Upper Atmosphere
"What if a child dreamed of being something more than what society intended for him or her, what if a child aspired to be something greater?" Jor-El enquired "What if a child sought an ideal one could strive towards, what if a child achieved true potential, what if a child brought hope?"
Jeans, surprisingly, merely burned and torn and flying at nearly Mach ten on a direct collision course with a missile, Kal recalled a recording of Jor-El with misty eyes. as a smile crept up flashes of Smallville appeared, all the good memories come forth, Christmas with the Kent's, Thanksgiving with Wally's family and the times Faraday brought his daughter to the farm, however most of his memories were of Lana Lang, his best friend, the trouble they would get into and her smiling warmly at him is the last image he sees.
"It was a good life, short as it maybe, it was good life" Kal whispered to himself just before impacting with the missile
London
A.R.G.U.S Headquarters
In the situation room, dressed in black shoes, black pants and a white shirt with the top two buttons undone and sleeves rolled up, Faraday, with his hands on the table, stood staring unbelieving of what he just witnessed on the main monitor, the other seven people in the room, in military dress uniforms, remained seated around the table, also speechless and trying to comprehend the data that had been relayed.
"What is the Status of the situation" a female voice enquired on speakerphone
British Royal Army Major Elizabeth Tresser cleared her throat then replied "Alpha one has impacted and neutralised the missile"
"What about alpha one?" the female asked with concern
"Alpha one was in freefall then we lost track of him over Metropolis" Tresser replied
"And we can't send a recovery team into the U.S" the female voice hopelessly
"We'll need to prepare for political blowback, the U.S will..." A General started
"We play ignorant and deny any knowledge of this event" Faraday interrupted
"Director..." An Admiral started to protest
"It will be so" The female voice interjected "Faraday, you still do have contacts in the U.S, am I correct?"
"Yes, Ma'am" Faraday confirmed
"Then do what you need to do to recover Alpha one, I have no doubt the U.S will have already mobilized to secure him for themselves" the female voice ordered
"I'll get it done with the utmost discretion, Ma'am" Faraday replied formally
"I know you will, Director" the female voice stated "You're all dismissed, return to your duties"
Leaving the situation room and walking down the narrow hallway towards an elevator Faraday put on his suit jacket and tucked his tie in a pocket as Tresser came up next to him
"What's the plan for rescuing Alpha one, sir?" Tresser enquired
"Burn CADMUS to the ground" Faraday replied coldly
Metropolis
Hell's Gate
A little after midnight, the city rocked awake by a sudden explosive crash, first responders closed off the bridges leading to the island, a search for survivors is underway however that's not the main priority of the response teams, they're there for something much more valuable in the crater that was once Hells gate Island. Nine individuals, in yellow hazmat suits, find a naked and injured Kal unconscious in the impact zone, seven struggle to lift and place him into a containment pod as the other two gather samples.
Queensland Park, the Old City
"New suit?" a female voice asked warmly
In black high tech armour, green boots with red laces, green gauntlets with small pyramid shaped nubs over the knuckles and a red body vest with a gold stylized R pin, Damien sitting on the edge of a building overlooking Hells Gate island turned from observing the responders to find Stephanie, in a black padded suit with purple strips along the sides of her torso and legs and a bright yellow bat on her chest, pulling back the hood of his black gold edged cape, Damian stared at her unpleased.
"I thought father would send Tim" Damian said as he stood up
"Oh he wanted to but I insisted that it should be me" Stephanie informed "Wouldn't want you getting into trouble with your old man over stabbing Tim now would we?"
A small smile threated to appear on Damien's face, which didn't escape Stephanie's notice
"That's a right mess, is that why you came to Metropolis?" Stephanie enquired looking at the crater
"No" Damian replied formerly
"Mind telling me why you came?" Stephanie asked cautiously
"TT" Damian ticked as he turned and pulled up his hood "come on, I'll explain what I can at the hideout"
Gotham City
Bristol, Wayne Manor
In grey pyjamas, black slippers and a maroon gown, Bruce entered the kitchen and sat by the kitchen table as Alfred, in black shoes, grey pants and a black shirt sleeves rolled up and in an apron, made breakfast, the TV was on a news channel discussing 'the superman' and the controversy of his existence.
"…We've only known of his existence for about four month, who is he really? After he does whatever he does, he's gone, he doesn't talk to anybody, no interviews or anything. He just goes wherever he wants, no passport, no visa, not even with an invitation…" A guest on the show stated
"Damien isn't back yet?" Bruce enquired noting the number of plates weren't enough for the number of living in the manor
"Apparently, he won't be for a while longer, I am afraid" Alfred inform "Miss Brown left a message, he has found him and in an endeavour for a peaceful and expedient resolution to the matter, she has decided to aid him in latest escapade"
"…Are there any moral constraints on this guy? Even so, are they the kind of morals that we can trust?" the guest questioned "We have international laws, every act is a political act…"
"Hmm, call the airport and tell them to prepare the jet, I have meeting with Lex tomorrow" Bruce instructed
"I'll have the Bentley ready upon arrival" Alfred confirmed as he placed Bruce's plate on the table
"You read my mind, Alfred" Bruce commented
"Don't I always" Alfred murmured to himself
Metropolis
New Troy, Downtown
A chauffeur opens the door of a black Maybach for Damien, in black sneakers, black jeans, a white shirt and red cotton jersey, followed by Stephanie, in white canvas loafers, blue jeans and a purple tee, as they arrive at a Luxury hotel. Stephanie noticed the doormen aren't the regular type, as they have bulletproof vests and submachine guns, inside the lobby is much the same as any other hotel of its kind expect at every entry way is an armed guard.
