Heels echoed along the clean hallways of L-Corp as Lena Luthor walked through her company speaking through her Bluetooth headset, the tablet nestled comfortably in her elbow. She walked with grace and confidence as she passed her employees, nodding to them politely while she discussed important matters with her marketing department. Now that the youngest child of the Luthor family had finally redeemed the company from the tarnished reputation her maniacal brother had inflicted on the world, Lena had discovered running a reputable company was just as time consuming as saving it. But she stepped up to the challenge and was proving to her board members to be flawless at it. And she still found time to keep a social life with her friends.
She crossed through a hallway with a series of windows along her right side, pausing in her phone call to look out at the National City Skyline. Her office wasn't on the top floor, but it felt like it by how high she was. The streets were small when she looked down, but it wasn't the ground she was looking at. It was the horizon, the possibilities waiting out there. It was her dream to change the world and make it a better place. But sometimes that goal has clouded her judgement and she'd made mistakes. She had much to atone for, not just her families actions but also her own.
She stepped into the lobby where her assistant was waiting for her, promptly finishing her call with marketing removing the earpiece and scrolling through her emails. Her black hair swung behind her shoulders with every step, tied back in a ponytail showing her elegant features to the world. This was a woman who had nothing to hide, and her expression said as much whenever she addressed anyone. "I've just confirmed the final promotion for the donations to the Memorial Hospital" she told her assistant, not losing pace as she walked towards her office. "Have the accounts been settled?"
"City Hall got the donations and expressed their thanks" Eveline reported. Lena had to admit she had been an adequate replacement for her last assistant, and friend. But Eve Tess-mocker broke her trust when it was revealed she was working for Lex the entire time. When Eveline applied and came in for the interview, her credentials and references were stellar, even under intense scrutiny by her private investigators. But it was her name that unnerved her and the paranoid CEO almost rejected her just for sharing the same name. Fortunately she fought her impulses and hired the willing and hardworking assistant, though she refused to use her first name lest it brought up bad memories.
"Good work Miss Price" she replied, ticking off another of a long to-do list. "I need to coordinate with my R&D manager before visiting the board of directors, and my mother" she added with a shudder. "We'll have to push back my nine o'clock to this evening."
Eveline Price hesitated as Lena steam rolled towards her office, hurrying after her stammering "I'm afraid there might be an issue with that, Miss Luthor!"
"Nonsense. If I want to postpone a meeting, I have every right" Lena scoffed, approaching the frosted glass doors sending another email while the automatic motion sensor opened them for her.
"Yes, but your nine o'clock is already here!" Eveline said just as Lena looked up to find a man standing in her office admiring the minimalist décor. She froze in place in the entrance to her large oval office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city with her glass desk situated in the centre and two small couches placed to the right beside a briefing table.
The man stood in front of the windows looking out at the horizon, dressed in a blue business suit almost mirroring the attire Lena was wearing. But in contrast she wore a white blouse while his shirt was a burgundy red with the two button undone. His long hair was groomed, brushed behind his ears bleached white. His face was rugged and chiselled, almost like a Greek statue, his brow low hooded over his bright green eyes which glinted in the sunlight. He turned around upon hearing her enter, flashing her a charming smile that could disarm any ordinary woman.
Fortunately, Lena Luthor wasn't any ordinary woman and was able to keep her composure as she straightened her back. "Mr Davies" she said, glancing at her wrist watch. "I wasn't expecting you for another twenty minutes."
"My apologies Miss Luthor" he said, strolling across the floor to greet the tall woman with a polite handshake. "I had a cancelation early this morning and thought it would be mutually beneficial to bring our meeting ahead. And please, call me Maxwell" he said, taking her hand and graciously kissing the back of it.
Lena raised her eyebrows as the charming young man flashed his smiled again, gently removing her hand from his manicured fingers before releasing a slow breath. The gentlemanly show didn't fool her. She'd used this same ploy herself; arriving early to ensure her meetings never got postponed. She was impressed at how effortlessly Maxwell Davies played it. "Very well" she sighed, motioning him to her meeting area on their right. As he nodded she turned to her assistant telling her "tell the board I'll be running late and hold all my calls."
