[Hughie, Frenchie and M.M. go over their escape plan]
Okay, so we hit the east gate.
Oui, Petit Hughie, when the guards change shift.
MSMother's Milk
We've been through this.
I know. I just wanna go over it a few more times just so I can get it in my head.
MSMother's Milk
Hughie… [holds out moonshine jar] Take a fuckin' drink, will you?
MSMother's Milk
[shrugs; to Frenchie] Mon ami?
MSMother's Milk
Leave it up to you to have your shit the tightest you've ever had it in a fuckin' internment camp.
Yeah, what about you? Have you been eating the fresh produce I smuggle in?
MSMother's Milk
Moonshine's got corn in it. [takes a sip of moonshine]
[beat; to Hughie] Hey… Don't worry. Annie will be fine. She's strong.
[takes liquor bottle from Frenchie] Kimiko, too.
MSMother's Milk
[laughs] Y'all mοthеrfuckеrs are trippin'. Y'all don't know what the fuck's going on with them. [to Frenchie] Hey, you don't even know where Kimiko's at.
What, so you don't think you're gonna see Janine and Monique again? Is that it?
MSMother's Milk
What I know is that they're a shit ton safer without me making a mess out of their lives.
M.M, you're the strongest guy I know. We've been in tougher spots than this.
MSMother's Milk
You know, I did two tours in the 3/8 in Farah Province. The shit I saw would fuck you up. And even that was Emily in Paris compared to the shit that we looking at here. And even if we make it outta here, we ain't surviving this fuckin' war. We are dead men walking. Chin-chin, mοthеrfuckеrs.
[Hughie is shocked to see all of his prison bunkmates brutally murdered in their bunker. He sees Homelander sitting on his bed reading from his journal.]
"Well, Annie, today marks two months. It's a little insane how much I miss you. I've been having trouble eating. Every day, I see people giving up, but not me. Because I have you." It's very, very sweet.
Oh… [looks briefly at one of the corpses] Well, I'd hardly call them innocent. They lied to me. Played dumb about your little stash in the wall there. We've known about that for quite some time, but I just wanted to give you a little hope.
You're not the one who gave it to me, asshоlе.
Ooh, I like Internment Camp Hughie. She's zesty.
Not until we flush out Butcher and Starlight.
You think they're dumb enough to just walk right into your trap?
Let's not insult each other. We both know they're coming. [throws the journal at Hughie's feet] Do you remember when we first met?
Believe Festival. I tried to cleanse your soul. I remember thinking... [sighs] "Why him?" What does Starlight see in this gangly simp that reeks of fear and Strawberry Smoothie kids' shampoo? You know, William and Victoria Neuman love you, too. I mean, I get it from your perspective. You're punching up. Good for you. But why are they so hopelessly devoted to such staggering mediocrity? Why would Starlight and Butcher piss away their lives to try and rescue you?
Because I'd do it for them.
[Butcher and Kimiko find Hughie, Frenchie and M.M. tied up and gagged by Homelander when they break into the Vought internment camp]
[waves] Surprise. Welcome, William. [to Kimiko] And you. The gang is almost all here. Oh, and uh, [looks down at M.M.] you never told me that this one's nickname is... Mother's Milk. [licks his lips; laughs] Okay. So, what's the big plan? What, are you gonna sandbag me with the Godolkin virus? [Butcher looks shocked] Yes. I know all about it.
[Homelander lasers Kimiko in half. The top half of her body falls to the floor.]
Hey, where's Starlight? Just doesn't feel like a party without my little lightning bug here... [pause; stares at Butcher] Jesus Christ, William. You've got a viper's nest in there. I'd heard about it, of course. But seeing it for myself, it's uh… it–it's incredible. I mean, it's fucking disgusting of course, but it's–it's beautiful. What you've done to yourself, what you've become… and you did all that for me? [pause] Now that… that is devotion. You know, William, I know we're not exactly equals, but I'm compelled to say… you are the only one that's ever challenged me. And there's a part of me that will be sad to see you go.
[A-Train gets badly injured while being chased by Homelander, who eventually catches up to him]
Looks like someone can catch the A-Train after all. End of the road, buddy boy.
[A-Train starts laughing at Homelander as he gets back up]
What was I so afraid of? You are… fucking nothing.
[Homelander lifts A-Train and pins him against a tree]
[grunts] Really. You're just an empty fucking suit. Take away these powers… and what are you, huh? A pathetic… weak… sniveling fucking loser.
[Homelander wraps his hand around A-Train's neck and slowly chokes him. A-Train continues laughing until Homelander snaps his neck.]
Goddammit, A-Train. It didn't need to come to this. I don't know, you left me no choice! I know that my leadership style can be stern, but it was for your own good! I like to think of myself as the big brother that you never had. You remember that girlfriend you had? Uh... Pop... Popfang. Betrayed us both, to William Butcher no less. Huge mess, your fault. What did I do? What did I do? I gave you a chance to make things right, I reached out my hand... and you bit it! What did I ever do to deserve that? What, was I too nurturing? Too forgiving? Well, maybe. But dammit, you weren't like the others: Snakes, backstabbers. I could count on you, man. I did count on you. I loved you... but here we are. Why does this keep happening to me? I guess the strongest men are the most alone. You wouldn't understand. Nobody does.
