Chapter 6: Napper Agent.

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Cadmus Labs

Anakin Skywalker

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Dealing with the genomorphs, fighting Superboy, and earning points along the way. I’ll admit, the day was fun. I could only shake my head yet again at how many points someone like Big Blue would make with the System. 

[Accumulated SP earned from defeating genomorphs and ‘Blockbuster’: 7,500 SP]

The entire fight, I could feel Robin keeping a special eye on me in the Force, trying to figure out my secret identity. It was a good sign the old bat kept his word, but I had no doubt the kid would be scrutinising cameras around Gotham and probably contacting Zatana to find me the same way his Bruce did. 

The moment we stepped out in the open, the cool night air washed over us as Superboy slowed, lifting his eyes skyward at the moon.

Kid Flash followed his line of sight and grinned, pointing upward. “Might not be the sun like we promised you, but…” he spread his hands dramatically, “it’s the next best thing. And it's reflecting sunlight, so there's that.” Superboy kept his eyes on the moon for another moment, somewhat mesmerised. Then Kid Flash added casually, “Also, I’ve been thinking, ‘Superboy.’ Good superhero name, right?”

That earned him a slow, unimpressed turn of Superboy's head. The look was enough to make Kid Flash raise his hands in mock surrender. “Hey-hey, just saying. It fits. Y'know, because you're basically like a younger Superman.”

Well, that was one way to get a superhero name. Personally, I’d be embarrassed to be named by Kid Flash of all people. It was almost a sign that the time stream didn’t respect that version of you as a person.

Before Superboy could retort, Aqualad’s voice cut in with a warning edge. “We have company.”

While I had sensed the arriving group before he spoke, I chose to stand off to the side in silence, waiting for everything to play out. The rest of the team followed his gaze upward.

From the clouds, over a dozen members of the Justice League descended slowly towards us, capes billowing behind them like the aura farmers they are. I was a little disappointed that Batman chose to arrive via the green platform John Stuart created with his power ring, rather than gliding down after ejecting from his plane. I always wanted to see that in person.

Doing a quick survey, I noted Captain Atom, Hawk Man and Woman, two Green Lanterns, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Aqua-Man, Shazam, Zatara, Martian Manhunter, Red Tornado, and of course, the main DC trinity. The thing that caught my eye, or rather my senses, the most was the ridiculously large amount of magic that was rolling off Zatara. 

It was definitely much more than Constantine, at least the amount he allowed me to sense. If Zatara was this powerful, I could only imagine how powerful his daughter was, considering her naturally better affinity for magic.

And at the front, Superman’s eyes fell on the House of El crest stamped in bold red across the chest of Superboy’s white onesie. The shift in his face was subtle, but the tension in his eyes and tightening of his jaw was enough of an indication of at the very least a flicker of anger before he smoothed it. For those who could perceive the world much quicker, it was enough to see just how angry he really was.

He landed softly, crossing his arms just as his boots touched the ground. I could feel Superboy, having seen his expression for what it was, radiating shame and anger. His hands balled into fists before he consciously mimicked the older man’s stance, arms folding across his own chest, but with a scowl on his face. The two stood almost mirror-like.

Honestly, I felt bad for him. To be ‘born’ only a few hours ago, only to meet one of your parents and see they don’t want anything to do with you must have been tough. Not that Superman wasn’t violated, too. His DNA was taken and used to create a weapon, essentially. But, still. 

Batman’s shadow loomed as he stepped forward from the ranks, coming to a halt just behind Superman. His eyes moved from the crest to Superboy’s face. 

“Is that what I think it is?” His voice was its usual growl mixed with a modulator people wouldn’t notice without being accustomed to the sound of the tech, but there was no mistaking the edge.

Superboy met his gaze without flinching. “I’m his clone.”

A ripple of surprise passed through several League members, with a few exchanging shocked glances. But I had no doubt Batman would be using this exact moment to argue why his possession of Kryptonite was legitimate and totally not out of paranoia.

Batman’s eyes narrowed, shifting his gaze to Robin. “Talk. Now.”

Robin didn’t hesitate, already pulling up his wrist computer. His voice was clipped, efficient, and precise. “Cadmus was running multiple cloning projects and experiments. We found Project Kr in stasis, Superman’s clone. They…..“

“Before Robin continues,” my modulated voice cut in, gaining their attention. “There are several people and or experiments getting away using what I’m assuming are hidden tunnels.”

