After dealing with Lex, Arias turned his attention back to recruiting new faculty for both institutions. Given that it was still a fairly new project, it wasn't surprising that the initial applications weren't from overly brilliant individuals. However, a significant number of scientists were practically drooling at the opportunity to study alien technology and various superhuman physiologies. For some, it was their life's passion.
In the current world, such individuals, no matter how brilliant, often couldn't secure jobs at notable universities or organizations because their work was shunned or denied funding. Some turned to more illicit methods of practice, while others tried to fund their research by working odd jobs.
Arias offered these people a grand opportunity. It wasn't surprising that many of the applicants didn't even demand high pay. In fact, they insisted on less, hoping it would better their chances of being employed.
Luckily for them, once Arias received the payment from Lex, he hired them all. It might not be immediate, but every applicant had the potential to do great things. Even if they failed, money was no longer something Arias clung to, so he wouldn't even register it as a loss.
One could only imagine the surprise the scientists had when they were asked to list the equipment needed to aid their research and experiments, along with the type of environment or specimens required. These were people who had yet to accomplish anything significant in their respective fields, and yet they were being told that among the new facilities being made, there would be private labs and work areas for each researcher. Those with similar or identical fields would, of course, work together.
The estimated total of the entire project had now climbed to a staggering 3.8 billion dollars, making it one of the top ten highest-funded universities in the country.
*A/N: Not sure about the DC universe since the information is scarce, but 4.7 billion is around Harvard territory in real life.*
…
The busiest part of the project was now nearly over, so Arias once again had some time to spare. He chose to use this time to meet with the recipient of the internship he had created.
While waiting in the top office of his newly acquired building, "The Markovic Tower," Arias heard a knock at his door. Harley soon entered, followed by the familiar figure of Barbara Gordon.
"Here's your afternoon appointment, Mr. M. By the way, what do I do with all those documents at the front desk?" she asked with a playful smile.
Arias sighed and shook his head, gesturing for her to leave. "Just let them be; you can get off work early." He added, bringing a beaming smile to Harley's face.
"Oh gee, thanks, Mr. M!" she exclaimed happily before turning to leave.
Barbara watched the interaction with an odd expression before commenting, "Never thought I'd see the day where Harley worked a normal job..."
Once Harley left the office, Barbara took a seat in front of Arias's desk. She had dressed smartly and maintained an upright posture like an ideal interviewee.
The first thing she did was place a small folder on the desk before clearing her throat and waiting for Arias to speak first. Arias raised an eyebrow at her actions but didn't immediately comment. Instead, he reached for the folder and found its contents to be nothing more than recommendations, achievements, and qualifications. Without going far, he closed it and tossed it back to Barbara before speaking. "This isn't an interview. The fact you're here means you've already been accepted for the internship."
"Oh..." Barbara muttered, clearing her throat again in light of the awkward exchange she caused. "So... uh... when do I start?"
Arias looked her in the eyes and began tapping his chin with a finger at regular intervals as if carefully pondering her question. Barbara could only wonder what was going through his mind. Thankfully, the tense atmosphere didn't last long, as Arias soon gave his answer.
"From what I saw in your essay and profile, you're very gifted with computing work; one could even say you're a genius. A bit strange that your career of choice isn't one that utilizes this fact greatly, but that's not my place to question. Anyway, I'll give you the secretarial job. It should grant you a good outlook on how I do things. You can start officially during your summer break. For now, I'll have someone mail you everything you need to know."
Arias spoke professionally and quickly, not mincing his words and summarizing what Barbara needed to know. However, her facial expression looked a bit disappointed, prompting Arias to ask, "Will that be a problem?"
Barbara immediately raised her head when asked and denied the question with great vigor. "No, no, it's not that. It's just… It's just that I thought I could work a more contributive job to making Gotham a safer place. You already know about my other areas of experience, so… why not let me join the task force? Even as a reserve member?"
Her true intentions were finally revealed. Arias had wondered what her angle was in asking for an internship but wasn't quite sure if this was it.
"There are many reasons, actually. For one, I don't trust you. For all I know, you could leak what you learn to your crime-fighting role model. Secondly, unlike him, I don't have a habit of sending children to fight crime alone," he replied with a tone of seriousness, but Barbara didn't let up.
"You were right, okay… he isn't who I thought he was. But I don't want one bad experience to ruin my dream of making Gotham safer. If you don't trust me, then just track me like he did—I don't care. I just don't want to sit around in some office all day sorting papers. I'd rather try my luck fighting alone if that's the case."
Feisty and strong-headed to the very end. Barbara was smart enough to know she couldn't fight crime at the same level she did before without resources and gear. So, she opted to try Arias, who she thought would welcome her to add to his team.
She was both surprised and touched that he wouldn't just send her into danger—or so she thought. In reality, Arias just wanted her to lose confidence in her value. The more she did so, the greater a hold he'd have over her.
Inwardly, Arias was grinning, but on the surface, he sighed as if helpless to stop her. "The last thing I need is hearing you died in some ditch somewhere, so fine."
Barbara was about to start celebrating, a smile appearing on her face, but Arias interrupted her before she could and added a condition.
"I still don't trust you enough to allow you on the team. Instead, I'll have you work as the team's operator—the team's digital presence. I was already in the midst of purchasing a private satellite for use in the university, alongside a 300-million-dollar supercomputer."
"Once that's operational, you can start work on the team's very own private network. Prove you can be trusted, and once you graduate from high school, I'll personally see to it that you have everything you need to fight crime. How does that sound?"
Aside from crime-fighting, computers were definitely Barbara's other passion. Boasting a unique skill set that could place her among the top hackers in the world, further highlighted by her photographic memory, which allowed her to remember every single piece of information she saw—an invaluable talent if molded right.
…and the weapon that would lead to Batman's downfall.
…
Meanwhile, Lex waited two whole days after paying before a guard appeared in front of his cell with Mercy, his short-tempered bodyguard. Seeing her, Lex knew he was finally getting out, so he grinned triumphantly and stood up from his bed, keeping his hands behind his back.
The guard didn't enjoy seeing the smug grin of Lex, so he spoke quickly. "You're free to go, Luthor. Your fine has been paid, and a date for your community service has been set. Now get outta here."
Luthor ignored the man's words and focused his attention on Mercy before grumbling, "About time. What took so long? And where's that useless lawyer?"
Mercy rubbed her temples as if listening to a fool before replying, "I guess this wasn't part of some grand plan of yours, huh?"
Lex was confused, but he had a feeling that something bad had occurred.
"What do you mean by that?..."