DEO, Washington DC

"Not good, not good, not good!" Eddie Thawne said to himself as he quietly had a panic attack in front of Simon Hurt in Amanda Waller's office. "Calm down, Eddie," Hurt responded, "You haven't even told me what's wrong?" "What's wrong?!" Eddie shouted incredulously, "What's wrong is that Brainiac is coming to kill us, Gotham hasn't fallen, the Green Lanterns still stand and we've got the Atlanteans and Amazons at our backs about to destroy us." "Now was that so hard?" Hurt intoned sarcastically, that devilish, unsettling smile emerging, "Now explain to me how all these things actually happened?" "My strategy with the Psions and Tamaraneans…backfired," Thawne inhaled deeply, "Their armies are eliminated, but Brainiac emerged victorious without my help." "Be honest, Eddie," Hurt looked him knowingly in the eye, "You wanted Brainiac to emerge victorious. That's why you provided him with the weapon."

"I did indeed."

"So, why is his victory not a good result for you?"

"Because he is independent."

"Brainiac has always been independent, as well as nothing we can't handle."

"I thought we couldn't."

"What power have you given him?"

"Nothing apart from what I told you, Ra's and Krona about."

"Oh yes, Krona. Where is he? If you didn't succeed in destroying his race why has he not retreated with you?"

"I—I—"

"Tell me the truth, Eddie!"

"I used my power on Brainiac!"

"You idiot! Brainiac is not a creature simply beholden to life and death. He is more AI than soul."

"Well, I was reminded of that when his wires took over Krona, wasn't I?"

"Oh brilliant. You know Brainiac is more than the Coluan he once was, don't you? He's an entire spaceship and holds the cities of countless worlds in his menagerie. Giving him someone like Krona as a host may have doomed existence."

"I know! Don't remind me!"

"I will. You realise this means we must resort to Plan B, don't you Eddie?"

"Well, yes obviously. Ra's and Krona are both out of the picture, so we'll need…your girlfriend."

"She is not my girlfriend."

"And her dad wasn't my boyfriend, but I needed him. Talia al Ghul and her Man-Bats will be necessary for us to destroy our enemies."

"There should be more, Eddie. How goes the work in Kansas?"

"Master Valentine has it all in hand. Don't worry."

"A teenager?"

"A genius, Simon. A genius."

"Whatever. And you have decided to talk…to Lord that is."

"Yes, albeit reluctantly. But there is someone else we will have to talk to if we hope to salvage this operation. We can't have knowledge of our crimes going public. We need the ruthless killer necessary for a job like this."

"Who?"

"The Joker."

Citadel of the Seven Seas, Orinopolis, New Atlantis

"An attack by Kryptonians?" Orm asked as if Arthur had two heads on him. He could see he didn't via the communicator from Themyscira. "I know it's hard to believe, brother, but it is the case," Aquaman told him perfunctorily, "We have captured General Zod himself, not to mention Black Manta." "Zod?" Ocean Master was astounded, "I've heard of his exploits. His arrogance surpasses even Luthor's. I am amazed you all managed to defeat an actual army of Kryptonians." "It was all thanks to the Princess Diana that we drove them off," Arthur modestly reminded him. "She has proven my confidence in her," Orm smiled, thinking of the beautiful Amazon, "And her mother has concluded a treaty?" "We've begun talks," Arthur responded, "But she is coming here to converse with you personally and conclude the terms." "Excellent," Orm replied, "Also, you should inform Garth that Deborah has gone into labour this morning. We shall be an uncle soon, brother." "I cannot say that I'm thinking too much about that," Arthur said, gesturing to his new hook hand. "Zod?" his king asked with concern. "Indeed," Arthur nodded. "He will pay with a public execution," Ocean Master spat.

"Let it lie, Orm. Zod will be necessary for Diana's plans."

"Ah, I meant to ask, where is the princess?"

"Currently with her mother. I haven't seen her since last night."

"Mera, Kaldur and Lorena survived though?"

"Indeed they did."

"Excellent. I have a nobleman already interested in Lorena. And several virgins from the higher families for Kaldur."

"I um, am sure they will be very intrigued to hear that, brother. Arthur, out."

With his brother gone from the screen, Orm stalked towards his viewing position. Below him was the city of Orinopolis, with the centrepiece being a statue of his brother. Of Orin. The king who should have been. The king who was. He was almost legendary to the people Orm had brought here. Many remembered him, but his reign had been forgotten in a mire of idealism in the wake of Orm's reconciliation. He had fostered the cult happily. It made his rule seem more legitimate. His subjects did follow him out of a genuine belief in his cause, and the building of Orinopolis beneath the volcanoes was one such example. The statue was so magnificent. It was greater than anything some of the finest artisans in all their peoples' history had built. It reminded him of how exceptional his brother had been in his reign. A true inspiration for the people of Atlantis. Crushing the glass of wine which he held in his hand, Orm felt his anger of old return. The resentment for his half-brother.

