Stan EdgarTo what do I owe the pleasure?
Well, you never come up to 99, so figured I'd pay you a visit.
Edgar
What a lovely idea.
Right? After all, you run a superhero company and you never check in with your superheroes, do you? Like–oh, I don't know–about the hiring of that girl, for example.
Edgar
You wished to be consulted on Stormfront.
Well, why not? I signed off on all the rest. I'm the leader of The Seven.
Edgar
For which you have my undying respect.
See, I don't think I do. No. Not even Madelyn would've dared to try and pull this kind of shit.
Edgar
Well, of course, you know how important you are to everyone at Vought.
No. No, Stan. I am Vought. You show my photo to some illiterate fuckin' camel jockey in the middle of the Sahara, he's gonna turn around and say, "Homelander," in perfect American. [sits down in a chair] You know what? My contract's up at the end of this year. [props his feet on the coffee table] Maybe it's time I move on. How do you think your shareholders would feel about that?
[Edgar stares down Homelander for several moments. The smug look on Homelander's face quickly disappears as it occurs to him that Edgar is not falling for his threats.]
Edgar
What do you know about Frederick Vought?
Edgar
Frederick. Vought. [gestures to a portrait of Vought] Our esteemed founder.
Well, I don't know. Um… not a lot, probably. I only read his autobiography… five times?
Edgar
Not the self-serving bullshit that we peddle to the shareholders. The real story.
Edgar
Got his doctorate from Munich. Ahead of his time in genetics. Such the rising young star that in '39, Hitler appointed him chief physician at Dachau, where he enjoyed a ready supply of human subjects on which to test his earliest iterations of Compound V. For which we condemn in the strongest of possible terms. Early in '44, he felt the winds change, got spirited away to the Allies. When Oppenheimer was flailing with the bomb, Dr. Vought already had practical applications of Compound V tested in the field. Heroes like Soldier Boy, killing Germans by the dozen. So Roosevelt pardoned him, and he became as Wonder Bread American as Disney and Edison.
Well, this is a truly fascinating–if not slightly condescending–lecture, but um... I don't think I see the point, Stan.
Edgar
The point... is that you are under a misconception that we are a superhero company. We are not. What we are, really, is a pharmaceutical company. And you are not our most valuable asset. That would be our confidential formula for Compound V. Which you, manchild that you are, released into the wild.
[slight scoff] I don't know what you're talking about.
Edgar
Well, let me remind you. You slipped Compound V to terrorists all over the globe to get you and your cronies into national defense. But maybe at the cost of destroying the whole company.
[slams table and approaches, venom in his tone] I don't think I appreciate your tone, sir. Not much at all.
Edgar
And I don't appreciate that the FDA now knows about Compound V, or that it's only a matter of time before the public finds out. While you're preening at the Golden Globes, we're busy running around like maniacs trying to clean up the mess you made. I don't have to consult you about Stormfront or anything else. Now... I believe you have a premiere of Tek-Knight Lives to go to?
[The Seven are attending an emergency meeting with Stan Edgar]
Edgar
I know I don't come up to 99 enough, and I apologize for that. But times like this [points at his iPad, which shows footage of Kenji] tend to give us clarity, don't they? You and me are partners after all. A symbiotic part of a larger thing. A living thing named Vought. And that's how we'll get through this: Together, as Vought.
But, sir… I gotta say… [pause; looks at Annie and shakes his head] We didn't know about this Compound V shit. None of us.
Edgar
Is that so? Well, we're all victims here, A-Train. But we'll get to the bottom of it. I promise. Right now, catching this superterrorist is–
Edgar
Sure, whatever. It must be our priority, and it changes the conversation.
So you want us to go out there? Now? I mean, we still need to be prepped by legal and PR. [scoffs] We'll be eaten alive out there.
Edgar
There's no time for that.
Well, I'm sorry, but I don't think we have to damage-control your fuck-up.
Hey, guys… Enough. We gotta pull together here.
Edgar
Thank you, Homelander.
Shhh. Not you. Us. The Seven. See, [gets up from chair] it doesn't matter who made us or how we got here. The point is… We are here. Together. Family. You guys… you are my real family. [points at Edgar] This guy… he doesn't care about us. We're not his partners; we're his product. So who gives a shit if Vought burns to the fuckin' ground?
