Lex Luthor massaged his temples as he rode the elevator down to the holding level. He could hear the fire alarm continue its incessant blaring, as it had been doing all night according to his staff. The first time it went off it had taken hours the night before for the fire department to clear the building and allow everyone back in, the holding level omitted from stairwells and building blueprints so rescue workers wouldn't search it. However mere minute after getting it off it sprang back to life, the fire department saying it was now his problem to shut off. The tech department was frantic to find what was going on, now saying it was a glitch in the computer system. On top of the alarm the environmental system was "out of whack" as the head of maintenance had said and every floor was either blisteringly hot or freezing cold. He had finally been forced to send all non-essential personal home.
As the doors opened the alarm mercifully shut off again and he hoped that his time it would last. This floor was one that was freezing; the air conditioner on so high he could see his breath and ice forming on the vents. He approached the cell and found his pawns curled up in the beds, blankets wrapped tightly around them and pillows over their heads "Sleep well?"
They both looked at him with a mix of annoyance and anger "You know if we die in a fire or freeze to death you don't get what you want" Grayson said abrasively pulling the blankets tighter around himself "and for the record I've been held in some pretty crummy places and this is rapidly approaching the top of my list". What he failed to mention was he was the one who had caused the havoc and if he'd had a few more hours in the system could have made all the toilets flush every time someone flipped a light switch.
"Then you will be happy to know that your father will be here shortly" Luthor said checking his watch, Sportsmaster would be here momentarily to help move them. "And you Mr. Harper, your guardian has done an admirable job keeping Superman out, a crane collapsed down at the docks last night hitting a passenger ferry, and the Boy Scout was a no show. The press is having a field day with it".
Roy leap forward running to the glass and pounding on it "You…" was all he could manage to get out.
A deep chuckle announced Sportsmasters arrival "Arrow boy has temper doesn't he".
"How's Cheshire?" he shot back causing the mercenary clenching his fists. The blow to her head had caused a severe concussion; she was out for the next two weeks at least.
"As much as I would love to sit here all day and let you exchange insults, I have a schedule to keep so Sportsmaster if you will" Luthor said gesturing to Dick. Roy's eyes narrowed and he moved in front of the younger boy, Robin or not he wasn't going with the madmen.
"I was hoping you would do this the hard way" Sportsmaster said cracking his knuckles, wanting to get a chance to pay back the hit on his daughter. Luthor held up his hand, "There will be no need for that" he said punching a code on the panel. Hissing inside the cell immediately followed. "Not again" Dick muttered bitterly as the gas invaded his lungs. They gas only took seconds to work and they both collapsed to the floor.
Sportsmaster easily gathered Dick up, taking a bit of pleasure in kicking Roy out of the way before a second guard picked up the teen. "Take them both to the lab; you know what to do from there". He smiled under his mask; Ra's plan was right on track.
"Mr. Wayne a moment!" a voice called as Bruce Wayne approached the doors of Lex Corp. He had just arrived from the airport and was in a hurry to get to Luthor's office for the exchange. However, ignoring her would cause only more problems in this already delicate situation. So he placed the playboy grin on his face he turned to greet Lois Lane with Jimmy Olson trailing behind already snapping pictures. He now recognized Clark's meddling, he was making sure Bruce had been seen and documented going into Lex Corp…in case he didn't come out.
"I always have a moment for the most beautiful reporter in Metropolis" he said kissing her hand glancing upwards. She gave a slight nod, getting the message that with Lex there were cameras everywhere.
She pulled out her recorder indicating the time and date before she started, Bruce had to hand it to Clark she was good when given a job. "Tell me Mr. Wayne, this visit wasn't on your calendar, are you in Metropolis for another lucrative Lex Corp/Wayne Enterprises collaboration". So good.
"In fact Lois, and now this is just between you and me" he added as playfully as he could, "I'm about to ink a very lucrative deal that will benefit us both…though I am sure I am getting the better end of the deal here" he said stepping away "I'm sorry but I must go now, can't keep Lex waiting you know".
"Of course," she responded turning off the recorder "But would you indulge me in a photo of the two of us, I have a collection of celebrity photos". He nodded and she got up next to him holding her copy of today's paper with the date in plain view as Jimmy took a few more shots.
"Thank you" she said pulling him into a hug and whispering in his ear "now go get your boy back". He could only grunt a response before moving into the lobby, the duo from the Daily Planet disappearing as quickly as they arrived.
Bruce gripped the metal briefcase tightly in his hand as he entered the lobby. It had taken Kid Flash right up to the deadline to get the virus on board and the triggering devices assembled. As a precaution multiple triggers had been made one with him and one with Superman. The young hero was barely able to stand up when he finished, refusing any sort of break or food until it was done. As Bruce was packing up Alfred and Artemis were leading him up to the manor for some well-deserved rest.
