Superman/Steven Universe:
The Shield of Hope
Chapter 9
Lexcorp Tower, Front gate Entrance
The Lexcorp building was the tallest in the area, bright and impeccably clean. A silver fence surrounded the entire building the only way in was a large gate with L's on it. The gate was currently overfilled with people trying to get into the building the only thing stopping them were the Lexcorp security guards. They set up roadblocks to keep the people at bay and were only letting certain people in after they checked them, a steady stream of people entered the building. Then a Taxi cab pulled up near the entrance but away from the crowd, and from the cab emerged Jimmy, Lois, and Clark. Jimmy appeared to be in the middle of a conversation with the two.
"You've should've seen him Lois he was head over heels" Jimmy said in a happy tone
"Jimmy for the last time I was not" Clark said embarrassed
Jimmy let out a small laugh "Oh please Kent everyone in the office saw how you were fumbling with your words when Garnet talked to you, Clark-Has-A-Crush" Jimmy said in a mocking tone.
Clark felt his face heat up from Jimmy words "Hey I'll admit you're not the only one they were all really good looking, especially Amethyst, do think if I ask her she'll give me her number" Jimmy said in a dreamy haze.
Clark almost immediately replied
"NO"
Jimmy was taken aback by the sudden answer "Wow Clark didn't know you could be so brutal" Jimmy said slightly hurt.
Clark looked at Jimmy apologetically not meaning for that to come out like that
"If you two are done fantasizing about those Gem and the Hologram rejects we have work to do" Lois said slightly annoyed as she paid the cab driver.
"Come on Lois no need to be so mean, they were good people" Jimmy said slightly offended
Lois raised her hands defensively "I'm not insulting them I'm just insulting they're dress style, they look like concept art for an 80's cartoon" Lois said as the cab drove off.
"Jimmy I'm serious about you being careful around those people they just seemed…. A little off, what if they're trying to steal your story" Clark said concerned for his friend and still unsure of the Gems true motives.
"Normally I would question anyone who comes into my office asking about a story I wrote, but I think Jimmy can let his guard down around them" Lois said confidently.
Clark was surprised by Lois's response, for his time in the Daily Planet he learned that Lois is very cautious around people almost cynical in some respects.
"I'm surprised Lois, from first-hand experience it usually takes a month before you think people are decent" Clark said jokingly.
"Okay first Smallville I was sizing you up to see if you would be a creditable reporter congratulations you passed, and second after when you've been in the game as long as I have you learn how to get a feel for people when I first meet them, I could see a snake from a mile away and those four were not snakes, if anything they were fluffy bunnies, but I will say that those three women were on a mission they came in" Lois said thinking back to her interaction with the gems.
Clark admired how analytical Lois was she examined everything with such precision
"So why do you think Steven was there" Clark asked curious for Lois's answer.
"The Kid, I think he was just happy to be there with them that kid was straight sweetheart" Lois said amused, Clark nodded agreeing that Steven was a good kid but that just raised more questions.
"Alright you two, time to get to work, follow me" Lois said gesturing away from the large crowd and started to walk, both Clark and Jimmy looked at Lois and the Crowd confused.
"Um, Ms. Lane don't we wanna go that way" Jimmy said pointing to the gate
"Jimmy, the Daily Planet wasn't invited and those guards are very familiar with me and the moment they see me they'll throw us out, that's why I have a man on the inside" Lois said giving them both a confident grin.
The three began to walk down the street going further from the crowd and eventually turned a corner walking down an empty street. The street was empty because there was construction being done on a section of the Lexcorp building, there were caution signs and yellow road blocks telling people to turn around. It appeared that there were trucks going down into a tunnel that went underneath the Lexcorp building, Lois walked around the sign and proceeded through the site with Clark and Jimmy following cautiously behind. Then a construction worker approached the three.
"Uh excuse me but you three can't be here this is a restricted area" the worker said
"Oh it's nothing to worry about John has us covered" Lois said with a smile.
The worker looked at Lois annoyed "Lady I don't know who you think you are, but this is a construction site we can't have a bunch of civilians walking around unsupervised" the worker said
"They're not unsupervised, they're with me" a voice said from behind.
They all turned to see an African American man in his late twenties, he was wearing a black hoodie with a safety vest over it, blue jeans, and heavy work boots. He was a tall as Clark if he stood his full height and was clearly built and strong.
The man walked up to the worker "John you do know you could lose your job if anyone finds out about this right" the worker said
"I'll handle it when it comes, you leave them to me" John said putting a hand on the workers shoulder.
He sighed and shrugged leaving the four of them alone, Lois looked at John and smiled while John looked at Lois annoyed.
"I can't believe I'm risking my job for" John said annoyed.
Lois smiled and then hugged him "It's good to see you to John, Thanks for this" Lois said gratefully,
"So how do you two know each other" Jimmy asked.
"Ms. Lane helped me get out a scrap with some really bad people a while ago, so I owed her one….. This is now the fifth" John said exhausted
"Oh don't worry John this will be the last…. Probably, are there any guards on the way to the courtyard?" Lois asked.
"Only one but the guys a total weasel and he's in the Port-a-Potty so you have like five minutes" John said as he began to walk leading them through the site.
"I must say John I'm surprised someone of your caliber is working here" Lois said playfully
"It's called keeping a low profile, something you seem to lack" John replied.
They were soon out of the site and onto the terrace "Okay just walk down the path and take a left, you'll be in the courtyard with everyone else, you can blend in there" John said pointing down a path
Lois nodded "Okay Jimmy your with me, Clark you follow John back towards the street you go to the front gate and show the guards your Daily Planet ID card and we'll sneak in" Lois said as she tossed Jimmy a green skullcap and pulled out a short hair blonde wig from her purse.
