章 17: Paranoid Batman, Hiring A Secretary, Bald Lex luthor.
In the quiet confines of the Batcave, Bruce Wayne sat before his supercomputer, studying every detail he had collected about Ethan Harper. Files, videos, and schematics of Ethan's scarab armor and Echo Box were displayed across the massive monitors. Alfred approached, holding a tray with tea.
"Master Wayne, are you sure about this?" Alfred asked. "Ethan has proven himself a valuable ally."
Bruce sipped his coffee, his eyes never leaving the screen. "He's powerful, Alfred. Too powerful. If he ever goes rogue, Earth would be in grave danger. I need contingencies."
Bruce meticulously devised countermeasures:
1. Magnetic Disruptors - Devices that could potentially disable the scarab armor's systems.
2. Rune Scramblers - A combination of ancient scripts and cutting-edge tech to neutralize Ethan's rune-based powers.
3. Energy Drainers - Tools designed to sap the Echo Box's energy source.
4. Psychological Profiles - Understanding Ethan's motivations and weaknesses to exploit if necessary.
He compiled everything into a secured database labeled "Project Contingency: Harper".
"Hope for the best, plan for the worst," Bruce muttered, his face stoic.
Meanwhile, in a quiet field beneath a starlit sky, a streak of light descended from space. Superman returned to Earth, his face weary but resolute. He had ventured across the galaxy searching for remnants of Krypton, but his findings left him with more questions than answers.
As he flew over Metropolis, he noticed a construction site where another spacecraft—smaller but eerily similar to his own—had landed years ago. "I wasn't the only one," Clark thought, his eyes narrowing.
Back on Themyscira, Diana stood before Queen Hippolyta, the dormant Mother Box cradled in her arms.
"Mother, the Mother Box must remain hidden. Its power cannot fall into the wrong hands," Diana said.
Hippolyta nodded. "We will guard it with our lives, as we have for centuries."
Diana hesitated. "I must ask—do you know if there is a fourth Mother Box on Earth?"
Hippolyta looked puzzled. "No, daughter. Only three exist."
Diana frowned. "Then how does a mortal—a man named Ethan Harper—possess one? It is similar but... different. It resonates with unique power."
The queen's expression darkened. "I will consult the gods. If this mortal's device carries such energy, we must understand its origin."
Diana added, "One more thing. I sense divinity in Ethan, faint but undeniable. Could Zeus—or another god—have sired a child among mortals?"
Hippolyta's face grew serious. "If so, the gods have kept it from even me. I will ask them directly."
In his hidden lab, Ethan was making breakthroughs. Using the data he'd collected from the boom tube during the battle with Steppenwolf, he developed an algorithm that mapped the spatial coordinates of every location on Earth.
"This will change everything," Ethan said to himself, uploading the data to both his scarab armor and the Echo Box.
Testing his system, he activated a controlled teleportation sequence. In an instant, he vanished from his lab and reappeared atop the Eiffel Tower, the city of Paris sprawled below him.
"Perfect," Ethan muttered, satisfied with his success. With his upgraded technology, he could now teleport anywhere on Earth with pinpoint accuracy.
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Batman: In Gotham, Bruce pondered his contingency plans, preparing for a day when Ethan's power might threaten the world.
Superman: In Metropolis, Clark's curiosity about the other Kryptonian ship led him to investigate further.
Diana: On Themyscira, Hippolyta prepared to commune with the gods, seeking answers about Ethan's mysterious powers and origins.
Ethan: In his lab, Ethan tested the limits of his technology, unknowingly drawing closer to the attention of those wary of his growing capabilities.
Unbeknownst to them, a new storm was brewing. Darkseid's shadow loomed large, and the secrets surrounding Ethan Harper were only beginning to unfold.
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One month after the defeat of Steppenwolf, Ethan Harper stood at the podium of a bustling press conference, cameras flashing as reporters eagerly awaited his announcement. Clad in a sharp navy-blue suit, he exuded confidence and charisma.
"Today marks a new era for Harper Innovations," Ethan began. "We are expanding into two new sectors: advanced computing and cutting-edge weaponry. Our mission remains clear—to revolutionize the future while maintaining ethical responsibility."
The room erupted in applause as Ethan stepped aside, leaving the press buzzing with questions and anticipation.
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Hiring a Secretary
Recognizing the growing demands of his business, Ethan decided to hire a secretary to manage operations in his absence. He meticulously reviewed hundreds of applications, searching for someone with exceptional skills in business administration.
After careful deliberation, he selected Clara Monroe, a brilliant and stunning professional with an impressive track record of restructuring struggling companies into profitable ventures. During the interview, her poise and intelligence won him over.
"I believe in efficiency and results," Clara said confidently.
Ethan smiled. "Then you're exactly what I need."
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Ethan arranged a private meeting with Lex Luthor in his state-of-the-art office. When Lex arrived, he was greeted by Clara, who escorted him into Ethan's expansive workspace.
"Lex," Ethan said, extending his hand. "Thank you for coming."
"I couldn't pass up the opportunity," Lex replied, his eyes scanning the sleek prototypes displayed on the table.
Ethan gestured to the prototypes: a quantum chip with capabilities far surpassing existing technology and a sleek energy weapon capable of emitting controlled plasma bursts.
"These are just glimpses of what Harper Innovations is capable of," Ethan explained. "But I'm not here to sell these. I'm here to propose a collaboration."
Lex raised an eyebrow. "You've piqued my interest."
Ethan continued, "Imagine what we could achieve together—a 1,500-qubit quantum computer. It would revolutionize not only computing but also industries ranging from medicine to space exploration."
Lex smirked. "You're bold, Ethan. I like that. Let's make history."
A week later, Ethan and Lex stood side by side at another press conference. The world watched as they signed an agreement to jointly develop the most advanced quantum computer in history.
"Today," Ethan declared, "Harper Innovations and LexCorp join forces to push humanity into a new technological frontier."
Lex added, "This partnership represents the fusion of vision and innovation. Together, we will redefine what is possible."
The cameras captured the handshake between the two titans of industry. The press erupted with questions, and the announcement dominated global headlines.
Behind the public spectacle, Ethan had his own motives. By entering the computing sector and aligning with LexCorp, he intended to deter external threats from clandestine forces who might seek to seize Harper Innovations illegally.
More importantly, it gave him a means to monitor Lex Luthor. Ethan's scarab armor, equipped with advanced scanning and data-mining capabilities, subtly collected information during his interactions with LexCorp.
"This partnership is a means to an end," Ethan thought, watching the press conference replay later that evening. "Luthor may be a genius, but I'll make sure he doesn't cross the line."
As the applause from the press conference subsided, Ethan's vision for Harper Innovations—and his vigilant protection of Earth—continued to grow, setting the stage for even greater challenges and alliances ahead.
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