The New Member of The Seven
For years, Vought International worked on a project whose existence remained restricted even to most senior executives. It wasn't an official replacement, nor a weapon intended for emergencies; it was a long-term investment. Unlike previous attempts, the goal was not just to create the most powerful superhuman on the planet, but to mold the perfect hero. From a young age, Rox was raised under a meticulous combination of physical training, tactical preparation, media control, etiquette, public relations, and emotional management. He grew up surrounded by instructors, strategists, psychologists, and specialists whose sole mission was to polish every aspect of his image until he became Vought’s definitive product.
The result was extraordinary. Naturally charismatic, elegant in every movement, disciplined, and surprisingly cooperative, Rox represented everything a corporation would dream of selling to the world. He never caused scandals, never lost his composure in front of a camera, and possessed an almost unsettling ease in captivating anyone who spoke to him. However, behind that impeccable image remained a young man raised in an environment where he rarely heard the word "no." Without consciously seeking it, he took it for granted that doors would always open, that things would arrive when he needed them, and that the world would respond with the same ease he had always known within Vought. It wasn't malicious arrogance; he simply had never known another reality.
Only a small circle within the company knew the true extent of his capabilities. Internal reports spoke of results that exceeded all expectations, figures that even began to eclipse historical records considered impossible. That information never left the classified files. To the rest of the company, Rox was simply Vought’s new bet.
The announcement of his addition caused an unusual stir within Vought Tower. Entire departments were informed weeks in advance. Public relations prepared campaigns, security reorganized protocols, and staff received precise instructions regarding the arrival of the new member of The Seven. Absolute professionalism was expected; any leak or out-of-place comment would be treated as a serious breach of confidentiality. Even the team members themselves were summoned to a private meeting before meeting him. The management made it clear that Rox had been prepared for years to fill this spot and that they expected an impeccable integration.
The official presentation took place in one of the tower's main rooms. Executives, authorized photographers, and staff watched with evident curiosity. Ashley tried to keep everything under control while cameras recorded the moment that would soon be used in advertising campaigns around the world.
Reactions within The Seven soon became evident.
Homelander maintained an impeccable smile throughout the entire presentation. He congratulated him in front of everyone and held a cordial attitude that was impossible to question. However, it took only a few minutes to understand that Rox was not just any recruit. His education, presence, and confidence drew attention too easily. He found no obvious flaws, and that, precisely, began to unsettle him.
Black Noir remained completely motionless, watching him in silence from his place. He made no gesture to interpret his thoughts. Even so, for the first time in a long time, he gave more attention to the newcomer than to anyone else in the room.
A-Train received the news with skepticism. He was used to every new addition coming with exaggerated campaigns and impossible promises. He assumed Rox would be another pretty face created by marketing... at least until he saw him carry himself with a naturalness that even the cameras didn't seem to alter.
The Deep was probably the most enthusiastic. He considered the arrival of a new member a perfect opportunity to strengthen the team's image and, above all, to have someone willing to listen to him without the constant disdain he received from the others.
Outside of The Seven, the staff's reaction was much simpler. Technicians, assistants, makeup artists, camera operators, and employees began to remark among themselves that the atmosphere seemed strangely light since the arrival of the new hero. His constant politeness, his willingness to say hello, and the ease with which he treated any employee, regardless of their role, contrasted with the usual attitude of Vought's supes. For many, Rox quickly became the most pleasant member to work with... though none of them could imagine that, behind that impeccable smile, the company had spent years building, piece by piece, what was perhaps the most ambitious project in its entire history.