"I hated my brother too. So much that I erased him from existence," a voice echoed behind Orm. Ocean Master was startled as he turned to see Eddie Thawne behind him. "You!" he pointed accusatorily at the intruder, "You orchestrated the terrorist attack—" "Shut up, Orm," Thawne looked Ocean Master dead in the eye, not raising his voice but stunning the villain into silence, "I have no interest in destroying New Atlantis. My allies have been high handed in their actions, I will admit. I should never have given Circe so much freedom. Her idiocy may have cost me something much more precious." Eddie walked over to Orm and gave a proud fraternal kiss on the lips. "I almost forgot who my allies were," his tone since he had silenced the monarch was much kinder now, "The King of the Atlanteans, son of Atlan, I should have prized over a witch past her prime. I gave you back Garth, but sadly that's not really enough. Now I realise you require a further demonstration of my fidelity." "What do you mean?" Ocean Master asked quizzically. "What I mean is," Eddie looked at Orm as if he were looking into his soul, "There is a beautiful young woman you desired for many years who could be your wife? Oh, you like them young, don't you, Orm. I can see how you admire Lorena like the voyeur you are. How about the original article? How about…"

Thawne snapped his fingers and four people entered, but seemed to act as if they weren't there. One had brown hair and a yellow bikini, the other long, silvery hair with a young boy by her side. With them was a tall, handsome lad not dissimilar to Orm in appearance in that they both had an Inuit mother. Tula, Dolphin, Cerdian and Koryak. "What?" Orm was incredulous, "None of them could possibly be alive!" "Garth cannot be alive," Thawne pointedly reminded his erstwhile ally, "So, it is not beyond my powers to give you if not one…but all of them." The king stood stock still for a long time upon seeing this. He didn't have great love for any of them. His filthy prurience for Tula had overwhelmed him when he fought Arthur years before. Koryak was his nephew through Arthur, as well as his cousin's child, so he held a small amount of affection for him. Especially since, like Tula, he had held a great degree of desire for the boy's mother. Dolphin and Cerdian were…not who he would have chosen though he would have enjoyed Dolphin as an additional wife to go with Tula, and like Koryak, Cerdian would make an interesting addition to his growing roster of princes. They all seemed blank and expressionless. As if Thawne hadn't properly given them life yet. Orm just kept staring at Tula and Dolphin with a lust he had not felt since before his rise to the throne.

"You must be wondering how I'll give you what you want beyond their lives" Thawne laughed, noting how the Ocean Master was lusting after two of the women he had begun resurrecting, "I have a new set of schematics…straight from Brainiac. They can provide a desire for you in both of their minds." Orm regained his composure and pointed at Thawne saying "You attacked-" "I attacked the Amazons," Eddie conceded, "Your enemy, Orm…Remember? I know Princess Diana speaks kind words in your ear, but she is the enemy. A beautiful woman making you turn your head has happened before, your majesty." "I," Orm stammered, "I—" "Accept two women you have desired as additional wives," Thawne interrupted again, "We have ways and means of making them think that way. On the condition that you imprison your brother, his followers, Queen Hippolyta and her daughter upon their arrival. Then you may have your beloved objects of fancy, and a loyal nephew as well as a step-son."

"Women are not objects."

"They are to you."

"And what makes you think that?"

"Because I know you, Orm. I know you as something I once was. You have half an hour to decide."

Orm sat for twenty minutes before going to find Debbie, his half-sister who was currently being attended to by his wives and swaddling two young infants. A boy and a girl. Tula and Orin. The girl had dark hair like her father, Garth, but seemed to have the dark brown eyes of her maternal grandmother, Miya Shimada. The boy had blonde hair like his maternal grandfather, Atlan, and the dark blue skin of his mother. "They are beautiful, Deborah," Orm said, holding the two of them. "Is Garth on his way?" she asked. Orm had a deep inhalation and nodded a little before handing the infants back to their mother, not daring to look his half-sister in the eye. He nodded to some of his wives and stalked out to his throne room. There he sat thinking intensely back to what Thawne had done. Of how he had sent Circe after them to incite war with the Amazons. He wanted to consult with his father. His father had sent Debbie as a sign of good faith. He needed more advice. But that was Atlan's nature, only getting involved in the affairs of the royal family when it suited him. He fancied himself Zeus, siring powerful offspring on the mortal women he observed from afar. And now he wouldn't help him. He'd forsaken his son. His first boy. Orm grabbed his throne and began smashing it with his trident. The Trident of Poseidon. It seemed to ignore him. His father and his god ignored him.