"Security is tighter than I remember" Stephanie commented
"Its standard, considering who I've got staying here" Damien stated
"Mister Wayne" The concierge greeted
"Have my guests arrived?" Damien enquired
"Checked in a few hours ago, I have placed them in rooftop penthouse as requested" The concierge replied as she called down the private elevator
"Thank you, we can take it from here" Damien said relieving the concierge as the doors opened
The concierge gave a curt nod and tended to the guests
In the elevator Stephanie rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet
"Would you stop that" Damien demanded
"Hmm?" Stephanie hummed in question
"Would you stop that" Damien repeated slowly
"Oh, sorry, just a little nervous, it is my first ultra-top secret meeting after all" Stephanie stated
"You do realise, everything we do is 'ultra-top secret', right?" Damien pointed out
"Yeah, but this is government business" Stephanie countered
"They're not government, just funded" Damien corrected
"Close enough" Stephanie rebuffed
The elevator opened to the foyer where Tresser, in black shoes, black pants and a white shirt, stood expecting them, motioning for them to follow her, she lead them to the dinner room where Faraday, in brown shoes, grey pants, grey vest and a white shirt, sat reading a newspaper.
"Finally, come sit, sit" Faraday welcomed
"I see you've already made yourself comfortable" Damien commented
"How could I not? It's quite the impressive hotel you got here" Faraday replied
"I try" Damien said humbly "As you know this is Stephanie Brown, Steph this is Director King Faraday and Major Elizabeth Tresser"
"Pleasure to meet you Miss Brown, and call me Faraday" Faraday said charmingly
"Pleasure is all mine, Faraday" Stephanie replied barely contain her nervousness and excitement
"So let's get down to business" Faraday declared
"This contains the files and blueprints we have on CADMUS" Tresser said as she handed Damien a binder
"Anything about the missile?" Damien enquired
"We're still working on finding out where the missile that Alpha one intercepted originated from" Tresser replied
"That's irrelevant. What we're going to need is for you to go the CADMUS labs and recover Alpha one, that is your primary mission" Faraday informed "Your secondary mission will be hacking into the CADMUS servers and retrieving any information linking them to last night's incident"
"I'll recover Alpha one, Steph can hacking into the servers" Damien stated
"What?" Stephanie asked stunned
"You said you would help if gets me back to Gotham quickly and willingly" Damien reminded "This is how you help"
"I… ok" Stephanie agreed
"I wouldn't worry about it, this will be a piece of cake for Batgirl and Robin" Faraday assured
Stephanie stared at Faraday like deer caught in the headlights as her face turned pale
"You didn't think we wouldn't know who you were, did you?" Tresser enquired
"Why else would you even be here?" Faraday added
"Y-Yeah… I-I guess… Y-You would know" Stephanie stammered out
"She's new" Damien said flatly
"I can see that" Faraday concurred "Send a list of any equipment you might need by 7pm and I'll get them dropped off in the hideouts basement tomorrow afternoon along with a special piece of gear I'm sure you'll need"
"Then I best get started on formulating a plan then" Damien said as he stood up "Faraday, Tresser"
Faraday and Tresser nodded farewell to Stephanie and Damien
Metropolis outskirts
CADMUS LABS, Level Bravo
In a white prison uniform and a metal collar around her neck, surrounded by four exhausted heavily armoured Bravo guards and an orderly by a cart with three vials of nutrient shake and chair, Zatanna sat huddled against a wall in the hallway.
"What the shit sticks is going on?" Alpha Sargent Gates enquired walking into centre of the group
"She won't eat, sir" Bravo-09 replied breathing heavily
"That's it?" Gates asked astounded "She a buck one, man, just strap her into the chair"
"She took out four guard during breakfast time, refusing to eat, so we got Merlyn and it took six of us just to get her out here" Bravo-09 clarified
"She hit you in the head? There's only four of you" Gates pointed out
"Miller and Sanchez are in the infirmary, she broke Millers leg" Bravo-09 informed
"Sanchez, Chris Sanchez, she took out Christina Sanchez?" Gates asked bewildered "You know, Sanchez was the one that handled that big guy, the one with the antlers, when he got lose?"
Gates look at Zatanna let out a heavy sigh then tagged his pants and crouched next to her
"We've known each other for a long while and, aside from the usual introductory phase hiccups, you are the most well behaved inmate we've ever had, so you can imagine my surprise when I was told you were causing problems down here" Gates said softly "Now, you know what happens to inmates that misbehave, right?"