As soon as the word came out of my mouth, Martian Manhunter was already phasing through the floor, Superman used his X-ray vision for a moment before speeding off into the building, and some of the other league members followed behind him.

“Continue,” Batman growled again, eliciting the boy-wonder to do just that. 

As Robin spoke, I was going through the System, looking for a good version of the Identify/Observe skill which would allow me to explain how I know there is an activation phrase in Superboy’s mind to turn him against us. I knew I could just recommend Martian Manhunter’s telepathy, or do it myself, but I knew the boy of steel would immediately turn it down due to how much he had his mind messed with already. And the other heroes, aside from Batman and probably Wonder Woman, would be against doing it against his will. 

[Available SP: 30,400]

[System Ability: Identify I]

[Description: A fundamental analysis skill that allows the user to view detailed information about objects, creatures, people and locations. Displays name, type, abilities, notable traits and other basic but helpful information. The depth of information revealed depends on the target’s ability to resist detection. At lower levels, Identify will reveal only basic data (name, type, and a brief description). As upgrades are purchased, it can provide better information.]

[Special Notes: Identify can be sensed and blocked by cosmic entities, as well as some reality warpers and skilled or talented magic users.]

[Cost: 10,000 SP] [Purchased]

[Available SP: 20,400]

I purchased [Identify I] just in time to see Robin nod toward the tied-up Dr. Desmond. “—was enhanced using a serum that looked similar to the one we took from Dr. Desmond’s over there. We then defeated the experiments and made our way out.”

‘Identify.’

[Name: Project Kr]

[Type: Kryptonian/Human Hybrid]

[Description: A clone of Superman.]

Okay… that’s clearly not enough information, at least, not for what I was trying to do. Let's upgrade that real quick.

[Upgrade: Identify I]

[Cost: 10,000] [Purchased]

[Available SP: 10,400]

Alright, let's give this another shot. ‘Identify’.

[Name: Project Kr (Superboy)]

[Type: Kryptonian/Human Genomorph]

[Description: A genetically engineered clone of Superman created by Project Cadmus. Programmed with code words that will allow for another to control him.]

While it says nothing about his weakness to Kryptonite, who his ‘parents’ are aside from Clark’s superhero name, or what the secret code words are, it would have to do for now. I wanted to save points in case of emergencies and was hoping to gain back some of the points I just used by revealing the information [Identify II] just showed.

By now, League members were bringing people and experiments out of the building, all of which were either encased in the Green Lantern’s green bubbles of will or just tied up due to not being an actual threat. Superman lowered Blockbuster’s unconscious bulk onto the pavement with little more than a thud, before turning to his clone for a long moment.

By the way Superman was walking toward Superboy and the solemn expression on his face, I assumed he had a conversation with the other League members about how Superboy had no choice in how he came into the world. His lips pressed into a thin line as he sighed. “We’ll… figure something out for you. The League will, I mean. But right now,” his eyes flicked to Blockbuster’s body, “I need to make sure this one stays locked away. Hopefully, we can find a cure.”

Without another word, or waiting for Superboy to make a comment, Superman hefted the monstrous figure back into his arms, and rose into the air. Superboy’s eyes followed him until he was gone, fists clenched at his sides as the anger and disappointment boiled.

Now again flanked on either side by the Flash and Aquaman, Batman spoke. “All fifty-two hidden levels of Cadmus will be investigated. However, you disobeyed direct orders. You didn’t contact us. You risked yourselves and others’ lives—”

“We did what you trained us to do!” Robin interrupted in a hard tone, or as hard a tone as a thirteen-year-old can muster. “We saved lives. We exposed Cadmus. We acted when the League was unable to.”

Kid Flash chimed in immediately. “Yeah! If we’d just sat on our hands like you wanted, Cadmus would still be running their freak-show science fair under everyone's noses!”

I doubted it. The whole situation could have been dealt with much quicker than we did given how many members they had that had significantly enhanced speed. I was still thinking this was a test Batman created. All the signs seemed to point to that conclusion so far.

Aqualad’s firm but calmer added. “With all due respect, we cannot be treated like children. We are capable. Tonight has proved it.”

Before Aquaman could comment on his protege’s words, Superboy stepped forward, crossing his arms defiantly over his chest. “Why should we let the League tell us what to do? They don’t own us.” His eyes locked on Batman’s, already concluding he was the unspoken leader in some respect. “They should either get on board or get out of the way.”

Batman’s glare intensified, but the clone didn’t back down and simply stood there glaring back.