"But I don't," Eddie spoke with knowledge of his thoughts, appearing behind him, "Your time is up, Orm. Have you made your choice? Will you bring me your brother and Diana's heads?" Sighing, Orm looked intently at the man who had raised him from the dead. "I should have known," he looked Thawne in the eyes with a grim realisation, "When Grodd killed me. You brought me back. How could I be so ungrateful, Eddie. I love you." "Well, since you love me," Thawne backed away from an attempted embrace by the broken man, "I'll give you back your loyal princes and princesses once you have given me their heads." "You seem desperate," Orm realised. "They are trying to destroy my work," Eddie told him and gave Ocean Master a long drawn out kiss of fraternity before putting his hand on the King of Atlantis' chin who was now crying, "And we can't have that, now can we?" "No," Orm tearfully nodded. "Then you know what to do," Thawned patted him on the chin. Orm nodded as Eddie kissed him again and vanished while Orm's eyes were closed. Was he ever there?

A few minutes later, a ship docked. A submersible containing Arthur, Mera, Kaldur, Lorena, Garth, Diana and Hippolyta. They all arrived in the throne room with Hippolyta standing in the front. Her prideful appearance had more dignity than Orm could ever have carried. This woman, this ancient and glorious woman, was ten times the ruler he could ever be. He would far more happily hand her head over to Eddie than his brother or her daughter's. "King Orm," she addressed him, doffing her head slightly. "Queen Hippolyta," he kissed her hand after approaching her, "You are every bit the regal beauty I imagined, as well as entirely the image of your charming daughter."

"Your brother speaks highly of you, though with trepidation. It seems you have a dark past."

"Don't we all. Being a ruler means making tough decisions. Such as siding with the Amazons despite every instinct in me saying you are not trustworthy."

"We have come to conclude the terms of the treaty your brother negotiated. I believe that we can effectively form a pact against this Eobard Thawne. And as a sign of good faith, we bring you a powerful prisoner and one who has wronged your family in the past."

Hippolyta made a motion and two Amazon warriors approached dragging before them a man with a dark beard and dark hair in enchanted bonds. The other was Black Manta, still in his dark armour with his bald head sticking out from it. "This man is a butcher," Hippolyta indicated Zod, "Determined to destroy all life on this planet so he can make it a new version of his long dead homeworld. From what Diana tells me you are well acquainted with the various facets of the circle of villainy in Man's World. I am certain the name General Zod has meaning to you." "Indeed, it does," Orm spoke neutrally, "It is an honour to finally meet you, General." "An honour?" Diana shouted aggressively, breaking protocol, "This butcher attacked our home and you call it an honour." "He is a member of the Military Elite of Krypton," Ocean Master all but spat at Wonder woman but maintained a neutral air, "A nobleman of the Phantom Zone and leader of his people. Even if he has been defeated, the general is afforded just as much respect as your mother, Princess." With that, Wonder Woman fell silent as Hippolyta continued, "We believe he will be secure here. He is a powerful ally of Eddie Thawne. We intend to drain every last drop of information from his head with the aid of your sorcerers."

"How exactly did you come by the general?"

"He attacked our land. Arthur informed you of all this, I'm sure."

"My brother speaks many empty words which are as hollow as your daughter's head."

"What did you just say?"

"You heard me, Hippolyta. My brother is an immodest liar and your daughter brainless."

"You will take those words back. That is my daughter and her frien—"

"No, I will not. This is my throne room and I do not take orders from a cavewoman!"

"Orm," Arthur confusedly brooked, "Why are you talking like this?" "Because your beloved Wonder Woman has deceived us, brother," he said with derision, "The Amazons attacked us just as the oracles warned us they would. Eddie Thawne gave me life. Gave Garth life. Could yet give your son life again, Arthur. And we spit in his face by not letting him take the Amazons out of the picture. We owe him this queen's head and the good general's liberty. Men!" Queen Hippolyta withdrew her sword as did her soldiers only for Orm to order six sorcerers to appear and enchain them all in a bubble. All except Garth, who was grabbed by a group of soldiers. "You have one day till I take your head from your shoulders, and your daughter's, Queen Hippolyta," Ocean Master dripped silkily into the defiant Amazon's ear, "And my brother for his treason. Mera and Lorena can live. They will make excellent wives. And the son of a criminal who slaughtered your son, Arthur, will join you on the chopping block, in place of his father who shall join our military. Garth…can live…he has a wife to look after. But I'm placing him under house arrest."

