her for information, so back off. Leave her alone.

Wow. Starlight, you must be something special. I can't remember the last time Maeve gave a shit... well, gave a shit about anyone, really.

Tell me the truth or I walk out right now.

[quietly] I'm scared. I'm scared of you.

What?

I said I'm scared.

Of?

Of you. I'm scared of you.

Thank you. Thank you for finally being honest.

Who's Elena?

Elena's an old friend.

Since when do you have friends?

I told you to kill Hughie and you hesitated.

I said we should go to the police!

You disobeyed my orders because you're with him.

Fuck you! Hughie Campbell broke my fucking heart. Worse than anyone ever has. And a part of me wants to blast his fucking face off, so no I am not "with him". But if you want to kill me because I'm not a murderer and I won't straight up execute someone, then go ahead. So tell me, am I lying?

[he leaves her] You're not lying.

You know, sometimes it feels like the justice system just doesn't work anymore.

Everyone always recording on their phone all the time. It's like you can't even...

Do your job anymore.

It's a mistake.

What is?

Keeping fucking Starlight alive. I underestimated her before. I will not do it again.

'Starlight is a Traitor' is trending number one. We've got a million tweets in support of Compound V. A common enemy rallies the base. Just trust me.

Don't blame Vicky.

I don't. If there's one thing I taught her, it was to play all sides. She's more like me than I ever imagined. But I am curious. What did you give her?

A little respect, Stan. Something you should've given me.

What good would that do? Where would it even go but to the bottomless, gaping pit of insecurity you call a soul?

I used to be intimidated by you. I did. And now I look at you, I'm just... I have no idea why. Truly. You're not even pathetic. You're just nothing.

Then why are you still here, looking for my approval like I'm your daddy? And even if I were, what would there be to approve of?

The company is yours. No one left to stand up to you. But I think you'll come to sorely regret that.

And why is that?

Because there's no one left to cover for you, either. Eventually, probably soon, the world will recognize you for the pitiful disappointment you are. You are not worthy of my respect. You are not a God. You are simply bad product.

You think it really was Edgar and the mayor? Trying to fuck with me? Make me look ridiculous?

Or maybe you're just a paranoid, malignant narcissist who thinks everything is about you.

Mm, it's not paranoia if they're really out to get you, though. And you, Maeve. You're out to get me, aren't you?

You were my hero growing up. I watched all your movies, hundreds of times. You were the only one that was nearly as strong as me.

Buddy, you think you look strong? You're wearing a cape. You're just a cheap fucking knockoff.

Oh, no, no, no. I'm the upgrade.