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52.43% VECTOR IN DC / Chapter 138: CHAPTER 136

Chapitre 138: CHAPTER 136

[Tom Hendricks POV] 

On live TV the Man of Steel rose back on his feet and the cheer from the spectators around was as loud as it could possibly get, annoyingly so. 

*TSK!!!*

"Bummer, was getting ready to pop a bottle as soon as he was confirmed dead at that moment." Leo stated, having a disappointed look on his face. 

"Why would you say that?" Jason asked, cocking up an eyebrow and turning to him. 

"At least his death would leave Metropolis 'unprotected'…" He made air-quotes on the word as he continued. "And trust me when I say Metropolis is indeed a fertile land." He said while he turned to give me a cryptic smirk, one which I clearly understood. 

Since it was Superman's turf, the banks and any building which held valuables, didn't get frequent attacks as much as the other cities like Gotham and Central City. Neither the less, whether Superman lives or dies, once I'm bored with Gotham I think I would go over to Metropolis and have a taste of that foreign land protected by an alien who seems more like a demigod in this world. 

I stood up from there and proceeded to my room, leaving those two to their drama while I sent a message to my business partners whom I had that private meeting with back in Los Angeles. Lex Luthor had made his move and things could take on a drastic turn from here on out, one none could possibly predict. The attacks on the League can't possibly be random, they were carefully calculated and skillfully executed. 

Looking beyond the criminals who carried out the act, it was clearly visible that a mastermind pulled the strings from behind the scenes. Also, it was time to make some Benjamin's, and by that, I mean serious cash. Mainly by selling the psychic protector I had created. Then when the word goes out about Luther controlling people, especially those in power to do his bidding, then I would start selling it off at the black market. 

*Hahaha!!!*

"Who says one can't make money in times of crisis." The words I muttered as a devious laughter played in my head. I could simply just locate Luthor, kill him, kill Grodd and put an end to all this but I would like to see how it plays out without me directly interfering with the matter of things. It makes things kinda… Fun.

I sent out the spam message to their emails and noticed one which immediately popped up on my mailbox, one from Deathstroke. According to the email, some guy named Black Mask has been snooping around a little too much, in search of a way to contact Ghost. 

I don't like doing business with desperate rats, they are double-edged swords that you could either exploit to their limited potential, or they probably have their own agenda in mind. I just replied for Deathstroke to keep an eye on his activities and not interfere with him, if he is up to no good then he would get sloppy out of desperation and do something stupid over time. 

We would let him go too deep and step on a trip wire, then we'd make him pay heavily for his curiosity and whatever purpose he seeked to defy or go against me. 

I asked Deathstroke to keep an eye on him. I meant that in a more literal sense 'cus the dude has only one eye. Then for Deadshot to gather Intel so he sends me a briefing on everything he could get on Black Mask, to help me grasp the kind of person he was and understand how he thinks.

[Bruce Wayne's POV] 

I cautiously made my way through the dimly lit mine, my keen senses on high alert. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel that something was amiss. In the distance, I spotted the faint emerald glow of Green Lantern's power ring, a beacon amidst the darkness. I immediately quickened my pace. 

As I closed the gap between us, I couldn't ignore the weariness etched on Green Lantern's face. His features were etched with exhaustion, his usually strong demeanor faltering. It was as if he had endured a trial that had pushed him to his limits. And it was that flicker of doubt in his eyes that troubled me the most. I had seen unwavering determination in his gaze before, but now there was hesitation, a seed of uncertainty.

The mine was eerily silent, save for the echoes of my barely audible footsteps as I approached him. Green Lantern turned to face me, his ring illuminating his features. I met his gaze with a calm yet resolute expression, I could clearly see the turmoil within him as he held on to the lifeless body of a lady in his arms. I spoke calmly, my voice cutting through the stillness. "Hal, listen to me. However it looks, this wasn't your fault."

He looked at me, a mix of surprise and a hint of relief crossing his features. I could tell that he had been grappling with his thoughts, unsure of his next steps. His voice carried a weight as he replied, "Whose fault was it then? I was the one with the most powerful weapon in the universe. I was the one whose arrogance led to this girl's death."

"I saw what happened with those criminals and could tell what happened to that hostage." I said to him, my words were deliberate and measured.

I approached him, my cape swirling in the shadows. "I know a little about arrogance and I also know about dead bodies, and that isn't one." I pointed to the dead body he had in his arms, she was black haired and kophad the features of his former lover, a weak spot for him. I walked closer to him and ripped off the dead, revealing mechanical parts as his eyes widened in surprise. 

"She's a sophisticated android, they all were. The entire scenario was to convince you that you made a bad call. But you didn't."

His eyes widened, disbelief giving way to a glimmer of hope. "I was afraid that…" 

"No, you weren't afraid. Not really. You were dosed with a synthesized version of the Scarecrow's fear gas, because will is the sauce of your strength." I elaborated on it, revealing to him the facts that made up the entire scene and how he got so caught up in it. 

