Edward, dressed in a well-fitted black suit, shoes, and a long blazer, walked toward a room where he heard chatters. From a distance, he could hear Team Flash talking about recent events.
Last year, Barry had to enter the Speed Force to save the city and the world, forcing him to be stuck there. However, the team did not give up on him and tried to get him back. After a few failures, Barry opened a breach from the Speed Force and returned to the world.
However, the breach released a large quantity of dark matter. Unfortunately, a bus full of passengers was in that area, and they were successfully mutated as a result. These meta-humans have been the main source of their trouble for the past few weeks.
"Who are you?" asked Joe, Barry's adopted father and Iris's real father; he was the first to notice Edward walking in.
"Oh, you're all here; that saves me a lot of trouble," replied Edward with a smile. "I'm agent Edward Bones from the SDMV— the Supervising Department of Meta-Humans and Vigilantes. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
He handed Joe his badge before walking to Barry: "You must be the famous Flash—It's an honor to meet you."
"Same," replied Barry casually, but anyone could tell he was saying it for the sake of politeness. "What exactly is this SP–"
"SDMV," explained Edward. "Over the years, the world has experienced a rise in meta-human and vigilant activities. Previously, the US government ignored all of you because the good you did outweigh the bad. But recent events have made many people concerned. So, my department was established to facilitate a better relationship between vigilantes and the government."
"That's a nice way of saying you want to monitor us."
"You must be Iris West: love your writing," commented Edward. "But you're correct. However, it's best if you don't see it in such a negative light. The program has just started, and you guys are the first test run. You wouldn't believe it, but some of my superiors suggested starting with Oliver and his team in Star City." Edwards shook his head, showing how absurd such an idea was.
"We do not need supervision," refuted Barry directly.
"I agree with Barry on this," added Cisco Ramon.
"The government having control over how superheroes do their job? I cannot fathom a better recipe for disaster," stated Harrison Wolfgang Wells.
"Harrison Wells? Shouldn't you be dead?" asked Edward. "Let me guess, from a parallel earth?"
"Earth 19, and you're deflecting the issue."
Edward smiled before looking at Cisco. "Do you mind if I use your computer to show you something?" Cisco hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Edward pulled out a report with a number highlighted in bold red: 22, 345, 976,898.
"That's the amount of money your team has caused the government since you started— 22 billion dollars in over four years. All that money comes from taxpayers."
"How is that possible?" chimed in Caitlin, the team's doctor.
"Every time you run so fast that you destroy cars, windows, or the insurance paid for people's cars and properties destroyed, or even generate earthquakes or even tsunamis during some of your battles — all of these require money, and the government has been paying the bill."
"You cannot blame Barry for all of this," argued Iris.
"True, but it does not change the fact he's responsible for most of it," explained Edward.
"What exactly are you trying to get at?" asked Cisco.
"I will be direct. According to my orders. your team has three choices: disband and become regular citizens, pay the money owed, and you can continue your vigilante activities, or, I suggest you choose that one, accept the supervision."
Edward looked at Harrison Wells, "Personally. I suggest you pay the money. Many people are interested in the technology to navigate parallel dimensions: the benefits are simply endless."
"Impossible," denied Cisco, and Edward shrugged.
"And what if we don't comply?" asked Barry, staring him directly in the eyes.
"You guys don't seem to grasp the severity of the situation," sighed Edward. "Many people fear that Barry or one of his speedster little friends will one day travel to the past and eliminate the founding founders, thus erasing the birth of this great nation. Now, can you imagine what the US government—which has the greatest military in the world—will do to prevent such an event from occurring?"
Edward looked at him back, "In such a worst-case scenario, you might be fine, but that cannot be said for the others."
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, I'm trying to make you see the reality."
"What reality? Barry would never do such a thing," added Joe.
"One thing I've learned in my life is that fear is never logical. And when people with the power of a nation behind them began to act out of fear — that's a recipe for disaster."
The room became gloomily quiet for a few seconds before Edward continued, "I understand this is a lot to process. I will give you a day to mull it over. I will be back tomorrow at 1500 hours."