It had also been a long tense night with Superman, who couldn't stand patrolling the outskirts of the city without being able to help, Red Tornado taking his place as he was the least likely to let his emotions get the better of him. It had been a good thing too as hours later they had heard of the accident down at the docks. His friend was no doubt going to be eaten alive in the press today judging by the number of calls Clark had received from the Daily Planet and a very irate Lois Lane. She had been doing her very best Black Canary impression for 10 minutes before the poor man could get a word in. Only after hearing the situation did she calm down and agreed to try to do some damage control before the story went to press. The only consolation that seemed to sooth Clark was the fact he could pummel Luthor into next Tuesday once the boys were safe.
Crossing the lobby he was struck by how empty it was for the start of the work day…and cold very cold. Not needing directions, he proceeded to the private elevator that led to Luthor's office just off the main bay of elevators. As the doors closed he saw a familiar slender figure with long dark hair peering at him from behind a column…Talia. She merely nodded to him before disappearing into the shadows…her message sent. He was growing tired of being manipulated, even more so of Dick being used as the means of manipulation. He took the last few moments alone to compose himself and prepare for whatever he might find on the other side of the doors.
The first thing that struck him was the heat, the office was like a sauna compared to the freezer that was the lobby. Luthor sat behind the oversized desk, casually leaning back in his chair, trying to look serious as the sweat poured down his face. "Bruce, right on time, I was afraid Miss Lane's little photo op would deter you longer". Despite the situation Bruce allowed himself a small sense of pleasure, this had Dick and Roy written all over it.
"Where is Dick?" Bruce demanded instantly seeing no sign on him or Ra's anywhere in the office, moving forward wanting nothing more than to drive his fist into the bald man's head.
"In due time" Luthor said getting up "First we must make sure the device works and is not a fake…if you will follow me to the lab".
Bruce took another deep breath and followed him into a concealed passage behind one of the bookcases in the office, they would not be going to the lab Bruce had visited during their 'ventures' and confirming his suspicions that Luthor operated a special lab for his more nefarious purposes. "Is he okay?" Bruce asked quietly, putting on his best concerned parent act…though not much of it was an act. Luthor reveled in the weakness "I assure you the boy is fine and will remain so as long as the prototype is authentic".
They had expected this, Wally burying the virus deep and disguised as a maintenance program. No scan would find it as it wouldn't be live until it was triggered by himself or Superman. The ride was long and clearly taking them deep underground.
As the doors opened the large lab greeted them, Bruce gasping at what he saw. The room was cavernous, rivaling the Bat cave in size, scope, and technology. There were rows and rows of the robots Dick had shown them the day before, and just as his ward had said enough for a small army. In the center of the room, was an oversized version of the army, its front open exposing what appeared to be the command center and something else that made him do a double take. Roy Harper appeared to be strapped to a chair inside the command center, wrists and feet bound behind him, on top of a gag. He appeared to be unconscious as he head was tilted to the side and he wasn't fighting like a caged animal. However upon closer look Bruce could see one of his hands working at the bindings on his wrists.
Lex followed his eyes to Roy, and smiled "See your son wasn't alone in all of this, I brought one of his little friends. But pay no attention Oliver will be here to collect him after he has served his own special purpose". Bruce cursed inwardly, Roy being on the thing changed things completely, they would be unable to disable it until he was safely away.
Seeing his attention still focused on the second hostage Luthor motioned Sportsmaster forward, dragging Dick with him. The boy seemed groggy but became a live wire the second he saw his guardian struggling to get away, fighting harder than he had the entire time he was in captivity. This took Sportsmaster by surprise as he struggled to hold on "Bruce nu! Sa o capcană, de Ra este aici și după ce, acest lucru a tot fost pentru a te! Vă rugăm să ieși acum, el știe despre adoptarea, el este gong să folosească gropile de pe tine..." Bruce no! Its a trap, Ra's is here and after you, this has all been to get you! Please get out now, he know's about the adoption, he's gong to use the pits on you. Sportsmaster finally managed to get a hand over the boys mouth and a blade at his throat. Dick panting with effort and tears of frustration streaming down his face.
This actually took Bruce by surprise, both Dick's use of his native language and what he had revealed, How had Ra's found out about the adoption...how had Dick for that matter, the only people who knew were Alfred and Lucious who had drawn up the papers. The tears streaming down his future son's face also giving him pause, in all the times they had been forced to go through this he had never cried before.
"What was that? What did he say?" Luthor demanded snapping Bruce from his thoughts and Sportsmaster pulling the knife closer to his throat. Bruce held up his hands up "Romanian" he said quickly hoping to diffuse the situation thankful neither man spoke the language "he grew up speaking it in the circus, he reverts to using it when he is under extreme stress, he just wants to come home and make sure Roy is safe as well"
Luthor looked skeptical and Bruce knew it was time to deflect "Lex he's been kidnapped twice in the span of 72 hours and is just a kid...I believe this is yours now" opening the briefcase for the first time showing the prototype.