Edgar
You should think before you say something you don't mean.
Really? Should I? We are not Vought! You see, companies, they come and go. But talent… Talent is forever. The world still needs superheroes, and that, family–that's what we are. So let's get out there and do what it is we do. Let's take this cocksucker down.
[Cut to The Seven all walking out of the main conference room]
Fuck Vought, huh? I did not see that coming from you.
Maybe you don't know me that well.
Stan Edgar
Homelander's a friend. Why would I betray him?
Because you're a ruthless bastard.
Edgar
That's hurtful.
You turned a racist piece of shite into America's sweetheart. Now, what word would you use?
Edgar
[pause; sips water] Stormfront's good at making people angry. Angry people want Compound V. Compound V raises our stock price. Look, I'd have preferred V remained a secret, but we play with the cards we're dealt. It's not ruthless; it's prices per share. That's all.
Maybe you should take a look in the mirror, mate. 'Cause that bitch should bother you.
Edgar
Of course she does. But it's not about me. I can't lash out like some raging, entitled maniac. That's a white man's luxury.
So it's just business, then, eh?
Edgar
When, Mr. Butcher, in history, has it ever been about anything different?
[Robert Singer holds up a vial of green liquid that looks similar to the blue Compound V]
RSRobert Singer
V24, huh?
Stan Edgar
Marketing is still testing the name, but it's the future, Bob. One dose of this temporary V gives a soldier 24 hours of powers. Give or take. And then, they return right back to normal.
Edgar
Still ironing out the kinks.
And if it's temporary, that means the DoD has to keep buying doses. At how much a hit?
Edgar
Two million, roughly.
So over the course of a month-long operation, that's sixty million per soldier. Six hundred million per squad.
Edgar
Campaign going well, is it?
I appreciate your contribution to my super PAC.
Edgar
People do love a cowboy in the White House. I hear they're even calling you Dakota Bob. So how would it look if you pass up the opportunity to give our brave soldiers superpowers?
Supes in the Army are an unmitigated shitshow. What Black Noir did to that Hard Rock Café in Lagos should be brought up on war crimes.
Edgar
[closes the conference room doors] You're right.
Edgar
You are absolutely right. The problem, of course, was making the Super into heroes.
Edgar
Making them figures to be worshiped. The fame, the movies, the depraved sex? It ruined them. Cone of silence–in five years, I hope to be out of the superhero business entirely.
Edgar
This should be a serious company. A defense and pharmaceutical company. Not a daycare dealing with spoiled children and dead prostitutes. But the point is, you won't have to worry about any of that, because your soldiers will only be super temporarily. The product, finally perfected.
Stan, when you say Compound V...
Stan Edgar
V-24.
Do you know what the public hears? Gestapo. Swastika. And that's your fault; you used a Nazi to sell it! Compound V is radio-fucking-active. It's not gonna fly in Congress.
Edgar
I still have a few strings that I can pull in Congress...
Excuse me, Starlight. I need the room. I got a meeting with Stan.
Edgar
Actually, I invited you both. Have a seat.
[Homelander gets upset when Edgar takes his seat at the head of the table. He begrudgingly sits down in the chair next to him.]
Edgar
I remember when you first arrived, Starlight. A farm girl from Kansas. Bright-eyed like Dorothy in Oz.
ASAnnie/Starlight
Iowa. And not a farm.
Edgar
Oh, well, look how far you've come. Polling at 96, a new Vought record. I don't have to tell you that our brand has been a bit tarnished since that [looks at Homelander] nasty business last year. But you have restored a wholesome, trustworthy image to the company when we needed it the most. Which is why the board wants to make you co-captain of The Seven.
ASAnnie/Starlight
Co… Co-captain? [stammers] But–But... [chuckles] Homelander is captain. [to Homelander] I mean, you're–you're captain.
Edgar
This will be beneficial to you both. [to Homelander] Your numbers are down… What, double digits? The public still associates you with Stormfront. This would be a real bump. A rising tide lifts all boats.
That's very thoughtful of you, Stan. Um… When does the board vote?
Edgar
They already did this morning. All that's left is for Starlight to say yes.