"So I'm a distraction so you can get in" Clark said blandly
"Yep, don't worry Smallvile you're not completely out of the loop, get some statements from the people on the street" Lois said patting Clark's cheek and pulling Jimmy along the path.
Clark smiled as Lois and Jimmy went down the path "Don't worry you'll learn to get used to it" John said as he walked back into the site.
"I think I already have" Clark said following
John and Clark walked through the site again this time Clark examining the work being done "So what are you guys building here" Clark asked.
"Were working on a tunnel that connects the street, to the Lexcorp basement to make it easier for them to bring stuff up and down there, apparently they're really impatient. They already bringing things through the tunnel" John said had he pointed to a Truck carrying large metal barrels down the tunnel.
They were finally out of the site "You want me to come with you, those guards can be a bit rough" John asked concerned
Clark smiled admiring his concern "Oh I take care of myself Mr.…." Clark said extending his hand.
"Irons, John Henry Irons" John said with a smile shaking Clark's hand
Clark smiled and replied "Clark Joseph Kent, see you around Mr. Irons" Clark said as he finished shaking his hand and walked off waving to him.
John waved back at Clark as he walked "Irons we need you in the tunnel there's some stones in the way" a worker yelled to John
"I'm on my way down" John said as he walked back to the site along the way he passed a sledgehammer leaning on a make shift table. He easily picked it up with a single hand slinging it over his shoulder as he made his way down to the tunnel.
Clark made his way to the front gate and joined the crowd of people trying to make their way into Lexcorp.
"Press only people, this is a special presentation from Mr. Luthor, if you're looking for a job you have to come back next week" one of the guards said as he and some others tried to push the crowd back.
Clark made his way to the front of the crowd and faced one of the guards
"Excuse me! I'm Press! Clark Kent, I'm with the…." Clark said holding out his ID card.
The guard immediately snatched the card out of Clark's hand and examined it
"Daily Planet" the guard said with disgust
"Um is there a problem" Clark said nervously.
"You bet there is, pal" the guard said as three more came up to Clark threateningly
"I suggest you go back to your crappy building and tell everyone else in that dying paper that they ain't welcome here" the guard said as her forcefully pushed the card onto Clark's chest.
Clark faked a stumble backward as he fumbled around with the card on his hands
"Be glad all were doing is locking you out, unless you have a problem with that" the guard said like a threat as he and the other guards began to zero in on Clark.
"Uh n-no that's necessary, I get the message, have a nice day sirs" Clark said nervously as he frantically waved his hands defensively backing away from the guards.
As Clark backed away he managed to catch something with his super vision a young man in a green skullcap and blonde woman wearing sunglasses slipping into the crowd of people unseen by the guards. Clark smiled seeing that Lois and Jimmy made it inside, he was about to walk away when he caught something else from the corner of his eye making them widened and his breath stop. He saw Steven and the Gems entering the crowd, though the gems were wearing what could only be described as business attire.
"What are they doing here" Clark said as he watched them go through the large doors entering Lexcorp
"I don't know why they're here, but I can't risk them doing something dangerous in a place like this I have to follow them" Clark thought to himself.
He knew the guards wouldn't let him in the front gate but he had another way of getting in, he walked around the corner towards the path Lois and Jimmy took to get in. He examined the area whoever was supposed to be watching this area was still not around, Clark was easily able to jump over the fence entering the Lexcorp grounds. He then ran towards the building and hugged the wall making sure no one saw him, once he was sure that no one was coming he used his X-ray vision to scan the building.
"It looks like this presentation is happening on the roof, then that's where I need to go" Clark said as he saw that all the people were on the roof.
With one more cautionary glance Clark looked around for witnesses, with the coast clear he focused on the roof and squatted down. With a grunt Clark launched himself into the air soaring past the many floors and windows of the Lexcorp building, luckily everyone disregarded the sudden whoosh from outside their windows. Clark's ascent began to slow as he reached the roof finally stopping down right as he reached it, allowing himself to step onto the roof seamlessly
"Wow Lola was right, I am getting stronger, I could probably leap over this building in a single bound if I wanted to" Clark said to himself impressed.
He hid behind the elevator as the people exited it and walked towards the stage in front of them, they were all there Lois, Jimmy, Steven, and the Gems. Clark didn't know what was going to happen so all he could do for now was wait and watch.
10 minutes earlier
The gems and Steven have been leaping across building for 5 minutes, even with Steven on her back Garnet able to close the gap between buildings with relative ease. She had no use of her hands since they were securing Steven, but she used her legs to help make it across running across thin wires that connected buildings. The same could be said for all the gems as they crossed the city, Amethyst was having a bit of fun doing flips and pulling herself forward using her whip laughing as she did. Pearl moved like an Olympic gymnast quick and graceful even using her spear to help vault over larger gaps. The finally stopped at a building that was just outside the Lexcorp Tower
"This is the place" Garnet said still holding on to Steven.
They all looked upon the massive building the Lexcorp logo on the face of it
"Alright we're here, what are we supposed to be looking for" Amethyst asked.
"We get inside then we search for anything involving the gem tech" Garnet said, truthfully she was unsure of this decision all she knew is that she couldn't see anything involving this place with her future vision and that warranted a investigation.
"If we want to get in we'll have to do it unseen, which maybe a tad difficult for us" Pearl said to Garnet uncertainty in her voice
As the gems were talking Steven from Garnets back examined the building. He marveled at how tall the building was, how clean and shiny it was compared to other buildings surrounding it, and how much space it took up. Steven's eyes then came to the front gate and he saw all the people crowding it to get in, Steven's eyes widened in a realization
"Hey look down there, those people are getting in maybe we can sneak in with them" Steven said pointing to the crowd.