"Yes Miss Luthor" she acknowledged, stepping out of the office to return to her desk.
"A delightful young woman" Maxwell noted, watching the assistant leave them. "In her defence, she warned me you hated surprise visits."
"Yes, well, your reputation proceeds you" Lena noted. "I hear you can be quite persuasive, both inside and outside the boardroom."
Maxwell chuckled, already imagining which newspaper headlines the businesswoman no doubt had been reading. Maxwell Davies had become an illustrious figure as the CEO of TITAN Industries, both as a brilliant negotiator and a savvy businessman. His company pioneered countless advancements in robotics and biological augmentation, both in the United States and TITAN's native country of Great Britain. But of course his negotiation tactics extended it the bars and clubs all the way to a woman's bedroom, some of his exclusive exploits even making it to the tabloids. The man knew how to charm ice from an Eskimo, or the phone number from a married woman, he wasn't choosy. Lena did her research when she found his name on her calendar, noting that despite his busy social life he was the best at what he does. Nothing he had done warranted legal action and his stock holders loved the profits he brought his company.
"Nevertheless, I'm grateful for you allowing this meeting" he said, taking a seat on one of the white sofas while Lena took her place opposite him. "I have a proposal for you" he said with a smirk. When he saw her dubious look her clarified "a business proposal" with a chuckle. "May I?" he asked politely.
She put down her tablet and motioned with a nod, prompting him to reach into his jacket and retrieve a small electronic device. Placing it in the middle of the table the man next retrieved a small remote where he activated the HoloLens in the device. Lena sat back as a holographic 3D generated image materialised above the table between them with the TITAN Industries logo.
"May I assume you already know what TITAN Industries is known for?" Maxwell started, standing up to make his presentation. "Over the past fifteen years we've grown from a modest engineering consulting firm to a multinational corporation in robotics and bioengineering. Our goal has now, and always has been, to better the human condition. Technology has evolved to the point where mankind can reach beyond the stars, so why can't we reach beyond our limits?"
"I've read the pitch from your website and heard it from your last expo briefing" Lena interrupted, recalling the last corporate expo she attended in Metropolis where she heard this same speech from the man himself on stage.
Maxwell smirked, nodding in apology as he skipped the extravagant introduction. "Basically our patents include artificial limbs, implants to improve hearing, heart valve replacements. Most recently we were able to create a spinal implant that let a paralysed young woman walk again. But what I'm talking about is moving beyond fixing what's broken, and instead improving it."
He tapped his remote, the holographic image changing to show a pair of human subjects, a man and woman, each recording date as various devices attach to their bodies. "Genetic modification asks the question; "if we could recode the genetic structure, can we change how our body functions?" of course, trials of such methods have had mixed results. But it did occur to be the question applied to our work to. If we can give an amputee a brand new arm with total motor functions, why would we limit their abilities to that of a regular human? With a robotic arm, they feel no pain and would by extension be able to harness much more power though the prostatic. You give a man robotic legs, then he has the potential to run faster, long, further than any human being is capable off."
"You're talking about human augmentation through technology" Lena said, looking at the new images of enhanced humans in front of her. She rolled her eyes as she told him "that's already been done. With their own mixed results."
"You're referring to the likes of Cadmus labs" he acknowledged. "Surgically implanting subjects with electronic and biological enhancements and making them into weapons. I know the horror stories. My company is well aware of the risks. But I'm not proposing such barbaric methods" he explained, tapping his remote against to show a different version of the image in front of Lena. "I'm proposing a less invasive option. A way to give ordinary men and women, without disabilities, the opportunity to make themselves stronger or faster or better.
"Consider the world today. Violence surrounds us, war across oceans, powers greater than our own. In this city alone, we've been invaded more than once by extra-terrestrial armies. Our citizens besieged by beings with abilities both extraordinary and deadly. Not just aliens. Metahumans with superhuman powers. Even humans with access to technology superior to anything we can comprehend. How are we to combat such dangers?"
Lena laughed, shaking her head hearing such words from the likes of Lockwood. "In case you forgot, we have Supergirl" she reminded him.