Like a kid with candy Luthor's attention was diverted, snatching the briefcase away, moving to a panel and insserting the prototype, the hum of hundreds of robots coming online filling the room. "Have a seat Bruce, this will take awhile". Bruce didn't want to take a seat, he wanted to go take Dick away from Sportsmasters clutches, free Roy, and blow this mechanical army to bits...all before allowing himself a little Bat therapy on the pair. But Luthor held all the cards and he had no choice but to sit and wait.
8************************************************* ***********************************
Ra's Al Ghul knew his time to act was finally at hand, no more messing around with threats and silly toys. Luthor had been installing the prototype for nearly an hour and from what he could see was in the final phases of activation, "Ubu, please see too our transportaion and ensure my daughter is ready". The Demon Head took a moment to study the Detective and his son, the boy's desperate attempt at a warning obviously succeeding, Bruce has been searching the room for him since. Though upset he had lost some of the element of suprise he was thrilled with the resourcefullness of the boy also making a mental note to learn Romanian. Ubu bowed and disappeared, Ra's himself sticking to the shadows. He needed a distraction to get the Detective and the boy out of there before Luthor foolishly let the boy go or killed the two. Scowling he reguarded his parter, Luthor needed a lesson in giving in to trival emotions such as pride and the young archer currently bound not far from him would be great means to do so.
He easily lept into the command center for the robot, Luthor so engrossed in his work he failed to notice. However, Batman and Robin did, Bruce eyeing him dangerously while the boy began to struggle again, trying to shout a warning to his friend. Ra's shook his head at the pair, placing his finger to his lips, approaching Roy with a dagger in hand. Bruce held his hand up signaling for Dick to stop, the boy immediately obeying, though he didn't look happy about it. Red Arrow didn't move, feining unconciousness, tense and aware of his presence.
"Your efforts to escape have been admirable young Arrow, but at this rate by the time you'll be free Metropolis will be in ruins" Ra's purred slashing his hands and feet free. Roy stayed still waiting for the dagger to slash his throat or plunge into his chest, instead feeling the familiar touch of his bow in his hands. Finally opening his eyes he turned to face the Demon Head but he was already gone, a quiver full of arrows and a domino mask in his wake.
Confused he took the weapons and leaped to the nearst catwalk, Ra's clearly wanted him to do some damage judging by the number of explosive arrows, but did he really want to do anything that the madman wanted? He looked to Bruce for instruction, he was Batman after all. The man appeared to be torn himself, Luthor making the decision for him as he gave a cry of delight, the great robot coming to life. Without hesiation Roy let loose a barrage of arrows aimed at the control panel, causing it to explode in a shower of sparks. But it was too late, the sequence had begun and the robots were beginning to take flight through hatches now open in the roof.
Luthor dived to the ground and covered his head "How did you get free?" he screamed guesturing to Dick "Stop right now or the the kids blood will paint the walls of this place..." stopping when there was nothing there. Sportsmaster and Grayson were gone. Roy fired one of his line arrows followed by 2 more explosive arrows, driving Luthor back and allowing him to his bow to glide down the line. Seeing him coming Luthor moved back, disappearing into the smoke, he may have lost his hostages but with his dream complete he had an entire city full of them.
Bruce pulled himself up, after being knocked over by the force of the explosions "Dick!" he shouted, coughing from the smoke. He wasn't fazed as Red Arrow dropped down next to him "I'm sorry, Ra's must have had this planned all along, he wanted me to cause a distraction...waited just long enough for it to be too late to stop" Roy hissed reading another round.
Bruce was searching the room for any sign of where Sportsmaster had gone, if Ra's wanted him he would give him a sign or clue to follow, and he did Talia appearing at his side from the shadows, holding her hand out to him "Beloved, if you would come with me I can see that you reunite with your son
Roy felt his jaw drop, Beloved? "We have all been pawns in his game" Bruce said turning to the archer while pulling the destroyed trigger out of his pocket, the small device crushed when he'd been thrown to the ground. Cursing he pulled the communication device from his ear and handed it to Roy "Get clear of the building and contact the League, assure them your safe and for Superman to trigger the virus. You must all attack with everything you have got" pausing he looked at Talia, her eyes now dark and dangerous "Tell them I have taken Robin to a spa to rejuvenate after all of this and wish to be left alone".
The young hero tried to get out an answer as the last set of instructions, first he had said Robin without knowning Dick had revealed his identity the night before and why on earth would he take the boy to a spa? A code! It had to be! Ollie said Batman had a series of codes to covey message when right in front of the enemy. Without another word he took her hand, even kissing is gently and allowed himself to be lead away. Roy shook the cobwebs free, the weight of what he had just been entrusted with hitting harder than any punch could. He wanted to follow but he could hear the rockets enganging on the larger version and unless he wanted to be barbecued he needed to get out of there, now. Firing a grapple arrow to the rim of the opening he pulled himself up and out, the large robot right on his heels.
Knowing he had seconds to act before Luthor finished him off with his giant new toy he brought the communicator to life "Red Arrow to anyone!"
To Be Continued….
Sorry for the shorter chapter, next one should be longer. I would love to hear what everyone thinks and as always thanks for the reviews, favs, and follows!