"Brother, release us or…"

"Or what?"

"I will rip that trident from your hand and shove it down your gullet!"

"And he threatens the king!" Ocean Master flamboyantly looked to Attalus Vulko who shook his head in disgust, "Prince Orin, the traitor. Take him and the Amazons to death row, guards. Oh, I almost forgot. My boys are bloodthirsty. They've been training to kill Amazons for a long time now. I'll give these two the chance to take some of the first blood of our renewed war." Two of his soldiers then shoved their blades through the two warriors who had brought Zod into the throne room. "No!" Hippolyta screamed, desperately mourning two more of her sisters as Diana held her mother. "We thought we could trust you, Orm," Wonder Woman spat at their captor. "Trust would imply you ever cared for me in the first place, Princess," he scornfully told the beautiful woman, "I will admit reticence on my part. Executing you and your mother will be so…vulgar. But necessary. Beauty such as yours should not be taken from this world." "I would never touch you, you ghoulish pervert!" Diana shouted as the sorcerers activated a spell knocking her Arthur, Jackson and her mother out, and separating them into a bubble apart from the others. Lorena and Mera were held down as Garth was dragged away protesting, "You let them go, Orm! Thawne's a monster. You can't trust him. You should have seen what he did to Themyscira."

"You should worry about what will become of you if you continue resisting, Garth," he shouted to his brother-in-law down the corridor, "I am only keeping you alive so that my niece and nephew may know their father." Aquagirl was shoved to the floor by Vulo and looked up at Orm in disgust. "To think I'd actually grown to respect you," she said with defiance, "Once a villain, always a villain." "That is no way to talk to your king, let alone your future husband, Lorena," he held her chin in his hand possessively, "That is if you want to live. Or if you want Mera to live…and her child." He indicated Mera who had been uncharacteristically silent and weeping. "I see the signs, Mera," he looked her up and down, "Arthur is having another child with you. Well, that child will not live by the sins of their father, so long as you and Lorena become my wives. We shall marry on the day of your widowhood, Mera." His sister-in-law wanted all her characteristic rage and bile to come out but instead just couldn't look up and nodded. Lorena gasped as Thawne grabbed her hair and held it to his nose. "Oh, I shall make beautiful children with you, Miss Marquez," he lustily whispered, while Lorena just scowled in anger. Zod smiled in the corner and said, "I take it our mutual friend has advanced his plans then." "That he has, Zod," Ocean Master turned his attention to the Kryptonian, "That he has."

Outside of the confines of the city though, a blonde-haired man watched all these events unfold, standing beside Doctor Fate, the man formerly known as Kent V. Nelson. "Do you see what your son has wrought, Atlan?" the American asked the Atlantean, "He will destroy your world again. The entire planet. He must be overthrown and your chosen son placed on the throne." The grave news earned a silent nod from Atlan. "The forces of magic will be needed to defeat Eobard Thawne and General Zod," the younger man continued speaking with Nabu's wisdom, "Your son must not continue to rule your people." A portal appeared before them at Atlan's will. "We will need a very powerful sorcerer to do that," he told his student. The portal led to a small room wherein sat Garth now with his wife and children. They were both startled to see Atlan's presence. He nodded and both stepped through, carrying the young ones. Stepped into the unknown at the command of their respective father and mentor. To save their world.

The Castle, Switzerland

Checkmate hadn't adjusted well to Maxwell Lord's return to power. A man who could control minds can have that effect pretty easily. Because of that, Mr Terrific had been liaising with the JSA to make sure Lord didn't act up. Surprisingly, the man had been behaving well. Keeping his nose clean, quite literally. All things considered, no one could really quantify Lord as anything other than a vigilante who'd gone too far. He'd just killed Magog in order to prevent a future from happening where the children of heroes all but destroy the world. He hadn't enjoyed it but he'd done it. He'd become part of a massive conspiracy to keep the world safe. He had the duty of an assassin. And now he had Sasha Bordeaux as his Black Queen, things started to make more sense. But nothing could have prepared him for the visit that came after Mr Terrific's hologrammatic meeting with him.

"And this Thawne is a problem why, Holt?"

"He's smuggling metahumans!"

"Metahumans are a danger, Michael. You should know that. It's people like you and me who are the real heroes. People who use their brains to solve problems."

"You're a metahuman, Maxwell."

"And look at the damage I did by thinking I knew what was best for the world. Me, a man who can control minds. I was part of someone else's game. That Luthor boy…He made me kill Ted. Made me kill my friend, because I thought Ted would bring down the brave new world I was building. And all my actions brought from killing Ted was my own death and a near apocalypse. I made up for that by slaying Magog. I'm not trying anything as big as OMAC again. Stay in touch, Michael. Sasha will coordinate what resources we can keep giving your little alliance. Good luck."