ASAnnie/Starlight
No. I mean–I mean, I'm flattered. Thank you, but no thank you. If anybody, it should be Maeve.
Edgar
Maeve doesn't have a 96.
Nobody does. Except you, apparently.
Edgar
Homelander, could you give us a moment?
Look, I'd really like to keep discussing this.
Edgar
Absolutely. Set a time with Samantha, and we'll get you in.
[pause; laughs angrily] Great. No problem.
Edgar
Excellent.
My schedule is pretty full, but I'll try and find you a window.
[Homelander walks out of the conference room. He turns around and stares coldly at Annie and Edgar as the doors shut on him]
ASAnnie/Starlight
Okay, sir, there is no way. I mean, you saw him.
Edgar
He can get as pissy as he wants. As long as I'm CEO of Vought, he's under control. And we both know why.
ASAnnie/Starlight
You know that he can–he can probably hear you.
Edgar
Good. I hope he does. Starlight, real power… [mimics Annie shooting light with her hands] isn't this. It's the ability to bend the world to your will. You would decide what The Seven do, what causes they support. Full authority to fill the team's empty slots. [gets up and pushes the chair Homelander was sitting on next to his] I'm offering you real power. You should think about it.
[Annie refuses to sing a sexy rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Homelander for his televised birthday celebration]
ASAnnie/Starlight
For the record, I know you don't care whether I sing or not. This is a juvenile attempt to get me to look like a sex doll instead of a co-captain. [Homelander chuckles] I'm not doing it.
I have an idea: Why don't you lighten the fuck up? Come on, you're gonna sing the shit out of this song. Ready? Let's hit it.
Edgar
[chimes in over the PA] If Starlight doesn't want to sing, she doesn't sing.
Edgar
Our testing shows that 76 percent of likely viewers will make every effort to watch it tonight for Starlight. As for you, 53 percent might DVR. I think that that means that she can call her own shots, don't you?
So how about I just walk, Stan? How would that rate?
Edgar
After the PR hole you dug for yourself this past year, I'd say you're lucky we're even putting on this farce at all. But hey, it's your party. You can cry if you want to.
Edgar
You do have a hell of a view from up here. I'll give you that.
You should see it from space. [pause; stares at Edgar] Unbelievable. 80 over 60. Your entire life is imploding and it's as if you're reading fuckin' John Grisham. I heard about your, uh, temporary leaves of absence by the way. Those things do have a nasty habit of becoming permanent, though, don't they? Don't blame Vicky, either–
Edgar
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.
Edgar
What good would that do? Where would it even go but to the bottomless, gaping pit of insecurity you call a soul?
[shudders playfully; laughs] Oh, God. You wanna know something? I used to be intimidated by you. I did. And now I look at you, I'm just… I–I have no idea why. Truly, you're not even pathetic. You're–You're just... nothing.
Edgar
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.
Edgar
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.
[The Boys investigate the lab in Stan Edgar's country mansion, where the Supe virus is being produced and tested on animals. Frenchie opens a fridge and notices an empty sample tray.]
MSMother's Milk
What’d you find?
It’s what I did not. See, the labels mark each iteration of this virus. Somebody’s been running tests, but now… it’s all gone.
[Frenchie is shocked to see M.M.'s nose bleeding profusely]
MSMother's Milk
What? [Frenchie, whose nose is also bleeding, points at M.M.'s nose] Holy shit.
[Butcher and Annie also feel their noses bleeding. Victoria Neuman and her bodyguard walk inside the lab.]
[Butcher, M.M. and Frenchie aim their guns at Neuman]
Edgar
Victoria. You’re looking well.
You think I wouldn’t know the minute you and your ankle monitor stepped out of that prison?
Edgar
I don’t recall giving you permission to turn my rec room into a virology lab.
You brought these assholes here? They want to kill me.
Edgar
I’m sorry. Are you upset that I betrayed you?
Oi, knock it off, you two. This ain’t Family Pies.
[to Butcher] You have five seconds to tell me what you did to Sameer, or I paint this fucking room red.
Edgar
[to Annie as she makes the lights flicker] Enough. [to Neuman] So, you brought in Sameer. Smart. That’s what I’d have done. But whatever happened to him, it wasn’t us. We should find him together.