Zatanna fearfully nodded
"So here's what I propose, because my job is to keep you alive till the day you grow old and die, I'm going to pick you up, put you in that chair and the lovely Mrs. Merlyn will feed you a nutrient shake after which every meal from now on you will eat as you always have and I'll sneak you in some extra Jell-O and maybe a muffin, deal?" Gates offered
Zatanna looked at the Cart then Gates not meeting his eyes and nodded
"Alright, up you go" Gates said taking Zatanna by the wrist and leading her to the chair
With Zatanna seated, Gates looked at the shakes "Let's see, what have we got here Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry, it's you're lucky day no bubble gum, it's not all that popular around here… You look like a strawberry girl, we're having strawberry"
Gates gave Merlyn a slight nod and she placed a tube in Zatanna's mouth then poured the shake down a funnel, while Gates held her down by the arms.
Metropolis
New Troy, Downtown
In grey sneakers, jeans and a navy shirt, Bruce entered the bedroom, of his penthouse suite in Wayne Tower, made his way to a side panel by the bed and opened a secret elevator. The elevator drop him off on a platform overlooking a tunnel, on the platform is a row of lockers with Robin, Red Rodin, Red Hood and two Bat girl symbols as well as his own, turning to the opposite side of the lockers he found Alfred, sitting by monitors.
"Find anything?" Bruce enquired
"Aside from a questionably clean browser history, there's nothing on Lex's work computer" Alfred replied
"I have to get something before our meeting, I need to know what his planning" Bruce stated
"Might I suggest utilising the much underappreciated skills on offer by one 'Bruce Wayne', seeing as you are Bruce Wayne" Alfred said
"What you got in mind?" Bruce asked curiously
"Well lady luck has decided, once again, to grace us with her blessings, Lex in a rather stunning show of resilience has not postponed his shareholders ball, of which he will be hosting at his humble abode" Alfred informed
"A man like Lex would have a personal server for his more sensitive projects" Bruce said catching on to Alfred's plan
"Yes he would and do you know who as an invite to the aforementioned ball?" Alfred asked wittily
"Bruce Wayne" Bruce replied with chuckle
Alfred pointed at Bruce in a 'you got it' manner "The ball start's in an hour, enough time to get ready and be fashionably late"
"I'm going to need a car" Bruce stated
"I'll have the valet standing ready with the Lamborghini" Alfred informed
"Are you telepathic?" Bruce enquired
Queensland Park, Newtown
Sitting on a bar stool, by the kitchen counter covered with files and blueprints, Damien on his laptop worked on a plan to infiltrate CADMUS. Sitting in the living room eating orange chicken and watching a movie, Stephanie felt her phone vibrate, checking it she found a message from Tim Drake, hesitating for a second she opened it.
"Hey, heard you found the little hell spawn and decided to help him out, not sure that's a good idea, don't want you getting dragged into whatever mess his gotten himself into, anyway I hope you get back soon, Love you"
Stephanie let out a long heavy sigh as she leaned back and faced the ceiling, then looked back down at her phone
"Yeah, I found Damien, he actually needs my help with a really important matter and we'll probably not be back for a while, but I'll let you know as soon we're done"
Stephanie then tossed her phone on the coffee table and continued eating her meal in frustration. Having observed everything Damien returned to he's laptop and saw an e-mail from Faraday
"Just a warning your fathers in town, not sure if he's looking for you or came because of Hells gate. In any case, your requested item will be in the basement tomorrow afternoon"
Thinking about it for a moment Damien contemplated why Bruce would be in Metropolis, he hated the city and only ever came for business related matters, then it came to him and Damien replied to the e-mail
"I'm going to need an impromptu invitation to the Lex Corp Shareholders Ball, for one"
St. Martine's Island, Uptown
Coming to a roaring halt, in a Black Murcielago SuperVeloce, Bruce caught the attention of the press, in a black suit with no tie, security barely managed to keep them at bay as he made his way up the red carpet. Inside Lex's Art deco mansion Bruce found every notable company head in Metropolis including the likes of Morgan Edge and Simon Stagg, a few from other cities were present too, however the ones that caught his attention are Dinah Lance and a woman he had been meaning to meet.
Playing to his status as a playboy Bruce flirted with the models, got invited to privates parties other playboys will be hosting soon and arranged a few meetings with potential investors, all while drifting towards a hallway leading to the server room. Finally reaching the hallway, he paused as he found Dinah, in a Black form fitting dress and red high heels, standing by the entry way, wishing she were anywhere else in the world, skilfully he took two glasses of Champaign from a waitress and made his way to her.