Lord poured himself a whiskey and drank heavily thinking of Ted Kord. "You know I could sense an intruder a mile away, Thawne," he spoke into the aether, "Show yourself." "I am not Thawne," a malevolent voice said emerging from the woodwork. "Ah, Simon Hurt, the pleasure is all mine," Lord raised his glass in acknowledgement of the interloper, "I'm a big fan of your work. Especially with how spectacularly it failed. You should have come to me if you wanted to outwit the Batman. It took his Amazon girlfriend snapping my neck to make a difference. You didn't even manage to kill one of his family, unless you count John Mayhew." "I am his family," the demonic man sneered. "Bullshit," Lord answered, "Now, tell me, why have you come. You know we at Checkmate are working with Jefferson Pierce's resistance to your metahuman trafficking."

"Working is a generous term to apply to your little arrangement with Michael Holt based on former contacts."

"What do you want?"

"We want Checkmate to support our little enterprise. We're building something. Thawne and I. An army to defend the Earth with. Can't you appreciate that?"

"I know it's doomed to fail."

"AIs are imperfect, as you should know from OMAC. No, I prefer good old-fashioned brainwashing. And I have a woman lined up who excels at that. And our facility is nearly complete. I can't believe we've stayed out of the journalists' notice on that front. Then again, the cult owns the town of Smallville, they can do what they want with it. They're telling everyone they're building a church. They believe them. What a nation of dullards."

"Why do you need Checkmate?"

"Simple. You have an intelligence network that goes beyond even the League of Assassins. You are the United Nations only black ops force. Your actions are sanctioned by all but three countries in the world with dubious recognition. Mr Lord, your resources can truly make our army stronger. We have limited ourselves to the United States. Checkmate can get us metahumans from around the world. And I know not all of your peers will agree with this, which is why I'm going directly to you."

"What makes you think I will?"

"Who do you think makes up our shock troops? Metahumans. Some of those children have the most extraordinary abilities. Imagine if we had brainwashed adults. We need a global army, not just an American one. With Maxwell Lord on our new global ruling council. What do you say?"

"It's intriguing. Very well, I have nothing to lose. But this partnership…can be terminated at any time. Checkmate is an organisation of interests. Not one of loyalty. As soon as I see things going south, we're out of here."

"Trust me, Maxwell. They won't."

Hub City

Renee Montoya said nothing as she, her girlfriend and her girlfriend's cousin burned the body of her mentor, Aristotle Rodor with his lighthouse. They had found him only a day ago, rotting with a bullet through his head, and very few of his effects left. Black Lightning had offered to pay for a funeral when they let him know, but Renee thought it would be better just to give her old man a Viking funeral. He and Vic had been like two father figures to her at one of the darkest times in their lives, now they were both gone. Kate said a little prayer in Hebrew to the lighthouse and went to hold Renee's hand but she just backed away. She didn't want anyone to be nice to her. The last person who had been in any way kind enough to her to change her life was now having his corpse burned to honour him as the warrior and hero he was, with only three people there to witness it, two of whom didn't really know him.

"Is she going to say anything?" Bette asked her cousin. "Probably not," Kate frowned, "Ari meant a lot to her. It's like when Mom and…and Beth…died. She must feel really helpless." "Yeah," Flamebird nodded, "I get you." "Do you?" Kate queried, "Can you even remember Grandad Kane or Grammy?" "No," Bette shook her head. "And you definitely don't remember Aunt Martha or Uncle Thomas," Kate nodded. "Of course not," Bette scoffed, "How could I? They're both dead more than thirty years. I'm still in college. I've only had Dad and Mom and you guys really. Dad told me I was stupid to go back to Gotham. Said the family only have bad memories there. I just remember you telling me all the stories about Bruce's Mom and Dad and the Batman coming. And it was all so surreal when I finally got there." "Have you met Bruce?" Kate asked her cousin.

"Once at a wedding, I think. Couple times as Batman but I didn't know who he was."

"Yeah well, maybe we should start being a family to him when we get home."

"Were you ever close to him?"