The Gems looked to where Steven was pointing
"Excellent idea Steven" Pearl said happily smiling at Steven
"Yeah that's not too bad" Amethyst said giving Steven the thumbs up
"Nice thinking Steven" Garnet said with a smile making Steven blush.
"Alright gems let's move" Garnet said as she leapt off the building towards Lexcorp the others following behind.
Steven and the Gems landed on the Terrace of Lexcorp with a thud, though none of them were harmed in anyway. Garnet knelt down allowing Steven to get off her back, Steven leapt off, his legs a bit shaky from the trip
"That was awesome, why don't we do that more often" Steven said excitedly.
"Well Beach City isn't really known for its tall buildings Steven" Pearl said
"Alright if we want to get in we may have to change our appearance to fit in with the crowd, I suggest that we…." Pearl said examining the crowd until a voice from behind interrupted her
"Hey what are you doing here" the voice said.
Steven and the gems turned around to see a Lexcorp security guard, he wore a brown button up shirt with the Lexcorp logo on the right sleeve, a brown cap, pair of light green pants, and black shoes. He was Caucasian with short brown hair and brown eyes, he was short up to Pearl's neck, and was scrawny his clothes clearly a size bigger than he should be wearing. He had just buckled up his pants and had just came out of a Port-a-Potty that he was standing in front of, the door still slightly open.
"I said what you are doing here" He said with more force
"Okay dude if your gonna start asking questions at least finish pulling up your pants, and another thing…" Amethyst said pointing to his loose belt buckle and she would've continued talking if the security guard hadn't pulled out his gun and pointed at them.
Instinctively they all raised their hands over they're head and froze
"Sir please were not here to cause trouble we just…." Steven said slightly concerned
"Kid shut it, I'm reporting you and your freakily dressed friends" he said as he reached for his walkie-talkie and pressed the button.
"Hey, hey man we surrender, you can report us to your superiors, but before you do that you might wanna look behind you" Amethyst said pointing behind the guard
"Do you really think I'm that stupid" the guard said with a blank expression.
Unbeknownst to the guard Amethyst had used her shapeshifting to stretch and sneak her left arm around the guard hiding behind the various construction equipment strewn about, once her arm made it behind the guard she gave him a quick flick behind the ear. With an annoyed yelp the guard turned to see what did it only to find nothing, Amethyst retracted her arm quickly and while the guard was looking behind she extended her right arm. With a swift motion Amethyst shoved him into the Port-a-Potty and shut the door. Garnet then ran up grabbing a wheelbarrow full of bricks and placed it in front of the door of the Potty.
"Hey what just happened, let me out" the man screamed from inside the Port-a-Potty
"I'm so sorry sir, I'm sure someone else will get you out…..eventually" Peal said slightly nervous.
Pearl then picked up Steven making a run for the crowd Garnet and Amethyst following behind. The guard dropped his walkie-talkie when he was shoved it laid on the ground near the Port-a-Potty.
"Hello, Hello Jones is that you, I swear if this some kind of joke and your slacking off again I am not helping you again man" a voice from the walkie-talkie said in a very annoyed tone as the guard still struggled to escape.
They came to a stop at the edge of the building and looked around the corner towards the large group of people entering the building
"So how are we supposed to sneak in" Steven said looking at the crowd
As soon as Steven said that three flashes of light shined behind him, Steven turned around quickly and smiled when he saw the gems. The gems used they're shapeshifting abilities to change the clothes they were wearing. Amethyst was now wearing a purple plaid shirt, jeans, sneakers, and a purple jacket, her hair was shorter and wore a backwards baseball cap. Pearl was wearing a light blue business jacket and skirt with a white belt, high heels, blue gloves, and beret on her head. And finally Garnet was wearing a maroon business suit and pants, a light blue dress shirt, and a red tie, her visor transformed into a pair of circular sunglasses and a bit of her hair covered her third eye.
"The reporters for the Crystal Gazette are ready to investigate" Garnet said with a smile,
Steven's eyes sparkled as he looked at the gems "Wow you guys look really professional, wait do I get a disguise" Steven asked.
"I think you good with what you're wearing Steven" Pearl said ruffling Steven's hair
"You know you kinda look like that Kent guy, dorky glasses and all" Amethyst nudging Garnet's leg.
"He has a very inconspicuous look, now it's time to go" Garnet said adjusting her glasses and walking towards the crowd, Steven and the others following behind.
They were able to easily slip into the crowd of reporters following them inside the building, Steven was amazed by the inside of Lexcorp. Much like the outside it was sleek, clean, and immaculate various employees were walking around in a calm and orderly manner. A huge Lexcorp logo sat in the middle of the lobby with a plaque that said "Let's build a better tomorrow, Today". The crowd of reporters were ushered into an elevator
"We'll follow them for now, then we'll break off and search the building when the moment present itself" Garnet whispered to the others as they entered the elevator.
The elevator brought them up to the roof of the Lexcorp building, where a helicopter, a small stage, speakers, multiple things covered in huge tarps, a sealed metal briefcase on a table, and where various men and women in lab coats were talking. The reporters all stood in front of the desk, pens and papers, photographers, and TV Camera's at the ready.
"This appears to be some kind of scientific presentation, I will admit I'm a bit curious for what these humans have to show" Pearl said intrigued
"Remember the mission Pearl, after this presentation is done they'll probably bring us back inside that's when we make our move" Garnet said looking ahead stoically.