Already tired of their posturing, I spoke up once more. “You should consider having Martian Manhunter or Miss Martian take a look into Superboy’s mind. Specifically for code phrases.”

That got people’s attention even more than when I mentioned the experiments and doctors escaping. I even noticed some League members subtly readying themself for a potential fight.

Superboy’s head snapped toward me, even angrier than Superman’s behaviour. “What did you just say?”

Batman, however, didn’t flinch. He turned his head slightly to address me, still glaring at Superboy. “How sure are you?”

I tilted my helmet fractionally. “My abilities aren’t refined enough yet to give me the actual phrase without the use of telepathy to scour his mind. But I am as sure as anything there’s a phrase buried in there that will allow someone to control him. Probably some kind of sleeper agent type thing that he himself isn’t aware of.”

The League members exchanged grave looks. Even the proteges, though they didn't look like they wanted to fight him, took instinctual steps back. Having already been on the receiving end of Superboy’s fists, they knew exactly how dangerous he could be when given the order to fight.

While I didn’t sense any telepathy being used against the clone, I could see Martian Manhunter silently walking toward us, completely focused on the Superboy. He seemed ready to take the boy down the moment he saw something was off, and with Superman gone, he was the next most capable being here.

Superboy’s scowl deepened. “I am no one’s puppet. I won't follow their orders ever again.”

“You won’t have a choice in the matter,” I shrugged. “Well, not unless you have them remove the code phrases and mental tampering from your head.”

I could see the cogs turning behind the newborn’s eyes, and if there was one thing he wanted more than Superman’s approval, it was probably freedom.

Batman’s glare didn’t soften, but he sent a nod in my direction. “Then we’ll confirm it. Doctor Desmond will be questioned, thoroughly. Every scrap of data, every experiment Cadmus performed, every contingency they left behind will be extracted.” His eyes flicked toward Superboy. “And the mental tampering will be removed. The league, the planet, cannot have a mind-controlled Kryptonian walking around.”

Superboy’s jaw tightened, but this time he didn’t argue. Instead, he mutters under his breath. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Wonder Woman, who had been silent until now, strode forward and stopped beside the bound Doctor. With no effort at all, she lifted him to his knees while tying her lasso around his chest.  “We have questions, Doctor. The lasso of truth compels you to tell the truth.”

With that, they got the truth out of the Doctor before taking us all to Mount Justice to have Martian Manhunter take a look in Superboy’s head.

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Mount Justice - Briefing Room

Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson - Robin

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The new team of proteges stood in a semi-circle facing Batman, who loomed in his usual posture, with the Flash, Aquaman, Red Tornado and Wonder Woman flanking him. It was yet another secret base Batman had not told Robin was still in use, one which was infiltrated by the Joker four years ago. Robin assumed they were now going to use it with added security that would prevent further infiltration, no doubt now added with better technology to recognise unaffiliated personnel like the Zeta Tubes.

“This was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League,” Batman began. “We are recalling it into full service for your use. And since you’re all so determined to continue the fight…” His eyes narrowed slightly, “…you’ll do it on League terms.”

None of the proteges objected. Kid Flash shifted on his feet like he wanted to make a quip, and from how well Robin knew him, that was likely the case, but one look at Batman’s expression killed the idea.

“Red Tornado has volunteered to be your supervisor,” Batman continued, gesturing to the red mechanical hero before turning to the blonde femfetal. “Black Canary will handle your training. And I will deploy you on missions.”

“Real missions?” Robin perked up with a tone that had that edge of suspicion, as if Batman might just assign them to rescue cats from trees instead of actual work. Something he had done in the past to teach ‘patience’ and ‘reconnaissance’, and how something so simple could be used as a distraction or psychological warfare. Granted, the cat was owned by a mob boss’s child, and that same child was willing to give them information later on, but still.

Batman’s gaze didn’t waver. “Real missions. But covert. The League handles the obvious targets. You will operate in the shadows, doing the missions that primarily revolve around information gathering, infiltration and sabotage while League members take the brunt of criminals' attention… like today.”

“Yeah,” Flash chimed in, smiling faintly as he spread his arms. “There’s a reason we have such big targets painted on our chests. The bad guys see us coming a mile away.”

The fact that the Flash could deal with everything in a few seconds went unsaid. Robin wanted things to work out, not to argue his way out of getting his own Justice League after all.