Maxwell waggled his finger, glad she brought her up. "Indeed, but there is one fact we all must acknowledge Miss Luthor; Supergirl cannot be everywhere at once. Despite all their abilities and powers, not even Superman could be in two places at once. Now true, she is not alone. Our city is home to many good Samaritans, but you must admit even these vigilantes must come up short somewhere. But it's not just the practicalities, it's the principle. Are we really content to let superheroes, some from other planets, protect us indefinitely? How can we better ourselves when we cower behind the cape of Supergirl?"
Lena suppressed the urge to argue with him, sensing he had to point to make as he took his seat back in the sofa.
"Humanity is stagnating" he told her. "Progress is slowed. But you and I, we see it's potential. We understand humanity can surpass its capabilities far beyond the limits of mere mortals. I believe the first step is to take charge of our protection." He directed her to the hologram, an image of a robotic exosuit overlapping the human figure with date scrolling down the sides. "Imagine a man with the strength of fifty men, able to run at thirty miles per hour, leap tall buildings with a single bound, encased in armour that makes him bullet proof, in-built life support systems enabling them to breathe underwater or in outer space. Imagine a human being with the same capabilities as Supergirl.
Humanity doesn't have to be resigned to hiding behind a cape. We could be the cape, the sword and shield defending our city. Defending our planet. TITAN has been creating augments for humanity for years. We have the technology to take the concept further, creating an exoskeleton that will enhance the pilot's potential in moments. Imagine the possibilities? Strength and speed could be just the start. We could improve a man's sight to see the stars, enhance his hearing to listen for miles, make them impervious to heat or cold, to work in the most inhospitable environments. We'd be making humanity safer and greater than ever before."
Lena broke her gaze away from the holographic imagery demonstrating such enhancements to look up at the passionate man, the realisation to why he'd come to her dawning on her. "You want Lex's suit" she sighed.
Maxwell opened his palms as a show of transparency. "I know there is much animosity surrounding your brother. I admit is was…"
"A deranged psychopath?" she finished bluntly. "A madman with a god complex who cared for nothing except his own ambitions?"
"Yes" he nodded sadly, leaning back in his seat crossing his legs. But then he added "but, you must admit, the man was a genius. A mad genius, but a genius nevertheless. His intelligence was unmatched, save for yourself of course. Even in his most maniacal plots of world domination, I must admit that genius was a great inspiration for me. The greatest waste was that he could've changed the world a million times over if he chose to."
Lena fell silent at that remark, sharing the man's sentiment. Lex could've done so much for the world, if only his ego and hatred for Superman hadn't consumed him. She silently wept for the life they could've had together, the things they could've accomplished. But for better or worse, Lex made Lena who she was. She was strong because of him, in her defiance for everything he stood for. But even though he's gone, she still missed him.
Maxwell sat forward, waiting until he had Lena's full attention before explaining "as his sister, and the CEO of L-Corp, you are in possession of everything he ever designed including his suits. The advanced tech in those alone could propel my work years ahead of development. And with your help, we can bring humanity up to a new level of greatness." He changed the holographic image again, showing himself and Lena side by side with the exosuit between them. "I'm proposing a partnership between TITAN Industries and L-Corp in a venture that could elevate not just mankind but the world. Think of all the good we could do, that our suits could bring. We could end wars overseas. Terrorism would be a thing of the past. Future threats from aliens or metahumans would be met with equal force. Imagine a police able to stand side by side with Supergirl to defend their home. Just think, yesterday masked men attacked a delivery truck with weapons capable of blowing a hole in the financial district. If our own people had this technology, we wouldn't have to rely on Supergirl to come and save us. We would be able to save ourselves. Humanity would have the opportunity to evolve once more."
He finished his speech and sat back in his seat, watching patiently as Lena considered his proposal carefully. She had to admit he made a sound argument. This sort of development would do a lot to improve mankind's potential, especially in defending the planet. But despite all the ideal aspirations, Lena couldn't see past the biggest dilemma in the concept. "You are advocating for developing weapons" she told him.
Maxwell expected such a response. "I know, it's a far cry from curing cancer or bringing world peace. But it is a stepping stone. A massive step forward."