Indeed Steven as well was also interested in what Lexcorp had to offer after hearing so much about them both good and bad.
(This Part will be in the Third Person, to cover everyone)
With Jimmy and Lois in disguise, Steven and the gems in the crowd, and Clark hiding behind them the presentation was about to begin. From behind the stage a figure stood in the shadows, he appeared to be reading something on a tablet, his green eyes scanning it methodically. Then a women wearing a chauffeur outfit approached him holding a phone
"Sir it's the delivery you requested" The woman said handing him the phone, He took the phone without even looking away from the tablet.
"Sir the substance you requested is on route, we'll bring it through the east entrance and it will be ready for testing in 30 minutes" the voice on the phone said
"No, bring it through the tunnel and have the scientist prep for immediate evaluation" The man said in a dismissive tone still scanning the tablet.
"But sir the tunnel is crossable, but I think that for this delivery we shouldn't take any unnecessary risks" the voice on the phone said concerned
Upon hearing that the man looked up from his tablet slowly, he then handed it to the women placing his full attention on the phone call.
"Michelson was it, I am aware of the risk and I am sure that you will tell the deliverymen that the cargo they're carrying is to be handled with the utmost care, but also that I want the substance in the lab for testing in 10 minutes or less" He said in a cold and quiet tone.
"But sir the road down there is not finished and…." The phone voice said worried
"Then tell them to drive slowly but efficiently, our clients are very curious about the capabilities of this substance and would like to know the results as soon as possible, being the businessman I am I promised to give them the most accurate results in the shortest amount of time, anything less would be a mark on the Lexcorp brand, You wouldn't want to damage the brand would you Michelson?" the man said, his voice cold as ice.
The phone was silent for a few seconds till the man finally gave his answer "I understand I will inform the drivers and the scientists" the man said quietly
"Good, I have a presentation to give so call me in 10 minutes once the substance has arrived, have a nice day" the man said as he closed the phone then also handed it to the woman.
A woman in a lab coat walks onto the stage microphone in hand "Thank you all for being so patient and for attending this presentation of Lexcorp's newest scientific achievement, to lead the presentation is the leader of this scientific endeavor and the president of Lexcorp himself Alexander Joseph Luthor" the female scientist said as she began to clap followed by the entire crowd.
A man came from the back of the stage and walked up the platform towards a metal pedestal with the Lexcorp logo. The man was tall and well built, strong chin, flawless Caucasian skin, and a bald head that really did compliment his whole look. He wore a sharp black suit and dress shoes, pale green dress shirt, black tie. His most striking feature aside from his bald head was his pale green eyes, he gave the crowd a kind smile and small wave as he stood at the pedestal. The gems clapped along with the crowd, they admitted that appearance wise he was a very impressive human. Jimmy never saw Lex Luthor in person and was a bit star struck, Lois clapped but behind her sunglasses was a look of contempt. Steven and Clark had a different experience when they saw Lex they both looked into Lex's eyes, to anybody else looking at him they would look friendly but both Clark and Steven saw something else. Deep within those eyes was something cold, colder than the artic winds, so cold it sent a shiver up both their spines, though they didn't know why entirely.
"Yo Steven are you okay" Amethyst said putting a kind hand on his shoulder
Steven gave Amethyst a reassuring smile "I'm okay Amethyst I just felt…. A weird chill suddenly" Steven rubbing his arms.
Once the cheers stopped Lex cleared his throat and began to speak
"Good evening you fine members of Metropolis's press, I Lex Luthor want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming in such short notice, but this is something that must be shown now and you all will be the first in the world to withness it" Lex said proudly into the microphone and received a roaring applause.
"I am proud to announce that Lexcorp has just developed the strongest metal alloy on earth, I present to you METALLO" Lex said gesturing to the tarp, one of the scientist removed the tarp and then the entire crowd stared in awe.
What was revealed was a large robot with silver, green, and purple tones, very large (a bit taller than Opal) and cumbersome with an angular design. It had large claw like hands and wires coming out the back. The Lexcorp logo sat on its left shoulder.
Clark looked at the robot in awe "That is some impressive engineering, I bet Lola would love to get her hands on that" Clark said impressed.
"Now Professor Vale shall demonstrate what Metallo is capable of" Lex said gesturing to one of the scientist, with a nod the scientist pulled out a wireless controller the size of a laptop keyboard and began fiddling with it. Suddenly a light turned on the robot and the machine came to life with a whirring sound raising its claws in the air, getting light applause from the crowd.
"My team and I have built this remote controlled exoskeleton entirely out of Metallo, under regular circumstances this metal wouldn't be any stronger than iron, but when given the ample amount on energy the metal's unique properties activated" Lex said gesturing to the scientist.
The scientist interacted with the controls, the robot lowered its arms and walked forward off the stage, and the crowd gasped and took a few steps back. But when the robot stepped off the stage there was barely a rumble when it touched the concrete roof, even Garnet noticed that it was able to stand and walk on a wooden stage without damaging it.
"We have discovered that this metal has a spectacular weight/strength ratio, it's as light aluminum…" Lex said proudly as the robot walked toward the helicopter.
The robot then crouched down and grabbed the bottom of helicopter, then with a swift motion the robot lifted the helicopter over itself as if it weighed nothing
"And four times as strong as Steel" Lex said presenting the robot.
The crowd clapped and cheered blown away by this marvel
"I never knew humanity was this far along with its science this is truly impressive" Pearl said astounded.
"I will now take some questions" Lex said happily, all the reporters hand shot up instantly trying to get Lex's attention.