[Homelander releases Soldier Boy from his cryogenic chamber at Vought Tower. Soldier Boy wakes up the next morning in Homelander's bedroom.]
No, no, no, no. It's okay. It's okay, I don't wanna hurt you. You're safe, okay? You've been in deep freeze again.
Oh, Jesus Christ. For how long?
Almost two years in a CIA black site. I just found out this morning.
You found out this morning?
But that just happens to be in your room? [pause] Did you fuck me?
[legitimately confused] What?
Is this some kind of incest thing?
Then, what the fuck is this?
[stammers] Look, I... I want you to find William Butcher.
Well, the people that work for me are limited. And you are the best tracker there is. I just–I need you to find him and report back. Very simple.
You want me… to work for you?
Well, why don't we say "work with me"? And... I can help you. I can give you a proper comeback.
I don't need you for that.
Well, the whole world does think that you're a Russian spy, so…
[takes a deep breath] Okay. Alright, listen to me. I'm no ass-felching Commie. You got that?!
I know, I know. And listen, I am Vought now. Me. So, the public, they're gonna believe that you are whatever I tell them you are. I can resurrect you. I can give you back what you lost. I can even make you number two in The Seven.
Number two? [Homelander nods] Or how about I finish the job, and blast you to Kingdom Fuck.
Yeah, you could try. Who knows, you might even fry the V right out of my blood. Or you might not. But I'm betting that you hate William Butcher more than you hate... me. After all, I'm–I'm not the one that betrayed you, am I?
I tried to kill you. The minute I turn my back, how do I know you won't return the favor?
[Homelander picks up Soldier Boy's shield and gives it to him]
You find William Butcher for me… all is forgiven.
[beat; looks at the shield] Looks like a fuckin' kindergarten ashtray.
Soldier Boy, [points at Calhoun and Ashley] this is the President, Vice President of the United States of America. They work for me. Everyone, Soldier Boy is gonna be number two in The Seven once he has located William Butcher and Annie January.
What? Wait–Wait, what, sir? No, sir. I... I can do this. I can bring them in.
Oh, like you did with A-Train? We're going in a new direction, Deep. Competence. [to Calhoun] Oh, and Steve, Soldier Boy's gonna need a full pardon.
Well, sir, he–he was guilty of... you know, treason. [pause; Homelander just glares at him] Consider it done, sir.
Terrific. And you know what? I'm sure the man's dying for a drink. Uh, Steve, can you make him a…
Manhattan. Thanks, Steve.
Of course. Can I get you a glass of milk, sir?
[sternly] No. Steven… I'll also have a Manhattan.
Goddamn. Since when could Supes teabag the President?
[Butcher sees Hughie looking despondent on their way back to the Teenage Kix mansion]
Oi, fuckin' smile, Hughie. I mean, ain't you a little glad A-Train's dead?
…No, I'm not glad he's dead. A-Train did a lot of horrible things, but he saved our lives, and he died a hero. A real hero. There are a lot of other Supes that don't deserve to die either.
Listen, I know you just done a year in the gulag. You've earned your seat at the table, so... I'll give it to ya straight. You gotta knock this wet, gapin' pussy shite on the head, mate. Ain't doin' no one no favours. Especially your girl. I mean, that's why she's givin' you the cold shoulder.
Don't talk to me about Annie. You don't know what's going on with her.
Well, I know that she finally knows the fuckin' score. And she knows that you poncin' about with this Jiminy Cricket, "listen to your heart" bollocks is just gonna get her killed.
Is there any part of you left that's still human? [pause] You're gonna get Annie killed, not me… but I won't let you do it.
[A shield suddenly pierces the windshield of the Boys' truck. Hughie catches the virus vial right as they crash into another vehicle.]
It's good. [stares at the shield] Wait, is that...?
[They see Soldier Boy walking up the street towards them]
He's dead, right? He's supposed to be dead?
Supposed to be. Mallory put him in ice for a bit.
[slowly turns to face Butcher] You're telling us this now?
Somebody up there likes us, mate.
Well, we wanted a guinea pig. Who better than Homelander's old man? New plan.
Oi. Ain't you supposed to be a giant ice dіldо?
Aren't you supposed to be smart? Renting a truck under the name "Don T. Beakunt." Same alias when we headed to Herogasm.
Well, oldie, but a goodie.
[Soldier Boy sees Hughie and Kimiko get out of the truck and run away]
No, mate. Just you and me.
[Soldier Boy shoots Butcher three times, but to no avail. Butcher, still standing, looks down at his chest then looks back up at Soldier Boy.]
I guess it's true. You're one of us now.
Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Then fuckin' beat 'em.
Being super is not gonna save you.
That don't stop us helpin' each other. Homelander's double the cunt now, if that's even possible. He needs doin' more than ever. You still fancy his seat on The Seven, don't ya?
Fuck you! We had a deal! I held up my end of the bargain, and you sold me out. Put me back in a fucking box! And for what? 'Cause I was gonna kill some dumb kid?
That kid is your grandson.
Well, was it worth it? You feeling good about that call right about now? Where is that fucking brat?
Homelander's the one fuckin' you over, mate. Or did he mention that we've got an uber virus strong enough to kill every fuckin' Supe on the planet?
God's honest. The things this virus can do... Fuckin' diabolical. Why d'you think he sent you here instead of coming himself, hmm? You're the sacrificial cunt. Again.
You don't get it, do ya? Me, Homelander, your old crew–Everyone fucks you over. Do you wanna know why? 'Cause you... are a dumb fuckin' twat.
[Homelander has a psychotic breakdown and hallucinates Madelyn Stillwell appearing to him as an angel]
MMadelyn
Oh, my boy! My sweet boy... What is wrong? Why are you unhappy?
My father and my son! Everything, it's all falling apart!
MMadelyn
No! No, it's exactly what needed to happen. Yes, it's been foretold! You're about to ascend. Become immortal. Divine. A true god with the love of the world.
MMadelyn
I know, you think love is weak and human. But who is more loved than Jesus? And why should he have more love than you? You save more people than he does. The one, true god...
Yes... But how? How? Millions of people just hate me...
MMadelyn
Well, then you baptize the unfaithful in their own blood. Rip babies from their mothers' wombs.
MMadelyn
Skin parents in front of their children. Rid the world of the wicked.
MMadelyn
The nonbelievers...
They'll call me a monster...
MMadelyn
Oh, the only ones left will be your faithful. And they will love you in their hearts. They'll cry happy tears at the mere thought of you. You have one last task, my love.
What do you– [sees Homelander taking a bath] What in the fuck? Is that milk?
Better. Breastmilk from the NICU at Mount Sinai.
So, what? You asked me up here so I could watch you swim in tit jizz?
I wanna give you another chance.
You wanna give me another chance?
Yes. Help me find that V1.
I'd rather fist myself with a handful of razors. Besides, Cleopatra Jones said there's no V1 to find.
Oh, there most certainly is. And I am going to find it.
Yeah? What makes you so sure?
[smiling] An angel told me. It's my destiny.
Just when I thought there was a ceiling to how fuckin' weird you could get.
Yes, yes. Make your jokes. You've been blessed with immortality, and what have you done with it? Drink and fuck yourself numb. You... You are a disappointment. You see... [stands up and gets out of the tub] I am not gonna waste my immortality. I am gonna take what's rightfully mine. I'm asking you if you want a seat at the table because you're my father. But with or without you... a reckoning is coming.
[beat] You know, all I see is a freak. A freak with a bushel of gray pubes. Try some Just for Men.
[Butcher takes Ryan to a pub to discuss his plan to kill Homelander with the Supe virus]
All you do is get him on the blower and tell him you wanna see him. When he rocks up, you chuck the shit in his face... and that'll be it.
'Cause he won't leave the fortress of cuntitude for anyone else.
So this is what you wanted to talk to me about. Killing my dad.
Is that all you think I'm good for?
I ain't gonna treat you like a kid no more, alright? You're done with that. Homelander raped your mum. He's gonna burn everything down, and you are the only one who can stop him. Now... Normally, I don't put no stock in any of that bollocks about destiny, but if anyone's got one, it's you.
[pause; sighs] I throw this virus at him... what'll happen to me?
You'll die. I'll be close by and we'll go together. Now... I ain't gonna lie to you. This… This is not what your mum wanted… but it's the only way. And it will be justice.
You're asking me to kill myself?
You wouldn't be the first lad to throw his life away in a war... but you would be the first to save the world doin' it. [beat; sighs heavily] I'll fetch us a pint.
[Later, Butcher returns with a pint of beer]
Here. Told her you were 30. [Ryan chuckles] Fuck the leather, fuck the lace, here's to the bird who sits on yer face. [takes a long sip of beer]
Where'd you pick that up?
Nah, not really. He was a... a piss artist. Used to lose all his money on the gee-gees–horses–and then, he'd come home, beat the livin' daylights outta Len and me. And then later, laugh about it with his mates. Yeah, he was a right cunt.
Bottom of the Thames. I put him there, just the other day. Only wish I'd done it sooner, before he caused more... more damage.
Butcher... Do you think that I could ever... That I might turn into my dad?
[sighs] My mom... Aunt Grace... the others... All I do is hurt people. I can't be around anyone.
Without us–without Supes–the world is a better, safer place.
MSMother's Milk
You know, my father spent his whole life fighting Vought. And here I am, smoking a fuckin' cigar with Stan 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.
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?
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?
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.
