Know Your Enemy

Monday, September 21st, 15:00

The Bat and the Hawk sat on opposite sides of the circle of terminals arranged around the Archive's central databank. Wayne sat laid back in the swivel-chair with arms crossed and one hand idly moving over the exposed chin. His eyes flashed between screens of detailed CIA reports.

Shayera released an exasperated sigh. "The Russian connection is pointless. When the Union fell apart there was so much theft and smuggling and evidence destruction it's impossible to follow any of it."

"Chaos is good for crime." He stated as if giving a lesson.

"That's how you knew where he is." She leaned closer, propped on her terminal. "Because Khundustan is a mess of warring tribes easy to hide in."

"Actually, it was another medical issue with another former Soviet county." Wayne admitted. "When did Ra's visit Magreb?" He abruptly changed subject.

Shayera clicked open a file. "Little under half a year ago."

"Same time Wayne Enterprise had trouble acquiring fuel for their cargo ships from West African companies."

"Didn't Superman go there a few times to deal with those bands that kidnapped oil company employees?" Her head peeked above the screen. "Think Ra's is supporting them? Expanding business in the Sub-Saharan region?"

"He's already sabotaging oil rigs in Middle East in order to boost prices, forcing a slowing down of the greenhouse effect." He studied the pattern of red dots on a map. "Kidnapping is an indirect, more subtle method."

"Not to mention less traceable." She frowned at her files, as if to intimidate them into giving her some answers. "So he wants to wipe out humanity to save Earth, huh?"

The dark knight shook his head "He wants humanity to live in a utopia, impossible given current population and technology."

"And instead of advancing technology he's dealing with the population." She let out a wistful huff.

"Never this extremely." He muttered. "A thousand year old cult leader doesn't turn apocalyptically zealous unless suffering side effects of the Lazarus pit." He clicked open a file on the Lazarus substance: from first mythical tales to the latest pharmacological developments.

"So when did he take a dive last time?"

Wayne propped his chin on steepled hands, tapping the upper lip. "A three second full immersion takes approximately ten percent off a person's biological age. He goes to Petra once every five years like clockwork." The bat slumped back in the seat. "Latest one would have been three months ago."

"Don't think so." She held up a finger. "The Assassin's League fought Darkside's forces in Kairo. Immediately after the parademon's withdrawal a small contingent made way to Giza in record time." She clicked between files, appropriate paragraphs marked in red.

"The closest Lazarus pit." He followed her reasoning. "It would be in character for Ra's to personally protect his birthplace, and severe injuries are likely."

"There have been no major treats and no unexpected trips to other pits since. That was three years ago." Shayera pointed out. "The league has only been involved in low profile sabotage."

"Two years till the next dive." The bat started closing files. "The apocalypse threat is a ruse for a mild attack." He rose from the terminal. "Call me when Q makes contact."

Stepping out into the hallway, the he tapped the earpiece. "Superman, Wonder Woman, I know what he's up to."

Minutes later all three were in the conference room.

"Figured something out?" Clark inquired anxiously the moment Wayne stepped inside.

His friend pulled the cowl off, simultaneously smoothing the hair back in place. "Ra's wont kill off humanity." He stated without much relief.

"And the bad news?" Diana tipped her head sideways.

Bruce propped fists-first on the table. "He will kill most of it."

Clark sighed, scratching his nape. "Scenarios?"

"Several." Bruce picked up a remote from its slot and aimed at the window.

It turned opaque white before a void world map projection appeared on it, only outlining continents.

"His goal is to deal maximal damage to humanity while minimizing damage to the biosphere."

A Color-coded population-density map appeared. Sparsely populated deep inland was green. India, China, Indo-china, Japan and Nile valley being stark red, along with numerous hot-spots in Europe and North America. Varied hues of yellow ran along every shoreline.

"Borders between habitats have the biggest species variety and biomass, best example being the border between land and shore. Nuclear detonations on lifeless seabed would trigger tsunamis. Heavy water atoms dispersed through the ocean would absorb fallout radiation. There will be no ecological damage, but an estimated one billion people would die, another two being displaced. This kind of attack would be economically and technologically crippling, but humanity would reclaim the shores even if nature is given a head start. We did it once already."

Clark crossed his arms. "Go on."

"Plate tectonics would be more lethal." Bruce clicked again.

A map of tectonic activity appeared over the population chart, the two overlapping on a number of places: Ganges valley, Pacific fire ring, Great Rift Valley and the Mediterranean being the most striking ones.

"Well placed water injections into magma hot-spots would trigger the release of accumulated energy. Estimating a simultaneous attack and an average 7 points on Richter scale throughout, these areas will be brought to sustainable levels." He clicked again.

Most reds shifted to yellows.

"Good God…" Clark whispered.

"Fifty percent of humanity whipped out, again, no long term effects." Bruce continued the emotionless lecture.

Diana walked over to the large screen. "These are all extremely difficult tactics."

"We are talking of a fifth oldest person in the world." Bruce stared her down. "He has all the resources and connections needed to pull off anything he devises. And the patience for perfect timing."

"Any more tactics?" Clark tipped his chin at the map.

"Pandemic." Bruce replied simply. "No idea which type."

"Why do I have the feeling you're keeping the worst for last." Clark glanced his way.

Bruce locked eyes with his friend. "All three at once."

"Hera help us…"

…