"Drink?" Bruce offered
"Should have brought the whole tray" Dinah said accept the glass
"Is the party that dull for you?" Bruce asked flirtatiously
"You could say that" Dinah sighed
"If you didn't want to be here, why come at all?" Bruce asked genuinely curious
"Oliver" Dinah replied flatly "In order for me to keep being head of Queen Industries I must attend at least three formal events a year, sadly this year has some pretty slim pickings"
"Oh, this party isn't so bad" Bruce stated
"That's because the last public event you attended was five years ago" Dinah countered
"True enough" Bruce conceded
"Which begs the question why return now?" Dinah enquired
"Just got a little tired of the secret parties and decided a more public one would do me some good" Bruce replied playing up the playboy act
"Somehow I doubt that" Dinah said before downing the rest of her Champaign "Be seeing you, Bruce"
"Leaving already" Bruce asked feigning disappointment
"Nothing in the bylaws said I have to stay for the whole party" Dinah replied walking away
Watching her disappear into the crowd Bruce couldn't help but notice how well her dress showed off her curves. Soon as Dinah was gone, he slipped into the hallway and made his way to the server room, inside he found a small nook in the back and inserted a transmitter, then pressed a button on his watch.
"Alfred, are you connected?" Bruce enquired
Back at base Alfred nearly spilled a glass of scotch he was drinking "Uh, yes, I am connected, breaching firewalls… and download commencing. Hmm, you would think Luthor would have better security than this"
"This is going to take a while, I'm head back to the party, let me know when the download is complete" Bruce instructed
"What's the rush, Bruce, have you found a lovely young lady to make an honest man out of you?" Alfred quipped
"In this crowd Alfred?" Bruce asked rhetorically as he left the room
"Wishful thinking, Alfred, wishful thinking" Alfred murmured to himself before taking swig of the scotch
Lex, in a grey with white pin stripes suit, was chatting to some city officials when spotted Bruce and excused himself.
"Bruce, it's being too long" Lex greeted warmly
"That is has Lex, How have you been?" Bruce enquired
"Can't complain, as you can see" Lex replied gesturing to the party
"I'm sure those government contracts have something to do with that" Bruce jibed
"Not has much as I would like" Lex admitted "a company called Armstech has gotten a lock on all defence contracts, the rest of us have to bid for lousy research contracts"
"Yes, I heard and it's not just with the U.S, I hear The U.K, Australia and most of the African nations have given their defence contracts to Armstech too" Bruce informed
"I know and apparently the South American countries are thinking of doing the same, along with the E.U" Lex added
Mercy, in nude stilettos and a white pencil dress with black stipes on the sides, joined them giving Bruce a curt nod before whispering in Lex's ear
Lex sighed then said "Bruce, if we could have our meeting in my office at Lex Corp, I would much appreciate it, I'm afraid with the cleaning that will going on, my home won't be suitable"
"Of course, Lex I've seen my share of the kind of mess a party can leave" Bruce stated
"I don't doubt it, now I must excuse myself I am needed in the kitchen" Lex said
Watching not too far off, in a red sheer chiffon dress and black heels, Stephanie shadowed Bruce
"Don't get to close or he'll spot you" Damien warned in her earpiece
"Assuming he hasn't already" Stephanie whispered
"If he spotted you, would he just ignore you or rush over to ask you why you are A) at the party and B) not dragging my ass back to Gotham?" Damien posed
"Ok, he hasn't spotted me… Yet" Stephanie conceded
"Have a drink to calm your nerves if you need too" Damien suggested "just don't stray away from him"
"I'll just wait for a waiter to cross my path" Stephanie replied
Headed back to the server room Bruce almost bumped into a hazelnut eye woman, with circular facial features framed by her naturally curled long chestnut hair, in a white pencil dress with a deep V, Bruce realised she's the woman he's been meaning to meet
"Don't leave your toys lying about, Bruce" She whispered seductively in his ear
Looking down he found his transmitter in his hands, Look back up she was gone. Scanning the room, he spotted her by the doors, giving chase Bruce pushed past guest and waiters, reaching the doors he saw her enter a red Dodge Challenger SRT8 Hellcat and sped off, leaving skid marks in Lex's drive way. Pulling out his phone Bruce pretended to be receiving a call as he made his way down the red carpet, aware of Stephanie not too far behind.
"Bruce can you hear me, Master Bruce are you there?" Alfred called out franticly
"I'm here Alfred, did you get everything" Bruce enquired
"Fortunately yes, though I lost communication immediately afterwards, I've been trying to reach you for the last ten minutes" Alfred informed
"I'm headed back now" Bruce replied entering his car
"Sure you don't want stay longer? This decryption is going take a while and there is a one in a million chance you could actually find someone" Alfred quipped
"Maybe next time, Alfred" Bruce said as he sped off
Queensland Park, Newtown
Damien leaning on a lone table, in a large open space with a tunnel which serves as the basement of the hideout, watched as Stephanie parked a yellow Maserati Grant Torismo sport, as she stepped out she gave Damien a warm smile and he became mesmerized by how beautiful Stephanie looked in the dress.
"I love this car" Stephanie exclaimed
Snapping back into focus Damien said "I take it you enjoyed the party after all"
"No, just the car" Stephanie replied "All those men hitting on me was creepy"
"Well, you wouldn't have gotten in if people realised you are underage" Damien pointed out as he got off the table
"Yeah, I know but it's still creepy, a few of them were old enough to be my grandfather even if I wasn't underage" Stephanie countered following Damien up a staircase
"Well, at least Bruce didn't spot you and we got what we wanted" Damien said
"That's something, did we get anything useful" Stephanie enquired
"Still decrypting the data I copied from Bruce's transmitter" Damien replied
"Well, next time, you're coming with, keep those men off me" Stephanie said shivering from the thought of going alone again
"You'll have to wait a while before I can pass off as old enough" Damien replied opening the door to the hideout
Once inside Stephanie's phone rung, opening her purse, she saw it was Tim calling and immediately frowned as she stared it.