Edward took his badge from Joe's hand before walking out, and the team immediately began to discuss countermeasures.
"What should we do?" asked Caitlin.
"Let's check that weirdly named department first," said Iris as she used the computer. "Dad, do you remember his ID number?"
"Yes, I memorized it."
Soon, the team found Edward's identity, including the semi-classified ones.
"Ex-Special Force: Served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was about to retire but was called into this new department," explained Iris.
"So, he's legit?" asked Ralph Dibny or the Elongated Man, a new meta-human from the bus accident. He was quiet the whole time Edward was there.
"It appears so."
"You said he's an Ex-Special Force and served?" asked Barry.
"That's right."
"In that case, let's contact Diggle to see if he knows something."
The team then contacted Team Arrow in Star City, asking Diggle if he had any information. A few minutes later, they received a call.
"I got news from a few of my contacts," said Diggle. "Edward Bones led a task force called the Silent Diplomats. Their mission was to enter hostile territories and negotiate all kinds of under-the-table deals for the government."
"Diggle, did you hear anything about this SDMV?"
"No. Apparently, this department was of the highest security level: no news was leaked before it was formed. However, I must warn you. From what I hear, Edward Bones is an expert negotiator, manipulator, and ruthless man who will do anything for his mission. Be careful how you deal with him."
"Alright, thanks."
"No problem. I must go and deal with Olivier; he's not in the best mood after knowing the government knows his real identity."
The call ended, and the room once again became somber.
"So, what do we do?" asked Ralph, but no one could give him an answer.
…
Edward and Morgana looked at the screen before them.
"Are you sure you shouldn't choose a nicer identity?"
"No, they are bound to be suspicious of me. So, it's better this way, makes it more believable."
"If you say so. What's our next step?"
"Let's analyze the data we gathered."
They could not read Barry's mind, but this was not the same for the other members. People like Caitlin and Cisco have been with Barry for a long time, and as scientifically minded individuals, they have a great understanding of the Speed Force.
In their mind, Edward was able to gather a lot of data. From Caitlin, he learned a great deal about how Barry's cells and DNA reacted or connected to the Speed Force. Meanwhile, he learned about the force itself from Cisco's mind.
After summarizing and analyzing the data, Edward showed up to the lab the next day, as he stated.
Edward walked into the room where the team was waiting, including Kid Flash or Wally West, who had recovered his power a while back. He smiled and asked politely, "I'm assuming you've made a decision?"
No one answered him for a while before Barry said, "What exactly will you do as our supervisor?"
"We will first begin by taking data on your abilities: the ins and outs, lows and highs — we need to know the extent of your abilities— your limitations."
"For what?" asked Barry.
"Isn't it obvious?" chimed in Iris. "To deal with you in the future."
"Once again, you're seeing this in a negative light," calmly explained Edward. "We are just preparing contingencies in case something goes wrong. By then, we will have ways to neutralize the individuals involved without causing too much chaos."
"You have a way with words; you should write novels like me," sneered Harrison Wells. This version from Earth 19 was a writer instead of a scientist, so Edward reduced his threat level. Regardless, he was still being closely watched.
"What exactly do you mean by something going wrong?" asked Caitlin.
"The worst case scenario is that Barry becomes evil and uses his powers for nefarious means."
"Barry would never do that," immediately defended Cisco.
"He has saved countless lives—he's a true hero," added Iris.
"I am not attacking his character," continued Edward. "We are just preparing for many possibilities."
"But it seems like you were," countered Joe. "How many times has Barry risked his life to save this city? To save the world? Where was the government then? Now, you walked in here accusing him of turning evil."
"Calm down," said Edward calmly yet authoritatively. He looked at the team and said, "All of you seem to have ignored the events of Flash Point." The room immediately became quiet.
"In a moment of grief, he made a selfish decision to go back in time and save his mother; his actions altered reality as we know it."
"I have learned from my mistakes," argued Barry. "I know the consequences of messing with time and would never do it again."
"Really?" said Edward as he looked him in the eyes. "Tell me you would not make the same choice if you watched everyone in this room die — look me in the eyes and tell me you would not be tempted."