"I was pretty young when Martha and Thomas died, but I remember holding his hand afterwards. Everyone was avoiding him. Grammy kept giving out about how Alfred was the one raising him. What did she expect? She gave Aunt Martha so much shit about marrying a Protestant. Even though she was raised Jewish and not Catholic. Dad always says Grammy's family gave her so much bull about marrying Grandad, because they were very Orthodox. Said she shouldn't have married a Gentile. That's kind of why the family got so Catholic like Grandpa. The Kanes are Gotham's Kennedys, so the matriarch needed a rosary bead in her hands at all times. Of course, then Dad married my Mom and she was Jewish, and of course Grammy was all about that. Like it was some part she'd lost, of herself. Our family are strange. Our parents and grandparents the most. I just remember them being so cold to a little boy who'd just lost the two most important people in the world. I was too young to get the family feud, but old enough to know how awful he must have felt. I went over to him and held his hand, asked him how he was, like kids do. Bruce smiled for the first time since the shooting. I thought for a while it was the only time genuinely, but one time when I was in college, I went to stay with him when Dick was still living there and saw how happy he was to be looking after the kid. I realised then that I taught Bruce something at that funeral. That family should be there for one another. And since then I think that's been the one thing at the forefront of his beliefs. I really think we should talk to him if the rumour he's back is true."

Bette hugged her cousin a little. "Mom and Dad are so…distant. Mom's a day-drinking socialite and Dad's always having affairs with girls barely older than me or obsessing over the business." "Yeah, well, my Dad can be an asshole too," Kate shrugged, "But I respect him. He's a serious man, and I think he never got over what happened to Mom and Beth. Neither did I, but he just buried it. Family's everything, Bette. I'll respect and love Dad till the day I die, even if how cold and calculating he is pisses me off at times. And even if your Mom and Dad aren't what you want them to be, you've got me…and hopefully Bruce when he sees you need help." The Question then walked over to both of them now the embers were dying, and said, "Jefferson wants us to meet him in Central City soon. He's holding a mass meeting of the resistance. He's setting the date for after…"

"After what?"

"The day of Joan Garrick's funeral. She's on her last legs since Bart died. They don't know when, but she's on her way out. We should go to it and see if we can help Jeff."

Washington DC

Amanda Waller sat in her favourite restaurant, Lenny Ostrander's German Pizzeria, a weird combination of various delicacies, but they made an excellent vegan pizza she adored. Helped cut down on the calories. She'd been asked to meet someone here in an arrangement that had to be discreet. Someone who should be dead. But then again, in her line of work, it seemed that kind of thing happened every day. Shifting her eyes uncomfortably through the venue, she eventually saw a man with a red beard, curly red hair and sunglasses sit at her table. "Mrs Waller, on the vegan food I see," he drawled, "Could have done with that a while ago." That arrogant voice could belong to no mere mortal. Lex Luthor's.

"Lex…you better have a damn good reason for being alive and for dragging my ass out here."

"Like a lot of our contemporaries, Amanda, reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I just spent a year in the Phantom Zone is all."

"You're looking good for it. I dread what's under the hairpiece and sunglasses."

"It could be worse. I've had cosmetic surgery. You got my dossier upon my disappearance?"

"Of course. You entrusted me with LexCorp. You never really told me why."

"Because you're the most cold and ruthless individual I've ever met. You know I do more good than evil, and that my company can do things even your limitless government resources can't."

"Like what?"

"Did you follow my instructions?"

"To the letter. I even managed to secure a pardon for one…Lucy Lane to act as your CEO."

"Excellent. Lucy can be trusted, don't worry. As can her…procedures."

"Do you know how up to my neck in it I am right now, Lex? If I'm seen talking to you…"

"Thawne is onto me, I know that. But he won't suspect you. Last he saw me I was with two Kryptonians, both of whom I've ditched. I'm staying the hell away from LexCorp and Metropolis, but Lucy needs to know I'm alive if my plan's going to work."

"I heard Supergirl killed Lucy Lane."

"No, in that she failed. Her father's experiments on her merely went haywire. She's since reformed. General Lane truly was a pioneer. I do miss his drive. Tell me, what news of Lois?"

"The journalist? Pregnant. With twins."

"Ah, I see. Thawne mentioned something about that. No doubt his doing. Kryptonians and humans find it notoriously difficult to conceive, no more than a human and an animal would. I went into great studies of Superman's…genetic material to establish if he could sire hybrids."

"Charming."

"I leave no stone unturned, Amanda."

"I know. But you were legally declared dead, Lex. Your shares are likely heading in the direction of one Eve Teschmacher."

"My secretary?"

"She used your genetic material not long after your 'death' to artificially inseminate herself with your child, claiming you had agreed to such an arrangement. Your will claimed you left everything to your heir. Since Lucy Lane isn't your blood relative, and Kon-El isn't legally your son, she's been able to have little Lionel Luthor be declared your heir and proved it via DNA test. Lucy's still fighting the legal case now. You're broke, Luthor, unless you can convince Miss Teschmacher to marry you somehow."

"That bitch! I never thought she could be so crafty. I won't marry her but I'll certainly consider giving her a raise."