Lex quietly picked out one of the reporters from the crowd "Thank You Mr. Luthor you said the metal's properties activated with energy what type" the reporter asked
"Excellent question, the energy we use is radioactive, now before you all get worried Metallo is currently hooked up to a Lexcorp radioisotope thermoelectric generator deep in the basement so none of you are in peril, and we are currently working on a mobile radioactive power source that will pose no danger to human life" Lex said with a smile and chose another reporter.
"Mr. Luthor what do you plan to do with this metal" the reporter asked
"Well use it of course, this robot is a fine demonstration of what can be built using Metallo, not just robot but building, vehicles, and so much more, if an army tank were to be outfitted with Metallo it could roll through an entire mine field without a scratch" Lex said confidently and chose another reporter.
"Thank You, this has nothing to do with Metallo but we believed that a Doctor Emil Hamilton was working for you before he was terminated for trading your company secrets with competitors, your thoughts" the reporter asked
"Ah yes, Professor Hamilton he was an esteemed scientist and we were happy to have him on the team, but after discovering his betrayal after he signed a non-disclosure agreement legal action was inevitable, still we wish him the best in his future scientific endeavors" Lex said calmly.
"Yeah right after that legal fiasco, any institution wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole" Jimmy thought as he took more pictures.
"Mr. Luthor, is it true that you have been an acquisitioning multiple scientific departments from multiple companies such as Queen and Wayne Industries" the reporter asked
"Well it's not really an acquisition as much as I hope to collaborate with these companies, they're science departments are all very advanced and I believe will be a great help to Lexcorp and the betterment of mankind, and let's all be honest Wayne and Queen don't need a science department they need another billion dollars" Lex said Jokingly making the entire crowd laugh.
"Now I didn't bring you all here to simply show you a new metallic alloy, no I brought you here to see the future" Lex said with a smile as he walked away from the pedestal and to the metal suitcase.
"The guy just built a robot and that wasn't the main attraction what else could he possibly have" Amethyst thought as she observed Lex.
Lex stopped in front of the suitcase and faced the crowd hand behind his back
"Within this case as you all will soon see is the next step in human industry" Lex said as he put his hand on the suitcase.
For some reason Steven felt tense, he didn't know why but for whatever reason he felt like whatever was in the suitcase was not going to be good.
"Look out to this beautiful city, every building was built by the proud workers of Metropolis, even now a construction crew is building a tunnel for Lexcorp, but this line of work comes at a cost people maimed lives lost, even when this building was first being built there was a terrible accident with the foreman of the project and a few unluckily workers" Lex said as he looked away sad.
Lois scowled underneath her glasses "Yeah right that was no accident, he was going to start a strike and that would've put you behind your precious schedule, you had them killed Lex" Lois thought as she grinded her teeth.
"Ever since that fateful day I vowed to make sure no human life would be lost in such a manner for building a simple tower of stone and steel, not for me or anyone else" Lex said as he snapped open the briefcase.
"Years of Research have led to this moment, a moment that will propel humanity to the next level" the excitement emanating from Lex as he opened the suitcase and reached in.
Everyone I the crowd held their breath wondering what miraculous thing Luthor had to show. A small smile sat on Luthor's face as he pulled out a small tablet sized device and he then pulled and held out what appeared to be a palm sized red circular gem. The crowd looked on silently confused by what Lex held out no one understanding what they were looking at, but Steven and the gems looked at it slightly surprised. And Clark looked at it shocked by what he was seeing
"That….. It can't be" Clark thought in worried shock.
Lex looked down at the crowd smiling at their confused expression as he dropped the gem onto the stage floor allowing it to clatter then come to a rest on the ground. The crowd starred at the gem wondering where exactly Luthor was going with this strange display, Luthor smiled at the crowd's confusion
"Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you Project Crystal" Lex said as he pressed an icon on the tablet.
As soon as he did the gem began to glow bathing the entire crowd in a bright red light, everyone in the crowd marveled at sight everyone except Steven and the Gems.
"T-this has to be a joke, it can't be" Pearl said nervously
"Of course it is there's no way right Garnet" Amethyst said trying to laugh and looking to Garnet for reassurance.
Garnet said nothing and simple looked at the glowing gem on the stage, she tried to be stoic and neutral but Steven knew that she was tense and so was he. The gem then began to hover a foot off the ground enveloped in a sphere of red light, the sphere then began to morph and ripple like if you throw a pebble in water. The crowd held its breath as they watched the sphere wiggle and morph, suddenly something shot out from the sphere making the entire crowd gasp in surprise. The light extended out and formed a thick muscular arm, its fingers slowly twitched as it placed its hand on the stage. Every reporter stood there mouth agape at what they were witnessing
"Lois, what are we looking at" Jimmy asked a nervous
"I don't know Jimmy, but if Lex is involved it's probably not good" Lois said seriously but nervous as well.
The from the sphere of light another arm shot out, then a leg, then another leg, with the limbs formed it appeared to try an stand up right. As it did the form took a more humanoid form a torso taking shape as well as a head, the humanoid light was in a kneeling position as hair began to form on the figures head. The light around the figure finally began to settle, clearly showing the humanoid shape. The figure then slowly began to stand, the crowds eyes followed it as began to stand staring in pure astonish. Once it fully stood up the light around it began to fade revealing clothes, skin, and a face. The figure stood at least 5 inches taller than Garnet and was larger than Clark. Its skin was red and its hair was black which was short and shaved on the sides. It was wearing a sleeveless jumpsuit that was black and green with the Lexcorp logo on the waist, it had an open collar that showed off the circular gem. And the most striking feature at least to Steven and the Gems were its eyes, the irises were red but the eyes themselves were almost dead there was no life in them. The figure stood there its eye's slightly focused on the ground as Luthor walked up to its side
"What you see before you is a hard light construct that is being emitted from this gem" Lex said tapping the Gem on its chest, it gave no reaction.