Aqua-Man added, “Cadmus proves criminals are getting smarter, and we can only be in one place at a time. Batman requires a team to counter while we’re busy, to pick up the slack. You will be that team.”

Superboy crossed his arms, still angry, but he didn’t argue the way the League wanted them to operate. Though, the way his eyes darted to the zeta tube suggested Superman’s absence still stung. Thankfully, Martian Manhunter was able to remove the secret code phrase mentally implanted into his head, so Robin wouldn’t have to worry about a leak in his team.

While it did prove that Vader was even more capable than his initial thoughts, Robin had to give him some respect, especially with Martian Manhunter confirming that Vader had never violated Superboy’s mind and that there were only mental signatures of other genomorphs. Robin was much less accustomed to the term ‘cosmic ability’, but the explanation Vader gave when explaining how he knew of the code phrase without telepathy seemed enough for Batman, at least for now. 

Satisfied that his words had sunk in, Batman gave them all a curt nod. “Vader and Miss Martian can show the rest of the team around the cave.” His tone made it less a request and more an order. Something Robin was more than accustomed to by now.

As the League members began stepping onto the zeta tube platform, Black Canary was the last to linger. Knowing she was a therapist in her daily life, Robin knew she was ‘reading’ them, trying to make sure they were mentally ready for their new role. 

Vader tilted his helmet slightly toward her, probably assuming she lingered in case they had more questions. “When can we expect training to start?”

His vocoder gave his words that low, resonant edge that made the question seem more of a demand than a curious question, similar to Batman’s own. Though, Batman’s voice was already deep, so he never needed to have his vocoder that forceful. 

Canary met his visor squarely, arching a brow. “I’ll try to schedule you on weekends. But don’t expect me every weekend.” A faint smirk tugged at her lips. “Trust me, when I’m here, you’ll get more than enough training.”

Robin just hoped her training of the magic swordsman and the other members of the team didn’t stop them from getting missions, with her thinking they weren’t ready. Then again, Robin was already thinking of leaving those who are considered unready behind while he takes the rest of the team on missions anyway.

With that, she stepped into the zeta tube, vanishing in a flash of light to join the rest of the League, no doubt on the base in orbit. If only, Speedy could have been more patient or joined them on the mission, he would have been there too.

With a frown, Robin started putting more plans into place to get Speedy on the team. Mostly trying to figure out a way to get the older teen to put his pride aside and apologise to the League.

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Watchtower – Conference Room I

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At the centre of the chamber, the broad circular table, crafted from polished reinforced metals and inlaid with a subtle projection grid, was fully occupied. All sitting around it in high-backed, reinforced chairs, each marked with a discreet emblem of its occupant. The House of El, Bat symbol, Wonder Woman’s eagle, and so forth. 

The table itself doubled as a holographic display, projecting Earth in slow rotation, with red markers blinking at the sites of the day’s battles. Around it sat the core League members, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, both Green Lanterns, Martian Manhunter, The Flash, Aquaman, and a few others who had responded to emergencies like Shazam and Zatara.

Green Lantern jabbed a finger at the floating projections. “At least I’m not the only one who thought this wasn’t all random? Metallo attacks a nuclear facility in Metropolis, Cheetah hits a museum in Gateway, and Killer Frost freezes out a shipping yard in Star City, all in one day? Feels like more than a coincidence.”

Flash leaned on the table with his arms folded. “It’s like every two-bit villain got the same calendar reminder, ‘Cause chaos: due noon on Independence Day.’”

Batman’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the map, trying to find a true pattern where possible. “It’s a distraction to spread the League thin. Keep the League occupied while something else moves in the shadows.”

Wonder Woman tilted her head as she furrowed her brows in thought. “But for what?”

Shazam, using his wisdom of Solomon, added his insight. “The timing coincides perfectly. The fire at Cadmus was no accident. The signs indicated it had started from the inside.”

“That's because it was,” Martian Manhunter calmly informed the group with his usual baritone voice. “It was started by one of the Genomorphs known as Dubbilex. He wanted to free Superman’s clone and informed the group of proteges of that on their exit. Unfortunately, he was not one of the individuals we were able to gather.”

At that, Superman, freshly returned, strode into the chamber with his cape billowing behind him. His face was still tight with lingering anger, but it was much less noticeable now as he joined the others at the table.

