Butcher, Annie and others in “Unfinished Business”

Fuckin' hell, it’s like a morgue in here. What’s with all the long faces?

I don’t know, maybe because I’m getting blamed for the murder you did.

I’d call you a cunt, but you ain’t got the depth or the warmth.

I’ve been meaning to ask you something. How was it that you took out Ezekiel?

I have no idea.

Bullshit.

God’s honest. I, uh… blacked out, came to, and there he was. All over the shop. But never mind that bollocks because, my son, I have found it… The answer to all our prayers.

And what might that be?

Ah, it’s nothing much. Just a… a virus that kills Supes.

Frenchie

Such a thing does not exist.

Did not exist. Does now. Y'see, some clever cunts over at Godolkin University cooked up a bug that latches onto the V in their bloodstream. Now, it’s completely harmless to humans, but to Supes? Fuckin' diabolical.

So, you shove this shit into me and Kimiko and we just… drop dead?

Yep. That’s the idea. Now, it ain’t juiced enough to kill Homelander, but I reckon we get our hands on some and try it out on our lovely VP-elect.

And why the hell are we just finding out about this shit, Butcher?

There’s only one small snag. When I went to God U to nick it, Neuman had pipped me to the post, so we’re gonna have to nick it from her.

This is insane and desperate. Even for you.

Well, insanely desperate’s where we are, don’t you think, love?

Okay. Alright, alright. Time out. [to Annie] Look, if this virus is as dangerous as Butcher says it is, do you really want it in Neuman’s hands?

[pause; sighs] No, you’re right.

Alright, then. Then, we’re sorted. Oh, uh… One other tiny little thing. I need you to get us one presidential pardon.