"Aren't you going to answer that?" Damien asked with a raised eyebrow
"It will just ruin my night" Stephanie replied putting phone on silent and back in her purse
A sudden feeling of concern come over Damien, then he gently placed his hand on her arm
"Come on, heat up some of that takeaway we have left and I'll find us movie to watch" Stephanie said with a warm smile
Damien watched her for moment as she took of her heels and head in to the living room, then went to fridge and took out two boxes of Chinese takeout. Put them in the microwave and warming them up he watched as she looked over the movie collection in the cabinet, he realised something was off and it had to do with whomever she was avoiding on the phone, when the food was done, he brought them to the living room and handed Stephanie one as he joined her on the couch.
"I see you chose a classic remake" Damien commented
"I know you don't like 'chick flicks' and I'm not big on horror, so I thought something neutral would be enjoyable for both of us" Stephanie replied
Damien ate his meal saying nothing, he knew she was deflecting and trying to ignore whatever issue she was having, they sat in silence and enjoyed the movie. After a while Damien woke to a fruity scent, a mix of berries, then he noticed something was on his shoulder, glancing at it he found Stephanie fast asleep next him, her head on his shoulder, skilfully he slipped his phone out his pocket and sent Faraday a message
"I have a favour to ask, it's personal"
Faraday replied after a moment
"What you need?"
Metropolis outskirts
CADMUS LABS, Level Bravo
Lying on her bed staring at the ceiling, Zatanna run two finger along the smooth metal of her collar, and came across a glass panel that illuminated with a blue led, turning her gaze to the slit in her cell door then back to the ceiling she closed her eyes.
"kcolnu ralloc" Zatanna whispered
The collar turned red and an electric shock hit her neck, clenching her teeth she stopped herself from screaming, then she curled onto her side and let out silent tears
Metropolis
New Troy, Downtown
In a brown shoes, grey pants, grey vest and a black shirt, Bruce stood in the centre mirror of his bedroom wardrobe tying a grey tie and noticed the secret elevator open and Alfred with a file stepping out.
"I see, you spent all night down there" Bruce commented "Aren't you the one always harping on about the importance of a good night's rest?"
"And I see you finally learned how put on a tie after years of failed lessons" Alfred replied wittily "I found the project Lex will be pitching to you today, a Project O.M.A.C"
"O.M.A.C?" Bruce wondered as he put on his suit jacket
"Some kind of Global Defence System" Alfred informed "You can read more about it in the car"
"You know most caretakers aren't as snide as you" Bruce pointed out
"Most don't have to build and repair bat themed gadgets every night" Alfred countered
Bruce stared unable to mount a comeback
"In other news, The Director of A.R.G.U.S arrived early yesterday morning" Alfred informed
"Faraday, in Metropolis?" Bruce asked surprised
"Yes and he has taken up residence in your sons hotel" Alfred added
"Hmm, I'll have to pay him a visit later tonight" Bruce mused
"In the meantime you don't want to be late for your meeting with Lex" Alfred said jovially "I'll have the Maybach waiting, something modest for today"
"You sure you're not telepathic?" Bruce asked rhetorically
Queensland Park, Newtown
In the basement, now with a black armoured vehicle, that looked like cross between a tank and Subaru WRX with four booster lining the back parked next to the Maserati, Damien, in a black canvas shoes, blue jeans and a red shirt, walked up to the lone table where a small case sat, opening it, he found three yellow spiked glowing crystal balls and two sets keys, one set for the Maserati with a tag written 'She's all yours' and the other set for the armoured vehicle with his Robin R as a keychain. Stephanie's voice echoed down into the basement, though unable to hear what she was saying he noted that despite her calm warm tone, she was frustrated about whatever she was on the phone about, she then came walking down the stairs, in grey socks, khaki shorts and a white tee.
"I got to go" Stephanie said hanging up
"Got a gift for you" Damien announced turning to her then tossing one of the Maserati keys with the tag
Catching the key she read the tag and a big smile came on her face "Are you serious?"
"You've been really helpful, so as show of thanks and apparition I asked Faraday to release the car to me" replied Damien
Stephanie gave him a long warm hug and kissed his cheek "Thank you"
"Just be aware I have the other key" Damien informed
"Really?" Stephanie ask suspiciously
"Don't worry, the car is yours and you living in a suitable neighbourhood" Damien assured "I'm only holding on to it for safekeeping"
"So do I get one of your keys?" Stephanie asked unconvinced "For safekeeping, of course"
Damien stared at her for a moment then let out a sigh and hand over one of the armoured vehicles keys
"At this rate we'll be apartment hunting" Stephanie teased making Damien blush "Guess they pay you a lot, uh?"
