XLVII
An Offer He Couldn't Refuse
Luthor calmly stared at Scott and Barda Free while straightening the folds in his suit jacket. He seemed unfazed by Scott's threat.
"Mr. Free… You have just saved my life, for which I am quite grateful. But you must return me to Metropolis. We have just witnessed a terrorist attack on an unheard of scale, thousands of key American lives have been lost. Our government is in jeopardy. I am the acting president and there are many things to do. Torturing me would not be in your best interest, I assure you."
"Why did you do it, Luthor?!"
"What is it that you think I have done, Mr. Free?... Attempt suicide? If it had not been for you, I would have perished… like the rest of my colleagues. I love my country. I hope you and your wife love it too because we have been the victim of terrorism."
"Just one shot in the kidneys, Scott… to get rid of the political-speak," growled Barda, cracking her knuckles.
"…How is he doing?" asked Luthor as he glanced at a prone Big Blue.
"Not well, thanks to you." Barda glared at Luthor, stepping towards him.
"Mrs. Free, again, I had nothing to do with recent events. Are your devices curing him?"
Scott made a telepathic link with his wife's mother box for diagnosis. It had slowed the spread, but it was unable to effectively treat Kryptonite poisoning, especially on someone with Clark's physiology. Neither of their mother boxes had the tools to save a Kryptonian. Big Blue was dying.
"No?" continued Luthor. "Then may I suggest lead-2-Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid specific antibodies? LexCorp has found this treatment particularly effective in the treatment of kryptonite poisoning... Oh, and leave him in the sunlight. That seems to be the source of his power."
"Are you saying you have an antidote?!"
"Of course, at my lab in Metropolis. Take me there and I will personally give you the 'antidote'. But then we say Adieu. I have a nation to run. But remember to tell Big Blue who saved his life. And remind him who he really works for…" Luthor paused and continued.
"…And also that I am sorry for his loss. She truly was a remarkable woman."
Scott knew he was being presented with an offer he couldn't refuse.
"Barda, boom tube Mr. Luthor to his lab. Highfather help us, we need that antidote as fast as possible. Please use the gift of life wisely, Mr. President."
"Oh, I shall Mr. Free… I shall."
Scott watched as Barda and Luthor boom tubed away to Metropolis and began to ponder...
Luthor did have a point, it was doubtful he was behind the explosion, at least directly. Luthor was diabolic, but he wasn't likely to place his life in jeopardy to that extent. Was he telling the truth about Clark? Lois? Were there other forces at work trying to sabotage America? Had Kahndaq retaliated?
The sudden crack of thunder in the blue sky snapped Mister Miracle out of his conspiracy pondering. He felt the force-shock from the landing before he saw its cause, standing like a dark god upon the crest of the hilltop…
It was a man… Dressed in black with a lightning bolt that actually crackled with electricity running down his chest. Steam radiated from the ground where his feet stood. His whole being radiated the aura of power, confidence, authority. He looked strong… too strong.
"I have found you, Great Eagle," spoke Black Adam.
Beyond a doubt, Scott Free was the greatest escape artist in history. Over the years, he had placed himself in numerous death-traps, continuously defying certain death against impossible odds. He did this to challenge his skills. It had almost become routine.
He suddenly knew what fear was once more.
Author's Note:
On the positive side, lead-2-Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid specific antibodies really do cure Kryptonite poisoning.
Next Issue: Mister Miracle vs. Black Adam! Don't Miss It!