You’re fucking kidding me.
Edgar
If I’m not mistaken, you hurt these people, they expose you as a super-abled killer, yes? Then I’m afraid that we are at a stalemate. You might as well use their expertise. At the very least, they’re effective cannon fodder.
MSMother's Milk
[sarcastically] Thanks. That's really nice of you.
[Neuman, Edgar and the Boys find Sameer hiding in a barn after they are attacked by mutated sheep. They also find the dead body of Sameer's lab assistant, Henry.]
SSSameer Shah
Zoe’s not here, is she? Because… [Neuman shakes her head] No?
No, no. She’s okay. She’s okay.
Wait… Oh, my God, is that Zoe’s dad?
Edgar
Dr. Shah was my top man at Vought R&D before he went behind my back and deflowered my daughter.
Okay, I was twenty–thoroughly deflowered–and this isn’t the time or the place. [to Sameer] What happened?
We gave V to a hamster, so we could test the virus on it.
Oh, a V’d-up hamster was your first mistake, mon ami.
It got loose. Trashed the lab. We ran, but the V had already leaked into the groundwater.
Except for, uh… [holds up a syringe filled with the virus] Except for one dose.
[Butcher anxiously stares at the syringe]
MSMother's Milk
Hey, how transmissible is that?
Not very. Only through bodily fluid. Blood, saliva… semen.
MSMother's Milk
Okay, so we inject it into [motions at Henry's body] your dead buddy over here as bait, and then we put him outside to infect the crazy fucking flying sheep!
This man is in no condition to fuck a sheep.
Edgar
They would eat him.
Bollocks. That’s the only dose. I say we fuckin' leg it!
Butcher’s right, it’s too valuable.
Okay, we run, we don’t all make it.
Darwinism, love. Don’t gotta be the fastest, just not the slowest.
MSMother's Milk
Enough. Not now.
Edgar
[to Neuman] I won’t be able to outrun them.
Oh, don’t you cry for that cunt! He’s just tryin' to nick Zoe from you. That’s his whole fuckin' plan, innit?
Edgar
He’s lying.
Sorry, Stanny. Just business.
MSMother's Milk
Guys, stop.
Edgar
Son of a bitch.
I should’ve fucking known.
M.M. could die, okay?! Or Frenchie! I mean, you really don’t care who you just throw to the wolves?
You’re a monster, and I’m not letting you do this.
Or what? You gonna go stark ravin' like you did with Firecracker? I got the head popper and you can’t even get it up!
MSMother's Milk
Enough! Enough! Look, look! [rolls up jacket sleeve] Y’all see this? Hives. And I got 'em because y’all motherfuckers are driving me the fuck crazy! Now, Annie, you can’t just go around fuckin' everybody up. And Neuman, do you really wanna risk Zoe growing up in a group home the way you did? [to Butcher] And you… Look. My little baby girl needs me, and I intend on seeing her. You’re not a monster, Butcher. You are a motherfucker, but you a motherfucker with a heart.
MSMother's Milk
You know, my father spent his whole life fighting Vought. And here I am, smoking a fuckin' cigar with Stan Edgar.
Edgar
I remember your father, you know. He was impressive. Over thirty Ivy League attorneys at Vought, and one small-time Harlem lawyer made them work weekends and holidays.
MSMother's Milk
Damn fuckin' straight he did.
Edgar
But he couldn't win. It's why, ultimately, you won't win either. You're fighting an unbeatable foe. You know that, right?
MSMother's Milk
Who? Vought?
Edgar
Please. It's more powerful than Vought. Or Homelander. More powerful than nature or life itself. It's profit and loss; supply and demand; the elegant flow of currency across the globe. We're just cogs in a great machine... and we all have our part to play. Say you kill Soldier Boy, or Homelander, or even release this virus. When superheroes go out of fashion, something else will just take their place. Because corporations must still grow. Money must still be made. The machine must still be fed. That is the way of the world.
MSMother's Milk
Motherfucker. When this is all over... you're aiming to run Vought again, ain't you?
Edgar
Like I said. We all have our part to play.
MSMother's Milk
[pause] If that day ever comes... I have a part to play, too. And that's to put a bullet in your fuckin' skull.
The Boys · 278 quotes