"What do you mean?" Damien enquired
"I doubt Bruce would have given you cash for all this" Stephanie stated "So how else could you afford it?"
"Overtime" Damien replied
New Troy, Central Business District
Lex Corp
Bruce sat at Lex's desk as Lex, in brown shoes, navy pant, navy vest and a dark blue shirt, pitched the O.M.A.C project having turned his monitor around, Bruce looked over the blue-grey hominoid displayed on screen with great fascination.
"They will work on a closed network systems linked to a central AI intelligences that will issue their directives" Lex explained "the O.M. will also be able to function independently for more individual tasks"
"Fascinating" Bruce commented "Tell me have you already built the AI system?"
"Currently we're focused on the individual O.M.A.C chips and the nanofibers that will be used to build their bodies" Lex replied
"Then let me propose a merger of sorts" Bruce offered
"A merger?" Lex asked intrigued
"I have been working on an AI system with the intention of it been able to asses and identify threats, at which point it will alert the most capable and qualified authorities to handle said threat" Bruce informed
"Now you want to skip the authorities and have it deploy the O.M. instead" Lex surmised
"Exactly" Bruce confirmed
"This AI of yours…" Lex stared
"Brother Eye" Bruce interjected
"Brother Eye" Lex said liking the name "sound like the very system my O.M. will need. I can have my team moved to our Gotham labs and within three weeks, our teams can start working on integrating the two systems"
"That works for me, brother eye isn't exactly mobile" Bruce replied
Mercy entered made her way to Lex and whispered in his ear
"Bruce once again I must cut things short, I have someplace important to be and time is of the essence, I'm sure you understand" Lex said as he stood up
"Of course Lex, men like us have busy schedules" Bruce replied understandingly
"Then I'll have my teams start preparation to move to Gotham" Lex informed "Mercy, could you please show Bruce to his car, Bruce it's pleasure as always"
"Pleasure's all mine, Lex" Bruce replied shaking Lex's hand before leaving with Mercy
Queensland Park, Newtown
Damien sat by the kitchen counter staring at the O.M.A.C files, when Stephanie came up behind him and leaned over his shoulder, focusing on his laptop he ignored the enticing feeling of her presence so close to him.
"That looks really creepy" Stephanie commented
"I think father is planning on helping Lex with this" Damien informed
"And that's a bad thing?" Stephanie enquired
"A global defence system that operates autonomously from any government with the directive to eliminate any threat deemed hostile by the unknown perimeters of its creators, Nope, nothing bad could come from that" Damien replied sarcastically
"Oh, ha ha ha" Stephanie returned with equal sarcasm as she moved to lean against the counter and face Damien "I'm just saying Bruce is a part of it, he wouldn't let anything bad come out this"
"Doesn't matter anyway, we got more important matter to attend to" Damien stated "We can deal with it later, should the need arise"
"Right, I'll go get ready and meet you in the basement" Stephanie said the kissed his cheek before heading to her room
Watching her turn into the hallway, Damien whispered to himself "This is going to get complicated"
Metropolis outskirts
CADMUS LABS, Level Bravo
Siting on the bed hugging her legs, Zatanna stares at the padded wall in front of her, slowly sinking further into her lonely depression, then her cell door opened up and eight Bravo guards come in led by Gates, Crawling back into a corner Zatanna lifted her hand to cast a spell but her collar sent an electric shock into her neck, causing her to curl up against the wall.
Gates sighed "Old habits die hard, uh?"
Gates signals two Bravo guards, they take Zatanna by the arms and drag her out into the hallway
"Today's you're lucky day though, we got a new tenet and you're going to show him some of your tricks" Gates informed "And who knows if you behave and do as your told, you may get a special treat, like say a bit of magic time once a week"
Zatanna slightly turned her head towards Gates
"Oh, that got your interest" Gates commented with a chuckled
Level Alpha
As Lex and his scientists observed and slowly increased the voltage, below in the test chamber strapped to a chair in the centre with a pair of white prison pants, Kal weakly endured being electrocuted, Lex signalled for the testing to stop once they reached max voltage.
"Report" Lex ordered
"The subject healed from his injuries within the hour of retrieval, as for the tests performed thus far only test 78 has produced any harmful effects on the subject" A scientist informed
"Test 78?" Lex enquired
"Substance-TRS-7" The scientist clarified
"Uh yes, the mineral my mining company found" Lex recalled
"Yes, it caused him a great deal of pain, though it didn't weaken him" The scientist informed
"It didn't take away his powers" Lex mused
"No, TRS-7 disrupted his bio-electric arura which seems to be tied to his nervous system in some way" the scientist informed
"An arura?" Lex questioned
"Of a sort, we noted that when his skin actually started to fail in resisting damage, a thin electromagnetic like layer would immediately appear and deflect any incoming damage allowing the skin to repair itself" The scientist explained "It's this layer that TRS-7 is affecting, as for how harmful it could be with prolonged exposer and a larger quantity… pure speculation"
Lex hummed then switched on the PA system "Bring her in"
Gates with eight Alpha guards entered the chamber carrying Zatanna
"Inmate 33442 entering test chamber 3" Gates announced
Two of the Alpha guards placed Zatanna two meters away from Kal then took few steps back and all eight Alpha guards aimed their tactical rifles at her. Gates input a code into a tablet and Zatannas collar beeped
"Now don't try anything crazy" Gates warned "Besides us having our guns trained on you, try to summon too much power, you get shocked, disobey an order, you get shocked, you move, you get shocked, understood?"