"Don't worry, Lex. Lucy is most certainly your CEO. Eve was convinced by myself and Lucy that that was in her best interests and voted accordingly."

"Thank you. Why are you still working with me, Amanda?"

"Because Thawne is insane. He's going to end up destroying the planet if we keep him anywhere near power. I'm no fan of democracy, but I'd rather not have his puppet on the throne."

"A puppet can be useful, Mrs Waller. This Eiling fellow I've heard sits in the White House seems very impressionable. Wade's boy, is he?"

"Only step-son. His biological father was…"

"Captain Atom, of course. I had simply forgotten about that situation. Anyway, I think that with some new men pulling the strings, that our Commander-in-Chief can be put to better uses."

"What are you proposing?"

"A good old-fashioned coup, Mrs Waller. Whatever else?"

"Lex, you're a man on the run and I'm the only one who can help you apart from maybe Lucy Lane."

"I know. And isn't that when I'm always working at my best. When I'm helpless."

"Regardless, the only people standing up to Thawne outside the government are the heroes and they hate you more than him."

"I've stood by their side many times when the situation demanded it. They won't turn down my help again to stop Thawne."

"They will if they find out what you're doing behind the scenes."

"That's why they won't. Why do you think I haven't told you anything about my plans? They're for myself and Lucy only."

"You're a hard man to work with, Lex."

"Just get me Lucy. And point me to your safehouse, this beard is itching and I don't like being out in the street for more than an hour and a half maximum."

Nanda Parbat

"Are you serious, Simon?" Talia al Ghul asked him pointedly, sitting with authority on her throne, "You want me to get into this sinking ship with you and that madman you've already admitted to me is unstable. How ridiculous." "Please, my lady, simply consider what this relationship could foster," Hurt was on his knees in obeisance, two ninjas holding scimitars to his throat, "A chance to crush him more easily." "He will need to personally beg my forgiveness for siding with my father over me," Talia scoffed. "I will beat it out of him if I have to," Hurt kissed her ring finger, "Together we can get you your son back." "You know I don't need a son," she laughed, "Especially not now I have his genetic material to splice." "We both know about the Heretic," he nodded knowingly, "Why have one child when you can have both?"

"You are right," Talia sipped wine from a goblet in her hand, "She is irrelevant for the time being, Dr Hurt. Just ensure that my son is given back to me, so he may have a chance to do homage to his mother." "I will, Talia," Hurt said, attempting to kiss this most beautiful and enchanting of women on the lips but receiving a finger on his own instead. "And my beloved," she reminded him, "His father. The Batman will need to beg my forgiveness as well. Then I shall kill him so he does not poison the Heretic as he has our son."

Smallville, Kansas

The once prosperous farming town in America's heartland was not what it was. As the first town to truly embrace Eddie Thawne and his message as head of the Church of Rao, Smallville had transformed from a booming agricultural centre into a massive labour camp posing as a religious commune. All supervised by a teenage boy, Simon Valentine. Simon had been a schoolmate of Conner Kent's, with some unusual interests, such as dissecting animals, His genius had contributed to the efficient ordering of the Church of Rao, however. So many people now fell under his jurisdiction. And he had driven so many into building a magnificent temple to Rao. Months ago, Thawne had arrived with a package. A large metal package which he said contained energy from the heart of Rao itself. It would be a clean fuel for their religion. Used at the centre of their grand temple which would be built over the remains of Smallville. And so, for three months, Simon Valentine had overseen the demolition of the entire town. All of it. Thawne had only asked for one thing while he was there. A dog. A dog which belonged to Conner Kent and had been protecting the Kent farm. A bit of Kryptonite had helped in that regard.

Of an evening, the Raoists would go to the town square after a hard day's work and celebrate with sing-alongs and sermons from Simon, who had been named the inaugural High Priest of the Grand Temple by Thawne. Their songs would not be entirely Christian, though there were some 'Kumbaya, My Lords' peppered in there. Eventually, it would take a militaristic tone with chants of how "Brother Simon will Purge the Infidel for Rao," or "The Blood of the Unfaithful Will Flow Under Father Thawne's Boot." The Raoists made no pretence as to their violent beliefs behind closed doors. Smallville had become the haven of the faith militant. Simon would begin sermons with talk of love and understanding, and how the goodness of the Earth needs to be nourished in order to build Rao and Christ's Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Every time someone would commit a sin against Rao they'd be brought before Simon for judgement. Simon would either exile them, whip them, brand them with their sin on their skin or execute them by hanging, depending on the severity of their crime against Father Thawne and the Word he had delivered. One such case was the local librarian, who continued to refuse to participate in construction work and instead allowed his library to continue functioning. Despite many book burning rallies and the word "Pride" being carved into his forehead, he had continued his little crusade. He had promoted something other than the Word. And for that he was given a perfectly medieval ending. He was burned at the stake.