"I understand what you think you perceive from this project" she said diplomatically, sitting forward making sure the man has her full attention. "But you must realise how dangerous this could be. You're right, people like us can see opportunity for human advancement in this. But others will see another weapon. And what if this technology was to fall into the wrong hands?" she asked. "I've seen the kind of destruction suits like this can bring. My genius brother, as you called him, was responsible for much of it. I'm sorry, but I can't risk bringing something that dangerous into the world" she said apologetically.
Maxwell sat silently, soaking in her words before uncrossing his legs to adjust his suit. "I get it. You're afraid that using Lex's designs would bring biased opinions back to your company, especially after taking so much work to redeem the family name. So how about a compromise?" he offered, moving from his seat to sit beside her. "A silent partnership. Let TITAN lead the charge and keep L-Corp out of the public news until you are ready to reveal your involvement. You wouldn't even have to worry about funding it. I've already got the financial plan formulated. All we'd need is your cooperation and access to your technology, at your sole discretion."
"I don't think you were listening" Lena repeated. "This technology is dangerous."
He flashed her a smirk, his voice dropping a few decibels as he leaned closer. "No dangerous then when scientists cured smallpox using human test subjects during a plague. Or when Oppenheimer made the atomic bomb. Or when you yourself tried to end violence on the planet using Q-Waves" he pointed out. Lena bristled at the mention of her unorthodox and questionable experiment. "Innovation is not without risks. But only the daring can change the world" he told her.
She waited a few heartbeats before rising from her seat, walking to her desk politely informing Maxwell "It's a kind proposal, but I'm afraid I must decline. I'm afraid the risks are too high for me and my company." She didn't highlight that without her aid TITAN could be looking at years to develop what Lex had already achieved, which she secretly hoped would mean the project would eventually get mothballed.
Maxwell hid his disappointment well, retrieving his holographic device and returning it to his inside pocket. "I've never failed in a negotiation before" he muttered wistfully, approaching the young woman with his hands in his pockets. "I hope you'll give me the chance to try again."
Lena couldn't help but smirk. "Is this the part where you offer to take me to diner? Chat me up and try to lower my defences? Take me to bed in the hopes I'll change my mind?"
"Well, that would be a tempting ploy, especially for someone as intelligent and attractive as you" he chuckled. "But something tells me talking you around wouldn't be so easy. But, taking you out for dinner could still be on the agenda" he said, offering her one of his business cards. "Most of my guests are relatives or associates of clients or prospective customers, stock brokers and board members. Few really offer intellectual conversation. I wouldn't mind sharing a meal with someone of your calibre. I feel conversation would be most engaging."
Lena looked down at the card before taking it from him, reading the engraved name and phone number on the back. She wondered if this was part of his tactic, but she got the sense he was being truthful about wishing for engaging conversation. She had to admit, she often found herself lacking in companions who shared her intellect. It's one of the things she missed about Lex.
"And as for the project" he continued, looking out once more to the horizon. "I have other avenues to consult. I always follow through when I have an idea. It's just a matter of making the right offer. And if L-Corp is adamant about turning us down, then maybe other parties would be more interested. The department of defence, for instance."
Lena could see the DOD jumping at the chance to score a suit that could mimic the powers and abilities of Superman, the statement making her reconsider her refusal. If she was in the loop, she could ensure the right people got the technology the right way. But then it would still go against everything she stood for. Her best chance was to stay out of it and hope the deal falls through. "Without Lex's designs it would take you decades" she said, almost gloating about torpedoing the man's dream.
He smiled. "I'm a patient man" he told her, unfazed by the remark. "I want to get it right. Humanity's evolution depends on it." he nodded to the card in her hand, telling her "think about my proposal. Take your time. I'll be in touch about that dinner date" he added, flashing a smile that this time succeeded in melting Lena's exterior a little. She stayed by her desk watching him saunter out of her office, waving at the delightful assistant posted outside.
Lena took a seat at her desk, the business card still in her hand as she allowed herself to smile at last. She had to admit, the man was charming. But charm wouldn't make her change her mind about a project she knew was too dangerous to be allowed to go ahead.