"While this appears to be a simple piece of jewelry within this gem is actually a complex mineral and energy based computer system that is transmitting information across the construct, and I am able to tell it what to transmit with a push of a button" Lex said holding out the tablet.
He tapped on the tablet and then the creature's eye's shot open but still carrying that lifeless feel. The creature jumped down from the stage and walked past thee Metallo robot and toward the helicopter. Using both hands the creature grabbed the bottom of the helicopter and lifted it over its head, though it appeared to put up a bit more effort into it than the Metallo.
"This is our 'Ruby' model, it's still in beta but we are working to improve upon it every day, this was created to aid in construction work to do jobs too dangerous for man, as I have demonstrated it's incredibly strong but that's not all it can do" Lex said as he tapped on the tablet.
The 'Ruby' gently put the helicopter down as a group of scientist rolled up something hidden underneath another tarp, upon removing the tarp it is revealed to be two steel girders a foot thick. The 'Ruby' faced the girders and picked them up using both arms it placed them vertically on top of one another, it then placed its hand on the middle point where the two girder's met then squeezed. As it did smoke began to emit from the 'Ruby's' hands and the girder began to turn red with heat, as it removed it's hands it revealed the girders were now melded together. The crowd looked at the creature in wonder and began clapping wildly amazed by everything they saw
"Well done 'Ruby' take a bow" Lex said as he pressed on the tablet again.
The 'Ruby' the gave a small bow and walked back onto the stage standing next to Lex, with another press of the tablet the 'Ruby' knelt down and was engulfed by the light again this time shrinking back into its gem. The gem laid on the stage floor allowing Luthor to pick it up holding it above his head
"Ruby is only one of many Lexcorp has in development, Project Crystal will create workers to do the jobs too dangerous for any man, Mining, lumbering, rescue work the possibilities are endless, Project Crystal will bring forth the Laborers of the future" Lex said proudly getting a huge applause from the crowd.
"Laborers yeah right more like soldiers, I bet you already have a mile long line of people ready to have these things weaponized, who am I kidding you already have a weaponized version don't you Lex" Lois thought as she narrowed her eyes at Lex.
Steven and the Gems stood frozen in complete shock of what they just saw
"Garnet…. Was that a gem" Steven asked worried
Garnet's face was hard and angry "That was no gem and it sure as hell wasn't a Ruby" Garnet said through gritted teeth
Garnet looked up at Luthor as he walked off the stage "Gems we are definitely at the right place" Garnet said as she stared down Luthor.
Lex proceeded the walk off the stage proud of the work he's done and the admiration he was rightfully receiving. As he got off the stage the woman approached him again
"Mr. Luthor the substance is about to make its way to the tunnel" the woman said holding a tablet
"Excellent Mercy, tell the scientist I will be down soon to examine it" Lex said as he walked past her.
"Yeah about that we have a few intruders that I believe you may want to deal with, your Ex and two other Daily Planet employees have managed to break in to your little show" Mercy said
"Lane again, always trying to dig up the truth, maybe this time I'll at least meet with her before throwing her out" Lex said with a confident smirk.
"Well if you like that your gonna love this, we have four more unregistered guests and you won't believe who they are" Mercy said handing the tablet to Lex
He took it the tablet and examined the image on it his eyes widening. The image was of the disguised gems a picture of their normal selves and their names next to each of them, Lex's eyes zeroed in on Steven and a smile grew on his face
"Mercy on second thought extend an invitation to Miss Lane and her Daily Planet friends to meet in my office it's about time we caught up, and also invited our special guests It's time for us to meet face to face" Lex said sinisterly as he walked towards his private elevator.
Clark was still behind the elevator the reporters came in on he was still shocked by what he saw and trying to understand.
"What is going on here it was like them but different, were they made by Lex too, there is so much I don't know" Clark thought as he backed away, as he did his back hit something he turned around and saw three security guards.
Clark gave a sheepish smile "Heh, heh hello good sirs I was just about to leave" Clark said nervously pointing to the elevator
"Nuh-uh, Mr. Luthor want to meet with you and your two friends" The guard said grabbing Clark and Clark allowing them to pull him along.
Lois and Jimmy began following the crowd to the elevator until they were pulled out by three other guards
"Hey Marcus how's the wife, also you finally grew out that mustache good for you" Lois said playfully while Jimmy was shaking in his sneakers.
"It's your lucky day Lane, Mr. Luthor wants to meet with you" The guard said threateningly, so both Lois and Jimmy followed Lois having a confident smirk on her face.
Steven and the Gems were at the end of the crowd as it made its way to the elevator, they stopped when someone tapped Garnet's Shoulder. Garnet and the others turned around to see Mercy standing behind them with a kind smile
"Hello Miss, I'm Mercy Graves Lex Luthor's personal attendant" Mercy said kindly with a bow
The gems were all caught off guard by this "What do you…"Garnet began to ask but was interrupted.
"I believe that you have some questions about our newest product, Mr. Luthor has arranged a meeting for all of you so that you may understand what we wish to accomplish here" Mercy said kindly but with a sinister undertone.
Lexcorp Tower Ground Level
"What the heck happened, how did four suspects at gun point lock you in an outdoors toilet" a very angry man said to the guard that the gems tricked.
The guard was about to answer but the other man held up his hand
"You know what Rudy I don't want to know, why the hell did I vouch for you to get this job" the man said pinching the bridge of his nose
"Because were friends and you Love me" Rudy said with a smile
The man looked at Rudy annoyed "No because you've been a leech sucking on my back ever since we got out of High school" the man said angrily pointing at Rudy.