One thing which did strike Simon as odd from time to time about the construction of this place was the fact that it was being built like a prison. Individual cells were being made with beds and everything. The whole thing was hundreds of floors high and made out of a metal that was considered unbreakable which he couldn't pronounce. There was plenty of imagery associated with their faith and an altar. But nothing that behooved a church. Instead, it appeared a prison with holy themes. Simon realised the purpose of the Grand Temple must be to house those who can be converted and smiled, knowing that he was wrong to let Father Thawne's wisdom elude him like that. He gave a silent prayer to Rao and Christ for forgiveness when he comprehended such genius.

With news of Kon-El's death brought to his door, Thawne had suggested that Simon take Tana Moon, Kon's ex-girlfriend as a bride. She was likewise devoted to Rao and Thawne's teachings. Simon did just that. Thawne was the only adult who ever truly appreciated all the facets of his genius. The only one he loved. Simon would do anything for Father Thawne. That was why when Father Thawne arrived out of the blue in Smallville one morning, the entire cult had laid their faces in the mud to prostrate themselves appropriately before the Prophet, not daring to show any face except Simon's and his beautiful wife's. Lori Luthor, whose devotion to the cause was also celebrated, was allowed to show her face, as well. Thawne greeted his understudy with a long fraternal kiss, which Simon knew he would have preferred to be more than that. But not in front of the acolytes. Simon approached him deferentially.

"Father Thawne…I take it your journey was not too long."

"No, of course not. And I am so honoured to witness such acts of contrition even when my visit was unannounced."

"I could sense your splendour a mile away, Father. Your existence fills my every waking thought."

"I should hope not. Would you not spare a thought for your spouse? Or for Him?"

"Oh, apart from those, Father. Our most magnanimous father."

"Lori…how is your mother?"

"Very well, Father. She sends greetings but regrets she cannot be here."

"She needn't worry. She is her own woman. And He respects individuality. Doesn't He?"

Everyone in the commune answered in unison as Thawne chuckled and gave Tana a kiss of passion. "You do not protest I hope, Simon?" he asked with mirth. "What's mine is yours, Father," Simon smiled awkwardly. "It's good to see we understand one another," the villain smiled before proceeding, "I have brought guests for the Grand Temple." "Guests, Father?" Simon stumbled. "Children who will be necessary for the breaking of the Seventh Seal, my young friend," Thawne placed his hand on Simon's shoulder, "And they will be joined by others." Men in black robes then walked into the commune with small children on leashes. "We have been searching for a place to contain them all," Eddie proceed, "Since our warehouses keep being raided and the market has dried up. The righteous are turning on us, you see. Soon the Amazons will attack. Or worse, aliens. I will need these children and their abilities to resist them. I figured since the Grand Temple is mine and of course, His, I should use it for the purpose of storing my charges."

"Without question, Father."

"Excellent, Simon. You are so intelligent. Always agreeing with me."

Entering the temple with the children, Thawne smiled as he observed from the entrance balcony the scale of the building. Construction was still underway, but there was enough to house the children they had. "You built adult quarters as I specified?" a burly, older man asked, walking up to Thawne rather rudely. "Of course, David," he patted him on the chest, "Ah, Simon Valentine. David Cain." "David Cain?" Simon was shocked, "Isn't he—" "A valuable asset to our war against the infidel, Simon," Thawne spoke with enough authority to cow the young genius back into silence, "He will train these children to serve our faith. Know the way of Him. Know the Word I have delivered. Won't you, David?" "Whatever you say, Eddie," the assassin chuckled. "That's Father Thawne to you," Simon said smacking the contract killer in the face. "Um, don't mind him, David," Eddie got in the middle of the altercation, "Just head down right away. Right away." Thawne grabbed Simon by the wrist as a chuckling David walked away knowing the boy would be scolded. "That was a very foolish thing to do, Simon," Thawne spat, "He's a very dangerous man, you know that."

"He insulted you."

"He calls me Eddie, as do the non-believers who work with us. As is their right brought by their ignorance of Him and the Word."

"I did not realise…"

"It is alright. Now, our other guest is secure at the core of the facility?"

"Yes, Father Thawne. Your package remains firmly ensconced at the Heart of the...what did you call this place again, a Gulag?"

"Yes, a labour camp for those who need re-education. Isn't that what the gulags of your history were for in their context?"

"Depending on your point of view…But yes, you don't need to worry. Captain Atom is safe at the Heart of the Gulag."