“I think I would be right in saying…” His tone sharpened, “…the biggest problem is that we discover they’ve been cloning me.” His eyes swept across the group but settled on Batman. “A clone raised in secret. A weapon, supposedly designed to ‘take me down’. We all know those are just words they probably used to get the scientists to participate. They wanted a Kryptonian army, that’s why there were so many unused stasis chambers.”

Batman’s stare was a cold counterweight to Superman’s heat. “Our proteges did good work, and I look forward to what else they will be able to accomplish as a team.”

Superman’s gaze darkened. “And the clone?”

Batman’s answer was immediate, with a tone of finality. “He stays with the new team. Watched. Trained. And he will learn how to be human, just as you did. It would be a much simpler process if you were to be the one to teach him.”

Superman bristled, but Wonder Woman’s hand on his arm stopped his retort.

“Might I remind you… He is a Kryptonian boy,” Batman growled back, accentuating each word. “Yes, a genetic clone of you with conditioning that was buried in his mind, which we wouldn’t have known about if it wasn’t for a magic user being present, but a boy all the same. It would be better for everyone involved if he were to be your protege, so he can, at the very least, help protect people if there are more of him, but we will not force you.”

Superman merely clenched his jaw as he looked away, not willing to grant the Bat an answer as the words sank in.

Wonder Woman chose to interject between the two men. “Enough,” she glared at the two. Batman for his insistence on having the much-needed conversation now, and Superman for not using his enhanced mind to come to terms with the situation.  “This bickering helps no one. The question before us is not whether such mental conditioning can be found if it happens again.”

They all turned to Zatara, seeking his input. He did not disappoint. Leaning forward, he cleared his throat with a slight cough. “Honestly, Vader’s method of finding such an… ailment without invading a person’s mind really wasn’t magic. Not that t couldn’t also be achieved with magic, but that magic users don’t typically cast such intricate spells like that.”

Aquaman finally spoke with a slight frown while reading through the report on his holographic screen. “We should start using such a spell, provided it is done correctly and doesn’t delve into the victim’s mind, on members who disappear for long periods of time without a public sighting. The reports indicate it takes a long period of time to take hold, even with what was essentially a newborn.”

The caped crusader let out a hum which sounded more like a growl as he interlocked his fingers. “You want a middle ground between finding sleeper agents without actual telepathy. To ensure your kingdom’s security, I assume.” Aquaman nodded, and the others followed suit, wanting to ensure their personal secrets. 

“That makes sense,” Batman agreed easily with a nod. While he would never appreciate others delving into his mind, he saw the benefit of not having to look over his shoulder during an alien invasion. “Ideally, it would be best if it were rune-based and placed near all zeta tubes. The moment it recognises a sleeper agent, it should send out an alert to inform the rest of the League who the compromised individual is.”

They collectively nodded at the idea, not surprised in the slightest by Batman’s logical thinking.

The Flash smiled as he added. “That’s a good idea, Bats.”

“It wasn’t mine,” Batman shook his head. “Vader sent me a message a few minutes ago. Unfortunately, he said he doesn’t know how to translate cosmic-based skills into runes, nor has he advanced in his magical education enough to create a good enough runic combination, so we will have to rely on our own magic users for now.”

Wonder Woman frowned slightly at the reference, thinking of the possibility of it being god-magic, but said nothing due to having not sensed anything god-like when she saw the boy. She also knew that if he were a godling, then Themescara would have informed her long ago.

Zatara, understanding the request for what it was, nodded. “It’ll take a while, but I’ll get back to you when the runic combination is done. Though I would very much like to meet the kid and talk about those ‘cosmic-based skills’ if he’s fine with it. While I can't replicate it and can barely defend against it even at my skill level, I did sensed its use and just want to make sure there aren't any unforeseen drawbacks. Especially given his young age and inexperience.”

Ignoring the fact that the magician already knew of Vader's relatively young age,  Batman simply nodded. “You may contact him via his League-encrypted phone. I would advise the use of magic books and training. He responds well to them. And inform us if you do find any ‘unforeseen drawbacks’ to using his method of information gathering.”

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“This is the day.”

— Aqua-Lad, Kaldur'ahm.

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Hello There

I loved the new Superman movie.

This version of Observe/Identify is much more expensive than it was in PWM because, quite frankly, I regret making things so cheap in that fic, especially considering how easy it is to earn points. Even its current price seemed low, especially for what was essentially a way to warp reality and gather information from things just by looking at them, but at least it's more expensive.

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Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original ideas. All credit goes to their respective owners.

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Thank you for reading.

As always, stay awesome.

Until next time, Light's out.