"Hey it's not my fault those three broads and that kid tricked me somehow" Rudy said pleadingly
"Wow tricked by a kid just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber" the man said blatantly
Rudy was going to interject but didn't have the chance "Jones I don't want to hear it, now I have to be on the lookout for four intruders thanks to you" the man said angrily as he reached for a box on a table
"Here's a job you can't mess up bring these donuts do the boys downstairs, take the tunnel and don't eat any of them, got it Jones" The man said as he shoved the box to Rudy's chest.
"Yeah, Yeah I get it you asshole" Rudy said under his breath as he walked away and down the tunnel
Rudy walked down the tunnel grumbling to himself as he carried the box of donuts
"Who the hell does he think he is calling me a leech, and those damn broads locking me in a freaking toilet, they think they can just walk all over me but I'll show'em I'll be something big one day" Rudy thought spitefully
As Rudy walked down the path his foot got caught in a crack on the pavement and he fell flat on his face, he dropped the box allowing it to skid down the tunnel and stop in the middle of road. Rudy cursed under his breath as he went to retrieve the box, but unbeknownst to him a glazed donut had fallen out and rolled to the side of the tunnel. While Rudy was going for the box a large red truck with an open back was coming down the tunnel fast, the reason for the rush was because a few minutes ago the driver received a call telling him that Mr. Luthor wanted his delivery "NOW" prompting him to put the pedal to the metal. The truck was carrying a dozen large steel drums, all of them very heavy, sealed tight, and filled with unknown substances. The driver was going pretty fast when he entered the tunnel he planned to slow down when he was closer, but didn't expect to see a small man in the middle of the road. The driver stepped on the brake and hit the horn blaring it at the man, Rudy turned around wide eyed at the oncoming truck. Rudy stumbled back and fell on his back as he tried to scramble out of the trucks way, luckily the driver hit the brakes early enough that he was able to stop mere inches away from poor Rudy.
"What the hell are you doing in the middle of the road ya idiot, you got a death wish or something" The driver yelled at Rudy.
"What the Hell am I doing, what about you? Who drives so fast down a tunnel and can't you see what in front of you, you psycho" Rudy yelled back
While the two were arguing something unbelievable was happening, when the driver stepped on the brake so suddenly an odd chain of events occurred. The drums in the back were suddenly jostled due to not being properly secured and slammed into on another. Due to the speed the truck was going and having suddenly stopped, the weight of the drums, and the downward incline created a huge amount of pressure that all went to the drum at the front of the truck. All the other drums squeezed this single drum with insane amounts of pressure until the force slightly popped open the lid of the drum, and from it a small purple drop flew from it no smaller than a rain drop. The drop flew from out of the drum, off the truck, and towards the pavement, where it landed on the lone glazed donut. The weird purple substance disappeared into the donut as it laid there looking no different from before, but something extraordinary now rested within that pastry.
"SCREW YOU!" the driver yelled
"SCREW YOU!" Rudy yelled as he stepped out of the way of the car
The driver left in a huff rolling down the tunnel leaving Rudy alone again with a box of donuts in his hands. Rudy let out an aggravated grunt as he kicked a lone stone down the tunnel. Rudy sighed in defeat and prepared to continue his way down, before he took a step he caught something in the corner of his eye. The lone donut laid on the ground and Rudy walked up to it and picked it up, he examined the donut a low rumble could be heard from his stomach. "Well it was on the ground, what one donut they ain't gonna miss it" Rudy said cheerfully as he took a bite out of the donut. He savored the taste as he plopped the rest into his mouth and continued on his way, completely unaware of what he just ingested. Within the bits of donut the strange purple substance slowly made its way to his stomach.
Lexcorp Tower, Top floor
Steven sat on a chair as he watched the gems stand in various parts of the room Amethyst was spinning a globe, Pearl was nervously pacing in front of him, and Garnet was just staring out the window. The room they were in appeared to be an office, Mr. Luthor's office Steven guessed by its size and the huge portrait of Lex that loomed over the huge door the woman led them through. The room was massive and extravagant having large bookshelves filled to the brim, fancy carpets, a large wooden desk with two small chairs in front of it and a large one behind it. Aside from the massive portrait there was also many other paintings strewn across the walls of the room all of them masterfully made, and finally a fish tank sat in the middle of the room filled with exotic fish that were definitely not from this region. Steven knew that all the gems were nervous about meeting Mr. Luthor based on what they just saw, Steven was nervous too he had no idea how the gems were supposed to handle this situation.
"What should we do how are we supposed to approach this, this something we've never could've prepared for" Pearl said worried
"I tell you what we do when he shows up we go right up to his bald face and demand some answers" Amethyst said smacking the globe
"Your right Amethyst but we need to handle this delicately, he's still a human and we don't have any proof connecting him to the Kindergarten, Aqua-Firma, or the Kryptonian" Garnet said as she continued to stare out the window towards the city.
"What else kinda proof do we need, the guy materialized a gem right in front of us" Amethyst said waving her arms
"That thing wasn't a gem I'm not even sure if it was alive, its eyes there was nothing behind them, it was like a ghost, a shell of a gem" Garnet said her voice building with anger and her fists balling with rage.
Garnet then felt something touch her hand, she looked down to see Steven giving her a kind reassuring look "Don't worry guys we'll figure this out, together" Steven said kindly.
All the gems smiled at Steven's reassurance, suddenly the large main door opened. And in walked Lois Lane calm and confident, while Jimmy Olsen was shoved in the room rather roughly falling on his face.
