Later that week...
He'd been on bedrest for a week... and what a week! Sadly, however, Icarus Sidewinder's superpower had worn off, leaving him just a man... in front of a rather unruly mob.
Fortunately, Doc Paragon is there with him.
"William, what's this all about again?" the pilot asked, leaning over to the man standing as stoically as possible beside him.
"I called a press conference, Icarus," Paragon whispered to his employee, "so that you can explain to one of the most powerful political parties in Germany why you felt the need to spray harmful chemicals all over the city of Kiel."
"William..." Icarus said, burying his head in his hands. "I'm not really feeling up to this. I've only been in recoop for about a week now. Do you honestly think that's the best set of circumstances to be staring down a bunch of gay vegan pussies?"
Paragon rolled his eyes. "They deserve an explanation, Icarus," he said, "and you and I both know that it's your responsibility to give it to them. Understood?"
Icarus shrugged, obviously not keen on the idea. "What about our anonymity agreement?" Icarus asked. "Do you know how detrimental this could be for my father if any of them recognized me?"
Paragon put a reassuring hand on the pilot's shoulder. "You can leave your flight helmet and goggles on. Just keep your statements brief. I've already given the press our accepted pseudonym, so I don't anticipate too many problems."
Icarus sighed heavily. "Alright..." he said, lifting his shoulders in an attempt to psyche himself up.
Suddenly, a much louder influx of jeers, hisses, and boos filled the air as the mayor of Kiel stepped away from the podium and motioned for Icarus to take his place in front of the mics.
"Go get 'em, Herr Blücher," Paragon said as Icarus stepped up to the mic. The shouting from the crowd was almost deafening. Icarus shot a sidelong glance to Paragon, who shot him a thumbs up and a wry grin. Icarus rolled his eyes and tapped the mic.
"Hello?" he said, almost cautiously, as the crowd fell to an eerie silence in anticipation of his speaking. "Hello? Is this thing on?"
A loud peel of feedback echoed across the throng before him, causing even Icarus to flinch a little. As he turned from his grimace, however, he countenance changed completely. All feigned signs of nervousness were gone as the pilot grinned from ear to ear, holding his hands victoriously above his head.
"FUCK YOU ALL!"
That having been said, Icarus activated his jetpack, ripping through the air with a flash of heat and light. The crowd grew irate, throwing anything they could get their hands on at the soaring pilot, to no avail.
Paragon hung his head, slightly perterbed, but still able to see the humor. "Game, set, and match, Mr. Sidewinder..." he said wryly as he walked briskly toward his waiting limosine.