"And fear is the enemy of will." He said with an even tone as he got a complete understanding of what exactly was at play."

"I have the antidote to the fear gas right here." I reached for my utility belt and pulled out a vial with the antidote in it. "Don't need it." He replied.

Green Lantern didn't hesitate even for a moment, his gaze directed at his ring which was on the ground. Then, with a determined resolve, he raised his ring-bearing hand. The emerald light blazed to life, enveloping him in its radiant energy. His transformation was both awe-inspiring and heartening, a symbol of unwavering strength.

"Robots, advanced drugs, psychological profile, no way Star Sapphire came up with this on her own." Green Lantern said as we flew out of the cave in an emerald green ball he had conjured up. 

… 

[Back at the Justice League headquarters]

The top members of the League sat across from each other in their conference hall. Wonder Woman was curious for an answer as she addressed the elephant in the room. 

"How were they able to get such information on us?" 

"That's something I would like to know too because they weren't random attacks, they each exploited our weaknesses." Flash said as he cocked up an eyebrow.

"Something only those close to us would know." Green Lantern added as they darted eyes around, without making it seem like they suspect one another. 

"The plans were mine…" Batman said. 

"Wait."

"What now?" Everyone mumbled their own surprise as they gazed at him. 

"I have carefully studied every Justice Leaguer, past and present. And created contingency plans to neutralize you, should that ever become necessary."

"You've got to be kidding." Flash said. "How could you do that?" Green Lantern asked. 

"Neutralize, not kill. Whoever implemented my plans altered them."

"Its still a completely unacceptable breach of our trust." Wonder Woman said to him. 

"The members of the Justice League are among the most powerful and potentially most dangerous people on the planet."

"You think one of us would go over to the other side?" Flash asked. 

"Or succumb to mind control. Yes its possible." Batman replied. "That's why I developed plans for containing any or all members of the JLA, should the need ever arise." 

"None of us would ever do that to you." Superman firmly said. 

"Then you are all damn fools. If you can't see the potential of such an event happening then there's no point in me staying here."

"Lets not go that far just yet, remember there's still someone out there who just tried to kill us. And something tells me that this was just a small step to keep us distracted." Green Lantern said with furrowed eyes. 

"Is there any way to track down this person?" Martian Manhunter asked. 

"Having the file stolen from me was a mistake on my part, but luckily the file calls home once they are decrypted."

"Nice." Flash said as Batman walked over to press on a button. It revealed an holographic display which pinpointed a specific location. 

Everyone had their eyes glued to it as they wondered who could be the culprit. Batman pinged on the private residence and detailed information came flooding in, the files were decrypted at a private estate which belonged to LexCorp. 

"Luthor, I should have known." Superman said as rage sipped into him. "Let's put aside the matter with Batman for now and gear up, it's time to pay Lex a little visit."


next chapter

Chapitre 139: CHAPTER 137

The League arrived at the sprawling estate of LexCorp, a place shrouded in an aura of secrecy. Amidst the imposing structures, one peculiar building stood out, its significance emphasized by the formidable security detail stationed around it. Aquaman's reduced league involvement was understandable, given the weight of his responsibilities ruling his underwater kingdom.

"Security measures are formidable," Superman observed, deploying his X-ray vision to scan the compound's layout. Meanwhile, Flash darted around, deftly disabling exterior security cameras.

"There's something strange about this compound," Superman mused.

"Strange? Explain," Wonder Woman queried.

"I've encountered an area that resists my vision, like it's shielded with lead," Superman explained, his brow furrowing in concentration.

"Oddly, I can sense the presence of individuals, but they're obscured from my psychic probing," Martian Manhunter added, frustration edging his voice.

"Without a doubt, Luthor is concealed within," Batman concluded. "Flash, Cyborg, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter, neutralize the outer guards and advance cautiously towards the enigmatic room. We can't overlook the possibility that this 'mystery room' is a diversion meant to seize our attention."

"Agreed," Green Lantern chimed in.

"Superman, Green Lantern, and I will infiltrate from an alternate angle, progressively advancing towards the room. This pincer movement will ensure Luthor has no escape route," Batman outlined, his strategic mind at the forefront.

"Okay guys, move out." Superman commanded and everyone immediately went into mission mode, the idea was to take the guards by surprise from both sides and leave Lex no other option but to surrender. 

… 

[Lex Luthor's POV] 

At last, my meticulously devised plans had been set into motion, and the lowlife criminals posing as villains and arch-nemeses to heroes danced like puppets to my strings, all while I controlled them effortlessly, without a single coin exchanged.

The seductive allure of power swirled around me like an intoxicating mist. Tonight marked the culmination of my careful plotting, a night where a rendezvous with one of the world's most influential figures would unfold. My intentions? To implant thoughts deep within his mind, my influence an unbreakable bond.

As discussions flowed and schemes were hatched, a report soured the air. "Sir, we are under attack."

RAT-TAT-TAT-TA!!!

Gunshots echoed through the phone, the guard's voice trembling, before it was abruptly silenced. Who could possibly trace me here? My fingers danced across the keyboard, trying to access security feeds, only to end up unable to connect to them.