"Yeah Thank you for that, you sure you don't want to frisk me and take my Lunch money ya bunch of bullies" Jimmy yelled angrily as he picked himself up
"Hey Jimmy it's your fan base" Lois said nonchalantly pointing to Steven and the gems
Jimmy turned with a surprised expression upon seeing them Steven gave them both a small wave, while the gems continued what they were doing originally.
"Wh-What, Steven what are you and your friends doing here" Jimmy asked confused
"Why else would they be here, they want a piece of Luthor as well" Lois said approaching the gems
"D-does that mean you guys really didn't need my help" Jimmy said a little sad
Amethyst saw Jimmy's face and walked up to him "Hey don't get all gloomy, we did need your help we just had a little development in our investigation with cue ball, as soon as we finish with him we'll get back to you" Amethyst said encouragingly patting Jimmy's back.
Jimmy blushed and looked at the ground twiddling his thumbs "W-wow Thanks Amethyst" Jimmy said slightly embarrassed, Amethyst gave a small laugh at seeing this
"I knew there was something about you guys and it wasn't just the weird clothes, thought your current dress is still a bit weird" Lois said as she examined Pearl
"I will admit I'm surprised you're here in Luthor's office, he usually doesn't let snoopers in this deep, unless he you have some sort of connection to him. So what are you guys exactly your definitely not The Pentagon Luthor already has his vines growing in there, a rival company… nah he would've never let you in here. So that means you must be free agents acting in your own self-interest, which probably mean Luthor brought you here to gloat" Lois said scratching the back of her head
"If we're here for that, then why are you here" Pearl asked
"Probably the same, but that's going to be the biggest mistake Luthor ever made. I've been compiling a list of questions over the last year no Reporter has ever dared to ask him" Lois said as she pulled out a small notebook
"What makes you think he'll answer any of them" Pearl asked
"He brought me here thinking he can talk down to me as if I know nothing, and it's that hubris that will lead to his downfall. I'm guessing you guys have some questions for him as well, wanna team-up? If we double team him we can probably squeeze something juicy outta that bald head of his" Lois said leaning in closer to Pearl
"Oh no, this is not a matter that concerns you we can handle this ourselves" Pearl said backing away from Lois
"Sorry to break it to ya, but it looks like we're all in this one together. But I understand wanting to go your own way, I'll give you this advice as much as I hate to admit it Lex is a clever bastard and he has tongue made of pure silver. He'll try to play with your emotions, make you sloppy, just remember why you're here and don't lose focus of your goal" Lois said seriously
"I'm sure we can take one man" Pearl said dismissing what Lois said
The main door opened up again and this time Clark was pushed through roughly. He straightened his glasses and looked at the room and everyone in it. Steven smiled when he saw Clark enter the room
"Hi Mr. Kent" Steven said happily waving to him
"Oh Steven, everybody you're here as well" Clark said surprised
"Yeah Luthor picked us all up, I guess they grabbed you from ground level right" Lois said looking at Clark.
Clark gave Lois a small nod and walked to the window standing a few feet next to Garnet. Clark was unsure of what to do and he believed the same could be said for Garnet. He could tell that the creature he saw was radically different from Garnet and the others. He to saw the lifelessness in its eyes as well, but he also saw that the energy it emitted was less stable than the gems. And the fact Luthor had something like them just opened up a whole slew of unanswered questions, and depending on how this goes he may be able to get some answers.
"It's a really nice view" Steven said looking out the window
Clark looked down at Steven who was standing next to him hands pressed against the window "Yeah, but I've seen better" Clark said with a smile.
"Lex owns half the city, figure's he wants the best view" Lois said joining them
"Seventy Eight Percent actually, Give or Take" a voice said from behind
Everyone in the room turned around to see Lex had just entered the room with his assistant Mercy. He was still wearing the suit from his presentation and still emanated the same confidence and control from before as well as the same chill that went up Steven and Clark's spine.
"Mostly take, as in corporate takeovers, kicking out tenants and family businesses in the Suicide Slums for your 'Metropolis Reinvigoration' project, and trying to squash every media outlet that doesn't show you in the brightest light, most notably the Daily Planet" Lois said in a neutral tone
"Ah yes Ms. Lane once again trying to prove something is real when it never was there to begin with, oh and before I forget your Father says 'Hello'" Lex said in a neutral tone giving Lois a glance as he made his way to his seat
Lois's pen and notebook lowered and her face turned to that of shock and surprise
"My… Father" Lois said her voice wavering a bit, both Steven and Clark looked at Lois concerned
"General Lane's graciously agreed to come here to discuss the value of my Metallo alloy to the peace keeping efforts of the United States Army" Lex said as he stood behind his desk a single hand on it
"Well thank you for inviting us Mr. Luthor, allow us to introduce ourselves we…." Pearl began but never finished
"Introduction's won't be necessary Pearl" Lex said as he examined the papers on his desk not looking at her
The gems froze upon hearing what Luthor just said and Steven sunk a little deeper into his seat
"H-how did you…" Pearl said shocked
Lex continued to talk not looking at any of them "Yes I am aware of who you all are Pearl" Pearl flinched
"Amethyst" Amethyst took a step back and growled under her breath
"Garnet" Garnet remained neutral but her scowl deepened
"And of course Steven Quartz Universe" Lex said as he looked up from his papers and looked at Steven. Steven looked away from Lex not liking his gaze and Garnet stepped in front of Steven giving Luthor a hard gaze, Lex simply smiled as this
Lex maneuvered himself in front of his chair
"Now That introductions are out of the way everyone please, SIT" Lex said coldly as he lowered himself into his seat