Zatanna nodded
"Inmate 33442 is ready" Gates informed into his radio
"Strike the subject before you with a lightning bolt" A scientist ordered over the PA
Nervously Zatanna slowly raised her hand towards Kal, concentrating as hard she could, sparks coursed around her arm, then she unleashed a lightning bolt that caused Kal to scream so loud he shook the entire facility, knocking down everyone in the chamber, shattering the observation deck windows and it made him spasm so hard he tore out of his restraints. For a brief moment Kal saw Gates and the Alpha guards secure and carry a kicking and screaming Zatanna out the chamber before passing out again.
Lex getting to his feet looked down at Kal, steaming in the chair unconscious, with abhorrence in eyes, then ordered "Secure the subject and get him into a suitable cell"
Metropolis
Queensland Park, Newtown
In the basement with her cowl on the hood of the Maserati Stephanie, in her bat suit, spoke on her phone as Damien, in his robin suit, silently arranged and sorted his utility belt with equipment he'll need for the nights mission by the armoured vehicle.
"I know we had plans tonight, but I already told you that this really important... Not just for him, for everyone… I already told you I can't tell you want it is...Because I can't, Tim! Ugh, I'm wasting time I have to go" Stephanie said before frustratingly throwing her phone against the wall shattering it, she then grabbed her cowl, put it on and made her way to Damien.
Damien extended his arm with Stephanie's utility belt in hand and said "I took the liberty of sorting it out for you while you were on the phone"
"Oh, thanks, I'm sorry about the call..." Stephanie stopped talking seeing Damian raise his hand in disinterest "Right, I'm wasting time"
In the armoured vehicle Damien drove them through quite streets and the back allies of Metropolis at speeds far beyond city limits
"I know, how important this is but could you slow down?" Stephanie asked concerned
"No" Damian replied coldly "Goliath, call Lancelot"
"Cutting it a little late, I take it you're in route" Faraday said over an audio only channel
"Yes, eta is thirty minutes" Damien informed
"And how is our lovely tag along doing?" Faraday asked charmingly "Did she like the gift you got for her?"
"She's doing well and she LOVES the gift" Stephanie replied happily
"Wonderful news… Now on to the mission, our latest Intel indicates Lex is on scene not sure how long he'll be there" Faraday informed "So, gather any surveillance footage that implicates him in any unethical testing, especially anything involving Alpha one, I have a feeling we'll need it"
"Roger that, Bat girl will get it done, Robin out" Damien confirmed
"So, on top of stealing CADMUS files, I got to find evidence of Lex performing unethical tests?" Stephanie enquired
"Priority being anything involving Alpha one" Damien added
"While you recover, what or whomever, this Alpha one is" Stephanie said uneasily
"If you are uncomfortable, you can stay in the car" Damien stated bluntly
"I'm not uncomfortable, just curious about what makes this Alpha one so special" Stephanie replied softly
"Well, maybe you'll get a bit of a demonstration at the end of the mission" Damien offered
"Really?" Stephanie asked sceptically
"Maybe" Damien reiterated
Clearing the city, Damien fired up the boosters of Goliath and blasted down the desert towards the CADMUS labs
New Troy, Downtown
Sitting in the rooftop garden of the penthouse Faraday, in navy blue suit with no tie, closed his laptop as Bruce, in black boots, black gauntlets, a black armoured cowl and grey high-tech armour that formed to his physique, landed on a ledge in front of Faraday, Tresser bust out from the Penthouse, in blue convers shoes, light blue jeans and a white tee, with a combat shotgun at the ready and aimed it at Bruce.
"Stand down Tresser, it's only Batman" Faraday ordered
Hesitantly Tresser lowered her gun, then walked back inside.
"What can I do you for, Bruce?" Faraday asked politely
"Answers" Bruce replied gruffly
"You're wondering why within less than a day, The Director of A.R.G.U.S would show up in a U.S city that was the subject of an unknown attack" Faraday surmised "The answer is quite simple, I'm on vacation"
"I don't believe you" Bruce growled
"I don't care" Faraday replied unfazed
Bruce scowled at Faraday
"If you have something to say, Bruce, say it otherwise... politely, fuck off" Faraday said waving him away
"I'll find out you're hiding, Faraday" Bruce growled before leaping off the edge
"Knock yourself out, mate" Faraday said to himself unconcerned as Tresser walked up to him
"Think he'll actually find out why you're really here, sir?" Tresser enquired
"He'll find out CADMUS took something from the crash site, probably even that it was a person, but he won't figure out what our reasons are" Faraday replied
"And his kid, his up to the task?" Tesser asked concerned
"I wouldn't have assigned him to the mission otherwise and he is the one who warned us about the missile" Faraday countered "Besides, his got back up"
"I just think we should have sent the speedster, sir" Tresser admitted before walking away
Faraday looked at Tresser for a moment then shook his head
Metropolis outskirts
CADMUS LABS, Level Delta
After braking the door of the security office on a Delta guard Damien jumped on a wall and locked a second Delta guards neck in his arm, took a few steps along the wall then kicked a third sending him into a screen smashing it and knocking him out, then slammed the one in his arm on the ground. Hacking into the security console, Damian shut down the security cameras, then began searching for Kal's cell.