Stalking to my desk, I dialed the head of security. "Explain this ruckus," I barked, rage boiling beneath the surface.

"Sir, the Justice League is breaching our defenses. Remain composed; we'll resist them," came the reply, a futile promise that amused me. There was no chance in hell they could thwart the League's might.

Yet, the situation favored me splendidly. The League's intrusion would allow me to puppeteer their minds and assimilate them into my collection.

Hahaha ha!!!

A diabolical laugh erupted, a toast raised with my guest. We reclined, exchanging sinister chuckles as we outlined grander schemes. Amidst a cacophony of gunshots and falling bullet casings, an abrupt silence descended. Eyes fixed on the available security feed, I observed Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and their comrades advancing toward me, fury etched across their expressions.

They were drawing near. The perfect moment had arrived.

A camera in my office flickered to life, capturing my guest's visage as he initiated a public broadcast.

"Greetings, fellow Americans." He addressed the camera, projecting an air of authority. "Serving as your president has been an honor. However, I fear for my life now, as the so-called heroes have turned against me without explanation." He cleared his throat, locking his gaze on the lens.

Seated back, I manipulated his words, crafting a tale of deception more persuasive. "Regrettably, the Justice League has betrayed us all. They attacked me, but I managed to escape their clutches. Neither my safe haven at Camp David nor the government bunkers were secure; their might was overwhelming."

My eyes flicked back to the feed, catching Batman as he disabled my cameras, one by one, signaling the approach of my guests of honor. Anticipation danced in the air; my trap was nearly sprung. 

"Seeking refuge, I found solace in a private LexCorp residence. Mr. Lex Luthor extended his hand in aid, sheltering me as we strategized against the rogue League. Alas, their pursuit led us to this broadcast. I implore the military and every citizen to stand against this dire threat."

With the League's arrival imminent, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, and Batman burst through the wall, anger radiating from their forms. Superman, a scarlet glow in his eyes, took the lead.

"My God, they're here!" The president faltered, terror seizing him, captured vividly by the camera. Just before they could respond, I silenced the feed. The world would not witness the truth, nor comprehend my manipulation of the president.

"Mr. President?" Batman inquired, as Superman approached me with palpable fury. "Tired of scheming and failure?"

I endeavored to bend Superman's mind using technology refined by my scientists, bolstered by Grodd's psychic prowess. "Kneel before me, all of you," I commanded. But their defiance was swift, Batman's fist an unforgiving reminder.

"Why's your mind trickery failing?" I questioned aloud, perplexity coloring my tone. Their ears, adorned with discreet tech, thwarted my bid for control.

"Mind games won't work," quipped Flash, his smugness hidden beneath his cowl. "You're outmatched."

"Peacefully come with us," Green Lantern advised, as Martian Manhunter attempted to assist the president, his offer rejected.

It became clear that the president was under my sway. Best they knock me out and provide him the necessary device to free his mind. However, my final surprise awaited.

"Incoming," Superman warned, his super hearing alerting him to incoming helicopters and reinforcements. A smile curled on my lips—my backup forces had arrived, bolstered and prepared to crush the League.

"I've got this," Superman declared, rushing toward the president. "We'll ensure your safety." His gaze flicked to the League before him.

Click!!!

According to my earlier plan, I had the president hold onto a kryptonite-laden bracelet, a customized creation from LexCorp. The hero hesitated, baffled.

"Get down!" Batman's voice cut through, grenades rolling into the room. Superman seized them, but as the explosion dispersed kryptonite gas, he faltered, choking within the haze before collapsing.

Clank!!!

Flash's leg was ensnared by a power-dampening device, rendering him powerless. Extraction teams swooped in, claiming the president, as Batman's eyes scanned the room, realization dawning.

"Where's Luthor?"

"Can't sense him anymore," Martian Manhunter confessed, his psychic search thwarted. My retreat had been cunningly executed.

"Retreat," Batman's command echoed, and the remaining heroes dissolved into the dark embrace of the night.

With LexCorp's skilled hands at work, the footage of that incident was meticulously molded, crafting a narrative that painted the Justice League as intoxicated by their own power, consumed by the desire for control. Distorting and weaving the clip, harnessing it to earn the admiration of the masses and secure global recognition was a task as effortless as snapping my fingers.

The world would awaken to a headline of unparalleled intrigue, a sensation that promised to captivate their attention. I merely needed to tie up a few loose ends, and my carefully orchestrated masterpiece would come to fruition.

Embracing this path demanded the removal of the new variable, Ace, who had emerged on the scene. His psyche teetered on the precipice of derangement, his danger level surpassing that of most villains. While his true motives remained shrouded, prudence dictated treating him as a villain. Converting him to an ally, even through mind control, held potential if circumstances demanded it.

As it stands, this world is ripe for my dominion. The mantle of supreme ruler shall rest solely upon my shoulders, crushing adversaries beneath the indomitable weight of my mastery.


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