[center][color=darkorange][b][u]10:00 PM; February 16th, 2026
Set of "Up Late With Adam Porter", Arch Light Studios; Metropolis, Delaware[/u]
[i]'Everyone's eyes are on me. The Government's own superhero. Hopefully, I'll live up to their expectations.'[/i][/b][/color][/center]
When Frederick steps out onto the stage after Adam Porter calls out his name, he's blinded by the stage lights and deafened by the cheering and applause. The Dilustel Shell's inner workings adjust his sight and hearing so that he can make out what's happening, and he sees a full house waiting for him. There are people snapping photos or taking videos all throughout the crowd. He waves and grins, stepping over to Adam's desk and taking a seat in the armchair next to it. He's not in the Shell's true form, instead using a small device disguised as a watch which allows him to take on his regular appearance.

[b]"So, uh, Frederick is it? Or do you prefer Quantum?"[/b] Adam asks, the crowd chuckling.

[color=darkorange][b]"I don't really have a preference, Adam. Just go with whatever floats your boat."[/b][/color]

[b]"Think I'll stick with Fred... So, Fred, let's cut to the chase. You're the government's own bonafide superhero."[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"Something like that."[/b][/color]

[b]"How'd you manage to get that job?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"I won't bore you with details. I was in an accident where the majority of my body was destroyed. But my brain, heart, organs, the like, managed to be salvaged. The government managed to give me a new robotic body with abilities akin to that of a metahuman, and offered me the position of being their own hero who will potentially become a member of the Justice League as their government sponsor. I agreed."[/b][/color]

[b]"Just what are these abilities?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"You were provided with a video demonstration, Adam. I think now would be the time to play it?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Of course."[/b] The talk show host signals to the crew. The lights dim and a large flat screen monitor lowers behind the two men. After a moment, a video starts to play, with Captain Quantum standing in a large open desert. Behind him are several tanks.

The Quantum in the video begins to speak. [color=darkorange][b]"Greetings, civilians. I'm Captain Quantum, and today I'll be demonstrating my abilities to you."[/b][/color] He begins to fly up into the air slowly, the camera panning upward to catch his ascent. [color=darkorange][b]"Using anti-gravity technology built into my body, I'm able to fly."[/b][/color] He flies around for a moment, before crashing down onto one of the tanks. Dust and debris flies everywhere, and when it clears he stands unscathed.

[color=darkorange][b]"And I'm quite strong. Strong enough to destroy this tank and remain unscathed. Even stronger still! My strength can be used to harm, as seen there..."[/b][/color] He walks over to another tank, lifting it up with one hand and holding it over his head. [color=darkorange][b]"... Or to help! With my strength, I could hold up collapsing buildings to allow people to escape, or clear rubble with ease to help the people trapped underneath. You need to be able to help with the aftermath of a battle as much as the battle itself!"[/b][/color]

He sets the tank down, then grins. [color=darkorange][b]"And I've got more tricks up my sleeves than that..."[/b][/color] He begins to charge up a blast, putting on a look of concentration while doing so. After a moment, he opens his eyes, points a hand forward, and obliterates the tank he just lifted with a blast of pure quantum energy. There's nothing left of it, save mist. [color=darkorange][b]"Using a particle accelerator built into my suit, I'm able to fire pure blasts of quantum energy at will. Be they charged up blasts like that, or a flurry of them."[/b][/color] To demonstrate once more he begins to fire off orb after orb of energy at the third and final tank, obliterating it in a matter of seconds.

To end the video, Quantum turns back towards the camera and puts on another grin. [color=darkorange][b]"I hope this video has proven to you my potential to be more than just a government shill trying to encroach on the Justice League's territory. I don't look to be a replacement to them, I look to be an ally to them, and a hero to all of you. Thank you for allowing me this demonstration. This is Captain Quantum, wishing you all a wonderful day."[/b][/color]

The video ends, the audience giving a round of applause. [b]"That was quite a demo there, eh Fred?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"That it was Adam."[/b][/color]

[b]"That part at the end. As you said earlier, you're looking to join the Justice League?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"My handlers are looking to get in contact with the Justice League, in order to put me on the team, yes."[/b][/color]

[b]"What would you bring to America's own super team, Fred?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"I'd hope to bring a greater sense of diplomacy to the team, Adam. The Justice League are usually up in there Watchtower, watching on but forever silent. Every once in a while, there's an interview, but the people need confirmation that they're still there. I'd hope to be that voice shouting out to say that we are still there, protecting all of you."[/b][/color] Frederick's statement gets some cheers and claps from the audience.

[b]"Well said, Fred... One last thing. You look a bit different in that video, don't you?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"Heh, yeah, yeah I do."[/b][/color]

[b]"Mind showing us your heroic appearance in the flesh?"[/b]

[color=darkorange][b]"Why the hell not."[/b][/color] With those words, Frederick stands. He presses a button on his "watch", and slowly his flesh turns red, revealing the Dilustel Shell's true form for all to see. He raises his hands up wide as the audience cheers, and smiles to himself.

[color=darkorange][b][i]'Good job, Freddie.'[/i][/b][/color]