"I would never let anything happen to them."
"You didn't answer my question," Edward snapped back, so Barry moved his eyes away.
"Do any of you know the repercussions of Flash Point? Do you think his actions only affected Central City or the people close to him? No, lives across the globe were affected. Government entities worldwide created special units to deal with the aftermath of Flash Point, recording what was different from the previous timeline."
"How is that possible?"
"Do you think you're the only one who can notice the changes in the timeline? The world is vast, and Central City is just a small microcosm."
The room became silent as the previously built tension rapidly dissipated like a popped balloon.
"Now, turning evil is not the only scenario in which Barry could use his power for selfish reasons. Grodd's existence is proof that his mind can be controlled. If a meta-human with such ability shows up and we must face the Flash, the government wants to be ready."
"I still think it's a bad idea for anyone to have access to such data," added Wells. "Especially the United States government or military."
"Maybe you're right, but at this point, there is no longer any room for negotiations," said Edward before taking his phone out of his pocket. "My team is outside and will come in to begin the tests."
After making the call, close to a hundred individuals walked into the lab and began setting up equipment pieces.
"Wait, we have to be tested too?" asked Cisco as he looked warily at the man before him.
"You're a meta-human, too, aren't you? So, you are also on the list to be supervised," replied Edward while still on the phone. More than an hour later, everything was set up, and they began with Barry and Wally. They wore a special suit designed to monitor their heart rates and other bodily functions.
Then, they used a specially prepared Cosmic Treadmill that allowed them to use their full speed. Edward calmly watched Barry, and when a portal appeared a few meters before Barry's treadmill, his eyes secretly lit up.
'The entrance to the Speed Force,' he thought without any change in expression. The subsequent tests were his other abilities, like phasing through walls or releasing lightning bolts. The final test was to gather data while he ran through the Speed Force.
However, Edward did not stay around as he pretended he was supervising the others. He watched Cisco using his power of vibrations and his reluctance to show his Dimensional Portals. Meanwhile, Caitlin showed her power to manipulate ice, and Ralph showed how his body could elongate itself. The entire process took more than 6 hours before it was over.
"See? It wasn't so bad," said Edward, and everyone either rolled their eyes. "I will return in three days to proceed to the second step."
The team watched Edward, and as soon as he was away, someone spoke:
"What a terrible experience," commented Wally.
"I think I'm developing a disdain for bureaucrats," added Caitlin.
"Something is wrong," said Barry.
"What do you mean?" Iris held his arm, not hiding her concern.
"I have this bad feeling about this agent," he continued. "Cisco, check our systems to see if there is any problem. I will check the entire building for any bugs."
Swish!
Lightning flashed as Barry ran at unparalleled speed, searching every corner of the building.
"Found something?" asked Joe.
"No, nothing. Cisco, what about you?"
"I found something, but—"
"But what?"
"It didn't seem like they wanted to hide that they were going to monitor us," he replied; finding the hidden code in their system was too easy, and he did not believe these people were so incompetent.
"Let's talk in a more secure place," said Barry, and Cisco immediately opened a portal to Earth 19.
…
"What are they doing?" asked Edward, not moving his eyes an inch from the screens before him.
"As expected, they don't trust us," replied Morgana.
"That's to be expected," he replied casually. Today, he gathered significant data on Barry's connection to the force and the Speed Force itself. Now, he was confident in creating a clone capable of running fast enough to enter the Speed Force itself.
"We have a problem," suddenly said Morgana.
"What is it?" He finally moved his head away from the screen.
"The Tracking Spell we placed on Barry is gone after he entered the Speed Force."
Edward frowned, "Tell me exactly what happened?"
"I was receiving data but only briefly before something wiped it out."
Edward grunted, "What about the others?"
"We still have eyes on them."
"Did Wally also enter the Speed Force?"
"No, he's just waiting."
"Keep an eye on him and tell me if something changes."
Time was running out, so he immediately began his work. He created a new clone and sent it to the Speed Force to help him gather data. However, a few seconds later, something happened, and the clone died.
He summoned the recording from the latter's soul without hesitation right before its death.
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