"Batgirl, what's your status?" Damian enquired
Level one
Squeezing through the vents Stephanie reached the server room then gruffly replied "I'm in position just waiting on you for the all clear"
"What's wrong" Damien asked with concern noting her grunts
"These vents are pretty tight" Stephanie confessed
"TT" Damian ticked in response
"Holding back a fat comment, Robin?" Stephanie asked surprised
Damian remained silent
"Are you going soft on me?" Stephanie asked playfully
"Security systems are down in the server room, transmit the data to Goliath" Damien replied ignoring her "I'm moving on to recover Alpha one"
Landing gently in the server room Stephanie took a quick look around then moved to a console, inserted a transmitter and started searching for evidence
"Alright, CADMUS what's the latest gossip?" Stephanie muttered
Level Delta
Running down a hallway Damien launched off a wall, kneed a Delta guard in the face, bounced off the adjacent wall and elbowed another Delta, then slid on his knees to punch another Delta in the crotch followed by upper cut, as two other Delta guards brought their rifles up Damien threw darts at their necks tranquilizing them, then walked past the Deltas and made his way to an elevator.
Level Omega
Riding the elevator down Damien put on a gas mask then reached into a back pouch and pulled out two smoke grenades, as the doors opened he pulled the pins and threw them down the hallway as far as he could and filled the hall with smoke lased with knock out gas. Making his way down the hallway he passed sleeping Omega guards, then he arrived at Kal's cell and entered the access code opening the door, inside he found Kal, shackled in cargo ship anchor chains and unconscious, taking a small yellow crystal glowing ball from a side pouch, Damian threw it up at the ceiling the quickly shielded himself with his cape before the ball shattered on the ceiling and burst into a flash of radiant sunlight that caused Kal to gasp as he regained consciousness.
Damien peaked over his steaming cape and saw Kal looking at him then Damien glanced up and said "Think you can make us quick exit?"
Level One
Stephanie finished her download, then headed for the door as she opened it a large beam of heat blast up in front of her fluttering her cape and hair, when the beam dissipated a grappling hook flew past her soon followed by Damien zipping up.
"Guess that's our exit" Stephanie said still slightly startled
Rooftop
Joining Damien on the roof, she follow him as he jump off, extended his cape and glided into Goliath as it came drifting to a halt below. Entering the vehicle the seats automatically bulked them in and Damien sped them away by firing up the boosters.
"That was superman, wasn't it?" Stephanie asked excited
Damien let out a heavy sign
"AAAAAH! I was! OH MY! ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Stephanie yelled "We just rescued superman"
Damien remained silent, focusing on driving
"Where is he?" Stephanie asked curiously
"His got some unfinished business then he'll make his way to a safe location" Damien replied
Level Bravo
Back at the labs scared and alone in her padded cell, Zatanna wondered as to what was happening outside. All she could make out where screams and explosions, her cell shook a lot more violently and she concluded the battle outside was drawing nearer. Zatanna started wondering if the young man she was forced to use her magic on earlier was the one causing all this. She knew he was extremely strong and practically indestructible.
Suddenly the commotion stopped and soon after her cell door ripped open like it was cardboard and there he was, shirtless with scorch marks and dirt all over him. Zatanna scuttled backwards into a corner as he approached her; afraid that he came to kill her; instead, he gave a gentle smile and extended his hand out to her.
"It's alright, I know they were using you against your will, I'm here to get you out" Kal said warmly
Surprised about his apparent forgiveness of her role in his torture, Zatanna warily took his hand and got up, He then scooped her up and carried her out has she was too weak to stand on her own
"What's your name?" Zatanna asked weakly
"Kal-El" Kal replied "Try to rest, we'll talk more when we get some place safe"
Morning
Washington D.C, The White House
Parked in front of the main doors is a red Dodge Challenger SRT8 Hellcat. Within the oval office seated in his chair facing the window and on the phone, the president held up a finger indicating to give him a second as his visitor entered the room, she made her way to a couch laid her white coat down then sat patiently. Finishing his call the president turned around, placed the phone down and turned his attention to the woman before him, dressed in white stilettos, a white form fitting knee length skirt and a white shirt with the two top buttons undone.
"I hear you want to talk to the DOD" The president said
"I do" She replied
"So why come to me, you do have a direct line to them?" The president enquired
"True, though in this case I need as much persuasion as I can get for the type of proposal I have to offer" She replied
"What kind of proposal do have in mind?" The president asked intruded
"Open the U.S borders to A.R.G.U.S" She replied bluntly
"Now that is quite the proposal, Miss Lawson" The President stated